All Posts in "Day: May 2, 2024"

5 Years of Abdulrahman’s Administration Without Local Government Elections – A Democratic Travesty

In a democratic society, the essence of local government elections cannot be overstated. They serve as the bedrock of grassroots governance, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that decisions impacting their daily lives are made with their consent.

However, in Kwara State, this fundamental democratic exercise has been suspended for five long years under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, raising serious concerns about the erosion of democratic values and accountability at the local level.

Upon assuming office, Governor AbdulRahman suspended the incubent local government chairmen, effectively disenfranchising millions of Kwarans from participating in the democratic process. This move not only defies the principles of democracy but also violates the Supreme Court rulings that have consistently affirmed the independence of local government administrations.

Instead of allowing duly elected local government chairmen to serve out their terms or conducting fresh elections as required by law, Governor AbdulRahman has resorted to installing illegal Transition Implementation Chairmen (TICs) to oversee local governance. These unelected committees lack the legitimacy and accountability that come with a democratic mandate, further undermining the democratic values of the state.

Governor AbdulRahman’s administration has also failed to produce any credible reports that would justify the suspension of the elected local government chairmen. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about the motives behind the suspension and casts doubt on the integrity of the process.

Compounding these issues is the failure of Gov AbdulRahman to properly account for the funds allocated to the local governments under his administration. Local government funds are meant to be used for the development of grassroots communities, yet there is little evidence to show that these funds have been used for their intended purpose.

Furthermore, this administration has been embroiled in a controversy with a senator over a mere 1km of road along Jagun-Gaa Aremu that was constructed by one time Executive Chairman of ilorin west local government. This petty squabble highlights the misplaced priorities of the administration and its failure to focus on the real issues affecting the people of Kwara State.

The same 1km Road has space in the activities of the state government showcasing such Road amounts to devaluation of Governance because the Road actually meant for the Government at the local level.

However, It is imperative that steps be taken to restore democratic governance at the local level and ensure that the voices of the people are heard once again.

I am always curious when I see the KWASIEC Chairman, who began his electoral journey with promises that were never fulfilled and misleading. Why is he delaying the Local Government election in the State? Does he need to visit all 36 States before figuring out how to conduct the election in our State?

Shame! Shame!! And Shame!!

admin by — May 2, 2024 in Opinion 0
Acting SEC DG Resumes,Promises Improved Regulation Of Capital Market

Mohammed Shosanya

Acting Director General of Security and Exchange Commission,Dr. Emomotimi Agama,has resumed office pending confirmation of his appointment by the Senate .

He promised to ensure that the capital market is well regulated and developed in a bid to contribute to the nation’s economy.

The Director General told the commission’s staff that: “I have come here today to serve you and the institution by sheer providence, we should work together to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the capital market, let us make this institution better and greater knowing that it is a place that feeds and gives us succor, united we stand, and divided we fall.

“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for finding us worthy of this opportunity and we know that expectations of the market and the country are huge, it is our utmost determination to work together with the staff of the Commission to ensure that we deliver on this assignment”.

He also commended the staff of the Commission on their commitment to the SEC and assured that the incoming management will work with the staff union to ensure all lingering staff issues are resolved

“I have come here as your colleague because without you this institution won’t get anywhere. This institution has been built by you, your resilience even in trying times has brought us thus far. All of you have been symbols of hard work.

“It’s been a wonderful journey knowing every one of us here. I have had the pleasure of being involved in people’s career here for the last 20 years. We have crossed many rivers, but each of us has added some value to this institution. When we leave we should be able to look back with joy at what we have done. I therefore solicit your support and cooperation to ensure that we all succeed”, Agama said.

Both the top executives and junior staff who spoke at the meeting pledged their commitment to support the Director General to achieve the lofty goals of making the Nigerian capital market better and greater.

admin by — May 2, 2024 in Regulators 0
Improve Service Delivery On Power Supply Or Quit,Nasarawa Assembly Tells AEDC

Mohammed Shosanya

Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has directed Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to give 24 hours power supply across communities of the State or quit immediately for serious company to take charge.

The Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau stated this when Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA), appeared before the House during its proceedings at the Assembly complex in Lafia.

Danladi Jatau, said that the invitation extended to the AEDC and NAePA was to enable them brief the House on the power blackout and outrageous bills in the state.

He said: ” Our resolutions is to the effect that AEDC is hereby given 14 days to restore normal light to communities across the State and failure to do so will left us with no option than to ask them to quit and we will invite competent hands that will give the people of the state normal light.

” Secondly, the Area Manager PowerGen Interconnected Energy LTD handling electrification project in Toto Local Government is hereby directed to appear before the House on May 21st, 2024 to explain their role in power distribution in the area and they should come with documents that clear them on their engagement “.

He commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his efforts in ensuring power supply in the state especially his efforts in ensuring full take off and success of the Akurba power sub station .

” The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has empowered us to invite anybody on public issue for questioning, that is why we have invited you.

