All Posts in "Month: September 2024"

You’re Jealous Of My Achievements,Fubara Replies Wike

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that those antagonising his administration have continued to express frustration at seeing how firmly the affairs of State have been conducted, and the milestones achieved.

 

 

He accused such people of being determined to lay hold on the soul of Rivers State to control it as their personal estate, but insisted that his administration has taken it already to secure it as commonly owned by all Rivers people.

 

 

 

He spoke at the Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service organised as part of activities marking the 64th Independence Day Celebration of Nigeria at St. Paul’s Cathedral of the Anglican Communion at Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

 

 

 

 

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Nelson Chukwudi, the governor tated for the record in order to correct the wrong narrative peddled in some quarters, and explained that he signed the contractual sum of N200 billion loan papers from Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15-kilometer dual carriage Port Harcourt Ring Road as a project started by his administration.

 

 

 

 

He also stated that his administration is embarking on the construction of the actual Trans-Kalabari Road project worth N225.1 billion, plus the General Hospitals together with the Psychiatric Hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, among others, which nobody can lay claims to at all, adding that the projects were being funded without borrowing.

 

 

 

 

He said:”They even say, they don’t know what we are doing. Let me remind them, it is Fubara that signed the paper to borrow from Zenith Bank the N200billion for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. So, it is my project.

 

 

 

 

“It is Fubara that awarded the Trans-Kalabari Road that they couldn’t do. They did only a bridge from Krakrama, but I am the one doing it: the complete span, and it is N225billion. I didn’t borrow.

 

 

 

“It is this same Fubara that is building a General Hospital, which I also included a Psychiatric Hospital because they will need it very soon. So, tell them that what I did in 1 year is what they did in 8 years.

 

 

“It is only empty container that makes noise. If God has given you opportunity, eat your plantain and keep quiet. God will continue to give us the strength to do the best for our people, without fear.”

 

 

 

Governor Fubara insisted that if they continue to deride the grace of God on his life, they will continue to struggle for needless public recognition or approval that depicts how much they have fallen out of grace themselves.

 

 

He explained that his policy in office is not to embark of mere jamboree of groundbreaking for projects but assured that any project started will be inaugurated and actually put to public use.

 

 

 

He said: “Very soon, you will see what we are doing. It is not about doing roads to your business interest. I don’t have any business interest. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it for the people of Rivers State.

 

 

 

“We will not take any decision that we cannot defend. We won’t be part of anything that will bring any form of disgrace to our dear state. This State is important to us. It is the only thing that we have.

 

 

 

 

“It is the beautiful pride. That is why they are struggling, coupled with the improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we have done. That is why they are struggling, we know. But, do it with modesty, you don’t need to destroy the house.”

 

 

 

He also said: “The frustration you are seeing in their faces today is about this point we have gotten to. So, please, be strong. All the Babylonians that we are seeing today, you will not see them again.

 

 

 

 

“God has a reason for allowing the devil or the evil one to stay long. It is not that He can’t take him or take them away but He gives them time to repent. And when they continue, He will come heavily, and then, they would say, it would have been better that they had left when they had time. That will be our story in this State.

 

 

 

“But, you see, anybody that is making noise for recognition, it is a sign that he has lost it. By the special grace of God, I don’t need introduction. I have the name, and I am the one standing here.”

 

 

 

Also, Governor Fubara said: “So, please, I will beg everyone of you, God has given us this opportunity, we must safeguard it. They are the ones looking for a way to destroy it.

 

 

 

“They didn’t believe we will get to this point, and I can tell you I had a reason for inviting all the candidates for the local government election for this service.”

 

 

 

 

Governor Fubara emphasised: “As a matter of fact, I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but I know that there will be election that I am conducting. So, I have to invite you to come and receive prayers. And little did I know, the Bishop gave you the prayers.

 

 

 

“For those of you that are going to participate in the election, please, I want the election to be peaceful, very important. When you emerge, our major concern is the people. Care for the people. We have taken Rivers State into a different driveway.”

 

 

 

Governor Fubara dispelled any fears lurking in the minds of Rivers people concerning the political crisis that erupted in the State, and assured that the most difficult stage of that experience had been overcome.

 

 

 

 

He said most of the decisions taken by his administration may not have been popular but added that they were necessary if the State must be protected from the detractors.

 

He urged everyone to join hands with his administration to tackle the big task of securing the soul of the State, and make it a proud place for all Rivers people.

 

 

 

 

He added, “And I tell you, with due respect my Dean, when you said our National Anthem was changed, for me, I like this new one, more especially where it says – a nation built, where no man is oppressed – it is so unique.

