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Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara has affirmed that no level of political turmoil would disrupt the tenure of his administration.
Governor Fubara expressed his unwavering commitment to providing quality leadership, despite the efforts of those opposing his administration to dampen the spirit of the people of Rivers and disrupt the pace of development.
He urged the people of Rivers not to be disheartened by the ongoing crisis, emphasising that nothing would prevent him from successfully leading the affairs of the state.
Governor Fubara conveyed this message during a church service held at St Paul’s Archdeaconry Parish in Opobo Town on the New Year’s Eve of 2024, in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
Fubara said, “What they want is this red biro, but it is still with me. We are the winners because we are still signing with the red biro. As long as we are signing with the red biro, development will continue in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara underscored that nothing will impede his administration from reaching its destination, as its foundation is firmly grounded in God, who alone will provide the grace to complete the process of building.
The governor emphasised that there is already a well-designed development agenda and a predetermined level of progress set for Rivers State in 2024. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to working for the well-being of the state.
Fubara expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role when he intervened to assist in restoring peace in Rivers State.
“Like I keep saying, it takes a responsible man to be a father. He acted like a father. On our part, we will continue to give him all the necessary support because if he does not succeed in Rivers State, he will not succeed as a president.
“So, as a State, we will continue to give him every support. We are not pretenders. Our support is genuine, and it is to uplift his programmes. Our sacrifices are part of the support,” Fubara stated.
Fubara also thanked Rivers people for their steadfast support, referring to them as believers in the true essence of Rivers State.
He urged them to trust the decisions he makes, assuring that no one will be abandoned. He pledged to stand firm in defence as their governor.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his military should “thoroughly annihilate” the United States and South Korea if provoked, state media reported Monday, after he vowed to boost national defense to cope with what he called an unprecedented U.S.-led confrontation.
North Korea has increased its warlike rhetoric in recent months in response to an expansion of U.S.-South Korean military drills. Experts expect Kim will continue to escalate his rhetoric and weapons tests because he likely believes he can use heightened tensions to wrest U.S. concessions if former President Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election in November.
In a five-day major ruling party meeting last week, Kim said he will launch three more military spy satellites, produce more nuclear materials and develop attack drones this year in what observers say is an attempt to increase his leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S.
In a meeting Sunday with commanding army officers, Kim said it is urgent to sharpen “the treasured sword” to safeguard national security, an apparent reference to his country’s nuclear weapons program. He cited “the U.S. and other hostile forces’ military confrontation moves,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
Kim stressed that “our army should deal a deadly blow to thoroughly annihilate them by mobilizing all the toughest means and potentialities without moment’s hesitation” if they opt for military confrontation and provocations against North Korea, KCNA said.
In his New Year’s Day address Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he will strengthen his military’s preemptive strike, missile defense and retaliatory capabilities in response to the North Korean nuclear threat.
“The Republic of Korea is building genuine, lasting peace through strength, not a submissive peace that is dependent on the goodwill of the adversary,” Yoon said, using South Korea’s official name.
At the party meeting, Kim called South Korea “a hemiplegic malformation and colonial subordinate state” whose society is “tainted by Yankee culture.” He said his military must use all available means including nuclear weapons to “suppress the whole territory of South Korea” in the event of a conflict.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry warned in response Sunday that if North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, South Korean and U.S. forces will punish it overwhelmingly, resulting in the end of the Kim government.
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 hit has hit northern Japan, public broadcaster NHK says.
“All residents must evacuate immediately to higher ground,” NHK said after the quake hit the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture around 4:10pm local time (07:10 GMT).
It warned torrents of water could reach as high as 5 meters (16.5 feet).
Hokuriku Electric Power said it is checking for any irregularities at its nuclear power plants.
A spokesperson for Kansai Electric Power (9503.T) said there were currently no abnormalities at its nuclear power plants but the company was monitoring the situation closely, Reuter reports.
