All Posts in "Day: June 18, 2024"

Tenure Expiration:Fubara Directs HLGAS To Take Charge Of Councils

Mohammed Shosanya

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take charge of the 23 council areas of the state.

The development follows the expiration of the statutory three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors on Monday, June 17, 2024.

He gave the directive in a statewide broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning.

In the broadcast, Governor Fubara said: “My fellow Rivers people, I come before you today with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to me and my administration.

“I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State, and indeed, Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.

“Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.

“Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of our progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks.”

The Governor added: “I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Rives State, I thank you all for your sacrifices, and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.

“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavours.

“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.

“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together,” he explained.

Governor Fubara added that: “I assure you, my good people of Rivers State, that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.

“Once again, I thank you my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity.”

The Governor noted that, “Together, we will continue to build a brighter and better future for all,” and wished all Rivers people, especially the Muslim faithful a happy Salah Holiday”.

admin by — June 18, 2024 in Politics 0
NCAA Says Nigeria’s Airspace Is Safe

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),has assured that Nigeria’s Airspace has achieved total radar coverage and as such safe for flight operations.

The agency gave the assurance in a statement signed by its Ag. Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo where he refuted insinuations that the Nigerian airspace is insecure as a result of lack of coverage by Radar.

The statement reads:
“NCAA firmly aligns with the statement from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on the Total Radar Coverage Of Nigeria (TRACON).

“In furtherance to this, NCAA investigated two recent cases of violation of the prohibited flights zones – DNP4- in Abuja and established that both violations comprised of controlled flights in a controlled airspace, but strayed into restricted airspace as a result of adverse weather. NCAA can also confirm that NAMA had complete radar footages of the two violations with full details of the identities of the aircraft and operators involved.

“This was only made possible due to functional Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars in Abuja. Similar installations are in Lagos, Kano and Port-Harcourt.
The Authority in keeping with its regulatory responsibilities issued an All Operators Letter (AOL DGCA/021/24) wherein the term ‘unknown aircraft’was used as reported to NCAA which is the normal security terminology.

“However, as explained above, investigations revealed NAMA had complete footages and details of the aircraft that entered the prohibited flight zone.The writer, obviously, not conversant with the technical operations of radar systems ought to have simply consulted the right professionals to be educated accordingly.”

NCAA clarified that, “the Primary Surveillance Radar alone only identifies aircraft as moving targets without aircraft identity. The Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR), on the other hand,which forms a major component of the TRACON, is the equipment that allows for identification of any aircraft equipped with ATC Mode ‘S’transponder. 

The requirement for all aircraft flying in controlled airspace to have serviceable ATC transponders in an international standard that Nigeria ensures strict adherence to. This requirement derived from Annex 6 to the Convention on International Aviation is documented in Part 7 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

“This, therefore, makes it a violation of the regulations, and indeed a security breach, for any aircraft to put this system off while flying in controlled airspace, and such action would attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with NCAA’s enforcement procedures, including possible criminal referral” the statement maintained.

According to the statement: “On the issue of welfare of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs), NCAA had, only recently, intervened in a face-off between ATCOs and NAMA on the need for improved remuneration and working conditions for ATCOs. Expectedly, in aligning with the Minister’s five-point agenda on capacity development, NCAA is extending this drive to other aviation professionals.

“As regards the improvement of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, Nigeria’s Radar coverage is being backed up with five additional MSSR stations at Obubbra, Ilorin, Talata Mafara, Maiduguri and Numan to augment the four existing Radar centers to achieve total coverage of the country.

“This is also in line with the Honourable Minister’s five-point agenda on infrastructure and fully supported by NCAA’s oversight in ensuring installed infrastructure continually deliver the desired output.

“It is worth noting that such upgrade is normal global practice when dealing with any electronics system. These systems must be updated from time to time since technology is not static, and the Authority through its continuous oversight has not found NAMA wanting in this regard.

