News From Nigeria
The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, will host the Atta of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Ohinoyi, Dr. Ado Ibrahim on Saturday, August 21 in Warri, Delta State.
‘’His Royal Majesty, Ohinoyi, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, CON, Atta of Ebiraland and President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs will be received by the Alema of Warri Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Webster Group of Companies, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan on Saturday’’ a statement in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area said.
Omo Oba Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko will be crowned the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday, August 21, 2021.
Google My Debt Servicing Ratio’s 9 Percent, Jimoh Ibrahim Challenges AMCON
Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim, the owner of NICON Insurance and Nigeria Re. has described his debt servicing ratio as the lowest among strong business moguls in the country.
He said his current debt servicing ratio is put at 9 percent, while that of Dangote is 13 percent.
In a statement made available to newsmen the First Doctoral Candidate of the University of Cambridge Business Management Science explained that the debt servicing ratio of Nigeria stands at 98 percent, while USA and UK’s stand at 105 percent and 85 percent respectively.
He, therefore, challenged Asset Management Corporation Of Nigeria (AMCON) to name who’s a business man with a first-class score.
According to the 54-year-old business mogul, the Google rating of his net asset is over one billion dollars, adding that the data showed excellent asset specificity.
He said: “I collateralized a loan of N26 billion with £130.7 million British pound stealing (at 5% interest rate now £245m or N178 billion). So, if you buy my loan, where is my cash collateral is the question.”
Ibrahim described AMCON as a lawless organisation which the World Bank and IMF had condemned.
He said: “AMCON should not drag Federal Government’s economic policy into self-interest and I am sure that President Buhari will not support economic injustice because ‘an unjust order is an invitation to Anarchy.’
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH ITSEKIRIS ON CORONATION OF 21ST OLU OF WARRI
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates all Itsekiris home and abroad, as Prince Tsola Emiko gets installed as the 21st Olu of Warri, August 21, 2021.
The President salutes the Kingdom for overcoming the issues that arose after the initial appointment of the Olu-designate, urging that any outstanding matters should be amicably resolved in the interest of peace and tranquility.
As a Western-trained political scientist, and management expert, President Buhari counsels the new Olu to use his gift and intellect to serve his people, noting the peaceful disposition of Itsekiris to peace in the Niger Delta region, and the country in general.
The President prays that the new epoch will consolidate on the peace, progress and prosperity of all members of the Warri Kingdom.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 20, 2021
August 20, 2021
Press Statement
You are already a failure, PDP Mocks Buhari
…Says Lame Attempt At Damage Control Can’t Help APC
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told President Muhammadu Buhari that he is already a failure in governance and will leave a failure, adding that his attempt at political damage control cannot help his fizzling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP describes the statement by President Buhari that he will not leave office as a failure as “medicine after death” noting that as long as he is a product of the corrupt, inept, directionless and anti-people APC, he will leave as a failed leader.
The party asserts that President Buhari’s veiled admission of failure, which smacks as a tactic to exonerate the APC, is an exercise in futility as the APC, which now only exists on paper, will soon fizzle from our political firmament, having shown itself as perverted platform that cannot be entrusted with governance at any level in our country.
President Buhari and his APC have failed in their three-pronged promises of security, anti-corruption and economic development.
They have instead wrecked all sectors of our nation life with no hope in sight.
What explanation can the Buhari Presidency and the APC offer for failing to decisively tackle terrorists, insurgents and bandits, who are daily ravaging our communities, killing and maiming our compatriots in various states across the country, despite the huge resources at their disposal?
How do President Buhari and APC leaders sleep at night when they know that due to their incompetence and compromises, hundreds of Nigerians, including school children are languishing in kidnappers’ den at the mercies of their assailants and the elements?
President Buhari has so failed as a Commander-in-Chief that non-state actors have taken over, with regions now resorting to their own security outfits while state governors, including his home, Katsina state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, telling helpless victims of terror attacks to defend themselves.
On the economy front, President Buhari has only succeeded in ruining the once robust economy handed over to him by the PDP administration in 2015 and turned Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, where over 82.9 million once thriving Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals and other necessities of life.
Moreover, the Buhari Presidency cannot point to any landmark project it conceptualized, started and completed in the last six years.
All it can boast of is the mortgaging of the future of our nation with accumulated N33.107 trillion debt with nothing to show and no clear repayment plan.
More atrocious is that Mr. President is seeking to borrow additional N5.62 trillion, when he knows that he has less than two years in office.
Rather than fighting corruption, the APC-led Buhari administration has become the citadel of corruption where over N15 trillion naira have reportedly been stolen by APC leaders from various agencies under the cover of government.
Nigerians can recall how the PDP recently held a strategic meeting where suggestions on how to entrench unity, reduce tension, fight insurgency, curb corruption and restore our nation to the path of economic progress, were placed at the behest of Mr. President and how he failed to listen to the voice of reason.
What is expected of Mr. President and the APC at this point is for them to end their media orchestrations, apologize for their failure and allow Nigerians to chart a fresh course as they rally with the PDP to salvage our dear nation.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS STATEMENT
20th August, 2021
DELTA PDP CONGRATULATES THE NEW OLU OF WARRI
The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has congratulated the Olu of Warri designate, Prince ‘Tsola Emiko, ahead of his coronation on August 21, 2021.
Delta State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza said in a Press Statement that: “Delta PDP heartily congratulates the new Olu of Warri, Prince Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, whose official coronation on Saturday, August 21, 2021, confirms him as the 21st Olu of Warri.
We wish His Royal Majesty a happy, prosperous, and peaceful reign as he assumes his royal heritage as the custodian of the great Odé Itsekiri ancestral throne of Warri Kingdom.
Long live HRM, Omoba ‘Tsola Emiko.
Ogiame! Suoooo!!!
PDP! Power to the people!!!
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.
PRESIDENTIAL DELEGATION TO VISIT KANO FOR TWO KEY EVENTS
Ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Kano for the marriage of his son, Yusuf Buhari, to Zahra Bayero, the daughter of Nasiru Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi in Kano State on Friday, the President has dispatched a high level delegation to be led by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
The Presidential delegation, including the Ministers of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), Agriculture, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Hussein Adamu as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu will stay back after the wedding, to represent the President at the coronation of the Emir at Bichi the following day, Saturday.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 19, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES REVIEW OF GRAZING RESERVES IN 25 STATES
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved recommendations of a committee to review “with dispatch,” 368 grazing sites, across 25 states in the country, “to determine the levels of encroachment.”
The President’s directive followed his approval of the recommendations of a committee chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.
Among others, the committee had recommended the collection of field data collection on 368 Grazing Reserves across 25 states to assess encroachment and encroachers, stakeholder engagements and sensitization.
The Committee also recommended production of maps and geo-mapping/tagging of sites, analysis of findings and report preparations as well as design appropriate communication on Grazing Reserves and operations.
The number of the Grazing Reserves and States were deduced from considerations of existing security concerns and other pre-existing socio-economic conditions.
The President directed that the assignment be undertaken with dispatch to bring more understanding on the Grazing Reserves, and implementation.
Members of the committee include, Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of NEC Sub-Committee for National Livestock Transformation Plan, David Umahi, Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar and Deputy Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye.
The Technical Sub-Committee consists of representatives from the seven members of the main committee in addition to representatives from Ministry of Justice, Surveyor General of the Federation, National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA).
Among its Terms of Reference, the Committee was to collate from states and confirm the status of all Grazing Reserves, assess the percentage of available land and those with existing encroachment complications for case-by-case resolution in partnership with state governments and the FCT.
The Committee will also make recommendations for gazetting of ungazetted Grazing Reserves and create a data base of National Cattle Herders and ensure that Grazing Reserves are well communicated to all stakeholders.
The inaugural meeting of the Committee was held on May 10, 2021.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 19, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES HON JOSHUA OJO, EX-OYO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with immediate past Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Joshua Olagunju Ojo, JP as he turns 70 August 20, 2021.
The President salutes the commitment of the astute politician to service of the people of Ogbomoso in particular, and Oyo State in general, using his privileged position to touch their lives in diverse ways.
As a prominent farmer, marketer, and politician, President Buhari is delighted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart remains resolute in the ideals of service to the people.
As the Fellow of Institute of Management Executives and Administrators of Nigeria turns 70, the President wishes Hon Ojo longer life, good health, and greater service to God and humanity.
President Buhari also extends goodwill to the immediate and extended Ojo family, their friends, relations and associates on the landmark birthday.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 19, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI RATIFIES INTERNATIONAL COFFEE AGREEMENT, 2007
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday, August 17, 2021, confirmed and ratified International Coffee Agreement, 2007, following Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval of Nigeria’s membership of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting had drawn a conclusion on the agreement on October 21, 2020, with emphasis on Conclusion 10 which approved the preparation of the Instrument of Ratification of Nigeria’s membership of the International Coffee Organization and International Coffee Agreement of 2007.
The 2007 Agreement will strengthen the ICO’s role as a forum for intergovernmental consultations, facilitate international trade through increased transparency and access to relevant information, and promote a sustainable coffee economy for the benefit of all stakeholders and particularly of small-scale farmers in coffee producing countries.
The agreement is an important instrument for development cooperation and will provide the legal framework for core activities undertaken by the Organization in the future.
The Instrument of Ratification was prepared by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 19, 2021
HIS SERVICES TO NIGERIA WERE IMMEASURABLE, NEVER ASKED ME FOR ANY FAVOURS, PRESIDENT BUHARI EULOGISES AHMED JODA IN YOLA
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Yola described the services of the late Ahmed Joda to Nigeria as immeasurable, saying that all the years he knew the revered public administrator, he never requested any favours from him.
The President spoke at the palace of Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa during a condolence visit to the families of three elder statesmen and prominent sons of Adamawa State who passed recently.
The families are those of Ahmed Joda, a former Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the transition committee that ushered in President Buhari’s administration in 2015; Dr Mahmoud Tukur, former Minister of Commerce and Industry during his military administration and Abdullahi Danburam Jada, Minister of Animal Health and Northern Cameroons Affairs in the defunct Northern Region Government.
President Buhari, who was accompanied by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, recounted his personal relationships with the deceased, noting that at various points, they played very supportive roles in his public service.
On the late Joda, he said: ‘‘Since I became Governor of North East, under General Olusegun Obasanjo and later Minister, Ahmed Joda was part of those who assisted me, until his transition.
‘‘He was very supportive each time I called on him as governor, Minister and President and he never demanded any favours from me, either in cash or any form of gratification.’’
On the late Dr Mahmoud, the President said: ‘‘He was a bosom friend to my brother and they studied together in Europe. He also contributed much during my military administration and did well in his assignment.’’
