Bobloco's Posts
Nairaland Forum › Bobloco's Profile › Bobloco's Posts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 (of 525 pages)
 Crime › Man Stabs Pregnant Wife, Sets Body Ablaze 3 Months After Wedding by Bobloco(op): 4:08am On Oct 06, 2024*. Modified: 5:57am On Oct 06, 2024 |
A 30-year-old man, Motunrayo Olaniyi, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his wife and setting her body on fire in their apartment at Amazing Grace Estate, Elepe community, Ikorodu area of Lagos. The newlywed couple was engaged in a disagreement that degenerated into a fight at about 1 p.m., on Friday. The man was said to have accused his six-month pregnant wife, Olajumoke, of infidelity, alleging that one of his brothers was responsible for the pregnancy. But she denied it Before Friday’s tragedy, neighbors told Vanguard that he had attacked her earlier in her mother’s presence. A neighbor, who pleaded anonymity, said: ‘They did their traditional marriage three months ago when Jumoke was three months pregnant. Then, all of a sudden, problems started. “He was accusing his wife of being promiscuous. He said the pregnancy she was carrying was not his, but his younger brother’s. “Earlier in the week, he attacked Jumoke in the presence of her mother, who came visiting. She (Jumoke’s mother) took him to church for deliverance prayers because they suspected he was possessed and needed deliverance. “This second attack happened after Jumoke’s mother left.'” Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin, confirmed the arrest and explained: “On Friday, October 4, a distress call was received at the Ikorodu division that Olaniyi and his 25-year-old wife, Olajumoke, allegedly engaged in a domestic scuffle in their apartment. “In the process, the husband stabbed the wife to death, locked her in the room, and set it ablaze, while he inflicted wounds on himself. “Based on the report, a team of detectives visited the scene, where the fire was put out, and the lifeless body of the wife was found lying on the floor with wounds on her abdominal part. “The husband was rescued with injuries, rushed to a nearby hospital, treated, discharged, and taken into police custody. “Upon interrogation, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect stabbed his wife during an altercation between them and gave himself mild stabs. “Meanwhile, the corpse has been deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Investigation is in progress.” https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/man-stabs-pregnant-wife-sets-body-ablaze-3-months-after-wedding/ 1 Like 1 Share |
| Politics › Rising Graduate Unemployment - Punch Editorial by Bobloco(op): 3:51pm On Oct 04, 2024*. Modified: 4:30am On Oct 06, 2024 |
IT is sobering that many graduates cannot find a job. The National Bureau of Statistics says: “The unemployment rate for Q1 2024 was 5.3 per cent, showing an increase from 5.0 per cent recorded in Q3 2023.” Embedded in the findings is the disturbing information that unemployment is rising among graduates. It means graduates go jobless after years of study, often disrupted and lengthened by strikes over teachers’ pay and welfare, and shabby infrastructure. This is frustrating for the graduates and devastating to their parents who, given the country’s economic challenges, likely went to great lengths to see their children through school. This needs urgent attention. More than 6.3 million Nigerians were unemployed as of 2021, per Statista. The figure should be higher in 2024. The underemployed segment, those who do jobs far beneath their capacity or put in too few hours of work is ignored. In 2016, the World Bank put the percentage of unemployed Nigerians with advanced education at 13.69 per cent; in 2019, it rose to 15.3 per cent. It keeps growing. Unemployment has dire consequences. When there are no jobs for graduates, the younger ones develop a distaste for education, leading to dangerous conclusions like ‘education is a scam.’ Unemployment depletes the national workforce and lowers productivity. The GDP is adversely affected. A country with a low GDP is at the mercy of foreign lenders. With jobs hard to come by, unengaged young minds might resort to crime, even sophisticated and violent ones. This is a threat to society and puts an enormous strain on the security agents struggling to rein in the army of youths involved in internet fraud. Recently, many youths were arrested at an internet-fraud academy in Delta State. They were reportedly undergoing tutelage in internet fraud. It was a disaster waiting to happen. Too many people are finding themselves on the streets without work and hope. The country’s textile companies, steel complexes, and papermills, previously employers of thousands of young graduates, have collapsed. The yawning job void this created is yet to be filled. When multinational companies that once employed a chunk of Nigerians started leaving the country, citing steep energy costs and other unfavourable factors, they took the jobs with them, leaving their former employees with few alternatives. All hope is not lost. The Nigerian Railway Corporation is still around though far below its full strength. The four refineries are perhaps the worst-run public facilities in the country. Both should be privatised to make them viable and mop up the unengaged youths. SMEs, the world’s largest employers of labour, are finding it extremely difficult to access capital. High interest rates, high energy costs, and multiple taxation are choking them. The government should pay more attention to the SMEs so they can provide jobs and help boost the economy. Insecurity is a big issue and should be fixed. Many farmers cannot go to their farms because of attacks by bandits/terrorists. Many farmers pay heavy levies to these non-state actors before being allowed to plant or harvest their crops. This is a turn-off for young farmers, including new graduates who would want to make a living from farming. Many businesses have shut down because of insecurity. The government has its work cut out on the security front. In his Independence Day broadcast, President Bola Tinubu proposed a 30-day national youth conference, during which unemployment, among other issues, would be discussed. Tinubu may not need a month-long confab with youths to create jobs. Constant electricity, cutting transportation costs, pushing back the non-state actors, and allowing the SMEs to breathe; among other well-thought-out interventions will do the trick. https://punchng.com/rising-graduate-unemployment/ Seun Mynd44 OAM4J Nlfpmod fergie001 1 Like |
| Politics › Re: Reno Omokri On Ffk Defection Back To Apc - "My Principles, Not My Stomach" by Bobloco: 3:48pm On Oct 04, 2024 |
Godwin4444:His comments and threads are digging him out |
| Politics › Re: Reno Omokri On Ffk Defection Back To Apc - "My Principles, Not My Stomach" by Bobloco: 3:31pm On Oct 04, 2024 |
Godwin4444:Him put himself and BATerians like you for serious wahala 16 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › Re: Reno Omokri On Ffk Defection Back To Apc - "My Principles, Not My Stomach" by Bobloco: 3:29pm On Oct 04, 2024 |
 |
| Politics › Port Harcourt Refinery Contractor Fails To Reveal Completion Date by Bobloco(op): 12:55am On Oct 04, 2024 |
Maire Tecnimont SpA, the contractor overseeing the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery Company, has said it cannot make public details of the rehabilitation process of the plant which includes the proposed date of its completion.https://punchng.com/port-harcourt-refinery-contractor-fails-to-reveal-completion-date/ 2 Likes 1 Share
|
| Politics › Re: Lawyers, Csos Kick As 2,412 Protesters Rot In Detention;1,090 In Abuja, Kano 600 by Bobloco(op): 12:53am On Oct 04, 2024 |
Godwin4444:Is there any good news since Tinubu became president 1 Like |
| Politics › Lawyers, Csos Kick As 2,412 Protesters Rot In Detention;1,090 In Abuja, Kano 600 by Bobloco(op): 10:31am On Oct 03, 2024 |
