₦airaland Forum

Group Urge Taraba Stakeholders to support Governor Kefas Agbu to Actualize the Task of moving the state forward.

The coalition OF Taraba Youth Resident in Abuja made the call during the press conference in Abuja urge the Stakeholders is the state that there's and urgent need for all the Stakeholders to support His Excellency Governor KEFAS AGBU to actualize the task of moving the state forward.


Speaking on behave of group Comrade Ure Caleb Danjuma, said it is important to note that we the youths who represent the future of our dear state and Nigeria at large speak on the issue that will bring development in our State, after going through the task of moving Taraba State forward agenda, Governor Kefas Agbu predicated on the solid foundation he has laid in his first 100 days in office, it is imperative we call on all the patriots of in and out of Taraba state, critical stakeholders to extend their hands of fellowship to Governor Kefas in his commitment to ensure that lasting peace is restored in the state, so as to enable him actualize his 5 point agenda on;Economy & Job Creation, Education, Healthcare, Women & Youth Empowerment, Security, Peace and unity in the State.


We want to thank God because today we have a Governor who is honest, patriotic and committed to development of the state he said.


Furthermore we urge all the citizens of the state to rise and support the moving forward agenda of the Governor to deal with common enemy that is bent on disrupting the peace and stability of the state. Elections have come and gone, it is time to join hands with Gov. Kefas for good governance, instead of politics of blame game, peddling lies and propaganda. The Governor has the interest of all Taraba citizens at heart and will always stand by his people at all times.

His Excellency Governor Kefas made it clear to us that his Government is coming with a clear vision for development of the state and would as a matter of priority concentrate on security and social welfare, boosting the economy, healthcare, education, infrastructural development, agro industrialization for wealth creation, as well as workers and pensioners welfare.We have a Governor whose administration has so far demonstrated a high level of transparency, justice and innovation to tackle and solve the problems of welfare, insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and poor infrastructure in the state.

On this note, we want to let you know that Governor Kefas need our support to enable him achieve this for the betterment of the state.


We also appeal to Taraba indigenes both home and Diaspora beyond party affiliation to support the state to come out of economic/infrastructure and security challenges, don’t allow our state to sink. The Governor alone cannot achieve all this; he needs your collaboration for the state to move forward.


Taraba will grow from strength to strength if all the stakeholders, indigenes residing within and outside the state play their part by contributing to its development.

Furthermore, we want you to support the governor through initiative that would encourage productivity, peaceful co-existence and guarantee economic prosperity.

We also want to use this medium to inform potential investors that Taraba is blessed with abundant solid mineral and natural resources; Taraba is home to many mineral resources for investment opportunities.

Therefore, your input as major stakeholders is crucial so as to Fast Track development of our state.

We urge investors to come and invest in our economy through entrepreneurship, investment in key sectors and providing mentorship to the youth. We want to assure you that the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investments, fostering transparency, and ensuring accountability in all sectors.

On a final note, we the Coalition of Taraba Youth Resident here in Abuja want to appeal to Governor Kefas whom we believe has a listening ear, as a matter of urgency to create an agency, which will be saddled with the responsibility to inter-face between the government of the state and the potential investors who will be willing to come to Taraba and invest.

The agency will also interface between the State Government and the Sons and daughters of Taraba who will like to bring their resources to invest in the State economy.

Fear grips NNPC as Dangote Struggles to get approval to operate uncompleted refinery
…safety concerns mount.

The Dangote Refinery, a significant undertaking in Nigeria, is enmeshed in new controversy. This time, there is tension between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man and owner of the Dangote Group, which has sparked concerns over the safety, quality, and ethics surrounding the refinery.

Inside sources have informed us that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has applied for a license to operate, which is the last step of approval before any refinery can start any form of production but NNPC, the regulatory body has hesitated to provide this license due to safety concerns, because the refinery remains uncompleted. He also approached the NNPC to purchase crude but the NNPC declined saying they cannot sell crude to a refinery that is uncompleted. It is now alleged that Dangote is trying to source Nigeria’s crude through trading houses which he would then import into Nigeria - a move that might be seen as 'going through the backdoor.'

But even if he gets the crude, there are safety and quality concerns voiced by employees of Dangote, contractors, and some officials at NNPC. Without the completion of the refinery, there are concerns that the quality of jet fuel and diesel produced would be subpar. NNPC is anxious because substandard jet fuel and diesel could endanger lives. The refinery, as it stands, can only carry out the first phase of crude distillation which is similar to what illegal refineries operating in the Niger Delta region have been found to do. However, due to the complex nature of the Dangote Refinery, whose catalytic cracking unit is still uncompleted, the quality of the refined products is in question.

It is alleged that some staff within the Dangote Group have voiced their apprehensions regarding the move to start the refinery without its completion. Despite these valid concerns, Dangote's response suggests a desperate need for the venture to work, potentially as a 'matter of survival.'

Financial Strain biting hard?

Dangote is reported to be mired in significant debt, pushing the company to the brink of receivership if they don't secure additional funds to repay certain loans by December. This financial pressure may explain why Dangote is so eager to secure a license to start operations, even with the refinery not being fully complete.

You will recall that earlier this year, the uncompleted refinery was hurriedly commissioned by the former President Buhari in order for Dangote to access additional equity funding from the Nigerian Government as well as a crude allocation of 300,000barrels per day which insiders say would have been sold to raise cash for creditors and partly fund the completion of the refinery. This crude allocation was however put to a hold when the new Government of President Tinubu was sworn in, and it was discovered that the refinery was far from being complete but was falsely commissioned in order to take the crude allocation and sell outside the country.

The standoff between Dangote and the NNPC underscores a broader issue of safety, quality, and financial security that have bedevilled the Dangote refinery project. With concerns over substandard products potentially jeopardizing lives of workers at the uncompleted refinery and nigerians in general, and a major business figure risking immense financial losses, the resolution of this impasse will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's oil industry.

_*_call on President Tinubu to appoint people from host community for peace and Justice_

The Ondo State Host Community (HostCom), chief heads expressed strong opposition to reject the appointment of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde from Akure and Hon. Otito Atikase from Mahin kingdom to the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), on the ground that they are not from oil producing communities.


Chief Akinruntan Omoniyi of Ogodio Community and chief Abiye Hippiness from Awoye Community all in Ugbo Kingdom made this known in the statement issue after the meeting of all the Communities heads in Ondo State on Monday.

The statement stated that these nominees are not from the oil-producing community, contradicting the Legislative Act that stipulates the state's representatives must originate from such communities in the Niger-Delta.

"We are rejecting the two nominees based on the established laws of the NDDC. The HostCom has competent sons and daughters who can represent us on the board of the NDDC," the Chiefs said.

We called on President Bola Tinubu to review the NDDC Act before making nominations and assigning portfolios, expressing faith in the president's commitment to the rule of law.

The chiefs highlighted the Ugbo Kingdom as the sole oil-producing community in Ondo state and warned the state government against conspiracies targeting the kingdom.

We urged the federal government to withdraw the current nominee list and make fresh nominations from the Ugbo Kingdom, emphasizing that the Communities reject in strong terms using the position meant for oil producing communities to compensate their political ally's when we have competent sons and daughters.

We also distance themselves from any person from the host Communities that is thanking president on this matter, such person is not speaking for the Communities but for his selfish interest.

We warned that if the government fails to address our concerns, the HostCom may take matters into its own hands, with potential repercussions felt by all.

"Should the federal government persist in violating the law, we will support such actions, albeit with the intention of ensuring that their consequences are felt by all," the Communities heads warned.

Also in their statement the hostcom community heads reiterated the need for appointees to the NDDC board to come from oil-producing communities, citing a history of such nominations since the board's inception in 2000.


We implored the President Advisers to recommend nominate person from Ugbo kingdom the only Oil producing Kingdom in Ondo State for board membership and convene a meeting with stakeholders to verify the original oil producers in Ondo state.

The recent weeks have witnessed a barrage of monumental embarrassments, ridicules and brazen abuse of traditional Royal Obas and most shocking to grasping with this well intended orchestrated embarrassments by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who dropped the biggest bombshell taboo in the history of Yoruba Land, perhaps most disturbing sacrilege in Iseyin, Oyo State when he addressed arrays of first class Royal Fathers and other leading Obas like toddlers or a village headmaster or Army General talking profusely at his foot soldiers in a most depressing, disparaging and disrespectful manner.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has since left the corridors of honour, while we reiterate as the leading vanguard voice for all Yoruba indigenous people globally, we have eternal duty to preserve the aesthetic distinct Omoluabi ethos, Royal stools and ancestral customs and traditions of the Yoruba Obaship, precipitating our demand for immediate apologies by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo within the next three days or face untold traditional and legal reprisal consequences, not limited to filing action at a court of competent jurisdiction for defamation and scandalous libel, while we shall call for stripping him off of all chieftaincy titles conffered on him by any Yoruba monarchs.

