₦airaland Forum

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected plans by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration to return toll gates in the country.

The federal government had on Wednesday announced it was returning toll gates on federal highways in the country, saying there was no law against it.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated this while briefing State House Correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Fashola said that government was also considering to eliminate payment of cash by introducing electronic mode of payment.

The Minister further disclosed that government needed to acquire more lands to expand the width of the toll gates as it proposed to have a ten lane.

But reacting in a statement obtained by Igbere TV, the opposition PDP said such idea, in the midst of ‘economic hardship’, is completely “ill-conceived” and “anti-people.”

The statement signed by the party's national publicity secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said such move would only lead to increments in price of goods and services.

The PDP, therefore, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to rescind the decision in the best interest of Nigerians.

Full Statement,

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently rejects plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to return toll gates on highways in the country.

“The party laments that such insensitive idea, in the midst of excruciating economic hardship and high costs of living occasioned by the incompetence and harsh policies of the Buhari administration, is completely ill-conceived and anti-people.

“The PDP insists that at best, such idea amounts to executive bullying which cannot be justified under any guise as it will lead to more increase in costs of goods and services across the country.

“Only recently, President Buhari approved the increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5% to 7.2% despite outcry by Nigerians, who are also being made to pay exorbitant tariffs for electricity and other essential services.

“Since President Buhari came into office in 2015, his administration had continued to increase prices and impose all manner of levies on Nigerians which proceeds are being frittered by the cabal in the presidency leading to a bleeding economy and despondency among the citizenry.

“The PDP says that instead of putting more pressure on already impoverished Nigerians by introducing toll gates at this point in time, President Buhari should exert himself, seek ways of creating wealth out of the abundant resources at the disposal of his administration or make haste to surrender the reign of governance to more competent hands.

“Nigerians could recall that the PDP administration, in keeping with our determination to ensure the wellbeing and economic prosperity of our citizens, dismantled toll gates, cut tax profiles and applied our energies towards wealth creation.

“It is therefore certain that if our nation were under a PDP administration, as desired by Nigerians, competent hands would have been on the deck to proffer ways to create wealth for governance instead of turning our citizens into vassals who are overburdened by heavy taxes.

“The PDP states that it is lamentable that at the time Nigerians ought to be enjoying the benefits of the Atiku Abubakar economic recovery and wealth creation blueprint, they are faced with suppressive policies.

“The PDP therefore charges President Buhari to immediately rescind the decision to return toll gates on our highways as such is not in the best interest of Nigerians.”

Vice President of Peru, Mrs Mercedes Araoz, on Tuesday, resigned from her position as the nation’s number two citizen amid power struggle in the South American country.

This comes after President Martin Vizcarra on Monday unceremoniously disbanded the opposition-controlled Congress and announced fresh elections in January, 2020.

He said the move was necessary because the Parliament has refused to pass a anti-corruption reforms Bill he sent to the House, as well as changes to the way judges are appointed in Peru.

This led to opposition lawmakers voting to suspend Vizcarra from office and announced Araoz as interim president, leading to confusion about who the country’s rightful leader was.

Then, on Tuesday, Araoz announced in a tweet sighted by Igbere TV that she was resigning as vice president and declining the opposition’s appointment as interim leader.

https://twitter.com/MecheAF/status/1179221001936211968?s=19

She said she hoped her decision would help smooth the path toward a general election that could pull Peru out of its political dysfunction.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigerians should be inspired by numerous compatriots.

Mr Jonathan said this on Monday ahead of the nation’s 59th independence anniversary on October 1.

He said: “In these past decades, we have lived with the mixed reality of abundance and lack, peace and conflict, hope and despair. Despite the challenges, we have kept faith in the strength of our unity and stood firmly to uphold Nigeria’s honour and glory.

“It is for this spirit, that we have always emerged stronger in the face of trials.”

The former President called on Nigerians to “honour the memory of those who committed their lives towards advancing the course of our freedom and wellbeing, which this day signifies.”

He added: “We should also be inspired by the efforts of our numerous compatriots whose heroism and patriotic endeavours have continued to lift the status of our nation.

“No matter the troubles that challenge our glory, we must not despair. Fellow Nigerians, let us strengthen faith in our country and work together towards a prosperous nation.”

Wife of national leader of the APC and Senator representing Lagos Central, Oluremi Tinubu, has accused Lagos youths of being lazy and not ready to work, Igbere TV reports.

