₦airaland Forum

Odetokun3:
how did we get to this point?

chatinent:
Age as in? Age to be killed by bandits or what?

A leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has apologised for a misleading claim he made concerning the Permanent Voter Cards.

While addressing some of his supporters in Abuja, Tinubu had encouraged them to register ahead of the 2023 elections because their PVCs had expired.

He said, “In case they do not announce to you on time, the PVC you have has expired. Take one family member, two family members, knock on all doors and make sure that the new registration… Because they may not announce to you on time. The PVCs you have has expired. Yes!

“You need to spread it to various local government and wards at each levels. No matter how difficult it is. To me, I look at it closely and you look at other elections being held, you will see that it’s diminishing because those cards expired. It’s mandatory that you go and register to vote and achieve your aspirations. May God bless you and bless Nigeria.”

This was countered by the Independent National Electoral Commission which said the information was wrong. According to INEC, PVCs don’t come with expiry date.

In response to the backlash that followed the misleading information, Tinubu’s media team issued a statement saying the APC chieftain mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that PVCs may have to be updated.

The statement read, “On Tuesday night in Abuja, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu granted audience to a delegation of women from Lagos and across the country attending the All Progressives Congress Women Conference. While charging the women to check the status of their voting cards and mobilise supporters to vote, he mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may have to be updated.

“Immediately upon being apprised of this, Asiwaju apologised for the incorrect statement and felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused. Asiwaju Tinubu also stressed that he appreciates the patriotic and necessary work of INEC and its personnel in assuring a free and fair electoral process for all Nigerians in all political parties.

“At the meeting convened at the behest of the women, Asiwaju emphasised the need for people to fully participate in elections so we strengthen our democracy. He urged them to continue to mobilise voters to update their PVCs and help thwart the prevailing voter-apathy. Women must mobilise heavily to reverse the trend, he said.

“The gap between those who registered for elections and those who usually turned up to pick their PVCs was wide, adding that such constitutes a serious challenge, which may impede the growth of our democracy.

“Asiwaju Tinubu would like to reiterate this call to women to mobilise at the grassroots levels so that elections reflect the sovereign will of all the people for a true democracy to be established. He enjoins them to review their voting details with INEC so that these details will be updated before the coming elections.”

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the sum of N1.4 billion for the procurement of equipment and agricultural inputs for the National Youth Farmers’ Scheme.

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that four contracts were awarded for the scheme and expressed optimism that the projects would encourage youths to go into agriculture.

“The other memo on behalf of the president is seeking approval for the award of contract for the provision of various agricultural inputs and equipment for the National Youth Farmers’ Scheme.

“We have the National Farmers’ Scheme under National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA); here, four contracts were awarded in the total sum of N1.4 billion with various completion periods.”

According to him, the first is provision of farmer inputs such as seeds, cottons, planting materials, agro-chemicals, fertilizer, and growth enhancers, for 3000 hectares in Abia, Adamawa, Borno, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Osun, Yobe and Enugu state.

He said that the first contract was for N313 million for a period of two weeks.

He said that the second was the supply of tractors, ploughs, ridgers, disc arrows, hydraulic tipping trailers, logistics and deliveries to selected states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Osun and Jigawa states.

“The third is purchase of land preparation equipment; this involves 11 massive Ferguson tractors, 11 disc ploughs, 11 three disc ploughs, 11 four disc ridgers , 11 twenty disc arrows and 11 hydraulic tipping trailers for Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Osun, Jigawa and Gombe states.

“While logistics and deliveries to selected states such as Abia, Ogun, Ekiti, Katsina and Ebonyi States will gulp another N2.5million.

“The last contract under this paper is the professional and technical enhancement for the National Youth Farmers’ Scheme Enugu, Ekiti, Abia, Imo, Adamawa, Cross River, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno and Rivers, for the sum of N213million for a completion period of one week, totalling N1. 4 billion.

“The significance of these contracts is that the Federal Government is once again reiterating the emphasis it put on agriculture and how we want agriculture not to be for just big land owners or big farmers, but to encourage even our youths to go into agriculture.’’

He said that rice pyramids recently inaugurated by the president and the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme relied heavily on small farm holders rather than big companies as the programme had benefitted no fewer than three million small farmer holders.

He said that the nation’s food security depended on stepping up local food production.

“ The Federal Government is not just promoting or investing in rice; it is promoting 23 other crops.

“ This is another example of how we are trying to encourage young people to own land; we give them land and prepare the land for them.

“We also give them equipment and fertilisers and other agric inputs to ensure that we have food security,’’ he said.

On his part, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said FEC approved contract for clearing of equipment for the deep blue project which would facilitate sitting of some of the projects in the coastal towns for the sum of N2.8 billion.

“Another one that was approved is the licensing of Oracle E Business Suite in the sum of N955.5 million. That’s for NPA.

The minister said that another approval was for N214 million as variation for the initial contract of N3.5 billion for the purchase of one railway crane of 450 tons capacity for emergency recovery on standard gauge.

“Finally, contract for the reconstruction of the narrow gauge track from Minna to Barrow,’’ he said.

