₦airaland Forum

SammyB67:
Just wandering no pictures or videos of protest coming from south East abi dey no do protest

States That Refuse To Participate In Today Nationwide Protest

1. Kogi State
2. Benue State
3. Imo State
4. Abia State
5. Anambra State
6. Enugu State
7. Ebony State

Retired Military General Backs State Police, Wants NPF Scrapped.

General Ishola said the current structure of the Nigeria Police Force is outdated and should be scrapped.

A retired military officer, General Ishola Williams, has thrown his weight behind the ongoing debate on the creation of state police as a panacea to kidnapping, banditry and the hydra-headed security challenges ubiquitous in Nigeria.

He was a guest on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Friday.

The octogenarian also urged the government to change its strategies in the prolonged counter-insurgency war.

“On security, if you have been doing something for over 10 years and it is not working, you should change tactics. If you don’t change the doctrine and the tactics, you will never be able to deal with the problem,” he said.

General Ishola said the current structure of the Nigeria Police Force is outdated and should be scrapped.

“The structure is completely outdated but the police will never agree. Not only the police but the military,” he said.

He said public safety must be bottom-up because crime prevention is a much better crime control system. “That is why we need the state police, that is why we need the local government police,” he said. “Because where do they kidnap people if not for communities?”

“Scrap the present Nigerian Police and create Crime Intelligence and Criminal Agency. What do they do? They will act like the FBI (the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States).

“You then create a para-military police. People forget that the mobile police was created as a para-military police.

“With a good para-military police and border agencies, you don’t need the military; the military can now concentrate in the North-East.”

The retired general said many security agencies created by the government were formed not out of functionality and efficiency but the create jobs, and until this has been corrected, the desired solution would remain a mirage.

Aliko Dangote has revealed that local and foreign mafia tried several times to sabotage his $19 billion refinery from coming to life.

Dangote made this revelation while speaking at the Afreximbank annual meetings (AAN) and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Nassau, The Bahamas, on Wednesday.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man, said he had repaid about $2.4 billion of the $5.5 billion borrowed to build the refinery.

According to him, several entities did everything to sabotage the 650,000 barrels per day facility.

Dangote said he was aware that resistance would always exist, but he did not anticipate it being so harsh.

He said: “Well, I knew that there would be a fight. But I didn’t know that the mafia in oil; they are stronger than the mafia in drugs. I can tell you that. Yes, it’s a fact.

“The local and foreign mafia tried several times to sabotage the refinery from coming to fruition.”

The businessman, who tagged himself a fighter throughout his life, said the mafias had tried several times to defeat him.

“But I’m a person that has been fighting all my life, you know. So I think it’s part of my life to fight,” he added.

On if he was receiving enough crude oil as feedstock for his refinery from the international oil companies (IOCs), Dangote said: “In a system where for 35 years people are used to counting good money, and all of a sudden they see that the days of counting that money have come to an end, you don’t expect them to pray for you.

“Of course, you expect them to fight back.

Dangote Cement export increased by 87.2 percent at 264kt in first quarter
“And I think that is the process that we’re now really going through. But the truth is that, yes, the country, the sub-region, and also the continent, sub-Saharan Africa, need this refinery.

“So, you expect them to fight through non-supply of crude, non-purchase of the product. But I think it’s all temporary. We’ll get there.”

Dangote To Venture Into Steel Production, Targets Meeting Demand In West Africa.

Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has mooted plans to delve into steel production in the near future stating that he wants to ensure that every steel used in West Africa comes from Nigeria.

The industrial mogul stated this during an interview at the ongoing Afreximbank Afro-Caribbean Trade & Investment Forum in Nassau, The Bahamas.

When asked if he is taking a break after the refinery, he noted that the next venture after the refinery project would be in Steel manufacturing and ensure that all Steel products used in West Africa comes from Nigeria.

He also encouraged African leaders to take agriculture and solid mineral development seriously lamenting the fact that food imports cost the continent dearly by increasing unemployment and poverty.

He said, “What we need to do that is missing is actually to concentrate and pay more attention to agriculture and solid minerals.
I don’t like people coming to take our solid minerals to process and bring the finished product.
We should try and industrialise our continent and take it to the next level.”

“I told somebody we are not going to take any break. What we are trying to do is to make sure at least in West Africa, we want to make sure that every single steel that we use will come from Nigeria”

Nigeria has tried unsuccessfully to become a leader in the steel manufacturing industry with a handful of failed projects like the Ajaokuta steel plant, Delta Steel Company, Osogbo and Jos rolling mills even under government and private ownership.

Like the oil refineries, the federal government under different administrations has spent billions trying to put the local steel plants to work but has been unsuccessful.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu had promised during the campaigns to ensure steel production starts in the multi-billion-dollar Ajaokuta steel complex.

The federal government in the 2024 appropriation act budgeted around N4.45 billion for the plant but hopes to raise around N35 billion from private investors to bring the plant to life for the first time in its history.

However, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu has also stated that reviving the plant could cost around $2 billion to $5 billion.

According to the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), total steel consumption in the country averages around 10 million metric tonnes of which 70% is imported.
The current Minister of Steel Development had earlier stated that Nigeria spends around $4 billion on steel imports annually despite having around 74 steel plants and fabricators across the country.

Nigeria is home to significant iron-ore deposit- a critical raw material in steel production found in Kogi state.

https://nairametrics.com/2024/06/13/dangote-to-venture-into-steel-production-targets-meeting-demand-in-west-africa/?amp=1

Police Arrest 31-Year-Old Man, Yusuf Adenoyin With 8 Human Skulls In Ondo State

The Police Command in Ondo State has arrested a 31-year-old man, Yusuf Adenoyin, caught allegedly in possession of eight dry human skulls.

at Isua- Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.


Mr Abayomi Oladipo, Commissioner of Police in Ondo state, said this in a statement made available to newsmen by the command’s spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya in Akure on Wednesday.

Oladipo said that the suspect was apprehended by operatives during a stop and search exercise at Isua- Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state.

“On June 10, 2024, at about 0800hrs, personnel attached to Police Safer Highway Patrol at Isua/Epinmi checkpoint while performing their lawful duty flagged down a Nissan Salon car en route Akure.

“While the vehicle was being searched, one of the passengers took to his heels and the police pursued and arrested him.

“He was searched and eight dry human skulls, fresh human flesh, and charms were found in a wrapped polythene bag concealed in a garri sack he was travelling with.

“The suspect, Yusuf Adenoyin, ‘M’ age 31 years, stated that he was going to supply the items to herbalists,” he said.