President Buhari noted that from the antecedents of his close working relationship with the people of Adamawa and how they have distinguished themselves, he appointed one of their sons the Minister of FCT, a very important position.
‘‘I gave an Adamawa indigene, Mohammed Bello, a huge and complicated assignment as FCT Minister. Although he is young, he is performing very well with the fear of God,’’ the President said.
Commiserating with the Government, people and the Lamido of Adamawa on the demise of their illustrious sons, President Buhari prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and divine comfort for their families.
In his remarks, Governor Fintiri thanked the President for the condolence visit, saying ‘‘given your closeness to the deceased we should have been the one travelling to Abuja to commiserate with you.’’
The Governor commended the President for taking out time off his busy schedule to visit Adamawa, on the same day his son, Yusuf, is getting married to Zahra Bayero, the daughter of Nasiru Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi in Kano.
The Royal father, Lamido Adamawa also conveyed the Emirate’s appreciation to President Buhari and his entourage, pronouncing blessings for safe travels and success in the President’s engagement in Kano for his son’s wedding.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 20, 2021
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
FOOD SECURITY: LAGOS APPEALS PROJECT SUPPORTS OFADA RICE FARMERS ON MASS PRODUCTION
Lagos State Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project has charged farmers and investors to invest in agriculture, especially mass production of Ofada Rice to improve productivity for food security in Lagos State and Nigeria in general.
Speaking during a Field Day for Rice Seed Outgrower Scheme to farmers supported by APPEALS Project in Epe and Lekki areas of Lagos, the State Project Coordinator of APPEALS, Mrs. Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo, said APPEALS Project sponsored by Lagos State Government in conjunction with the Federal Government and World Bank is supporting and building farmers’ productivity in rice value chain with technology for food security.
She said since inception, Lagos APPEALS Project has supported 20 clusters of Ofada rice farmers with modern technology and necessary supports to improve farming, noting that a cluster comprise about five to 10 groups of 10 individual farmers.
Sagoe-Oviebo who was accompanied by top officials of Lagos APPEALS Project, African Rice and farmers, during a visit to beneficiaries of the Project Rice Seed Outgrower Scheme at Origanringan, Epe and Okegelu in Lekki areas of the State, said the Project has supported rice farmers with modern technology to increase mass production of pure strain of Ofada Rice for consumption in Nigeria and export to foreign countries.
She said Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has keen interest in agriculture and that was why the State Government is fully supporting APPEALS Project to empower farmers, especially youths and women with necessary technology for productivity, improved livelihood and food security.
“Lagos APPEALS Project wants to increase the productivity of rice farmers in Lagos State. We want to ensure that Ofada Rice gets to foreign countries.
“Our rice is better than foreign rice. It is more nutritious than the imported rice. So, I want to implore farmers to invest more in farming activities, especially in the rice value chain.
“We are using this opportunity to call on investors and entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture for food security. If there is no food, there is no guarantee that there would be security in the State or in any country. So, it is high time investors came on board and invest in agriculture. The gap of food demand cannot be overemphasised,” she said.
Also speaking, a rice seed expert from African Rice Center, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Abraham Shaibu, said the Center has supported farmers in Lagos to produce good quality of Ofada rice by assisting them with technology to improve their productivity.
He said African Rice has identified and produced pure strain of Ofada rice seed with high yield for Lagos APPEALS Project farmers, adding that the seed has been successfully cultivated by the Lagos APPEALS Project outgrower and a willing off-taker is available to take it up and sell to rice producer.
Speaking during the visits to their farms, representatives of different clusters expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration and Lagos APPEALS Project for having the interest of farmers at heart by investing and empowering them with quality Ofada rice strain as well as providing necessary supports and technology to improve their productivity.
A rice farmer at Origanringan in Epe, Mr. Segun Omotayo, who has been in rice farming business for close to 20 years, said the assistance provided by Lagos APPEALS Project has helped to increase their productivity from about 1.5 tonnes to three tonnes per hectare based on rice seeds given to them by the Project.
Mr. Giwa Adeolu, a rice farmer, who is coordinating clusters of Ofada Rice farmers farming on 500 hectares of land at Okegelu in Lekki, said the technology provided by Lagos APPEALS Project has contributed positively to the rice farm, which according to him is an investment that is worth N350million.
He said they are expecting nothing less than 2.5 to 3 tonnes per hectare by the time they harvest their produce in next two months.
“We really appreciate Lagos APPEALS Project for their support. They empowered us and gave us adequate support to the extent that presently we have five clusters and we cultivated over 500 hectares of land in the same place. This (pointing to the 500 hectares of the rice farm) is demonstration of what Lagos APPEALS Project did.
“They gave us nets to cover our plants to chase away the picker birds, which is a major challenge of rice farmers all over the world. This initiative sound so loud that more farmers are coming out now to benefit from what Lagos APPEALS Project is doing for rice farmers in the State,” he said.
PRESS RELEASE
LEAVE AMAECHI FROM YOUR SINKING PARTY, EZE TO AKAWOR… Thinking Amaechi’ll return to PDP is a sick, wild fantasy… Amaechi didn’t join APC to Ouster Jonathan, but was forced out by PDP hawks and Idle political Jobbers within PDP…Counsels Governor Wike to start preparing his handover note come 2023 for enthronement of an APC Led Government
Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has trashed claims by the Rivers State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, that former Rivers Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, will soon return to the People’s Democratic Party.
Recall that Akawor, had during a sparse gathering of members of the PDP in Ikwerre Local Government Area, announced to his audience that the Minister of Transportation and South-South Leader of the APC, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, would make a comeback to the People’s Democratic Party any time soon.
An excerpt from the very deceptive and widely publicized opinion reads “One day, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, your son, will come back to his family, which is PDP. He has to come back because he was a speaker. Where he went, he went for a reason. He went to remove President Jonathan. Jonathan has gone, so he should come back to his party. I am saying it again. My brother, my friend, the bosom friend of our Governor, Nyesom Wike, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, come back home.”
In a statement made available to media houses in Port Harcourt, Chief Eze counseled Akawo and those who share in his wildest imagination to quickly seek the service of health professionals for medical examinations to ascertain their health status and subject themselves to treatment where necessary, because according to him, only young men with sophisticated health issues, defective sensory neurons and blurred reasoning will share in such a blunt view.
“While I lack the power to stop Ambassador Akwaor from dreaming of the Super Minister and Minister of the Decade, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, erstwhile Governor of Rivers State and incumbent Minister of Transportation returning to the sinking Peoples Democratic Party, I wish to counsel him to try to treat himself of malaria as nothing will cause the Minister to return to a party that did everything to destroy his political feats and personality.”
The Party Chief said Chief Akawor, who earned his Ambassadorial appointment on the footing of his roles in the satanic collaboration among the Jonathans,Wike, Obua, and others, which led to forceful exit of Amaechi from the PDP, may just be scamping alongside
others, for the return of Amaechi, in order to give credibility to the party already destroyed by Governor Wike and his inklings.
It is unfortunate and in fact pricking on the conscience for Akawor, whose inputs in the broad day robbery that tore the Rivers PDP in pieces, to say Amaechi’s motive for leaving the party was chiefly to remove President Jonathan, and having succeeded, he should return to the PDP.
For avoidance of doubt and in straightening the records, Chief Eze said Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has nothing to do with the ouster of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as the President of Nigeria but was forced out of the PDP by those he described as party hawks and jobbers who felt Amaechi was a threat to their undemocratic antecedents.
The famous statement “We’ll arrest Amaechi by next year – Wike” credited to Chief Nyesom Wike, then a junior Minister in the administration of Dr. Jonathan Goodluck by 2014 still suffices and speaks more on the ploy to trick the then Governor to swim in muddy waters.
Then Supervisory Minister of Education had said that Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi will be arrested after President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration as winner of the 2015 presidential election.
“Once INEC announces the victory of President Jonathan, we will immediately shut down the Port Harcourt International Airport and all land and sea borders in Rivers State to prevent Governor Amaechi from escaping. Does he think we don’t know that he is planning to run away? But he and his cohorts will not succeed.
All they can do thereafter is to lock themselves in the government house and at the appropriate time we will go there and pick them up one after the other. Believe me, governor Amaechi will surely account for all our monies that he is frittering away now”.
The Deputy National Chairman of the PDP then Prince Uche Secondus, who also spoke at the event said that Governor Amaechi is a temporary occupant in government house and that PDP will not allow him to choose his successor in 2015 because Rivers State is for PDP. He has taken all our money to Lagos to develop APC.
With this type of threat by the over ambitious and deadly Wike, one maybe forced to ask, “is Amaechi a stone or a tree that is been threatened to be cut but stood still without running. Amaechi has to find a way to survive this unwarranted onslaught, so he left.
Eze recalled with nostalgia how the hawks running the administration of Dr. Jonathan kicked Amaechi out of PDP.
Let me state that the obvious desperation of the PDP leadership to completely destroy Amaechi led to his departure, alongside five other PDP governors, to form the New PDP, with five of them later joining the mega opposition political party, the All Progressives Congress.
The Factors that forced Amaechi out of PDP are thus under listed:
1.
When the PDP national leadership undemocratically decided to suspend Governor Amaechi from the party without any sound reason on May 27, 2013 and was to follow it up with expulsion, Amaechi the victim resorted to the courts, once again, to stop them from taking any further step on his case until he decided to join APC. The suspension of Amaechi from the party was agreed during an unscheduled and unusually early morning meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party at the residence of the then National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. The meeting commenced at 8:00 am and came two days ahead of the regular meeting of the NWC, which normally holds on Wednesdays. It was also three days after Amaechi beat the odds with his re-election as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. He had been allegedly opposed by the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) ahead of the election.
It was this suspension of Governor Amaechi from PDP, not minding all that he did to uplift the party that started the decimation of PDP and its reduction from a ruling national political party to an opposition regional political party.
It is said that during the intervening days, many interventions were made to save the crisis and resolve the matter. Important national leaders including Retired General Yakubu Gowon tried to stop the departure of Amaechi knowing it was the only way to stop the exodus. But the more such efforts were made, the harder those who did not want Amaechi in the party worked to push him out.
For the education of Ambassador Akwaor and his misguided fellows, let me call on Amaechi to explain by himself why he joined APC.
Explaining why he joined APC, Governor Amaechi said: “Unfortunately, recent events within the PDP have given me reason to reconsider our collective interest as people of the South-South and, indeed as Rivers people. At various times, as the one whom you gave your mandate, I had cause to complain about the marginalization of our state and our people, despite our huge contribution to the national coffers and our unflinching commitment and support for the ruling PDP. While the political and economic importance of Rivers State cannot be contested, we continue to hold the shorter end of the stick.