Naija News recalls that a huge earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, devastating towns and triggering nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima.
[NaijaNews]
Thousands of Israeli protesters have held protests, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign over his handling of the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip and failure to secure the release of the remaining captives held in the Palestinian territory.
The anti-regime demonstrations took place on Saturday night outside the Israeli military’s headquarters in Tel Aviv and Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea.
The protesters demanded immediate elections and a deal with the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement to release all the Israeli captives.
They carried banners reading, “Elections now,” “A diplomatic agreement,” “The cry of mothers: Get our soldiers out of Gaza now” and “Israel will not survive if we don’t bring him (Netanyahu) down.”
Israel waged the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.
However, almost three months into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives of “destroying Hamas” and finding Israeli captives despite killing more than 21, 000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, with tens of thousands injured.
A week-long humanitarian ceasefire in late November saw an exchange between 240 Palestinian abductees held by Israel and 105 captives, including 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners, in Gaza.
Israel believes about 129 captives are still being held in Gaza, while 7,000 Palestinians are believed to be in Israeli prisons, many detained without charge.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, at least 68 Palestinians have been killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, according to the official Wafa news agency.
Israeli fighter jets carried out airstrikes on the Zaitoun neighbourhood, leaving 48 dead and scores injured, Wafa said citing local sources.
Another 20 people were killed in airstrikes in the vicinity of Al Aqsa University, the broadcaster said.
Palestinian health authorities are yet to confirm the fatalities.
Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters in Gaza, the Israeli army said.
A military statement said a soldier lost his life in central Gaza, while the other was killed in Gaza’s north.
According to military figures, at least 506 soldiers have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7.
In another development, dozens of Israeli soldiers stationed near the Gaza border are suspected of having the skin disease leishmaniasis, an Israeli newspaper has revealed in its report.
They are suspected of having skin lesions caused by the Leishmania parasite, which causes Rose of Jericho disease (leishmaniasis) because they have “ulcerative skin lesions,” the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported on Sunday.
Some soldiers were sent to conduct laboratory tests, the results of which have yet to be received, while others were transferred to dermatology clinics for treatment, it added.
[DailyTrust]
Indigenes of Owo community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, where the late ex-Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu hailed from, have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to pick his deputy from the community.
The indigenes, under the aegis of a socio-cultural group, the Imade Development Association, IDA, said with the move, Aiyedatiwa will honour the memory of his late boss.
According to the group, picking a deputy from Owo will serve as compensation for the untimely death of their prominent son, Akeredolu, who died a few days ago in Germany after a long battle with prostate cancer.
The group, which expressed sadness over the demise of Akeredolu, stated that if the request is neglected, the polarisation of the state along ethnic and political lines might continue to escalate.
During a press briefing, the Chairman of IDA, Segun Ogunbadeniyi, the Secretary, Femi Fadaisi, and the Publicity Secretary, Julius Adesola, maintained that the community will not rest until Aiyedatiwa picks an Owo man as deputy.
Ogunbadeniyi, who read the communiqué on behalf of the group, stressed that with the passing of Akeredolu, who hails from Owo, it is crucial to safeguard the interests and aspirations of the town.
“In our opinion, the joint ticket that expires in February 2025 is Owo/Ilaje. We do not understand any calculations outside of it.
“Whoever picks the ticket of the APC or PDP next year can therefore decide which zone to produce the Deputy Governor.
“Any attempt to erase Owo from the calculation until February 2025 by Aiyedatiwa, in our opinion, is unfair, not equitable, and can cause division in body politics,” he said.
The group maintained that there are prominent Owo indigenes that are capable of being deputy governors.
The names reeled out that should be considered for the position include Hon. Niran-Sule Akinsuyi, who the group said was in the trenches with Akeredolu during the 2016 elections; the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; Mr. Zach Adetula; and Chief Jamiu Ekungba.
“Picking from this list will be a fair deal for all stakeholders. The current situation is a joint ticket between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, which they assiduously worked for,” he added.
