All Posts in "Day: October 30, 2024"

Don’t Engage In Panic Buying Of Petrol,MEMAN Cautions Motorists

   Mohammed Shosanya

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria,has cautioned Nigerians against panic buying of fuel, saying its members have enough stock of the product.

Clement Isong,the association’s Chief Executive Officer ,gave the advice in a statement against the backdrop of perceived scarcity in the petroleum supply market.

He said: “MEMAN wishes to assure the general public and all stakeholders that we have significant stocks of products in our tanks and/or access to significant stocks of products in the tanks of our suppliers (including Dangote Refinery and NNPC Trading Limited), and a clear line of sight on future supplies for all petroleum products.

According to him,the benefit of diversification of supply and deregulation is that diligent marketers can plan and book in advance for their supply needs and make adequate adjustments and alternative arrangements in advance to avoid product outages.

MEMAN,he said, does not envisage any outages of petroleum products in the immediate future or in the near term.

He added:”We urge the public not to panic-buy petroleum products, as our supply efficiency continues to improve, and logistics optimization begin to set in”.

He assured that the association’s members would continue to do all within their power to optimize their supply and logistics costs and efficiency to ensure the highest level of availability, accessibility and affordability for their customers in the increasingly competitive environment.

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Rivers:Three Police Inspectors Arrested For Extorting Motorists

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Rivers State Police Command says three inspectors have been arrested for extorting motorists under the Rumuokoro Flyover in Port Harcourt.

 

 

 

The state police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko,who confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the three Police officers were arrested following a coordinated monitoring patrol by operatives from the Commissioner of Police  team, Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit.

 

 

 

Iringe-Koko said the misconduct of the erring officers were captured on video via a mobile phone.

 

 

 

 

She identified the accused as Inspector Sarah Anendei, Inspector Caroline Promise, and Inspector Christiana Jatau.

 

 

 

 

She further disclosed that the arrested officers have be detained and are awaiting appropriate disciplinary measures, reiterating the command’s zero tolerance stance for inappropriate conducts by officers.

 

 

 

 

She said: “The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three of its officers following a coordinated monitoring patrol by operatives from the Commissioner of Police  team, CP Monitoring Unit on October 29, 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

“The operation, conducted under the Rumuokoro Flyover around 3 pm, led to the arrest of Inspector Sarah Anendei, Inspector Caroline Promise, and Inspector Christiana Jatau, who were caught engaging in a corrupt practice against innocent motorists under the flyover.

 

 

 

 

“Two of the officers, Inspectors Caroline Promise and Christiana Jatau, were found conducting this unprofessional behaviour while out of uniform, further contravening police standards. Their misconduct was captured on video by a mobile phone, providing clear evidence of their actions.

 

 

 

“During the immediate on-site investigation, the operatives searched the officers and recovered the money taken from the motorists, marking a swift response in upholding ethical practices within the Rivers State Police Command.

 

 

 

“The officers are currently detained and awaiting appropriate disciplinary measures”.

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Reps Okay 14-Year Imprisonment For Sexual Harassment In Higher Institutions

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The House of Representatives has passed a bill targeted at addressing sexual harassment in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

 

 

 

The bill, titled “An Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for Related Matters,”slams heavy penalties on offenders and institutional heads who fail to act on harassment complaints.

 

 

 

Under the proposed law,offenders found guilty of sexual harassment face a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, with a minimum of five years without the option of a fine.

 

 

 

 

Besides,heads of institutions who ignore such complaints may face up to five years in prison or a fine of N5 million.

 

 

 

At a briefing with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday,Akin Rotimi,the bill’s sponsor and spokesperson for the House, emphasized the legislation’s intent to uphold ethical standards in higher education.

 

 

 

He spoke on its role in safeguarding the fiduciary relationship between students and educators, promoting respect for human dignity, and creating a safe learning environment.

 

 

 

“The bill seeks to protect students against sexual harassment by educators, prevent incidents of such harassment, and establish a process for redress.

 

 

 

“Prevention of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions; and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions,”Rotimi stated.

 

 

 

On what constitutes a sexual offence,the bill provides that an educator shall be guilty of committing an offence or a felony of sexual harassment if he/she “engages in any form of unwelcome physical contact or verbal conduct of a sexual nature with a student or prospective student, or demands such conduct, regardless of consent.

 

 

 

 

“Creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment for a student by making unsolicited or inappropriate sexual advances, or by requesting sexual favours.

