FG vows to clamp down on economic saboteurs

FG vows to clamp down on economic saboteurs.

The Federal Government has vowed to go after individuals sabotaging the nation’s economy.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in a statement he personally signed on Friday.

Idris stated that one of the decisions of President Bola Tinubu when he was sworn-in was the removal of petrol subsidy which all the “three major candidates” agreed on in their campaign messages.

He said, “It is instructive that the removal of the petrol subsidy was one policy decision that all the three major candidates were unanimous on in their campaign messaging.

“It is therefore mystifying to see people who had argued stridently for the removal, now pretending to be against it today. This insincerity does not bode well for our country and our democracy.

“As respected economists and experts have acknowledged, these foundational reforms will be difficult and painful for Nigerians in the short-term.

“The problems that we are solving are no doubt multifaceted, intertwined, and deep-rooted, requiring creative, strategic, decisive, and multi-pronged solutions. These bold moves being implemented are in full alignment with what is required.

“It is heartwarming to note that we are starting to see the results. Indeed, the naira is stabilising, and the foreign exchange market is seeing a surge of inflows.”

The minister added that regulatory and enforcement agencies have been working round the clock in the past few days to identify, investigate and sanction those involved in illegal activities and sabotage within the forex market.

“Sadly, as with any effort to reform and sanitise a system entrenched in long-term malpractice, the CBN’s efforts have been met with ferocious resistance from speculators and other unscrupulous players within and outside our country, who profit from dysfunction and opacity.

“To tackle this, regulatory and enforcement agencies of government have been working round the clock in the past few days, joining forces to address these efforts at undermining the reforms.

“That strategic alliance has led to the intelligence-led identification, investigation and sanctioning of individuals and organisations involved in illegal activities and sabotage within the forex market.

“Relevant regulatory and security agencies have been directed to remain vigilant to ensure that malpractices capable of undermining our currency are averted and that those engaged in these acts are brought to book. The government will not allow its efforts to be jeopardised.”

Akpata wins Edo LP governorship primary.

Akpata wins Edo LP governorship primary.

Former National Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, on Friday, won the Edo State Labour Party governorship primary election.

The Returning Officer for the election and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, declared Akpata as the winner after collating the results.

Emetu said the lawyer polled 316 votes to emerge the winner of the exercise.

Akpata had in December 2023 explained that his ambition is not being sponsored by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

He said there was no truth that Obaseki would back him if his preferred candidate in the Peoples Democratic Party lost the ticket.

Akpata also said that those alleging that he was attempting to buy the LP ticket with cash were displaying immaturity.

He spoke to journalists in Benin when he appeared as the Special Guest at the award day of the 2023 Press Week of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

He said, “That I am sponsored by Godwin Obaseki is an unfounded and baseless rumour. It was bandied around by two irresponsible online blogs that I shall be going after with all the venom that I can muster because my approach to fake news is that you nip it in the bud and you deal with it before it festers.

“It has also been bandied around by some disgruntled politicians, including in my party, and I said to them that it is a very weak argument or reasoning.

“My relationship with the governor has never been hidden, so it is only politicians who don’t know how to agree to disagree that quickly conclude that when two contenders sit together, they must belong to the same camp.

“In the old Bendel State, my father’s elder brother, Senator Olu Akpata, was in the UPN in 1979, his cousin, Tayo Akpata, was the Chairman of NPN in the same state. They had lunch and dinner together.

“The family I belong to are honourable people. Those who know the Akpata family in Benin know that we are honourable people. If I cannot go into politics on my own, and get the prize that I am looking for I will stay at home.

“I am a successful lawyer. Politics is not my job. It is out of interest that we have come to the rescue of this state and Nigeria. I cannot be the hireling of anybody,” he added.

On the issue of being a moneybag, Akpata said, “As the Americans would say, I put my money where my mouth is and you know, these people who say I am a moneybag have been spending before I came into the scene. So, I just wonder what the issue really is. You know when people get uncomfortable with a competition that they cannot match up to, they must look for something to say.

“They are only giving a dog a bad name to hang it. The LP is not as financially buoyant as the other parties. So it is important that all of us who are true party members come together and help our party. I shrug off the claim that I am a money bag. However, Politics is expensive all over the world,” he added.

Pro-Tinubu youths storm N’Assembly, fault NLC’s planned protests.

Pro-Tinubu youths storm N’Assembly, fault NLC’s planned protests.

Scores of pro-democracy activists on Friday staged a solidarity march from the popular Unity Fountain to the National Assembly complex in Abuja to demand that the Nigeria Labour Congress suspend its planned two-day protest and return to the negotiation table with the Federal Government.

They also vowed to mobilise Nigerians against the unionists if the lawmakers couldn’t convince them not to go ahead with the protest.

The protesters, who arrived at the complex in six luxury buses, were chanting solidarity songs and displaying displaying anti-NLC placards.

Some of the placards read “Let’s be patient with Tinubu” “NLC, please rest. Jagaban is working” and “NLC, stop pretending to be fighting for Nigerians.”