[DailyPost]
President Bola Tinubu celebrates the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, on his 54th birthday.
President Tinubu lauds the outstanding leadership testimonials of Dr. Sokoto, noting his steady growth and consistency in quality service provision as he ascended the public service ladder as two-time Commissioner, Deputy Governor, and Pioneer Executive Secretary of Police Trust Fund to now serving as the Executive Governor of Sokoto State.
The President commends the Governor for his unequivocal adherence to progressive principles and penchant for unquestioned loyalty under the able mentorship of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, while appreciating his implementation of people-oriented programmes in Sokoto, such as the robust provision of infrastructure, potable water, environmental sanitation, health services, widening deployment of digital innovation and ICT training for the youth, care for the physically challenged, among others.
President Tinubu wishes the Governor good health, strength, and wisdom in the service of Sokoto state and Nigeria at large.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 1, 2024
President Bola Tinubu on Monday addressed the nation in a New Year broadcast, during which he defended his actions so far as President, explained steps taken to better the economy, outlined his ambition and plans for the country and called on Nigerians to play their part in the growth of the nation, among other things.
Read the full text of his broadcast below:
Dear Compatriots,
It gives me immense joy to welcome each and every one of you – young and old- to this brand new year 2024. We must lift up our hands to Almighty God, in gratitude, for his grace and benevolence to our country and our lives in the year 2023 that has just gone by.
Though the past year was a very challenging one, it was eventful in so many ways. For our country, it was a transition year that saw a peaceful, orderly and successful transfer of power from one administration to another, marking yet another remarkable step in our 24 years of unbroken democracy.
It was a year, you the gracious people of this blessed nation, entrusted your faith in me with a clear mandate to make our country better, to revamp our economy, restore security within our borders, revitalise our floundering industrial sector, boost agricultural production, increase national productivity and set our country on an irreversible path towards national greatness that we and future generations will forever be proud of.
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The task of building a better nation and making sure we have a Nigeria society that cares for all her citizens is the reason I ran to become your President. It was the core of my Renewed Hope campaign message on the basis of which you voted me as President.
Everything I have done in office, every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land, since I assumed office on 29 May 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country.
Over the past seven months of our administration, I have taken some difficult and yet necessary decisions to save our country from fiscal catastrophe. One of those decisions was the removal of fuel subsidy which had become an unsustainable financial burden on our country for more than four decades. Another was the removal of the chokehold of few people on our foreign exchange system that benefited only the rich and the most powerful among us. Without doubt, these two decisions brought some discomfort to individuals, families and businesses.
I am well aware that for some time now the conversations and debates have centred on the rising cost of living, high inflation which is now above 28% and the unacceptable high under-employment rate.
From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main-streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families.
I am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens. I know for a fact that some of our compatriots are even asking if this is how our administration wants to renew their hope.
Dear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter. The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and everyone of us will commit to be better citizens.
Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors. While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads.
Having laid the groundwork of our economic recovery plans within the last seven months of 2023, we are now poised to accelerate the pace of our service delivery across sectors.
Just this past December during COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and I agreed and committed to a new deal to speed up the delivery of the Siemens Energy power project that will ultimately deliver reliable supply of electricity to our homes and businesses under the Presidential Power Initiative which began in 2018.
Other power installation projects to strengthen the reliability of our transmission lines and optimise the integrity of our National grid are ongoing across the country.
My administration recognises that no meaningful economic transformation can happen without steady electricity supply. In 2024, we are moving a step further in our quest to restart local refining of petroleum products with Port Harcourt Refinery, and the Dangote Refinery which shall fully come on stream.
To ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops. We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November under our National Wheat Development Programme.
In this new year, we will race against time to ensure all the fiscal and tax policies reforms we need to put in place are codified and simplified to ensure the business environment does not destroy value. On every foreign trip I have embarked on, my message to investors and other business people has been the same. Nigeria is ready and open for business.