Mrs Tinubu made the assertions when she appeared as a guest on a Lagos Television programme monitored by our correspondent on Saturday, September 28.

According to her, most of the youths in Lagos would come to her husband’s house, claiming “they want to enjoy Asiwaju’s money.”

The visibly angry woman expressed displeasure that “most of these youths don’t want to work”, adding that “the moment you give them work to do, they fall sick.”

The Senator insisted that “youths of nowadays are interested in making quick money, but they don’t want to work before making the money.”

The former Lagos first lady added, “our youths are very rude because they want to be like all those people abroad.”

When asked about her plans to assist the “lazy youths”, Mrs Tinubu said her New Era Foundation Patience Home had concluded plans to empower all youths in her senatorial district.

She disclosed that 10 youths each from all the local governments under her Lagos Central would benefit from the empowerment initiative.

Tinubu, however, enjoined youths in her constituency to contact their local government chairmen and avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the foundation.

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai has mocked Senator Shehu Sani over a minimum wage tweet about the state government.

Recall we reported last night that the Kaduna State government had begun the full implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage.

But reacting to the development, Sani, a former Senator representing Kaduna Central tagged the payment as a “fraud”.

“Any payment of minimum wage by any state not in accordance with the template of the new minimum wage act is simply a fraud.Selective,manipulative and dubious payment is simply a deceit.Confirm full compliance from the NLC & the TUC first not from politicians”, tweeted Sani.

Commenting, however, a Kaduna resident tagged Governor El-Rufai to the tweet, asking him to start paying Sani the new minimum wage too.

“Dear @elrufai, Pls start paying @ShehuSani minimum wage so that he can use it and buy some sense”, tweeted the resident.

The Governor who later responded to the request quoted the tweet and responded saying;

“Uncertain whether he is good enough to be employed by the Kaduna State Civil Service Commission.”

TheSourcerer:
Their Army looks more professional than their police

NNPC’s Kyari Says Fossil Fuel to Remain Relevant Decades to Come

…as Nigeria, India Set to Deepen Bilateral Ties

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has said that fossil fuel would remain relevant in the global energy mix, saying contrary to assumptions in some quarters, crude oil demand would be very high even beyond 2040.

The NNPC GMD made the declaration when, Wednesday in his office in Abuja, he received members of a Higher Command Course of the Indian Army War College on a geo-strategic tour of Nigeria.

Mallam Kyari espoused the uniqueness of Nigeria’s crude oil grades as rich crude with high global demand, saying NNPC was determined to grow Nigeria’s production to 3million barrels per day by 2023 to enable Nigeria take advantage of the gap that exists in the demand-supply balance.

He emphasized the age-long bilateral relations between Nigeria and India, which cut across trade, military cooperation and international peace keeping, among others.

The GMD explained that NNPC’s mandate cut across satisfying domestic energy needs and contributing to global energy market, especially crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deliveries across the world.

He described energy security as a critical factor in guaranteeing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and growing its economy.

“Energy security is everything in terms of national security. The recent attack on Saudi oil facility is one incident which has attracted global attention and has the potential to impact global economy,” Kyari stated.

According to the NNPC’s helmsman, understanding the relationship between energy security and global security was important, especially as developing nations strive to grow their respective economies and guarantee their territorial integrity.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Brig. Gen. Sudhir Malik, said India was the largest trade partner with Nigeria, stressing that oil formed a large chunk of the trade between the two counties.

He described Nigeria as Africa’s economic power house which shares similar aspirations as India.

“We are also a growing economy. It is a mutual benefit to both nations. In times to come, we hope that these bilateral relations will continue to grow so that we will also increase the trade volumes,” he added.

While stating that India was aware of Nigeria’s peculiar security and economic challenges, the military chief, however, expressed optimism that the deep relations between the countries’ armed forces would help in addressing these challenges.

Samson Makoji
Ag. Group General Manager
Group Public Affairs Division
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Abuja

25 September, 2019

STATEMENT DELIVERED

BY

HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI,

PRESIDENT OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

AT

​THE GENERAL DEBATE ON THE THEME

OF THE 74TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

​TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER


Mr President,

Heads of State and Government,

Secretary-General,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Firstly I wish to thank the General Assembly for the honour bestowed on the Government and people of Nigeria by electing our national, His Excellency, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande to the Presidency of the 74th Session of this august body.

2. This is indeed a great honour!

3. Nigerians are truly grateful and shall endeavour to live up to the expectations and responsibilities thrust upon us.

4. Ambassador Muhammad-Bande is an experienced and seasoned diplomat and I am confident that he will prove to the International Community his suitability for this most demanding assignment.