Lawyers and civil society organisations, CSOs, yesterday, decried the continued detention and incarceration of #EndBadGovernance protesters two months after the August 1-10 protests across the country. As of last night, most of the detained protesters are yet to be prosecuted, with minors among those held in captivity in Police, Department of State Service, DSS, facilities or prisons. Although some minors, who were arrested during the protest, have been released on bail, others are in the process of being granted bail, Vanguard’s checks showed. 40 charged to court in Nasarawa In Nasarawa State for instance, of the 50 protesters arrested, 10 minors have been freed, while 40 adults have been charged to court, according to Police PRO, DSP Ranhan Nansel. 109 arrested in Sokoto In Sokoto where 109 protesters were arrested, Attorney-General of the state, Nasiru Binji, said a significant number had been released on bail, while the rest were in prison custody. 6 freed in Kaduna Similarly, in Kaduna State, six of those arrested have been freed on the order of the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, while three others have been charged to court. Details on 600 in Kano uncertain The situation in Kano State is alarming, as no fewer than 600 protesters (including 76, who displayed Russian flags) were arrested and later transferred to Police Force headquarters in Abuja. While it was gathered that many of them have been charged to court and bailed, the number of those still in detention could not be ascertained at press time. The Director of Public Prosecution, DPP in Kano State Ministry of Justice, Salisu Tahir, said they were still compiling the details. 390 await freedom in Jigawa However, in Jigawa State, of the 419 protesters arrested, 390 have been arraigned in court, as 29 have been released, according to Police PRO DSP, Lawan Adam. Unclear situation over 9 in Zamfara, 97 in Borno In Zamfara, the Police PRO, Yazid Abubakar, said nine protesters had been charged to court, but said he does not know if they were detained or granted bail by the court. In Borno, 97 protesters were arrested during the protest but their condition remains unclear at the time of this report. In Yobe, of the 51 arrests made during the protest, 35 have been sent to Potiskum Prison, while the rest are being detained by the police. The minors among them, are to be freed on bail. No freedom for 23 detainees in Niger In Niger State, 23 persons were arrested, out of which six have been arraigned and sentenced to jail terms, while 17 are in police custody. 1,090 yet to be prosecuted in Abuja In the Federal capital territory, FCT, Abuja, no fewer than 1,100 were arrested, but only 10 have been arraigned. Additionally, the hundreds of Northern youths who brandished Russian flags during the protests have not been arraigned, neither has the tailor who mass-produced and distributed the flags. Those on trial for participating in the protest are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis and Abduldalam Zubair. Trial Justice Emeka Nwite remanded the defendants in prison custody, pending the perfection of their bail conditions. 51 freed in Plateau The 51 protesters who were arrested in Plateau State for breaching the law on curfew but not on hunger strike, have all been freed. There were, however, no arrests in Benue, Taraba, Kebbi, Adamawa, Kwara and Kogi states, as many of the states adopted some strategies to prevent their citizens from joining the protests. State detainees Sokoto — 109 Jigawa — 390 Niger — 23 Nasarawa — 40 Yobe — 51 FCT, Abuja — 1,090 Borno — 97 Kaduna — 3 Zamfara — 9 Kano — 600 Total 2,412 Withdraw charges against protesters, SAN urges FG Worried by the incarceration of the protesters, a senior lawyer, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, urged the Federal Government to withdraw charges preferred against the detained protesters as part of measures to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. “The government will score a huge political milestone by discontinuing the prosecution, especially in deference to the independence anniversary celebrations,” he said. Noting that though the Federal Government had the power to prosecute anyone suspected to have committed a crime, he said considering that the arrest and prosecution of the defendants were borne out of an agitation for a better society, “the ongoing trial is in a way blighted in the social milieu.” Speaking with Vanguard on what the arrest and prosecution of the protesters portends for democracy in the country, Akinlaja said: “I think the matter is better viewed from the perspective of its social implications for government. “This is simply because it is open to government to arraign persons suspected to have committed one offence or the other in court. It is in the place of the court to decide whether or not such persons are guilty of the offences alleged. Here is a situation where the government has arraigned the persons on alleged criminal charges. “Viewed from the narrow prism of law and legality, there is nothing wrong with that. What the persons need do is to defend themselves and if at the end of the day they are discharged and acquitted, they may institute civil suits to claim damages for malicious prosecution and so on against the government. “However, the prosecution of these persons has a lot of social implications. There is no doubt that dissent and protests are critical components of a democratic and constitutional system. “Considering the fact that the arrests and prosecution of these persons are upshots of civil protests for a better society, the ongoing trial is in a way blighted in the social milieu. “This is what the government may want to bear in mind, going forward. It is my honest conviction that the government will score a huge political milestone by discontinuing the prosecution, especially in deference to the independence anniversary celebrations on hand.” Detaining them without prosecution unnecessary – Ojo Another lawyer, Mr. Gbenga Ojo, said: “It’s absolutely unnecessary to continue to keep them in detention without prosecution, which is against the provisions of the constitution that prescribes 24 hours and a maximum 48 hours to prosecute any person arrested over an offence. ‘’This is abuse of power by the Police. What is strange is that this is happening under the government of President Bola Tinubu, who is an activist of some sort. He had previously led protesters to protest bad government policies. ‘’Senator Adams Oshiomhole also led many protests. The #EndSARS protests yielded positive results. SARS were sent packing, though rebranded as SWAT. “I am sure President Tinubu is not aware of this long detention of the protesters. Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN, is an apostle of rule of law and constitutionalism. ‘’The Civil liberties group should take this up with the government. I am sure government will order their release. The press is also crucial in this call for the release of those detained. We should keep appealing to government to release them unconditionally. Critical signpost of democracy under siege – Ugwummadu To Alternate Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Citizens’ Liberties Committee, Malachy Ugwummadu, ‘’there is no gainsaying the fact that one of the critical signposts of democracy is under siege in this country. “Liberty, as conceived around the principles of freedom of movement, protest, expression, and so on, marks a remarkable milestone in any democratization effort. So, it is clear that demonstrations, expressions, through protest, have been weaponized. “In 2007, the Court of Appeal in the case of IGP and ANPP settled the matter about protest in this country by stating that such demonstrations are within the bounds of law. Section 83 of the Police Act 2020 mandated the Nigerian Police Force to provide adequate security to demonstrating citizens. “In the same way, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, mandated the Police to also provide such adequate protection to protesting citizens of this country. So, from where does the police and law enforcement agencies derive their power to clamp down on protesting citizens of this country?” CSOs decry harsh bail conditions Some civil society organisations, CSOs, also yesterday, decried the harsh bail conditions given to #EndBadGovernance protesters, which they described as unacceptable, and should be dropped. In separate chats with Vanguard, the CSOs demanded unconditional release of the protesters. Continued detention of protesters threat to democracy – Yiaga Africa Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said: “According to the Constitution, Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice. Being a democracy, the Constitution further guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, right to protest, as a fundamental human right. “It is worrying to observe the arrest and continued detention of some of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. More saddening are the charges against them and the bail conditions. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy with laid-down processes to ensure the rule of law and protection of rights and freedoms. “The principle on restriction of rights requires that any action that seeks to restrict certain rights must be ‘reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. The government must recognise that dissent is democratic and that the beauty of democracy is the ability to have different opinions, voices and agitations heard.’ “The continued detention of protesters and tough bail conditions are not just threats to democratic freedom but also raise major questions on the government’s commitment to a democratic, just and free society as envisioned in Nigeria’s constitution. “Commitment to democracy should go beyond words from the President and government to actions that truly showcase the commitment to build our democracy. “Nigeria’s 64 years of independence is a journey that has benefited from the results of several protests, led by the people in the interest of Nigerian people.” Protesters unlawfully detained – CAC Echoing similar views, the Executive Director, Cadrell Advocacy Centre, CAC, Mr. Evans Ufeli said: “The federal government’s action in detaining protesters across the country is unlawful. Protest is a right guaranteed under the constitution and not a crime. A government that criminalises a right has either failed or on the verge of failure. ‘’Chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution, under fundamental rights, makes protest a veritable tool for democracy engagement. “This government, therefore, must release all detained protesters forthwith as it is unlawful to detain them without a just course. The government should focus on the immediate and remote causes of protest, and that is to address bad governance in Nigeria. “The government has failed ostensibly in addressing the problem of poverty and bad governance, fueling the temptation to protest. Detention cannot solve the hunger problems in the country. Good and purposeful governance can, so the government should focus its attention thereto.” Judiciary now enabler of human right abuses – Global Rights Also speaking, the Executive Director, Global Rights Nigeria, Abiodun Baiyewu, said: “It is a well-established legal principle that bail conditions should not be punitive. By placing extreme conditions on these applicants, the Judiciary is proving itself an enabler in the abuse of the human rights of Nigerian people. “We demand their immediate and unconditional release without further encumbrance. Nothing short of that. Let us not forget the 22 children languishing behind bars as well.” Bail conditions unacceptable, send wrong signal to int’l community – ANEEJ On its part, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, said: “This is unacceptable and it sends a very wrong signal to investors and the international community. The bail conditions are not acceptable and the government should take steps to end this situation immediately. “Currently, Nigeria is not doing well in most human rights assessments which undermines the country’s credibility among sovereign nations. “All those arrested should be released immediately, and the judges should review the conditions for bail as quickly as possible. “The international human rights community should, as a matter of urgency, put pressure on Nigeria’s government to release those detained.” https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/endbadgovernance-lawyers-csos-kick-as-hundreds-of-protesters-rot-in-detention/ |
| Business › Re: ₦1541.94 To ₦1669: Naira Depreciates Massively Against Dollar After Independence by Bobloco: 8:17pm On Oct 02, 2024 |
After independent day abracadabra 35 Likes |
| Politics › Re: Is This The Greatest Lie Of All Time In Nigeria? by Bobloco: 8:13pm On Oct 02, 2024 |
That Tinubu is a democrat Imagine a notorious narcotics drug trafficker, certificate forger, buccaneering power grabber engaging in criminal state capture a democrat 5 Likes |
| Health › Re: 2024 SBM Health Preparedness Index Release State Rankings by Bobloco: 7:47pm On Oct 02, 2024*. Modified: 8:22pm On Oct 02, 2024 |
Lanrelagboi:But why does their women prefer to give birth at home and in the bushes 5 Likes
|
| Politics › Re: Kemi Badenoch Mocks Migrant Workers, Describes Them As “Bottom Wipers” (Video) by Bobloco: 6:46pm On Oct 02, 2024 |
Kdon2:Why are you then accusing the individual who made this video available to us of trying to pull her down? |
| Politics › Re: Kemi Badenoch Mocks Migrant Workers, Describes Them As “Bottom Wipers” (Video) by Bobloco: 6:40pm On Oct 02, 2024 |
Kdon2:But she can mock and pull others down |
| Politics › Re: Kemi Badenoch Mocks Migrant Workers, Describes Them As “Bottom Wipers” (Video) by Bobloco: 6:39pm On Oct 02, 2024 |
Kdon2:But she can pull others down |
| Politics › Ondo Guber: Youths Protest, Call For Redeployment Of INEC REC, Babalola by Bobloco(op): 4:01pm On Oct 02, 2024 |
—Accuse her of hobnobbing with politicians —- Redeployment of REC beyond us here- Admin Secretary Youths under the auspices of Ondo State Youth Vanguard, in Ondo state, have protested against the alleged hobnobbing of the state INEC REC, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, with politicians in the state and called for her redeployment ahead of the November 16 governorship election. The protesting youths, who stormed the commission’s office in Akure, the state capital, were armed with placards of various inscriptions. Some of the inscriptions which read “Ondo REC must be changed”, “Our election must count”, “Ondo is not Edo”, Ondo REC must go” among others called for the removal of the REC. The leader of the group, Olawale Ijanusi, said that the peaceful protest became necessary to register their grievances over the activities of the REC. Ijanusi alleged that Babalola has been holding private meetings with leaders of some political parties. According to him, a discreet investigation conducted by the group on Babalola has been holding nocturnal meetings with some political. “This raises serious concerns among the citizens, voters, and stakeholders in Ondo state of the impartiality and neutrality of the INEC Ijanusi who said that Babalola is from Ondo state, added that she had been living with her parents for more than ten years before she was appointed as the Ondo REC while her parents are card-carrying members of a political party. According to him “The Ondo State REC has been living in Akure the state Capital at No.3, Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka area, Akure with her parents for more than ten years before her appointment as the State REC and her parents are known to be card-carrying members of a political party. “The above facts which are in the public domain are an attestation to the fact that Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola will not and can never be fair, unbiased, and an uncompromised umpire in the forthcoming Ondo State Governorship Election as the REC. “We have been hearing rumours that the REC Chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has been engaging with certain political parties. We do not know whether it is the APC, PDP, or Labour Party, but we want to caution her and demand that, if true, she should stop. “Because if she is affiliated with the APC, PDP, or Labour Party, there is no way the election will be free and fair. That is why we are demanding her replacement for the sake of this election. “Our vote must count because Ondo is not Edo State. Our vote must count,” The youths who demanded the immediate removal of the Ondo REC said ” This demand became necessary and imperative to safeguard the electoral Integrity and fairness and level playing ground in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Ondo State. “It is our firm belief that your Commission has the sacred duty and responsibility to protect the integrity of the Electoral process and maintain public trust in the forthcoming Election in Ondo Staten “We hereby urge you to use your good offices to immediately