I will fight every obstacle that impedes business competitiveness in Nigeria and I will not hesitate to remove any clog hindering our path to making Nigeria a destination of choice for local and foreign investments.
In my 2024 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, I listed my administration’s 8 priority areas to include national defence and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction and social security. Because we take our development agenda very seriously, our 2024 budget reflects the premium we placed on achieving our governance objectives.
We will work diligently to make sure every Nigerian feels the impact of their government. The economic aspirations and the material well-being of the poor, the most vulnerable and the working people shall not be neglected. It is in this spirit that we are going to implement a new national living wage for our industrious workers this new year. It is not only good economics to do this, it is also a morally and politically correct thing to do.
I took an oath to serve this country and give my best at all times. Like I said in the past, no excuse for poor performance from any of my appointees will be good enough.
It is the reason I put in place a Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring and Delivery Unit in the Presidency to make sure that governance output improves the living condition of our people.
We have set the parameters for evaluation. Within the first quarter of this new year, Ministers and Heads of Agencies with a future in this administration that I lead will continue to show themselves.
Fellow Nigerians, my major ambition in government as a Senator in the aborted Third Republic, as Governor of Lagos State for eight years and now as the President of this blessed country is to build a fair and equitable society and close the widening inequality. While I believe the rich should enjoy their legitimately-earned wealth, our minimum bargain must be that, any Nigerian that works hard and diligent enough will have a chance to get ahead in life. I must add that because God didn’t create us with equal talents and strengths, I can not guarantee that we will have equal outcomes when we work hard. But my government, in this new year 2024 and beyond, will work to give every Nigerian equal opportunity to strive and to thrive.
For the new year to yield all its good benefits to us as individuals and collectively as a people we must be prepared to play our part. The job of building a prosperous nation is not the job of the President, Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and government officials alone. Our destinies are connected as members of this household of Nigeria. Our language, creed, ethnicity and religious beliefs even when they are not same should never make us work at cross purposes.
In this new year, let us resolve that as joint-heirs to the Nigerian Commonwealth, we will work for the peace, progress and stability of our country. I extend this call to my political opponents in the last election. Election is over. It’s time for all of us to work together for the sake of our country.
We must let the light each of us carries – men and women, young and old – shine bright and brighter to illuminate our path to a glorious dawn.
I wish all of us a happy and prosperous year 2024.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
1 January 2024
Professor Jideofor Adibe says the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu should have resigned in the wake of the 2023 elections.
Nigerians went to the polls earlier in the year to elect their president, governors, and national and state lawmakers. But the exercise, especially the presidential election, was heavily criticised by local and foreign bodies.
The criticisms were enough for the INEC chief to have stepped aside, according to Adibe.
Adibe (left) says INEC has lost credibility among Nigerians.
“I think I have this several times even in 2019. INEC cannot deliver anything now because it has a legitimacy crisis,” the professor of political science said on Channels Television’s end-of-year show, “2023: Year Of Transition”.
“The first thing that should have been done is for Professor Mahmood to go. In climes where honour means anything, even if you feel you have done your best, to the extent that international and local observers have condemned and heavily criticised the conduct of the election, the best thing you should do is to step aside. His life does not need to depend on it. You step aside for the sake of the integrity of that institution. And for as long as it remains, I don’t think anybody will think they can get anything from INEC.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded that the government and employers in the private sector must give better attention to the issue of workers’ welfare in the year 2024.
The NLC declared that it will ensure all the entitlements that belong to workers in the country get to them accordingly.
This vow was made by the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, in his New Year message to Nigerians.
Ajaero berated the federal government for allowing workers to go hungry during the Yuletide season by denying them the benefit of their hard-earned December 2023 salary.
He vowed that the NLC will ensure workers get a living wage in the year 2024 by engaging with the government and all other stakeholders to secure the National Minimum Wage.