” There is power black out and outrageous bills across the State by AEDC as our people are in pains and suffering, we cannot take it, ” he said.

He also said that the activities of the AEDC is creating hardship and poverty to the people of the state.

“Your company is giving our people poor services. our people have been sleeping in darkness.Our people are in pains because they are paying for light without enjoying the light, ” he said.

Members who spoke lamented on their experiences and that of their people stressed the need for AEDC to sit up in their responsibilities or quit the State to enable government engage more competent hand that will deliver.

Speaking, Engr. Adeyemi Jonathan Kehinde, the AEDC Chief Business Officer incharge of Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa admitted that the company is not fully on ground in replacing damaged transformers, cables among others to communities across the state.

He added that of the 28,000 customers in the state only 8,000 have meters.

The Chief Business Officer assured of improved electricity supply to the state.

” I want to assure you that we are ready to do our best in improving in power supply across the state,” he said.

Engr. Yakubu Suleiman Umar, the General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NAePA),said that the agency was established to ensure effective power supply to communities across the state,noting that they are doing their best to deliver on their mandate.

admin by — May 2, 2024 in Power 0
Ethnic Youth Leaders Commend Kyari On Improved Fuel Supply

Mohammed Shosanya

Ethnic Youth Leaders have commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari and the Executive Vice-president, Downstream of the company, Adedapo Segun for their relentless efforts towards clearing fuel supply disruption.

The leaders in a statement signed by their spokesperson, Malam kabiru, and deputy acting president NG Emmanuel also said Kyari is committed to ensuring downstream energy stability in line with ‘Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They faulted National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for calling for the resignation of the the NNPCL GCEO, saying he has not relaxed but working round the clock to ensure adequate supply and availability of fuel despite daunting challenges, urging the students who are future leaders to appreciate and support his efforts in addressing the energy challenges.

They reminded NANS that the Kyari -led NNPCL is resting on its oars to address the situation and has already assured Nigerians that the ongoing fuel scarcity and queues will be cleared out by Wednesday.

“Just when NANS is threatening mass protest NNPCL under Kyari has given Nigerians its words that the company currently has an availability of products exceeding 1.5 billion litres, which can last for at least 30 days.

“Like we and other Nigerians already know, the three-day disruption in distribution being experienced is due to logistical issues, which has since been resolved by resolved by NNPLC but doing that ideally requires more time to return to normalcy. And unfortunately, however, some persons in the business are taking advantage of this situation to maximise profits.

“And fortunate enough, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (lPMAN) concurred that with intervention of the NNPCL, the queues will disappear from filling stations as more products will be available for lifting by marketers and the supply will be stabilised.”

admin by — May 2, 2024 in News 0
Fuel Scarcity Will Be Over In Few Days-Reps

Mohammed Shosanya

The Chairmen of the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources, (Downstream, and Midstream), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and Hon. Odianosen Henry Okojie, confirmed the arrival of petroleum products in the country.

At a press conference in Abuja,they noted disruptions in supply and distribution to marketers due to logistical challenges with marine shuttle vessels. They assured the public that these challenges have been addressed, and product distribution has resumed, emphasizing that fuel queues will diminish in a matter of days.

They advised against panic buying, assuring the public of product availability.

They also expressed concerns over the temporary fuel queues affecting Nigerians’ lives and businesses but remained optimistic that normalcy would soon be restored.

Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency of Imo State, highlighted recent efforts by the downstream and midstream committees to address the resurgence of fuel queues nationwide.

Through extensive engagement with stakeholders in the distribution value chain, including NNPC, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, and NARTO, investigations revealed an availability of approximately 1.5 billion litres of petrol, sufficient for 30 days.

But,logistics challenges, such as difficulties in transporting products from mother vessels to petrol stations, have contributed to the queues’ resurgence.

The lawmaker has assured that they’ve received assurances from regulators across the value chain that bottlenecks are being addressed.

Ugochinyere expressed regret over the recent scarcity of petroleum products, highlighting the hardship faced by Nigerians.

He said, “As representatives of the people, they have engaged with sector regulators to identify the causes and propose solutions to alleviate this situation.

“We have recently engaged with key stakeholders in the distribution value chain, including the NNPCL, NMDPRA, PETROAN, and NARTO, to understand the resurgence of fuel queues across Nigeria. We share concerns over its impact on Nigerians’ lives and businesses, but we’re optimistic it’s temporary.

“Our investigations reveal sufficient petrol stocks of about 1.5 billion litres, lasting 30 days. However, logistical challenges caused the queues. Regulators assure us these bottlenecks are being addressed, with progress expected over the public holiday.

“We urge Nigerians not to worry; regulators and unions assure us of resolution within the next two to three days. Restoring normalcy may take a bit longer as products are distributed nationwide. As a Committee dedicated to alleviating people’s suffering, we’re closely monitoring the situation.”