transfer Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola out of Ondo State and to be given another role within your Commission and appoint a neutral, unbiased, and credible individual as the REC of Ondo State to superintend the forthcoming governorship election. “This is not merely a request, but also an imperative duty to safeguard the integrity of the INEC as the Commission responsible for protecting democracy and electoral processes carried out in the nation at large” But while addressing the protesting youths, the Administrative Secretary of the commission in the state, Abiodun Amosun, lauded the peaceful manner the youths expressed their grievances. Amosun who assured the protesters that every vote would count during the election, said that “INEC, as the umpire, would ensure a free and fair election in the state. Speaking on the allegations against the REC, Amosun, said the allegations against the REC would be handled at the National headquarters of the electoral body. According to him “We have heard your demands. The issue will be handled at the headquarters because she was appointed from Abuja. “It is not easy for INEC to tamper with your votes or results. Ensure you have a situation room where you collate results from the polling units.” https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/ondo-guber-youths-protest-call-for-redeployment-of-inec-rec-babalola/ |
| Politics › Re: Tinubu’s ‘independence Day Speech Filled With Inaccuracies, Falsehoods –kalu Aja by Bobloco: 11:30am On Oct 02, 2024 |
 |
| Politics › Port Harcourt Refinery Misses Seventh Production Rollout Deadline by Bobloco(op): 10:19am On Oct 02, 2024 |
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has again failed to begin fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State.https://punchng.com/pharcourt-refinery-misses-seventh-production-rollout-deadline/#google_vignette 2 Likes
|
| Politics › Re: FACT CHECK: How Accurate Are Claims Made By Tinubu In His Independence Day Speec by Bobloco: 9:46am On Oct 02, 2024 |
So Tinubu came on national TV on independence day to tell half truths and barefaced lies. It shall never be well with those who worked, supported, and encouraged this calamitous Tinubu government. 4 Likes |
| Politics › Re: FACT CHECK: Do 40% Of Nigerians Have Access To 20 Hours Of Power Supply Daily? by Bobloco: 9:42am On Oct 02, 2024 |
GeneralPula:Agulu is much more developed than where you come from |
| Politics › Louts’ Menace In Ogun Unacceptable - Punch Editorial by Bobloco(op): 5:33am On Oct 02, 2024 |
THE protest of multiple levies initiated by minibus drivers against the transport union executives in Ogun State on September 22 echoes a strong note against the power wielded by non-state actors through their foot soldiers or ‘agberos.’ Essentially, the commercial drivers lamented that the transport union fee, which was N4,000 and N6,000 each day has now been jacked up to N6,000 and N10,000. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun needs to intervene quickly in this unfair hike and limit the activities of agberos to designated parks. The drivers had protested on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that Monday. They staged another protest at the Ministry of Transportation Complex in Abeokuta, the state capital the following day. They called on the state government to eradicate multiple ticketing and burdensome levies. Responding to the drivers’ concern, a senior official of the Ministry of Transportation said, “We have received your complaints and are very much concerned about them. As a regulatory ministry, it is our responsibility to look into them. Please, put your complaints in writing so that necessary actions can be taken.” The protests staged by these commercial drivers should jolt state officials from their administrative lethargy. The extortion of commercial drivers by agberos must not be allowed in a modern clime. No civilised country in the world permits non-state actors to dictate the pace of revenue generation. ‘Nuisance taxes’ by transport union workers have contributed to lawlessness. These louts who collect the multiple levies stand at literally every bus stop, inflict damage on the vehicles of adamant drivers, engage in aggressive fisticuffs, and harass passengers. These cavalier activities are unacceptable; they are a cog in the wheel of an effective transport business. Tellingly, the lawlessness exhibited by agberos has spread from Lagos State to Ogun. Last year, a report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting estimated that agberos in Lagos generate an annual revenue of N123 billion from daily taxes levied on bus drivers, tricycle operators, and motorcycle riders. Alarmingly, the taxes on drivers by non-state actors exceed that of vehicle licence permits. There is no gainsaying that the money amassed from such nuisance taxes is funnelled into certain private pockets without thorough accountability to the government. This menace must stop. The menace is not limited to Ogun and Lagos. At the national level, Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Tax Review Committee, noted that nuisance taxes weighed heavily against efficient tax collection in Nigeria. These unofficial taxes add to the cost of doing business, which is transferred to the public. Therefore, the state government needs to adopt the use of a digital collection of revenue at motor parks and ensure a more effective system of remittance of dues without the primitive interference of agberos at bus stops which contributes to criminal activity. There should be legislation enacted to curb these extortionist levies and their outdated way of collection. There should be a deliberate plan to take agberos off the roads of Ogun State. Abiodun needs to stop the inflow of louts from Lagos State and clip the wings of their influence before it is too late. The inaction has been prolonged due to the political use of agberos during elections. Abiodun should realise that as the chief security officer in the state, he owes the citizens adequate security and safety. https://punchng.com/louts-menace-in-ogun-unacceptable/ |
| Travel › Emirates Flight Lands In Lagos For First Time In 2 Years by Bobloco(op): 7:18pm On Oct 01, 2024 |
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier Emirates flight landed at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Tuesday. This is coming two years after the suspension of operation by the airline over several issues including unresolved trapped funds belonging to the airline. However, the flight EK 783 which touched down at the old terminal of the MMIA at exactly 3:32 pm arrived with several empty seats on its Boeing 777-300ER. Though the number of passengers on board could not be immediately ascertained, several passengers who spoke with our correspondent said there were many empty seats on the flight. Our correspondent who was at the MMIA reports that while the departing passengers were processed at the new terminal, returning passengers arrived via the old terminal. The Boeing 777-300er (Extended range) has a capacity of 392 passengers. One of the passengers said, “The flight was not full at all but as usual the services were very good. And I think this is understandable being the first flight after many years.” https://dailytrust.com/just-in-emirates-flight-lands-in-lagos-for-first-time-in-2-years/ 1 Like |
| Politics › Nigeria Needs Independence From State Capture – Obi by Bobloco(op): 2:50pm On Oct 01, 2024 |
Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to seek a true independent nation free from state capture and end the unprecedented hardship and suffering.https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-needs-independence-from-state-capture-obi/ 39 Likes 5 Shares
|
| Politics › ‘APC A Gang Of Zombies, Not Political Party’ – PDP Chieftain, Sowunmi Claims by Bobloco(op): 2:30pm On Oct 01, 2024 |
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Segun Sowunmi, on Monday described the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a gang of Zombieshttps://dailypost.ng/2024/10/01/apc-a-gang-of-zombies-not-political-party-pdp-chieftain-sowunmi-claims/ 11 Likes
|
| Politics › Insecurity: NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorists' Logistics Base In Kaduna by Bobloco(op): 3:09pm On Sep 30, 2024 |