The statement reads in part: “To this end, NLC will be committed in 2024 towards ensuring that a living wage becomes possible for all Nigerian workers by working with others to secure a National Minimum Wage that approximates to the dictates of the various parameters that make incomes humane and grants access to basic necessities of life for the average worker.
“We will recommit to building workplaces that guarantee the rights and privileges of workers while building the basis for continuous wealth creation for our nation. All actions that will, therefore, ensure that decent work gaps are reduced to their barest minimum will be encouraged.
“We will, therefore, strengthen our collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), using the tripartite process to regulate the industrial relations space and ensure that the reviewed labour administration laws are forwarded to the National Assembly for passage into law.
“From every indication, 2024 will be an interesting year; interesting because it will witness a period where all that has been taken away from workers will be restored. Any private sector employer or agency of government that is, therefore, owing any Nigerian worker anywhere should be ready to pay up in 2024…”
The political crisis rocking Rivers State yesterday took a new twist with Ehie Ogerenye Edison, the recognised Speaker of the state House of Assembly tendering his resignation, while also quitting as a member of the State House of Assembly.
TheNigeriaLawyer gathered that Edison’s notice of resignation was contained in a letter dated December 29, 2023 and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Edison resigned as a member representing Ahoada East in the Assembly and also the speaker of a group of lawmakers.
Prior to this, Edison was the court recognised speaker loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The letter reads: “This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and Member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada – East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.
“I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my Constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently.
“Kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem at all times.”
Recall that that this development might not be unconnected with the resolution reached by the governor and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike, brokered by President Bola Tinubu.
The president in the 8-point resolution directed that Martins Chike Amaewhule be recognised as the speaker of the House while the actions taken by Edison such as budget presentation be repeated
Recall that a State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, had recently recognised Ehie as the Speaker and restrained Martin Amaewhule and Dumle Maol from parading as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
The court presided by Justice M.W Danagogo also restrained the respondents in the matter from interfering with the activities of Edison Ehie as the new Speaker.
In the motion filed by Edison Ehie and registered in suit number PHC/3030/CS/2023, the court also warned against the use of thugs and Police officers to forcefully gain access into the premises of the Assembly Complex.
The judge further warned that if the application turns out to be frivolous, the claimant (Ehie) will be made to pay the sum of N50million as damages to the court.
The matter was adjourned to December 21, 2023 for motion on notice and subsequently adjourned till January 26, 2024 for hearing.
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Nigerians have been enjoined to be more positive about the new year as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, political parties and other leaders have pledged to play their constitutional roles to make Nigeria more peaceful and prosperous in 2024.
In separate messages to the citizens to herald the New Year today, Tinubu and the governors enumerated the policies and programmes in the outgone year to set the country and their states on the part of development.
Tinubu asserted that since he came into office seven months ago, he had taken drastic decisions to save the country and address its numerous challenges.
In his nationwide broadcast this morning to Nigerians to usher in the New Year, the president acknowledged that 2023 was a transitional year that saw a peaceful transfer of power to his administration.
He reiterated his commitment to revamp the economy, restore security, boost agriculture and set Nigeria on a path to national greatness.
Tinubu admitted that some of his decisions, like fuel subsidy removal and changes to the foreign exchange system, brought discomfort to many. However, he stated they were necessary to save Nigeria from fiscal catastrophe.
Tinubu sympathised with citizens over the high cost of living and inflation and promised that his administration is now poised to accelerate service delivery across sectors.
Parts of his speech read: “The task of building a better nation and making sure we have a Nigeria society that cares for all her citizens is the reason I ran to become your President. It was the core of my Renewed Hope campaign message on the basis of which you voted me as President.
“Everything I have done in office, every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land since I assumed office on 29 May, 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country…
“I am well aware that for some time now the conversations and debates have centred on the rising cost of living, high inflation which is now above 28% and the unacceptable high under-employment rate.
“From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main-streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families.