Oladipo, who said that the suspect had confessed to having supplied seven human skulls before he was arrested, said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend his accomplices

President Bola Tinubu tripped and fell on Wednesday while attempting to mount the parade vehicle during the Democracy Day celebration at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Footage of the incident has since gone viral on social media, with netizens expressing concern.

The President had approached the vehicle shortly after he arrived at the Eagles Square, Abuja venue of the June 12 commemoration.

Vanguard gathered that the President lost his footing momentarily as he was about embark on the parade vehicle.

However, the president, who was immediately assisted by his aides after the incident, has since resumed duties at the ongoing ceremony.

The event was part of a series of events to mark the country’s Democracy Day celebration at the Eagles Square.

Guinness announces plan to leave Nigeria after 75 years as Tinubu’s inflation wreaks economic havoc.

Guinness will join a long list of multinationals, like GlaxoSmithKline and Microsoft, that have left Nigeria, citing the harsh economic climate as making business unprofitable.

After operating in Nigeria since 1950 and enduring a torrid economic climate on the back of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Guinness has announced it will exit the Nigerian market and sell off its controlling shares to Singaporean conglomerate Tolaram Group on Tuesday.

The brewery brand recorded a staggering N61.9 billion loss after tax between July 2023 and March 2024, just a few months after Mr Tinubu floated the naira in an effort to unify the currency’s value on the official and parallel foreign exchange markets.

But the move backfired and caused many multinational companies to suffer huge financial setbacks including Guinness Nigeria whose N61.7 billion loss after tax in Q3 was a 1,000 per cent decrease from the N5.9 billion profit generated in the same period last year.

The loss exacerbated by the naira’s continued downward trend may have informed Diageo, Guinness’ parent company, to sell its 58.02 per cent majority stake to the Singaporean group.

“Under the terms of an agreement signed today, 11 June 2024, Tolaram will acquire Diageo’s 58.02% shareholding in Guinness Nigeria royalty agreements for the continued production of the Guinness brand and its locally manufactured Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream spirits brands,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

Guinness Nigeria Plc, a public limited liability company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, was incorporated on April 29, 1950, as a trading company importing Guinness Stout from Dublin.

The Guinness brand has operated in Nigeria since 1950, but with Tolaram’s controlling stake acquisition expected to conclude by 2025, the global brewery brand will have spent 75 years in Nigeria.

In the statement, Guinness said the firm would leave Nigeria next year and hand over to a third-party venture.

“The transaction is expected to be completed during fiscal 2025, subject to obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals in Nigeria,” said the statement signed by Abidemi Ademola, Guinness’s legal director.

Diageo, however, stated that the sale of its Nigerian brand would not in any way affect its ownership of the Guinness global brand.

Diageo “will retain ownership of the Guinness brand, which will be licensed to Guinness Nigeria for the long term.”

Diageo’s exit adds to a long list of other multinational companies, like GlaxoSmithKline and Microsoft, that have left Nigeria in the last one to two years, citing the harsh economic climate as making business unprofitable.

Some of Diageo’s popular brands in Nigeria include Smirnoff Ice, Smirnoff Vodka, Orijin Bitters, Malta Guinness, Gordons Orange Sunset, and Dubic Malt.

ISWAP Terror Group Holds Public Meetings With Borno Residents To Recruit New Members, Stresses Plan To Have Separate Islamic Country

Da‘wāt is the act of inviting or calling people to embrace Islam.

Militants belonging to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād have organised da‘wāt in some villages in Borno, SaharaReporters has gathered.

Da‘wāt is the act of inviting or calling people to embrace Islam.

In pictures released by ISWAP, sect members were seen publicly engaging with residents of the state around Lake Chad.

The images may be part of the sect’s efforts to counter statements by the Nigerian military that the Islamist insurgent fighters were on a steady retreat, with troops seizing a sizeable territory hitherto occupied and controlled by members of the terrorist sect.

SaharaReporters gathered that during the Da’wat programme, the insurgents appealed to villagers to join the group as militants and support their cause to establish an Islamic caliphate.

They assured them of good governance, better security and basic amenities as soon as they had a new country.

The group also distributed welfare packages to many households in a new recruitment drive.

Packages said to have been distributed by ISWAP included rice, beans, millet, maize, sugar, spaghetti and cash gifts.

A 2019 report by the International Crisis Group, a non-profit think tank, observed that ISWAP’s approach to recruiting new fighters proved effective.

Despite breaking away from the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram faction in 2016, the population of its fighters had increased, according to estimates.

“Although its leadership has been largely ethnic Kanuri, ISWAP has recruited significantly among lacustrine communities, notably the ethnic Buduma, many of whom earn a living from fishing,” the group wrote.

“As part of this approach, the ideological aspect of the crisis must be dealt with. The ability of the group to recruit is one of the biggest reasons for its expansion, and so a deeper understanding of its recruitment patterns and operating mechanisms is crucial,” ISS senior researcher Remadji Hoinathy warned in May 2019.

Often ISWAP exploits gaps in governance by trying to prove that it can provide essential services in the areas under its control.

Malawi's Vice-President Saulos Chilima and nine others has gone missing, a statement from the president's office has said.

The Malawi Defence Force aircraft "went off the radar" after it left the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning, it added.

The president ordered a search and rescue operation after aviation officials were unable to contact the aircraft.
It was supposed to land at Mzuzu International Airport, in the country’s north, just after 10:00 local time (09:00 BST).

After being told of the incident by the Defence Force's commander, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera cancelled his flight to the Bahamas, which was scheduled for Monday evening.

“The public will be updated of any developments on the situation as facts are established,” the president's office said.

The reason for the aircraft's disappearance is not yet known, General Valentino Phiri told Mr Chakwera.
Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi's information minister, told the BBC efforts to find the aircraft are "intensive".
Mr Chilima was on his way to represent the government at the burial of former cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara, who died three days ago.

Mr Kunkuyu said: "The airport he was to land, which is in the northern part of Mzuzu, was the closest to where the funeral was taking place.”
In 2022, Dr Chilima was arrested and charged on allegations that he accepted money in exchange for awarding government contracts .
Last month, the court dropped the charges, giving no reasons for this decision.

Who is Saulos Chilima?
Prior to his political career, Dr Chilima held key leadership roles in multinational companies like Unilever and Coca Cola
He is 51 years old
He is married with two children
Dr Chilima is described on the government's website as a "performer", "workaholic" and "an achiever"
He holds a PhD in Knowledge Management.