More so, FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, said that the council approved award of contract for the full scope development of FCT Highway number 105, popularly known as the Kuje road.

According to him, that is the road that links Kuje satellite town with the interchange and has been approved at the sum of N54.9 billion with a completion period of four years.

“The second one is the road leading to one of the rail stations along the Abuja city rail system—and that is the station at Gbazango. Gbazango is a community within Bwari, FCT.

“The intention of the project is to complete that road so that the station will be functional.

“It was awarded at the contract sum of N1.3 billion,’’ he said.

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, HRM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has urged the federal government of Nigeria led by President Muhammed Buhari to enforce the death penalty for drug dealers, ritualists and terrorists to curb the security challenges facing in the country.

Oluwo stated that such enforcement will serve as a deterrent and discourage others who intend to jump on the bandwagon.

He said the false courage from taking hard drugs has pushed terrorists to the point of no mercy. He further advised the federal government to take strict action against drug peddlers, calling on revisiting of War Against Indiscipline (WAI) inaugurated in 1984 by the military regime of Tunde Idiagbon and General Muhammed Buhari.

The WAI program began in March 1984 and was in effect until September 1985. The Oluwo noted that the WAI enforcement prompted a corrupt-free society devoid of security threats.

He urged President Muhammed Buhari to decree capital punishment for culpable terrorists, bandits and drug dealers to address incessant killings of innocent Nigerians.

A statement by Oluwo through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, reads “Insecurity in Nigeria is becoming too alarming. I read of a gory attack by terrorists in Zamfara State. It was pathetic and horribly terrible. The failure to decree capital punishment for such killings by perpetrators is one of the unabated attacks

According to him. “One other factor is the lack of effective control and light punishment for drug dealers. Most perpetrators are barefaced and merciless due to hard drugs intake. Once most of them take hard drugs, they close the control of their mental operation and kill mercilessly. The government should move forward to control and effect capital punishment for hard drug dealers. It is one of the remote solutions.”

“Nigeria is in a coma with drug dealers, ritualists, terrorists and worst of it are kidnappers. North is terrorism while South is full of ritualists with the blood of our children flooding the streets. There is no single day passing without bad news centring on those indecent acts”

The monarch continued, “In 1984 under the military administration of Tunde Idiagbon and General Muhammed Buhari, the law and enforcement of capital punishment against hard drug dealers was effective. WAI was working, very efficient. President Muhammed Buhari should revisit those days and bring back such enforcement. Doing so will decimate terrorism and discourage perpetrators.

“Every passing stage of a nation always presents a new experience. At this stage, we need strict measures to combat indecency and maladjustment. Many developed nations have passed through this stage but with very disciplined law enforcement. If any bandit kills, he should be killed too. Merciless people deserves merciless treatment”

“The government is tasked to be more responsible in providing more basic amenities capable of improving people’s standard of living. The failure of past leaders has pushed us here. We must rescue surviving generations for us not be tagged a failure. May Nigeria succeed.”

Temptee101:
Hahahahahahaha....kuku kii me bro

DrGoodman:
They have built our own BMC filling stations across the nation, we be buying fuel at #100 only

Money A former Managing Director of Alpha Beta Consulting, Dapo Apara, the All Progressives Congress leader, Bola Tinubu; and the current Managing Director of the company, Akin Doherty, have begun discussions on a possible out-of-court settlement following allegations that Tinubu ordered the transfer of over N20bn from Alpha Beta to some private business accounts.

If You Love Nigeria As You've Always Claimed, Please And PLEASES, Don't Vote In A Buhari Pro-Max or Another London Based President. Help Save Taxpayers Money, Help Save The Future Of Your Kids And Your Kid's Kids By Voting In A Man With A Functional Brain To Lead Nigeria. Thanks For Your Overstanding.

SenorFax:
Looks more like jungle justice than correction

chatinent:
Na tattoo be that?

Senate President Ahmad Lawan says President Muhammadu Buhari did not direct the removal of petrol subsidy.

Speaking with reporters after a meeting with Buhari at the Aso Rock villa on Tuesday, Lawan said many citizens are concerned about the plan of the federal government to remove subsidies.

“Well, it will be of interest to Nigerians to hear what I’ve come to discuss with Mr. President, among several other things,” the senate president said.

“Many of us are very concerned with the recent agitations, protests, and many citizens were so concerned, our constituents across the country are very concerned that the federal government will remove the petroleum subsidy. And for us, as parliamentarians, as legislators representing the people of Nigeria, this must be of interest to us.

“We have just finished our recess, we have gone home to our constituencies and senatorial districts. And we felt the pulse of our people.

“I found it necessary to visit Mr. President, as the leader of our government and our leader in the country, to discuss this particular issue of concern to Nigerians, and I’m happy to inform Nigerians that Mr President never told anyone that the petroleum subsidy should be removed.”

The senate president said the position of Buhari is different from the position of Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning.

In October, the finance minister said the federal government would only cater for subsidies on petrol in the first six months of 2022.

“In our 2022 budget, we only factored in subsidies for the first half of the year; the second half of the year, we are looking at complete deregulation of the sector, saving foreign exchange and potentially earning more from the oil and gas industry,” Ahmed had said.