“I am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens. I know for a fact that some of our compatriots are even asking if this is how our administration wants to renew their hope.
“Dear compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter.
“The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation.”
The president urged all Nigerians to resolve that in this New Year 2024, every one of them will commit to be better citizens.
He highlighted initiatives like freeing captives from abductors and working towards peace and security nationwide.
Tinubu also laid out his economic and social agenda for 2024.
He highlighted plans to improve electricity, fuel refining, food production, business environment, wages and standard of living.
On power, Tinubu revealed that he had agreed with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in December to accelerate the Siemens electricity project under the Presidential Power Initiative.
He said other projects are also ongoing to boost the national grid.
“My administration recognises that no meaningful economic transformation can happen without steady electricity supply,” Tinubu affirmed.
He further stated that local refining of petroleum will restart this year with the Port Harcourt refinery and Dangote refinery.
To ensure food security, he said the government will cultivate 500,000 hectares for crops like rice and wheat.
Tinubu promised to simplify fiscal and tax policies to aid business competitiveness.
He invited more foreign investment, vowing to remove obstacles investors face in Nigeria.
The president’s eight priority areas in the 2024 budget include security, job creation, stability, human capital development and poverty reduction.
He pledged that a new national minimum wage will be implemented this year to improve workers’ remuneration just as he warned that his appointees who underperform will be removed after evaluation.
He outlined plans to close inequality gaps and give every Nigerian the opportunity to thrive through hard work.
Tinubu called for national unity, inviting opponents to work for Nigeria’s progress. He wished Nigerians a happy 2024, urging citizens to play their role in building a prosperous country.
“We will work diligently to make sure every Nigerian feels the impact of their government. The economic aspirations and the material well-being of the poor, the most vulnerable and the working people shall not be neglected,” he stated.
In his own New Year message, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq urged the people of the state to work with the administration to promote sustainable development and a more fulfilling new year.
In a New Year message signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor assured that the government will continue to deliver on its core mandate of ensuring safety of lives and properties, maintaining law and order, and providing basic amenities and infrastructure within available resources.
His Ogun State counterpart Prince Dapo Abiodun said the state would witness unprecedented infrastructure development this year.
In a statewide broadcast yesterday, Abiodun called on the people of the state to embrace this year, 2024, with renewed hope as his administration is working hard to make life bearable for them.
He said, “We have prioritized the provision of the required infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector. We have constructed or rehabilitated over 500 kilometres of roads across the state, thus ensuring improved transportation and connectivity. Our commitment to equitable development is evident, as these works are spread across our 20 Local Government Areas in the state.”
Similarly, Katsina State Governor Umar Dikko Radda expressed his administration’s commitment to the fight against banditry and other related crimes in 2024.
The governor, in his New Year message, issued by his chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, acknowledged the strong passion of the people in the face of challenges bedevilling the state, assuring of his commitment to tackling the challenges affecting the state.
2024 will be a better year – Speaker Abbas
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has congratulated Nigerians as they celebrate the New Year, saying 2024 promises to be a better year for the citizens.
Abbas, in his New Year message, said with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, and the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House, Nigeria is about to witness massive growth and development.
The speaker in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Krishi, however, noted that for the country to be great again, the people must support the policies, projects, and programmes of the government at all levels and in all ramifications.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians not to only pray for their leaders but also work with them towards having a better country.
Tinubu Committed To Fulfilling His Campaign Promises – APC
The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has described 2024 as a year for the crystallisation of hope for a more prosperous future for the country.
AIn a statement signed by the party’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, APC applauded the people for all the patriotic sacrifices made for the peace and unity of the country, economic stabilisation and progress.
He said the APC administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in its commitment to making good its electoral promises to create and expand access to economic opportunities, improved service delivery and security and usher in balanced and sustainable development.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to President Tinubu for his forthright and inspiring leadership of our Party. We appreciate the National Assembly leadership, the APC Legislative Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party, our strategic and development partners, and the press for their leadership and support in the outgoing year,” it said.