 

 

 

 

“And if that is where I stand, you should understand, I can’t be a party to oppressing anybody. And for the fact that I can’t be a party to oppress anybody, by the special grace of God, nobody can oppress me. Please, we need to join hands together to sustain and develop our State.

 

 

 

 

“So, don’t be scared of anything, we have gone past the most difficult stage. That is the truth, we have gone past it. A few of our decisions might not be favourable but we have to move on as a family.

 

 

 

“Because at this time, what is important is to protect the soul of this State. It does not belong to anyone. Rivers State is nobody’s enterprise. So, you have to stand strong and fight.”

 

 

 

 

 

The Governor identified one of the greatest challenges facing the State,and Nigeria, which is the issue of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism that have taken a hard toll on the national economy.

 

 

 

 

He insisted that such acts of economic sabotage should not be allowed to continue, and urged traditional rulers to ensure they end such acts from happening in their domains.

 

 

 

He spoke on sustaining the process as a government to engage those youths and communities, including the security agencies to ensure the situation is salvaged.

 

 

 

 

He said, “The security agencies, they are doing their best. As a government, we are also planning to have a special committee to tackle this problem.

 

 

 

“We need to improve the level of our production. That is the only way that we can get out of this situation. The situation is bad. There is no two ways about it. But we must come together as one to support what the centre is doing, so our lives can change.”

 

 

 

Governor Fubara pointed to the fact that: “We must protect our national treasures. The only thing we have now is this oil. Rivers and Bayelsa are the flashpoints, and because of that, it is affecting the level of production, and in turn, affecting the output and the revenue we make.

 

 

 

“Nigeria needs money now, the only way we can save Nigeria from this situation is increased production. Please, I am begging everyone, more especially the leaders of the most impacted local governments: Degema and Emohua. The traditional rulers that are covering these areas, you must do something about it.”

 

 

 

 

Governor Fubara expressed delight for the opportunity of marking another Nigerian Independence Day Anniversary in office in a few days.

 

 

 

 

He recalled that about a year ago, he was in church on such day, and had sang a particular song that stated that: ‘from the beginning to the end, there is no place for argument, you are God and God by yourself.’

 

 

 

 

 

He said most people did not quiet connect to the spiritual meaning of the song because they had sang it as one of those regular songs sung in church but added that God started working in his favour from then, and had showed Himself mightily.

 

 

 

“So, we want to say that our marking this Independence Day is very special. Special, because we symbolise peace and our prayer for this State is peace. And in extension, because of our peaceful disposition, we strongly believe that things should be done right, and when it is done right, from here Nigeria will get better.

 

 

 

 

 

“This celebration today is for a purpose. It coincided with what happened last year. So, I assure you of our support to make all the plans come to reality. We will get there, and we are already there. God does not start and stop half way. He takes you to the end.”

 

 

 

Governor Fubara said he has always stood on the path of truth, and will not need anybody to apologize on his behalf for doing the right things for the good of the State.

 

 

He said: As a matter of fact, I belong to that school of thought that if I am the only person that needs to stand on that side of right, I will stand there. I don’t need anybody to stand with me.

 

 

 

“I cannot give my kidney or liver to anybody, I won’t. If that is the only reason for me to be loyal, I will not be. But, I will not do the wrong thing. I will stand for the side of right.

 

 

 

“I make bold to say it, there is no security agency in this State that I have called any day to go and do something wrong. I have never. I don’t need for it. But I know what they do, and they keep failing because God has left them.”

 

 

 

Preaching at the service on the topic: “Navigating the odds in our nation, Nigeria”, the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah bemoaned Nigeria at its 64th Independence anniversary, saying it seemed like a country under siege wherein its citizens are held up as captives with no hope brighter than noonday to expect.

 

 

 

 

Archbishop Enyindah, who is also the Bishop, Diocese of Ikwerre, and Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, blamed leaders across sectors, particularly political leaders for the nation’s woes because, according to him, instead of liberating the people from social, economical and political imprisonment, they accentuate poverty, economic hardship and soaring prices of goods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cleric said if political leaders stop enacting irrelevant policies that exercipate chaos, resist the temptation of perpetuating themselves in office, and judicial officers breaking away from issuing conflicting judgments that promote miscarriage of justice, a new culture where everybody does what is right will emerge, and Nigeria will truly become the country it should be.

Online Editor by — September 30, 2024 in Politics 0
SEC Vows Sanction On Illegal Fund Managers

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission has warned entities engaged in illegal fund management activities to desist forthwith or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

 

 

 

Director General of the Securities and Exchnage Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama stated this weekend in Abuja as the Commission prepares to hold the World Investor Week 2024 from
October 7-14 with the theme “Technology and digital Finance, Crypto Assets and sustainable Finance”.

