Economic hardship: No going back on planned protests – NLC

Economic hardship: No going back on planned protests – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress said it remained firm on its decision to proceed with scheduled protests for Tuesday and Wednesday, citing “mounting hunger and insecurity” in Nigeria.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Ajaero alleged that the Federal Government is attempting to use a group, the Nigeria Civil Society Forum, to target its members during the rallies.

He vowed to ensure a total shutdown of Nigeria through the withdrawal of services by workers if any of its members were attacked during the protest.

The Department of State Services has warned that the planned protest may be hijacked by “some elements.”

This was as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, warned that embarking on the rallies would be contempt of court.

However, the NLC statement read, “We would want to inform Nigerians that the state has perfected plans to attack our peaceful rallies across the country.

“One of the groups being primed to attack our peaceful rallies goes by a nebulous name, Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF).

“NCSF is one of the emergency groups put together, funded, promoted and remote-controlled by the government to cause violence against our members for electing to peacefully protest against hunger in the land.

“We, however, remain resolute, determined and prepared to express our pain and grief in a peaceful manner as Nigerians come 27th and 28th of February 2024.”

Speaking on the planned protests, the DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, had in a statement called on the NLC to shelve the plan.

He urged the NLC not to embark on the protests in the interest of peace and public order, stating that going ahead with the protests could increase tension across the country.

The statement read, “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage protests between 27th and 28th February 2024 in parts of the country over sundry economic issues.

“While the service recognises such an action as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it, however, urges the body to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.

“The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions.

“This is more so that the service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence. The development, without doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.”

Minister decries under-utilisation of FG’s investments in power sector.

Minister decries under-utilisation of FG’s investments in power sector.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has lamented that despite the huge investment of the Federal Government in the power sector, the sector has remained underutilised.

Adelabu, who spoke after inspecting the Benin Electricity Generation Company power plant in Ihovbo under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company on Saturday assured that his ministry would push for the removal of all hindrances that had prevented the power plant from operating maximally, and put it at disadvantage against plants owned by the private sector.

The minister said that the government had invested so much money in the energy sector, adding that it was lamentable that Nigerians were still battling with issues of light.

“I have gone around this installation, and I am quite impressed with what we have here. Contrary to general belief, Nigeria has invested so much in power-generating plants and these plants are state-of-the-art plants; they are well maintained; they are in very good condition and they are in a condition that can give us the kind of power generation that we need in this country, except that there are a lot of capacity distortions.

“I will take them one after the other. I got to the Ihovbo plants, which belong to the federal government under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company. It is a plant with four gas plants, in very good condition, with a capacity of about 125 megawatts each, which is a total of 500 megawatts.

“They are well-maintained plants and the running hours of each of these, are all below 30,000, which means that, effectively, they have not been run more than three years even though they have been installed almost eight or 10 years ago. They are still like new turbines but surprisingly, there is only one turbine that is operational today, generating about 100 megawatts of power as against the installed capacity of 500.

“That is just 20 per cent capacity utilisation which is a gross lack of optimisation of our investment as a country. If we have put in so much into establishing these power plants, it should be able to give us the kind of power that we require”, Adelabu said.

Northern Senators’ Forum lauds Tinubu, ECOWAS leaders for lifting sanctions on Niger, others.

Northern Senators’ Forum lauds Tinubu, ECOWAS leaders for lifting sanctions on Niger, others.

Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) has commended the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the subregional body for lifting sanctions it earlier imposed on Niger Republic.

The ECOWAS under Tinubu’s leadership imposed sanctions on Niger to force the junta that seized power in the country to return to democratic rule.

The NSF had pleaded with ECOWAS to lift the sanctions saying it was having a negative effect on States sharing borders with Niger.

The Niger Junta, in the face of the sanctions had expressed its readiness to team up with other juntas in Mail, Burkina Faso and Guinea to exit ECOWAS and forms a Sahel state.

However, on Saturday, the ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja and lifted the sanctions.