Furthermore, we shall mobilize all market women, youths and leaders of thoughts against the Baba Obasanjo for desecrating the Yoruba ancestral cultural heritage, norms, tradition and values.

On this note we wish to set the records straight that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is NO longer the President of Nigeria, and he should stop parading himself deceitfully and impersonating or creating a scenario to command such ill motivated authority.

We have seen Omoluabi President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accord high level respect during his recent visits to the Awujale of Ijebu Land Oba Sikiru Adetona and Alake's Palace, as well as Governors like Hon. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State prostrate before Kings and Elders, wherein at all times this standard practice should be emulated and not the disrespectful manner done by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Former President of Nigeria.

We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Obasanjo to order and demand all Southwest Governors to order and maintain absolute respect for our Obas from Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Engr Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo , and as part of way forward towards preserving and protecting the Royal Institutions is to establish the National Council of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs wherein other duties of grassroots security and community policing, national economic planning and strategic growth, granting of 10% special allocation funds from the Federation Account and other roles as expected of Traditional leaders will be guaranteed by the Federal Government accordingly.

We have emphatically spoken!

Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan Esq, President, Yoruba Council Worldwide/ Oba Aala Aje Obatala Agbaye Ile-ife.

Akowe Oodua Siyanbade Adekanmbi, Secretary General, Yoruba Council Worldwide.

So this is one million -man march? Not sure the number of people here will be up to 30,000. Yahaya Bello is in for a long thing.

Bauchi Nass Election: PDP, Jungudo Rejects Appeal Court Judgment


By Nsikak Ekpenyong Abuja


ABUJA: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Jama'are/Itas Gadau federal constituency in the 2023 general elections, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, has condemned the Appeal Court judgment upturning his victory at the Tribunal


In a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, he condemned the request by the Appeal court asking the defendant to provide two sets of documents i.e the Original and Forged certificates alleged to have been forged in aid of his qualification to contest the 2023 election before he can successfully be said to have proved beyond reasonable doubt the allegation of certificate forgery by Bala Rabilu Kashiru, candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is in clear violation of plethora of Supreme Court decisions that the only evidence to prove certificate forgery is a disclaimer or report from the institution purported to have issued it.


Recall that the Election Petition Tribunal for National Assembly and State House of Assembly for Bauchi State had upheld Hon. Jungudo Mohammed petition as the duly elected Member for the House of Representatives, representing Jama'are/Itas Gadau federal constituency.

“The petitioner who scored the next majority number of valid votes is declared as duly elected pursuant to Sections 136 (2) of the Electoral Act, 2022."



Following this, the APC appealed the judgment, as the three member panel led by Justice Lawal Shuaibu, ruled that "the return of the 1st Respondent is here by nullified.



But in his remarks, the PDP candidate lamented that he has "lost confidence in the judiciary," insisting that the witness (Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi) stressed that the APC candidate was not a student of the institute, and as such did not graduate from it.


Hon. Mohammed decried the refusal of the court to factor the evidence of the school into its decision, as he maintained that the Appeal Court judgment was not a reflection of justice.

*Viral Video: Harmony Garden owner Mr Ibile refutes land grabbing allegations*

_...Issues 7-Day ultimatum for proof_

In a new development regarding a viral video circulating on social media, the legal team of Saheed Mosadoluwa, also known as Ibile, a prominent figure in Lagos' Harmony Gardens, has unequivocally denounced the video's content as a complete fabrication.

The video, titled 'Man Narrates How Lagos Land Grabber, Saheed 'Ibile' (Mosadoluwa) Invaded His Site,' depicts Shamsudeen Oluwo, also known as Ese Olobo, narrating an alleged invasion by Mosadoluwa and his men.

During a joint press briefing held by Mosadoluwa's legal team in Abuja, Yakubu Eleto (Esq), head of chambers at Yakubu Eleto Chambers, declared, "We wish to set the record straight and clarify to the public what actually transpired and how it reached that level.

"The video is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of Saheed Ibile, who is actually the victim in this case."

In the same breath, Shamsudeen Olaleye, Esq., founding partner of Shamsudeen Olaleye & Co., challenged the video's narrator to substantiate his allegations with concrete evidence within a span of seven days.

This includes providing proof of the people allegedly buried and the locations where they were purportedly exhumed, as shown in the video.

"Failure to provide such evidence will result in legal prosecution. We urge the public to verify information before sharing or commenting on it," added

"This is another example of how land grabbers in Epe and Ibeju are inciting the public against the Nigerian police," he said.

According to Mosadoluwa's legal team, the original video depicted their client and his men, accompanied by police escorts, overpowering and apprehending the narrator following a confrontation.

They assert that the police were carrying out their lawful duties and did not discharge any shots at innocent individuals.

"The police officers risked their lives to protect Saheed Ibile from harm and ensured that justice was served," Barr. Eleto emphasized.

The case is currently sub judice, pending before a Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos State.

However, Mosadoluwa's legal team has expressed their readiness to be investigated by any police formation in Nigeria, except for CP Idowu Omohunwa and CSP Jejeloye, accusing them of pursuing a vendetta against their client.

Despite the ongoing court case, Ibile's team remains confident about the outcome.

"As the legal proceedings continue, Saheed Mosadoluwa's team maintains that justice will prevail in his favor," said Barr. Olaleye.

While hoping that their response will shed light on the true story behind the video and clear their client's reputation, the legal team implored the public to share their explanation of the video to counter the "evil agenda of the rumour peddlers and their sponsors."

*NDDC Board: Ondo HostCom protest over appointments, give FG seven days ultimatum.

_*threatens to shut down oil facilities, if..._

The Ondo State Host Community (HostCom) expressed strong opposition to the appointment of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde from Akure and Hon. Otito Atkase from Mahin kingdom to the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), their kingdom has no single drop of crude oil.


During a peaceful protest that take place in one of the Chevron platform at Opukaba Community in Ugbo kingdom on Wednesday Prince Ogundere Adejugba, Chairman of the HostCom and PRO Prince Adeoba stated that these nominees are not from the oil-producing community, contradicting the Legislative Act that stipulates the state's representatives must originate from such communities in the Niger-Delta.

Adejugba highlighted that Ugbo kingdom is sole Oil producing Kingdom Community in ondo State.


"We are rejecting the two nominees based on the established laws of the NDDC. The HostCom has competent sons and daughters who can represent us on the board of the NDDC," Adejugba said.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to review the NDDC Act before making nominations and assigning portfolios, expressing faith in the president's commitment to the rule of law.

Adejugba highlighted the Ugbo Kingdom as the sole oil-producing community in Ondo state and warned the state government against conspiracies targeting the kingdom.

Give the seven days ultimatum he urged the federal government to withdraw the current nominee list and make fresh nominations from the Ugbo Kingdom, emphasizing that the HostCom will not accept any nominee from anon oil producing community

The Chairman warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, the HostCom may take matters into its own hands, with potential repercussions felt by all.

"Should the federal government persist in violating the law, we will support such actions, albeit with the intention of ensuring that their consequences are felt by all," Adejugba and Adeoba warned.

The HostCom reiterated the need for appointees to the NDDC board to come from oil-producing communities, citing a history of such nominations since the board's inception in 2000.

He further revealed that previous appointees not from these communities led to legal disputes, with cases filed in Federal High Courts in Abuja and Akure.

The HostCom implored the President to recommend someone from the Ugbo Kingdom for board membership and convene a meeting with stakeholders to verify the original oil producers in Ondo state.

We will shut down oil facilities if their concerns are not addressed.

*1232 Youths Group Ask President Tinubu To Appoint Dr Doyin Johnson, Minister of Youth Affairs, Development*

By Njideka Ozoalor Abuja.

No less than 1232 Youths Support Groups of the All Progressives Congress, APC across the six geopolitical zone have passionately appealed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to appoint Dr Doyin Johnson Minister of Youth Affairs and Development


The groups under the umbrella body of 'Dr Doyin Johnson Committee For Ministerial Appointment' And Coalition of APC Support Group Leaders, said the appeal has become resoundingly imperative for Dr Johnson's appointment as Nigeria's next Minister of Youth Affairs and Development, given the current critical and worrisome stage where the role of the youths are needed in shaping Nigeria's future
They described Dr Johnson as a patriotic, dedicated epitome and vision of Nigerian youths, who is dedicated to the progress of the country from a history of transformative initiatives and an unwavering allegiance to the nation

According to a text of address, read by the Director General of the committee for ministerial appointment of Dr. Doyin Johnson, Comrade Ajayi Taiwo , he noted that the ministerial hopeful was a man of the Youth who had the ability to connect with young Nigerians. With a combined strategic acumen, pragmatic leadership and doggedness, he is the man fit for the job

Taiwo who presented a 11- point Appeal to President Tinubu, admitted that the President was known for rewarding loyalty and hardwork, and therefore, pleaded with him to consider Dr Johnson , who has not only been involved in advancement of Nigeria's democratic process since 1994 by mobilizing the youths towards achieving democratic ideas against military dictatorship which the President is known

Similarly, it is on record that since 1999 when Nigeria again embraced democracy, Dr Johnson has promoted programs that advanced the aspirations of the youths within the political parties, AD, AC, ACN, and APC, and the nation at large

In addition the Committee revealed that over 523 youths support group nationwide are also pleading Dr Johnson's cause, following his rich credentials as one who is ideal and prepared for the job as encapsulated in the 11 point Appeal, among others , also endorsed by Hon. Umar Yakub Yunusa , Secretary of the Appeal committee and his publicity counterpart, Ms. Susan Willie

*NDDC Board: Ondo HostCom rejects Abegunde, Akinjo's appointments*

_*threatens to shut down oil facilities, if..._

By Nsikak Ekpenyong Abuja.

