Politics

22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Alaafin Writes Open Letter To Buhari, Warns Over Insecurity And Herdsmen Activities in Yorubaland

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and warned him of looming anarchy in the country and siege on Yorubaland by herdsmen and kidnappers. Alaafin, who listed the recent spate of insecurity in Yorubaland by herdsmen and their collaborators, lamented that President Buhari was not doing enough in addressing the menace. The monarch said Yorubas had all it takes to resort to self help, unless the security in the zone improves and people are guaranteed safety of their lives and property. Titled, “Yoruba Question in Nigeria Conundrum”, Alaafin said, “I have never been timid or shy of my total support for the success of your administration to deliver the country to the Promised Land. “My confidence had always been based on Yo...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Imo State Discovers Warehouse Loaded With Government Properties

Today the Imo state Government through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has made a shocking finding and revelation where a warehouse was discovered with millions of naira worth of properties meant for the development of the state. Conducting the media men round the warehouse, the Hon. Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Comr. Simon Ebegbulem revealed that it is unfortunate that anybody or group of persons can decide to rob the people of their common wealth all for their selfish interest and for personal aggrandizement. The shocking discovery was made following the directive of the governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma who in the past has revealed the many atrocities of the Rochas Okorocha’s administration of which this is one of it and his firm resolve to ensure that all governmen...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Biafra: Why Igbos Want Their Own Country – Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere Chieftain

Afenifere chieftain, Adebanjo, said the 1999 constitution was fraudulent and did not articulate the collective will of the people, having been imposed on the nation by the military. Adebanjo noted that the country must return to the 1960 Independence Constitution when the regions had autonomy. He said, “My view is that 1960 and 1963 constitutions gave us more freedom and autonomy which we are all agitating for. “Why we are emphasizing restructuring now? Because the 1999 constitution is fraudulent. It does not represent the choice of the people. “Interestingly, when we talk of restructuring, some of our friends from the North will say ‘they want yo break the country’. But, anyone opposed to true federalism which is restructuring is the one who wants to break the country. ...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Emulate Akeredolu Before Fulani Herders Take Over Your Land — Borno Cleric, Kallamu Ali Dikwa Advises Southern Governors

The Director General, Centre for Justice and Ethnicity in Nigeria, Pastor Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, has urged governors of southern states to emulate a recent move by their Ondo counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, to prevent Fulani herders taking over their land Akeredolu had earlier banned night grazing and given an ultimatum to herders in the state to vacate forest reserves. Speaking in an interview with SaharaReporters, the Borno cleric described Akeredolu's action as a step in the right direction. He, however, urged governors from the South-East, South-West and South-South to follow suit. He said, "The southern governors had better take charge of their lands and send the Fulani people back to the North. Must they stay in the South? I am speaking from experience because I am fr...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Buhari Orders Swift Response As Bandits Abduct Scores In Zamfara Village

Suspected bandits on Thursday stormed Nahuche village in Bungudu local government area of Zamfara state and abducted residents including women. Residents told our correspondent that the armed men stormed the village and started firing shots in the air. “We were all scared and there was pandemonium in the community as everyone was running helter-skelter. The armed criminals came on motorbikes but stationed them at the outskirts of the community and marched into the village” “We can’t give the exact number of people kidnapped now but some of our women were among the victims and we have alerted the security operatives to go after them,” a resident said. Meanwhile, governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle said he received a text message concerning the attack. Matawalle spoke at a s...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Sani-Gwarzo Blames EndSARS Protest, COVID-19 For Rising Cement Price

The Federal Government says last year’s #ENDSARS protests and the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted production flows were responsible for the skyrocketing of cement price in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo said this at an event in Abuja adding that the development affected the volume of stock levels in the supply chain due to reduction of cash flow of major distributors and high cost of transportation. Market surveys show that prices of cement and associated products, such as blocks, in many states, including Abuja, have continued to rise. For instance, the price of a 50-kilogramme bag now goes for N3, 700 in Lagos and Cross River states; N4,000 in Enugu and Imo states; Rivers state N4,300; Abuja N3,700; Kano ...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

