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Rivers ,Kogi,5 Others To Experience Heavy Flood-NEMA

Mohammed Shosanya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged states in the central and southern parts, specifically, Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

The development follows the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

NEMA said the advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures.

A statement by Manzo Ezekiel
Head, Press Unit of NEMA said;
“Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.

” Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

” The agency advises communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

“NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the Agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities.”

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of early action and community vigilance, stating, “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and tak

admin by — September 7, 2024 in Environment 0
Untitled

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Customs Service boss, (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR says Customs Area 11 Command Onne Rivers state has intercepted 12 foorty foot containers of unwholesome goods illegally imported into the county with Duty paid value of over N31 Billion.

Speaking at a press briefing at the government warehouse area of the Command, Adeniyi who said that these merchants of death were trying to undermine the trade facilitation posture of his administration vowed that the Onne customs command under the leadership of Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, his officers and men were ever ready to beat them in their games.

“Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to trade facilitation and economic development. It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro – trade stance to commit atrocities bothering on National Security breaches ” Adeniyi said.

He added” the attempt to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port.”” “Coming on the heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms couple of months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.”

He reiterated that recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend at Onne Port which according to him is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo importation.

He insisted that the scale and nature of these illegal importations posed a significant threat to the national security and the health of her citizens.

Unveiling the seized goods he said “today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 11 Command.” “On display are twelve (12) containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.”

He added:” Seizures on Display: One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000. Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846. Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000. Five (5) x 40-feet containers: Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.”

He further stated that:” these interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142.”

Noting that the operation was not only a testament to the Area 11 Command’s vigilance but also the effectiveness of its intelligence network and the critical partnerships that the Command maintained with other security agencies.

On the dangers such goods would pose to the nation at large, the comptroller General of Customs said he was calling on all patriotic citizens to assist the Nigeria Customs Service as according to him, the issue was not that of Customs alone but the generality of the people as any information shared with the Customs would help prevent what he described as a potential catastrophe.

“I want to emphasize that this is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe. Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity” he maintained.

He assured legitimate traders that such a measure was not to disrupt their businesses but to create a more secure business environment for their businesses to thrive.

He said:“I want to assure the business community and legitimate importers that this measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade. Our goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive. We will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period.”

But to the unrepentant traders he added “to those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities, let me be clear: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation.”

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed even as he noted that “these seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.”

“The illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with our Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.”

“As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians. We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.”

He said:” I want to assure all Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods. We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive.”

admin by — September 7, 2024 in Business 0
Illicit Financial Flow: HEDA Insists IOCs Must Pay Nigeria $50bn

Mohammed Shosanya

The Executive Secretary of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA Resource Centre, Sulaimon Arigbabu, has implored the Attorney General of Nigeria to
act on the order of the Supreme Court, that the IOC should pay Nigeria the amount of over $50 billion between 2004 and 2019, when they ought to have revoked the profit-sharing formula on oil revenues.

Besides,human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN has said that illegal mining activities are also fuelling terrorism, because the terrorists also make a lot of money from mining to buy weapons.

The duo spoke on Wednesday during the First International Anti-corruption and Climate Change Conference with the theme; “National Stakeholders’ Engagement for Transparency and Accountability in Addressing Climate Change, Energy Transition, and Oil Licensing for Sustainable Development.” organized by HEDA Resource Centre in collaboration with Hawkmoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation in Abuja.

The HEDA chief,who said he will write formally to the current Attorney General, lamented that Africa continues to suffer illicit financial flow.

He added:”We talked about monies that have been owed to Nigeria, over $50 billion by international oil companies, that the Supreme Court of Nigeria have actually ordered that the former Attorney General should retrieve, but nothing was done. So from this, our organization will be writing to the current Attorney General to act on that order of the Supreme Court, that the IOC should pay Nigeria the amount of over $50 billion between 2004 and 2019, when they ought to have revoked the profit-sharing formula on oil revenues.

“Corruption is a big issue. Monies are looted, recovered, and relooted.
I think also a major takeaway from today’s conversation is that the biggest argument by African governments, which is practical, is that there’s going to be a transition.

” We need a huge investment, we need a whole lot of money. And the response by most African countries, of course we’re in Nigeria, is that we have done more investments in oil extraction, in hydrocarbon extraction.
And it’s not good for the planet, we know that, but these are existential issues for us. So the counter-argument we are putting on the table is that resources actually exist outside of the hydrocarbon investment to help bring development fast, to help Africa transit in terms of our energy requirement for now and the future”.