 

 

 

 

“Directs,facilitates,assists, or encourages another person to engage in any act of sexual harassment as defined under this ill.

 

 

 

 

“Displays sends, or distributes any form of sexually explicit or suggestive material, including images, videos, or objects, to a student through any medium.

 

 

 

“Makes verbal or non-verbal remarks, comments, or gestures of a sexual nature, or any remarks or conduct intended to degrade, humiliate, or body shame a student based on their physical appearance; or engages in stalking, persistent following, or any form of unwanted attention directed at a student, which creates an atmosphere of fear or discomfort.”

 

 

 

 

According to the proposed legislation, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in clause 4 (1), (2) and (3) of this is guilty of an offence of felony and shall, on conviction, be sentenced to an imprisonment term of up to 14 years but not less than five years, without an option of a fine.”

 

 

 

 

 

The bill also provides that “An administrative head of an institution who fails to comply with the provisions of sub-clauses (1) and (2) of this clause of this bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a minimum fine of N5m or imprisonment for 5 years, or both.”

 

 

 

 

Also, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in clause 4 (4), (5) and (6) of this bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to an imprisonment term of up to 5 years but not less than 2 years, without an option of a fine.”

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in News 0
Tinubu Names Oluyede As Acting Chief Of Army Staff

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

 

 

 

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s media aide confirmed the development on Wednesday.

 

 

He said Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

 

 

Onanuga also said until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite  Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

 

 

 

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th  Regular Course.

 

 

 

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

 

 

 

Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer.

 

 

He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

 

General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

 

 

 

Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

 

 

 

Others are;the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

 

 

Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

 

 

He is married and has three children.

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in News 0
Youth Internship Scheme:We’ll Be Transparent,Fair,NDDC Assures

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has assured leaders of Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and stakeholders that the selection of 10,000 beneficiaries of the Commission’s Youth Internship scheme will be transparent and fair.

 

 

 

 

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku,gave the assurance during an engagement with leaders of the ethnic nationalities and youth groups in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

 

 

 

He said that at the close of the registration process on August 31, 2024, over 3.2 million youths had been recorded in the Youth Internship Scheme database, which he described as a transformative initiative that would create lasting change in the lives of young people.

 

 

 

 

 

Ogbuku in a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama on Wednesday, explained that the youths would be attached to organisations for one year to learn different skills, stating that apart from the internship programme, the NDDC had also given more opportunities and hope to Niger Delta youths through an innovative programme called Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, HOPE.

 

 

 

 

He said that Project HOPE had helped the Commission to develop a comprehensive digital repository comprising important information about the youths of the Niger Delta region, including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and current employment status.

 

 

 

He advised Niger Delta youths,who are eagerly waiting for the selection process to be completed, to be patient and shun scammers who were looking for opportunities to extort them.

 

 

 

He added: “We are meticulous about the selection process because we remain committed to transparency and fairness in all programmes and projects.”

 

 

 

He urged the youths to continue supporting the NDDC and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

 

 

 

He restated the commitment of the NDDC to finalise action on the selection of beneficiaries and ensure that their payment commenced in December.

 

 

 

 

 

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council,Ambassador Jonathan Lopkobiri, commended the NDDC for “making genuine efforts to stabilise the Niger Delta region through youth empowerment programmes.”

 

 

 

He said that the regular engagements between the NDDC and Niger Delta youths were a good development that allowed them to contribute their ideas to the advancement of the Niger Delta region.

 

 

 

 

Besides,the President of Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, lauded the NDDC for always interfacing with the youths, noting: “The continuous and steady engagement with the youths has become a trademark of the current NDDC management.”

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Atiku To Judiciary:Don’t Set Rivers On Fire

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Former Vice President,Atiku Abubakar has faulted the verdict by the Federal High Court in Abuja,which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt all payments to the Rivers state.

 

 

 

 

Atiku,in his reaction,cautioned the judiciary against setting Rivers State on fire.

 

 

 

 

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said it was appalling that some elements loyal to the Federal Government were pulling the strings from behind.

 

 

 

He wondered why Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order when it was public knowledge that Rivers State had already challenged the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the legality of Rivers State’s 2024 budget.

 

 

 

 

He said: “Last week the Court of Appeal declared that the Rivers State budget was illegal because it was passed by an inchoate assembly. The court ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the budget afresh.

 

 

 

 

“The Rivers State Government has already filed a notice of appeal so that the Supreme Court can hear the matter. However, some elements in the Bola Tinubu administration have procured a judgement intended to undermine the Supreme Court.