The Ondo State Host Community (HostCom) expressed strong opposition to the appointment of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and Hon. Victor Kolade Akinjo to the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, Prince Ogundere Adejugba, Chairman of the HostCom, stated that these nominees are not from the oil-producing community, contradicting the Legislative Act that stipulates the state's representatives must originate from such communities in the Niger-Delta.

"We are rejecting the nominees based on the established laws of the NDDC. The HostCom has competent sons and daughters who can represent us on the board of the NDDC," Adejugba said.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to review the NDDC Act before making nominations and assigning portfolios, expressing faith in the president's commitment to the rule of law.

Adejugba highlighted the Ugbo Kingdom as the sole oil-producing community in Ondo state and warned the state government against conspiracies targeting the kingdom.

He urged the federal government to withdraw the current nominee list and make fresh nominations from the Ugbo Kingdom, emphasizing that the HostCom had written to the President, his Chief of Staff, and the National Security Adviser with this request.

The Chairman warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, the HostCom may take matters into its own hands, with potential repercussions felt by all.

"Should the federal government persist in violating the law, we will support such actions, albeit with the intention of ensuring that their consequences are felt by all," Adejugba warned.

In a letter to the National Security Adviser, the HostCom reiterated the need for appointees to the NDDC board to come from oil-producing communities, citing a history of such nominations since the board's inception in 2000.

The letter revealed that previous appointees not from these communities led to legal disputes, with cases filed in Federal High Courts in Abuja and Akure.

The HostCom implored the National Security Adviser to recommend someone from the Ugbo Kingdom for board membership and convene a meeting with stakeholders to verify the original oil producers in Ondo state.

The letter concluded with a cautionary note, threatening to shut down oil facilities if their concerns are not addressed.

Following Thursday last week judgment of the Appeal Court which stated that only the candidates produced by the Lamidi Apapa -led primaries are the original candidates of the Labour Party in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa governorship election billed close to the end of this year, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Peace& Good Governance have called on the powers that be at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expeditiously publish the name of Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph popularly known as Ikenga as the duly- nominated candidate of the Labour Party for the November 2023 Imo State Governorship Election.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the convener of the group, Mr Uche Okoronkwo recalled that on the 5th day of April 2023, the FCT High Court restrained Abure and others from parading themselves as National Officers of the Labour Party and in obedience to that court ruling, the Labour Party appointed the Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa as the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party in accordance with its constitution. Consequently, the Labour Party under the constitutional leadership of Alhaji Lamidi Apapa wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) changing its date of primary elections earlier scheduled by the court- restrained Abure from 15th to 16th April.

Abure illegally and notwithstanding the Restraining Order went Ahead to Conduct Primaries for Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa on April 15th 2023.Lawfully, the Lamidi Apapa led faction conducted his primaries for Imo State on the 16th day of April 2023.

Because of fiendish motives of the Abure, there were two primaries conducted by the Labour Party in Imo State for the governorship election slated later this year.

This led to litigation and the case was decided in favour of the Lamidi Apapa led faction.

The Appeal Court declared that the primaries conducted by Lamidi Apapa was the Authentic primary by the Labour Party as Abure was under A Restraining Order as at the time he screened aspirants and conducted his primaries.

Therefore, Abure's primaries was null and void. The Appeal Court last week affirmed that Abure"s conduct of the primaries in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa was in contempt of the court as he was under a Restraining Order when he conducted the primaries.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Sankey, S. Ademola Bola and M. L. Abubakar affirmed the Restraining Order on Abure to Stop Parading himself as the Chairman of the Labour Party.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press for the avoidance of doubt, there is no parallel judgment of the Appeal Court on the Chairmanship of the Labour party. The Appeal Court cannot rule against itself.

The truth of the matter is that the judgment of the Appeal court in Benin City is clearly different from the Appeal court judgment restraining Abure and voiding his primaries.

The Appeal court judgment in Benin which Abure is celebrating and misleding the public merely lifted his suspension from his ward. He should provide the CTC of the Appeal Court judgment in Benin. Recall also that the FCT High Court earlier restrained Abure and 3 others of the National Working Committee of the LP on the 6th of April 2023 following a criminal indictment against him bothering on forgery, perjury, criminal conspiracy and financial malfeasance.

As the conscience , we align with the judgment of the Appeal Court and urge INEC to publish the Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph 's name as the duly - nominated Candidate of the Labour Party for Imo State Nov governorship election.

Deborah Dan-Awoh
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is facing mounting criticism from Nigerians questioning the fairness of his business empire.

With a total of 15,200 tweets at the time of this report, Dangote Group’s leader has come under public scrutiny for the reported disparities in the prices of his cement products across Africa.

According to X (formerly Twitter) discussions, there are claims that the billionaire offers cement to other African nations at a more reasonable cost.

A user on the X platform, Nefertiti, pointed out that despite Dangote Cement’s production in Nigeria, it fails to offer the product at an affordable rate, prompting contractors to resort to importing it.

“Dangote Cement is more expensive than imported cement, & you have all the raw materials in Nigeria. Contractors prefer imported cement, but cement import is banned in Nigeria. You must use Dangote by force. This is for those waiting to buy cheap petrol from the Dangote Refinery.”

Dangote Cement is more expensive than imported cement, & you have all the raw materials in Nigeria. Contractors prefer imported cement, but cement import is banned in Nigeria. You must use Dangote by force. This is for those waiting to buy cheap petrol from the Dangote Refinery.

— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) August 25, 2023



News continues after this ad

Another user, Abdullahayofel, emphasized that the cement company enjoys access to raw materials at minimal costs, giving it a competitive edge.

“Dangote cement is produced in Nigeria, The raw material is sourced locally in Nigeria at almost zero cost. Nothing is imported. Almost zero taxes yet the price of cement is 5,200 Naira in Nigeria and the same is sold in the Benin Republic at 3,699.15 Naira.

Dangote cement is produced in Nigeria, The raw material is sourced locally in Nigeria at almost zero cost. Nothing is imported.

Almost zero taxes yet the price of cement is 5,200 Naira in Nigeria and same is sold in Benin Republic at 3,699.15 Naira.

— A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) August 25, 2023



Kelvin Odanz added his voice, supporting the notion that contractors prefer imports due to the high local prices of the billionaire’s cement company.

“Apparently cement imported from abroad is cheaper than the one our sugar daddy and his clique produces in Nigeria. Contractors prefer importing it This is for those of you who think our sugar daddy’s refinery will help bring down the cost of fuel when finally completed. LOL for you”

Apparently cement imported from abroad is cheaper than the one our sugar daddy and his clique produces in Nigeria. Contractors prefer importing it

This is for those of you who think our sugar daddy’s refinery will help bring down cost of fuel when finally completed. LOL for you

— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) August 25, 2023



Captain Tango stated that Dangote relies on government support to drive the success of his business.

“Dangote is not the smartest politician, what he enjoys is government patronage thereby granting him crazy tax breaks and monopoly over the market. If INNOSON Motors or other businessmen have the same privileges he enjoys it will be good for all or throw the cement market open.

Dangote is not the smartest politician, what he enjoys is the government patronage thereby granting him crazy tax breaks and monopoly over the market.

If INNOSON motors or other business men have the same privileges he enjoys it will be good for all or throw throw the cement…

— Captain Tango ??‍✈️⚓️ (@Capolutiti) August 25, 2023



A user, Priste added that the lack of a level playing field in the country has resulted in cement market monopolization

“The issue is basically the lack of a level playing ground. Using the government to stifle other competitors is what has gotten us to this level of monopoly. This same dangote cement is cheaper in other West African countries.”

The issue is basically the lack of a level playing ground. Using the government to stifle other competitors is what has gotten us to this level of monopoly.

This same dangote cement is cheaper in other west African countries.

— G E (@priste_) August 25, 2023

LET'S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ABOUT THE RECENT HAPPENINGS IN LABOUR PARTY

So many discussions are being held about the happenings in Labour Party. Unfortunately, some have been deceived with propaganda and they believe those false narratives. I'm here to clear the air and set the record straight.

Anyone claiming that there is a parallel judgment of the court of appeal on chairmanship has been misled. The appeal court didn't rule against itself. The judgment from appeal court in Edo is very different from the judgment of appeal court in Owerri sitting in Abuja.