Following the development, the NSF in a statement by its spokesman, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, welcomed the decision of ECOWAS to lift the sanctions.

The statement reads in part: “Today, the Northern Senators Forum expresses its heartfelt appreciation and commendation to the exceptional leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their decisive action in lifting sanctions imposed on Niger Republic as a result of military takeover on 26th July, 2023.

“We are pleased to see that ECOWAS has responded to the progressive requests made by us individually and collectively on the subject matter, and we commend their prudent and compassionate approach in addressing these critical issues.

“The Northern Senators Forum believes that the principled and empathetic decision made by ECOWAS to lift the sanctions on Niger Republic is a testament to the organization’s commitment to regional solidarity, cooperation, and respect for human rights.

“We understand that this action will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people of Niger Republic, as well as ensuring the restoration of stability and economic prosperity in our region.

“We are particularly grateful that ECOWAS leaders have considered our pleas to restore electricity, open borders, and lift the sanctions on Niger Republic.

“These measures will not only have crucial humanitarian implications, but will also foster regional integration, trade, and cooperation. We firmly believe that this step taken by ECOWAS will positively impact the lives of the people of Niger Republic and Nigeria and facilitate the restoration of trust and harmony among all member states.

“As representatives of the people and advocates for justice and democracy, we commend ECOWAS for their responsiveness and understanding of the immense challenges faced by our fellow West African nation.

“The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with ECOWAS in restoring democracy and rule of law in Niger Republic and other west African countries, and we are committed to working to promote stability, peace, and socio-economic development throughout the region.

“The Northern Senators Forum urges the government of Niger Republic and its people to seize this opportunity to hasten the process of returning to democratic governance to build a stronger and more prosperous nation, harnessing their resilient spirit and unwavering determination.

“Furthermore, we urge all regional stakeholders to continue engaging in dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions to address any remaining concern, fostering a harmonious environment for progress and development.

“Finally, the Northern Senators Forum would like to reiterate its deep appreciation to ECOWAS leaders especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria for their proactive and benevolent intervention in lifting the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic.

“We are confident that this decision will leave an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of all West African nations and serve as a shining example for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy.”

EFCC to probe over 3,000 financial crimes, recovers N60bn.

EFCC to probe over 3,000 financial crimes, recovers N60bn.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has revealed the commission’s plans to investigate more than 3,000 financial crime cases.

He explained that the 3,000 cases approved for investigation were part of the over 5,000 petitions received by the agency from different groups and Nigerians.

Olukoyede said this at the 20th-anniversary lecture of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resources Centre, held in Lagos on Saturday.

The EFCC boss, who was the guest lecturer at the event, said the agency has recovered over N60bn and $10m, in less than four months since he assumed office.

While lamenting the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria, he noted that the agency has innovated mechanisms to either stop or minimise the stealing of public funds and other financial and economic crimes.

He stressed that it takes collective responsibility from every Nigerian to move the country forward and end corruption.

Olukoyede, however, reiterated his resolve to use the anti-corruption drive to stimulate the Nigerian economy.

He added, “When we set out to investigate. People see it as a fight between EFCC and the rest of us. It should not be so. How much will the EFCC do?

“How much will ICPC do with its staff strength? I have less than 4,800 staff. I am talking of an agency that is serving people who are over 150 million.

“All we have to do is investigate and present the facts before the court. I will not be the one to give judgement. That is where we have collective responsibility. When you see something, you say something

“The issue is we are working as if we are not working. Upon my assumption of office between then and now, I have received over 5,000 petitions. I am not talking of just the one we received, but the one that we have checked and discovered that there was substance in it. That is just for one agency, EFCC.

“As I am talking to you I have approved the investigation of over 3,000 cases in less than four months, but what is our capacity, how many staff do we have? What resources do I have access to?

“In less than four months, we secured convictions of 700 and recovered over 60 billion naira, over 10 million dollars.

“If I am able to recover over 60 billion naira in less than 100 days, you can imagine how much has been stolen.

“I can tell you that for the billion that has been recovered, trillion has been stolen.”