Gear Up To Resist Fascist Policies, PDP Tells Nigerians
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to brace up to use every legitimate means to resist all fascist tendencies and defend the nation’s constitutional democracy from totalitarianism.
The party, in its 2024 New Year message, also called on the international community to assist in the sustenance and support for democracy in Nigeria “given the huge humanitarian crisis with potential negative consequences on the stability of West Africa, Africa and indeed the world should democracy fail in Nigeria.”
The national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Debo Ologunagba, urged the citizens to say no “to anti-democratic actions and policies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration which are so far tilted towards the institutionalisation of corruption, crippling of democracy institutions and sabotaging of national productivity which the PDP had earlier alerted is consistent with APC’s scheme to weaponise poverty and suppress Nigerians to surrender to totalitarianism.”
“Such assault on Democracy Institutions including the emasculation of the National Assembly to prevent it from playing its Constitutional role of holding the Executive accountable; the compromising of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the appointment of card-carrying APC members as Resident Electoral Commissioners and alleged attempts to also compromise the Judiciary and anti-corruption agencies are all pointers to emerging totalitarianism,” it said.
The party urged Nigerians and the civil society to condemn the recklessness and lack of transparency of the APC administration that has led to the collapse of the Naira, the alleged massive looting of funds including proceeds from the removal of subsidy on petroleum products; the skewing of the 2024 budget in favour of luxury appetite of the Presidency and APC leaders without concrete policies and programmes to revive the economy, create jobs and address the comatose manufacturing and productive sectors.
Cautions Against Turning Nigeria into One-Party State
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has said Nigerian politics must not be left in the hands of transactional politicians.
“Nigeria is our God-given country. The business of Nigeria is far too important to be left to those involved in transactional politics. I am involved in the struggle for a new Nigeria that is possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade. I, therefore, implore you all who strive for a new Nigeria to remain fully engaged, committed, and resilient as it is and will be possible.”
The standard bearer of the LP also warned that it was dangerous to tilt the nation to a one-party state, saying it must be resisted.
The former Anambra State governor lamented the security situation of the country, adding that the economy remained confusing and depressing with unemployment, inflation, poverty, inequality, and other key socio-economic variables all negative and worsening.
He said: “As Nigeria is the only country we have, deeply endowed but lacking in good leadership, we will continue to seek a new Nigeria that we know is possible.
“I am involved in the struggle for a new Nigeria that is possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade. I, therefore, urge you all who strive for a new Nigeria to remain fully engaged, committed, and resilient as it is and will be possible.
“My fellow compatriots, as we thank God and enter a new year, 2024, I send my heartfelt and warmest greetings to all Nigerians: from my family and I, to you and yours. May the Almighty God bless you all richly and grant your good heart desires in the new year and beyond.
“The events of the past year are now part of our national history. As we trudge on, we remain mindful of the state of our nation, and that our best hopes and aspirations remain largely unfulfilled.
“Peace and security continue to elude us with the rising level of bloodletting, deeply troubling and sometimes beyond a war situation. A situation where hundreds of Nigerians are violently killed in December alone is deeply sad and unacceptable. While we pray for the repose of the souls departed, we demand the Federal Government must do whatever is required to bring the perpetrators to justice and permanently stop a re-occurrence in any part of Nigeria.
“Nigerians are now very aware and convinced that good governance, inclusive development, and accountable leadership expected in a functional democracy, continue to elude us but we must be consistent and resolute in our demand for rule of law, regulatory quality, and government effectiveness for transformative solutions to a litany of our social problems.”
Obi reviewed the political situation in the country in the outgoing year and said: “If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.
“In a democratic and secular country like ours, there must be full respect for the separation of powers between the three independent arms of government, as well as between the federating units. For instance, the National Assembly should devote time and commit themselves to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that requires their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic-oriented approval or rejection.