“A few instances may suffice: Our demand that the Federal Government return oil wells belonging to Rivers State to us has gone unheeded and been treated with levity under this administration. Rather, our oil wells have been ceded to Bayelsa, Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Even after we got a judgment that the oil wells were wrongly ceded to Akwa Ibom State and should be returned to us; only dry wells that were no longer producing oil were returned.
“In the specific case of the Soku oil wells, despite a decision reached that the monies should remain in an escrow account till all matters concerning it are resolved, the Federal government continues to pay neighbouring Bayelsa State the revenues meant for Rivers State in a classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. It is indeed noteworthy that we have made several representations formally and informally on this matter.
“A second instance is the total absence of federal presence in Rivers State. The ‘National Good Governance Tour’ provided a good opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its presence in Rivers State. The tour, if nothing else, proved that there was not much to show in a state that is the cash cow of the federation. The East-West Road remains abandoned, work has been deliberately slow on the Port Harcourt International Airport, the third busiest airport in the country, while all airports started along with it have long been completed and commissioned. The Bonny-Bomu Road that leads to the only functional liquefied natural gas project remains uncompleted. In the midst of all these, our administration went ahead to fix federal roads to the tune of N103 billion. Several representations and letters after, not one kobo has been repaid. The Federal Government is actively discouraging investments in Rivers State.”
Amaechi at another forum stated, “They have become so desperate that they have gone to hire Joseph Mbu to serve as the political wing of the PDP in Rivers State. I pray to God to save Rivers State so that those thieves will not come to power and steal your money. We want to confront the Nigerian Police. When you hear impunity, it is because you allow it. There is no revolution without blood. From now till election, we should mobilize and confront the Nigerian police. If they say they are ready for debate, tell them I am ready. They should go to the National Assembly and summon me.”
Other instances that made the departure of Amaechi from PDP imperative are the following:
Posting and encouraging the excesses of the tyrannical Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu, during these inglorious days in the state.
Supporting every unimaginable act of impunity in the state, including the plot by five State Assembly members to impeach the speaker in a House of 31 members, with the hope of impeaching Amaechi thereafter. This led to the closure of the courts but they turned around to blame the victim, Amaechi.
Seizing and grounding the planes belonging the state for no just cause. Shutting down the robust security architecture that was to save the region and oil facilities.
Harassing and intimidating the duly elected Governor of Rivers State for no just cause, and even supporting the splitting of the Governors Forum into two, to ensure that Governor Amaechi, who was duly elected by his colleagues, does not have an easy reign as the chairman of the forum.
Other factors are:
Eze further highlighted that the world maybe astounded to learn that not minding all that Amaechi went through in the hands of Jonathan, he ensured that a slot in the State Executive Council was given to Jonathan through out his eight years tenure as the Governor of Rivers State.
In conclusion, Chief Eze said contrary to the defective reasoning of Ambassador Akwaor and those sponsoring him, Amaechi never joined APC in order to ouster Jonathan and his administration from the centre but undemocratic elements like Chief Nyesom Wike were the architects of his ouster after forcing and imposing on Amaechi all his actions in 2014 in order to join progressive forces to rescue Nigeria from the hands of the likes of Wike.
If there is anybody to blame over the exit of Dr. Jonathan from Government, it is Wike and his fellow hawks who, for the pursuit of selfish goals, plotted and ruined the administration of Jonathan, relegating him to the background and keeping him at bay on current happenings in the polity.
Finally, Eze counsels Akwaor to stop deceiving Governor Wike and help him to start preparing his handover note for an APC led Government come 2023 as Rivers State and her people are totally tired of the confused PDP Government in the State.
Ends
Signed
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,
APC Chieftain & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP
Mele Kolo Kyari: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement
By Erasmus Ikhide
Crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in Oloibiri
in present day Bayelsa State in 1956; four years before the British
granted us political independence. A school of thought believes that
if the discovery had been made earlier, the Caucasians would never
have fully departed the country and we would have had White Nigerians
in a similar manner like what obtains in South Africa.
The black gold as it is fondly called has been tragically more of a
curse as it has elevated a culture of sloth and lack of innovation
which has done nothing but greatly impoverish us. Who could have
believed that the revolutionary strides undertaken by the late sage
Chief Obafemi Awolowo while he held sway as Western Region Premier
between 1952 and 1959 was from the proceeds of cocoa and other
agricultural produce?
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was established on
April 1, 1977 by the military government of the then General Olusegun
Obasanjo but since then it has been involved in an endless cobweb of
corruption and cesspit of ineptitude.
Mele Kolo Kyari was appointed as the 19th Managing Director of the
Corporation on July 8, 2019. Many critics of the Buhari led government
criticized him to the High Heavens as another northern appointment and
opted to throw away the baby with the bath water.
Days after his appointment, he unveiled Transparency, Accountability
and Performance Excellence (TAPE), a five-step strategic roadmap for
NNPC’s attainment of efficiency and global excellence.
According to a report done by Premium Times, He said the five steps
for realizing the objectives of TAPE were to ensure:
1.NNPC opened up its systems to public scrutiny;
the Nigerian people and the government;
3.The new system would operate along with well-defined operational
processes, benchmarked against established global best practices by
world-class oil and gas companies;
value-addition towards NNPC’s sustained profitability, and
criteria, by developing suitable governance structures for its
strategic business units, and the entrenchment of team-spirit, work
ethic and collaboration with all key stakeholders to achieve set
corporate goals.
So far the objectives of TAPE have been met.
He initiated bold minded reforms in the upstream sector. His
creativity saw an alternative financing deal for the Nigerian
Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). Within the last one year, Kyari
ensured the execution of a funding and technical services agreement
(FTSA) as well as a alternative financing deal for NPDC’s OML 13
valued at about $3.15 billion and OML 65 for $876 million. These
agreements resulted is a 32% and 21% incremental production output in
OMLs 40 and 30.
Also, 14 companies participated in the auction for the financing and
redevelopment of OML 119 operated by the NPDC. The twin offshore block
made up of Okono and Okpoho fields located approximately 50 kilometres
offshore south-eastern Niger Delta operated by ExxonMobil.
Kyari described OML 119 as one of NNPC’s critical projects, which
aligns with the Federal Government’s aspiration to boost the country’s
crude oil and gas production, growing reserves, and monetizing the
nation’s enormous gas resources.
He has also revised the unit costs for joint ventures (JV) and
production sharing contracts (PSC).
He has also been able to save costs for the government through NNPC’s
revision of joint venture and production sharing contract (PSC)
operators’ unit costs, down to $19 per barrel and $18.3 per barrel,
from the initial $31 per barrel and $24.3 per barrel respectively.
Concerned about the impact of high oil production cost on the
government revenue, Kyari has, in the last one year, demonstrated
commitment to achieving the industry target of reducing oil production
cost to an average of $10 per barrel by 2021.
Under Kyari’s management in the last one year, the NPDC also acquired
four new oil acreages (OMLs 11, 24, 116 and 98, while recovering debts
for gas supplies totaling about N16.64 billion and $3.55 million.
There has also been sustainable average oil output under his pragmatic
leadership. Despite the challenges in the oil and gas industry, Kyari
was able to ensure the NNPC subsidiary in charge of the government
investment interests in the oil industry joint venture projects, the
National
Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), was able to achieve
an average oil production capacity of 1.8 million barrels per day
prior to the recent decision by the Organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut its members’ output to boost crude
oil prices and stabilize the oil market.
Kyari has also supported NAPIMS to secure external funding for the
SPDC’s Santolina 3 projects expected to deliver an average production
of 16,300 barrels of oil per day, while also superintending over the
resolution of the Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) cost dispute with
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).
Nigeria LNG Train 7 FID
For almost two years, the final investment decision (FID) for the
construction of Train 7 of the Nigeria LNG project was delayed. The
NNPC and other partners in the project could not come together to
commit to the development of the project.
The outbreak of the coronavirus last year worsened the problem as the
global economy came to a virtual standstill. But, Kyari did not allow
all the crises to rob Nigeria of all the benefits derivable from the
execution of the project.
At the height of the global pandemic, Kyari ensured the NNPC and its
JV partners, including Shell, Total, and ENI, came together to execute
the NLNG T7 FID on December 27, 2019. He went ahead to mobilize for
the signing of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)
contract for the project awarded to the Saipem, Chiyoda and Daewoo
(SCD) JV Consortium.
The signing of the contract signaled the commencement of EPC
activities for NLNG T7 Project. On completion, the production capacity
of the six-train plant would expand exponentially by 35 per cent, from
the extant 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA, and boost
Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global LNG market.
The project has the prospects of further attracting foreign direct
investment (FDI) in excess of $10 billion to Nigeria.
The AKK Pipeline Project
Just as Nigerians were jubilating at the milestone on the Nigeria LNG
project, Kyari ensured President Muhammadu Buhari launched the EPC
activities on the 614 kilometers-long Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK)
pipeline project by NNPC last week.
Considered to be at the heart of the country’s economic growth, Kyari
has pursued the execution of the project with single-minded commitment
to see that it is completed on schedule in 2023.
The pipeline project represents phase one of the 1,300 kilometre-long
Trans-Nigerian Gas Pipeline (TNGP) project being developed as part of
Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan to utilize the country’s surplus gas
resources for power generation as well as for consumption by domestic
customers.
The TNGP project also forms part of the proposed 4,401 kilometre-long
Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) to export natural gas to customers
in Europe.
Uninterrupted Fuel Supply
Prior to his appointment, hiccups in the supply of petroleum products
were a common feature in the Nigerian economy. The incessant
disruptions in fuel supply affected Nigerians’ ability to plan
effectively. They could not predict when the next fuel scarcity would
hit the country and send families to spend days and nights in long
fuel queues at filling stations.
Kyari leveraged on the existing Direct-Sales-Direct-Purchase (DSDP)
product supply arrangement he started and sustained while in office as
the GGM COMD of the NNPC, to guarantee energy security for Nigerians.
2020 crude oil lifting contracts
In August 2019, a few weeks after his inauguration, Kyari announced
the issuance of fresh crude oil lifting contracts to 15 local and
international oil marketing and trading consortia/companies under the
2020 DSDP scheme.
With the country’s four refineries still operating far below their
installed capacities, and unable to produce enough to meet the
country’s daily national consumption need for petroleum products, the
15 contractors were to utilize the 445,000 barrels per day crude oil
allocation for local refining to bring into the country petroleum
products for domestic consumers.
But, Kyari said the difference in the latest issuance of the oil
lifting contracts was that this would be the first time since the DSDP
programme began in 2016 that the NNPC would officially be making
public the list of all the contract winners.
Kyari said revealing the names of the beneficiaries to the public was
a new normal for NNPC as part of the policy direction, pledge and
commitment of his management to transparency and accountability in
NNPC’s operations going forward.
