A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, on Saturday, attributed the lingering political crisis in Rivers State to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s pursuit of selfish interest.

Secondus, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, said the FCT Minister was the brain behind Governor Siminalaye Fubura’s political troubles.

He alleged that the former governor brought misery, grief, and anguish into the state, stressing that the Minister has failed to attract any federal project to Rivers.

According to Secondus, Fubara fell out with his estranged godfather when he (Fubara) decided to prevent the looting of the state.

He explained that the political crisis currently rocking the state was orchestrated by those who demand unfettered access to the state’s finances, a demand he said the governor refused to accept.

Secondus said, “Wike has been Governor for eight years and is now Minister of the FCT.

“As Minister, what has he, Wike, attracted in terms of Federal projects to our dear State since he assumed office?

“Perhaps misery, grief, and anguish. As governor he supervised the exit of investors from the state due to his draconian policies.

“He had on an occasion mentioned that he is capable of causing a crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers State.

“Mrs Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as governor, have we ever breathed down his neck? Instead, what we get is disrespect and insults.

“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to stop overheating the Rivers State political atmosphere and allow Fubara to work. Whatever Wike thinks he is, it must be stressed that Rivers people made him.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has admitted his mistake supposedly about his successor and begged people of Ogun/Bolo local government area to forgive him.

He has also emphasized that at no point did he tell anybody to worship him, stating that people should be appreciative of those or whoever that is instrumental to their elevation.

Minister of the FCT, Wike, spoke on Saturday at St. Martins Church Field Ogu town in Ogu/Bolo LGA, for the grand civic reception held in honour of George Thompson Sekibo, who celebrated 20 years of meritorious service at the National Assembly and 36 years of his life in public service.

The minister said that God cannot come down to help people, but would use somebody to accomplish that, condemning ingratitude in the lives of some individuals.

Wike stated: “My dear people, I came because I respect people who appreciate what God has done for them; who appreciate what God has used people to do for them.

“God does not come down. God uses people to help people. So, when you have been helped, you appreciate Him and, then, God will know you have appreciated Him.

“I have never told anybody to worship me. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that we only have one God. And it is only that God we will worship. And will continue to worship that God.

“But, as politicians, we appreciate people who have helped us. Is it not correct?

“Ogu/Bolo people, when I came to ask you to support me, you supported me. Did I worship you? But, I have to appreciate you. I have to thank you. If you did not support me, I would not have been in the position where I am. I never said I would worship you. Did you tell me to worship you? So, how did the issue of worship come?

“I want to say this clearly, in life, we may have made a mistake. You have made and there is nothing anyone can make about. I have made a mistake. I own it up. And I ask God to forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But, we will correct it at the appropriate time.

“I am a human being. I am bound to make a mistake. My judgment can be wrong. So, forgive me for making a wrong judgment. That is life. So, nobody should kill himself.”

To the lawmaker representing Ogu/Bolo constituency in the House of Assembly, Wike declared:

“Let me say this clearly, Arnold, don’t be frightened that anybody would remove you as an Assembly member. Nobody will remove you as Assembly member.

“Most of you don’t understand. This (politics) is our work. What l am doing is to make them fear, to make them angry. I have no other job than to make them to be angry everyday, to make them make mistake everyday. And they will be in trouble everyday. So, don’t worry yourselves.

“If they like, they can go to anybody by 2am, 4am to get injunction. The law will take its course. We are not afraid. We followed due process. We must follow due process.

“We are not going to harm anybody. We are not going to give money to anybody to buy arms and kill anybody. We won’t do that.

“As you see me, I think well. You see, I came with Senator Magnus Abe. I work with people who have brain. In politics, when people who have brain disagree, they agree.
Wike taunted those saying they would bring him, saying nobody could do that.

“When you are in charge, you are in charge. So, don’t worry”, urging them to calm down because everything would be over.

He, however, advised Ogun/Bolo people to forget the abuse coming from their detractors, noting that one must be alive for people to abuse him.

“At the appropriate day, that day when the result would be announced, we will know who is who. Don’t worry yourselves. We have defeated them severally.

“No amount of propaganda can help you. Ogu people have shown loyalty. And I want to thank you.”

The FCT minister declared that he knows how to handle the people he described as “buccaneers”, stressing that he would continue to handle them.

He acknowledged that it is not easy to be in power, saying that it is only those who lack knowledge of why they are in power give excuses.

“When you want to do bad, you say there is too much pressure on you, saying they say I should bring N20 billion, N10 billion, N100 billion. They want to run away from fulfilling the promises you made to people.

“Look at all the council chairmen; look at all the Assembly members. These are young men, whom I talked to, spoke to that all these things are for the interest of all of us. Do it. And they all did it. Today, somebody says they are nobody. Will you accept that?

“Look at Assembly people sat down in their various constituencies. You never brought a dime. I never knew you were so rich; I never knew your father was a managing director of Shell before and now you are feeding Assembly people, paying their children’s school fees. I never knew that. It’s unfortunate.”

Wike reiterated that he would not abandon Ogu people, emphasizing that from 1999 to 2014, no governor in the state had recognized the traditional institution in Ogu/Bolo, but he broke the jinx.

The FCT minister berated traditional rulers in the area who failed to be appreciative of the person who lifted them up.

“I have maintained peace. And I will continue to maintain peace. And I want all of you to continue to maintain peace. There will come a time when nobody can tell me that I would not live in my house. Nobody can tell me that I cannot go to my house. Maintain peace and follow law. Follow due process.”

The Peoples Democratic Party has declared full control over Rivers State, asserting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the party now dominate the state’s political landscape.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday, the party claimed that all legislators who defected to the All Progressives Congress have forfeited their seats, citing constitutional provisions.

PUNCH Online, on Tuesday, reported that the Rivers State Government dismissed a call on the state House of Assembly by the Caretaker Committee of the APC in the state to commence impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

Ologunagba emphasized that legal considerations now overwhelmingly favour the PDP, dismissing the APC’s claims as futile attempts to subvert Nigeria’s constitution.

He stated, “It is indeed pathetic for the APC to think that the facts and true import of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to the effect that the former lawmakers have since lost their seats can be muddled and lost in litigation and lengthy press statements.

“Interestingly, in the failed bid to subvert the Constitution to give the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly a lifeline, the APC ended up admitting the clarity of the provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in voiding their seats upon their defection.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution is clear in providing that “a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if – being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before expiration of the period for which that House was elected:

“Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.”

Ologunagba said that all House of Assembly members who joined the APC are now former members.

He urged both the APC and the legislators to abandon any hopes of their party assuming control of Rivers State.

“The former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, for reasons best known to them, wittingly vacated and summarily lost their seats as nothing in the proviso protects or allows them to retain their membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly after decamping from the political party upon which they were elected.

