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Governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) say they will back whoever President Muhammadu Buhari endorses to become national chairman of the party.
Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi and chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), said this on Wednesday after the governors’ meeting with Buhari at the presidential villa.
According to the zoning formula approved by the president, Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Nasarawa, has been approved as the consensus chairmanship candidate for the party.
Speaking with journalists, Bagudu said Buhari prefers consensus, adding that as such, the governors will support same.
“Mr. President has always urged consensus for all positions because consensus is in accordance with the democratic tenets, once you have leaders who are established, who are working towards the same goal,” he said.
“We might have our individual differences but on the principle of ensuring that we get leadership that will hit the ground running, we are united. And to that extent, we will support any process that will lead to consensus and the emergence of leaders without the need for election.
“Today, we all briefed Mr. President and included on that is the issue of distributing political party offices to the respective zones and our support for Mr. President’s endorsement of the candidate for the national chairman of the party.”
...highlights 5 priority areas
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has formally declared to run for the office of the Nigerian president in 2023 under the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former vice president, who made the declaration at an elaborate event at the International Conference Center (ICC), in Abuja, also vowed to hand over at the end of his tenure to the younger generation.
The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries was hosted by Adamawa State governor, Umaru Fintiri.
Abubakar, an indigene of Adamawa State, clinched the ticket of the opposition party in 2019 but was defeated by incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.
To clinch the PDP ticket in 2019, he defeated other aspirants such as a former senate president, Bukola Saraki, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, amongst others.
Abubakar is expected to compete for the ticket with Tambuwal, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and other PDP presidential aspirants.
Plans
The former vice president while reeling out some of the plans he has for the country vowed to hand over to a younger generation if elected.
He also said he intends to focus on five key areas which he listed as unity of Nigeria, security, economy, education and devolving more resources and powers to the federating units.
“Since the civil war, the unity of Nigeria has never been threatened as it is today. Nigerians are losing hope in the oneness of this country. My fellow Nigerians, I am the unifier that is coming to bond the broken union.
“We will open doors for dialogue to hear the grieving voices of all Nigerians. Under my presidency, there will be a new Nigeria, where everybody has an equal voice and is heard.
“Throughout my life, I have never looked at Nigerians as divided people. In my eyes, all Nigerians are the same. When I see you, I don’t see Yoruba or Hausa or Igbo or Fulani or a northerner or southerner; when I see you, I only see a Nigerian, and I expect the best from you.
“All Nigerians are equal and should be seen and treated equally. There is no unity without justice and fairness. That is why I will deliver leadership of justice and fairness,” he said.
Abubakar accused the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to live up to its responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians which he said will be his top priorities.
“The APC administration has failed in its fundamental responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians. The most significant human right is the right to life, which has not been protected under the APC administration.
“Our military forces are fighting on the front lines without equipment and morale. That is not fair.
“If we get into power, we will increase the welfare of all security forces. We will use modern technology and intelligence to combat insecurity.
“We will also increase the number of personnel for our security agencies.
“Why security? Because national security is the first sign of a functional government, and where it does not exist, we must not blame those who threaten it. We can only blame a government that allows it to be threatened. And if I am elected as your President, insecurity is one thing I will not tolerate,” he said.
He also vowed to secure the rural communities to boost agricultural activities.
Lauretta Fagbohun, Ogun
Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has successfully captured about 85,600 new registrants with a deployment of INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) in all the 236 wards across the 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State.
Speaking at the first media conference held by the newly deployed INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner to Ogun State, Niyi Ijalaiye, noted that the registration figure was abysmally low before taking over.
He said, only 22,167 new registrants were captured before his assumption of office but now over 63,000 new registrants were captured between February and March, 2022.
While giving statistics of INEC registration, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, explained that registers of new voters captured between January 3rd and March 22nd, 2022 would be displayed at INEC Local Government Area Offices in the 20 Local Government Areas for claims and objections in accordance with the Section 19 (i) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended)
He clarified that the claims and objections would enable the public assist INEC to identify ineligible registrants such as foreigners and Nigerians who are less than 18 years on the list as the claim and objections exercise would run between Monday, 26th March and 1st April 2022.
Thousands of admirers thronged the streets on Wednesday as a former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, visited his ancestral homestead at Oje Compound in Isote, Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State.