The Jika da Kolo community in Yadin Kidandan, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have alleged that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plane, while fighting terrorists at the weekend, mistakenly bombed the community, resulting in the deaths of over 25 people.https://tribuneonlineng.com/naf-plane-kills-23-worshippers-others-in-kaduna/ 4 Likes
|
| Politics › Re: Edo Governorship Election: Observers Release Damning Reports by Bobloco(op): 2:18pm On Sep 30, 2024 |
helinues:Are you part of the winners |
| Politics › Wike’s Reception Sparks Widespread Condemnation By Ijaw Groups by Bobloco(op): 2:16pm On Sep 30, 2024 |
The civic reception hosted by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples’ Congress (RIPCO) in honor of former Rivers State governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has sparked widespread condemnation from various Ijaw groups. The latest to join the chorus of disapproval are the chiefs and elders of Amadi-Ama Community, who have distanced themselves from RIPCO’s actions. In a joint statement with the Amanyanabo-in-Council, community leaders emphasized that Governor Siminialayi Fubara has taken no actions warranting a public apology to Wike, rendering RIPCO’s event unnecessary and driven by ulterior motives. They clarified that anyone attending the event in Amadi-Ama Community’s name did so voluntarily. RIPCO’s legitimacy has been challenged, with community leaders asserting that the organization is not recognized or affiliated with the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) or Ijaw National Congress (INC). Instead, RIPCO is viewed as a composition of “political jobbers” seeking favors from Wike. Reactions from Ijaw Organizations The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, have strongly rejected the reception and public apology to Wike on behalf of Governor Fubara. IYC described RIPCO as a “political pressure group created to advance Wike’s interests rather than a genuine socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people.” The Ijaw Peoples United Forum (IPUF) also distanced itself from RIPCO’s event, labeling it a “self-serving maneuver to curry favor with Minister Wike rather than genuinely representing the Ijaw people.” These statements reflect the Ijaw community’s concerns about RIPCO’s actions and their perceived impact on Governor Fubara’s authority and the Ijaw people’s interests. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/wikes-reception-sparks-widespread-condemnation-by-ijaw-groups/#google_vignette |
| Politics › Re: Grappling With Hardship…officially - Punch Editorial by Bobloco(op): 2:32pm On Sep 29, 2024 |
|
| Politics › Re: Residents Gather At Edo Government House To 'Greet' Governor Obaseki by Bobloco: 2:30pm On Sep 29, 2024 |
senatordave1:Edo people will surely be better off under Obaseki, when the new man assume power |
| Politics › Re: Residents Gather At Edo Government House To 'Greet' Governor Obaseki by Bobloco: 7:14am On Sep 29, 2024*. Modified: 2:31pm On Sep 29, 2024 |
Obaseki has done well for his people. In a couple of months and years to come, the people of Edo State will realise that they were better off with the PDP. History will surely vindicate Obaseki. History has shown repeatedly that when ever there's a gang up backed by federal might and state capture against a sitting governor who wants to install a successor, the eventual winners from the opposing party end up getting worse. It happened in Kwara in 2019; 'the O'toge mantra'; today it is happening in Edo State. Will these states fare better after the gang up? The answer is an emphatic no. The state has become worse off after the gang up backed by federal might with their insatiable quest to criminally grab power. The opposing forces always claim that the governor whom they are ganging up against is a failure, ingrate, or betrayal to justify their act, but they would come in and become worse than the governor they were ganging up against. Forget the lies, falsehoods, and propaganda being peddled around; the truth of the matter is that they are all after their selfish interests and not the interests of the common man. 6 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › Edo Governorship Election: Observers Release Damning Reports by Bobloco(op): 5:34am On Sep 29, 2024 |
How they manipulated results during collation Controversy has expectedly continued to trail the Edo governorship election which saw the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring Senator Monday Okpebolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner. The results have been defended by the party that won and their sympathizers, but vigorously challenged by the two other candidates in the poll – Dr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) – as well as their supporters. In this package, Sunday Vanguard publishes the verbatim reports of two observer groups to the election. Yiaga Africa’s report is signed by Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Chair of the 2024 Edo Election Mission, and Samson Itodo,Executive Director, while Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, signed for ActionAid Nigeria Election failed integrity test/standards – Yiaga Africa, highlights inconsistencies in results Introduction On Saturday, September 21, 2024, Yiaga Africa deployed the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology to observe the Edo State governorship election. This involved 300 stationary and 25 roving observers, covering a representative sample of polling units across all 18 LGAs. The PRVT enables Yiaga Africa to independently assess the quality of Election Day processes and verify the accuracy of the official election results as announced by INEC. Yiaga Africa observers also deployed to the state and LGA results collation centers to observe the process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of the election process. Yiaga Africa has successfully deployed this methodology in two presidential elections and sixteen off-cycle governorship elections. Yiaga Africa’s Election Day situation analysis statement highlighted logistical challenges that led to delays in the commencement of accreditation and voting at various polling units across the state. Inadequate planning in the supply of vehicles for transporting ad hoc officials and election materials, along with the absence of accompanying security personnel, further exacerbated the delays. Yiaga Africa also condemns acts of violence and disruption of voting and results collation process by political thugs and hoodlums, particularly violence directed at voters and election officials. These unwholesome acts undermine the integrity of the elections. Yiaga Africa extends its sympathies to citizens and polling officials who suffered severe injuries and loss of valuable properties due to these attacks and violence. Yiaga Africa calls on security agencies to thoroughly investigate these cases of attacks and intimidation against voters and polling officials. INEC’s official results Yiaga Africa’s estimates are based on official results announced at the polling unit from a representative random sample of polling units. As highlighted in our pre-election report, Yiaga Africa will, amongst other factors, consider the quality of Election Day processes in assessing whether the 2024 Edo governorship satisfies the electoral integrity test. In this regard, Yiaga Africa considered the integrity of accreditation, voting, counting, and collation of results. INEC consistently applied its guidelines in managing the accreditation and voting process in a significant number of polling units. Despite some isolated incidents of inadequate election materials, the BVAS machines functioned optimally, and all voters in the queue by 2:30pm were allowed to vote, despite the late opening of polls. The polling officials uploaded polling unit results on the IReV in a timely manner, making it possible for citizens to access polling unit level results. However, the incidents of results manipulation and disruptions during ward and local government collation in Ikpoba/Okha, Etsako West, Egor and Oredo LGAs, including intimidation of INEC officials, observers and party agents and the collation of results, contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, severely undermine the credibility of the election results. Inconsistencies Based on reports received from the sampled polling