Addressing newsmen at the Unity Fountain, Convener of Nigerian Civil Society Forum, Sunday Attah, said those who are familiar with history know that the same NLC that is ‘pretending to fight for the masses’ was among the biggest critics of fuel subsidy removal.

Attah also urged the unionists to borrow a leaf from the United Kingdom where the people stood with the government when the country’s economy entered recession.

He said, “We must understand the trajectory of how the NLC has operated over time. Remember in this same country when fuel subsidy was removed, they got up and claimed to be standing for Nigerians. They fought and said fuel subsidy should not be removed. But after a series of meetings, which of course today they are saying didn’t yield any fruit, we know how these ‘coloured’ papers exchanged hands and matters died on the ground.

“We are not going to allow the NLC to plunge Nigeria into anarchy. Calling for protest against an eight-month-old government is uncalled for. The President is doing his best. He is not a magician. All that Nigerians need at the moment is to be patient with the President.

“When a woman gets pregnant it takes nine months for her to deliver. When the child is born, it takes another one to two years for the child to walk. Why can’t NLC support Mr President to deliver dividends of democracy and to fulfill all his campaign promises?

“What they are doing is to play the wild card to get the sympathy of Nigerians then go behind to negotiate and collect money. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not that kind of president. He wants to work for all Nigerians and this is the reason why the president begged Nigerians to give him time. His policies may take a little time for us to adjust.

“These things happen even in civilised societies where government policies do not start manifesting and yielding fruits overnight it takes a little process of time and that is the process we are at the moment. In the UK today the British government is in recession. Are people protesting against the government? It is a process.”

His position was shared by the co-convener of the group, Terrence Kuanum, who argued that shutting down commercial activities in the country won’t resolve the economic hardship in the country.

“I am hungry, you are hungry. But it is not by sabotaging the system or antagonising the system that we can resolve this issue. We can only resolve this issue as patriotic Nigerians so the next generation doesn’t face it.

“We are giving them 24 hours to rescind the decision to protest and go back to the negotiation table. If they insist on coming out, we are calling on Nigerians not to respect any decision from NLC. We are going to mobilise the masses to stay back and work for this country. No strike can solve this problem. People go on strike to get the attention of policymakers. But in your case, you are already with the policymakers. So what is the essence of the strike?” he said.

The NLC affirmed its determination to proceed with planned protests against the current economic conditions, disregarding warnings from the Department of State Services.

It has also commenced mobilisation efforts for a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, highlighting the country’s cost of living crisis.

Sources indicate that the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill its commitments following the 14-day ultimatum from labor will result in a two-day nationwide protest on February 27 and 28.

Akeredolu’s widow slams critics as ex-governor is buried in Ondo.

Akeredolu’s widow slams critics as ex-governor is buried in Ondo.

The ancient town of Owo, Ondo State on Friday, played host to people from all walks of life who stormed the town to grace the final burial of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Akeredolu, who passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, during a protracted illness in a German hospital, at the age of 67, was laid to rest at the burial site in the community.

In line with the burial programme, the body of the former governor arrived in the state on Wednesday where a special court session was held in his honour after which the remains were taken to the Akure Township Stadium for a lying-in-state and commendation service.

On Friday, a funeral service was held at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral Anglican Church, Imola, Owo. The Vice President, Mallan Kashim Shettima and many dignitaries were in attendance.

The wife of the late Akeredolu, Betty, in her tribute, hit hard on the critics of her relationship with her late husband.

The former first lady said “It’s me, your adorable Betty. You just left me. Just like that! It hurts. Badly it hurts. Now alone to face all manners of mockery from the so-called friends and adversaries alike. Now alone. A beg o! Can an Amotekun generalissimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It doesn’t add up nau. Haba!”

“Not a few lashed out that you (Akeredolu) were a weakling because you loved me. I don’t think so in their homes while growing up they saw their mothers trampled upon as doormats. By the way, do they know what love is?

“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can be easily discarded as trash. In many instances, the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed by gender-based violence. Beaten up like punch bags.”

Speaking at the service, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, described the deceased former governor as a fearless man who always stood by the truth.

“We are gathered here today to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON,” the President began, reflecting on the transience of life and the enduring impact of our choices. He is a fearless soldier for his people.”

“There was no point in life where his voice shook in telling his truth. He was a vastly intelligent man whose passion has created quite a wide vacuum beyond this community,” the President eulogised.

Similarly, the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa said his former boss always stood for good governance and the rule of law.

He stated, “You are all here because he stood for something: good governance and the rule of law. He means a lot to different people, and that is why he has been described in different words. He was a courageous leader, a fighter, and a warrior. How can we forget him so soon? It is not possible because he lives on.

“He used the instrument of governance to intervene in different sectors of the state, including education, health services, and infrastructural development and security, among others.”

Dignitaries at the burial ceremony include the Ondo State Governor Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governors of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Anambra and Benue States, Engnr Seyi Makinde, Dapo Abiodun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Oyebanji, Godwin Obaseki, Sheriff Oborevwori, Charles Soludo and Hyacinth Alia respectively and the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and host of others.