On his part, the Chairman of HEDA, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, noted that the anti-corruption fight had been challenging.

Suraju urged every Nigerian to contribute a quota from their respective spheres and domains.

He stressed that HEDA cannot do the fight alone but can influence and facilitate the process for agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, and Tribunal to do their jobs more effectively.

“We need an effective policing system with integrity, then the court must not continue to discharge persons with corruption cases still hanging on their necks,” he maintained.

The EFCC had earlier in the year said that adherence to professionalism and commitment to the rule of law by government officials would ensure Nigerians’ contribution to economic growth.

He stressed that an increase in professionalism means zero tolerance for all forms of arbitrariness.

South East Govs working to improve regional economic ~Otti.

South East Govs working to improve regional economic ~Otti.

Abia Governor Alex Otti said South East Governors are working to address collective economic and social challenges confronting the region. 

Otti said the Governors understood it was important for them to set aside their political affiliations, prioritise governance and address pressing issues affecting the region, particularly security. 

The Governor spoke when he met with a delegation of the Joint Body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops led by the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Highness Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, who were in the State on a courtesy call.

He noted that regional security challenges required a united approach by the Govenors to curb, adding he and his colleagues meet regularly to address youth restiveness and how to meaningfully engage the young people through the creation of employment opportunities and other empowerment programmes.

“Anyhow you look at it, we must deal with security as a region if not as a country. What feeds insecurity, to a large extent, is unemployment and poverty. 

“It also feeds banditry and insurrection and we need to do everything possible to ensure that our people have something to do,” Otti stated.

The Abia Governor emphasised the need to create a conducive environment to attract investments and businesses into the region. 

He stressed the importance of government intervention to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the Southeast region and added that Governors must take deliberate decisions to safeguard the economy of their various States.

“We know that investors are rational. If you don’t make your environment conducive to attract investments, they will not come. 

“I know at the minimum 20 to 25 businesses in Abia, before now, that just relocated at some point and closed shop.

“There must be investments that the states would have to make without looking at the profit. Sometimes, they tell you that government has no business in business. It’s a lie. 

“Government has business in business. Government must step in at some point and take deliberate decisions to safeguard the economy by creating jobs.

“Government needs to come in and support the private sector to create jobs, if not for anything at all, to ensure that insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum,” he said. 

Otti enumerated ongoing initiatives in Abia State, aimed at revitalising key economic hubs like Aba and Umuahia to attract investments and spur development, saying that his administration had a clear plan to fix the state.

The Governor, who noted that Aba has the capacity to develop the entire Southeast region when properly harnessed, disclosed that power supply remains the major enabler required to spur development in Aba and the entire Southeast region.

He stated the 141 Megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Aba, set for commissioning on Monday, would provide uninterrupted power supply to Aba and its environs. 

He pointed out that his government had entered into discussions with the investors on how to provide 24 hours power supply to all parts of the State.

The Governor pledged continued engagement with the Joint Body of Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, and assured that he would take into account the concerns raised during the meeting as part of the ongoing efforts to promote unity, development, and prosperity in the Southeast region.

The leader of the delegation, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe said the aim of the body, which came into existence three years ago, is for peace building and reconciliation in Southeast.

Igwe Achebe, who stated that the visit to Governor Otti was the first physical meeting the body was holding, disclosed that the group had engaged with some Governors in the zone virtually but not physically. 

He said that they were committed to projecting peace, mutual respect, love and well-being of Ndi Igbo and commended Governor Otti for his remarkable achievements within the short period he has been in office, describing him as a standard for Igbo leaders.

They called on the Southeast Governors Forum to come together to make the region an economic hub to enable Igbo business communities all over the world bring their investments home.

Other members of the body who were present during the meeting include, the Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Province, Apostle David Onuoha and a biomedical Scientist of the Alex Ekwueme University, Ebonyi state, Mrs. Pauline Iyke- Ogbo.

Greedy politicians fuelling attacks on Tinubu over hardship -Arewa Think Tank.