units, Yiaga Africa can project the expected vote shares for each party within a narrow margin. However, Yiaga Africa is only able to verify the election outcome if it falls within its estimated margins. If the official results do not fall within Yiaga Africa’s estimated ranges, then the results may have been manipulated. According to INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) received 51.1% of the votes, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 43.3% of the votes, and the Labor Party garnered 4.0% of the votes. Based on reports from 287 of 300 (96%) sampled polling units, Yiaga Africa’s statistical analysis shows inconsistencies in the official results announced by INEC. For instance, the official results announced by INEC for APC in Oredo and Egor, LGAs fall outside the PRVT estimate. In Esan West LGA, the official results for PDP fall outside the PRVT estimates. Also, in Oredo LGA, the official results as announced for LP fall outside the PRVT estimates. These inconsistencies with Yiaga Africa’s PRVT estimates indicate that the results were altered at the level of collation. The disparities between the official results released by INEC and Yiaga Africa’s PRVT estimates indicate manipulation of results during the collation process. Yiaga Africa strongly condemns the actions of some biased INEC officials who altered figures during collation including the actions of some security officials who interfered with the collation process. Yiaga Africa notes that the cases of disruption in Ikpoba/Okha, Etsako West, Egor, and Oredo LGAs in the course of collation created opportunities for election manipulation, raising significant concerns about the credibility and integrity of the results collation process. Turnout Estimates INEC’s turnout and rejected ballots for the 18 LGA released are consistent with Yiaga Africa WTV PRVT estimates. Yiaga Africa is able to estimate that turnout is between 20.9% and 24.1% (22.5% ± 1.6%), while INEC’s official result is 22.4%. Similarly, Yiaga Africa estimates for rejected ballots are between 2.2% and 3.2% (2.7% ± 0.5%). Yiaga Africa notes that in terms of turnout, voters did not meet the resilience test as voter turnout plummeted despite high PVC collection rates recorded for the governorship election. In this election, only 22.4% of the voters turned out to exercise their civic rights, lower than the 27% turnout observed in 2020. Nevertheless, Yiaga Africa commends the resilience of the voters who turned out despite the rain and voting delays, staying back to fulfill their civic duties. Recommendations Yiaga Africa calls for the immediate investigation and prosecution of polling officials and collation officers who are engaged in results manipulation and flagrant violations of the guidelines on results collation. Yiaga Africa calls on INEC to urgently clarify the inconsistencies in some of the results, especially election results from Oredo, Egor, Esan West and LGAs. INEC should issue detailed guidelines for exercising its powers to review declarations and returns made contrary to provisions of the Electoral Act and regulations and guidelines. This should include procedures for receiving complaints, timeframe, format and who is eligible to submit complaints. It is imperative to integrate the IReV and electronic transmission of results into the electoral legal framework to confer legality on polling unit level results uploaded on the portal. To this end, the National Assembly should expeditiously amend the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of results mandatory. Conclusion As noted in our pre-election reports, Yiaga Africa emphasized that the 2024 Edo governorship election would be assessed against three key parameters: the resilience test, impartiality test, and integrity test. On the resilience test, despite early warnings of potential violence and adverse weather conditions, voter turnout was low. While voters were given the opportunity to exercise their rights, many chose not to participate, resulting in a partial failure of the resilience test. Nevertheless, Yiaga Africa commends the resilience and patience of voters who did turn out, particularly in the face of logistical challenges and rainfall that caused late opening of polls. On the impartiality test, Yiaga Africa monitored the role of security agencies and their engagement with the process. While there were isolated incidents of intimidation, the security forces largely acted professionally, ensuring a peaceful and secure environment on Election Day. However, reports of interference during the results collation process, including the denial of access to accredited observers and party agents at collation centers, cast doubt on the neutrality of some security personnel. Additionally, the disruption of result collation raises concerns about the distribution and effectiveness of security deployment for the election. Lastly, on the integrity test, Yiaga Africa concludes that the 2024 Edo governorship election fails the electoral integrity test due to the lack of transparency in the results collation process, which led to the manipulation of results. While key processes such as accreditation, voting, counting, and recording of results at the polling unit substantially complied with procedures, the results collation process was compromised by the actions of some biased INEC officials in connivance with other actors. This manipulation severely undermines the overall integrity of the election. As Yiaga Africa stated after the 2023 general elections and the off-cycle governorship elections of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states in 2023, as well as the inconsistencies in the Edo State governorship election results, especially for the LGAs identified in the reports, it is abundantly clear that drastic steps are now needed for fundamental electoral reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral process, especially the urgent need for political actors to change their attitude towards politics. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, by ActionAid For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT. Although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action. Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices. The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire. As the post-election period unfolds, with some political parties signaling their intention to challenge the results of the Edo State election in court, it is important to emphasize that the judiciary is an institution capable of delivering justice. The Electoral Act provides a clear legal framework for the adjudication of electoral disputes, underscoring the role of the courts as an impartial arbiter in such matters. It is essential that the judiciary handles these disputes with timely and fair verdicts that uphold the principles of justice. In doing so, the courts must prioritize electoral cases to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied, as prolonged legal battles undermine confidence in the electoral process. Judgments on these disputes should not only resolve immediate grievances but also serve as a deterrent to future misconduct, clearly signaling that electoral malpractices will not be tolerated. Weaknesses Edo State election has once again laid bare the weaknesses within Nigeria’s electoral system; therefore, ActionAid Nigeria recommends: A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity. Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct. The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud. Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act. The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritizing electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/edo-governorship-election-observers-release-damning-reports/#google_vignette |
| Politics › Grappling With Hardship…officially - Punch Editorial by Bobloco(op): 5:08am On Sep 29, 2024 |