 

 

 

 

“Even before the judgment was delivered, legal luminary, Femi Falana (SAN) had alerted the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho of possible compromise after house gifts had been presented to judges in Abuja. Sadly, Falana’s warning was ignored.”

 

 

 

Atiku commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for summoning judges sitting on the Rivers State cases.

 

 

 

 

He implored the nation’s top judge to ensure that those found wanting are disciplined in order to restore the fading glory of God the judiciary.

 

 

 

 

He lamented that Nigeria has descended into the theatre of the absurd since the Tinubu administration took office.

 

 

 

He added:“Courts are playing a more ignoble role in fostering political crises within political parties and even in states. From the emirship tussle in Kano State to the Rivers imbroglio where courts are going as far as preventing elections from holding, taking Nigeria back to the dark days of June 12, 1993 where polls were annulled.

 

 

 

 

 

“Sadly,under the leadership of those who claim to have fought for Nigeria’s democracy, the country is descending into chaos with conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction flying all over the place while judges are being induced in the name of empowerment and provision of houses.

 

 

 

 

“The result is that Nigerians are gradually losing confidence in an institution which prides itself as the last hope of the common man. Foreign investors will avoid any place where judgments can be bought by the highest bidder.

 

 

 

 

“Nigeria should not descend to the Hobessian state of nature where life is short, nasty and brutish, where citizens opt for self-help. Rivers State accounts for almost 25% of Nigeria’s oil assets. For a country facing an economic crisis worsened by vandalism and banditry, Tinubu should put his 2027 ambition aside and put Nigeria’s interest first”.

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in Politics 0
Police Arraign Lawmaker Who Assaulted Bolt Driver

 

 

  Mohammed Shosanya

 

The Nigeria Police Force,Wednesday arraigned before Kuje Magistrate Court,a member of the House of Representative, Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh,for assaulting a bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.

 

 

 

He was brought before the court on the charges of abuse of office,criminal intimidation and criminal force and assault contrary to sections 397(b) and 265 of the Penal Code Act,a statement said.

 

 

 

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer,Force Headquarters,Abuja,said in the statement that the lawmaker’s arraignment followed the conclusion of investigation by the  Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Unit and the Legal Section.

 

 

 

The statement added:”The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., had ordered a proper investigation into the matter to ensure that justice is served and promoting human respect and dignity in Nigeria.

 

 

 

“The IGP hereby reaffirms the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, reassuring members of the public that the Force remains dedicated towards ensuring all fundamental steps are taken towards assuring justice always as no one is above the law”.

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Insolvency:NAICOM Sacks Board Of African Alliance Insurance

 

 

 

           Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM has sacked the Board and Management of African Alliance Insurance Plc, one of Nigeria’s oldest life assurance companies,on account of years of insolvency and failure to meet the obligations of annuitants and policyholders.

 

 

 

 

 

The commission takes  over the board and management of the insurance company,effective today, 30th October, 2024 in exercise of its power as the regulator of the country’s insurance sector.

 

 

 

 

This decision follows an extensive monitoring and review of the company’s financial condition, governance, and operational practices, which revealed significant concerns regarding its ability to continue operating in a safe and sound manner which has for some time now generated a lot of uncertainty over claims settlement and payment to annuitants under the company,a statement said on Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

The Commission has  appointed an Interim Management Board to manage the affairs of African Alliance Insurance Plc.

 

 

 

The composition of the Interim Board is as follows:

 

Dr. Haruna Mustapha – Chairman; Mr. Jacob Erhabor – MD/CEO; Mr. Wasiu Amao – Executive Director, Technical; Ms. Oremeyi Longe – Executive Director, Finance .

 

 

 

Others are Mr. Anthony Achebe – Non-Executive and Haj. Halimatu M. Khabeeb – Non-Executive Director.

 

 

 

According to the statement from NAICOM,the Interim Management Board will oversee the company’s operations,ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and implement necessary reforms.

 

 

 

 

The Commission assured that it will work closely with all stakeholders, including annuitants, policyholders, employees, and investors, to minimize disruption and ensure continuity.

 

 

 

 

The objective of the takeover,the Commission noted,is to protect the interests of African Alliance Insurance Plc’s annuitants, policyholders, other stakeholders, and the broader insurance industry,while ensuring the company’s return to stability and compliance.