 

 

 

 

World Investor Week is a global initiative of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) established to raise financial literacy among the general public.

 

 

 

Activities lined up for the week-long events include Bell Ringing Ceremonies, Panel Discussions, Investor Outreach as well as Investor Clinics at the SEC Head office and all its zonal offices.

 

 

 

The SEC DG said the Commission’s enforcement mechanisms will be fully deployed to fish out anyone that is perpetrating illegal activities within the investment climate in Nigeria.

 

 

 

According to him, “Section 13(a) of the Investments and Securities Act 2007, states that the SEC has the power to regulate Investments and Securities business in Nigeria. So within the law, we have the powers to do so.

 

 

 

 

“What we are doing is strengthening our enforcement mechanism in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Justice. This serves as a notice to anyone not playing by the books to desist or face the law.

 

 

 

 

He assured that the SEC is prepared to protect investors and also educate them, which will translate into confidence in the market, while also superintending over public companies to ensure that good corporate governance is imbibed in their administration.

 

 

 

 

He explained that the aim of the world investor week is to provide information to investors, to educate them on investing in the Nigerian capital market, and the opportunities available therein in order to democratize wealth.

 

 

 

 

He said “During the week-long events, we will be reaching out to everyone that is interested and needs to know some of the plans and strategies that the SEC has in place to attract more investors to the market.

 

 

 

“One of the major plans within the WIW is investor education. You cannot overrule the value and essence of education. A lot of people are not aware of investment opportunities or investment windows, not because they don’t want to invest, but because they just don’t know.

 

 

 

 

“So the idea of the World Investor Week is to bring to fore the opportunities that exist, rights of the investor and the dispute resolution mechanisms that are available in case they have those challenges, and also to let them understand the value of investments and preparing for the rainy day”.

 

 

 

Agama expressed the need for investors to be aware of priority investments, risky investments, the rewards of risky investments and the investments that are less risky.

 

 

 

“The point is, people have to know exactly what their appetite is. It’s not everyone that has a strong risk appetite. So you need to understand that if you do not have a strong risk appetite, there is an investment meant for you, but if you have a strong risk appetite, there is also an investment meant for you.

 

 

 

“Therefore, having that education and being able to reach out to an investment advisor when you are not sure is a critical part of educating you not to get burnt again. With the right education, even when you are burnt, you know you are burnt for a good reason”,Agama stated.

 

 

 

He said the SEC will leverage social media and other traditional media channels to reach out to the populace in a bid to further educate and enlighten them.

 

 

 

 

He restated plans by the Commission to establish a capital market radio that will disseminate information on the capital market and investment opportunities available therein to Nigerians in the grassroots.

 

 

 

 

“Besides that, we are also incorporating capital market studies into the curriculum of tertiary institutions, so that these students can be taught and nurtured from the cradle on the value of the capital market in wealth creation and economic development”, he added.

Online Editor by — September 30, 2024 in Regulators 0
FG Gives 64 CNG Buses To Labour,NANS

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Federal Government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

 

 

The buses will significantly reduce transportation costs in the country, bringing hope for a more affordable and efficient public transport system,Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy said in a statement on Sunday.

 

 

According to the statement,the handover of the buses took place at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

 

 

 

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, led the government delegation that included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

 

 

Edun described the distribution of the buses as fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide affordable and efficient transportation to support Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidies under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).

 

 

He emplained that this initiative aims to alleviate the burden on the poor and vulnerable and support macroeconomic reforms that would position the country on the path to economic stability.

 

 

He further explained that the symbolic handover of 64 buses on the eve of Nigeria’s National Day marks the beginning of a broader national rollout, with the plan to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the first instance.

 

 

He added that the CNG initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy while leveraging its energy resources for industrialisation.

 

 

”Today marks another critical milestone in the policies of President Tinubu. It is a transition to cleaner fuel. It is for Nigerians. The emphasis is on mass transit. The minister said there is an emphasis on intervening on the side of workers so that they have cheaper transport to cope with rising prices”.

 

 

He also highlighted the CNG initiative’s impact on inflation, saying:‘We’ve had an initial spike in inflation, now it has peaked, and it is coming down. Mr President and the whole team are determined to ensure that we keep inflation coming down, and this is one of the major ways.”

 

 

 

He noted that the fuel cost for CNG-powered vehicles is about one-third of the fuel for petrol-powered vehicles.

 

 

He said motorists can now pay as low as N15,000 to fill a tank instead of N50,000 or more.