The organised labour says it will not accept N62,000 or N100,000 as the minimum wage for workers.

Speaking on ‘Morning Brief’, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, Chris Onyeka, assistant general secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the union will not negotiate a ”starvation wage”.

On June 4, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) “relaxed” their nationwide strike for one week.

The labour unions had embarked on the strike after negotiations with the federal government on a new minimum wage hit a brick wall.

The organised labour had repeatedly proposed N615,500 and N494,000 as the new national minimum wage, which the government said was unrealistic.

On June 7, the federal government increased its offer for the new minimum wage for workers from N60,000 to N62,000; the labour unions insisted on ₦250,000 at the last meeting of the tripartite committee on minimum wage as the living wage for an average Nigerian worker.

Afterwards, Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo state, said the tripartite committee on the minimum wage is close to reaching a consensus.

Meanwhile, governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) have said the N60,000 minimum wage for workers is not sustainable.

Speaking on Monday, Onyeka insisted that labour won’t accept the latest offer of ₦62,000 and the ₦100,000 proposal by some individuals and economists.

“Our position is very clear, we have never considered accepting ₦62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what Nigerian workers can take home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage,” Onyeka said.

“We have never contemplated ₦100,000 let alone of ₦62,000. We are still at ₦250,000; that is where we are, and that is what we considered enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation. We are not just driven by frivolities but also by the realities of the market place—the realities of things we buy every day: bags of rice, yam, garri, and all of that.”

Onyeka said the one-week ultimatum given to the federal government since the ”relaxation of its strike” would expire by midnight on Tuesday, June 11.

He said that should the federal government and national assembly fail to act on the demands of workers by tomorrow, the joint NLC and TUC would meet to decide on the resumption of the nationwide industrial action.

“The federal government and the national assembly have the call now. It is not our call. Our demand is there for the government to look at and send an executive bill to the national assembly and for the national assembly to look at what we have demanded, the various facts of the law, and then come up with a national minimum act that meets our demands,” he said.

“If that does not meet our demand, we have given the federal government one-week notice to look at the issues and that one week expires tomorrow. If, after tomorrow, we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the organised labour will meet to decide what to do next.

“It was clear what we said. We said we were relaxing a nationwide indefinite strike. It’s like putting a pause on it. So, if you put a pause on something and the organs that govern us as trade unions decide that we should remove that pause, it means that we go back to what was in existence before.”

Abia Airport: Otti Announces Access Bank Willingness To Partner, As FG Team Visits Abia To Inspect Site Of New Airport.

Gov Alex Otti and Aviation Ministry Representative
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Access Bank Plc, has expressed willingness to partner with the State Government in developing an airport project in the State.

Governor Otti made this disclosure when the Federal Ministry of Aviation team visited Abia State to inspect a proposed site for a new airport planned for the State.

Governor Otti, who warmly received the federal aviation team, thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the development of an airstrip for Abia.

He said even though the national budget made provision for an airstrip, Abia State Government would work with the federal government to upscale the airstrip to a full-fledged airport, as the major difference between an airport and airstrip is the length and size of the runway.

“First of all, I will like to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for consenting to setting up an airstrip in Abia and for also including it in 2024 budget as approved.

“Even if the money there may not complete it, but a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. So, we are grateful to him.

“We also want to say a big thanks to my friend and brother, the Minister of Aviation, Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, for all what he’s been doing to ensure that this becomes a reality. We are always on the line discussing, coming up with ideas on how to fast track this.

“I want to thank you for also joining us to be in a hurry to deliver this project. Once we had agreed, we started looking for a suitable land because that is the most important in an airport. There were a few places that were mapped out earlier, but when we went on physical inspection, we found out that some of those places do not have enough space or are not properly located for the airport.

“One other important thing about airport is location, so we now zeroed in on the place that you are looking at, at the moment. We didn’t just identify that location, we went the extra mile of identifying the owners of the land because it is a huge parcel of land. We had already started engaging with them,” governor Otti stated.

The governor assured the team of the State Government’s preparedness to see to the actualisation of the project in record time, as the people of Abia are in a hurry to have an airport of their own, being one of the two states remaining in Nigeria without an airport. The other is Osun State.

“One thing you can take away from here is that the State will actually be leading, and if anything gets delayed, it’s because it is coming from the center; but for us, we are in a hurry.

“I’m personally on this, and I get briefing on a daily basis and any day I don’t get briefing, I check on them, like, where are we on this?

“So, this is to assure you that we are more than ready and that everything that you require, you will receive on record time. And, we hope that at least in the next one year, an airport would be standing. Once we have the runway and have the terminal building, the rest will come from time to time,” he assured.

The Federal aviation team’s visit coincided with that of Access Bank, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna.

Governor Otti expressed the willingness of Access Bank to participate and partner with Abia State Government in the airport project “to ensure that liquidity does not become a problem”.

According to governor Otti, Access Bank has some experience in airport project financing, having participated in delivering the Ogun State airport.

“I had suggested to the CEO that the team needs to sit down with him so that we can have them onboard early enough. Our attitude is not to borrow until it becomes absolutely necessary. If they had also got involved in one and delivered it then we can learn from the mistakes they made in those ones and then build on the good things that we can pick up,” the Governor said.

Led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, the Federal Government team said that it was in the state to ensure that the land and location approved for the project are in alignment with regulatory requirements for the siting an airport.

Dr. Meribeole said the Federal Government is desirous of delivering the airport in record time, hence the visit by the team made up of representatives of all the various aviation agencies responsible for approvals and supervision of airports in the country to meet required standards.

Aviation agencies in the team included the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

Meribeole, while acknowledging the visionary leadership of Governor Otti, said members of his team are experts in their various agencies and that the Abia airport project has already been captured in the 2024 Federal Appropriation Act, but as an airstrip.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a two-month free ride on the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, also known as Metro Line, Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said.

Wike made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said that the metro line would be inaugurated May 27, by Tinubu, and thereafter, opened for public use for free in the first two months.

He explained that although the building of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system was commissioned by the immediate past administration, the services were not rendered to the public.

National growth LS
The minister said that the current administration had rehabilitated the system and would be inaugurated for commercial operations.

“So many people have said that the government has commissioned it before. We are not talking about commissioning of buildings; we are commissioning the commercial operations.

“We have commissioned it before, but was it in use? Why was it not in use? he asked.

“So, those of you saying it was commissioned, please don’t make a mistake, what was commissioned was the building, and we are not commissioning the building.

“What we want to commission is the commercial operation and we are going to allow free rides for two months. That is a renewed hope agenda,” he said.