“Thus,NAMA in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is working on system upgrade of the Communication,Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure.
Finally, the NCAA wishes to unequivocally assure the public that there is no cause for alarm as everything necessary is being undertaken to ensure safe and secure air navigation in Nigeria’s airspace, ” the statement clarifed.

admin by — June 18, 2024 in Aviation 0
Tinubu’s Food Security Committee Fails To Stop Increasing Prices,CPPE Boss Laments

Mohammed Shosanya

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has fault President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s committee on food security for its lack of impact on Nigeria’s rising food prices.

Its Chief Executive Officer,Muda Yusuf,who conveyed this in a statement, said that Nigeria’s headline and food inflation rates for May 2024 were 33.95 percent and 40.66 percent, respectively.

He bemoaned the declining purchasing power of Nigerians amid persistent inflation.

He identified several factors driving the inflation such as: depreciating exchange rates, increasing transportation costs, logistics and supply chain issues, forex market volatility, high energy costs, climate change, insecurity in farming communities, seasonality of agricultural outputs, and structural production bottlenecks.

He added:“Regrettably, inflation drivers are not receding. There is also the factor of seasonality of agricultural outputs, which triggers seasonal price surges in some food crops. It is important to stress that insecurity in farming communities remains a major factor in disrupting agricultural production and perpetuating the food supply crisis.

“The food security situation is frightening and requires an urgent and emergency response. Meanwhile, the impact of the Presidential Committee on Food Security is yet to be felt. We believe that the proposals contained in the government’s Inflation Reduction and Price Stability Plan will have a significant impact in moderating inflationary pressures if implemented. We request that the plan be urgently implemented.

“The government could review the tariff policies by granting concessionary import duty on intermediate products for industrialists. The same is true for investors in the logistics sector. Some of these measures are already contained in the draft Accelerated Economic and Sustainability Plan proposed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy”

admin by — June 18, 2024 in News 0
FG Says Abuja Murtala Muhammed Way Not Renamed After Soyinka

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has clarified that the Murtala Muhammed Expressed Way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has not been renamed after Nigeria’s Nobel Laurent, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Rabiu Ibrahim,Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation,quoted in a statement that the Federal Government said the clarification became necessary following rumours being circulated that the Expressed Way has been renamed.

He declared that such decision has never been contemplated by the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“We have noted the rumours being circulated that the Murtala Muhammed Expressed Way in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been renamed as Wole Soyinka Way.

“The renaming of the Murtala Muhammed Expressway Way has never been contemplated by this administration.

“For the record, on June 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a new road in the FCT codenamed Arterial Road N20 (from Katampe to Jahi), which links the existing Outer Northern Expressway (also known as Murtala Mohammed Expressway) to the Northern Parkway (also called Ahmadu Bello Way).

“During the inauguration of the N20 (which is a new road), FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, proposed to the President that the road be named after Prof Wole Soyinka, and the President agreed.

“Therefore, it is the Arterial Road N20 that is named after Prof Soyinka. The Murtala Mohammed Expressway remains unchanged and continues to bear the name of our esteemed former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed.

“We urge all citizens to disregard any misinformation regarding the renaming of the Murtala Mohammed Expressway. The report is entirely false and only exists in the imagination of its purveyors” reads the statement in parts.

admin by — June 18, 2024 in News 0
Africa Needs Fair Share Of Climate Compensation Through Loss And Damage Fund

By Ifeoma Malo

Despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, Africa bears the brunt of climate change’s devastating impacts. The continent, responsible for only 2.8% of global emissions from 1850 to 2021, faces the toughest challenges from climate change.

The continent witnesses more frequent and severe disasters like floods, earthquakes, and droughts. In 2021, seven of the ten most vulnerable countries to climate change were in Africa.

At COP27, a significant milestone was achieved with the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), aimed at addressing challenges in vulnerable developing countries, particularly in Africa. Governments formally established the Fund in November 2023 on the first day of COP28. The $792 million pledged during COP-28 to set the LDF in motion was welcomed by developing countries, especially those in Africa.