She had said the federal government would provide a N5,000 transportation grant to poor Nigerians to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.

slawormiir:
Damnnn niggar

Make ipob rest...

Oduduwa nation make them rest

Biafra and oduduwa struggle is something that will never come....it is a goal and dream that can't be actualized and realised

Talking as a real niggarrr....what I know is that buhari might grant kanu and igboho presidential pardon

The force holding this nation together nor be weak moi moi force or rather that weak van da waal forces

LAGOS – Alhaji Kashim Shettima, former Borno State Governor has described Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as a good leader who is known for his nobility and not one tied to tribal sentiments, having a propensity for sacrificing his comfort to protect the country’s democracy.

Shettima made this known during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu support group management council conference on Monday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

“We have a leader in Tinubu, one who is known for his nobility. He has proven himself. He is not one tied to tribal sentiments; he has a propensity for sacrificing his comfort to protect our democracy. He is a true patriot,” the former governor said.

The former governor gave credit to Tinubu for being part of the leaders shaping this country’s greater heights.

“If you look around this country in search of such a noble character, the count easily falls on the subject of this gathering: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”

“So much has been said about this political enigma, most of it by hacks with a poor sense of history. The path that led us to Asiwaju didn’t happen by chance. His propensity for sacrificing his comfort to save our democracy has been duly documented across time. When uncertainty loomed over the country during the military era, this was the man who disbursed his resources to fight for the return of this democracy,” he said.

Shettima maintained that even in exile, he provided sanctuaries for fleeing patriots who are still around to testify to his large heart.

“Our younger compatriots must be in the know about Tinubu’s memories from two decades past when he was a backbone of the opposition and was fiercely antagonized and politically ostracized by the then ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“He even built the economic foundations of the modern Lagos State at a time when the state was isolated by a vindictive federal government. With the return to democracy, while others were trading their principles in Abuja for mint, he stood his ground and faced off with the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo,” Shettima said.

The Tinubu support group is aimed at securing the ambition of Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek the seat of president in 2023.

Dignitaries at the event include the Kano state assembly speaker, RT Hon. Hamisu Chidari, Hon. Daniel Issa, Mrs Kemi Gbajabiamila, Senator Kashim Shettima and host of others.

The Nigeria’s total debt stock rose from N32.9tn as of December 2020 to N39.6tn in November 2021, The PUNCH has learnt.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, in her presentation of the 2022 approved budget, disclosed that the government borrowed N6.7tn between January and November 2021, according to a copy of the presentation obtained by our correspondent.

The new borrowing in the period under review consists of N5.1tn domestic debt and N1.6tn. The domestic debt, however, includes borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria, according to the presentation document.

In March 2021, the Debt Management Office had disclosed that the country’s total public debt stock was N32.9tn as of December 2020.

An additional N6.7tn loan means the total public debt stock would be about N39.6tn as of November 2021.

The DMO had disclosed that the country’s total public debt increased to N33.1tn at the end of the first quarter of 2021, from N32.9tn in December 2020, showing an increase of about 200bn.

In Q2 2021, the total debt stock rose by N2.4tn to N35.5tn by June 2021.

The increase continued by N2.5tn to hit N38tn by Q3 2021, which was the last figure provided by the DMO.

However, based on the minister’s presentation, there was an increase of N1.6tn from September to November 2021.

The PUNCH had reported that that within the 11-month period, debt servicing gulped N4.2tn which represents 76.2 per cent of the N5.51tn revenue generated during the period.

The minister defended government borrowing and the country’s debt level, insisting the country had a revenue challenge, and not a debt problem, adding that the debt level was still within sustainable limits.

She had said, “This is to restate, that the debt level of the Federal Government is still within sustainable limits. Borrowings are essentially for capital expenditure and human development as specified in Section 41(1)a of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

“Having witnessed two economic recessions we have had to spend our way out of recession, which contributed significantly to the growth in the public debt. “It is unlikely that our recovery from each of the two recessions would have been as fast without the sustained government expenditure funded partly by debt.”

However, economic experts, including a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former presidential candidate, Kingsley Moghalu, have countered the minister.

Moghalu had said, “There are many ways through which we can improve Nigeria’s domestic revenue situation without selling the future of our country. As to the argument that Nigeria does not have a debt problem but a revenue problem, that is mere sophistry. If you’re spending 90kobo of every one naira you earn repaying debt, you are insolvent.

“You cannot say that we have a debt-to-GDP ratio that allows you to continue borrowing. No! That is an argument for sustainable economies. You cannot be comparing Nigeria with advanced economies. We are in an economy that is still very basic.

“If you are not earning enough revenue, why are you borrowing? You are just compounding your problem. Why don’t you focus on where to get the revenue from instead of lazily ignoring that problem and just trying to survive with borrowing?

“If an individual was living a life that way, it would be a calamity. That is why Nigeria is in a calamitous situation today economically,” he said.

The World Bank had recently said Nigeria’s debt was vulnerable and costly, adding that the country’s debt was at risk of becoming unsustainable in the event of macro-fiscal shocks.