“These former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have only themselves to blame for Constitutionally vacating their seats; a course which cannot be reversed or remedied. They should admit their miscalculation and bear the inescapable consequences.

“This is especially so as the Supreme Court, in the case of Abegunde vs Ondo State House of Assembly and Others, has since clarified and affirmed the import of the proviso in Section 109(1)(g) in validating the automatic vacation of a seat by a member of a Legislative House who defected from the Party upon which he was elected into that House.

“For the umpteenth time, the PDP cautions the APC to steer clear of Rivers State; it should perish the thoughts of forcefully taking over the State and stop exasperating the public space by seeking to reverse the irreversible.

“The APC should come to terms that with the vacation of seats by the former lawmakers, the quorum of the Rivers State House of Assembly will be determined by the number of the remaining lawmakers as provided by law; until a bye-election is conducted to fill the vacancies now existing in the Rivers State House of Assembly as a result of the defection by the former members,” Ologunagba further stated.

Amidst the many troubles rocking the Rivers State political structure, the APC on Friday stated that the “egregious actions” of Fubara are indicators of his impeachment process talks.

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resident Bola Tinubu has advised lithium investors to prioritise environmental protection and community engagement, warning them not to leave the host community in ruins in their exploration activities.

Receiving a delegation from Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies led by Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule, Tinubu commended the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Sule was accompanied on the visit to the President by Mr. Hi Yongwei, Chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, and Mr. Zhenhua Pei, Chairman, Canmax Technologies.

Tinubu, however, emphasised the need for responsible mining practices, saying, “You must not leave the community in ruins as you explore for our high-grade minerals. You must be concerned with cooperation and always care for the community.”

The President urged the companies to prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring that their operations benefit the local population and minimize ecological damage.

Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited has invested $500 million in the lithium processing plant, which produces about 4,000 metric tonnes daily. Canmax Technologies has announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.

He, however stated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria becomes a key player in the global lithium market and a solar panel and EV battery manufacturing hub in Africa.

”There are other aspects of lithium that you are exploring in the country, especially in battery production. Nigeria is a huge market for solar panels. Africa is a major consumer of solar technologies. I do not see why these panels and batteries cannot be produced here.

“The labour is cheaper. Our youths are vibrant and skilled. Our people are brilliant and adapt to new technology. The economy is increasingly more vibrant, and Nigeria is dependable. We have the consumption capacity and a surplus of steady-handed citizens with gifted minds and an innate drive to work and produce.

”We are caring partners. We want your investments to succeed so that you can expand further. Whenever you call on us, we will help you. You can, in mutually-beneficial collaboration with us, dominate the solar panel market as part of a revolution in Africa and the West African sub-region.

”You can always promote the interest of China and Nigeria as the best place in Africa to do business. We are preparing to produce in this country the solar technologies that the entire continent will use,” the President said.

Tinubu also applauded Sule and Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, for their dedication to ensuring environmental protection and value addition by mining firms operating in the country.

”The Governor of Nasarawa State and the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, also share in these congratulations.

”It is a great joy to have you (the Chinese executives) in Nigeria. It is part of our campaign that Nigeria is open for business. We congratulate your courage in believing in us and the inauguration of the new factory.

”I can assure you that we will continue to give you the necessary support and encouragement. This is an opportunity for you to help tell the rest of the investment world that Nigeria is solid and open for business,” the President said.

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, said some of the progressive ideas he instituted during his tenure were jettisoned after his exit from office.

Jonathan who was the President from 2010 to 2015, stated this while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.

The former president who said he ensured that women were admitted into the Nigeria Defence Academy, recalled that he faced serious challenges but had his way as the president of the country.

He said it is worth noting that women have become an integral part of the military set with some of them going ahead to become some of the best jet fighters.


He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.

“However some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned. “

The former President who noted challenges faced by women in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.

“However some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned. “

The former President who noted challenges faced by women in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

He also called for the recalibration of the nation’s school curriculum to prioritize skills acquisition, and technology and de-emphasise certificates.

The ex-president explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.

He also condemned cultism and bullying in the nation’s lower school system and called on the government at all levels to put a stop to the menace.

He thanked former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar for approving the establishment of Igbinedion University, noting that if he hadn’t done that, “the establishment of the several private universities in the country would not have been possible”.

While commending the courage and vision of the Founder of Igbinedion University, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in establishing the institution, he said because the university is doing well, that gave the impetus to other entrepreneurs to establish other private universities in the country.

He thanked God for using Abubakar to bring democracy to the country.

On his part, Abubakar commended Chief Igbinedion for his foresight in establishing the university, saying “25 years ago, we gave a license to establish this University and Esama has been making progress. Esama, we congratulate you”.

He also thanked the Okada Community for their role in bringing peace to the university, adding “In the next 25 years most of us won’t be here. I wish you well in your celebration”.

Earlier, Deputy Pro-Chancellor of the university, Lucky Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor, and Founder of the university said 25 years after, the noble effort of establishing the institution has paid off with the springing up of more private universities in the country.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye who reeled out several achievements of the institution in the past 25 years, disclosed that it has churned 60,000 graduates since inception.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, on Friday, said Nigeria is reaping what it sowed following bandits and terrorists’ attacks across the country, most especially in the North.

He blamed the insurgency on the government’s inability to prioritize education of the young generation, warning that the situation may get worse.

The Catholic Bishop spoke in Abeokuta , Ogun State, while delivering a lecture at the 42nd Actualisation conference of Rotary International, District 9110.

The four-day conference attracted thousands of Rotarians from Lagos and Abeokuta.

The clergyman in his lecture described rising security challenges in Nigeria as the consequences of the young generation not having proper education.

He said “We are facing the challenges that are the consequences of our children not having education. Now everybody is fearing bandits, everybody is fearing Boko Haram, we are reaping today what we sowed yesterday and it will actually grow worse.

“We have millions of children, at least between 10 and 12 or 15 million children that are on the streets who are begging, each of these children are growing by the day, the Almajiri that is 10 now, in 10 years time he will be 20 years so unless we quickly do something the situation may go worse.”

He called on philanthropists, religious bodies and other humanitarian organisations to channel their efforts towards combating illiteracy.

Kukah said Nigeria “must try to combat illiteracy because there is no substitute for education and if we who are educated believe that we are secured then we must think again.”

In his goodwill message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo charged the Rotary club to redouble their efforts in creating a better world.

Obasanjo who spoke in a pre-recorded video, called on the club to continue to put service to humanity above every other thing.

The former President urged participants to use the opportunity of the conference to reignite the passion for helping the less privileged and impacting the society positively.

The District Governor, Ifeyinwa Ejezie, noted Rotary Club under her watch has done a lot in the area of its focus including basic education and literacy, maternal and child health as well as economic empowerment.

She said the District has taken the issue of mental health to another level by educating alot of people, adding that drug abuse among the youths was equally addressed by the club.