NDLEA hails Tinubu’s support for anti-drug war.

NDLEA hails Tinubu’s support for anti-drug war.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has expressed the appreciation of officers and men of the anti-narcotic agency to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support for the ongoing efforts to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Marwa stated this while fielding questions from journalists during the inspection of facilities at the NDLEA barracks, which he said is almost ready for commissioning in Yola Adamawa state.

According to him, “We thank God for the project, we appreciate the continuity in governance. President Buhari appreciated the issues surrounding the security and welfare of staff. They seize, arrest, prosecute and deal with the criminals, yet the criminals come back to them because they live among them. But now we have the barracks for our personnel. President Buhari approved it and commenced it, and now President Tinubu has continued with same zeal and drive, so we appreciate this element of concern towards the NDLEA.”

While commending the standard and quality of work being done at the barracks, he said “Consultants, and contractors have done very well, good quality, well monitored, best materials and design as you can see, and we are 95 per cent done. We hope that by the grace of Allah, before the middle of this year, we’ll fully launch this first phase.

“We are targeting initially the six geopolitical zones to have a barrack each, for equity and balance and in the succeeding years, we hope the succeeding government will continue in all the 36 state commands, Federal Capital Territory, and Special Area commands. Our officers are all excited and willing to do more because this is a testament to the good work that the officers have been doing that yielded this project and they are willing to do even more.”

The NDLEA boss also said the agency is equally committed to reducing the demand for illicit substances by combining forces with other stakeholders to raise awareness and address the root causes of substance abuse.

“In 2018, a Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse was set up, which I had the distinct honour of being the chairman. One of the major tasks that we had was to identify the root causes of drug abuse and trafficking and make recommendations which we did. In the process, we found that poverty is one of the key predisposing factors of drug use in all societies. It is important to note that it is not only Nigeria that has this problem, the whole world is facing it. So, in pursuing temporary relief, some people get into drugs.

“For this reason, I know for a fact that the president is determined to pull Nigerians out of poverty. And for the NDLEA and other institutions and stakeholders like the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, etc, we are all combining efforts in drug demand reduction.”

He noted that the war against drug abuse is an all-encompassing one, which goes beyond the responsibility of only NDLEA.

“The media are in the forefront, the church is in the forefront, community leaders, Imams, clerics, educators, NGOs, traditional institutions, women and youth organizations; we all must collaborate with security agencies to stamp out drug abuse from this country.”

He hinted that in a matter of days, he would be briefing the nation about a major seizure and some arrests made as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug cartels still operating between Nigeria and other countries in Africa, Europe and America.

CJN to swear in new S’Court justices Monday.

CJN to swear in new S’Court justices Monday.

The newly-appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court will be sworn in on Monday, The PUNCH has learnt.

The justices are Jummai Sankey, Chidiebere Uwa, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Tsammani, Moore Adumein, Obande Ogbuinya, and Stephen Adah.

Others are Habeeb Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris

The National Assembly had on December 21, 2023, confirmed the elevation of the justices following President Bola Tinubu’s recommendation.

According to an invite sent to our correspondent on Friday, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Festus Akande, disclosed that the oath of office will be administered on the justices by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

He said, “The newly appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court will be sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Monday at 10.00 a.m. at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court.”

When the swearing-in of the elevated justices is done, the apex court will have the full complement of 21 justices, as stipulated by the Constitution

EKSG reactivates Bureau of Public works to address road maintenance.

EKSG reactivates Bureau of Public works to address road maintenance.

  

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has restated the commitment of his administration to infrastructure development in the state as he concluded plans resuscitate moribund bureau of public works to enhance infrastructure development and ensure smooth and functioning internal and township roads across the state.

Speaking during inspection tour of the facilities and equipments of the agency’s yard in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Governor Oyebanji said the agency will henceforth attend effectively to mending and reconstruction of township and internal roads across the state.

The Governor who was accompanied on the tour by the Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo, said the Public Works bureau would ensure frequent maintenance of roads within the state as government would no longer contract out road maintenance and other menial road constructions works.   

The Governor stated further that his government would support and upgrade the agency so as to be able to compete favourably with other construction companies.

Acknowledging the important role of infrastructure in fostering economic growth and ensure citizen’s wellbeing, Governor Oyebanji said his administration remained committed to enhancing mobility, safety, and overall quality of life for residents of the state.

He warned workers in the agency not to allow any part of their equipment to be pilfered under any guise, stressing that serious sanctions await anyone caught pilfering parts of the equipment, even as promised that Government would buy more equipment to enhance the  effectiveness of the agency.  

“I have been here once to assess their capacity and their readiness to participate in the development of Ekiti State and discovered they have a lot of equipment that have been moribund for years.

“So, what we have done is to attempt to reactivate some of the equipment so that our decision and desire to ensure township roads in the state are pothole- free will now be met.” The Governor stated.