For the avoidance of doubt, Abure and his people should provide the CTC of the Edo appeal court judgement to the public. At best, Edo appeal court judgement only reversed the suspension of Abure by his ward excos who earlier suspended him from the party as a member based on his anti party activities in the state.

Edo matter has absolutely nothing to do with chairmanship. The restraining order by the FCT High Court on Abure stands till today, and that's the court order that incapacitated Abure and 3 others and withdrew their powers to act as party executives.

It's on record that the FCT High Court restrained Abure and 3 other members of NWC on the 6th of April 2023, following a criminal indictment against them bothering on forgery, perjury, criminal conspiracy and financial malfeasance. This restraining order has not been vacated till today.

The court of appeal in Owerri, sitting in Abuja heard the case of one of the aspirants, Basil Maduka, who filed a suit against LP, INEC and Ukaegbu, asking the court not to recognize Ukaegbu as the candidate, and recognize him instead.

The court then looked into the matter of the different primaries held in Imo and discovered that the primary that produced Ukaegbu is the only authentic primary, based on the fact that Alh. Lamidi Apapa emerged legally as the Acting National Chairman of the party by the resolution of a quorum of the NWC following the restraining order of FCT High Court on Abure, his Secretary, Organizing Secretary and Treasurer.

The party can't function properly before the law without leadership. All the official activities of Abure and co from the date they were restrained is in contempt of court and hold no water. The primary they held which produced Sen. Athan Achonu is a nullity before the law because the restraining order against them has withdrawn their right to conduct or participate in party activities.

Though they lived in the illusion of this obvious fact for a while because Mr. Peter Obi stood with them as it appeared as though they were being persecuted by the ruling party APC (which is a mere speculation and political propaganda). Mr. Peter Obi, acknowledging Abure and co to be party executives despite the restraining order in itself is also in contempt of court, and cannot vacate the restraining order.

Mr. Peter Obi, with due respect to him, does not have the powers to reject the leadership of Alh. Lamidi Apapa in Labour Party, neither does he have the power to determine who is or who is not the authentic candidate of the party in any state. No amount of propaganda, speculation, emotional blackmail or sentiment can change the facts of law in this matter.

The recent flag off of Sen. Athan Achonu in Owerri which was conducted by the restrained Abure and graced by Mr. Peter Obi and the Executive Governor of Abia State, Sir. Alex Otti is equally in contempt of court. Sen. Athan has been sacked by the court. His name that was published by INEC was done in error and the courts in their landmark judgments have properly guided INEC to correct that error by acknowledging Alh. Lamidi Apapa and publishing the names of the candidates who emerged from his primary elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa.

Sen. Athan Achonu had earlier sought to join the case filed by Mr. Basil Maduka, but the appeal court struck out his motion for joinder for lacking merit. Obviously, the case has nothing to do with him as an aspirant because the matter is about which primary is the authentic primary and which party leadership has the right to conduct primaries as at the time primaries held. Sen. Athan was a mere victim of an illegal primary and not even a party to the case.

Recall that Alh. Lamidi Apapa is the oldest serving member of the party's NWC who was once a state chairman, zonal vice chairman and was elected the Deputy National Chairman in the last convention of the party held in Akwanga 2019. The same convention produced Abure as the National Secretary and produced Late A.A Salam as the National Chairman of the party.

When A.A. Salam died, Alh. Lamidi Apapa was meant to assume leadership being the next in party hierarchy, but Abure conspired against him with some NWC members, outsmarted him, and wangled his way into the chairmanship position in total defilement of the party constitution.

Alh. Lamidi Apapa allowed the injustice for peace to reign. Now, Abure committed a crime in connivance with some NWC members, and 4 of them were restrained by the court from parading themselves as national executives. The other NWC members who were not affected by the restraining order met and ratified that Alh. Apapa, being the next in party hierarchy is mandated by the party constitution to assume leadership of the party in acting capacity.

INEC was properly notified and all the necessary legal processes were followed. Just before the primaries in Imo State, Alh. Apapa then notified INEC of Labour Party's change of venue and date for primaries. The primary was earlier fixed by restrained Abure and co to be held on the 15th of April at Landmark Event Centre. Alh. Apapa who has assumed leadership changed the venue of the primary to Art Novous Event Centre and changed the date to 16th of April.

Unknown to the numerous aspirants who never knew the truth in the party because most of them joined Labour Party newly in the wave of the Obidient movement, and they knew only Abure and co. They went ahead to submit themselves to the screening exercise and primary election conducted by restrained officers of the party. Unfortunately, they were all victims of Abure's illegality.

It's on record that Chief Joseph Ikechukwu Ukaegbu is the only original Labour Party member among the governorship aspirants in Imo State. He knows everything that happened in Labour Party, having been a financial member of the party for almost 15yrs. Also, being a law abiding citizen of Nigeria, he boycotted the screening exercise and primary election of restrained Abure and co, knowing full well it will eventually amount to nullity as affirmed by the honourable courts today.

Chief Joseph Ikechukwu Ukaegbu submitted himself to the screening exercise and primary election of the authentic leadership of the party with one other aspirant and emerged the winner of the primary. Some said Chief Ukaegbu was lucky, but I say he has the grace of God upon his life. It's on record Chief Ukaegbu was the Imo State Labour Party governorship candidate in 2019. He has also emerged as the candidate in 2023.

I had to take my time to set this record straight for the sake of those who are not aware of the truth of this matter. Please, stop listening to propaganda from Abure's camp. They have been restrained by the court and the restraining order has not been vacated till today. In fact, Abure and co have a very serious criminal case to answer. I advise they go to police and court to exonerate themselves instead of using the ill-gotten money they collected through illegal substitution of candidates to destabilize the party.

Labour Party must move forward at this point without any distraction.

Thanks.

Written by
Osinachi Precious Mbaoma

Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed Chief Ukeagbu Ikechukwu Joseph popularity known as Ikenga as the duly nominated candidate of the Labour Party, LP, for the Imo State Governorship Election.

It would be recalled that on the 5th of April, 2023, the FCT High Court restrained Abure and others from parading themselves as National Officers of the Party and as a result, the Party appointed the Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa as the Acting National Chairman of the Party pursuant to its constitution.

Sequel to that, the Party under the leadership of Alhaji Apapa wrote to INEC changing its date of primary earlier scheduled by Abure 15th to 16th of April, 2023.

Notwithstanding the fact that he was under a restraining order, Abure still went ahead to conduct his primaries for Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa on 15th of April, 2023.

On the other hand, Lamidi Apapa led faction conducted his primaries for Imo on the 16th of April, 2023 and as such there were two primaries conducted by Labour Party in these States.

This led to litigation and the case was frantically descended and the Federal High Court, Owerri Division declared the primaries conducted by Apapa as the authentic candidate as Abure was under a restraining order as at the time he screened candidates and conducted his primaries.

Thus , the court recognized Alhaji Lamidi Apapa as the authentic Chairman of the Party.

Dissatisfied with the judgement, Abure candidate including the winner of the primaries appealed against the judgement to the Court of Appeal .

The Court this Thursday affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court that Abure's conduct was contemptuous as he was under a restraining order when he conducted the said primaries.

Delivering the judgement, Justice H. Sankey, S. Ademola Bola and M. L. Abubakar said the restraining order is still in force even at the time this judgement was delivered.

By this Thursday 's judgement of Appeal Court, only the candidates produced by Apapa led primaries are the original Candidates of LP in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa's Governorship Election scheduled for later this year.

END

ByAgency Report



A business mogul and Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has emerged winner of the 2023 Man of the year Leadership Excellence Awards.

In a seven-day Leadership Excellence Awards voting by Nigerians via online platforms, monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Rabiu was voted ahead of three other nominees.

The BUA chairperson polled a total of 568,247 votes to defeat other nominees including Allen Onyema, chair of Air Peace; Auwalu Rano, CEO A.A Rano Nigeria Limited and Aloysius Ikegwuonu, founder, Ebubechukwuzo Foundation; who polled 478,117; 286,374; and 68,352 votes respectively.

The prestigious Leadership Excellence Awards (LEEX Awards), the fifth in a row, is organised annually by IgbereTV that recognises and honours the outstanding impacts of leaders across both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.

LEEX Awards also promotes outstanding leaders and personalities, whose impacts have been felt in Nigeria’s political, social and economic spheres.

Abdulsamad Rabiu, who was born Aug 4, 1960, in Kano State, is widely known and recognised for his philanthropy across the African continent, through his foundation, the Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative Africa (ASR Africa).

Mr Rabiu was equally nominated for the ‘Man of the Year’ award category by Nigerians during the last two editions but lost out to Peter Obi in 2022 and Obi Cubana in 2021.

The BUA founder recently came to the aid of the Nigerian educational system with a 5.5 billion naira grant for infrastructural development to 22 universities and other tertiary institutions. The grant came under the ASR Tertiary Education Grants Scheme.