Ejezie reiterated the Rotary Club’s commitment to humanitarian activities within the district and across the world.

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, expressed his determination to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production before leaving office.

The President spoke in Niger State during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 84km, N169.7bn Bida-Minna Road construction in the Kakakpagi, Katch Local Government Area of the state.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, promised that the Federal Government would continue to partner with states that bring development to their people.

He said, “For governments at all levels to grow, there must be cordial relationships. The Federal Government will support Niger to ensure that the desired prosperity is derived. Nigeria will be self-sufficient in food production during my administration.

“Road construction will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”

The President extolled the first-class traditional ruler and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional rulers, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, for ensuring peace in his domain.

Tinubu said, “As a traditional title holder of Jagaba Borgu since about 20 years ago, I am also a son of Niger and I will be part of anything that will bring development to the people of the state.”

In his remarks, Governor Umaru Bago said the construction of the Bida-Minna Road was a promise fulfilled.

“As encapsulated in our pact with Nigerlites under the New Niger Agenda, this groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the 84km standard dual-carriageway with streetlights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the road, a promise fulfilled.

“This project is of paramount economic importance to us as a state. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony we are witnessing today is a paradigm shift from the usual lip services of the past.

“This demonstrates our commitment towards building world-class road infrastructure that will endure over time to make Niger a reference point in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

“We are poised to change the negative narratives in line with our ambitious New Niger Agenda,” he said.

The First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has assured Nigeria will soon take its place in the comity of nations.

She was speaking while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, at the State House Abuja, on Thursday.

According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said: “We have not explored in our country. We have so much that God has blessed us with.

“I know Turkey wants to encourage Nigeria and the whole of Africa and we are grateful. We are looking forward to when Nigeria would take her place in the comity of nations, and that is very soon.”

Ambassador Hidayet Bayraktar disclosed that Turkish Nationals are looking forward to improved collaborations with Nigeria, especially in security, energy, construction, using entertainment to enhance culture and health.

“We are hoping that a Turkish Hospital would be established here and that would reduce medical tourism. People should get to know Nigeria and its culture through the film industry,” Bayraktar said. He informed Senator Oluremi Tinubu of the eagerness of the First Lady of Turkey to attend the forthcoming Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, OAFLAD Nigeria’s campaign launch of #We Are Equal holding on the Monday 13th May, 2024.

A former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, standing trial for an alleged N7.2bn fraud, said he was ready to go to prison just like the prophets.

Sirika, his daughter, and three others were arraigned at a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday on a six-count amended criminal charge before Justice Sylvanus Oriji.

A video of the ex-minister speaking in court with his lawyers surfaced on X on Thursday.

In the video, Sirika, dressed in cream Babariga, could be heard saying, “It’s okay. Fatima, it’s okay,” while comforting his daughter.

He continued, “Even prophets have gone (to prison). Those that went, haven’t they finished theirs already?…whatever Allah says”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the ex-minister, his daughter, son-in-law and Al-Duraq Investment Limited, of fraud in connection with the botched Nigerian Air project.

Meanwhile, the court granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N100m with two sureties each.

Before the trial judge, Justice Sylvanus Orji granted the bail request of the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them after it was read out to them.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, had informed the court of an amended charge by the EFCC dated May 7, and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by the counsel for the defendants.

Sirika’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of his client’s bail application dated May 6.

The other defendants similarly, moved their bail applications and prayed the court to be liberal in the bail conditions.

Jacobs, on his part, told the court that all the defendants were on administrative bail and asked the court to grant bail on the condition that would make them appear for their trials.

Apart from the N100m bail, Justice Osuji added that one of the sureties must own a landed property with valid land titles in like sum within the Federal Capital Territory.

The judge also held that the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means while he barred the defendants from travelling outside the country without its permission.

He added that failure to fulfil the bail conditions would earn the defendants a stay in a correctional facility.

The Presidency yesterday said the cybersecurity levy was introduced to tackle cybercrimes and terrorism.
It said the nation lost over N273billion (approximately $762million) to cybercrime alone in 2022.

It also claimed that the same levy is in place in Ghana and Rwanda.

Opposition to the policy grew yesterday, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), ex-Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) rejecting it.

A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said the Federal Government “cannot be blind to the grievous effects of cybercrimes on the nation’s economy.”

The source made the clarification against the backdrop of the mounting criticisms on the inclusion of Cybersecurity Fund in the Cybercrime Act 2024.

The source said: “The Cybercrime Act 2024 is meant to protect the nation’s economy from collapse; it is not targeted at the masses. Those criticizing the Act do not have the full knowledge of the rationale behind it.

“According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the Nigerian banking sector lost over N273 billion (approximately $762 million) to cybercrime in 2022 alone.

“Apart from that, there have been SIM-swapping attacks on Nigerian banks since 2019 to date.

“Flutterwave, a leading African fintech company, has faced several allegations of security breaches in recent months amounting to millions of dollars in losses to customers.

“Even the Nigerian National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has put adequate security in place to check incidents of data breaches.”

The source said the inherent benefits of the Cybercrime Act are contained in Section 44 of the Cybercrime Act.

He said Section 44 was designed for National Cyber Security Fund in which a levy of 0.005 of all electronic transactions b by some businesses to fight cybercrimes and terrorism.

The source added: “Contrary to insinuations, the Fund will be domiciled in the Central Bank within a period of 30 days.

“Also, an amount not exceeding 40 percent of the Fund may be allocated for programmes relating to countering violent extremism.

“The Federal Government is well-intended with the Cybercrime Act 2024. We live in a global village in Africa, we cannot afford to ignore the reality of the threats of cybercrimes to our economic survival.

“The management of the Cyber Security Fund has enough checks and balances to prevent abuse. This government is determined to fight cybercrime.”

Section 44 of the Act reads: “(1) There is established the National Cyber Security Fund (in this Act referred to as “the Fund”).

“(2) There shall be paid and credited into the Fund established under subsection (1) of this section and domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria-

(a) a levy of 0.005 of all electronic transactions by the businesses specified in the Second Schedule to this Act;

(b) grants-in-aid and assistance from donor, bilateral and multilateral agencies;

(c) all other sums accruing to the Fund by way of gifts, endowments, bequest or other voluntary contributions by persons and organisations:

“Provided that the terms and conditions attached to such gifts, endowments bequest or contributions will not jeopardise the functions of the Council:

(d) such monies as may be appropriated for the Fund by the National Assembly; and

(e) all other monies or assets that may, from time to time, accrue to the Fund.

“(3) All monies accruing to the Fund shall be exempted from income tax and all contributions to the Fund shall be tax deductible.

“(4) The levy imposed under subsection 2(a) shall be remitted directly by the affected businesses or organizations into the Fund domiciled in the Central Bank within a period of 30 days.