The colourful event was organised by Gateway Movement in conjunction with the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF).
The event featured the disbursement of scholarship awards to several indigent students from Sagamu Local Government Area in different tertiary institutions in the country.
Daniel, an APC chieftain is running to represent Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
The ex-governor’s carnival-like visit to his kinsmen electrified Sagamu metropolis and its environs on Wednesday.
A huge crowd of supporters and jubilant residents filled the streets to catch a glimpse as well as cheer the former governor.
Many of them spoke glowingly about Daniel, recalling his various landmark achievements in the state during his eight-year tenure, and praying for the actualisation of his senatorial bid in 2023.
On his part, the former governor thanked his kinsmen for their invaluable support over the years and promised not to betray the trust and confidence reposed in him.
''We have come a long way. It's been 11 years that we left government and we thank God for the journey so far. Today, I have come to pay homage and seek your blessings and support. Although campaign has not yet started, but we will come back once campaigns start,'' he said.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to make intelligent decisions and right choices when exercising their civic duty to vote in next year's elections.
Daniel assured the people of effective representation that would attract viable and people-oriented projects not only to Sagamu but also other parts of Ogun East senatorial district.
The event featured the disbursement of scholarship awards to several indigent students from Sagamu Local Government Area in different tertiary institutions in the country.
Also, Daniel presented a new car to a middle-aged man, Ademola Adewale Omogbolahan, whose vehicle got burnt about three weeks ago when the former governor visited Omu Ijebu, his maternal ancestral home, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.
In his brief remarks, Omogbolahan appreciated Daniel for his kind gesture and prayed God to reward him.
Established in 2001, the GFF is the charity arm of the former governor through which the lives of thousands of citizens have been touched over the years.
Kaduna State Government has said no fewer than 34 persons, including two soldiers, were killed in the Sunday night attack on Agban Kagoro in Kaura Local Government Area of the state by bandits according to Punch.
The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said four locations of Tsonje, Agban, Katanga and Kadarko, all within the Kagoro Chiefdom were attacked on Sunday night.
Aruwan said over 200 houses and 32 shops were burnt during the attack while three vehicles and 17 motorcycles were vandalised.
He added that seven persons sustained injuries during the attacks and were currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital.
According to him, the 24-hour curfew slammed on Jema’a and Kaura Local Government Areas in the wake of the attack, was still in force, adding that the curfew was still essential to check further breakdown of law and order in the areas.
The Commissioner quoted the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to have condemned the attack just as he condoled the families of the victims as well as the military high command for the death of the two personnel.
Aruwan identified those killed during the attacks to include, Angelina Aboi, Godiya Iliya, Peace Iliya, Stephen Emmanuel, Patrick Pius, Gwamna Ishaya, Philip Joseph, Godwin Latong, Aba Chawai and Nancy Luka.
Others, he said, are Sophia Luka, Hosea James, Daniel Sofa, Geoffrey Ado, Bala James, Henry Dauda, Augustine Iliya, Irmiya Michael.
They are Murna Luka, Monday Buki, Reuben Kumai, Zilien Gudak, Anita Dauda Kawai, Rifkatu Dauda Kawai, Titi Bawa, Jacob Yayock, Samuel Ufui, Silas Bulus, Victor Ayuka, Jummai Yunana, Sunday Tachio and Hope Luka.
The Commissioner said, “Security agencies have reported to the Kaduna State Government that after search operations and detailed checks, 34 people have been confirmed dead following Sunday’s attack in Kaura LGA.
“According to the report, four locations were attacked by unidentified assailants: Tsonje, Agban, Katanga and Kadarko, all within Kagoro Chiefdom of Kaura LGA.
“Two military personnel were among the 34 killed, with local residents making up 32 casualties.
“One Abigail Joshua, from Adan community, is currently missing.
“Furthermore, over 200 houses and 32 shops were burnt in the attack. Three vehicles and 17 motorcycles were vandalised.”
Representative of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, on Tuesday met with police officers in the Ogun State Command over a threat to embark on strike by the junior officers as reported by Daily Trust.
Some aggrieved rank and file in the Nigeria Police Force, according to reports, threatened the strike, over poor salary, lack of sophisticated weapons to fight crime, bad condition of their barracks, failure to provide uniforms, among others.
It was gathered that the Police IG had begun meeting with the police officers nationwide over the looming strike.