Africa requires between $290 billion and $440 billion between 2020 and 2030 to finance loss and damage needs, highlighting the significant gap between pledges and the current realities.

The purpose of the LDF is to assist developing countries’ vulnerabilities to the address effects of climate change in responding to economic and noneconomic loss and damage associated with extreme weather and slow-onset events. The Nairobi Declaration of September 2023 emphasized the operationalisation of the LDF as agreed at COP27.

The Declaration resolved for a measurable Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) with indicators and targets to assess progress against negative impacts of climate change.

The eligibility criteria for the LDF is to prioritise all developing countries, especially those facing vulnerability to climate change. It emphasises on a country-led approach to ensure that accessing the fund is integrated within national frameworks and respects the unique situations and contexts of different countries grappling with climate-induced loss and damages.

Developing countries within the Transitional Committee have advocated for universal eligibility for the LDF, emphasising on a fair access, determined by climate events, impacts, and necessities.

The LDF’s accessibility is critical for Africa. The eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive, prioritising vulnerable developing countries. The proposed allocation system focuses on specific challenges faced by communities, catering to both immediate and long-term needs. This country-led approach ensures that accessing the fund aligns with national frameworks and addresses unique situations.

The decision-making process prioritizes data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), while acknowledging the limitations in data collection for some regions. Additionally, a minimum allocation floor for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is being considered. These elements, if implemented effectively, positions Africa to benefit significantly from the LDF.

African countries, with their diverse climate disasters such as droughts, floods, and rising sea levels, particularly in the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and equatorial regions, are potential candidates for LDF support. However, success depends on addressing capacity issues within African countries and ensuring their active role in LDF decision-making.

Implementing the LDF in vulnerable developing countries faces challenges such as limited resources versus vast needs, transparent eligibility criteria, direct fund access by local communities, and integration into national climate strategies. A robust mechanism for monitoring fund utilisation is crucial for transparency and accountability.

Despite the progress at COP28, significant gaps remain. Wealthy nations have yet to shoulder their fair share of responsibility. The initial pledges to the LDF fall far short of what’s needed to address the widespread human rights violations caused by years of climate inaction. Discussions are ongoing to establish new, measurable climate finance goals by 2024, aiming for an annual target of $100 billion.

While some developed nations have made initial pledges, the contribution from the United States remains disappointingly low compared to the EU and even some developing nations. These discrepancies raise crucial questions from an African perspective: What is the official definition of loss and damage? How will the LDF be sustained financially? Which criteria will guide the allocation of funds?

These challenges notwithstanding, Africa has an opportunity. The LDF aims to address the devastating impacts of extreme weather events on the continent. However, work remains on establishing the fund’s governance structure, with an evaluation scheduled for 2027.

The establishment of the LDF is a significant step towards climate justice for Africa. Yet, the current pledges fall short of the estimated needs. Moving forward, increased contributions from developed nations are crucial to ensure sustainable and predictable financing. Africa, on its part, must advocate for clear definitions and criteria for loss and damage funding, ensuring the needs of its most vulnerable communities are addressed.

Furthermore,active engagement in setting and meeting new climate finance goals by COP29 is essential. Aiming for the $100 billion annual target is necessary to support effective national climate plans by 2025.

These collective efforts hold the key to a fair transition and mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change on the continent.

Ifeoma Malo is the Founder and CEO, Clean Technology Hub based in Nigeria.

admin by — June 18, 2024 in Opinion 0
Police Claim Over Release Of EndSARS Detainees Unfounded-Activist

Mohammed Shosanya

Human right activist and lawyer, Tope Temokun has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore the claim by the Police that all EndSARS detainees had been released or prosecuted accordingly.

He advised President Tinubu to direct the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service and the Minister of Interior to compile the names of EndSARS detainees for release in heed to the call of Senator Shehu Sanni.

Senator Sanni had advised President Tinubu to pardon those who are still incarcerated over EndSARS protest in 2020.

In a statement on Monday,Temokun called President Tinubu not to takes seriously the quick response of the Police that no EndSARS detainee is still in the custody.