 

 

”Today, it is CNG. Tomorrow, it will be helping farmers to cope with the remainder of the wet season planting and then the dry season planting, starting from November, with fertiliser, inputs, seeds, and herbicides.

 

 

”This is all to get prices down and get the economy moving again, ”he said.

 

 

The Secretary-General and Chief Executive of TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro; NANS president, Comrade Lucky Emonefe; and the Head of International Desk, NLC, Comrade Uche Ekwe, commended President Tinubu for the gesture. They called for more CNG buses to be made available to the public.

 

 

Toro thanked the President for implementing the N70,000 new national minimum wage.

 

 

 

”This move is a significant step in alleviating the economic burden of Nigerian workers”,he said.

 

 

NANS President Comrade Emonefe praised the government for its commitment to education and student welfare, citing the provision of a student loan scheme for higher education.

 

 

“Nigerian students are happy to be celebrating the 64th anniversary of independence. We are not only happy with the CNG buses; we believe that the current President loves the welfare of students and has shown his commitment to this.

 

 

The NLC representative noted that the benefits of the CNG buses would become more apparent once more buses are deployed across the country.

 

 

”If we get more buses, the effect will translate immediately to Nigerians. If people start entering these buses, they will publicise it in the public and their neighbourhood,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, said that since its establishment one year ago, over 125 conversion centres have been established, compared to the initial seven.

 

 

 

He said investment in the sector has exceeded $175 million, with 12 new mother stations commissioned and 75 more under construction.

 

 

 

Technician training is being ramped up, with 40 new technicians trained weekly. Over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, with more than half already distributed.

 

 

 

He said vehicle conversions are taking place at 53 centres in eight states,adding that the centres would be expanded to all the 36 states and the FCT.

Online Editor by — September 30, 2024 in News 0
Governor Fintiri’s Successor

 

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

 

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri recently stated that his successor must be a grassroots politician. So, to all grassroots politicians, are you prepared and ready?

 

 

 

Whether or not you agree with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that he delivered an impressive performance in just five years.

 

 

 

His leadership style, marked by decisiveness and a strategic approach, has left a lasting impact on Adamawa State.

 

 

 

Three key factors contributed to his success: first, he has a deep understanding of local politics at the grassroots level. This knowledge allowed him to manage diverse interests, bringing various stakeholders together while effectively navigating the political landscape. He knows how to utilize power not just to control, but to drive progress and development as well as the political power itself .

 

 

 

Second, Fintiri is known for making bold decisions without hesitation, a quality that sets him apart from many political leaders who are often bogged down by fear or indecision. Whether in policy formulation or tackling difficult issues, he has consistently shown the courage to take risks where necessary.

 

 

However, boldness doesn’t equate to rashness. Fintiri rarely rushes critical decisions, opting instead for careful deliberation. He balances this decisiveness with a thoughtful approach, ensuring resources are allocated judiciously across various sectors, leading to sustainable development and equitable growth.

 

 

 

Finally, while he can be measured and calculated in his decision-making, Fintiri is also forthright. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his views openly, making him a leader who is both pragmatic and real. This combination of boldness, caution, and openness has earned him recognition on a national level, bringing Adamawa into greater prominence.

 

 

 

Recently, in Rivers State, Fintiri expressed his political views but remained balanced as a leader. That is how a true leader speaks.

 

 

 

For Fintiri’s successor, the road ahead will be marked by both challenge and opportunity—a situation that could be described as sweet-bitter. The primary challenge will be following in the footsteps of a highly successful leader.

 

 

 

 

Succeeding a high performer often comes with the burden of high expectations. The new leader will be required to exceed Governor Fintiri’s accomplishments, as merely matching them or falling short would likely be seen as a failure. This catch-22 is often the hardest part of leadership transitions—especially when the predecessor has set a high bar.

 

 

On the flip side,there is a significant advantage. Fintiri has laid a strong foundation, which includes efficient tools, systems, and a skilled human resource base.

 

 

 

Governor Fintiri’s successor will have the opportunity to build on these assets, improving where needed while inheriting a well-established structure. With the right approach, he or she can take Adamawa to even greater heights.

 

 

 

Fintiri’s understanding of politics in Adamawa has been straightforward—he sees it as the art of balancing interests, driven by fairness and people’s rights. His ability to manage conflicting interests while making decisive moves has been key to his success.

 

 

 

Bold yet measured, he has used resources to create visible impacts, from infrastructural developments to social programs, all of which have put Adamawa in the national spotlight. His performance will give his successor a powerful momentum to capitalize on.