The minister also said that there was no access road to all the train stations, a development he said had impeded the commercial operation of the metro line.

He added that rejuvenating the rail transport system was in line with the directive of President Tinubu, who said he wanted to ride on the metro line.

“To the glory of God, on Monday May 27, Mr President will ride on that metro line.

“So, when Mr President rides on Monday, you will take your turn on Tuesday. It is for you and not for Mr president,” he said.

He said that all access roads to all the stations have been constructed, including car parks where passengers would comfortably park their cars, travel, come back and carry their cars home.

Wike added that the Tinubu administration had equally reduced the contract for the training of the manpower for the operation of the train from 128 million dollars to 75 million dollars.

This, he said, had saved the government 53 million dollars.

News: UAE Visa on Nigerians Resolved – Aviation Minister Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Thursday, affirmed that the visa impasse between United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigerians has been resolved amicably.

Keyamo, made disclosure in s statement while reacting to the criticism from former minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, that Emirates must apologize to Nigeria before they are allowed to open the Nigeria – Dubai route.

Chidoka maintained that the federal government must not allow Emirates Airlines to resume operations in Nigeria without being held accountable for their “disrespectful and demeaning conduct”.

The former minister said the “audacity” of the airline to return to Nigeria “reeks the contempt and disdain towards our nation”.

Reacting to Chidoka’s position, Keyamo said that resolving the rift between the two countries is important because several Nigerians visit the UAE and invest there.

He said, “Who will benefit more? How many Emiratis visit Nigeria and invest here as much as Nigerians visit the UAE and invest there?.

“Have you bothered to ask about the lifting of the visa ban before issuing your warped statement? For your information, that has been resolved too and the announcement is imminent.”

On March 5, the presidency shared a document announcing the restriction has been lifted, however, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, clarified the document was not authorised by the Nigerian and UAE governments.

Similarly, On September 11, the federal government also claimed UAE had lifted its visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers.

UAE and Nigeria have been engaged in a diplomatic row over issues involving flight allocations and travel bans since 2021.

On December 13, 2021, UAE issued a travel restriction on passengers from Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing a surge in the countries’ COVID-19 cases from passengers of the two African nations.

But it was suspected that the travel ban might not be unconnected with the diplomatic row between Nigeria and UAE, over Air Peace’s flight frequency to the Arab country.

Air Peace had requested a slot of three weekly flights from Nigeria to Sharjah Airport in UAE, but only one was granted by the country’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

GCAA said Air Peace should not expect to retain its flight frequency after pulling out of Sharjah Airport but the Nigerian airline, however, denied the claim.

In retaliation to Air Peace’s treatment in UAE, the federal government dropped Emirate’s slots from 21 to one — leading to the Dubai-based airline suspending all its flight to Nigeria.

The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to keep contesting as long as he’s healthy.

Atiku spoke during an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja.

Asked if he will contest again, Atiku said: “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy.

“Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.

“However, given the current state of the PDP, it is clear that a single-handed effort will not suffice to win the election. Strong support and collaboration with other parties are required.”

The former Vice President will be 81 by the time the next presidential election comes around in 2027.

Atiku has run for the presidency six times but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions — 2007, 2019, and 2023.

Abubakar said he is consoled by the fact that former United States President Abraham Lincoln did not win the presidential vote on the first time of asking.

He also spoke about the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party needs to be united and forge alliances with other political groups to win the presidential election in 2027.

This is coming amid speculation of him forming a coalition with other political parties.

Last week, Atiku had met with his counterpart from the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“This is to anybody that thinks there is going to be a misunderstanding between me and Obi, let me assure you that not even a small issue is going to happen between us.

“Also, we are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections,” he said about the meeting.

I Will Support Peter Obi in 2027, If PDP Decides That It Is The Turn Of The South-East – Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has disclosed that he will support the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, if the Peoples Democratic Party decides that it is the turn of the South-East in 2027.

Atiku, the presidential flag bearer of the PDP in the 2023 general election, said he will throw his weight behind Obi if he is picked by his party.

The former vice president disclosed this during a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, adding that he vied to be president last year because the race was thrown open.

“I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it,” Atiku said.

“As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.

“If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” he added.

The PDP chieftain also said there is a possibility for the merger between the PDP and Labour Party, adding that the members of the party would decide his fate in the 2027 general elections.

He also explained that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.

Speaking about the meeting, Atiku said, “It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest.”

About the possibility of the merger, he said, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”

He denied that the choice of presidential candidate might frustrate the merger discussion, and said, “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue.”

Peter Obi visits victims of Kano mosque attack
In his clarification about his active part in politics, he said, “Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place.

“It means you are not tired of politics of Nigeria? Not at all. I am still in active politics in Nigeria, at least, as long as God permits.

“My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anybody in the society, politically or otherwise.”

Regarding his 2027 Presidential ambition, the former Vice President said “That would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that. It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election.
“Until that time comes. Let’s just wait and see how it will turn out.

“It must not be interpreted like that. I must not be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates. Currently, we are practising democracy in this country which we fought for with our blood,” he added.

Uzodimma assures residents of uninterrupted power supply, 5,000 direct jobs.


The Imo state Electricity law would bring rapid development not only to rural communities but also to the urban centres.

Imo State governor,
Gov. Hope Uzodimma has assured residents of the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo will soon enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

Uzodimma, gave the assurance while signing two executive bills into law, a bill on electricity and another to amend Imo State Polytechnic Law No. 15 of 2012 to pave the way for the merger of campuses of the polytechnic.

The governor said that the Imo state Electricity law would bring rapid development not only to rural communities but also to the urban centres.

“We are all living witnesses to the ordeal our people are going through in the power sector.

“There is absolutely limited or even no supply, businesses are dying every day and people are losing every day with the unemployment market swelling every day.

“I think it has come to a time that every sub-national government must rise and provide what will make life meaningful to her people.

“Electricity is as important as the food we eat everyday. It is the beginning of every development,” he stressed.

The governor, who noted that he took a comprehensive audit of the federal facilities in Imo and infrastructure meant to provide power, expressed concern over the abandoned Amaraku electricity project.

“The transmission and distribution infrastructure at the federal project at Egbema Power Plant initiated in 2006, has not been completed 18 years after.

“I have approached the Federal Government and requested that the project be transferred to Imo state and her development partners.

“I am happy to announce to you that President Bola Tinubu has approved the transfer of the project to the Imo Government.