 

 

 

 

 

The statement added:”The Commission is committed to maintaining the stability and integrity of the Nigerian insurance industry. Our actions today demonstrate our resolve to address concerns and protect the annuitants,policyholders and public interest.”

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in Insurance&Pension 0
Court Stops CBN From Releasing Allocations To Rivers Govt

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

A Federal High Court  in Abuja,Wednesday,  restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN from further releasing monthly financial allocations to Rivers state government.

 

 

 

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a constitutional sommersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue. 

 

 

 

 

The judge made the order in a verdict on the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024, by the  Rivers State House of Assembly and it’s factional Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.

 

 

 

The plaintiffs in the suit had asked the court to order the withholding of allocations and funds meant for local governments in Rivers state.

 

 

 

Defendants in the suit are; the Central Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Governor of Rivers State (Siminalayi Fubara), the Accountant General of Rivers State, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Justice S. C Amadi (Chief Judge of Rivers State), Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Chairman RSIEC), and the Rivers State Government.

 

 

Besides,Justice Abdulmalik held that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Governor Fubara before a 4-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the constitutional provisions.

 

 

The judge said that Fubara’s action in implementing unlawful budget smacked gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect.

 

 

The judge restrainined the CBN,the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in News 0
Oyebanji Presents N385bn Budget,Gives Food Security,Job Creation Priority 

                Mohammed Shosanya
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has presented a budget estimate of N375,790,077,618.15 for the 2025 fiscal year with special focus on food security, employment generation and wealth creation.
Presenting the Appropriation Bill before members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly at the Assembly Complex, Ado- Ekiti, on Tuesday,Oyebanji explained that the budget estimate was prepared in line with global best practices to drive the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.
According to the 2025 budget estimate laid before the state parliament, N192,326,570,488.61 representing 51 per cent of the total amount budgeted was set aside for recurrent expenditure, while N183,463,507,129.54 representing 49 per cent of the estimate was earmarked as capital expenditure.
This was in contrast to the size of the Budget for the 2024 fiscal year of N150,575,481,915.00 out of which N88,952,583,682.410 was recurrent expenditure and  N70,619,898,233.20 was capital expenditure.
He noted that the recurrent expenditure include personnel cost, overhead cost, social contributions and benefits,debt service and grants,while capital expenditure relates to the cost of infrastructure and other developmental projects.
According to him,the preparation of the budget was equally in line with the inclusive governance policy of his administration after receiving inputs from all communities during the town hall meetings in the three senatorial districts of the state.
He said,the 2025 budget estimate was carefully prepared to consolidate on the gains of the 2024 Budget by improving the agriculture sector to enhance food security, provide grants to business owners and boost micro, small and medium enterprises.
He assured that provision has been made in the 2025 Budget to accommodate the proposed new minimum wage, while attention would also be given to the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects embarked upon by his administration in different parts of the state.
He also listed some of the projects to be given top priority in the 2025 budget to include some road projects and water and sanitation projects.
He said: “The proposed 2025 Budget will focus on food security, wealth creation and welfare of our people. It is important to reiterate that our Shared Prosperity agenda is hinged on six strategic pillars, which cut across all the sub-sectors of the economy.
“Our objective is to create sustainable prosperity and grow the economy by equipping our people with the requisite skills, creating jobs for our youths and women, and exposing them to information communication technology and expanding the range of opportunities available for everyone.
“We are poised to sustain and create more conducive environment for investors and make Ekiti State the preferred destination to live, work, and invest.
“While we are making concerted effort to bridge the infrastructure deficit, we are also poised to create the enabling environment for investors in the State to increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Therefore, I wish to reiterate the commitment of our administration to provide basic and essential public infrastructure for sustainable economic growth. Accordingly, we shall focus on completing on-going infrastructural projects across the state in the coming year.”
Speaking,the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, urged all members of the Assembly to suspend their proposed journeys in order to give full attention to urgent duties before them including the consideration of the Appropriation Bill.
He said the consideration of the Appropriation Bill provides  the legislators ample opportunity to align their fiscal decisions with the aspirations and welfare of the people they represent urging them to commit themselves to the task in the interest of the people.
He implored  his colleagues to engage in the thorough scrutiny of the budget proposal through the standing committees calling upon the Ministries, Department and Agencies to be ready to defend their proposals
He added:”We must ensure that every Naira allocated serves the interest of the people of Ekiti State and we must be champions of accountability and stewards of public trust. We must ensure that the budget represents the aspirations of Ekiti people.”
Online Editor by — October 30, 2024 in News 0