The IG represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of South-West zone, Johnson Kokumo, on Tuesday, held a meeting with police officers in Ogun command as part of moves to avert the crisis.
The meeting was scheduled to hold in both Ogun and Lagos Commands on Tuesday.
The DIG who arrived the state police command, Eleweran, Abeokuta at 1:22pm, met with the policemen behind closed doors after an open address where he and the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, gave remarks.
While addressing the officers, Kokumo urged the command to observe and obey the law and respect the rights of the citizens.
Kokumo also reminded the corps of their duties as the lead security agency in the country saddled with the responsibility of protecting the citizens.
He said, “As officers, we have to observe and obey the law. We have to ensure we use our power with confine of the law.
“Conduct yourself professionally. Let there be a healthy respect of the rights of the citizens we are to protect.
“We want to see a Nigerian Police Force that is people friendly, professional and that has respect for the rights of the citizens. The public will then see us as their friends when we do these.”
Earlier, Bankole assured the DIG of complete loyalty to the Nigerian police force adding that the command will be professional in discharging its duties.
He said, “I want to assure you that no member of this command will involve in any form of planned strike action.
“I am sure I am speaking the minds of the officers who are here including the generality of the member of the Nigerian police force, Ogun State command.
“We must assure you and we also want you to take this message to the inspector general of police that our loyalty to the Nigerian police force is total 100 per cent.
“We will continue to be dedicated to our duty, we will continue to be loyal to the federal republic of Nigeria and the Nigerian police force. We will continue to be dedicated to the Nigeria Police Force.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has said the newly built international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos will create 3,000 direct and indirect employment jobs for Nigerian youth.
Buhari said this as he commissioned the new terminal on Tuesday.
“This improvement will increase airport operation and management services to about 14 million passengers per annum. With a positive multiplier effect by creating 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for our youth,” Buhari said.
Also, the president said the terminal will increase inflow of foreign direct investment and exponential growth in the Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment increased to 33.30 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 27.10 per cent in the second quarter of 2020.
However, in the long-term, the unemployment rate in the country is projected to trend around 32.00 percent in 2022 and 30.00 percent in 2023.
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote opened a 3-million-tonne fertilizer plant at a cost of $2.5 billion on Tuesday to target African and foreign markets even as the war in Ukraine has driven up prices for natural gas, a key ingredient for making urea.
Dangote said exports from the plant will go to Brazil, which relies heavily on Russia for imports of fertilizer. Shipments will also go to the United States, India and Mexico, he said at the launch.
Fertilizer prices have been rising at a time when planting usually picks up around the world, especially after Russia, the world's biggest exporter of fertilizer, invaded Ukraine last month. The war has also disrupted shipping.
The plant, commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari and located at the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos State, is designed to produce 3 million tonnes of urea per year and supply all the major markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Many in Nigeria hope the Dangote plant will help alleviate chronically low crop yields in Africa's most populous country, partly due to insufficient access to fertilizer.
Agriculture accounts for 20% of Nigeria's gross domestic product, with crop production contribution the highest with the farming subsector.
However, low fertilizer production and the high cost of importing fertilisers has reined in seed production. Fertilizer consumption in Nigeria ranks below its African peers.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria consumed around 20 kg of fertiliser per hectare of arable land in 2018, compared with 73 kg in South Africa and 393 kg in China.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has barred the use of its foreign exchange for fertiliser imports as part of a raft of controls aimed at boosting domestic production.
Other producers in Nigeria include Notore, which has the capacity to produce 500,000 metric tonnes per annum of urea, and Singapore-owned Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd, which plans to double its annual output of urea fertilizer to 2.8 million tonnes.
The total debts owed by state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration rose to N6.43tn at the end of 2021.
While sub-national domestic debt stock was N4.46tn, the sub-national external debt stock was N1.97tn in 2021.
Lagos, Ogun and Rivers became the three most indebted states, according to the latest data from Debt Management Office.
The N4.46tn domestic debt represents 11.27 per cent of the country’s domestic debt stock of N23.70tn as of December 2021, up from N20.21tn in the previous year.
Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Imo emerged as the top five debtors, with a combined domestic debt stock of about N1.56tn.
The five states account for 34.98 per cent of the total domestic debt owed by sub-national governments in the country as of December 31, 2021.