He described Senator Sanni’s message to the President as “a thoughtful and introspective call on the President to genuine service and his thought on that is more patriotic and correlates more with record and reality than the reaction of outright denial by the Police that there is no EndSARS protester in custody again across the country.”

He said: “I call on the President to heed the patriotic, introspective and humanity-driven statement of Senator Shehu Sanni and call on the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service and the Minister of Interior to go to the records and publicize the particulars in terms of number of inmates in their custody in connection with EndSARS across Nigeria as at October 2020 and those who have regained their freedom either by bail, discharge, acquittal or pardon.

“The revelation might shock us all. Maybe for President Tinubu, that is where the healing process for this bleeding country you wish to govern will start.”

He noted that “Police lack the genuine record and data, as a primary source of information, to hastily respond to Shehu Sanni’s patriotic call, with denial and with such vague phrase that they have been processed according to law. How? What is this supposed to mean?

“The governments of various states and the Nigerian Correctional Service are in the best and first position to respond from their records.

“The reaction by the police that all individuals arrested have been processed according to law and none remains in custody, citing the facts that Governor Sanwo-Olu pardoned about 100 suspects in Lagos suffers from fallacy of hasty generalization.

“EndSARS protesters were arrested across the states of the country and apart from Lagos, which other state officially pardoned those arrested in connection with the October 2020 EndSARS protest?

“Then what is the number of the total protesters arrested in Lagos and other states? What is the number of protesters charged to court? What is the number of protesters successfully prosecuted or pardoned or discharged?

“What is the percentage of those arrested in Lagos and outside Lagos had legal representations and how many of those legal representations, billed or pro bono, followed those cases to logical conclusions? .

“I expect the government to come up with data and statistics on these. That is when the Police could now officially make a conclusive statement on the matter.

“Just the way we always have many arrested persons, particularly larger number of the citizens who have nobody to look for them or stand in for them, languish in remands across the country, without arraignment or trial, the same way many EndSARS protesters who had no legal representation after their arrest and since their arrest would also have been forgotten in various remand centres across the country.”

Temokun cited the case of an EndSARS detainee, Kemisola Ogun niyi who was arrested on October 22, 2020 in Akure by the Police when she went out to “get some drugs for her sick mother, Mrs. Eniola Felicia Ogunniyi, who had been bedridden for two weeks.”

He explained that Kemisola was remanded in Surulere correctional centre in Ondo town on November 24, 2020. “She was in prison till the 16th day of June, 2021 when she delivered a baby boy in prison which threw her case up for global attention to her ordeal.

“I represented Kemisola in court. On the 22nd of June 2021, she was granted bail by the High Court of Ondo State sitting in Akure after nine months of her arrest and remand since October 22, 2020 and after seven days she gave birth in prison.

“How many people knew that the case against the EndSARS detainee, Kemisola, was not dropped and was prosecuted in court by the Ondo State Government ever since till the 25th day of July, 2023, that the government withdrew the charge against the young girl on the grounds that it had become impossible for the prosecution to locate the vital witnesses needed for her prosecution following which the court struck out the vharge.”

admin by — June 18, 2024 in News 0
Tenure Expiration:Youths,Police Take Over Rivers Councils As Chairmen Refuse To Vacate Office

Mohammed Shosanya

Youths on Monday barricaded some Rivers council secretariats main entrances, demanding the Chairmen exit from office as their tenures elaps.

Twenty one of the 23 local government Chairmen of the state vowed to remain in office beyond the end of the three-year term which elapsed on June 17.

The chairmen hinged their decision to remain in office on an amended Rivers Assembly Law which extended the council chairmen and councillors’ tenures by six months, should the Governor fail to conduct fresh local council elections, despite the fact that a state High Court had nullified the law citing its inconsistency with the constitution.

Police vans were also spotted at some council secretariats entrances in a bid to avert possible breakdown of law and order at the secretariats following the development.

The youths in the early hours of Monday barricaded the main entrance of Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs, preventing everyone from gaining access.