5. Let me also offer my sincere thanks to the outgoing President, Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces for her skill, resourcefulness and endless reservoir of patience in piloting the 73rd General Assembly.

6. In the same vein, may I commend the Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres for his tremendous energy, his genuine international outlook exhibited by his leadership of the United Nations.

Your Excellencies, Delegates,

7. The theme of the current General Assembly is: “Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”

8. These are the prime areas calling for collective action which will benefit national and global interests.

9. Today the world is at a critical juncture. This year marks the first anniversary of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. This year also marks the 100 years of the founding of the League of Nations, leading eventually to the establishment of the United Nations as part of the post-World War II international order.

10. Article 1 (4) of the UN Charter called for “harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends”. These common ends include:

a. International peace and security;

b. Prosperity and social justice;

c. Respect for human dignity; and

d. Protection of the environment.

11. Multilateralism symbolised by the UN system has brought immense benefits to the people of the world. It has saved lives, prevented wars, restored peace and stability as well as generated economic and social progress in many countries.

Mr President, Your Excellencies,

12. We must admit that as the world grows richer, there are regrettable signals in the World Economic and Political Order. Millions in Africa and around the world remain in abject poverty. Furthermore, we are witnessing a backlash against multilateralism in the shape of rising tide of racism, xenophobia, resurgent nationalism, populism and tendencies towards protectionism and unilateralism. The pristine principles of the United Nations appear threatened.

13. On cessation of hostilities after World War II, the United States in one of the greatest selfless undertakings in history decided to revive Europe through the Marshall Plan and uplift and restore Japan economically. This generous policy catalysed a great economic revival globally.

14. This action of the United States not only benefited Europe and Japan but the United States as well through vastly improved trade and cross investments.

15. The United States and Europe have become friends and allies since the end of the war. The United States and Japan have also become friends and allies since the end of the war. This example can be replicated with respect to Africa.

16. A developed Africa will not be antagonistic to industrialised countries but will become friends and partners in prosperity, security and development. A prosperous Africa will mean greater prosperity for the rest of the world. A poor Africa will be a drag on the rest of the world. Is this what the international community wants?

17. A coordinated multilateral effort should be set in motion to utilise and maximise use of the enormous resources on the African continent for the benefit of all nations. Investing partners will be able to recoup their investments manifold over time.

18. Current attempts to help develop Africa by industrial countries are un-coordinated and plainly incremental. We have the skills, the manpower and the natural resources, but in many instances, we lack the capital – hence my plea for industrial countries to take a long-term view of Africa, come and partner with us to develop the continent for the benefit of all.

19. Africa charges you with the singular task of initiating the effort we are calling for. The United Nations has in place processes for promoting collective action to combat global threats. No threat is more potent than poverty and exclusion.

20. They are the foul source from which common criminality, insurgency, cross-border crimes, human trafficking and its terrible consequences draw their inspiration.

21. Poverty in all its manifestations remains one of the greatest challenges facing our world. Its eradication is an indispensable requirement for achieving sustainable development. In this regard, Nigeria has developed a National Social Investment Programme – a pro-poor scheme that targets the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country

22. Under this initiative easy access to financial services are facilitated to our traders, artisans, market women and co-operative societies. This type of initiative can help lessen and eventually eliminate mass poverty in Africa.

23. At the core of our efforts to build an inclusive society, our programmes are focused on youth and women empowerment. These programmes aim at ensuring women and youth participation in governance, industry, climate action and agriculture.

24. On the international scene, Mr President, the United Nations has new opportunities to take the lead on issues that continue to cloud the prospects for international peace and prosperity, namely;

a. The rights of the Palestinian people to have their own country free of occupation. Mr President, the international community has spoken from Resolution 242 of 1967 to the present day on the rights of the Palestinian people to have and live in peace in their own land;

b. The risks associated with nuclear proliferation;

c. Unfair and unjust trading practices notwithstanding the World Trade Organisation Rules and Precepts;

d. The looming danger of climate change

25. On climate change Nigeria stands resolutely with the international community in observing agreed carbon emission targets which I signed in 2015. We have since issued two sovereign Green Bonds and have added an additional 1 million hectares of forested land taking our total forest coverage to 6.7% through collective national effort.

26. As we advocate and strive for inclusion within our societies, we must also ensure inclusion prevails in our collective action as members of International Community. That is why we support the expansion of the Security Council to reflect the diversity and dynamics of the 21st Century.