“(5) An amount not exceeding 40 percent of the Fund may be allocated for programs relating to countering violent extremism.

“(6) The Office of the National Security Adviser shall keep proper records of the accounts.

“(7) The Account of the Fund shall be audited in accordance with guidelines provided by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

Wave of opposition, rejections

The TUC rejected the planned cybersecurity levy.

Its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, in a statement, urged the Federal Government to give a “marching order to the CBN to immediately withdraw the circular and cancel the planned levy forthwith.”

The statement reads: “It is indeed illogical that this is coming at a time that Nigerians are grappling with the high cost of living that is imposed by the devaluation of Naira, hyper hike in the cost of Petrol, supersonic increment in the cost of electricity tariff, etc.

“Whereas a bank account holder in Nigeria today is currently charged stamp duty, transfer fee, VAT on transfer fee, and all forms of account maintenance levies by both government and the banks.

“So many policies of this government are not only imposing hardship on the downtrodden Nigerians but also on businesses, as some of them are shutting down because of the unfriendly business environment.

“The National Assembly that ought to be the bastion of democracy and the protector of the citizens oftentimes engages in collusion with elements within the executive to exploit the people. “

Obi faulted the levy, saying it was another form of taxation at a time when the government should be nurturing economic recovery and growth.

He said: “The introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth.

“This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties, but negates the government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system.

“The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit hence will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation high inflation rate.”

“It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government.

“Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive.

“At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue-collecting centre?

“And why should that purely national security office receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law?”

Also, the CNG, rejected the proposal, saying it was anti-masses and insensitive.

In a statement its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, CNG said: “This levy, which is expected to be effective within the next two weeks, exemplified the Federal Government’s lack of compassion and empathy to the plight of Nigerians in the face of the current economic hardship.

“It is crass heartlessness that is a sequel to fuel subsidy removal which now took fuel above N1000 per litre and the electricity tariff abruptly soaring.

“It is tantamount to another daily-light extortion in the offing by the government that came to be through democratic processes.”

Minister of Works David Umahi has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu to completing the Abuja- Kaduna-Katsina- Kano Federal Highway within a record time.

Umahi stated this during a courtesy visit of the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to his office, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Speaking during the event, the minister said he had the directive of President Tinubu to present a programme that could see to the completion of the project within the next one year.

He assured the governor that the project, which was inherited from the past administration,would be started in three sections as soon as possible.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to DAILY POST by the minister’s special adviser on media and publicity, Uchenna Orji.

“We are going to have the first section of 38 kilometres by 2, (which is 76 kilometres,) done by Dangote Group of Companies on Tax Credit and it’s going to use concrete to do it.

According to the statement, Umahi said: “We will allow the next 82 kilometres for Julius Berger to handle. And then the last 20 kilometres by 2, (which is 40 kilometres) for BUA to handle and to also use concrete to do that. And I can assure you that the job will start in these three sections within this month of May.”

The minister commended the governor for the peace and development being witnessed in Kaduna State under his administration despite inherent challenges.

He further said the president’s directive on designing 1,000 kilometres Sokoto- Badagry Highway was being handled with dispatch by the Federal Ministry of Works, noting that the project would cover the old African trade route of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara,Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos States, connecting to Badagry.

He also stated that a proposal was being made to link the South East to the North through the Trans Sahara Highway that would have a spur passing through Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and end in Abuja.

On his part, the Governor of Kaduna State extolled the vision and will of the President of Nigeria in revolutionising road infrastructure, which is a catalyst for the socio- economic development of the nation.

“I have to commend him for his effort. Since his assumption to office, he has made us proud, because he has done extremely well, and because he has been able to follow the blueprint of our President, who promised everyone when he was elected that he would take development to every part of Nigeria, irrespective of those that elected him or not. And of course, that is the agenda, that is the Renewed Hope. Today, we are proud to say that development is reaching everywhere in Nigeria, ” he said.

Governor Sani commended the president’s initiative to construct the Lagos-Calabar Road and the Sokoto-Badagry road, noting that the projects would enhance the socio-economic potential of the country when completed.

The Senate passed a bill seeking the establishment of a National Internship and Unemployment Benefit Scheme on Wednesday.

The bill was considered and passed for a second reading after a presentation by its sponsor, Senator Shuaib Salisu (APC, Ogun Central), who explained that the piece of legislation, aims to offer unemployed graduates in Nigeria some part-time jobs where they could gain experience and earn stipends.

Senator Salisu added that the bill intends to create a database of unemployed Nigerian youths, particularly graduates, with their respective disciplines and also establish a framework that will guide the provision of part-time jobs for youths while they search for full-time jobs.

According to him, the scheme, when established, would provide hope for graduates and allow them to acquire experience before they secure full-time employment.

He argued that the scheme would help address insecurity and criminal activities that arose from unemployment.

The lawmaker also acknowledged existing agencies such as the National Directorate of Employment, NDE and the Industrial Trust Fund, ITF, but noted that they have not been targeted adequately to the beneficiaries.

Senator Salisu believes that the scheme, which will have a database, will be more effective in streamlining interventions for the beneficiaries.

Though many of the senators who contributed supported the proposed legislation, Senator Ahmed Wadada (SDP, Nasarawa West), argued that the bill may not be the solution needed to tackle unemployment.

But Senator Wadada said the focus should be on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and consequently create jobs, not thinking of benefits for the unemployed.

“If the environment is enabling enough to up to 10 Dangotes, the rate of unemployment will be reduced to the barest minimum. The emphasis at all times should be to create the needed enabling environment,” he said.

After passage for a second reading, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, mandated the Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity to give it more legislative inputs and report back within four weeks.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has released a new tariff order for May 2024, which will see a reduction in electricity rates for consumers.

NERC said this decision comes after a thorough review of the macroeconomic parameters and exchange rate appreciations.

It disclosed this in a statement signed by its management on Monday.

This is coming after the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress threatened to shut down their operations in the country should the federal government insist on the tariff increment.

When I Heard It, I Nearly Collapsed - Father Of Toheeb, Victim Of Lagos Fuel Station Shooting0:00 / 1:01

The PUNCH reported earlier that the federal government insisted on the tariff increment stating that the burden of electricity subsidy was too much for the government to bear. Meanwhile, the NLC threatened a shutdown.

The revised tariff order, which affects all eleven electricity distribution companies in the country, will lower the end-user tariffs for Band “A” customers from NGN225/kWh to NGN206.8/kWh. This change is expected to provide some relief to consumers who have been grappling with high energy costs.

In response to the NERC’s order, the electricity distribution companies, Abuja, Ikeja, and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Companies, among others, have begun to reduce the tariff accordingly.

The NERC has expressed its dedication to maintaining a regulatory environment that balances the interests of the consumers with the sustainability of the electricity supply industry. This tariff reduction is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure that electricity remains affordable for Nigerians while also encouraging efficiency and improvement in service delivery by the distribution companies.