 

 

 

However, the whoever succeeds Governor Fintiri must recognize the weight of expectation that comes with succeeding a well-regarded and high-performing predecessor. It will require both vision and strategy to maintain the trajectory and deliver even greater results.

 

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, zaymohd@yahoo.com, 08036070980

Online Editor by — September 30, 2024 in Opinion 0
Fubara’s Kinsmen Beg Wike

      Mohammed Shosanya

 The Ijaw ethnic nationality under the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO) has apologised to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the misdeeds of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.

They spoke through the Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Boma Iyaye, Rivers Ijaw,who openly apologized to Wike and told him to disregard the misbehaviour of an individual and continue to relate with the Ijaw people.

Iyaye begged Wike not to judge the Ijaws on Rivers through the behaviour of one person.

He said: “I want to apologize to you for what our son is doing to you. We are sorry. It is not in our nature to pay good with evil. Don’t because of this bad behavior and run away from us.

“Continue to be our brother. It is not  because we fail exam we won’t repeat it again. We are not ungrateful people. That is why we  are celebrating you”.

The stakeholders spoke in unison during a civic reception they organised at Amadi-Ama, Abuloma, Okrika Local Government Area of the state to honour the Minister.

The reception  attracted Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, politicians among others from Ijaw dominated local government areas of Rivers.

All known Ijaw cultural dance troupes and wrestling groups were in display to welcome Wike, whom they said Ijaw would eternally remain grateful to for producing from among them a governor and influencing the appointments of their sons and daughters at the federal level.

The FCT Minister was accompanied to the event by the Petroleum Minister, State, Heineken Lokpobiri; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; former governors and members of the G5, Samuel Ortom, Benue; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu and Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.

Wike mocked the camp of the governor for opting for the APP as their alternative political party.

He said: “Imagine in Rivers they are contemplating APP. It is not about  money. Money does not move. You can have all the money but if there is no capacity there is no capacity.

“All the things you see are people envious of our growth. We have defeated them severally and if opportunity comes again we will defeat them

“We have not started politics, when the time comes we will play politics. Our job is politics. Tell them to keep their party ready. We will teach them what is called politics”.

Wike, who called all House of Assembly members representing Ijaw extraction to join him on the stage,saying of then 12 of them 10 were supporting the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.

He said the 10 were against the alleged abuse of the constitution and non performance of the governor.

Wike said it was not true that Ijaw people were fighting him but that few ungrateful people among the ethnic nationality were put up such disposition.

He said: “It is an interesting occasion. Why they honoured me. Many people go and speak on TV as if they are representing Ijaw. Ten Ijaw lawmakers out of 12 are saying that the governor has done infractions of the Constitution.

“These are people representing Ijaw in the Assembly and they are saying that he is not doing well. If anybody tells you that Ijaw people are fighting me. It is not true. It is just few ungrateful Ijaw people.

If a father has 12 children one can be an armed robber, does it mean all of them are armed robbers?”

Wike described the crisis period in Rivers as a time for some people to enrich themselves adding that such persons see the state government as a big market.

He said someone from Delta State spoke about Ijaw governor but that he told the person to emulate him and make an Ijaw person a governor in Delta.

The Minister said: “There is a big market and some people are rushing to the market. Soon, they will come back and say there is nothing good in the market. I have friends in Ijaw and they haven’t betrayed me.

“Somebody was talking about Ijaw governor and I told the person you are from Delta make an Ijaw person governor in Delta. I have made an Ijaw man governor of Rivers State. Who loves Ijaw more. Is it people who appear on TV.

“If they were that strong, since after the old Rivers state has an Ijaw man become governor. Where were they? I am an Ikwerre man but I sat down and said for political conviviality and unity let’s go this way.

“They said why should I bring an Opobo man that Opobo is not the real Ijaw. Now food is ready and Opobo has become the real Ijaw. This is leadership of the stomach”.

Wike said persons, who initially told him that they would not serve him, the master, and still serve, the servant, Fubara, were the ones running to the servant in pursuit of their stomach.

He said: “They are not fighting me. I am too big. If you don’t recognize someone bigger than you, know you are sick. I am far bigger and all of them put together they can’t withstand it”.

Alluding to the Edo State election, Wike wondered why people were faced with examination but they chose to be concerned about his Rivers State PDP structures.

He said: “You have exam and instead of you to concentrate on the exam you are going to do protest now you have failed and you said teacher failed you.

“They went to the TV to say I made them fail. Go and carry your problem. It is a lesson to others. Don’t touch Rivers. It is a special state. Continue to be united for the interest of Rivers. Don’t lose hope. We must continue to work together”.