IN a notable departure from the official mantra, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has bucked the trend in government with a new dirge: Nigerians are grappling with severe hardship. Akpabio and Co are late to the party. Economically, and socially, life has become an excruciating nightmare for Nigerians since Bola Tinubu assumed office as President in May 2023. Akpabio’s mea culpa will only make sense to long-suffering Nigerians if they start witnessing an improvement in their lives. Incidentally, other federal lawmakers have realised that Nigerians are having it rough. On the eve of resumption from an eight-week annual break, Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, decried the hardship among citizens in a lengthy op-ed widely syndicated in the newspapers. His colleague, Uzor Kalu, described the hardship as biting, charging President Bola Tinubu to “bring succour to Nigerians.” As Nigeria’s No.3 man, Akpabio’s words carry weight. While extolling the “commendable efforts of Tinubu” in governance at the resumption of the new legislative year, he said, “In the face of rising economic pressures, our fellow citizens have been grappling with the realities of inflation, soaring living costs, and an unpredictable market. “These challenges have tested the very fabric of our society, and I stand here today to express our deepest empathy for every Nigerian who bears the burden of these trying times.” On all counts, Akpabio is spot on. In June, food inflation peaked at 40.87 per cent before dropping to 39.53 per cent in July and 37.52 per cent in August at the onset of the harvest season. The market realities are much harsher. With a minimum wage of N30,000 per month (before the July increment to N70,000), most Nigerians find it difficult to feed. Energy costs have ballooned uncontrollably after Tinubu hastily cancelled petrol subsidies on Inauguration Day and floated the naira unrestrictedly two weeks later. From N190 per litre pre-Tinubu era, petrol prices more than quadrupled. Petrol averages N900/l now. Nigerians deserve a better life but there is no respite as the currency tumbled out of control. It was N467/$1 in May 2023. It oscillates between N1,500/$ and N1,650/$ currently. Electricity costs are huge. Airtel has decried its monthly bill of N28bn on diesel to power its operations. The downsides of the steep energy costs, currency depreciation and insecurity are glaring: factory closures, job losses, and privations. Multinationals like Kimberly-Clark (6,000 jobs), Procter&Gamble, and GSK have exited the country, citing the biting economic climate. Before the NBS calculated 133 million Nigerians as multidimensionally poor in 2022, Nigeria had become the global poverty capital in 2018 with 87 million citizens living below the poverty level per the World Poverty Clock. The situation is much worse in 2024. It is a pointer that the economy has not worked for some time. Indeed, Nigeria’s mono-product economy became brittle a decade ago. Although oil, Nigeria’s main source of budget funding, peaked at $107.95 a barrel in June 2014, prices plunged to $44.08pb by January 2015, dropping 59.2 percent in seven months. Nigeria experienced two recessions under Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor in office. In this context, Tinubu is not entirely to blame for the downturn. However, his rash policies have aggravated the cost-of-living crisis. The low and mighty have pointed this out to the political leadership without getting a concise answer. Ex-Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, lamented, “The issue of transportation, fuel hike, school fees, and lack of funds is making life difficult for everyone.” A former Archbishop of Abuja Diocese (Catholic Church), John Onaiyekan, said, “There’s (a) need to review some of the policies that are giving rise to the kind of pain and poverty that we are not familiar with, we are not used to this. The middle class is now being completely wipedout; everybody is now becoming poor.” This is nothing but the truth. Businesses are hard hit. Citing exchange rate volatility, rising inflation, and a general worsening of the investment climate, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria counted 767 factory closures and 353 in distress in 2023. At the resumption of the 2024/25 academic year, many pupils could not resume because of increased tuition and higher transportation costs. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024, jointly authored by the FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO said as of 2022, 172 million or 78.7 per cent of the population could not afford a healthy diet. Food shortages might worsen with severe flooding hitting the food baskets, especially in the North, where insecurity, Fulani herdsmen rapine, kidnapping for ransom, and shabby rural infrastructure are long-standing hindrances to food production. Provocatively, critics are labelled sore losers or unpatriotic. At other times, the government urges citizens to endure. The consistently sad refrain from the government is that harsh reforms are necessary. Without an adequate cushion, this is mere rhetoric. On reflection, the political leadership lives large, without a feeling for the suffering masses. This class, especially the executive and the legislature, are truly divorced from the harsh moment. Federal lawmakers are viewed as the highest-paid in the world per The Economist. Democracy is only working for this class. Ranking lawmakers received N500m annually for ghost constituency projects. Described as a lackey of the President, the Akpabio-led Senate approved a new presidential jet for Tinubu to national angst. There have been outrageous expenditures to purchase vehicles, retrofit and build official mansions and unprecedented contingents during needless overseas trips. It is a shame that despite the then eight unprecedented years of economic disaster and privation under Buhari, Nigerians are longing for him again. This is disturbing. In August, Nigerians trooped out to express their frustrations over the severe hardship described as the #EndBadGovernance protests. The organisers plan another protest in October. Is there an end in sight to the hardship? This is a thorny question. The President has taken a positive step with the increment of the minimum wage by 133 per cent. From N30,000 a month, the lowest-paid worker in the public sector would earn N70,000 monthly. To cover the adjustment, the local, state, and federal governments should cut the excessive cost of governance. Tinubu should focus on the economy, security, and provision of infrastructure. The administration should stop taking citizens for a ride, saying what it does not mean. After initiating tax reform, it is brazenly introducing new taxes, including the telecoms and cybercrime taxes. To reprieve businesses, the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele tax reform committee should be implemented. Tinubu should quickly move Nigeria forward by cutting the cost of governance and stopping the outrageous payments to lawmakers. To generate cash, Tinubu should transparently privatise the commanding heights of the economy – the Ajaokuta Steel Company, the four comatose refineries that have gulped $20bn for turnaround maintenance in the past two decades and other public assets lying fallow. By selling 5.0 per cent of its stake through an initial public offering between 2019 and 2021 in its national oil company, Aramco, Saudi Arabia generated $50bn. In addition, the sale intended to create one million new jobs for Saudi youths. Undoubtedly, selling the NNPC Ltd refineries can reprieve Nigeria’s illiquidity and a debt stock of N121tn. The Tinubu government should finalise the details of the waiver of duties on imported staples. The importation of petroleum products exerts enormous pressure on the currency. Therefore, the President should go the extra mile to achieve the domestic production of petroleum products. In this, the government should support the Dangote Refinery and the other domestic refiners for the optimal production of petroleum products. In the North-West and North-Central, bandits have chased away farmers. Kidnappers and Fulani herders terrorise farmers in other parts of the country. So, the government should come out hard on criminals and kidnappers. The Constitution should be amended for state police as is the practice in other federal jurisdictions. https://punchng.com/grappling-with-hardshipofficially/ 1 Like |
| Politics › Why I’m Seen As Anti-igbo – Joe Igbokwe by Bobloco(op): 6:21pm On Sep 28, 2024 |