The new tariff order is a reflection of the NERC’s commitment to its tariff methodology and its responsiveness to changes in the economic landscape. It is anticipated that this move will be well-received by the public and contribute positively to the Nigerian economy.

For more information, consumers are encouraged to contact their local electricity distribution company or visit the NERC’s official website.

“The statement read, “Pursuant to the tariff methodology adopted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, a revised tariff order covering the month of May 2024 has been issued by the Commission to the eleven (11) electricity distribution companies.

“The Commission has considered changes in the macroeconomic parameters over the preceding month of April 2024 and especially the appreciation of exchange rates – consequently, the Commission has approved a downward review of end-user tariffs for Band “A” customers from NGN225/kWh to NGN206.8/kWh.

“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to providing a balanced and effective regulatory regime serving the needs of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described his experience flying Air Peace from Lagos to London as pleasant.

Obasanjo made the remark during a chat with the daughter of the Chief Executive Officer, Nnenna Onyema, during his trip.

In a viral video posted by Air Peace on its social Media page on Monday, the former President was seen shaking and complimenting Nnenna over the airline’s services.

He said: “Tell your father that I went and came back and I didn’t complain.

“I went, it was pleasant. I came back, it was even more pleasant.”

The airline expressed gratitude to the former President for his patronage.

Air Peace wrote, “It was great having the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on our Lagos-London and London-Lagos flights recently. He said, “I went, it was pleasant. I came back, it was even more pleasant.’ Thank you for flying with us, Your Excellency.”

In November, Air Peace’s Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, announced that the airline had successfully obtained the Foreign Carrier Operator Permit and Third Country Operator Permit.

In February 2024, the Nigerian airline disclosed plans to begin direct flight operations to London on March 30.

Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu has said President Bola Tinubu is not to blame for the present economic crisis in Nigeria.

Kalu made this statement on Sunday after he feted orphans, widows, PWDs and the aged at his home in Abia State to celebrate his 53rd birthday.

The Deputy Speaker responded to questions from reporters, explaining that Tinubu is making a lot of effort to correct the mistakes of the past administrations, which led to the present economic problems.

“The hardship we are passing through was not caused by this man. It’s a piled-up case of previous administrations and how they mismanaged one or two things.

“We cannot continue to live in lies thinking that all is well. Tinubu wants to clean up the place so that we can have a sustainable livelihood. Let’s keep supporting and encouraging him,” Kalu said.

He also foresaw a better future for the nation following the present unrest, urging Nigerians to maintain faith in the nation’s current leadership instead of giving up.

The Deputy Speaker claimed that hoarding wealth or living in luxury while others were impoverished amounted to cruelty.

According to him: “What is the essence of keeping things in the warehouse when there is hunger in the land? What is the essence of keeping things until the election periods?

“I’m not interested in the political party or faith. I’m interested in the colour of humanity which is: if you are up, extend your hands to those who are down.

“Let’s spread love, peace and unity, showing others that we care irrespective of their background or political affiliation.”

The Federal Government has vowed to flush out persons working with fake certificates in both public and private organisations.

Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated this while speaking in Abuja on Friday when he received the report of an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling from the chairman of the committee, Prof. Jubrila Amin.

It would be recalled that the Minister, on January 9, 2024, inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to examine the veracity of allegations of degrees racketeering within both foreign and local private universities.

The committee was mandated to review the role of any MDA or its officials in facilitation of the recognition and procurement of fake certificates in question.

Prof. Mamman, who expressed sadness over what has been uncovered during the investigations, said that the ministry would work with relevant agencies to sanitise the education sector and rid it of any fake tendency.

“We can’t afford to have the integrity of our education soiled by some few persons.

“It is possible that some are carrying fake certificates in public and private organisations who need to be flushed out. This report is a product of a thorough investigation.

“It is sad that someone who should come out from a Nigerian institution with a 2:1 or 2:2 is now parading an international certificate of first-class.

“The ministry is determined to take steps to sanitise the system,” he said.

Presenting the report, chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee, Prof. Amin, decried the horrible standards of education in the affected schools, saying that many of those schools awarding degree certificates were an eyesore.

Amin said the problems at hand required speedy intervention, recommending that all agencies in the education sector must digitise/automate their systems.

He said that automating the entire education system was a way to go in such a way that you could sit in your office and monitor what is happening in all tertiary institutions.

According to him, “in the course of our investigation, we realised that the present programme of accreditation and evaluation of results is inadequate.”

He, therefore, called for more universities in the country, saying that more universities to train PhD holders would help a lot rather than Nigerians going outside in search of certificates while ending up getting fake ones.

He also urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to pay more attention to institutions offering part-time or sandwich programmes, “so we don’t have a repeat of 2017 saga of centres offering unaccredited courses.”

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has unbundled the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) with the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (NISO).

NERC made this known in an Order dated April 30, 2023 and jointly signed by NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba, and vice chairman, Musiliu Oseni.

By this order, TCN is expected to transfer all market and system operation functions to the new company.

The commission had previously issued transmission service provider (TSP) and system operations (SO) licences to TCN, in accordance with the Electric Power Sector Reform Act.

However, the Electricity Act 2023, which came into effect on June 9, provided clearer guidelines for the incorporation and licensing of the independent system operator (ISO), as well as the transfer of assets and liabilities of TCN’s portion of the ISO.

Therefore, in the circular, the commission ordered the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to incorporate, unfailingly on May 31, a private company limited by shares under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020.

The company, NERC said, is expected “to carry out the market and system operation functions stipulated in the Electricity Act and the terms and conditions of the system operation licence issued to TCN.

“The name of the company shall, subject to availability at Corporate Affairs Commission, be the Nigerian Independent System Operator of Nigeria Limited (“NISO”),” NERC said.

Citing the object clause of the NISO’s memorandum of association (MOU) as provided in the Electricity Act, NERC said the company shall “hold and manage all assets and liabilities pertaining to market and system operation on behalf of market participants and consumer groups or such stakeholders as the Commission may specify.”

The new ISO, the commission said, will also be responsible for negotiating and entering into a contract for the procurement of ancillary services with independent power producers and successor generation licensees.

Also, it will generally carry out market and system operations functions as specified under the Electricity Act and the terms of its licence in the interest of market participants and system users.

NERC said the company is expected to carry out all market and system operation-related contractual rights and obligations handed over by TCN.

As Nigerians battle fuel scarcity, over 9,000 oil marketers are on the verge of losing their operating licences.

As a result, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria is urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to extend its final deadline for licensing renewal to July.

It also appealed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority to release 9,000 already processed licences to its members.

The association made the request known in a release signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, on Thursday in Abuja.

Recall that IPMAN in a statement on Sunday lamented the slow pace of marketers’ licence renewal by the NMDPRA.