To sustain the era of uninterrupted supply of petroleum products,
Kyari assured that his management would continue to revamp downstream
infrastructure to guarantee availability of 90 per cent pipeline for
fuel distribution; ensure automation of the fuel distribution system,
and grow NNPC Retail’s market share to 30 per cent.
“Operation White”
To build on the success of the DSDP programme, entrench energy
security and deepen transparency in petroleum products supply and
distribution, Kyari, in collaboration with the Minister of State for
Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, initiated an innovative programme,
“Operation White”, to curb products diversion and smuggling, and
ensure that the entire country was kept continuously wet with
petroleum products.
Under the initiative, a team of 89 officials drawn from various
government agencies involved in the petroleum products supply process
was inaugurated, tasked with the responsibility of monitoring and
tracking fuel distribution and consumption throughout the country.
The team included representatives from the NNPC, Department of
Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory
Agency (PPPRA), Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) as well as the
Department of State Security (DSS).
Under the initiative, Kyari ensured actual volumes of petroleum
products imported and consumed in the country were authenticated. The
NNPC now has a customer express solution and online marketers’ portal,
which is live for oil majors and Depot and Petroleum Products
Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to monitor loading and
lifting of petroleum products from NNPC depots. Plans are on course
for the system to go live for members of the Independent Petroleum
Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) by the end of the
second quarter of 2020.
These achievements are by no means all that can be credited to the Lee
Kuan Yee like visionary leadership of Kyari and we in the media have
the duty to praise our public officials when they do well so that we don’t become permanent Rottweilers.
A Daniel has indeed come to judgement!
Erasmus Ikhide is a media strategist and can be reached via:
ikhideerasmus@gmail.com; 08035032123
Ebireri Henry Ovie Mobile: 2348036977194
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja said Nigeria lost an estimated $50billion worth of investments in ten years, created by the uncertainty of non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), lack of progress and stagnation in the petroleum industry.
In his remarks at a ceremony on passage of the PIA, which preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the President said the stagnation affected growth of the economy, citing lack of political will on the part of past administrations to actualize the needed transformation.
President Buhari said assent of the Petroleum Industry Bill on August 16, 2021, marks the end of decades of uncertainty and under-investment in the petroleum industry.
“We are all aware that past Administrations have identified the need to further align the industry for global competitiveness, but there was lack of political will to actualize this needed transformation.
“This lack of progress has stagnated the growth of the industry and the prosperity of our economy. In the past ten years, Nigeria has lost an estimated US$50billion worth of investments due to uncertainty created by the non-passage of the PIB.
“This administration believes that the timely passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill will help our country attract investments across the oil and gas value chain.
“In view of the value our Nation and investors will derive from a stable fiscal framework for the oil and gas industry, our Administration has found it necessary to work with the two Chambers of the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the PIB, ’’ he said.
President Buhari noted that signing of the bill was part of the administration’s commitment to building a competitive and resilient petroleum industry that will attract investment, improve our revenue base, create jobs and support our economic diversification agenda.
The President said as a “nation that depends on oil resources for the development of other sectors, Nigeria runs a Petroleum Industry that is governed largely by laws enacted over 50 years ago such as the principal legislation; the Petroleum Act of 1969 and other obsolete legislations.’’
He said the Presidential assent of the bill to “Petroleum Industry Act 2021” marked the beginning of the journey towards a competitive and resilient petroleum industry that will attract investments to support the nation’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
“The “Petroleum Industry Act 2021” creates a regulatory environment that would ensure efficiency and accountability across the oil and gas value chain and reposition NNPC to a commercially driven National Petroleum Company that is accountable to the Federation.
“The Act also provides for a direct benefit framework that will enable sustainable development of Host Communities. I appeal to the host communities to look carefully at the contents of the Bill which in the implementation will bring real and lasting benefits to them.
“Furthermore, the Act provides for deliberate end to gas flaring which would facilitate the attainment of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement through a funding mechanism to support gas flare out project in host communities,’’ he added.
President Buhari said the administration believes that the timely passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill will help our country attract investments across the oil and gas value chain.
While directing immediate implementation of the framework for the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), he urged all relevant stakeholders to comply and reposition for full activation within 12 months.
The President said the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, will head the implementation team, urging all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) to adjust to the transition, designed to reposition the economy.
“To consolidate the commitment of this administration to delivering the value proposition of this law, I have approved an implementation framework commencing immediately to ensure the industry envisaged in the new law begins to take shape.
“The implementation process to be headed by the Hon Minister of State, Petroleum Resources is hereby tasked with the completion of the implementation of this act within 12 months. I am therefore directing all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to fully cooperate in ensuring the successful and timely implementation of this law,’’ he said.
President Buhari commended leadership of the 9th Assembly for their continued pursuit of national aspiration and demonstration of mutual harmony with the Executive in the pursuit of patriotic outcome in passage of PIB.
“I also commend the entire team in the executive that worked tirelessly to ensure the delivery of this strategic legislation for our country. I thank Nigerians and other industry stakeholders for their contributions and support in achieving this historic landmark,’’ he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and other lawmakers, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mele Kyari.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 18, 2021
August 18, 2021
Press Statement
Sanusi’s Exposé on Buhari, APC, Vindicates Us -PDP
…Calls on More Nigerians to Speak Out
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that the exposé by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, that the gains made by Nigeria in 35 years were wiped out in the last five years, vindicates our stance that President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has wrecked our nation.
The PDP asserts that the declaration by Sanusi Lamido directly reflects the position of majority of Nigerians across the country.
Noting that the dire situation is now beyond politics, the PDP calls on more stakeholders to speak out irrespective of ethnicity, creed and political party affiliations, so as to save the nation from a total collapse.
The Buhari Presidency and the APC have in the last six years, only succeeded in destroying every sector of our national life with their manifest incompetence, unbridled corruption, treasury looting, impunity, exclusionist and restrictive economic policies that have brought our nation to her knees.
Nigerians can recall that the PDP handed over a robust economy, rated the largest hub in Africa and one of the fastest growing in the world with Fitch B+ rating and Gross Domestic Produce (GDP) of $574 billion to President Buhari and the APC in May 2015.
Sadly, in the last six years, Buhari-led APC administration has reduced our productive sectors to a complete wreckage with alarming 33.3 percent unemployment and 17.38% inflation rates; over 60 million hitherto flourishing businesses folded up and the naira crashing from N167 to a dollar in 2015 to N512 under the APC corrupt and directionless watch.
More depressing is that the corrupt APC administration has practically erased all the gained of the debt repayment achieved by the PDP, returned our nation to a beggar state and mortgaged the sovereignty of our country with reckless borrowing and accumulated N33.107 trillion.
Life has become so unbearable in Nigeria under President Buhari and the APC, that more than 82.9 million Nigerians are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other necessities of life, with our nation now ranking as poverty capital of the world and 98th out of 107 in Global Hunger Index.
Today, under the APC, a liter of fuel which sold for N87 under the PDP now sells for N165, a bag of rice which sold for N8,000 now sells for N30,000, a measure of garri and beans which sold for N150 and N250 now sell for N600 and N800 respectively; a measure of maize and guinea corn which sold for about N150 now sells for N400, a kilo of meat which sold for about N800 now sells for about N2,300 while a 12.5 kg of cooking gas which sold for N3,000 now sells for over N6,000, all thanks to the incompetence and corruption of the Buhari-led APC administration.
Furthermore, the compromises of the APC administration have led to the escalation of terrorist activities, banditry, kidnapping, killings, bloody agitations as well as other acts of violence that have turned our nation into a large funeral palour, with no hope in sight.
Indeed, this is not the way our nation should go. The PDP therefore urges more Nigerians to speak out to rescue our nation from this fast descent to a failed state.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS ENGINEER, ADMINISTRATOR, ENTREPRENEUR, EMEKA OKWUOSA AT 60
President Muhammadu Buhari salutes Chairman/CEO of Oilserv, Engineer Emeka Okwuosa, as he turns 60 August 19, 2021.
The President pays tribute to the Electronics/Electrical engineer who graduated from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and who has built a reputation as an astute administrator, investor, and entrepreneur.
Okwuosa, the President notes, successfully runs a chain of companies, both within and outside the country, with special interest in the oil and gas industry, playing a major role in the building of the landmark Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline under construction.
President Buhari rejoices with the Okwuosa family, their friends, associates and well-wishers on the auspicious occasion, wishing the celebrant long life and prosperity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 18, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES STEERING COMMITTEE ON PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT
President Muhammadu Buhari has commenced implementation of the newly signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by approving a steering committee to oversee the process.
The steering committee is headed by the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
Other members are: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Group Managing Director, NNPC, Executive Chairman, FIRS, Representative of the Ministry of Justice, Representative of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Natural Resources, Barrister Olufemi Lijadu as External Legal Adviser, while the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, will serve as Head of the Coordinating Secretariat and the Implementation Working Group.
The primary responsibility of the steering committee shall be to guide the effective and timely implementation of the PIA in the course of transition to the petroleum industry envisaged in the reform program, and ensure that the new institutions created have the full capability to deliver on their mandate under the new legislation.
The committee has 12 months duration for the assignment, and periodic updates will be given to Mr President.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 18, 2021
President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Petroleum Industry Bill 2021 into law.
Working from home in five days quarantine as required by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 after returning from London on Friday August 13, the President assented to the Bill Monday August 16, in his determination to fulfill his constitutional duty.
The ceremonial part of the new legislation will be done on Wednesday, after the days of mandatory isolation would have been fulfilled.
The Petroleum Industry Act provides legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, the development of host communities, and related matters.
The Senate had passed the Bill on July 15, 2021, while the House of Representatives did same on July 16, thus ending a long wait since early 2000s, and notching another high for the Buhari administration.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 16, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FORMER PRESIDENT, GEN. IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari sends birthday greetings to former President Ibrahim Babangida, wishing him a “long and healthy life”, as he marks his 80th birthday.
President Buhari notes that as former military commanders during the war, both retiring as Generals, they have mutual interests, great hopes and expectations in a strong and united Nigeria.
President Buhari expresses hope that privileged Nigerians like President Babangida and others like himself will recommit to ongoing efforts to help the nation to reach more glory, progress, and prosperity.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 16, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT OF ZAMBIA
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the President-elect of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, on his victory in the presidential election of August 12, 2021.
The President applauds the people of Zambia who came out in their numbers to exercise their civic rights, voting candidates of their choice, signposting that the prospect of a united, stable and prosperous Africa lies in the power of the people to freely elect their leaders.
President Buhari commends President Edgar Lungu for accepting the outcome of the election and a peaceful transfer of power, noting that this patriotic disposition deserves the praise of all lovers of democracy.