“I am also happy to announce that an agreement has been signed by Imo Government with a world class power company from Egypt with credibility to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in the state,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that power supply will improve in the state in the next 12 months. Uzodimma further noted that an agreement had been signed with an Egyptian company, Afreximbank, Fidelity Bank and Marriott Group to provide a 200-room Imo Marriott Hotel in Owerri.

He said the state government only provided land in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project which would be completed within 24 months. The governor said the three projects would provide over 5,000 direct jobs for the people of the state.

He said the government has already entered into an agreement with an Egyptian firm, Elsewedy Power Generation, for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to all parts of the state within the next eight months.

The governor also announced that apart from the fact that electricity is now on the concurrent list, the federal government has given approval and support for the ambitious project.

Speaking to an excited audience after signing the bill into law, Uzodimma said the ultimate goal of the project is to boost the economy of Imo state through industrialisation.

According to him, with natural and human resources in the state, an uninterrupted power supply would be a fillip to the industrialisation policy of the administration. On the bill for the amendment of the Imo Polytechnic law, the governor said, it was aimed at centralising its operations as against the multi-campus arrangement.

He said: “It became necessary, given that of late, Imo now operates three state universities and there is no state in Nigeria with up to three universities.

“It has continued to overstretch our resources with the agony and risks of students going from one location to another at a time of insecurity.

“The need for a unified system became necessary to save the government the resources, demands and inconveniences occasioned by the robust demands of supervision and monitoring.

“It will also allow for even and proper development of the campus so that students will graduate from an environment that really enable acquisition of knowledge and instill sense of pride in the graduating students,” Uzodimma said.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Chike Olemgbe, while presenting the bills to the governor, said the executive bills passed legislative scrutiny and process.

Olemgbe said the timely presentation of the bill by the executive arm of the government to the State Assembly clearly shows Imo as a proactive government that yields to the yearnings of the people.

He assured the governor of the assembly’s collaboration to work with the executive arm as partners in progress to provide dividends of democracy and good governance to the people.

gidgiddy:
Ohaji is already in Imo State, so how can you transfer to Imo State what is already in Imo State?

Ohaji Power Plant was built by the Federal government, now Tinubu has decided to hand it over to Imo state to utilize it

A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order restraining the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company from implementing the new electricity tariff for Band A consumers.

The suit marked FHC/KN/CS/144/2024 was filed by Super Sack Company Limited and BBY Sacks Limited.

Others are Mama Sannu Industries Limited, Dala Foods Nigeria Limited, Tofa Textile Limited, and Manufacturers Association Of Nigeria Limited.

However, ruling on an ex-parte motion by Abubakar Mahmoud, counsel to the plaintiffs, the presiding judge, Abdullahi Liman, ordered NERC and KEDCO from going ahead with the impending tariff pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it.

The order also restrained the defendant from intimidating and threatening to disconnect the applicants’ electricity supply for non-acceptance of the new increased tariff.

In April, NERC approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.

With the new tariff, customers under the category, who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily, would begin to pay N225 per kilowatt, starting from April 3 — up from N66.

The sudden hike has since been criticized by the House of Representatives and other stakeholders who have asked NERC to suspend the implementation of the new tariff.

With this Power Plant at Ohaji, Egbema local government.

Will Imo State now generate and distribute electricity to Imolite like the Geometric Power plant in Aba ?

Nigeria In Now Effectively A Failed State – Donald Duke.

Mr. Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, has noted that Nigeria is technically a failed state, as it cannot meet the basic expectations of its citizens, which according to him, is the hallmark of a failed nation.

Mr. Duke said this while delivering his opening remarks as chairman of the occasion during the Prince Emeka Obasi Inaugural Memorial Lecture held on Thursday at the Muson Centre Onikan Lagos, with the theme, ‘If This Giant Must Walk; Manifesto for a New Nigeria.’

He noted that Nigeria has been moving backwards since the 1970s, while remarking that the question is not whether the country will walk, but whether it’s walking backwards of forward.

“Between 1979 and 1983 when Shehu Shagari was president, Nigeria’s annual budget hovered around $25bn. Our population was about 80 million to 90 million at the time. That was over 40 years ago. Today, our population as they say is over 200 million, but our annual budget is $19bn,” he said.

“I said this to bring into context where we are as a people. It’s not not for Nigeria to walk, it’s how are you walking? Are you moonwalking or are you walking forward? Moonwalking is what we’ve been doing for the last 40 years. We’ve been moving backwards. So, you can now put into context the pressure if the annual budget of our nation is $19bn 40 years after it was $25bn and the population has more than doubled. Then you can understand the challenges we’re facing, whether it’s banditry, or farmers herders clashes and everything in-between. The fact is that there are more people sharing smaller resources. We have not grown.”

Mr. Duke argued that growth is not about adding zeros to the currency, and presenting budgets that run into trillions, which he said is mere deception. According to him, the country is simply living a lie.

“You can put all the zeros behind the currency, but we’re deceiving ourselves because we’re living a lie. Recently, treasury bills were sold at about 22 percent in dollars. Where in the world will you get 22 percent under 12 months? So, they now turned around to say it was oversubscribed by 245 percent. Of course, It would be oversubscribed, but at the end of the day, can you pay back? What are you doing with the money that will generate 22 percent to enable you pay back in 12 months? He wondered.

“So, you could see a nation that is walking itself into a trap with eyes wild open. What are the policies that would generate growth? You are fighting inflation, it’s good to fight inflation, but which is more important? Inflation or growth? You can’t get a loan from the bank for less than 35 percent. That’s enemical to growth to start with. Then, you are micromanaging the exchange rate, yet you are not producing. If you are going to import everything as we do, and there are those very sexy economists that would say, let’s have marked forces. For you to have marked forces, there must be some equity.

“You can’t have an open, competitive system with countries whose economies are much stronger than yours. It doesn’t work that way. In life, water finds its level. We have to manage what we have; we have to be productive. In the 70s and early 80s, we had some level of competition. We had industries that were trying to thrive, but today we are importing toothpick. So, it’s an economy that’s not productive, yet it wants to reign in on its foreign exchange. We’re still living as if everything is okay. We’re are sending our children at the age of nine to school abroad, then you go to London for medical check when your eye is hurting. It’s a tough one.”

The former governor noted that contrary to the popular belief, Nigeria has one of the smallest economies in Africa despite being the most populous on the continent.

“We turn around and say we’re the largest economy in Africa. That’s a lie. If you are 200 million people, and you are producing almost nothing, you can be big in absolute terms, but if you take it per capita, you are one of the least economies in Africa, and that’s the truth. So, we have to be real. We have the potential to be one of the greatest nations on earth, but it remains a potential if you don’t take it to actuality,” he said.