“At this critical juncture, we strongly condemn the actions of middlemen exploiting the supply disruption to profit at the expense of our citizens. We call upon the security forces to collaborate with NNPCL, NMDPRA, PETROAN, NARTO, and other vital stakeholders in the distribution chain to detect and address acts of economic sabotage, including hoarding, price gouging, product diversion, and smuggling.

“We extend our appreciation to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for his proactive stance and the diligent efforts of our Committees in liaising with regulators and industry stakeholders.

Beside,the Chairman of the Midstream Committee, Okojie, urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying and unnecessary rushes, reassuring the public that the country’s storage capacity of over 1.5 billion litres can sustain us for over 30 days.

Providing update on the current situation,he said:”Our committee has extensively engaged with relevant authorities regarding fuel distribution. As of today, reports indicate a reduction in fuel queues, and products are steadily arriving at petrol stations.”

“We are appealing to Nigerians to refrain from panic buying and unnecessary rushes to purchase products. Our country currently has a storage capacity of over 1.5 billion litres, which is sufficient for over 30 days. Moreover, additional products are arriving, with more en route via the high seas.

“The recent disruption was primarily due to logistical challenges, which have since been addressed with the implementation of maritime shuttle vessels. These vessels are now transporting products to awaiting marketers, who are ready to serve the public. The logistical issues have been fully resolved, and we anticipate an increase in supply to stations in the coming days.

“There is no cause for alarm. Fuel is readily available, and distribution will commence shortly. We expect that within the next day or two, fuel queues will be a thing of the past in our country.”

admin by — May 2, 2024 in News 0
Enugu Deputy Director, Four Others Docked For Alleged Fraud

Mohammed Shosanya

A serving Deputy Director in the Enugu State Water Cooperation, Emeka Edoh, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Enugu North Magisterial District over alleged false pretence with intent to defraud some residents of Enugu the sum of N150,000.

He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Joseph Agu, Tuesday.

The charge sheet marked MEN/240/C/2024 was read out to the 56-year old defendant and level 15 civil servant, who, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Water Corporation’s Deputy Director one-count charge read: “That you Edoh Emeka ‘M’ on the 23rd day of April, 2024, at No 144 Banks Avenue, in Enugu North Magisterial District, did by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtain the total sum of one hundred and fifty ( N150, 000) thousand naira from Chinyere Ogbonna, Onyinye Ugwu and other members of the neighborhood with the pretence to rrectify their Enugu State Water Corporation bill, which you know to be false, and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30 Vol 11, reversed Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria”

A bail application for the Defendant made by his counsel, Barr. E.E. Ezekwe, who argued that it was a bailable offence was opposed by a Senior Legal Officer from the Office of the Attorney-General of Enugu State, Barr. Onyinye Ugwu.

Ugwu argued that the offence for which Mr. Emeka Edoh was charged was a serious one.

After hearing the arguments of both parties, Magistrate Agu granted Mr. Edoh bail in the sum of N500,000. He is also to provide a surety, who must be a Staff of the Enugu Sate Water Corporation of Grade Level 14 or above.

admin by — May 2, 2024 in Law/Human Rights 0
FG Increases Civil Servants Salary

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25% and 35% in salary increase for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures .

The Salary Structure is the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

It will be recalled that those in the tertiary education and health sectors had already received their increases which involved Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS)
for universities.

For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it involved the
Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).

The health sector also benefitted through the Consolidated Medical
Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).

A statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, said the increases take effect from 1st January 2024.

The Federal Government has also approved increases In pension of between 20% and 28% for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect to the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures with effect from 1st January 2024.

admin by — May 2, 2024 in News 0
Nigerian Navy Rescues Over 250 Persons From Capsized Passenger Boat

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel of Naval Security Station (NSS) 023 deployed along Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State has rescued over 250 passengers who were onboard a capsized passenger boat at about 10pm local time on 28 April 2024.

A statement from the Director Naval Information, Commodore Adams- Aliu indicated that, “The ill-fated boat, MV PRECIOUS EMMANUEL cast off from a local market in Sangana area of Bayelsa State and was making way to Rivers State when it encountered stormy waters and hit a wreck which damaged its hull causing it to capsize.

“Notably, the locally made, 3-deck wooden vessel popularly known as “Large Cotonou Boat” was overborne, had no lifesaving equipment onboard and none of its passengers wore a lifejacket.

“It was the vigilant eyes and professional response of NN personnel who swiftly undertook a rescue mission that ensured no life was lost. This rescue effort is in line with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla which states that “the strategic end state of NN operations is a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”

“The NN wishes to reiterate the importance of lifejackets, life buoys and other life-saving equipment to local maritime operators. Provision and proper utilisation of such equipment is imperative to safety of lives at sea. The NN, wishes to assure the general public that it remains committed to securing Nigeria’s maritime space from the backwaters to the outermost limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone for legitimate businesses to thrive.”

admin by — May 2, 2024 in News 0