Lagos owed N658.96bn, Ogun N232.62bn, Rivers N225.51bn, Akwa Ibom N214.61bn, and Imo N205.19bn as of Q4 2021.
However, according to the DMO, the domestic debt stock figures for Rivers State were as at September 30, 2021. This also applies to Benue, Enugu, and Kano.
Other states with high domestic debts include Cross River, with a debt of N159.82bn; Delta, N154.61bn; Bayelsa, N154.61bn; Plateau, N150.5bn; Oyo, N142.56bn; and Osun, N134.70bn.
Others are Benue, with a domestic debt stock of N128.35bn; Kano, N111.9bn; Zamfara, N99.94bn; Adamawa, N99.55bn Bauchi, N97.51bn; Borno, N95.63bn; Abia, N95.21bn; Kwara, N93.37bn; and Taraba, N93.18bn.
The states with the least domestic debt stocks include Jigawa, with a debt of N31.36bn; Ebonyi, N42.16bn; FCT, N50.65bn; Kebbi, N52.33bn; Nasarawa, N54.1bn; Anambra, N55.72bn; and Kaduna, N61.71bn; Enugu, N69.17bn; and Gombe, N69.13bn.
Others are Kogi, N70.66bn; Sokoto, N71.29bn; Edo, N78.9bn; Niger, N83.4bn; and Yobe, N82.46bn.
In foreign debt, Lagos leads with $1.33bn; followed by Kaduna $595.12m; Cross River $279.71m and Edo State $276.3m.
Lauretta Fagbohun, Ogun
A wife and mother of five has been arrested by officers of the Ogun State Police Command for pouring petrol on her 10 year old daughter and setting her ablaze.
This was disclosed in a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi who explained that the suspect, Aisha Tijani was arrested following a report lodged at Mowe divisional headquarters by one Moroof Ayinde.
The said Ayinde reported that the suspect who lives in the same house with him poured petrol on her little daughter and set her ablaze.
He stated further that, the woman got annoyed because the little girl took a phone she seized from one of her children from where she kept it and gave it back to the child from whom the phone was seized.
According to the press statement, the DPO Mowe division, CSP Folashade Tanaruno was said to have quickly moved to the scene with police detectives and got the suspect arrested.
The victim, who had been badly burnt was rushed to the nearest hospital from where she was referred to Olabisi Onabanjo teaching hospital for proper medical attention.
On interrogation, the suspect, who claimed to have been separated from the father of the children, explained to the police that she didn't know what came over her when she was carrying out the wicked act.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police, CP Lanre Bankole, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department, SCID for further investigation.
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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday announced its decision to keep benchmark rates unchanged, its governor said, a day earlier than scheduled to avoid falling into limbo because several monetary policy committee (MPC) members are retiring on Tuesday, according to a Reuters report.
Three rate setters voted to raise rates by 25 basis points and one for a 50 basis point hike. Six others voted to hold rates, marking the 10th decision to hold rates steady since the bank cut them in September 2020.
Governor Godwin Emefiele said the decision was to boost its fragile economy and counter potential headwinds from the Ukraine war but that members felt the need to signal a tightening stance to curb inflation.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month has added to volatility in financial markets, sending commodity prices higher and affecting logistics, potentially derailing the economic recovery from Covid-19 in Nigeria and elsewhere.
A CBN official said "six members of the MPC are retiring tomorrow, they did not want to be caught in the web of illegality."
A standoff in 2018 between Nigeria's presidency and parliament over confirmation of new members of the CBN’s MPC threatened the bank's independence after the bank could not form a quorum for meetings.
Nigeria faces double-digit inflation and low revenues which has hampered its ability to stimulate the economy.
The economy recorded its fastest growth in seven years in 2021 despite a slight slowdown in the fourth quarter due to oil production problems, but growth is still fragile.
CBN wants to boost growth and curb inflation at the same time but faces limited policy options.
"With real rates negative for some time... a forceful monetary policy response to the threat of higher inflation will remain difficult," said Razia Khan, chief economist for Africa and the Middle East at Standard Chartered.
Fully vaccinated travellers coming into Nigeria will no longer be required to take a pre-departure PCR Covid-19 test.
This is according to the Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee, Boss Mustapha.
Mustapha made the comment on Monday during a briefing of the PSC announcing a revision of International Travel Protocols.
However, passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are still expected to take a Covid-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure, or do a Day 2 and day 7 test on arrival.
Such passengers, he said, will be expected to pay for their PCR tests through the Federal Government’s travel platform, while fully vaccinated passengers will not be charged for rapid antigen tests at the airport.
Lauretta Fagbohun, Ogun
The Ogun State Government has inaugurated a 10-man Committee towards reviving the Yewa International Market, which was a subject of dispute between Owode-Yewa and Ajilete communities in Yewa South Local Government Area of the State.
It would be recalled that on February 10, 2022, the government held a meeting with relevant stakeholders on the resolution of the crisis and resuscitation of the market where the stakeholders through a communique called for the setting-up of a committee to resuscitate the market.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe who spoke during the inauguration ceremony at the Ministry's Conference Hall in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, appreciated the members for accepting to serve in the Committee, calling on them to come up with useful suggestions that would help the condition of the market.
Longe charged the Committee to liaise with the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Owode-Yewa, Oba (Revd.) Matthew Akindele and the Alale of Ajilete, Oba Kazeem Balogun, as well as other stakeholders on what could be done to reactivate the facility.
She assured that the present administration was determined to implement recommendations that would help the market, noting that based on the resolution of stakeholders the market would now be known as Yewa International Market Ajilete/Owode-Yewa.
The Commissioner urged them to identify ways of attracting more traders to the market to help optimise its potential, saying “the government cannot allow a market with 750 lock-up shops, 480 open stalls, 16 cold rooms, one police post, one fire station, 40 suites for car dealers, 520 car lots and one custom post with capacity to attract 20,000 sellers and buyers on a daily basis to be under-utilised".
" In this Ministry, we are willing and open to co-operating with the Committee to make sure that we achieve the resuscitation of the market. You are to give us timelines on what can be done to help the market and we hope we can invite the Governor to come and inaugurate the revitalised market", the Commissioner said.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola lauded Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle for spearheading the move to revive the market, calling on members of the Committee to work hard towards actualising their objectives.
In her response, Chairman of the Committee and Iyaloja-General of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Abass appreciated the government for the opportunity given to the Committee members to contribute to the revival and growth of the market, assuring that members would deliver in record time.
Other members of the Committee include, the Secretary who is also the Director of Commerce in the Ministry, Mr. Lere Ariyibi-Opaleye, Hon. Sanusi Idowu, Hon. Adebayo Ajasa, and Mr. Shamsideen Akinwunmi among others.
The Hoteliers’ Association Of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde led administration to rescue the industry from prevalent multiple taxations and outrageous bills in the state.
The association’s President, Ayodele Ogundele, made the appeal in Ibadan, while briefing journalists on Monday.
According to Mr Ogundele, paying multiple taxes and outrageous bills to the state government had worsened their situation.
He said that after managing to survive the challenges of COVID-19, the sector had experienced massive inflation and a shortage of staff.
Mr Ogundele expressed dissatisfaction that the industry had experienced a serious downturn due to the global economic situation, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that the latest increase in fuel, diesel, and total lack of electricity supply in the country had also affected their businesses, and they are now on the verge of total collapse.
“We once asked the Oyo state government to harmonise our bills, we negotiated with them, they gave us bill in January, February, every year and latest by July we paid.
“But, in a bid to raise revenues, with the setting up of Local Council Development Area (LCDA), we now pay taxes to the state government, local government, and also to the LCDA.
“Also, since the last administration, we had been paying for generator emissions even for generators that we are not using; making generating electricity an expensive part of our business.
“All hoteliers are currently running at below 50 per cent of our capacity because of the cost of electricity generation.
“We are no longer generating enough money to pay and take care of our staff and many of them are leaving even when we need them most, because we can no longer pay their salaries.
“We really need the help of the government at this critical time, before our businesses collapse’’, he said.
Mr Ogundele said the tourism and hospitality industry was one of the largest employers of labour in the country and should not be allowed to collapse because the sector could not pay its staff and even make profit.
“The hospitality industry contributes a lot, especially in the area of job creation; our industry is not the type government should watch to suffer at all, because it would affect all sectors, including the food sector.
“Tourism depends a lot on infrastructural development such as health, security, road construction and others, so that government at all levels should strive to provide an enabling environment for tourism to thrive in the country’’, he said.