“We have to recaliberate our thinking. We can’t go on this way. We’re are a failed state, that’s the truth. Failed state doesn’t mean that you can’t exist any longer. Somalia is still existing, but when you fail to provide the basic expectations of your people, you are technically a failed state. Which sector have we not failed in? Is it education? Is it healthcare?
Is it infrastructure ?”

Reactions As Uzodimma Says Tinubu Has Approved Transfer Of Electricity Plant At Ohaji To The State.

Many Nigerians have began to react as the executive Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma says the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the transfer of electricity plant at Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area to the state.

Governor Hope Uzodimma stated on his verified Facebook page; "Acknowledging recent legislative strides, I've assented to two crucial bills which originated as Executive Bills, showcasing our commitment to quality governance, and I commended the Imo State House of Assembly's collaborative efforts with dedication to progress."

He added; "The amendment of the Imo State Polytechnic Law consolidates operations onto a single campus, optimizing resources and fostering efficiency, promising economic convenience for students and staff. It represents a strategic endeavor to harmonize resources within our tertiary education landscape, ensuring streamlined operations."

He stated further; "The enactment of the Imo State Electricity Law honors the visionary legacy of Late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, facilitated by the movement of electricity generation to the concurrent list of our constitution. This shift promises to bolster economic growth, particularly in rural areas, by improving access to reliable power and catalyzing entrepreneurial ventures."

He noted; "With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval to transfer the Electricity Generation Plant at Ohaji Egbema LGA to the State, it further exemplifies our commitment to excellence and prosperity for all citizens.- Hope Uzodimma"

The recent statement by the executive Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma on his verified Facebook page has generated a lot of reactions from his fans and numerous followers on the social media platform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCgXXiuOEEA?si=k5EljsS6ZnmjeV64

Biggest Mess Created In 2023 Was Naira Devaluation From N460 To N1,400 In Nigeria, Says Dangote.

Floating the naira allows market forces to determine its value in relation to other currencies.

The Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has described the floating of naira by President Bola Tinubu’s administration as the biggest mess that affected his company and other business owners in 2023.

Dangote said this on Tuesday during his remarks at the Annual General Meeting of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, adding that many businesses were affected by the policy.

Dangote said several manufacturing enterprises were impacted and suffered operational losses due to variations in the naira's value against the US dollar.
He said, “The biggest mess created was the devaluation of the naira from N460 to N1,400.

“You can see that almost 97 per cent of companies in the food and beverage business, none of them will pay dividends this year. But we will try and get out of it.”

Shortly after Tinubu implemented the policy, the country’s prominent billionaires, Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu, who were listed among the 500 world’s richest men, both lost $5.85 billion.

Data available on the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, BBI, a daily ranking of the World’s richest people portal as of June 15, 2023, showed negative changes in the calculations of the wealth of the Nigerian businessmen.

A Bloomberg report in April noted that Nigeria was burning through its foreign exchange reserves at a rate not seen in four years.

This situation raised concerns that the central bank was depleting its dollar holdings to support the naira after pledging it would allow the currency to float more freely.

Liquid reserves declined 5.6% since March 18, when the naira started its rebound from record-low levels against the dollar, to $31.7 billion as of April 12, according to Bloomberg’s calculations based on the latest available data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, however, said the shift in the reserve was found in “any country’s reserves situation, where for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made, and they are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility intact.”

An assistant inspector-general of police in the department of information and communications, AIG Ben Okolo has said his statement that Nigeria was not ripe for state police was personal and not the views of the inspector-general of police or the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

In a disclaimer message yesterday, AIG Okolo, who represented the inspector-general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun at the conference on national security and state police in Abuja on Monday, said “My expressions on state police at the session held at Abuja Continental Hotel on 22nd April, 2024 are my personal opinions to stimulate the discourse. They are not the views of the inspector-general of police or the Nigeria Police Force.”

At the event, AIG Okolo said the establishment of state police would increase ethnic tension, leading to divided loyalty in the states.

He further said the establishment of state police will also lead to multiple command structures in the states.

He said that state governors are likely to abuse the privilege of state police by using it for political gains, leading to possible abuse of power and abuse of human rights.

AIG Okolo also said that the state government lacks the required funding that will give birth to the type of policing that the nation requires.

He argued that rather than establishing state police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission should be merged to form a department in the Nigeria Police Force.

He also said there is the need for a yearly recruitment of about 30,000 police personnel into the force annually to meet the UN requirements for modern policing, while also increasing annual budgetary allocation to the force.

Just in: Gov Aliyu Dethrones 15 Traditional Rulers

Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has dethroned 15 district heads over allegations of insubordination, land racketeering, aiding insecurity, and misuse of public properties. The announcement was made by the governor's press secretary, Abubakar Bawa, citing haphazard appointments and rejection by their subjects as reasons for their removal. Additionally, cases involving four other district heads are under investigation. Some officials were transferred or deployed to different positions, while others were retained by the government. The actions were based on recommendations from a government committee tasked with reviewing appointments of traditional rulers.

Emefiele Printed ₦684.5 Million With ₦18.9 Billion – EFCC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh charge against former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
Naija News reports that the new charge accused Emefiele of approving the printing of N684,590,000 at a rate of N18.96 billion, among other allegations.

The anti-graft agency also accused Emefiele of unlawfully approving the withdrawal N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

Emefiele will be arraigned on a new four-count charge before Justice Maryann Anenih

According to the charge sheets sighted by Naija News on Tuesday, Emefiele is accused of breaking the law with intent to harm the public during his implementation of the naira swap policy under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The document, dated April 2, 2024, and marked Suit No: CR/264/2024, was filed by EFCC’s top prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

It revealed that Emefiele will be arraigned on a new four-count charge bordering on disobeying the law to punish Nigerians, illegal printing of money, abuse of office, and other offenses.

The arraignment is scheduled for the 30th of April, 2024.

The charges read:

Count One: “That you, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, between October 19, 2022, and March 5, 2023, in Abuja, knowingly disobeyed the direction of Section 19 of the CBN Act, 2007, by approving the printing of ₦375,520,000.00 pieces of color-swapped ₦1,000 notes, at a total cost of N11,052,068,062, without the recommendation of the Board of Central Bank and the strict approval of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, which conduct of yours caused injury to the public, and you thereby committed an offense.”