He noted that contracted procurement in Nigeria and most Africa countries is about the most expensive in the world.

“So we are saying the African leaders need to look into what we can mobilize finances without necessarily investing, because the reality is that whether we like it or not, the world is going to eventually have to transit away from fossil fuel.”

According to Falana,; “Gold is taken out of the country. It is estimated that about $9 billion worth of gold is smuggled out of Nigeria yearly. Not by ordinary people, but by highly placed criminal elements, who even sometimes use private jets and helicopters.

“The government doesn’t listen to advice. My suggestion is that organizations like HEDA and other progressive civil society organizations, including the labor unions, will have to mobilize Nigerians to challenge those who are destroying the environment, including the government. We must now be able to challenge those who are felling trees and taking them to Europe and America.

“We must be able to challenge some traditional rulers who support illegal mining activities. We must now mobilize Nigerians to reject the companies, including oil companies, that are polluting the environment. That’s the way to go.”

admin by — September 5, 2024 in News 0
Unpaid N43bn Pension:Union Bank’s Retirees Kick, Seek Tinubu’s Intervention

Mohammed Shosanya

Pensioners of Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc,who retired between 2007 and 2019, have begged President Bola Tinubu and other key stakeholders to intervene in the bank’s alleged refusal to comply with a Court of Appeal judgment mandating the payment of their pension entitlements.

They conveyed the plea in a joint statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Augustine Apeh Onuh and General Secretary, Mr Korede Mohammed,made available to newmen on Wednesday.

The pensioners alleged that the bank has unlawfully withheld a total of N42.77 billion owed to them,resulting in severe financial hardship.

They expressed deep frustration over the bank’s continuous disregard for their plight.

They alleged that their diligent service to the bank was being disrespected and undervalued, leading to intolerable levels of hardship, discomfort, grief, misery, sorrow and anxiety.

The pensioners alleged that the issue stemmed from the failure of Union Bank to transfer the balance of the legacy pension funds and accrued rights into the pensioners’ respective Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA).

They said that despite repeated efforts to resolve the matter amicably since 2012, the bank had allegedly refused to take any action.

The pensioners alleged that the refusal of the bank to take action prompted them to approach the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, which initially dismissed their claims in December 2021.

They later appealed the decision, and on March 21, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in their favour,according to the statement.

The pensioners alleged that the Court of Appeal found that Union Bank had indeed violated the provisions of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) by failing to transfer the pension funds to the appointed Pension Fund Custodians (PFC) for the benefit of the retirees.

Following the ruling, the pensioners’ legal representatives, Afe Babalola & Co., sent two letters to Union Bank on April 8, 2024, and May 20, 2024, urging the bank to comply with the court’s judgment.

But,the bank had allegedly chosen to pursue an appeal, despite the finality of the Court of Appeal’s decision under Section 243(4) of the Nigerian Constitution.

“This section of the Constitution insulates the Supreme Court from the burden of handling an overwhelming number of appeals and is designed to protect workers and employers from the exhausting process of prolonged litigation,” the statement noted.

The pensioners claimed that Union Bank’s decision to appeal was a deliberate attempt to prevent them from receiving their rightful entitlements after years of dedicated service.

They sought President Tinubu’s immediate intervention to resolve the matter.

“We seek the intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to save our souls,” the statement read.

Besides,the retirees urged members of the National Assembly and the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria to support their cause and ensure the enforcement of the court’s ruling.

They also called on the media to amplify their voices and shed light on their ongoing struggle.

“We equally appeal to the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to interfere and interpose in this issue,” the statement added.

admin by — September 5, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Surrender Petroleum Ministry Now,Prof. Iledare Tells Tinubu

Mohammed Shosanya

Wunmi Iledare,a Professor Emeritus in Petroleum Economics and Policy Research at the Centre For Energy Studies, Louisiana,has advised President Bola Tinubu to appoint a substantive Petroleum Minister to enable him relinquish his hold on the Ministry.

He spoke ahead of a special Independence Edition, the once-in-a-month interview discourse.

Iledare,a former President of the United States Association for Energy Economics,also lamented that there is too much lack of transparency within the oil sector in Nigeria,adding that successive Nigerian governments over the years have mismanaged the country’s natural endowment.

He said:” The first thing to do is to ask President Tinubu to surrender his ministerial portfolio as the Minister overseeing the Petroleum Ministry.

“Tinubu by virtue of his office should be too busy to correctly superintend over that vital sector. What we have now are surrogates doing trial and error in the petroleum sector. It is absurd and ridiculous. It is just like saying Tinubu is the Finance Minister. He should relinquish that role so as to allow transparency in the industry and in particular for effectiveness.”