The NNPCL had placed a deadline of April 15, 2024, for marketers to renew their licences or risk closure to access their customer express portals for the purchase of petroleum products from NNPC Retail Limited.

But IPMAN requested an extension, saying the extension would enable marketers to reconcile their licenses and reduce panic buying by members of the public aggravating the present scarcity of petroleum products.

The statement read, “The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria are abreast with current developments in the downstream sector of our petroleum industry and wish to state that the latest information reaching us from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority states that they have already processed more than 9,000 out of the 15,000 licenses they are expected to process for our members within this period.

“Marketers are fast-tracking the processing of their licenses to avoid the impending closure of their customer express portals for purchase of petroleum products from NNPC Retail Limited.

“We, therefore, use this opportunity to appeal to the management of the NMDPRA and NNPC Retail Limited to respectively release the processed licenses and extend the deadline for delisting of marketers from their express portals. If our request is granted, it will ease the tension of panic buying by members of the public in order not to aggravate the present scarcity of petroleum products.”

Giving further clarity in a telephone interview, Ukadike said, “The release is to appeal to the NNPCL and NMPDRA to please extend the final deadline to July so that it would enable them to reconcile the licences so that they will not be unduly shut out off the portal and that is IPMAN appeal.”

Our correspondent contacted the NMDPRA South-West Regional Coordinator, Ayo Cardoso, over the plea of the marketers.

Responding, Cardoso told The PUNCH that the NMDPRA would take a look at the request and act accordingly.

“We will look into their request,” he responded during a chat with our correspondent.

The PUNCH recalled that amid the ongoing fuel crisis, IPMAN had on Tuesday declared that it would shut down the 30,000 stations operated by IPMAN members across the country if the Federal Government failed to pay the N200bn that was being owed marketers.

IPMAN specifically said the NMDPRA had refused to clear the debt, which had continued to accrue since September 2022.

It disclosed this in a communique issued in Abuja by the Chairman of IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhassan, over the non-payment of marketers’ bridging claims.

Fuel scarcity lingers

In their quest to buy the currently scarce Premium Motor Spirit, commercial drivers in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State have started keeping vigil at fuel stations.

The Federal Government on Wednesday said it had begun a 15-day emergency fuel supply to ensure the commodity circulates across the length and breadth of the country to immediately cushion the scarcity.

The government also disclosed that vessels importing Premium Motor Spirit would continue to berth at the shore to discharge petrol to different depots, from where the product would be distributed to different filling stations.

But despite these promises, the product is yet to be available to residents as commercial drivers now keep vigil at filling stations in Abeokuta, Lagos, Oyo and others.

Commercial drivers have raised transport fares as the majority of them now patronise black marketers who sell a litre of petrol at N1,200 per litre or more.

A commercial driver, Adio Adegoke, at Slaab filling station in Abeokuta, told our correspondent that he had slept in his taxi in an attempt to buy fuel.

“I had to park my car here since 7:30 pm yesterday when my tank went empty. I slept at Divine Pax Oil and Gas filling station,” he said.

Also, a mechanic, Lekan Ade, corroborated the claims of the taxi driver stating, “I just bought it there this afternoon for one of my customers, they are still selling it as we speak at the rate of N950 per litre.”

When our correspondent visited the fuel station, aside from being written on their metre, an attendant was also seen warning motorists to go if they could not buy the product at that rate.

Another driver, Adeoluwa Onasanya, told one of our correspondents that many slept at the filling station before they could get the product.

The PUNCH observed that the persistent fuel scarcity seems to be a huge source of income for black marketers, as young boys and girls were sighted by the roadside in Lekki, Ajah and other parts of Lagos advertising fuel in jerry cans.

One of our correspondents observed that along the Egbeda-Idimu-Ikotun axis of Lagos, the black marketers sold five litres of the product for N6,000.

A young man who gave his name as Mr John said, “How many litres do you want? We sell 5 litres here for N6,000. At the fuel station, they sell a litre for N1,200, we have to bribe the fuel station to be able to get the product, I can give you any amount of litre that you want,” he boasted.

The PUNCH observed a long queue of vehicles at the NNPC filling station along the Cele Expressway which was selling at N568/litre, while the AP filling station at Barracks Bustop was selling fuel at N700/litre with a long queue of motorists scrambling to buy fuel.

As the queues refuse to ease off at the filling stations despite the promises from the government, Nigerians are worried that the fuel crisis might degenerate into loss of sources of income.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that the current administration will not blame the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for the challenges it encountered after taking over.

Speaking during the second Chronicle Roundtable, organised by the 21st Century Chronicle, the VP said this is the most difficult time to occupy political leadership in Nigeria due to the challenges facing the country.

He said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to take a bitter pill for the country instead of settling for a placebo.

“The president chose the option that will save the lives of the people instead of the ones that will lead to the prolong the economic death. We will not resort to put the blame on previous administration as leadership is about courage, continuity.”

“Before we took charge, the biggest elephant in the room was about fuel subsidy removal. It was an albatross round the neck of the nation for the past 20 to 30 years. We understood why our predecessor decided to remove subsidy because there were no sufficient budget for it in the fiscal year.

“A year before we took office, Nigeria’s debt service to revenue ratio had grown to 111.18 percent. It was an economic death sentence. To be plain to us, our debt service was that if you earn N100,000, you are forced to borrow an additional N11,800 to pay the debtor. How do we intend to survive this? It will be long before we become a pariah.”

He added that the subsidy has led to diversion of resources from critical sectors and laced with corruption masterminded by subsidy regime.

“We have to jettison the subsidy regime, it was a bitter pill to swallow but we had to do it.”

On the economy reforms it is carrying out, he said: “A presidential candidate in the last election, eager to mock our economic trajectory once pointed Argentina as a model to Nigeria and became an overnight market specialist. He was convinced that we have missed our way and should have adopted the ways of our friends in South America.

“Barely two weeks, we watched as Argentina’s inflation rate surged. We respect what the [/b]president is doing there but governance is not photocopying.”

He said the intervention of CBN and NSA to neutralise influential currency manipulators that have conspired to frustrate its reforms led to the saving of the Naira.

[b]“Today, I stand proud to say that our intervention has translated into desirable goals. Naira speculators were projecting that the Naira will go as far as N5,000 to the dollar. Some bought the dollar at the rate of N2,000 from banks.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, said the government need to ensure it proves the economic situation as there are lots of people who are not wishing the country well.

Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday said the government discovered 86 partitioned rooms, sized 10×10 and 12×10, under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, Ikoyi, on Lagos Island.

Tenants are said to be paying N250,000 per annum for the makeshift apartment under the bridge.

Wahab shared this information via a post on social media on Wednesday, along with videos.

He added that the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources had successfully removed all structures, including a container utilised for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge.