Highlighting the close and historic relationship between Nigeria and Zambia, the Nigerian leader looks forward to working very closely with the Zambian President-elect for the peace, development and prosperity of both nations, and in the common commitment to promote the goals and objectives of our African Union (AU).
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 16, 2021
AMCON Gives Undertaking To Court On NICON
Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on Monday in a federal High Court sitting in Abuja gave an undertaking not take any further steps in respect of NICON Insurance and the Nigeria Re.
This was made known to newsmen by Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim on Monday.
The attorney to AMCON told the court that the issuance of form 48 deversitated The corporation when it was received.
According to the attorney, everyone started running up and down.
The court, therefore, declined the prayer of AMCON to set aside Form 48 that was issued for committer to prison on notice of disobedience of court order.
Also, the court held that the order stayed and subsequently accepted the undertaking from AMCON that it would obey the court order and would not do anything to the contrary.
Jimoh Ibrahim had dragged AMCON to court challenging its plan to constitute management of the two corporate organizations.
The court, however, adjoined the matter till September 8, 2021.
Press Statement
RIWAMA Sole Administrator, Bro Obuah Rejoices With Former Governor Odili @ 73
…Says He’s Patriotic, Exemplary Nigerian
As former Rivers State Governor, Sir Dr. Peter Odili marked his birthday anniversary Sunday, August 15, 2021, the Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA, Bro Felix Obuah joined well-meaning friends and fans from across the globe to celebrate an accomplished leader whose landmark achievements and contributions to the development of the State remain a reference point in the history of the State.
Bro Obuah while thanking God over the weekend for the life of Dr Odili, described him as a patriotic, exemplary and selfless leader who has dedicated all his life in service to humanity and God.
Bro Obuah who has remained an ardent supporter and admirer of the former Governor, said he is proud of associating with Dr. Odili and family and has always believed in his philosophy of giving to the society, particularly the down-trodden.
He noted that Dr. Odili’s 73rd birthday anniversary was an exciting event, following his exceptional contributions to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria as well as his support for the Nyesom Wike administration.
Describing him as a dependable pillar, trustworthy leader and farther, Bro Obuah thanked God for the life and services of Dr. Odili, stating that the State and Nigeria have benefited immensely from his fatherly advice and prayed God to continue to give him good health, wisdom and keep him for Rivers people to continue to tap from his wealth of experience and service to humanity, which he joyfully offers.
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to
Bro. Felix Obuah, Sole Administrator,
Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).
Monday, August 16, 2021.
“The Award to Julius Berger is a well-deserved recognition for the company’s patriotism and loyalty to the ideals setting up TETFund.”
– Kashim Imam, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Thursday in Lagos honoured Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. with an ‘Award of Merit’ for being “The top Tax payer organisation in Nigeria’s Construction Sector”.
The event was the 3rd Edition of TETFund’s Tax Payers Forum held at the five-star Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island and had in attendance the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu ably represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.
In hi
s welcome address, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bagoro, said inter alia, “…in trying to fulfil its constitutional roles, TETFund identified the critical mass of tax payers, especially the top ones. We then came here to appreciate these key tax payers, particularly the ones receiving Awards of Merit today….the 2% education tax is annually remitted by companies through the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, to TETFund for allocation and onward disbursement to beneficiary institutions of higher learning across the country,” Bagoro added.
Lagos state deputy Governor reinforced the Executive Secretary, Bagoro’s voice saying that the event was TETFund’s own way of “encouraging the trust of tax payers” even as he urged the organisation to do more to attract more taxpayers in fulfilment of the amended Act No. 16 of 2011 that established the Fund.
The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees who presented the award to Julius Berger, declared the award as “a well-deserved recognition for the company’s patriotism and loyalty to the ideals setting up TETFund.” He also encouragingly said that, “companies so recognised must not relent in continuing the great job they are doing with their compliant tax remittances.”
Speaking after he received the Award on behalf of Julius Berger, the head of the company’s Tax Department, Muniru Haruna, remarked that, “…we feel honoured by TETFund’s recognition of Julius Berger as one of the most consistently compliant and, in fact, highest tax payer in the country’s construction sector. At Julius Berger, we seriously honour our tax obligations as a patriotic duty. We thank and appreciate TETFund for acknowledging our long standing commitment and compliance by this award”. Officials from the Media Relations Office of Julius Berger Plc also attended the event in Lagos.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Vice Chancellor of University of Lago, Prof. Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe who delivered the keynote address; co-founder of EKO Hospital, Olorogun Sunny Kuku who represented the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu; and representatives of the Senate and House of Representatives respective Committees on Education and TETFun
Business mogul, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday described former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori as a colossus, true patriot and political go-getter.
In a congratulatory message to Ibori on the occasion of his 63rd birthday, Uduaghan praised the former governor for his enormous contributions and achievements.
‘’Chief James Onanefe Ibori faithfully and diligently served the good people of Delta State, cast aside all forms of tribalism and delivered the dividends of democracy to them’’.
Uduaghan who is also the Alema of Warri Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Webster Group of Companies hailed Ibori for touching the lives of many Nigerians, shaping the future of his people, encouraging broad participation in governance and lifting Delta State to unprecedented relevance.
He commended the ex-governor for implementing the bottom-top philosophy, institutionalizing due process and sustaining peace in Delta State through the gospel of peaceful co-existence, good neighbourliness and unity amongst all’’
‘’Chief James Ibori carried traditional rulers along in sustaining peace, through periodic meetings. He created an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. He brought development and transformation to the geo-political entity called Delta State through Operation 2000 Projects’’ Uduaghan said.
The Warri High Chief applauded Ibori for excelling in development issues and relationship with his deputy, paying bursary allowances to students of tertiary institutions, curbing unemployment, youth restiveness and ethnic crisis in Delta State.
‘’Chief James Ibori promoted peace, harmony and development in the Niger Delta. He campaigned for the diversification of the nation’s economy, power shift, resource control and derivation as well as enthronement of equity and justice in a restructured Nigerian polity where true federalism reigns. He also campaigned for decentralization of policing and security responsibilities of government’’.
The Warri Chief emphasized other achievements of the former governor.
‘’Chief James Ibori built bridges of friendship and understanding among Nigerians. He demonstrated that leadership is not a function of tribe but a matter of vision, determination and mission. He also recorded successes in security, job creation, human resources capacity building, gender and youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and remediation, fiscal discipline and budgetary reforms’’.
Uduaghan also underscored Ibori’s role in the training of Deltans in local and foreign universities.
‘’Chief James Ibori did well in transportation, healthcare delivery, water supply, basic and higher education, rural electrification, sports, ICT, agriculture and housing. He provided better roads, built bridges, facilitated the training of Deltans in local and foreign universities and provided selfless service to mankind’’
The Alema of Warri extolled the former governor’s exemplary dedication to service and his leadership qualities.
‘’As a responsible governor, the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature was a model in terms of peaceful co-existence, separation of powers and checks and balances. The judiciary also enjoyed tremendous support and co-operation from the Executive. Indeed, Ibori exceeded the expectations of the founding fathers of Delta State through visionary, exemplary and transformational leadership’’.
Ending the message, Uduaghan said ‘’I wish you good health, long life and God’s continued protection’’.
‘Ada Owere Honour Results from My Modest Achievements’ – Ondo First Lady
Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has attributed her installation as Ada Owere I to her modest accomplishments.
The First Lady said this in her address during the Ada Owere Chieftaincy conferment at Graceland Event Arena, Owerri, Imo state.
“The honour bestowed on me today is in recognition of the modest achievements that I have recorded in my ancestral home of Emeabiam in Owerri West Local government Area, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
“The achievements include but not limited to founding of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) which is a leading NGO that galvanizes actions against breast cancer through public education, patients support, advocacy and Research for which I was nominated in 2014 as a scholar of the American Cancer Society, alongside award of recognition in 2018 by Harvard University,USA and a recognition in 2019 by the University of Heildelberg, Germany.”
Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was installed as Ada Owere I by Ndi-Eze Owerri Federal Constituency, comprising of forty-three communities in Owerri West, Owerri North and Owerri Municipal Local Government Areas of Imo State.
Mrs Akeredolu who described the occasion as historic in many respects, said her achievements include the deployment of the instrumentality of Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) as a platform to advance family values, societal and educational development by promotion of literacy in children through programmes such as ‘Reading is Fun’, Essay and Spelling Bee Competitions.
Other achievements, in the words of the First Lady, include constructive engagements with the government with the goal to ensure that the people of Owerri Zone are not marginalized in appointments and development projects.
The First Lady also attributed her successes to the quality of training she was given by her parents, saying: ‘my parents gave her wings to fly.’ She pledged to multiply the reason for which she was honoured.
“I am receiving this honour in loving memory of my parents, Chief BUB Anyanwu and Nneoma Dora Anyanwu, gave her wings to fly. I will, with the help of my husband and well-meaning Nigerians, ensure that the reason that informed your decision to honour me today will multiply in no distant time.”
Dignitaries at the event include the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, the Deputy, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Wife, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Catherine Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff to Governor Akeredolu, Mr Olugbenga Ale, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, Barrister Olusola Oke, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, and Mr Jimmy Odimayo.
Others are Prince Eze Madumere, Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, HRM, Eze David Akujobi Osuagwu, Chairman, Imo Traditional Institutions of Owerri Zone, Rt. Rev’d Chukwuma C. Oparah, Anglican Bishop of Owerri Diocese, among other dignitaries.
PRESIDENCY STRONGLY CONDEMNS HOODLUM ATTACKS ON TRAVELLERS
The Presidency condemns the attack earlier Saturday on travellers from a religious event in Bauchi, passing through Jos, the Plateau State Capital and regrets the reported deaths of at least twenty-two persons with several others injured in that ambush on their travelling party.
It is widely known that Plateau State has been one of the states affected by herder-farmer clashes, which have, in a significant way, been curtailed following the intense peace-building efforts of the administration of Governor Simon Lalong.
However, to be clear, this is not an agriculturalist-on-pastoralist confrontation – but rather a direct, brazen and wickedly motivated attack on members of a community exercising their rights to travel freely and to follow the faith of their choosing.
With the evident preparedness of their attackers, it is clear this was a well-conceived and prearranged assault on a known target, location and religious persuasion of the travellers not an opportunist ambush.
The Presidency offers condolences to the families of the victims and continues to liaise closely with the local authorities – including security, the police, and governmental agencies.
These kinds of attacks on our country’s citizens are unacceptable, heinous, and stand in complete contradiction to the teachings of the great religions of our nation.
The Presidency stands steadfast with both Christians and Muslims at this time in condemnation of this latest attack and expects and insists that justice is swiftly – but fairly – delivered to the perpetrators.
“Make no mistake about it: in line with my commitment to protect all Nigerians, I have ordered our security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this gruesome massacre of innocent travellers and bring them to justice,” President Buhari said.