Wike observed that his rivals had not won any matter they had instituted against members of the state House of Assembly describing Fubara’s camp as disorganized.

He confirmed that his detractors sent some thugs with dynamites to attack the venue of the event, but that the police caught the suspects.

Wike said the people would hear from him through their leaders the next line of action adding they would continue to support the administration of President Tinubu

He said: “Every mater they had instituted against you have the won anyone? They are the ones that go to court, they are the ones that keep losing. When people are not organized, you can’t get a good result.

“We are very organized. When you see our legal team, you know we have a legal team. Don’t be afraid. Having God on our side, we would continue to be victorious. We believe in the unity of this state.

“They sent some boys with dynamites to come and dynamite here but police arrested them. This one is now known. Let me see how they would hide it. Where the Minister of FCT and governors are coming they sent boys to dynamite here. Let me see how they release them.

“The fact that we chose to be law-abiding. We will continue to support the administration of President Tinubu. I can come home any time because I stand tall to challenge anybody.

“The Ring road was me. I initiated them thinking that we would work together. They are now bragging they are the ones. I have gone to Abuja to repeat what I did in the state. Go and see the testimony.

“Lastly, all of us we are together. At the appropriate time, our leaders will come and I will tell you the next line of action. I know today they will not sleep”.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said he was a direct beneficiary of Wike’s benevolence.

“I am a direct beneficiary of your goodwill. We thank you for what you have done for Ijaw people. You are instrumental for me being the MD. While we are transiting, you supported me and brought a brother to work with me.

“The Ijaws have no reason to complain because we now have MD and Director of Finance and Administration. I am standing here to say thank you. You have displayed unalloyed loyalty and support for Mr. President.

“You supported him to ensure he won his election and that his administration succeeds. I am also committing my support to you. We know you love the Ijaw. I saw the series of appointments and majority are sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation”.

On his part, Lokpobiri said Wike made his appointment possible disclosing that the discussions that gave him the appointment started at Wike’s home in Port Harcourt and ended at FCT Minister’s Abuja house.

He said: “I am proud to be here. My kinsmen from Rivers have identified the strategic help, leadership and partnership between Wike and the Ijaw people. He made my appointment possible. My case was a more direct role.

“It started in his house in Port Harcourt and was concluded in his house in Abuja. It is important to complete this history. We have a brother and a friend. It is better to have a good friend than to have a bad brother. A bad brother is of no use. But a good brother is a blessing.

“Let me on behalf of Ijaw people express our gratitude to you. We will always be grateful to you for what you have done and we are looking forward to you to do more.

“We are not known for betraying people. You are not just a leader of Rivers, apart from President Tinubu I don’t know any other leader that plays the role you play. You are our leader. One of the few national leaders and we are proud to associate with you”.

Speaking on behalf of the G5, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, described Wike as a good man, who would never abandon his friends.

“We appreciate God for Wike and we appreciate Ijaw people for this reception. He is a good man and a good friend and brother. He will not abandon his friend and brother at the time of his needs. We appreciate Mr. President for appointing you the Minister and we appreciate you for not disappointing Mr. President. We pray for you”, he said.

The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri described the celebration as an honor and a means to build peace in Rivers.

He said as one of the leaders of the PDP, they would continue to look for ways to reconcile Wike and the governor.

Fintiri said: “He is a very good man. I thank the Ijaw people for organising this reception in honour of what the leader is doing. It is not easy to recognize someone doing good in this country.

“This celebration is an honor and a way means to build on the peace of Rivers. This honour sends a message that what is happening is temporary. It will send a message to Fubara to come and reconcile with his master.

“We will continue to work with Wike and the G5. It is not easy for a man to stand tall and build bridges across this country. Wike has built people and made friends all over. He had worked.

“Most of us are challenged by what we have come to see in Rivers. I picked this challenge from Wike. You have a son that you will continuously celebrate. We will continue as leaders of our party to see that we build a reconciliation between Wike and your governor”.

Online Editor by — September 28, 2024 in Politics 0
NTA Gets 7  New Executive Directors

       Mohammed Shosanya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed seven executive directors for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Bayo Onanuga,Special Adviser to the President(Information & Strategy),announced the new appointment in a statement on Saturday.
The new directors are:
1. Ayo Adewuyi — Reappointed Executive Director, News.
2. Bar. Ibrahim Aliyu — Executive Director, Special Duties – Legal Practitioner
3. Malam Muhammed Fatuhu Mustapha — Executive Director, Administration and Training
4. Mrs Apinke Effiong — Executive Director, Finance. An expert in financial marketing with treasury, management accounting and reporting skills.
5. Mrs Tari Taylaur– Executive Director, Programme. An audio/visual creator, producer and showrunner.
6. Mr Sadique Musa Omeiza – Executive Director, Engineering
7. Mrs Oluwakemi  Fashina – Executive Director, Marketing. An integrated marketing communications professional and chartered marketer.
Online Editor by — September 28, 2024 in News 0
How Tinubu’s Directives Increased Oil Output To 1.7m bpd-NNPC Ltd

 

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has revealed that the directives to nip in the bud pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in oil producing communities issued by President Bola Tinubu to security agencies has increased the country’s crude oil production from 1.4 million barrels per day, to 1.7 million barrels per day.