According to him, there was need for the Federal Government take its hands off the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited(NNPCL).

He said:”They should stop expending money outside the budgetary system. Let them govern by the principles of the Petroleum Industry Act.

“Government should stop looking at the NNPCL as their cashcrow. You cannot be disobeying the principles of economy and think it will not come after you. Things certainly can be done better if we must come out of this quagmire”.

admin by — September 5, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
TUC Seeks Reversal Of Hike In Energy Cost

Mohammed Shosanya

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,TUC has implored the Federal Government to reverse the recent hike in petrol and electricity costs in the country.

President of the union,Comrade Festus Osifo,conveyed this in a statement made available to Premium News on Wednesday.

He maintained that the sudden hike in fuel and electricity costs will only exacerbate these challenges,leading to further hardship and potential social unrest.

He emphasized the need for the government to promote policies that will strengthens the naira and take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

According to him,thegovernment must act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of its citizens.

He added:”The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria remains committed to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and will continue to advocate for policies that promote social justice, fair wages, and a decent work environment”.

Lamenting the increase in fuel price,Osifo said the sudden hike, implemented without consultation with critical stakeholders, represents a blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly the working class who bear the brunt of such decisions.

He added:”The disturbing news of the increase in PMS pump price all over the country has sent a wave of apprehension and depression across the length and breathe of the nation. This is in the wake of an already existing unprecedented hardship upon citizens.

“In addition, we are deeply troubled by the further hike in electricity tariffs to 250%, a service that is essential for the survival of the poorest in our society. The timing and magnitude of these increases, in the absence of any meaningful social security measures, demonstrate a lack of empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“Why does it have to be the common Nigerians bearing all the pains of high cost of living while those in power enjoy increased allocation and affluence?

“The government has not made any concerted efforts to reduce the cost of governance or personal effects, nor have they focused on directing resources or effecting policies that would strengthen the naira and improve the standard of living of our citizens.

“The Congress has long posited several strategies that should be activated towards improving the strength of the Naira and give value to every kobo spent by Nigerians as this is one of the root causes of all the economic woes we face as a country today. Yet much hasn’t been done about these recommendations.

“Congress stands with the working people of Nigeria who are struggling under the weight of rising inflation, a high cost of living, and a deficient work environment that fails to provide the basic standards of decency and dignity. The sudden hike in fuel and electricity costs will only exacerbate these challenges, leading to further hardship and potential social unrest”

admin by — September 5, 2024 in News 0
Lagos Taskforce Arrests 6 Roadside Petrol Hawkers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Lagos State Taskforce,has arrested six suspects involved in the illegal sale and display of petroleum products in the state .

They were apprehended when the Force conducted a sweeping operation from Fadeyi down to Maryland and Charity Bus Stop to Airport Road,in Lagos.

The six suspects,Toibu ishola 44, Yakubu Olayiwola 34,Adebayo Rasak 29,Maria Balogun 50,Motunrayo Dosunmu 43, John Ogunfowokan will be charged to court,while the petroleum products seized will be forfeitted to the state government through the court.

A press release from the agency, said, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Chairman of the Agency, who led the operations disclosed that the current fuel scarcity is no excuse for miscreants to exploit Lagosians through hoarding large quantity of petrol in gallons and kegs, only to resell them on the streets at exorbitant prices.

He stressed that the unscrupulous practice not only burdens already struggling motorists but poses significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.

“We are committed to curbing these illegal activities and ensuring that the safety and well-being of the public are not compromised. The actions of these black market operators are not only cruel but also a severe threat to public safety, as the improper handling and storage of petrol could lead to catastrophic fire disaster”.

He warned individual or groups,who connive with petrol stations to sell petroleum products to desist forthwith or risk being arrested.

He urged members of the public to report any suspicious collaborations between any elements involved in the sale of petrol illegaly in order to forestall any disasters.

He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal storage and sales of petroleum products, warning those involved in such practices that they will be met with the full force of the law, the release added.

Adding that the Lagos State Taskforce will continue to clamp down on these sets of merchants or any other individuals involved in activities that could be harmful to the environment and poses a threat to safety and wellbeing of Lagosians.

He assured that safety, serenity and habitability of the residents and visitors of the metropolis are not undermined in any form.

admin by — September 5, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
We’ll Protect Dangote Refinery Against Saboteurs-NUPENG

Mohammed Shosanya

The leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has said that it will protect the 650,000bpd Dangote Petrol Refinery against economic saboteurs in the country.