Mr President, Your Excellencies,

27. From Asia to the Middle East, Africa to South America, violence and the threat of conflict continue to blight the lives of too many people.

28. Our own country is no exception. Nigeria is a nation of nearly 200 million people of diverse groups. Our diversity is our source of strength which is why in elections this year, our people backed the politics of tolerance, inclusion and community over the politics of protest and division.

29. Our election promises emphasised political stability, freedom and prosperity, tackling poverty, schooling our young and providing them with the tools to build better lives. We are placing special emphasis on the role of women in our female gender advancement programmes.

30. Our progress and delivery are deliberate, purposeful and measured. We clearly appreciate there are no quick fixes to complex challenges.

31. In particular, the challenge of education in Africa is enormous. On December 3rd 2018, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 73/25 that proclaimed 24 January of every year as International Day of Education. The Resolution which was spearheaded by Nigeria and co-sponsored by 58 other member states marked a watershed in the recognition of the fundamental role of education in building modern societies.

32. To ensure access to education for all, our Government has introduced the Home Grown School Feeding Programme to address the challenge of out-of-school and forced-out-of-school children.

33. This social intervention programme, Mr President, is aimed at encouraging increased school enrolment through provision of free school meals. The benefits extend beyond the school environment. In addition, we have introduced mainstreaming and implementation of Safe Schools Declaration laws and policies across all educational institutions in Nigeria.

Mr President, Your Excellencies,

34. The world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers. This and similar crimes which have been fuelled by social media networks risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture.

35. Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.

36. Organised criminal networks, often acting with impunity across international borders present new challenges where only collective action can deliver genuine results.

37. This is true in the battle against violent extremism, against trafficking in people and drugs and against corruption and money laundering. The present Nigerian government is facing the challenges of corruption head-on. We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.

Mr President, Your Excellencies,

38. As a young man, as a soldier, I witnessed at first hand the terrible legacy of destruction and broken lives that conflict leaves in its wake.

39. As the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War approaches, I wish to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by so many millions across the globe in defence of freedom, tolerance and the rule of law.

40. In Nigeria, we have made significant strides to put our own house in order. We will work tirelessly to uphold due process. The rule of law remains the permanent, unchanging foundation of the world order.

41. Freedom, tolerance and the rule of law are universal values and underline the best that this General Assembly represents. And that binds us all

Mr. President,

42. I will conclude my remarks by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace and security and sustainable development. We are also committed to strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organisations for the benefit of humanity.

43. Thank you very much.

The House of Representatives has hinted that it will soon initiate the processes of regulating the activities of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country.

The development comes days after the Nigerian army accused NGOs of aiding and abetting terrorists’ activities in the North-East.

Igbere TV recalls that the military, recently, shut down the operations of Action Against Hunger, an NGO providing relief for victims of Boko Haram in the region.

The army accused the organisation of providing foods and other “vital materials” for Boko Haram insurgents.

At the resumption of sitting on Tuesday, the House said lawmakers may soon re-introduce a bill seeking to regulate the operations of NGOs.

The bill in question, was first introduced during the Yakubu Dogara-led 8th House of Reps, but had to be stepped down due to public outcry it attracted.

But the House said the bill will now be re-introduced and debated afresh.

According to the Speaker, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the green chambers equally resolved to investigate the activities of all the NGOs in the country.

He said the House had approved the setting up of a committee to investigate all NGOs in Nigeria to investigate their total number and source of funding.

The Nigerian Senate is to summon the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubalar Malami to appear before it over the controversial N9.6bn P&ID judgement.

The upper legislative chamber is to also summon the Minister of Petroleum (State), Timipre Sylva, along with the AGF.

This followed a motion by Senator Bamidele Opeyemi (APC, Ekiti), on Tuesday, at the resumption of sitting from the long recess.

The motion tagged, “Issue of Urgent National Importance”, was seconded by Albert, Bassey (PDP, Akwa-Ibom), who urged the Senate to look into the matter, in accordance with the laws.

Both the AGF and Petroleum Minister are to provide detailed information of the controversial contract between the Ministry and the Industrial Development (P&ID)

Minister of Petroleum Resource will, according to the resolution, appear as ‘all other concerned parties’ of the federal government related to the deal.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, declared open the Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Igbere TV reports that the CIBN is the umbrella professional body for bankers in Nigeria, presiding over all commercial banks.

This years conference with the theme, “The Future of Nigerian Banking Industry - 360”, is holding at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.