“We must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal Government intervenes unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened.”
We in the Labour Party have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a new Nigeria that is possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward. Our collective role in nation-building remains fundamental and obligatory.”
The immediate past Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has told his supporters that before the end of the year 2024, they would know where his interest in Osun politics lies.
Aregbesola spoke in Ilesa, Osun State at an end-of-the-year thanksgiving organised by the Omoluabi Caucus, attended by many leaders of the group across the state.
A video capturing Aregbesola’s speech at the event was shared on Facebook by one Lekan Arogundade.
The ex-governor narrated how his efforts to ensure that the All Progressives Congress approached the 2022 governorship election as a united party was frustrated.
Aregbesola said ahead of the election, which then-Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the APC lost to the Peoples Democratic Party’s Ademola Adeleke, he (Aregbesola) met with representatives of the APC ‘overall leader’ on how appointments should be shared.
Aregbesola, however, said the ‘overall leader’ of their party failed to fulfill the agreements.
He said he stayed away from the 2022 Osun APC governorship campaign, following the declaration by a leader of the campaign organisation that anyone not invited should not bother to come.
Speaking in Yoruba language, Aregbesola further said, “I have not said this before. On August 26, 2021, our overall leader told us to meet two of his representatives in Abuja.
“Thirty-one people from my group met with the representatives of our overall leader. The meeting started around 10 pm and ended at about 4 a.m. I was not part of the meeting. But they agreed that those pushed out of the party should be reintegrated.
“Those at the meeting also agreed that those in government then were more and because of that, in both appointive and elective posts that were still vacant, they should give our own side one-third while they take two-thirds.
“The representative of our overall boss was impressed. I told him whatever my people had told them, I agreed to it. But I gave them some conditions that I will not reveal now if they want me to come and campaign during the governorship election. But we never heard anything again about that agreement to date.
“The leader of their governorship campaign said on OSBC that anybody who was not invited should not come for the campaign. So, I had to stay away. No true Yoruba man would hear such a declaration and will still go to where he was not invited.
“They didn’t stop at that. They went on a campaign of calumny against me. It was after they failed that they started looking for where to lay the blame. They are shameless.
“They ate their words. By their second year in office, they said it was because they were relating to me that made them not win on the first ballot during the (2018 governorship) election. In November 2020, they said we had Ebola (to avoid a relationship with us). They said we didn’t pay workers’ salaries and pensions. I wanted to come for the second anniversary (of Oyetola in office), but we were told people didn’t want to see us.”
Speaking on his plans regarding politics in the state, he said, “We are unperturbed. God will judge each one of us on the role we play in the matter. I deliberately speak about it today because people are just muddling up issues. But by the grace of God, by this time in 2024, you will know where we are heading. It will be clear to everyone where Osun people are heading.”
The Port Harcourt Refinery is still undergoing testing and has not commenced commercial operations despite expectations of resuming production in December 2023 after repairs.
According to NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Oladapo Soneye, test running is ongoing to ensure all components like pipelines are in perfect condition before crude oil supply and refining starts.
The refinery rehabilitation project, which has taken over two years, was over 84% mechanically completed as of mid-December, according to NNPC CEO Mele Kyari. The target was to finish repairs on the key Area 5 plant and flare up by December 31.
While NNPC declared the project had reached mechanical completion, the current testing indicates that full functioning has not yet begun. No timeline was provided on when crude supply and production might start.
The readiness checks are meant to guarantee smooth functioning before refining activities commence. NNPC board chairman Pius Akinyelure previously expressed optimism that maximum production levels would keep petroleum prices stable and raise revenue.
Industry experts say the delay shows the complexity of refinery repairs. Getting the plant to reliably process crude oil into petroleum products has been an arduous process despite billions spent on rehabilitation.
Successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, Nigeria’s largest, is seen as crucial for taming fuel importation. But the country eagerly awaits the refinery’s full production resumption amid growing skepticism.