NAN recalls that the new recipients brought to 30 the number of Nigerian higher institutions that have benefited from the scheme.

Before the new set, eight Universities in Nigeria had benefited from the Scheme, receiving billions of Naira in grants with some of their targeted projects nearing completion.

The LEEX Awards was endorsed in 2020 by the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), and in 2021 by the African Union Film Institute (AFI).

The award will be presented to Mr Rabiu alongside other winners of the various award categories November 4, 2023 to be held at the Abuja.

Ulf Laessing, and Himanshu Ojha




LAGOS/LONDON (Reuters) - As Nigeria grapples with a foreign exchange crisis, one person stands out in the scramble to obtain hard currency: Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man.








When the government restricted the supply of dollars in June 2015 to prop up the value of the Nigerian naira, firms owned by Dangote landed a healthy share of dollars available at the cheap official rate, a study by Reuters shows.

Reuters examined foreign currency transactions made during an 11-week period in March to May this year. Over that time, Dangote businesses were able to buy at least $161 million in hard currency from the central bank. That was around nine percent of all the hard currency the bank sold over the period. In a single week in March, one dollar in every eight went to Dangote companies. There is not enough data to see how that stacks up with the companies’ share of foreign trade.

Compared with buying dollars on the more expensive unofficial market, though, Dangote companies benefited to the tune of about $100 million.

The wrangling for dollars highlights Dangote’s pivotal role as Africa’s biggest economy tries to diversify away from oil.

Over the past year, Nigeria pegged its currency, the naira, to the U.S. dollar at an official rate of 197-199 naira. The central bank doled out dollars at the official rate to companies it deemed strategic to the Nigerian economy. Until June 20, when the bank abandoned the peg, anyone else had to pay a lot more on the black market.




Small businesses complained that the foreign exchange restrictions were forcing them out of business. Frank Jacobs, president of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria, said that the majority of manufacturers – 2,000 of them – had been unable to source raw materials because they could not obtain dollars to pay for imports. Up to 100 firms either shut completely or cut production, he said. “The large companies have better clout.”

Dangote’s purchases were entirely legal, and some economists say the 59-year-old deserved such special treatment because he has promised to build a much-needed oil refinery. He also has a track record helping Nigeria become more self-sufficient in cement and food.

Dangote Group, the parent firm, declined to comment. Dangote Cement said it had received enough dollars. “We believe that we are being treated fairly and we do not receive preferential treatment,” Chief Financial Officer Brian Egan said by email.

The central bank did not respond to written requests for comment.

Reuters’ calculations are based on foreign exchange purchase data which the Nigerian government required banks to publish. Reuters examined every transaction that Dangote’s companies made between March 1 and May 13. One newspaper, This Day, calculated a weekly total of all the published official transactions. Reuters used this total to analyze Dangote’s share.

In the period Reuters analyzed, the average black market rate was around 320, according to AbokiFX, a Lagos financial company. The difference against the official rate equated to about 20 billion naira ($101 million).

Charles Robertson, global chief economist at Renaissance Capital in London, said Dangote got more hard currency than other firms because his plan to build a refinery will help the government end fuel imports, which cost Nigeria some $6 billion annually.

“A lot of drain on the foreign exchange is from the need to buy imported fuel,” he said. “Getting the refinery going will require a lot of investment and imported goods.

“He’s got a track record here. He did it with flour. He did it with cement and now the idea is he does it with the oil refinery ... He is trusted. You no longer need to rely on foreigners, Nigerians can do it themselves.”

“FRENZIED PURSUIT”




The collapse in the oil price has hit Nigeria’s revenues hard, pushing it into its worst economic crisis for decades. Crude oil and gas revenues bring in 90 percent of its foreign currency earnings and fund 70 percent of the state budget. At the same time as collecting lower revenues from crude oil sales, Nigeria has also had to spend billions importing refined products because it lacks refining capacity.

Africa’s biggest economy contracted for the first time in at least 12 years in the first quarter of this year, and state governments are struggling to pay public servants. After the central bank abandoned the currency peg, the naira tumbled 30 percent against the dollar in a single day.

President Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler who was elected to office in March last year, has made it a priority to fund investments which can help make the country more self-sufficient in everything from food to energy. Buhari often uses the slogan, “We must produce what we eat.” Last month, he said the central bank would give firms which helped to diversify the economy “incentives,” without saying what that meant. Buhari’s office declined to comment for this story.

Buhari backed central bank plans to adopt a more flexible foreign exchange policy. But he long resisted devaluing the official naira rate. In a speech last month, he said, “we cannot get away from the fact that a strong currency is predicated on a strong economy.”

Atedo Peterside, chairman of Lagos-based Stanbic Bank, told a conference in February that the peg had guaranteed “huge windfall incomes” to those lucky enough to get dollars allocated at the official rate. Some speculators would buy dollars at the official rate and sell them for a quick profit on the parallel market.




“Most investors here are currently caught in a frenzied pursuit of the cheapest available dollars,” he said. “The difference between losing this game and winning it can be as high as a mind-boggling 50 per cent.”

In January, Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele said the bank would assist the Dangote Group to access foreign exchange to facilitate its refinery project, which will be the country’s first private oil refinery and is due by 2018. Emefiele also said the bank would help companies that boost local food production.

Muda Yusuf, a spokesman for the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, said the central bank’s allocation of hard currency gave businesses only 20 percent of what they needed to operate. Even state oil firm NNPC had to ask big international oil firms for loans worth $200 million to fund fuel imports, according its Managing Director, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu.

In a February interview Dangote’s brother Sani Dangote, Group Vice President, said the firm was not getting 100 percent of its foreign exchange needs. “We’re getting some amount to make sure the industries keep going,” he said, adding that the firm’s sugar refinery was running at 60 percent capacity.

But Dangote, whose businesses refine sugar and produce cement and mill flour, continued to expand. He pushed ahead with plans to build the $12 billion oil refinery, a gas pipeline across West Africa, a tomato plant and farms in Nigeria to produce one million tonnes of rice.




Reuters’ analysis shows that about 80 percent of Dangote’s dollar purchases during the 11-week period were for the import of equipment and raw materials for his agricultural, sugar, cement and food companies.

POLITICAL CURRENCY

Technically, commercial banks decided how to allocate dollars. But executives at import firms say the central bank played a big part.

Competition among industrial bosses for the central bank’s attention was on display in April at the funeral of Governor Emefiele’s mother. Dozens of business leaders attended the service, including Dangote and the CEOs of most big banks. Business leaders, dressed in traditional robes, left their bodyguards behind as they crammed into the small town of Agbor deep in the Niger Delta.

Since founding his business in the 1970s, Dangote has been close to a series of presidents, both military and elected. He was an economic adviser to Buhari’s predecessor Goodluck Jonathan, who ruled from 2010 to 2015.

Although Dangote built his business under Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party, he also had links with the opposition. On election night in 2015, when Buhari ousted Jonathan, a smiling Dangote was pictured next to Buhari at a house in Abuja as results came in.

Moses Ochonu, a Nigerian-born African history professor at Vanderbilt University in the United States, has criticized Dangote for having outsized power in the Nigerian economy. But he says Dangote also creates jobs. “People are willing to give him the benefit,” he said. “He’s contributing a lot to the economy.”

Additional reporting by Christian Merenini, Samuel G. Idowu and Unamba Doris Onyi; Edited by Simon Robinson and Sara Ledwith

..._unveils roadmap for housing sector development_

By Nsikak Ekpenyong Abuja

Nigeria's Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the nation's housing sector.

In a statement signed by REDAN President Aliyu Wamakko, the association commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Ahmed Dangiwa as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, while urging him to assent to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill.

Under the new roadmap, REDAN emphasized the importance of facilitating the private sector's efforts in housing construction.

The association urged the newly appointed Minister to step back from direct involvement in housing construction and instead focus on creating an enabling environment that promotes private sector initiatives.

REDAN President Aliyu Wamakko stated, "We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his judicious appointment of Ahmed Dangiwa as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

"We believe that his wealth of experience and expertise will greatly contribute to the growth and development of the housing sector in Nigeria."

Furthermore, REDAN urges President Tinubu to assent to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, which seeks to regulate and streamline the real estate industry in the country.

According to him, the bill addresses issues such as consumer protection, standardization of the industry, and the establishment of a regulatory framework that ensures transparency and accountability.

Wamakko emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, "The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill is a crucial step towards ensuring the growth and stability of the real estate industry in Nigeria.

"Its enactment will provide a solid foundation for the sector, promote investor confidence, and protect the interests of both developers and buyers."

Wamakko stared that REDAN's roadmap for the housing sector development outlines key strategies, including streamlining the land acquisition process, facilitating access to affordable financing options, promoting sustainable construction practices, and encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies in the industry.

The association believes that by implementing these strategies and collaborating closely with the private sector, the housing sector in Nigeria can experience significant growth and meet the increasing demand for adequate and affordable housing.