Count Two: “That you, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, between October 19, 2022, and March 5, 2023, in Abuja, knowingly disobeyed the direction of Section 19 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, by approving the printing of 172,000,000 pieces of color-swapped ₦500 (Five Hundred Naira) notes, at a total cost of ₦4,471,066,040, without the recommendation of the Board of Central Bank and the strict approval of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, which conduct of yours caused injury to the public, and you thereby committed an offense.”

Count Three: “That you, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, between October 19, 2022, and March 5, 2023, in Abuja, knowingly disobeyed the direction of Section 19 of the CBN Act, 2007, by approving the printing of 137,070,000 pieces of color-swapped ₦200 (Two Hundred Naira) notes, at a total cost of ₦3,441,005,280, without the recommendation of the Board of Central Bank and the strict approval of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, which conduct of yours caused injury to the public, and you thereby committed an offense.”

Count Four: “That you, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, on or about October 7, 2020, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, knowingly disobeyed the direction of Section 80 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), by approving the withdrawal of the total sum of N124,860,227,865.16 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation in a manner not prescribed by the National Assembly, which conduct of yours caused injury to the public, and you thereby committed an offense.”

Recall that Emefiele was previously arraigned on November 18, 2023, on six counts of procurement fraud and accused of abusing his office by approving a contract for the acquisition of 43 vehicles totalling N1.2 billion from 2018 to 2020.

On April 8, 2024, the EFCC arraigned Emefiele alongside one Henry Omoile before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for an alleged $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.

Missing Abia Airport: We're More Interested In Recovering Our Stolen Money Than Fighting A Man That's Already Down-Otti.

For the records, the Alex Otti government took a firm decision on the assumption of office not to allow the discussion of the former government of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu or those of his predecessors to occupy the front burner in his administration so that they wouldn’t constitute a distraction, given the enormity of the task ahead.

However, as Philosopher George Santayana said “Those who don’t know their history, are doomed to repeat it”. It would be an impossibility to completely clear the mess arising from the misdeeds of the past without understanding the foundation of the problem and making the necessary corrections that could help chart a new progressive direction.

In responding to the revelation made by the Governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti over the funds allegedly diverted by the Ikpeazu government for the nonexistent Airport project, and other funds paid to contractors for nonexistent jobs as revealed by a forensic audit, Governor Ikpeazu swiftly resorted to the same primitive siege strategy using his former Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu and his spokesman, Onyebuchi Ememanka who have been calling Governor Otti unprintable names, including a “Liar”.

Like Aminatta Forna said, “All liars … lie to protect themselves, to shield their egos from the raw pain of truth.” We didn’t expect Ikpeazu and his confused and crying cronies to own up to the horrendous heist committed against the people of Abia State, hence we were not shocked by the sadistic onslaught being fired by them from different directions. However, the question is: can these aggressive vituperations erase the strong facts of their financial malfeasance? Before we answer this question, let’s briefly look at a few of Ikpeazu’s trajectories of Lies and Inconsistency in utterances and actions, as this would help us establish who the true liar is.

On October 1, 2015, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu had this to say, “We have received the bailout fund and it has been channelled to clear the salary arrears. I have said that we are going to dedicate it to what it is meant for, and we have opened up the system by setting up a committee to manage the fund and ensure it is used for the purpose.

“People should stop lobbying for the bailout fund to be diverted for something else. It will not happen under my watch. I wish to reiterate my charge to the members of the Bailout Committee to ensure that by Friday, October 30, 2015, all outstanding salaries and pensions in Abia State have been defrayed.

“I wish to state that contrary to the fears expressed in some quarters, the setting up of the committee to manage the disbursement of the funds does not have any ulterior motive. The work of the committee is not costing us any money. It is made up of those who are already in the system and they are working for their state.”

From these statements above, it was clear that Ikpeazu knew that the public, including civil servants and pensioners, didn’t trust his words of assurances, and as expected, he fooled the people, as he never kept to his promise. The question is; what happened to our N14.15 billion bailout fund? Ikpeazu has yet to provide an answer to this question.

Ikpeazu continued to owe workers and pensioners despite receiving allocations and borrowing heavily from financial institutions.

After receiving the first tranche of the Paris Club refund of N22 Billion, Ikpeazu had this to say at a grand civic reception by the Ohanze Isiahia community in Obingwa Local Government Area in January 2017.

“I am here to let you know that, no kobo from the funds will be unaccounted for, and in line with this commitment, to make good my promise I want to announce to you that this government will begin the payment of Abia State staff salaries through individual cheques to ensure that ghost workers are checked.

“I assure you that the 50% of the Paris Club refund must be used to pay salaries in line with the instruction of the Federal government.

Neither salaries nor pensions were paid. Till today, Ikpeazu is yet to account for what he did with the Paris Club refund, as he left humongous liabilities, including Seven months' salary arrears to Doctors and other staff of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba before Governor Otti took over. The Doctors only called off their four months of strike action after Governor Otti intervened shortly before his inauguration. If Ikpeazu could owe staff of such a sensitive institution 7 months' salary arrears, one could imagine what would happen to other institutions. Of course, some were owed up to 30 months.

Just a few days ago, Ikpeazu’s former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, in one of his articles on the issue of pensions, wrote thus:

“I must admit that we owed pensions arrears of about 10 months before the 2019 election, However, under my watch we never paid half pension. We still seek to know why with the enhanced allocation as witnessed from August 2019, the state resorted to paying half pension”

The question is: if Ikpeazu who borrowed billions from a Commercial bank, collected N14.15 billion bailout fund, and N22 billion Paris Club Refund, Ecological Fund, and Internally generated revenue could be owing 10 months pension arrears as early as 2019, does it not imply that these funds were looted and that Ikpeazu and his abusive and rabble-rousing aides are the real liars?

Ikpeazu and his Spokespersons looked so pathetic as they struggled to define the “Little man”, so let me help them define it properly. The “Little man” is the “Little mind” former Governor who appeared on national television and boasted that his government used to give every Abia pregnant woman the sum of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) on delivery, to the shock and disbelief of his interviewer, Maupe Ogun- Yusuf of Channels Television. The “Little Man” is the “Little Mind” former Governor who appeared on national television to boast that the foreign investment he attracted to Abia State included “Chicken Republic and Domino’s Pizza”.

Just a few months ago, the PDP state secretariat in Umuahia was sealed by the Abia State government on the order of the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry, following a petition brought by a Senior Citizen. Investigation revealed that the man who was bullied and intimidated to sell his property to the PDP against his will was paid directly via transfer from the Ministry of Lands account. The man was also defrauded.