As the facts of the sad incident continue to unfold, the Presidency commends the ongoing efforts by the Governors of Plateau, Bauchi, and Ondo; the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as well as a number of notable Christian and Muslim leaders as they intensify efforts to calm down the situation.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 14, 2021
Redirect N4.8bn to monitor WhatsApp calls to pay doctors’ salaries, SERAP tells Buhari
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari “to urgently redirect the proposed spending of N4.8bn of public money to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and other people, to pay some of the salaries of striking resident doctors, improve their benefits, as well as improve public healthcare facilities for the sake of poor Nigerians who rely on those facilities, and have nowhere else to turn.”
SERAP said: “We also urge you to send to the National Assembly a fresh supplementary appropriation bill, which reflects the redirected budget, for its approval.”
In the open letter dated 14 August, 2021, and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “Redirecting the proposed spending of N4.8bn would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], as it would promote efficient, honest, and legal spending of public money.”
According to SERAP, “Redirecting the proposed spending of N4.8bn would also remove the threats to fundamental human rights of Nigerians, and ensure access to quality healthcare for the socially and economically vulnerable people who rely on public hospitals, and have no opportunity for medical treatment elsewhere.”
The letter, read in part: “Any appropriation law ought to comply with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations and commitments.”
“The constitutional oath of office implicitly provides some safeguards on the appropriation and spending of public funds, and imposes a legally binding obligation on public officers to preserve the public money, and not to disburse it except conformably to the Constitution.”
“SERAP believes that any proposed spending of public funds should stay within the limits of constitutional responsibilities, and oath of office by public officers, as well as comply with Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution relating to fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.”
“The mere threat of mass surveillance, even when secret, coupled with the lack of remedy, can constitute an interference with human rights, including the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”
“The proposed spending of N4.8bn of public funds as contained in the Supplementary Appropriation Act, which you signed last month would give rise to serious violations of the human rights of Nigerians and other people, as it would grant free rein to government agencies to conduct mass surveillance of communications of people.”
“The proposed spending also fails to meet the requirements of public interests, legality, necessity, and proportionality. Additionally, the lack of any safeguards against discriminatory decision-making, and access to an effective remedy shows the grave threats it poses to constitutionally and internationally recognized human rights.”
“We would 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.”
“SERAP is concerned that the proposed spending to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and other people is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
“Specifically, Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, and Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the country is a state party provide for the right to freedom from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy and correspondence, communications and private data.”
“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 19 of the Covenant also protect everyone’s right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers and through any media.”
“SERAP wishes to stress your government’s obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and article 13 of the UN Convention against Corruption both of which Nigeria has ratified.”
“Similarly, the UN General Assembly has condemned unlawful or arbitrary surveillance and interception of communications as ‘highly intrusive acts’ that interfere with fundamental human rights (see General Assembly resolutions 68/167 and 71/199).”
“SERAP is concerned that the powers to conduct arbitrary, abusive or unlawful surveillance of communications may also be used to target political figures and activists, journalists and others in the discharge of their lawful activities, especially given the growing repression of civic space, suspension of Twitter, and attacks on freedom of expression and media freedom in the country.”
“Privacy and expression are intertwined in the digital age, with online privacy serving as a gateway to secure exercise of the freedom of opinion and expression. Therefore, targets of surveillance would suffer interference with their rights to privacy and freedom of opinion and expression whether the effort to monitor is successful or not.”
“Interference with privacy through targeted surveillance is designed to repress the exercise of the right to freedom of expression.”
“Surveillance of journalists, activists, opposition figures, critics and others simply exercising their right to freedom of expression – would lead to violations of other human rights such as the rights to liberty and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment.”
“Targeted surveillance creates incentives for self-censorship and directly undermines the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to conduct investigations and build and maintain relationships with sources of information.”
“SERAP is concerned about the failure by your government to resolve the strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) over pay, insurance benefits and poor facilities, and its effects on poor Nigerians, especially as the country faces a third wave of coronavirus.”
“According to our information, in July, 2021, you reportedly signed the 2021 supplementary appropriation bill of N983 billion into law. Of the amount, N4.8bn (N4,870,350,000) was allocated to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to monitor WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and text messages of Nigerians and other people.”
“Of the figure, N1.93 billion was earmarked for ‘WhatsApp Intercept Solution’ and N2.93 billion for ‘Thuraya Interception Solution’ – a communications system used for monitoring voice calls or call-related information, SMS, data traffic, among others.”
The letter was copied to Mr Abukabar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and Mrs Zainab Ahmed Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
15/8/2021
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Dr. Abiola Oshodi Wishes Tinubu Quick Recovery
The Canada-based medical practitioner and philanthropist, Dr. Abiola Oshodi has sent a get-well message to the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The founder of Dr Abiola Oshodi Foundation, who is one of the ardent diaspora supporter of Tinubu’s presidential ambition, said in a statement that special prayer was organised for the political leader in Canada amongst the BAT faithfuls , as Tinubu travelled to London for medical check up.
Dr Abiola Oshodi said the former Governor of Lagos State is an invaluable asset to the nation and that Nigerians were looking up to him to fix the nation’s socio-economic and political challenges being currently faced by the country.
He noted that the meteoric developments taking place in Lagos State was the brain child of the APC national leader.
According to him, “We in the diaspora are supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the next president of Nigeria because of his wealth of experience in governance , capacity, eagle eye ability to spot and develop young talents and his legendary political management skills .
“A cursory look at what is happening in Lagos State would give anyone who knew what the state was before Tinubu became the governor of the state.
“He indentified and assembled like minds to redesign the state and came up with first-class economic plan for the state which has turned around the state’s fortune.
“It is the template he designed that subsequent governors have been implementing.
“So, we want him to bring to bear that same strategy in the management of the federation’s affairs.
“This would bring an end to the Insecurity, economic downturn amd other social ill being experienced in the country and in addition to reuniting all the ethnic nationals in the country.
“I wish him quick recovery.”
Dr. Oshodi has empowered different underprivileged including women and youths through presentation of cash gifts and working tools, and various forms of empowerment.
CVR: Delta Govt charges appointees to relocate to constituencies
August 10, 2021
Delta Government on Monday charged all its political appointees to relocate to their constituencies to mobilise and sensitize eligible voters to register in the ongoing voters registration exercise.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who briefed newsmen on the position of the government, had earlier met with the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in his office in Asaba.
Aniagwu said that the action would enable a political millage in the state chapter of the party to entrench electoral integrity and capture eligible voters who had crossed 18 years.
He also said that the state-owned media outfits had been directed to grant free-to-air on the ongoing voters registration.
He said that the state with a population figure of over five million people had not availed themselves of the opportune speed of the exercise.
“It is our duty as a government to mobilise our people for registration for future elections in the state.
“INEC alone may not have what it takes. We have directed all political aides to return to the local government areas, and our media establishment, including the Directorate of Orientation, to offer free publicity to INEC for the registration exercise,” he said.
The commissioner, however, berated the Senators and members of the House of Representatives who voted against the controversial electronic transmission of election results.
“INEC is all about Nigeria and not PDP, All Progressive Congress (APC) or any other political party, transmission of election results should be based on integrity of the body polity.
“Electronic transmission of election results should be a Nigerian thing, aimed at entrenching transparency.
“Anybody who is using GSM, listening to radio and watching Television, to transmit information and he is against electoral transmission is an enemy of the country; He or she has something to hide,” Aniagwu said.
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of Chief Dennis Omovie, a former member of the state’s House of Assembly.
Omovie, who is the Unuevworo (Traditional Prime Minister of Ugboroke), reportedly died on Tuesday night at a hospital in Warri, after a brief illness.
Until his death, the four-time member of the Parliament was the Director-General, Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Agency.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Wednesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas and Ugboroke community in particular, over the demise of the grassroots politician and community leader.
According to the governor, the deceased was a thoroughbred politician, who was very popular among his people, accounting for the reason he contested and won elections to represent them in the state assembly for four consecutive terms.
He said, “on behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and grassroots politician, Hon. Dennis Omovie, who passed on in Warri on Tuesday.
“The news of his passing was a terrible shock to me and the entire state. He was a gentleman-politician, and he distinguished himself in the service of his people and the state.
“As a member of the State Assembly, he chaired the Committees on Public Petition, Legal and Judicial Matters as well as Public Accounts, and he served diligently.
“My condolences go to the family, especially his wife, Justice Mabel Omovie of the State High Court, Asaba.”
Okowa prayed God to grant fortitude to those who mourn his demise and grant the deceased’s soul eternal rest.
Delta expands Warri-Uvwie storm drainage project
The Delta State Executive Council on Thursday, approved the extension of Warri-Uvwie Storm Drainage project to ensure proper and enduring control of flood in the area when completed.
The extension, according to the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, consists of flood control works in Ugbuwangue community in Warri South Local Government Area and additional 15 work sites in phases I and II of the drainage project, bringing the sites to 76.
Aniagwu, who briefed newsmen on the outcome of the council meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Asaba, said that decisions reached on project and other issues at the meeting, were targeted at measures that would entrench and deepen the Stronger Delta agenda of the administration.
The commissioner, in company with the Director-General, Warri-Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said other projects, including the Advanced Diagnostic Centre and the Mother and Child Medical Centre, Owa-Alero, had been earmarked for immediate completion.
He said that the council approved additional works and procurement that would make the medical centre a world-class facility, adding that the Ministry of Health had been directed to ensure that work on the facility was fast-tracked.
He disclosed that the government also approved the appointment of Isaac Ajawhobu as the Odiologbo of Onogbokor Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Aniagwu further stated that adjustments for the state’s participation in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme to get more Deltans to key into the agricultural programmes were also approved by the council.
On his part, Macaulay recalled that the initial contract for the Warri and Uvwie flood control projects was awarded in January. 2020, but that progress of work was stalled by COVID-19 pandemic which set in and caused a lockdown.
“I am happy to report that CCECC, the contractor, has achieved 50 per cent of the initial contract while Levante has achieved a little over 40 per cent on its part, and the people of the areas are happy.
“I can tell you that if you go to Warri now, there are lots of the areas where we have already worked on and the people are very happy because there is no more flooding.
“The flooding in Enerhen Road and Enerhen Junction is now a thing of the past because the whole area has been taken care of,” he said.
Macaulay disclosed that with the increase of work sites on the storm drainage projects from initial 61 to 76 caused a corresponding increase of the contract value by N4.5 billion from the original sum of N9.5 billion, explaining that the increase was necessitated by some developments in the area.
“The whole of Ugbuwangue community is under water and the government at today’s meeting has also approved that the area should be taken care of,” he added.