Sharing videos he wrote, “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

“They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources”

A Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, further confirmed the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi over illegal settlement and environmental violations.

Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI on Tuesday.

He wrote, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).

“These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.”

He also confirmed that the bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.

“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he added.

The Federal Government has announced plans to repatriate 20,000 Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Chad and Cameroon, in the next two months.

Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Aliyu Tijani, stated this after a meeting with the Tripatite Working Group (TWG) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR), yesterday in Abuja.

“We are looking at 3,000 households from Chad that is about 6,000 people to be repatriated from Chad.

“In the case of Cameroon the number we have is about 14,000 people. However, we will not force anybody to return to this country.

“Arrangements are ongoing to profile those willing to return. The time frame is within the next two months,” he said.

Tijani, however, did not disclose the cost implications, but noted that the government would do everything possible to ensure the safe return of Nigerians.

He said: “We are yet to determine the cost implications for the repatriation of our people in Cameroon and Chad. We have sent a memo to that effect. By the time we get the total bill, I think the government of the federation will intervene.

“I want to tell you that the government of Nigeria will do everything possible to ensure that money is provided for this.

“They have done that before I am sure they will continue to do that. Do not forget that in 2022 about 5,000 Nigerians were repatriated from Cameroon.”

He explained that most of returnees left the country because of 2022 flood that ravaged the country and the crisis between herders and farmers.

“Don’t forget that in 2022, we had a very serious flood and many of our people left this country. Some fled to Chad.

“Some left to Cameroon, including the crisis between herders and farmers, are contributing factors. The number is not too much to think that they cannot leave this country,” he said.

On this issue of rehabilitation, where the returnees would be camped and the support system by the government, he said” Repatriation is ongoing in Banki and in Baga in Borno State, and the construction of houses.

“We are making arrangements, liaising with the government of Borno State, to ensure that most of those that will be returning will be taken to skill acquisition centres.

“Borno State has a very magnificent skills acquisition centres waiting for the returnees.

“As they return we will give them some training, then we will give them start-up packs. Government will not continue to be fending for them for life. We will have to provide a durable solution and the durable solution is the shelter, start-up packs for them.”

UNHCR Deputy Representative (Protection), Bernadette Mutakale Muteshi, on her part, said the international organisation, would provide counseling for them.

Muteshi said: “We will offer them with documentations to state their profile and any special arrangements that need to be made.

“After that, we will provide them with information both general and private as will as counseling. And together with the two governments, we will discuss about the legal framework and the arrangements they are coming back to meet. We will also work with both governments to arrange the logistics.”

The Federal Government has announced free passenger train ride for four days on the rehabilitated Port Harcourt to Aba railway.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Oloruntola Oluremi, said the free train ride would be from the 1-4 May.

“There will be free train ride between Port-Harcourt and Aba on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th of May 2024.



“The train will be departing Port-Harcourt everyday by 8am for Aba. It will also be departing Aba every day for Port -Harcourt by 3pm. Full commercial operations resume on Tuesday 7th May 2024,” the statement reads.

Details Shortly...

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole has accused Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State of using his immunity to cover his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.

He said Ododo wrongly used his immunity by prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from arresting Bello.

EFCC had accused Bello of money laundering and corruption to the tune of N80.2 billion.

As part of its ongoing investigation, the anti-graft agency had stormed Bello’s residence in Abuja, in an attempt to arrest him.

But Ododo subsequently arrived at Bello’s residence and prevented the anti-graft agency from picking his former boss.

EFCC later declared Bello’s whereabouts unknown while placing him on a watchlist.

Amid the drama, the Kogi High Court ruled against the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello in a fundamental rights enforcement suit.

However, Oshiomhole said Ododo’s “rescue” of Bello and the former governor’s refusal to show up in court, constitutes a breach of the law.

Oshiomhole spoke at the ‘Revisiting the national question: Nigeria’s elusive search for national integration’ international conference organised by the Kukah Centre.

He said: “If you are afraid, given the fact that you are very vocal, you are independent, you cannot be dismissed, you cannot be promoted or demoted.

“If you are afraid to mention the name of a former governor who breached the law and a sitting governor who used his immunity to cover a governor that lost immunity, where will the courage come from?

“This sophistry of saying we can name the child of a poor man who steal(s) a goat but we are afraid to mention the name of a big man who breached the law, that for me is at the root of our problems.”

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is investing in technology to ensure transparency and government accountability as he holds a meeting with Microsoft founder Bill Gates on how to ensure easy collection of taxes in Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu said this would also accelerate public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people. He stated this during a meeting with Mr Gates on Sunday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The president said technology was a potent weapon against corruption and financial impropriety in public service. He expressed his unwavering commitment to delivering reliable technology to support a national consumer credit system and other new critical government interventions for Nigerians.

Mr Tinubu said resistance was often expected when efforts were made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance.

“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology. There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit,” Mr Tinubu said.

Recounting how he deployed technology to enhance Lagos’ revenue base as governor, Mr Tinubu said he ensured the collection and use of essential data, creating an efficient tax system for the state.

“When I was governor of Lagos State, I faced challenges. I started with N600 million and ended up with over N8 billion. And right now, they are targeting a trillion naira with the use of technology in the state. There is no other shortcut. We must invest in technology. We must focus, be diligent, and work hard,” the president said.

In his remarks, Mr Gates informed the president of a one-identity technological platform that could integrate variegated data while explaining the centrality of data harmonisation to planning, security and tax efficiency.

“We are working with Mr Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, on digitisation. Before you came into office, there were a few things attempted in identity management. But they have been very scattered. There have been multiple identification systems.

“Now, there is a plan to take that technology called MOSIP and use it for this identification platform so that people can get digital benefits. We are providing support for that, and we can provide more support,” he said.

According to him, MOSIP ID helps with payment efficiency and bank accounts; eventually, when everyone uses that, it makes tax collection easier.

The Microsoft founder said, “That benefit will take a few years. However, there will be more bank accounts, more financial inclusion, and effective government payment programmes.”

Mr Gates believes that Nigeria has the capacity to manage this system and related-technological systems as the nation brims with talented youths.

“The last time I went to the Microsoft office in Lagos, I saw the amazing work that they were doing and how they were growing their operations. So, you have a lot of Nigerian talents to manage these systems,” he said.

Mr Gates also discussed some high-yield seeds and a variety of crops that have the potential to improve productivity and nutrition in all regions of the country.

He said countries like the United States and Brazil had been using these seeds and had been tested and certified as safe.

“There is no safety issue with these seeds. Supporting the minister of agriculture’s effort in this regard is something that we feel is important and worth supporting,” Mr Gates stated.

The Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Tolani Alli-Balogun, has said the state government will be paying N1.5bn to register 58,000 students for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for this year.

The commissioner said this on Thursday while reporting the activities of the ministry in commemoration of the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office for the second term of his administration.