"REDAN's comprehensive roadmap for the housing sector development highlights the association's commitment to promoting the growth, regulation, and development of the real estate industry in Nigeria. With the appointment of Ahmed Dangiwa as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, REDAN looks forward to working collaboratively with the government in achieving its goals and ensuring the provision of quality housing for all Nigerians," he concluded.

...Describes Wike as the best man for the job.


From Nsikak Ekpenyong Abuja

A TOP senatorial candidate for the Federal Capital Territory in the 2023 general election, Chief Dr. Anthony Ezekwugo, popularly known as Mr COMPETENCE has congratulated the former Governor of River State, Chief Nyesom Wike on his appointment as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.


Dr. Ezekwugo described Wike as the best man for the job of lifting FCT from its present level to the standard that befits the capital territory of the most populous nation in Africa.


Mr COMPETENCE expressed confidence in the ability of the new FCT minister to deliver on the job based on the confidence reposed in him and his track record of a achievements in River State as governor for eight years.


Anthony Ezekwugo urged the minister to hit the ground running as soon as possible in restoring the distorted Master Plan of the territory pointing out that FCT residents have high expectations that Chief Wike will do better than his predecessors in bringing development to every part of the territory ESPECIALLY THE NEGLECTED AREA COUNCILS.

The politician also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight in choosing Chief Wike as the minister of the territory.


He expressed confidence that Wike will not disappoint Nigerians but will bring to the table his wealth of experience, as an astute administrator, an achiever per excellence and a manger of men and material, to bear in the administration other Federal Capital Territory.

RE: UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS OF ILLICIT FOREX DEALINGS INVOLVING BUA GROUP
Our attention has been brought to various false allegations published against BUA Group on some online platforms.

BUA Group categorically refutes the baseless allegations of illicit forex
dealings with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from January to March 2016. These accusations, propagated online by Mr. Desmond Ike-Chima and Mr. Oliver Fejiro of ENigeria News and
SecretReporters respectively, are false and entirely unfounded.

These individuals, known for their
involvement in cyberstalking, blackmail, and defamation, have faced previous arrests (see news reports attached) for such misconduct, casting a dark shadow over their credibility.
We emphatically state that neither BUA Group nor the Chairman of the Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, received any of the alleged foreign exchange allocations from the CBN during the indicated period. This fact is corroborated by the CBN and the respective banks.
Furthermore, in compliance with CBN's regulations, all forex transactions by banks during 2016, were published publicly in national newspapers (some copies attached). These records, still
accessible today, provide unequivocal evidence that counters these false allegations.
We, therefore, challenge Mr. Ike-Chima, Mr. Fejiro, and their sponsors to validate their claims with concrete evidence. We urge the public and our stakeholders to disregard these deceptive publications in light of these facts. We have engaged the necessary law enforcement agencies
and initiated legal action against the perpetrators under the Cybercrime Prohibition Prevention Act, Laws of the Federation, 2015.
SIGNED:
Management
BUA Group
30 Jul 2023

*ASR AFRICA FLAG-OFF CONSTRUCTION OF N1BILLION CAREER DEVT AND COUNSELLING, RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES CENTER AT UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN*

Oyo, July 28th, 2023
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has commenced the construction of a 2,000 square meters Career and Renewable Natural Resources Center at the University of Ibadan. The center will provide counseling and career support to students of the university and explore the potential of cleaner energy solutions for the institution. This comes barely three days after the groundbreaking of a Student Affairs Center comprising a sports center, Information & Communication Technology (ICT) hub, administrative offices, and a 1,000-student capacity amphitheater at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State by ASR Africa.

Both projects, drawing from the N1 billion grant to the University, are in fulfillment of the tertiary infrastructure grant awarded to the six universities in 2021 as part of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grants Scheme. The grant was drawn from ASR Africa's US$100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal. Other universities that benefitted from the grant were the University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, the University of Ilorin, the University of Benin, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo state, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa thanked the university management for their cooperation on the project implementation. He described the project as “life-changing” as it will address diverse mental health issues amongst students, nurture students in their career path and provide cleaner energy solutions for the university’s use.
Furthermore, Dr. Ubon said the project affirms Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder and Chairman of ASR Africa’s commitment to supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and Africa at large. He added that the career center is a project that would further boost the morale of the students of the University of Ibadan to compete academically with their peers outside the country.
“I want to on behalf of Abdul Samad Rabiu thank the university management for the cooperation and partnership they have shown us so far. I want to assure you of growing this partnership and looking forward to better things to come”. Dr. Ubon said.

In his remark, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the university's Vice Chancellor, thanked Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder and Chairman of ASR Africa for making the project a reality. Prof. Kayode said the project is of great importance to the university, as it will address students’ needs for counseling and career mentorship and pave the way for research on alternative energy. He assured the ASR Africa team of the management’s support to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

ABOUT ASR AFRICA
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative seeks to support sustainable development initiatives in the Health, Education, and Social Development within Nigeria and the rest of Africa, every year. For more information visit asrafrica.org or email asrafrica[at]buagroup[dot]com.

Jedo Investment Company Unveils Special Packages For 10th National Assembly


Real estate firm, Jedo Investment Limited, Thursday in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, unveiled a special package for lawmakers of the Nigerian 10th National Assembly. In what was described as “a special package”, the project constitutes a four bedroom terrace apartment with roof top, a four bedroom semi detached duplex and a two semi detached duplex as well.

Chief Executive of the firm, Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko who described the project as one fully endorsed by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), and under the covering of the Africa International Housing Show, said housing is a right for every citizen and under the United Nations’ human right act, everybody deserves a home.

He said the project was constructed for the interest of Nigerian lawmakers, some of whom are just new to residing in the FCT to carry out their legislative functions.

“This is a project that is fully endorsed by REDAN and that is why we call on the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) gladiator (Festus Adebayo) to come and unveil this for us so that the 10th National Assembly which has more than 70 percent of its members,new to lawmaking at the national level, said Wamakko who is also the President of READN.

“They are looking for homes to stay and that is the reason we made it very pleasurable for them to make payment.

We should understand that even if they are National Assembly members, they also need something that is affordable, flexible and beatiful. That is the reason we put all these together for their interest so they could enjoy their stay in Abuja.

Convener of the AIHS, Festus Adebayo at the unveiling, used the opportunity to remind legislators of their duties to make laws that will enhance the provision of affordble housing for Nigerians. He however, noted that hence most of these lawmakers of the 10th National Assembly are making their an entering to the Nigerian parliament for the first time, they will need a home not just for themselves but, their families and aides inclusive.

“Every four years, new legislators are coming in and some of them have to acquire or rent a place to stay. Many are not coming alone as their legislative aides may be coming with them, Adebayo said.

“That makes it necessary for this important organization to put the interest of the National Assembly as a priority. In this case, not only the National Assembly but, including their legislative aides and all the civil servants working with them.

“We call on the National Assembly to put housing, especially affordable housing as a priority of this government. The palliative should not be N8,000 but must be provided through affordable housing which indirectly would create enough jobs and have a multiplier effect on the economy of the nation.

Adebayo also called on REDAN led by Wamakko to see how they can work with the National Assembly to regulate the practice of real estate business in the country. “Our subscribers must enjoy their rights to affordable home provision, he said.


“The economic impact of housing is extremely huge and if you want to know what I’m saying, go to any housing estate and count the number of persons that are working, from the level of artisans to the level of the consultants, you will understand the effect this kind of project will have on the economy of the Federal Capital Territory.

“I need to let you understand that housing estates have been assisting workers, civil servants in the provision of affordable housing. We have Jedo Investment in Lugbe, Dutse all in Abuja. This project is targeted at members of the National Assembly, having understood that majority of them are coming to reside in the FCT newly. This is their own area of supporting them (lawmakers) and for this support to be reciprocated in the area of affordable housing provision”.

Jedo Investment also also revealed that there are banks it has partnership with. They include Ecobank, Unity and Zenith Banks. So, it presents an opportunity for subscribers to chose any of the banks and make payments. For instance, we are in partnership with Ecobank, Unity bank and Zenith as well. We are looking forward to do a better business with them.

Also present at the unveiling was the past President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIoB), Bldr. Ayobami Shile. He called on the executive and legislative arms of government to within the next 12 months get a system that should be put in place for every single landed property in the country to have a legal document that can be taken to the bank for loan facilities.

“Going by statistics, you will find out that there are trillions of naira that can be pumped back into housing but what is happening now, most buildings have no legal document”.

While many leaders will prefer to announce their achievements by rolling out the drums, Abdul-Lateef Bello, the Director, FCT ROAD TRAFFIC SERVICES DEPT is a quiet operator. In his fifteen- month stint in charge, he has given the Department a new focus, reorientation and sense of purpose.