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, speaks to BIODUN BUSARI on the alleged marginalisation of the South-East region, the Peoples Democratic Party’s recent defeat in the Edo governorship election, among other issues Nigerians are groaning under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, facing a high cost of living that includes fuel, food items, and electricity, among others. How comfortable are you praising your party amid all these? Let me tell you, things are truly very tough. I’m adjusting to it as well. I was with some friends a few days ago, and we discussed that if there is a reform to make Nigeria better and everyone is feeling the heat, it’s acceptable. It’s only when it’s not balanced that we can complain. This situation is universal. I used to switch on the standing fan and air conditioner in my office before, but now I only open the windows. Recently, I bought an electricity tariff of N20,000, which ended in one day. When I wrote to the distribution company, they told me my house is in Band A. If we have to do this to get some common sense, then I accept it. I manage how things are used now; we only use one AC and open the windows. If you switch the light on while in the toilet, you should switch it off again after finishing. This is the price we must pay to move this country forward. Regarding fuel, I posted on social media for people to compare our pump price with sub-Saharan African countries and realised their prices were high. If we were still selling at N250 or N400 per litre, it would mean that some bad elements are still smuggling our fuel to these countries. Nigeria cannot be Father Christmas to Cameroon, Togo, and the rest. If I have to go out and use my car, I must ensure it’s a place that adds value to me. I want to emphasise that I know Nigerians are suffering, and President Tinubu is not stupid. Politicians have a tendency to shift blame rather than accept responsibility for their shortcomings. During Buhari’s administration, the APC often pointed fingers at the PDP for numerous issues. Now, President Tinubu claims he inherited a struggling economy from his predecessor, despite being from the same party. Will this pattern of deflecting blame ever end? I won’t say Buhari didn’t perform well; I’ve already mentioned the Second Niger Bridge, and he also initiated several rail projects. However, the current administration is dealing with the damage caused by certain politicians within Buhari’s government who wrecked the economy. Back then, governors, ministers, and other politicians didn’t operate in naira—they conducted most of their dealings in dollars. Some even had dollars stashed in their homes. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, I was among the first to secure a loan from the International Merchant Bank. I received N27,500 to start a business during former military president Ibrahim Babangida’s regime when he launched the National Directorate of Employment. They brought in business and economic experts from universities to train us on running a business. Although I initially wanted to venture into air conditioning, I was advised to open a restaurant instead. Within a year, I made a good profit, repaid the loan, and bought a car. We had proper training on business management, but initiatives like this are no longer available because politicians and civil servants now siphon the funds meant for such programmes. In the just-concluded Edo State governorship election, where INEC declared the APC winner, Governor Godwin Obaseki alleged various infractions. Are you proud of a democracy where vote-buying occurred, particularly involving the two major political parties? I’m not aware of any vote-buying or alleged infractions. What I can say is that Obaseki is a different case altogether. Politics thrives on teamwork, and although he knew this, he dismantled his own team with his own hands. Look at how the APC won the election in Lagos; it was through a unified effort. How could Obaseki expect to win the election for the PDP after alienating everyone who once worked with him? He famously said, ‘Edo no be Lagos,’ but forgot about Asiwaju and others who helped him rise to power. He picked fights with the Oba of Benin, his deputy, Philip Shaibu, and several members of the state assembly. All these factors contributed to his downfall. His recklessness had consequences, and to top it off, he even battled Senator Adams Oshiomhole. It was clear he didn’t think things through, and the outcome was inevitable. I feel for my friend, the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who aligned himself with Obaseki. Asue and I were part of the Concerned Professionals after the June 12 election crisis in 1993. He’s an incredibly sharp and talented lawyer, and it’s painful to see Obaseki’s impunity drag Ighodalo down. Obaseki has been the architect of his own and Ighodalo’s undoing. As a Nigerian from the South-East, would you support any politician outside the APC from your region to become president? No Igbo candidate can win an election in this country without the support of the South-West, North, and South-South. Many politicians from Igboland struggle to build those necessary bridges. Do you know how many years President Tinubu has spent building his political career? He was closely aligned with the late M.K.O. Abiola during his campaign. From there, he became a senator, then the governor of Lagos State, and played a pivotal role in sponsoring many politicians into power. He brought me to Lagos and never cared about where I came from. He has nurtured individuals from all corners of Nigeria—North, South, East, and West. We all know how he helped former President Buhari into office, promising to deliver the South-West for the 2015 election. What I’m saying is this: my people in Igboland cannot insult the country and other regions and expect to win elections. This applies to both our leaders and indigenes. Whenever I speak out about this, I’m insulted, and seen as an enemy. But the truth is, as Igbo people, we need to foster relationships with other regions. The Igbo often claim the South-East is marginalised, which fuels their grievances. What is your view on this? I am from the South-East, and I’m a proud Igbo man. Yes, the South-East is indeed marginalised, especially when you compare the number of states in each region. Other regions have six or seven states, while the South-East has only five. As a result, we receive the least in resources shared across Nigeria. However, there was a potential solution to this issue that we mishandled, and it was our own people who caused it. During former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, there was a proposal to create an additional state in the South-East. Just as it was about to be signed, Enugu and Imo states disagreed on who would give up territory. Enugu wanted Nsukka, while Imo wanted Mbaise. Their inability to reach a consensus led to the proposal being abandoned by the president. That’s why we are where we are today. Whatever is happening to the Igbo people is, to a large extent, self-inflicted. Consequently, our representation in the National Assembly is minimal, despite the investments our people have made across the country. How can you harm your own people and still claim you want Biafra? I tell our people that our land is too small. While landmass may not be the sole factor, it’s important. Many states in Nigeria are larger than the entire South-East. What solutions do you propose to address this issue? This situation cannot continue. I have written to the President regarding the creation of an additional state in the South-East. However, as Igbo people, we must also do our part. There is something called cultural competence and the management of emotional intelligence that we need to master as a community. I suffered greatly for speaking this truth; my house was burnt down in my village as a consequence. That was the sacrifice I had to make, and I have been labelled as anti-Igbo. Another question we must ask is, if we achieve the sovereign state of Biafra, what is the likelihood that we will remain united? Our people are naturally republican. You cannot locate all your investments in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the country, abandon them, and then expect to live in a region smaller than Kogi State. We must not close our eyes to the vast opportunities in Nigeria. We just have to play by the rules. https://punchng.com/why-im-seen-as-anti-igbo-joe-igbokwe/ 1 Like 1 Share |
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 (of 525 pages)