 

Besides,the company has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s crude production would get to 3million per day “With expected synergy from all the relevant stakeholders on war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, required enabling environment.”

 

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja at a stakeholders engagement session with journalists covering the National Assembly.

Soneye,who said the development is attainable with support from all stakeholders, added: “3million barrels oil production per day is achievable in Nigeria if all the stakeholders work in snergy for that purpose from the security agencies both government and private owned , to oil companies and host communities.

With expected synergy from all the relevant stakeholders on war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, required enabling environment,would be in place for optimal oil production to the volume of 2.5 to 3million barrels per day.”

 

He disclosed that earlier oil production went down to 900,000 barrels per day due to the activities of criminal on oil installations.

This trend,according to him,changed with the involvement of private security agencies and renewed efforts of the military.

 

He added:“At that time, we felt Nigeria was in trouble as far as oil theft was concerned but the intensity of war against it has allayed our fears.”

 

In a power point presentation on the menace of crude oil theft and its impact on Nigeria’s economy by Deputy Manager, NNPC Command and Control Centre , Murtala Muhammad , said the crime of oil theft ,remains a serious concern .

 

Soneye disclosed that over 8,000 illegal refineries and 5, 800 illegal oil pipeline connections were detected and destroyed in the last six months .

 

He listed Bayelsa , Rivers , Imo, Abia etc ,to be hot spots of the crime .

 

In his paper presentation on:”Balancing Reporting and Nation Building : The Role of National Assembly Press Corps’, the resource person , Professor Taiye Obateru, emphasized on fairness and national interest in all stories .

Online Editor by — September 28, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Total Energies E&P Donates Solar Reading Lamps To Rivers Students

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

Total Energies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited,has distributed 251 rechargeable solar reading lamps to students of host communities in Rivers who are preparing for Secondary School Certificate Examination.

 

Presenting the lamps, Managing Director of the company, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, reaffirmed the organization’s readiness to develop the host communities, especially the welfare of children at the grassroots.

 

The items were delivered on Friday at Akabuka in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers state.

 

Represented by Mr Godspower Nwachukwu, General Manager, Community Affairs, Bouyer said that the gesture was part of efforts to boost education in local communities.

 

According to him,the benefiting schools – Government Secondary School, Akabuka and Community Secondary School, Oboburu – were randomly selected through a credible voting by the donors.

 

He added:”Total Energies remains committed not only to the provision of cleaner, cheaper and more accessible energy, but also to the sustainable development of its host countries and communities, especially the welfare of children.

”The company is particularly passionate about this as it aligns with our sustainable development drive, especially levers 4 and 5, which highlight the importance we place on the sustainability of the communities we serve and the way we care for the people.”

 

Responding,Mr Uti Uche,Principal, Government Secondary School, Akabuka, commended the company for the donation and advised beneficiaries to use the facilities to enhance their reading abilities.

 

One of the beneficiaries, Oki Emmanuel, who is the Head Prefect of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, thanked the donors for their kindness and promised to make good use of the facilities

Online Editor by — September 28, 2024 in Education 0
Alleged Round-Tripping:Lawmakers Seek Probe,Audit Of GTBank 