He spoke with a team of Publishers and Editors in-Chief recently. See excerpts

ON REPOSITIONING OF THE DEPARTMENT

One of the things we observed when I assumed office was that the recruitment procedure was wrong. This was one of the issues behind the attitude of staff that looked out of place. I was once a commuter. I was once a non- VIO staff who used the road. I had seen how people feel, and by the time I see how people feel, I can externalize myself and feel what people feel about us and with that we now know how to go about the process of repositioning the organisation. But then, I decided we have to do the repositioning quietly.
There is no doubt that publicity is key, but when I started, I decided that there was no need to make noise so that I could go far and when we begin to roll out our stories and people come to us, they will be surprised when they see how far we have come. Sometimes it gladdens my heart when I see the surprise in people when they see how far we have come. Today we are reviewing our recruitment procedure which has been one of our weaknesses. We just concluded a review of some of our staff that are always on the road. A substantial number of these people are casual staff. We have the most enlightened officers sitting in the office while the less enlightened ones are on the road. They are not a good reflection of what the VIO is. Unfortunately, the ones on the road are our gatekeepers in terms of impression management. We are in the process of training them. We are now recruiting people that we believe will give us what a capital like FCT deserves. We are also looking at some of the people we had been using as casual staff to pick some of them because of their experience and then remold them. We are therefore in a form of transition. I will plead that the residents bear with us.


ON USE OF TECHNOLOGY
We have also deployed the use of technology to our activities. We have a self-service portal. Now, you can sit in the comfort of your homes and renew your car papers, even the number plates, you only have to come here and share evidence of payment and we will give you the number plates. But we all know Nigerians have trained themselves in a culture of referrals, in which you ask people, who did this for you and we through that, refer the questioner to the person that helped. This had always been the case when we wanted things done. However, with the new development, we believe that will change over time. We have to do a lot of awareness and enlightenment. This was something that was unveiled by the Honourable Minister around March this year. It is working perfectly now. Even the staff were surprised. They had thought it was going to affect our revenue generation but it has not.
We are also aware that some people are making money from our premium numbers ABJ, ABC. We found out that by the time we roll out our plate numbers, some people will buy some of these numbers off and start reselling them for inflated prices. I never knew about this until I was told that some particular set of people will not like to drive their vehicles unless it is with our ABJ or ABC plate numbers. And they pay huge money for that. So, what we did was that we created a page in our online number plate buying web for premium numbers. Even if you just want to access the premium numbers, you have to pay to access them. Now, instead of creating wealth for few individuals, we are making the money for the government. We are gradually changing the process.
Today, we have gotten a broker, who is going to coordinate all the insurance policies for FCT residents. Gone are the days when we have unregistered insurance firms churning out papers and when you have accidents people are fighting on the road because they don’t have recognizable insurance back up. We are working on ensuring that we have a uniformed insurance body to ensure that vehicle owners are able to make claims when there is an accident. The whole arrangement is in the pipeline. Though we will not be making money from this because it is not within our mandate, we however believe that morally we are bound to work on this because it is part of the things we check on the road. We therefore believe we must create the environment for resident to enjoy claims when there is an accident.
All these we are doing gradually. There is no doubt that we have a lot of catching up to do because we have lagged behind as a city.
Every city is now operating what we call a SMART CITY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM. And that is what we aspire to be. We cannot continue to run our operations manually. We cannot continue to stay on the round and tell drivers, ‘STOP, bring out your papers’. We look forward to a situation in which we have electronic enforcement with fewer men working on the roads, maybe for recoveries. By then we would adopt artificial intelligence to help us monitor traffic. We have already deployed pilot cameras around the city, just pilots. All our traffic lights are working courtesy of the Chinese government. We also have other companies who are working. All these are going on as part of the pilot project. We are sharing information, we are interfacing. A lot of things are happening. When we get to the point where we are ready, the people will hear from us. Some of the organisations we are still talking with them on the level of funding.

NEED TO UNBUNDLE THE AGENCY
We believe there is the need to grant the agency some form of autonomy. This can be achieved when the organisation is unbundled. A lot of things have been muddled up, but that task has to be undertaken. In Lagos for instance, what we are doing here is being done by several agencies; the LAMATA, THE LASTMA, and other things. All these things we do as VIO, people don’t know that VIO is just a unit of the FCT Road Traffic Directorate. We have to unbundle, get to that level that people will feel us in all departments. This is the challenge that the new FCT government will face.
The incoming government should declare transportation in FCT an emergency and going forward we already have a template which we will push forward to ensure that the Department actualises its mandate.

BREAKING NEWS:

AMML, STAKEHOLDERS SACKS CEO, MD

The appointment of ALH. ABUBAKAR USMAN FARUK as Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) has been terminated by ALL the Shareholders of the company. The letter was served on him this morning, Monday, 17th July, 2023. Details will follow soon.
See letters below.

Amaecom Opens Head office in Abuja, Urges FG to Make Law for Efficient Port Services

By Nsikak Ekpenyong Abuja.

The Federal Government has been urged to make good legislation to ensure that the ports are efficient.

Dr. Amaechi Marcel Ofomata, Chairman, Amaecom Group, made the appeal on Saturday.

Ofomata also charged ports regulatory bodies to provide a conducive environment for exporters and importers.

He spoke on the sidelines of the official commissioning of the company’s group headquarters in NAF Valley Estate Abuja.

He said Amaecom Global Limited was incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria as a single brand in the year 2004 to do business in the area of Asset financing, Manufacturing, Installation, Provisionbof alternative power solutions among others with the popular BUY NOW, PAYLATER slogan.

The Chairman speaking on the achievements of Amaecom for the year in review, said the company metamorphosed from one brand in Akwa ibom state to a conglomerate with the group head office in Federal Capital Territory and business locations strategically located in the 6 geopolitical zones of the country including presence in China, Ghana and others inorder to bring our service to the doorstep of our teeming customers and stakeholders.

He said: “It is glaring to the face of everyone. Times are hard. Exchange rate has made life and business not worth it. The President should be able to look into Nigeria's economy, more importantly if he wants the survival of everyone, he should look into the ports.

“The ports hold a very significant position in the economy of every country. The structure of those ports are very important. They play a key role. They determine what comes into the county, so if there are wrong policies around ports, we are already in trouble.

“The ports should be able to decide what comes into the country. The regulatory body that regulates the quality of goods should step up.

“Also, the charges at the ports are not helping us. So much money that has been spent on clearing has increased drastically by 500% in the past few years. Two/three years ago, the cost of clearing used to be within a million and two, but a container has a clearing price of about N5million.”

He said Amaecom had grown from supplying its customers items obtainable in the traditional market to manufacturing “our unique and quality Amaecom branded products.”

“We have grown from one amaecom brand to seven other companies in the conglomerate including: Amaecom Buy Now, PayLater; Amaecom AutoFinance; Fabric Mobility and Logistics; Mitichel and Michelle Business School, a training institute of our conglomerate; The Marcel Ofomata Foundation, a Corporate Social Responsibility Arm of our conglomerate; Amaecom Foam & Chemical Industry and Royal Citadel Value Homes,” he added.



Chief Sir Benito Ozigbo, Chairman Advisory Board, Amaecom Global Ltd, said the company would neither be cowed nor threatened by the influx of Chinese products into the country.

“We are not threatened by the influx of China-made products into the country. We can’t be threatened because of the quality we maintain.

We have had the quality for over 20 years, Amaecom branded products including the Amaecom Generating sets, remote control/sounds - proof,freezers,water dispenser,gas cookers, standing fans, tricycles, solar powerd light and others.

“What we are known for is quality. We don’t buy products from the market. We produce them now. We have factories in China and Nigeria. So, every product you get that bears the Amaecom logo is produced by us and the quality is guaranteed.”

Court Affirms Ukaegbu As LP Imo Gubernatorial Candidate

A Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State has affirmed Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph as the Labour Party, LP Gubernatorial Candidate in 2023 Governorship Election in the State.

Delivering judgement in the case in Owerri, Imo State, Justice B. O
Quadri said the primary election that produced Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph on the 16th of April, 2023 was valid after considering the evidence before him.

According to him, the primary election for the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election for the LP in Imo State was not held on the 15th of April, 2023 as claimed by the Plaintiff, Basil Maduka.

He ruled that the Plaintiff was never an aspirant in the nomination process as he never participated in the Party's primary election.

Therefore, Justice Quadri stated that the Plaintiff lacked the locus standing to Institute the case against the defendant.

He therefore ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to publish the name of Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph as the authentic Gubernatorial Candidate of Labour Party, LP, for the 2023 Gubernatorial Election in Imo State.

It would be recalled that the Court had earlier confirmed that Julius Abure was suspended by the FCT High Court and any primary or screening as well as any party activities done by him does not exist thereby declaring the Acting National Chairman Lamidi Apapa as the authentic Chairman hence the 16th April 2023 primary is valid, and this confirm the candidate of Ikechukwu Joseph Ukaegbu as authentic candidate of Labor Party in Imo State in November 11, 2023 election.

Eid-el-Kabir: REDAN Felicitates With Muslims, Seek Ascent To RECON Bill

The President of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, REDAN, Dr Aliyu Wamakko has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of this year's Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Speaking with newsmen on the occasion of Sallah in Abuja, Dr. Wamakko advised them to use the occasion in praying for a secured and better Nigeria.