NUPENG’s General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale,who gave the assurance in a statement released on Wednesday,also pledged that his union will collaborate with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company to ensure the growth and sustainability of the oil and gas industry.

He described the commencement of production of Gasoline, otherwise known as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company as historic and a landmark achievement for the nation.

Congratulating the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and the Federal Government,he said the current development has been long anticipated and awaited with bated breath and prayers not only by Nigerians but by the entire Continent of Africa.

He said NUPENG is very proud of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, describing him as a man with uncommon courage and determination. You have dared to dream and thread where no mortal has ever done.

According to him,this remarkable achievement at the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery and petrochemical plant is a testament to Dangote’s unwavering commitment, innovation, and excellence in the energy sector.

“We recognize the immense efforts and dedication that have gone into making this vision a reality. The successful production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at this state of the-art facility not only marks a significant milestone for Dangote Refinery but also represents a monumental step forward for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic growth.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote, your visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in achieving this feat. Your contributions to the industrialization and economic development of Africa are truly commendable, and we are proud to witness the positive impact of your endeavours on our nation.

“As a union dedicated to the welfare and advancement of workers in the petroleum and natural gas industry, NUPENG is excited about the opportunities this development will bring in terms of employment for Nigerians, socioeconomic prosperity and monumental growth of our dear country.

“We are also not unmindful of the plots and schemes of sworn enemies of the masses and nation’s economic saboteurs to derail the wheels of progress of this wonderful trail blazing train, but as NUPENG, we pledge to make available all our might and resources to defend and protect this beautiful African pride.

admin by — September 5, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
#EndBadGovernance Protest:NBA Gives Free Legal Services To Detainees

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has offered free legal representation to #EndBadGovernance protesters with court cases in the country.

President of the NBA,Afam Osigwe,annoynced announced this on his X handle on Wednesday,and ordered NBA branches to monitor the legal proceedings against protesters across the country.

He said, “I have directed the branches of the Nigerian Bar Association to monitor the trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters.Additionally, I have launched a pro bono support initiative for protesters who lack legal representation.

“The Nigerian Bar Association Citizens’ Liberties Committee (NBA-CLC) has been tasked with liaising closely with the chairmen and human rights committees of NBA branches in regions where protesters are currently being prosecuted. This ensures that no defendant suffers injustice”.

He said,the NBA legal team will continue to monitor court proceedings to ensure that trials are conducted with strict adherence to due process, safeguarding the legal rights of all defendants.

He added that,the Nigerian Bar Association legal teams are in courts and will continue to monitor proceedings to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, the human rights of defendants are protected, and justice is served.

admin by — September 5, 2024 in News 0
A’Ibom Govt Immortalizes Slave Trade Victims With Dedicated Park

Mohammed Shosanya

The Akwa Ibom State Government is collaborating with the Akwa Tours Development Company (ATDC) to create a Slave Memorial Park to preserve and honor the memory of those who suffered during the transatlantic slave trade.

The park,which will feature the names of local slave trade victims engraved on memorial stones, will be located at the waterfront of the Marina Resort within the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort.

This development comes just weeks after the state hovernment, in partnership with NAAKIBOM, unveiled a 179-year-old slave boat that was confiscated from transatlantic slave traders. The Slave Memorial Park aims to further acknowledge the deep scars left by the slave trade on the region and its people.

During the foundation stone-laying ceremony at the Marina Resort, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, highlighted the historical significance of the state as a major route for the transatlantic slave trade.

He emphasized that the park is part of broader efforts to create enduring legacies that both acknowledge the pain caused by the slave trade and educate future generations. The initiative is aligned with the tourism development vision of Governor Umo Eno, as articulated in the Arise Agenda.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, Udoh urged other public-spirited individuals and organizations to support the state’s tourism development initiatives. He noted that tourism has become a significant driver of economic growth and foreign exchange, and the sector’s success requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

Mr. Ubong Ekpe Okon, Managing Director of Akwa Tours Development Company and Curator of the Slave Memorial Park, provided historical context during the event.

According to him,some of the victims of the slave trade hailed from areas such as Ndiya, Ikpa Uruan, and Ifiayong.

He described the chosen site for the memorial as a historically significant location, previously used as a point of entry and exit for both the slave trade and timber business.

Mr. Ekpe further appealed to attendees to advocate total abolition of slavery in all its forms, including modern-day slavery and neo-colonialism.

He reiterated the project’s commitment to honoring the memories of those enslaved, with their names to be engraved in gold at the park.

admin by — September 5, 2024 in Travel & Tourism 0