Stronger Delta: Okowa seeks patience, cooperation of Deltans
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday commended Deltans for their cooperation with his administration, especially with the prevailing insecurity and economic challenges confronting families across the country.
Okowa gave the commendation in Asaba while swearing-in Professor Sylvester Monye as Senior Policy Adviser.
He said that Monye, who had served as his adviser since 2015, had made remarkable contributions to the success of his administration’s programmes and policies and urged him to see his re-appointment as a challenge for greater service.
The governor said that with the cooperation of the people, his administration would continue to improve on its programmes, particularly the entrepreneurial development schemes.
“I congratulate you on your reappointment and I am glad that you truly understand the programmes of this administration. Returning to your former office shows that you already know what to do.
“You have done quite a lot for this administration and it is my hope that you continue to strengthen our work both in the office and externally so that together we will be able to finish strong in the promises that we have made to our people,” he said.
Okowa remarked that there were lots of challenges facing the country, which needed superior thinking to navigate through.
According to him, there is quite a lot to be done but the finances are dwindling and there are lots of challenges of insecurity out there which threaten a whole lot of projects and even programmes that we have.
“In spite of these challenges, with superior thinking we should be able to navigate through and to come out strong.
“So, definitely we will be relying strongly on your experiences and your inputs to do well out there to meet the needs of our people,” he said.
The governor urged Deltans to be patient and to continue to pray for his administration to enable it to provide solution to the challenges facing them.
“The times are obviously challenging and our people are in very difficult times because of the insecurity in the land and the COVID-19 pandemic and many other issues that have created a lot of challenges to our people.
“I want to reassure Deltans that we identify with their challenges and we will continue to work hard to proffer solutions to the challenges.
“With their cooperation we will do well and continue to improve on the programmes of this administration.
“We will continue to stay focused on the goals that we have set for ourselves and we believe that in working together, we will be able to finish stronger,’’ he said.
He also commended the media for the fair and adequate reportage of his administration’s programmes and policies.
Responding, Prof. Monye thanked the governor for finding him worthy to be reappointed and assured him of his total commitment, loyalty and utmost dedication in the discharge of his duties.
He recalled that the Asaba Airport concessioning was successful because of the role the governor played in ensuring that integrity and transparency characterized of the process.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was adopting the Asaba Airport model in the concessioning of four airports in country because of the transparency and integrity of the Asaba example.
2023: Muhammadu Buhari not supporting Bola Tinubu – Presidency
The Presidency on Friday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the United Kingdom (UK) was just on account of goodwill and not to show support for his presidential ambition in 2023.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television programme, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said given the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not given the green light for campaigns to start, the president will never break the rules by campaigning.
He, however, said the President may campaign after the presidential candidate has emerged in the APC.
“The President still has two years, less three months in his tenure of office. So for him to start supporting somebody now will just be jumping the gun. And you know that President Buhari will never do that. Before the 2019 election, people started to campaign for him before INEC blew the whistle of the campaign to start. He was the one, who came out to say No, don’t do it. Don’t jump the gun.
“So the President himself will dare not jump the gun in terms of supporting one candidate or the other.
“Also recall that he has said that anybody who wants to be President after him should go out and work. That means the president may not be supporting anybody until maybe when the candidate of the party emerges. Knowing President Buhari, he will never jump the gun,” Adesina stated.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS LOSSES TO FLOODS IN NIGER REPUBLIC, STATES IN NIGERIA
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with President Mohammed Bazoum, government and people of Niger Republic over devastating floods that have left many dead and affected homes.
President Buhari says losses reported from Niger Republic in the last two days were very vast and disturbing, while also taking note of flooding in many parts of the world, including some states in Nigeria.
The President affirms that natural disasters are symptoms of climate change which all countries, including Nigeria, have committed to taking measures to prevent the adverse effects.
President Buhari prays for all the departed souls and affected families.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 13, 2021
Ibori Chief Uduaghan
Alema of Warri extols Ibori’s leadership qualities
Business mogul, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday described former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori as a colossus, true patriot and political go-getter.
In a congratulatory message to Ibori on the occasion of his 63rd birthday, Uduaghan praised the former governor for his enormous contributions and achievements.
‘’Chief James Onanefe Ibori faithfully and diligently served the good people of Delta State, cast aside all forms of tribalism and delivered the dividends of democracy to them’’.
Uduaghan who is also the Alema of Warri Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Webster Group of Companies hailed Ibori for touching the lives of many Nigerians, shaping the future of his people, encouraging broad participation in governance, lifting Delta State to unprecedented relevance and helping to clinch victory at the polls for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He commended the ex-governor for implementing the bottom-top philosophy, institutionalizing due process and sustaining peace in Delta State through the gospel of peaceful co-existence, good neighbourliness and unity amongst all’’
‘’Chief James Ibori carried traditional rulers along in sustaining peace, through periodic meetings. He created an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. He brought development and transformation to the geo-political entity called Delta State through Operation 2000 Projects’’ Uduaghan said.
The Warri High Chief applauded Ibori for excelling in development issues and relationship with his deputy, paying bursary allowances to students of tertiary institutions, curbing unemployment, youth restiveness and ethnic crisis in Delta State.
‘’Chief James Ibori promoted peace, harmony and development in the Niger Delta. He campaigned for the diversification of the nation’s economy, power shift, resource control and derivation as well as enthronement of equity and justice in a restructured Nigerian polity where true federalism reigns. He also campaigned for decentralization of policing and security responsibilities of government’’.
The Warri Chief emphasized other achievements of the former governor.
‘’Chief James Ibori built bridges of friendship and understanding among Nigerians. He demonstrated that leadership is not a function of tribe but a matter of vision, determination and mission. He also recorded successes in security, job creation, human resources capacity building, gender and youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and remediation, fiscal discipline and budgetary reforms’’.
Uduaghan also underscored Ibori’s role in the training of Deltans in local and foreign universities.
‘’Chief James Ibori did well in transportation, healthcare delivery, water supply, basic and higher education, rural electrification, sports, ICT, agriculture and housing. He provided better roads, built bridges, facilitated the training of Deltans in local and foreign universities and provided selfless service to mankind’’
The Alema of Warri extolled the former governor’s exemplary dedication to service and his leadership qualities.
‘’As a responsible governor of Delta State, the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature was a model in terms of peaceful co-existence, separation of powers and checks and balances. The judiciary also enjoyed tremendous support and co-operation from the Executive. Indeed, Ibori exceeded the expectations of the founding fathers of Delta State through visionary, exemplary and transformational leadership’’.
Ending the message, Uduaghan said ‘’I wish you good health, long life and God’s continued protection’’.
Chief James Onanefe Ibori
Former Executive Governor
Delta State
I offer my sincere greetings and best wishes to His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori on the occasion of his 63rd birthday
Yours has been a life of doggedness, commitment and extraordinary accomplishments.
I commend your patriotic zeal in politics and your enormous contributions to the development of Nigeria
I commend you for bringing the goodness of government to the highly educated people of Delta State, putting smiles on the faces of people who came to you for succor and promoting democracy and true nationalism
I commend you for providing employment, modern and subsidized urban mass transit system, potable water, potent health care delivery and good roads as well as secured living in Delta State
I commend you for playing significant roles in the development of the Niger Delta region
I commend you for demonstrating exemplary leadership, serving as a source of strength and inspiration for many within and outside the South-South geo-political zone.
I wish you good health, long life, happiness and God’s protection
Once again, happy birthday to a selfless leader, ardent nationalist, profound humanist and astute politician
CHIEF EMMANUEL ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN
THE ALEMA OF WARRI AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
WEBSTER GROUP OF COMPANIES
President Muhammadu Buhari and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain Thursday, appraised the war against different forms of terrorism in Nigeria, and agreed that the judicial process be allowed to run its course.
Holding bilateral talks at the sidelines of the Global Education Summit in London, the two leaders said it was important that the judicial process runs without interference, no matter who was involved.
President Buhari briefed the Prime Minister on Nigeria’s power needs and efforts being made, as well as initiatives geared at achieving food security.
He also reviewed the security situation in the different regions of the country, while PM Johnson pledged Britain’s preparedness to lend a helping hand.
“We are available to help,” he said.
The two leaders equally discussed how to increase trade between the two countries, develop solar and wind power, leadership of the Commonwealth going forward and other matters of mutual interest.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 29, 2021
NIGERIANS ACUTELY AWARE OF PRIORITY OF EDUCATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS GLOBAL EDUCATION SUMMIT
No Nigerian parent jokes with education, as they know that if their children or wards missed the opportunity of being educated, they have missed a lot, President Muhammadu Buhari has declared.
Speaking during a panel session Thursday at the Global Education Summit in London, the President said the size and population of Nigeria are challenges for any administration, but despite this, the government and people realize that education is the starting point for success.
Said President Buhari: “You can’t succeed outside your educational qualification. Anybody who missed education has missed everything. Nigerians are acutely aware of the priority of education, and parents are making sacrifices to ensure that their children and wards get educated.”
On the panel with President Buhari were Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Faure Gnassingbe of Togo, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, and Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi.
Each President spoke on the peculiarities of the education sector of his country, and how budgetary provisions would be increased to ameliorate the situation. They all raised their hands as a sign of commitment to that resolution.
President Buhari had earlier committed to raising the budget for education by 50% in the next two years, and the country would attain 100% increase by 2025.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 29, 2021
30th day of July, 2021
THE DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT IN EYITAYO JEGEDE & ANOR V APC & ORS (SC/481/21) AND IT’S IMPACT ON THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP OF APC
In this moment of grave legal uncertainty regarding the fate and future of our political party; the All Progressives Congress (APC), it is incumbent on me just like all other leaders and administrators in our party as well as a legal minds to proffer solutions that are altruistic, non-self-serving and ultimately capable of preserving the sanctity of the APC. It is upon this premise that I write.
I must confess that I have not seen the Judgment and my opinion is premised upon reports, snippets and listening to counsel in the matter speak to the media.
The decision of the Supreme Court in JEGEDE V AKEREDOLU in SC/481/21 was a victory for Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN the incumbent Governor of Ondo State and I congratulate him and the people of Ondo State for this great victory as another 4 years of phenomenal work is guaranteed.
However, in granting His Excellency Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN victory, the learned Justices of the Supreme Court had to touch on the question of whether the office and powers of National Chairman can be exercised by Governor Mai Mala Buni who is the sitting Governor of Yobe State?
In response to this question, it would seem that the 7 Justices of the apex court were not unanimous in viewing the nomination of His Excellency Arakurin Akeredolu by Governor Mai Mala Buni acting as National Chairman of APC as a violation of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and Article 17(iv) of the APC Constitution. However, the Court seemed divided as to how to treat this violation. Three Justices agreed that it contaminated the nomination process whilst 4 other Justices did not seem to have pronounced on same but rather dismissed the Appeal on other grounds.