Sanwo-Olu took the oath of office for his second term as governor on May 29, 2023, promising in his inaugural speech not to let down Lagosians.

The commissioner, who spoke at the state secretariat, said, “The administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu has never defaulted on the payment of WASCCE fees of all public school SS3 students in the four years of Governor Sanwo-Olus’s first term in office. The state government paid over N4.2bn between 2020 and 2023 to keep our promise of full payment of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination fees.

“In the current school year (2024), the governor has approved the sum of N1,571,076,000 as registration fees and other cost for 58,188 SS3 students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.”

Last year, the West African Examination Council, which conducts WASSCE, noted that it had concluded plans to begin computer-based examinations in 2024.

It released the results of the first-ever CBT exam, 2024–First Series, in March this year.

The analysis of candidates’ performance showed that out of the 8,139 candidates that sat the examination, 3,424 candidates representing 42.07 per cent obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics).

President Bola Tinubu has said bilateral partnerships must be mutually beneficial, transformative, and must translate into real gains for ordinary citizens.

Speaking at the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum in The Hague, on Thursday, President Tinubu in a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale emphasised the pivotality of stronger ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

Tinubu said both countries must explore more creative channels of collaboration through partnerships, joint ventures, or strategic alliances in order to build bridges that connect markets and facilitate the flow of goods, services, ideas and peoples.

He said his administration is enhancing the business environment in Nigeria to make it very friendly through various reforms.

He noted these measures to include cleaning up of foreign exchange market to make it more transparent for seamless business transactions, removal of the fuel subsidy, and the readiness of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide necessary window to allow foreign companies repatriate their profits, among others.

President Tinubu said the improved business milieu in Nigeria is making the country an investor’s paradise, urging businessmen and women to take advantage of these opportunities for mutually rewarding economic partnerships between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

“I am delighted and honoured to be at this occasion of the Nigeria-Netherlands Business Forum. This is a platform that symbolises the potential for collaboration and partnership between our two nations.

“It is worthy to note that while this forum seeks to highlight and advance the potential of mutually beneficial partnerships, I wish to state here that we must also ensure that the partnerships are creative and transformative in such a manner that the ordinary citizens of our countries can reap verifiable gains.

“It is on record that Nigeria and the Netherlands have established business ties for decades. There is every need to re-invigorate this relationship. This is a call for creativity on the part of all of us,” the President said.

Noting the long history of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands, President Tinubu called for the forging of even stronger bonds, not just in diplomacy but in commerce, innovation, and enterprise.

“Our countries possess unique strengths and resources. It is through collaboration that we can harness these strengths, unlock new opportunities, and drive economic development.

“Together, we have the potential to create synergies that will benefit our present and future generations. We must endeavour to replicate the success stories of various Dutch companies and enterprises by learning and sharing their experiences and approaches for the benefit of all.

“As the world braces up for today’s economic challenges, which in many ways affect our two countries, a creative approach to the search for investment-minded solutions will prove to be the most viable path to the level of sustainable development that we all desire.


“In line with the above vision, I believe that we must endeavour to push this narrative into our daily business activities and to move toward industrial value addition, agribusiness, innovative technology, green energy, marine economic expansion, as well as solid mineral exploitation and processing,” the President said.

Rounding off his remarks, President Tinubu emphasised that relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands will henceforth set a new tone and foundation for stronger economic ties between both countries.

“As we engage in discussions and negotiations today, let us do so with a spirit of openness, trust, and mutual respect. Let us listen to one another, learn from each other, and find common ground that will allow us to move forward together in pursuit of our shared prosperity,” the President concluded.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the Air Operators Certificate of Dana Air.

This came barely 24 hours after Dana Air plane coming from Abuja landed at the Lagos airport runway and veered off into a nearby field.

Dana Air plane with registration number 5N BKI, had 83 passengers onboard. However, all the passengers and crew members disembarked unhurt.

Emergency responders and regulatory agencies immediately rose to the occasion and opened an investigation to unravel the real course of the incident.

While the outcome of the investigation by the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau is being awaited, NCAA said it was important to audit the operations of the carrier.

NCAA in a letter with the ref no: NCAA/DGCA/DANA/1/24/001, and signed by the Acting Director NCAA, Chris Najomo, said the AOC of the airline had been suspended.

While awaiting the investigation report from the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NCAA said it had initiated an in-house compliance assessment of the occurrence taking into account Dana’s track records in related occurrences.

The NCAA letter read in part, “As a precautionary step, and in accordance with Sec 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the Authority has imposed a suspension on your Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with effect from 24th April, 2024 at 23:59 to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit.

The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of your organisation, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of your airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations,” NCAA insists.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had expressed displeasure with the incident involving a Dana aircraft.

This was contained in a letter by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and addressed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

The letter which was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, was obtained by the PUNCH on Wednesday.

In the letter to NCAA, the permanent secretary said the incident had raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of Dana operations.

He added that, “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Honourable Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Airline.

“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted. This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations.

“The recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this matter, and it is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved. I trust in your expertise and diligence in carrying out this audit thoroughly and expeditiously. Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant findings throughout this process,” Meribole stated.

The owner of the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket sealed for not allowing Nigerians to shop at the facility, Liu Bei, has appeared before a tribunal at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Our correspondent gathered that Liu Bei, in the company of her family and estate officials, arrived at the commission headquarters located in Asokoro, Abuja on Wednesday at 11 am to defend discriminatory claims against her.

The latest development followed a summons notice and threat of sanctions by the FCCPC on Monday after it sealed her store.

PUNCH Online reported on Sunday that the supermarket had implemented a policy restricting entry solely to Chinese nationals, excluding Nigerians from patronising the establishment.

This report sparked widespread condemnation as Nigerians voiced their concerns over the discriminatory treatment.

But the supermarket owner, in a statement sent to PUNCH Online, refuted allegations that her store catered exclusively to a particular group, emphasising that she served residents, workers, and visitors from the office building, irrespective of nationality.

Giving an update, the estate assistant facility manager, Sanusi Shuaibu, in a telephone chat with our correspondent declared that the issue has been resolved and officials of the commission have unsealed the grocery store.

He said, “Yes, we went to the commission today and all the issues have been resolved. The owner of the supermarket was also present at the meeting with the officials. The owner tried to explain the situation and they allowed everyone involved to explain what really happened.

“They also asked us to submit some documents which we did and they also asked her (the owner) some questions. After the meeting, we left the commission and they came to unseal the supermarket.

“They also checked the products in the store and we provided answers to all the questions asked. The store is now open and the woman has returned to her shop.”

An official who works at the FCCPC also confirmed to our correspondent that the supermarket owner appeared at the meeting.

“I saw some persons including the Chinese woman, at our office earlier today and a few hours later, our enforcement officers left the premises but I don’t know if they went to unseal the place or not.”