He also stressed the need for them to pray for national peace and economic development and safe return of Nigerians who are on pilgrimage to Mecca

According to him, the task of repositioning Nigeria for greatness required the prayers and support of everyone irrespective of religion, tribe or political differences.

The President of REDAN used the opportunity to restate the commitment of the Association towards quality housing delivery towards reducing housing deficit in the country.

He said REDAN is already partnering with other relevant Organizations within and outside the country on the need to ensure affordable and accessible accomodations for every segment of Nigerian nationwide.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ascent to the Bill for an Act to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Council of Nigeria, RECON.

Dr. Wamakko said the Bill when signed into law would further enhance professionalism in real estate business, reduce building collapse as well as housing deficit in the country.

The President of REDAN also Adviser State and Local Governments to put in place policies and programmes that would assist their people in own their houses towards improving their living conditions.

He restated the commitment of the Association towards complimenting the efforts of Government at all levels in ensuring quality and affordable housing to Nigerians.

Eid-el-kabir :Dr. Anthony Ezekwugo Felicitates with Muslims, urges for Unity, economic development.


The FCT Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the just concluded 2023 general elections, Dr. Anthony Chike Ezekwugo has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of this year's Eid-el-Kabir celebrate.


Ezekwugo, speaking to journalists in Abuja on the occasion of sallah, called on residents to live in unity with other religions in the FCT and the nation. He also used the occasion to pray for a united Nigeria that would live in peace.

He equally called for citizens to work in unity for economic development, irrespective of religion, tribe or political affiliations.

In his statement, he asked for citizens' cooperation and collaboration with the government at all levels for the development of the territory and the nation.

The APGA Senatorial flag-bearer, who fought gallantly at the polls but lost to Kingibe, said the choice of the people invariably represents the voice of God almighty even as he called on the senator to be magnanimous in victory by carrying everyone along, since no individual can claim perfection and possession of the knowledge of solutions to every problem in bringing quality and inclusive leadership to the territory.


Dr. Ezekwugo also used the opportunity to thank the teeming Muslim supporters of APGA and the Labour Party who voted for him and appealed to them to eschew bitterness and join hands with the winner of the election to move the territory and the nation forward in industrial growth and social development.


He equally advised the supporters to shun every form of blame game, name calling, demonstrations and bitterness in the interest of peace in the territory and the nation.


Dr. Ezekwugo promised to support and cooperate with the government whenever necessary to improve the welfare and social wellbeing of the people of the FCT and the entire nation.

*LABOUR PARTY WISHES JULIIS ABURE GOOD HEALTH TO SUSTAIN HIS LIFE AFTER SENTENCING TO PRISON IF FOUND GUILTY FOR OFFENCE OF FORGERY PERJURY ,IMPERSONATION AND CRIMINAL CONSPIRACIES



The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party wishes the embattled and restrained National Chairman, Comrade, Julius Abure, a happy 52 birthday even as he will be arraigned on monday 26th day of June 20233 by the police to face-criminal charges that bothered on forgery, impersonation, Pejury and criminal conspiracies and the party wishes him well in prison custody once find culpable and guilty


The Party is happy to note that the restrained former National Chairman, has turned 52 in good health and wishes him God's sustenance in the same and enjoined all party supporters and members of the public to join in the prayer for a good health for the former National chairman as he faces his charges that may end him up in prison for many years


While the Party is happy that the restrained former National chairman turned 52 in good health, it is not unmindful of the fact that the issues of principles, procedure and integrity which has gotten him restrained by the court should be respected by all and sundry including Mr Peter Obi


As the former National Chairman, Julius Abure celebrates his birthday, the Labour Party prays that he should remain in good health to face the charges of forgery, impersonation and other criminal charges preferred against him which led to his arrest and detention upon which his international passport was confiscated by the police



The National Working Committee of the Labour Party believes that the former National chairman deserve to be celebrated for attaining the beautiful age of 52. Moreso that members of the NWC have no personal issues with the restrained former National chairman but stand on the issues of principles which defines the leadership of the party under ALh BASHIRU LAMIDI APAPA and which needs to be clarify by court of competent jurisdiction.


However, the issue of integrity which is fundamental to run a party, like the Labour Party must be upheld and respected at all time as Labour Party is Not known to habour criminals within its rank



This critical attribute, which must be imbued as a sacrosanct quality in a leader cannot be diminished in this circumstance.



The Party pray that the almighty God should sustain his health , so that after the judgment, on the matter in court, where he is found guilty, he should have the strength of good health to serve the maximum prison sentence for the time applicable to the offence of forgery and impersonation.


Happy Birthday to the Embattled and Restrained former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure.

Thank you

Comrade Non-Controversial Gentleman (CNCG)

Dr Abayomi Arabambi
National publicity Secretary Labour Party

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, REDAN, has called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to as a matter of urgency address future flooding risks in the Territory

The President of REDAN, Dr. Aliyu Wamakko made the call while addressing newsmen on the recent flooding in some parts of Abuja where residents in the early hours of Friday were hit by flooding after heavy downpour.

Some of the people within the Federal Capital Territory were seen swimming out of their various Estates while looking for a safety zone while some houses were also submerged as the flood took over some of the community within the FCT.

Dr. Wamakko who said the Global Warming Authority had earlier issued a warning that there would be flood within the West Africa sub region because of rainfall this year commiserated with victims who had lost their property to the flood disaster

"We also call on the Authority to share in the grief of the victims and not to add to what has happened to them and their families because it's not their making but a natural disaster " He said

According to him, the last time REDAN visited Trademor one of the affected areas in Lugbe alongside with the officials of the FCDA, some of houses were earmarked for demolition which were suspected to be on the water ways and the Association stressed the need for proper infrastructure and channel of drainage to address the situation

"Since the completion of Shehu Musa Yar'Adua way , the flooding within the Lugbe axis has continued to be a problem most especially in Lugbe, Lokogoma and other communities in the area, so I believe something needed to be done by the FCT Administration.

Dr. Wamakko also advised the residents against building houses on waterways and dumping refuse on drainage to avoid flooding

The President of REDAN who explained that the Association would continue to compliment the efforts of the Federal Government on ways to combat flood disaster emphasized the need for necessary Agencies to effectively sensitize Nigerians on the warning by Global Warming Authority concerning this year's rainfall prediction towards preventing loss of lives and property to flooding

From: Nsikak Ekpenyong, Abuja

The Labour Party has carpeted the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri for failing to conduct Local Government election.

The party said it was concerned that funds intended for local governments in Bayelsa State are being withheld by the state government instead of being allocated to democratically elected local government officials.

The party said it viewed the development as a deliberate neglect of the local government area, contradicting the governor's claim of pursuing a prosperous administration.

Addressing reporters on Friday, National publicity Secretary, Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, warned the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission, BYSIEC that if it failed to issue a notice to commence the process of local government election before July ending 2023, the party would resort to peaceful civil protest aimed at pressuring the governor to do the "needful."

The party said: "Labour Party National Working committee is no longer comfortable with the outright and deliberate refusal of the Bayelsa State Governor, senator Douye Diri to conduct local government elections in the state

"The Governor cannot deny the importance and significance of the grassroots to the development of the state, as local government areas were created to help established , nurture, sustain democracy, and democratic political culture,because giving them powers to function effectively stabilizes and strengthens the political system since they are closer to the people

"Furthermore, the importance of local government in ensuring democratic representation for the people at the grassroots level cannot be overemphasized, and the people of Bayelsa State particularly those at the grassroots deserve elected officials who can effectively advocate for their needs and drive development initiatives.

"We are concerned that funds intended for local governments in Bayelsa State are being withheld by the state government, instead of being allocated to democratically elected local government officials, and we view the development as a deliberate neglect of the local government area, contradicting the governor's claims of pursuing a prosperous administration.

"Furthermore, the Labour Party strongly condemns the utilization of civil servants to administer local government affairs, and we described it as an unconventional, unconstitutional and backward approach, and we maintain that the delay in conducting local council elections may be driven by the governor's political agenda, contrary to his earlier statements of prioritizing the people's development over political maneuvers.

"Labour Party attention has also been drawn to the frustrated action employed by the PDP and Governor of Bayelsa State to slow the progress of the ongoing case in Sagbama High Court, Yenagoa, which was aimed at compelling the governor to conduct elections and we further express our party concerns about the boasting of the Governor claimed that he has the potential to interfere with the judicial process.

"Labour Party hereby urge the governor to respect the independence of the judiciary, which played a crucial role in his assumption of office.

"The Labour Party therefore warns that if the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission, BYSIEC fails to issue a notice to commence the process of local government elections before July ending 2023, the party would resort to peaceful civil protest aimed at pressuring the governor to do the needful.

"The civil action will not only be peaceful, but resolute, in our pursuit of electoral justice and democratic representation for the people of Bayelsa State."