Greedy politicians fuelling attacks on Tinubu over hardship -Arewa Think Tank.

A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank, has argued greedy politicians are inciting Nigerians against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over economic hardship.

The group said though the economy is biting so hard, it is serious as what happened during the Second Republic, adding that there is hope in the horizon.

Addressing reporters at the weekend, the Chief Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said there will be light at the end of the tunnel as Tinubu is working round the clock to find lasting solution to the situation.  

According to him: “This issue of hunger in this country has been over dramatised, with due respect to some few genuine Nigerians that really need support, why I am saying this is because, if you look at the history of Nigeria since Independence, there is no regime that hunger, poverty has not been over dramatised in Nigeria.

“A case study is the Second Republic, it was so over dramatised that it got the then Minister of Transportation, late Umar Dikko so angry that he had to ask question; at that time that it was over dramatised by the opposition and some few Nigerians and the press, he now angrily asked that, are Nigerians eating from the dustbins at that time?.

“So I don’t want us to over dramatise this and fall into the traps of those who don’t want the administration of President Bola Tinubu to succeed. That is why I am saying this, we should be cautious because all over the world, there are economic challenges, so we shouldn’t over dramatise our own. 

 

“I am not defending the government, I know that there are real issues, but let’s look at the genuine ones. We shouldn’t allow disgruntled politicians or disgruntled elements in collaboration with foreigners to disstabilise our country.

“And I am even making this case, using the Second Republic as an example, that is, as at the time Umar Dikko of blessed memory made that statement, the Naira was at par with the Dollar. So can you imagine that, the Naira was at par with the Dollar. So let’s see how we can give Tinubu led government some breathing space and some time before we start coming down heavy on the government.

“One of the fastest ways the Arewa Think Tank is suggesting to the federal, State and local governments to ameliorate these challenges and food insecurity in the country at the moment is for these three tiers of government to sit together and ensure that in every local government in Nigeria, N20 million is set aside every month to buy food stuffs and distribute to the most needy.

“If this can be done in the next three to six months it will go in a long way to ameliorate this artificial food scarcity and insecurity which were created by some very greedy politicians, middle men and business men.”

NDDC begins distribution of palliatives in Delta

NDDC begins distribution of palliatives in Delta.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has kicked off the distribution of palliatives for victims of the 2022 flood disaster in communities across the 25 local government areas of Delta State.

Speaking during the presentation of the palliatives at the Sapele Athletic Club in Sapele, Delta State, the Representative of Delta State on the NDDC Governing Board, Monday Igbuya, said that although the flood occurred in 2022, the victims were still suffering the aftermath of the disaster.

Igbuya in a statement by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, noted that the NDDC Governing Board, led by Mr. Chiedu Ebie, found it necessary to implement the decision to distribute previously approved palliative items to communities across the state .

He said the distribution was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to cushion the effects of the 2022 flood disaster in the state especially in view of the current economic difficulties in the country.

According to him: “You remember the flood happened in 2022 and as you know President Bola Tinubu was not in office then, so were the NDDC Board and Management. But, when the issue came up, the graciously approved this relief operation”.

Igbuya maintained that the NDDC was committed to programmes that would affect the people positively, emphasizing that the board was engaging in activities that truly reflected the people’s needs and mandate of the board.

The statement said the ruckloads of items distrib­uted included bags of rice, bags of beans, mattresses, vegetable oil, noodles, toiletries, tomato paste, boats, cassava milling machines, sewing and grinding machines, salt, among other relief materi­als.

The community leaders across the 25 local governments of the State, including women and youth groups reportedly received the items on behalf of their people.

Speaking at the event, Onoriode Ogodo of Sapele-Okpe community, thanked the NDDC for the palliatives.

He said: “The items will go a long way in supporting those who lost homes and means of livelihoods during the flood.”

The President-General of Elume community, Mr. Felix Emuobo, said: “With the materials in the right hands, we can rebuild and support our people through these difficult times. I commend the NDDC for their effort towards bringing relief to us.”.