   Mohammed Shosanya
Ten members of the House of Representatives under the aegis of Concerned Lawmakers for Economic Stability (CLES),have petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),calling for thorough investigation, audit of GTBank over an alleged  1 trillion Naira fictitious profit, and round-tripping.
Recall that the President of Arewa Consultative Youth Movement, Yusuf Kabiru, had along some interested parties, demanded for a forensic audit of the bank.
Kabiru and his group also urged the suspension of Segun Agbaje to allow for a holistic audit of the institution.
A petition dated 25 September, and addressed to the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, CLES reportedly acknowledged “receipt of complaints from their constituents concerning the unlawful, exorbitant, and incessant deductions from their accounts domiciled with GTbank.”
The petition reportedly signed by Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Salman Idris, Hon. Joshua Audu Gana, Hon. Afam Ogene and 5 others, the concerned lawmakers, highlighted the effect of the allegations on investors’ confidence.
It also urged investigation into the accusations, as it called on the CBN to invoke its powers in this regard.
The lawmakers emphasized the need for the Apex bank to set up a probe and audit team to look into the records of the institution.
The petition read in part:”This complaint is coming from the backdrop of the fact that Nigerians and indeed customers of the Bank are going through economic turmoil and we wonder why a bank, whose customers have invested and deposited their savings and funds would subject their customers to further economic hardship and pains.
“As lawmakers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we believe strongly that these acts of GTB are nothing but unwholesome practices with their attendant negative effect on customers’ and investors’ and will subsequently erode public trust and confidence in the banking sector and in government generally.
“This petition becomes even more expedient given the fact that there have been several petitions by members of the public against Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc and the Bank itself requesting for a forensic investigation and audit bothering on allegations of fictitious reporting of profits amounting to 1 trillion Naira, utilization of family members as fronts for illicit activities, ground-tripping schemes, fraud, corruption. money laundering, economic sabotage, and destabilization of efforts of indigenous companies.
“These allegations are weighty and suggestive of deceptive accounting practices to artificially inflate profit figures and in order cover these schemes, the Bank makes a turnaround move with unwarranted, unexplained, irregular and unlawful incessant: and exorbitant deductions of customers’ funds and the wholesome unethical banking practices that characterize the bank.
“Granted,it is a fact that the Nigerian banking sector, like other sectors of the economy, is going through a very difficult time and this is because, apart from the inflationary effects of Nigeria’s current economic challenges which naturally discourages savings, the spike in the cost of operations amid the current energy crisis and cost of petroleum product is putting undue pressure on banks to significantly cut their cost and grow their revenue.
“However, it is worrisome that most of these customers of these Banks are salary earners,  business traders, peasant farmers, artisans and the likes which has further exposed these customers to several degrees of online banking sharp practices.
“The complains suggest that GTB and GICO under the management and leadership of Segun Agbaje not only undermine investors’ confidence but also pose a significant threat to the stability of our financial system and as such requires a swift intervention of your good offices to consider for investigation the unending complaints of customers of GTB of the unwarranted, unexplained, and unlawful incessant and exorbitant deductions of customers” funds, whilst placing Mr. Segun Agbaje under suspension pending the outcome of the investigation in line with your powers under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.
“It is at the backdrop of the foregoing that we collectively present this petition to your offices for urgent consideration. Accept our assurances of the highest esteem.”

 

Online Editor by — September 27, 2024 in News 0
Borno Flood:Access Holdings Supports Victims With ₦1bn

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

Access Holdings Plc,has announced a donation of over ₦1 billion to assist with relief and recovery efforts in Maiduguri, through its banking vertical – Access Bank Plc.

 

 

 

The announcement was made during a visit of the Group’s delegates, led by Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, to the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri,a statement said on Friday.

 

 

The donation, which comes in response to the devastating floods that have severely impacted the region, is aimed at providing both immediate and long-term respite.

 

 

According to the statement,Access Holdings’ contribution will be allocated as ₦500 million in cash to support the state government’s on-the-ground response efforts, ₦500 million for the restoration of critical infrastructure damaged by the flood, as well as essential food supplies to ensure the most vulnerable receive care.

 

 

 

Speaking at the meeting, Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to supporting the people of Borno, restating a pledge to impact lives of communities where the institution operates,the statement quoted.

 

 

“At Access Holdings, we believe in positively impacting the communities we serve, not only as a financial institution, but as a family that cares deeply for its people. We recognise the resilience of the people of Borno, and we are committed to providing the support necessary to overcome this difficult time.

 

 

“This donation is not merely about the funding; it is about offering immediate succour to families and individuals, who have been affected, while also contributing to local economic resurgence and long-term resilience through the restoration of essential infrastructure,” said Agbede.

 

 

 

 

Governor Babagana Zulum,who received the Access Holdings delegation, expressed appreciation for the donation and the company’s swift response to the crisis.

 

 

 

“We are moved by the generosity and commitment shown by Access Holdings and Access Bank during this critical time. This donation of ₦1 billion is appreciated during this challenging time and will be judiciously utilised to impact the lives of all those who have been affected by the incident.

 

 

 

“The restoration of our hospitals and essential services will strengthen our resilience, while the food relief will provide immediate comfort to families and individuals in distress. Truly, this support speaks to the importance of cooperation between the government, and the private sector in improving the lives of our local communities,” said Zulum.

 

 

 

Online Editor by — September 27, 2024 in Banking&Finance 0