This creates a legal quagmire for APC in respect of all elections and actions carried out by the Governor of Yobe State in his acting capacity as Chairman as there seem not to be a clear position of the Apex Court on same. A close reading of Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution provides a basis for the attitude of the Supreme Court. It states that:
“The governor shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever”.
Just in case this Section of the Constitution is not self-explanatory enough for anyone, the minority in the apex court cleared any ambiguity when it relied on Article 17(4) of the APC Constitution which provides thus:
“No officer in any organ of the Party shall hold executive position office in government concurrently”.
These provisions were not directly pronounced on by the majority decision of the Supreme Court and that creates a bigger problem in view of the minority decision which extensively discussed this point and resolved same against the APC. It safe to conclude that the judicial attitude of the apex Court is that APC would be dealt a fatal blow should Governor Mai Mala Buni remain at the helms of affairs of the APC and he is joined in a future suit.
Therefore, in response to the well publicized opinion of my brother silk Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN the apex Court gave the APC both a hint and a wink at the same time.
The minority decision backed by the majority’s action of not ruling otherwise on this point sends a strong message which we cannot ignore.
Without equivocation, the law is not on the side of perpetuating serving Governors including Governor Mai Mala Buni in the leadership of the Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee. So what do we do as a party?
I have read suggestions by my brother silk, Festus Keyamo, SAN to the effect that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party as well as its Board of Trustees (BOT) should take charge of the affairs of the Party through a committee set up by either organ. This is a very wise proposition except that NEC alongside all other organs of the Party were purportedly dissolved at a meeting convened and presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni. Sadly, the Notice for the NEC meeting was issued by the same tainted leadership of the party.
Therefore, it is my view that the meeting may not have been properly convened in the eyes of the law and its resolution(s) may have been void ab initio. This gives a leeway for the NEC to resume its duties and convene meetings immediately where it will decide the future of the party.
The Board of Trustees of the Party was never and has still not been constituted till date. So in effect, the Party does not have a BOT that could convene even a meeting of the BOT, talk more of convening a National Convention or indeed any statutory meeting of the Party.
The reinstatement of the dissolved National Working Committee (NWC) without the erstwhile Chairman who was suspended from office by Order of a court of competent jurisdiction should be seriously considered in other to cloak the impending Ward, Local Government Area and State Congresses as well as National Convention with the imprint of legality. Many of the NWC members have since moved on to better things and would be reluctant to return to their positions but this is the hard decision we must all take for the sake of saving our dear party.
It is my opinion, that in this moment, there is no place for parochial ground-standing. Just as the former NWC accepted their dissolution without much hassle, it is time for the current Caretaker Committee to sacrifice for the posterity of APC.
The fate of APC is at stake in that all successes, victories and triumphs gained by the party will continue to hang on a very thin thread in the face of the progressive attitude of our courts on election and political matters.
Meanwhile, the decision of the Supreme Court has opened the flood gates for endless litigation challenging every action and decision of the APC leadership as presently constituted.
In closing, I acknowledge the Supreme Court for its’ decision and specifically note the hint the Court gave to us to clean our acts and come into the bounds of legality before the worse happens at the forthcoming general elections.
Babatunde OGALA, SAN.
Immediate Past National
Legal Adviser,
All Progressives Congress
July 30, 2021
Press Conference
S/Court Ruling: APC Now Invalid, Carries Burden of “Let Buyer Beware” -PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts Nigerians and the international community that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become technically invalidated and now lacks the statutory structure to operate as a political party in our country.
This is given the pronouncement of the Supreme Court which clearly pointed to the nullity of APC’s subsistence and activities as a political party, for having a sitting governor, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state, as its Chairman, in total violation of section 183 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the provisions of Article 17(4) of the APC constitution.
A further interpretation of the pronouncement of the Supreme Court showed that all activities of the APC under Mai Mala Buni, including nomination of candidates for elections, agreements, official decision reached, establishment of committees for statutory activities as well as its planned ward, local government and states congresses now hang loosely on the threat of invalidity.
The fate of the APC as a defunct party is already sealed and the party cannot come out of this self-inflicted quagmire even if it engages in the drama of appointing a new National Chairman in place of Mai Mala Buni.
This is because the APC has become statutorily vacuous, without a valid National Working Committee, without a valid National Executive Committee (NEC) and without a valid Board of Trustees (BoT) to legally initiate or carry out any official function including convoking any platform for the administration of the party. It is end of the road for the APC.
In this regard, the PDP counsels all aspirants for the planned APC ward, local government and state congresses as well as the national convention to note that the APC is now in a state of “let the buyer beware”.
Such intending aspirants should be cautious of putting their precious time and resources in a damaged vehicle that has come to the end of an ill-fated journey.
In the same vein, those hoping to use the APC as a vehicle to realize their ambitions as President, governor, federal and state legislators as well as other elective offices should note the fate that has befallen the party.
Moreover, our party sympathizes with the APC governorship candidate in the coming Anambra governorship election over the misfortune of trying to journey in a political “one chance bus”.
The PDP calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), state electoral commissions, the Judiciary, the National Assembly as well as other institutions of democracy in Nigeria to note this development and take appropriate actions.
The fate that has befallen the APC is the direct consequence of its recourse to impunity, corruption, malpractices, recklessness, disregard to rule of law and total absence of internal democracy.
On our part, the PDP, as a bastion of democracy in Nigeria remains committed to our ideology and vision of our founding fathers and will continue to rally with Nigerians in the collective quest to rescue our dear nation from the misrule and stranglehold of the now crippled APC.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
July 30, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Hails Appeal Court Ruling Restoring its Anambra State Exco
…Set For Robust Campaign
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails the judgement of the Court of Appeal, which upheld its State Executive in Anambra State ahead of the November 6, 2021 elections in that state.
The PDP describes the judgement as victory for democracy and the majority of the people of Anambra state who are fully rallying with the PDP and our governorship candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, in their quest to entrench a purposeful government in the state.
This ruling gives us comfort that the PDP and our candidate, Valentine Ozigbo are on the right side of justice because the judgment that has just been set aside is the superstructure upon which certain individuals who did not participate in our primary are seeking to distract our party and the people of Anambra state ahead of the election.
With this ruling, the PDP is confident of justice in other matters pending in court, and urges our teeming members and supporters to remain united in our determination to work with the people of Anambra to achieve their aspiration which they have vested in our party and candidate, especially as we set to commence a robust campaign in Anambra State.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
July 29, 2021
Press Statement
Abba Kyrai: PDP Demands Full Investigation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands a forensic investigation into reports that the United States (US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has linked head of IGP Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari, to international fraudster, Abbas Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi.
The revelation of the involvement of Kyari, the head of Nigeria’s intelligence response unit, as a receiver of proceeds of international fraud is worrisome, disturbing and a stain on the integrity of our nation.
It is indeed disquieting that the integrity of our nation has fallen so abysmally low under the corrupt and fraud-patronizing President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, to the extent that the head of its police intelligence unit is being charged in connection with international fraud.
Our party demands that the APC administration should not sweep this matter under the carpet given the manifest rapport between Kyari and some top APC leaders. We urge President Buhari not to “ease out” this case of corruption but should immediately restore the integrity and image of our nation by allowing for a forensic investigation on the suspect.
Moreover, if this Abba Kyari matter is not well handled, it will be a permanent stain on the reputation of our police, security system and our nation at large.
The PDP therefore asks President Buhari to direct the Inspector General of Police to take in Abba Kyari for questioning and if found culpable, he should be handed over to the FBI.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS KING OF MOROCCO ON 22nd ANNIVERSARY
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended warm felicitations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco on the 22nd anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The President, on behalf of the people of Nigeria, and of himself, wishes the King good health, and prosperity. The letter below:
“On the occasion of the 22nd Anniversary of Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne, I have the pleasure to express, on behalf of the people of Nigeria and myself, warm
Congratulations and best wishes for good health and prosperity.
“Your Majesty’s reign has witnessed very impressive economic and social development in the Kingdom of Morocco for the benefit of all your people. Under your reign, the Kingdom has also significantly contributed in advancing regional peace, stability and development.
“We value the excellent fraternal relations between our two countries and look forward to building on the significant progress so far achieved under our renewed bilateral relation.
“While wishing Your Majesty continued good health, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
July 30, 2021
63 HEARTY CHEERS TO A COLOSSUS, TRUE PATRIOT, POLITICAL GO-GETTER AND PHILANTHROPIST PAR EXCELLENCE
His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori
Former Executive Governor
Delta State
Your Excellency, I wish to congratulate you most warmly on the occasion of your 63rd birthday.
This is a refreshing opportunity to celebrate your enormous contributions and achievements.
You faithfully and diligently served the good people of Delta State, cast aside all forms of tribalism and delivered the dividends of democracy to them.
You extensively touched the lives of many Nigerians, shaped the future of the people, encouraged broad participation in governance, lifted Delta State to unprecedented relevance and helped to clinch victory at the polls for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
You implemented the bottom-top philosophy, institutionalized due process and sustained peace in Delta State by preaching the gospel of peaceful co-existence, good neighbourliness and unity amongst all
You carried traditional rulers along in sustaining peace, through periodic meetings
You created an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive
You brought development and transformation to the geo-political entity called Delta State through Operation 2000 Projects
You excelled in development issues and relationship with your deputy
You paid bursary allowances to students of tertiary institutions, curbed unemployment, youth restiveness and ethnic crisis in Delta State.
You promoted peace, harmony and development in the Niger Delta.
You campaigned for the diversification of the nation’s economy, power shift, resource control and derivation as well as enthronement of equity and justice in a restructured Nigerian polity where true federalism reigns.
You also campaigned for decentralization of policing and security responsibilities of government.
You built bridges of friendship and understanding among Nigerians
You demonstrated that leadership is not a function of tribe but a matter of vision, determination and mission
You recorded successes in security, job creation, human resources capacity building, gender and youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and remediation, fiscal discipline and budgetary reforms.
You did exceedingly well in transportation, healthcare delivery, water supply, basic and higher education, rural electrification, sports, ICT, agriculture and housing.
You provided better roads, built bridges, facilitated the training of Deltans in local and foreign universities and provided selfless service to mankind
As a responsible governor of Delta State, the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature was a model in terms of peaceful co-existence, separation of powers and checks and balances. The judiciary also enjoyed tremendous support and co-operation from the Executive.
Indeed, you exceeded the expectations of the founding fathers of Delta State through visionary, exemplary and transformational leadership.
I wish you good health, long life and God’s continued protection.
Congratulations and many, many happy returns
CHIEF EMMANUEL ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN
ALEMA OF WARRI AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO),
WEBSTER GROUP OF COMPANIES