Spokespersons of Ikpeazu and the PDP ran to different radio stations, lying to the public and abusing the Governor, accusing him of witchhunting them, but immediately we appeared on the same platforms and put the records straight with facts, they ran away and have not raised the issue again, rather they Nicodemus went and paid for another office elsewhere, ignorantly thinking that the case has come to an end. No sir, all you lovers of ignominy and impunity must be prosecuted for defrauding the state on an industrial scale.

For those questioning the revelation made by Governor Otti in the US, be ready to put your money where your mouth is, by coming to indemnify the accused when they will be arraigned by anti-corruption agencies. Akotaghi ya na onu!

Abia State belongs to everyone, including Abia youths whose futures were looted by politicians, therefore, we have every right to ask questions on their behalf, bring those who viciously dimmed their light to justice, and recover their stolen opportunities, therefore, those who have chosen to sing songs of Lamentations should know that these are early days.

For those defending the ruinous era out of malice; for selfish reasons or out of ignorance, “Suzy Kassem enjoined you thus “Never follow a follower who is following someone who has fallen. It’s why the whole world is falling apart.”.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, The PUNCH can confirm.

Our correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, observed the embattled former minister’s arrival at the anti-graft agency’s Abuja office.

Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Impeccable anti-graft sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because they were not authorised to speak, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday.

“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

In February, The PUNCH exclusively reported that the EFCC was investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A credible source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that the anti-graft commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banksy.

It was further revealed that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.

It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

The source said Abubakar Sirika, who was arrested on Sunday, February 4, has since been assisting the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during Mr Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC investigator said, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.

“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.

“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.

“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.

“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”

JUST IN: Sunday Igboho, Akintoye, Write Tinubu, Demand Yoruba Exit From Nigeria.

The Leaders of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, Prof Banji Akintoye and Chief Sunday Adeyemo, commonly known as Sunday Igboho, along with Ola Ademola, have written an open letter to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting the formal initiation of negotiations for the Yoruba region’s peaceful secession from Nigeria.

The letter is a coming barely a week after armed Yoruba nation agitators attacked the Oyo State Government House and attempted to raise their flag in the National Assembly Premises. Security Operatives quickly engaged the agitators and subdued 29 of them.

They have since been arraigned in court and remanded in Prison Custody. The letter read in part;

“We send this letter as a follow-up to our earlier letter, dated August 06, 2022, which we delivered to your predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, in his exalted position then as President of Nigeria.”

“Since 2015, the Fulani have been killing widely among the other peoples of Nigeria, including us Yoruba, destroying farms, villages and other assets, kidnapping men, women and children, extorting large amounts of money as ransom from friends and family of the kidnapped, and repeatedly asserting their intention to seize the homelands of all the indigenous peoples of Nigeria for the purpose of turning all into a Fulani homeland.”

“In our Yoruba homeland, our people are resisting somewhat better, but the Fulani attacks and killings and kidnappings are unrelenting and are coming daily, leading to horrific instability, and forcing most of our farmers to abandon farming altogether, thereby dooming Yoruba people to years and years of famine.”

“All these actions by the Fulani are, to us Yoruba, a sufficient reason for our seeking to separate our Yoruba Nation from Nigeria. Most of us, Yoruba have no confidence in the ‘restructuring’ that some of our most respected Yoruba leaders (such as our fathers in our highly exalted Afenifere) are advocating.”

“And our reason is that we know that restructuring cannot keep the Fulani marauders away from our homeland. Since, after restructuring, the Fulani would still be Nigerians like us, and would still have full citizens’ rights to come in large numbers, and with weapons and intent to kill and destroy and seize land, to our homeland.”

“The Fulani elite seem to be saying in effect that they intend to make Nigeria ungovernable for President Tinubu, and that they would never accept any official action of his.”

“We are acting for and on behalf of our 60 million Yoruba people of the Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo State, respectively, plus the Yoruba Local Government Areas of Kogi and Kwara State, and plus the Itshekiri homeland of Delta State, all together constituting the Yorubaland in Nigeria.”

The Kenya Police Service has arrested fleeing Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, as the International Criminal Police Organisation moves to extradite him to Nigeria within the week.

Government sources familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter confirmed the development to PUNCH's correspondent on Sunday night.

One of the sources said, “Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service, and he would be extradited to Nigeria this week by INTERPOL.”

Another source noted, “As we had said before that Anjarwalla would be extradited, he has been arrested in Kenya, and he’ll be extradited to Nigeria this week.”

The PUNCH had exclusively reported that the Federal Government had traced Anjarwalla to Kenya, following his escape from lawful custody in Nigeria.

Following the development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service have deepened talks to quicken Anjarwalla’s extradition.

In the earlier report, Saturday PUNCH reported that Anjarwalla, whose cover has now been blown, went into hiding immediately after he landed in Kenya.

“We have found him. We know where he is; he is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria.

“All hands are on the deck, the government and all the security agencies are working hard in conjunction with the Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, to ensure his return to Nigeria to face the charges brought against him,” the report had quoted a source as saying.

Meanwhile, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had in the March edition of its bulletin titled, “EFCC Alert,” onfirmed that the commission was working in conjunction with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to extradite Anjarwalla.

Olukoyed said, “The takeover of the prosecution of Binance chiefs by the commission is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC’s resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country’s forex market.


“Tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000 and are at the foundation of the Commission’s five counts against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s chief executives.

“While Gambaryan is currently in the Commission’s net, the process of extraditing the fleeing Anjarwalla is revving in full swing. Involved in partnership with the EFCC to nick Anjarwalla in flight are the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya as the clock winds down to his arraignment in absentia alongside the company and Gambaryan.”

Governor Alex Otti has revealed the amount that his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu allegedly paid out billions for non-existent projects in Abia state.

Addressing Abia Indigenes at an event in United States which is aimed at encouraging investment in the South-East state, Otti revealed that he invited one of the top audit firms in the world to carry out a forensic audit.

Some of the projects Ikpeazu allegedly paid for include a non-existent airport. Otti further revealed that the billions paid for the non-existent airport was used to clear off pension and salary arrears that have been owed for 10 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcaGISkWBdE?si=dqnRCjI_xU7T8AnK

https://www.youtube.com/live/B0jhoum6XfE?si=l3i_CUo9VfTE0T8K


Israel Attack Iran, Explosions Heard Over Iranian Province Of Isfahan.

Multiple flights over Iranian airspace were diverted early Friday, according to flight tracking website Flight Radar 24, as Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency reported explosions heard over the province of Isfahan. Tensions in the region are high following Iran’s unprecedented assault on Israel — itself in retaliation for a deadly Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria earlier this month.