The youths,who chanted solidarity songs are the council secretariats vowed to prevent the chairmen and councillors from gaining access to the premises.

Police vans were sighted at the Port Harcourt City Council, Obio Akpor and Ogu/Bolo LGA Secretariats.

Earlier, the Emohua council chairman, Chidi Lloyd had announced in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bright Jossy that the council will begin the distribution of cutlasses and hoes to farmers from Tuesday 18 June and it’s expected to last for one week.

His Khana LGA counterpart, Bariere Thomas announced a one-week clean-up exercise in the council billed to commence from Tuesday June 18.

In Ikwerre LGA, the chairman, Nwanosike Samuel has announced a one week cultural festival in the council begining Tuesday June 18.

The Eleme council Chairman, Barilormate Ollor was seen in a video circulating online,warning youths and others to steer clear of the council secretariat.

An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt had Friday ordered Martins Amaewhule and 25 other lawmakers and other parties involved in the matter to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

admin by — June 18, 2024 in Politics 0
Asharami Synergy Ties Exceptional Performance In Aviation Fuel Market To Safety,Technology

Mohammed Shosanya

Asharami Synergy Limited, a Sahara Group downstream company in Nigeria has attributed its sterling performance in the aviation fuel market to the firm’s commitment to safety, technology driven solutions and environmental sustainability.

Speaking in Vienna, Austria, at the IATA Aviation Energy Forum, Foluso Sobanjo, Head, Downstream Africa, Sahara Group,disclosed that Asharami Synergy had a pedigree of exceptional performance in the market that spans two decades in Nigeria. Aviation fuel is also known as Jet A1.

“Asharami Synergy is the leading aviation fuel supplier in Nigeria with over 20 per cent of the market share. We have several certifications from the International Organisation for Standardisation in recognition of our commitment to excellence, quality, and safety. With current storage capacity of about 31 million litres owned and operated by Asharami across the nation, a fleet of 20 bowsers, and ongoing plans for capacity expansion, we keep innovating to deliver outstanding Jet A1 solutions,” he said.

A statement quoted Sobanjo,as saying that Asharami Synergy offers solutions that resonate with the operations of local and international airlines in Nigeria.

“Our distinctive mark of excellence and safety make Asharami the responsible provider of choice for aviation fuel in the Nigerian market,” he said.

Also speaking,Nomnso Dike, Chief Executive Office, Asharami Synergy said the company had been strategic partners with IATA since 2009, adding that Asharami’s diversified product supply chain facilitates availability and competitive pricing in the market.

“We are constantly investing in technology to drive efficiency in our business hence the adoption of the i6 solution that increases efficiency through digitalised tracking of our into-plane fueling operations, whilst also helping to reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, our dashboard tracks and analyses our customers consumption patterns, thereby enabling us to forecast demand accurately and ensure consistent product availability to meet all our supply obligations. This ensures our customers can rely on Asharami for responsible and seamless supply,” he stated.

Sobanjo commended IATA for leading the charge towards sustainability in the sector as all stakeholders continue to work towards enhancing safety and reducing emissions.

He spoke on growth factors for the Nigerian market,saying the sector would benefit from adequate refining capacity, Forex stability, cheaper sources of funds and infrastructure development.

He noted that achieving stability in the foreign exchange market would impact the Jet fuel market positively by reducing product cost, solving the liquidity issues facing the airlines and help with the repatriation of the investment made by foreign airlines which would spur further investments.

“Suppliers need to be able to access credit at the right price as this would help to facilitate investments in essential infrastructure like tank farms, bowsers, and trucks. This would enhance operational capabilities and logistical efficiency, thereby supporting long-term growth and healthy competitiveness in the sector,” he stated.

Sobanjo advocated the need for investment in infrastructure through sundry Public-Private Partnerships and collaboration among all stakeholders, including IATA, airlines, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, petroleum marketers, to drive sustainable regulation, growth, and development of the sector.

admin by — June 18, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0