We Borrow To Finance Budget Because Of Dwindling Revenues – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has explained that his administration has been borrowing money to finance the economy and development as a result of dwindling revenues. Speaking, virtually, on Thursday at the First National Tax Dialogue held at the Conference Hall of the State House in Abuja, President Buhari, however, tasked the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and other relevant government agencies to explore all standard practices to boost revenue. According to him, the FIRS must ensure to plug all revenue leakages by ensuring strict compliance of tax payments by foreign companies operating in Nigeria, urging the deployment of more digital platforms and seamless connections. He noted that the tax dialogue became imperative for the administration at the moment because of th...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

President Buhari Mourns Ex-IGP, Gambo Jimeta

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta, a one-time Inspector General of Police whose transition was announced Thursday evening. President Buhari in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja last night, conveyed the condolences of his family and that of the government and people of Nigeria to the family of the deceased. He described the late crack police detective as “a man of great courage, intellect and a true Nigerian Statesman,” adding that “Today, Nigeria lost a great son. He lived for the nation and served with all his strength.” “May Allah blesses his soul and give fortitude to the bereaved family, the government and people of Adamawa State to bear this irrepar...

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22Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Pigeons: Buhari Has No Time For Idle, Wailing Wailers – Femi Adesina

Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Thursday said it is unfortunate that some idle and indolent wailers made issue out of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony where pigeons released by President Muhammadu Buhari refused to fly. In his weekly article titled ' Reflections From A Wreath Laying Ceremony' Adesina said the pigeons having been caged for sometimes hesitated because they couldn't believe they have been set free. He said "Now, something for those who twist my every word, turn it upside down, to generate hatred. Something for them to wail about. The release of the pigeons". "At every Armed Forces Remembrance Day, after the laying of the wreaths, the sitting President releases some pigeons, to symbolize peace in the land. Emblems ...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

FG Releases ₦6.45 Billion For New Oxygen Plants In 38 Locations Nationwide

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N6.45 billion for the setting up of gas plants in 38 locations nationwide in a bid to enhance the treatment of Covid-19 patients who need oxygen. This disclosure emerged at the first National Economic Council meeting of the year presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with State Governors, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Central Bank Governor and other senior government officials in attendance. While briefing the NEC on the release of the funds, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said the President approved the release of the funds for the production of oxygen, necessitated by the increased number of patients who need oxygen due to the surge in Covid-19 infections in the country. Similarly...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu Sued Over Asset Declaration

A federal high court in Abuja has been asked to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to produce the asset declaration form belonging to Mahmood Yakubu, chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Emmanuel Agonsi, the plaintiff, wrote a letter to the CCB, seeking the INEC chairman’s asset declaration form as well as that of his unmarried adult children. In an ex parte motion with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/33/2021, the plaintiff through his counsel E. C. Muokwudo, prayed the court to direct the CCB to produce the certified true copies (CTC) of the asset declaration forms. Agonsi wants details of Yakubu’s assets between 2007 and 2012 when he held office as executive secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and as INEC chairman between 2015 and 2020. H...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

IPOB Tantrums Can’t Distract Us From Presidential Bid – Ohanaeze

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra to stop distracting it. It said the Ohanaeze had a focus of producing a president of Igbo extraction in 2023 and not secession. It maintained that IPOB would not be allowed to lead the Igbo at a time like this in Nigeria. The National Vice-President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, stated this in an interview with our correspondent in Awka, Anambra State. Describing the Igbo project of producing a president of Nigeria from the South-East geopolitical zone as a serious business, Okeke-Ogene asked IPOB to key into Ohanaeze plan instead of being antagonistic to the leadership of the socio-cultural organisation. IPOB had in the attack vowed not to recognise Obi...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Without Unity, Restructuring Won’t Work – Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has on Thursday said restructuring the country had its benefits but the elites must de-emphasize issues that polarised the people. He said, “We cannot restructure without solving issues that polarize us which are nepotism, ethnic and religious differences and lack of patriotism. “Also, discussion on restructuring will not help except we restructure our minds. Some of the challenges faced at the national level are still there at the state and local government levels, and sometimes even in our communities. “From Independence, the struggle was that politics was based on regions and there was this tension. It’s a dynamic blow between the regions who will produce the national leaders and that is still hunting us till today.” Drawing morals less...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

VP Osinbajo Chairs NEC Meeting In The State House, Abuja (Pictures)

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Kaduna Disco Disconnects Ex-President, Shehu Shagari’s Home Over Unpaid Bills

The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company on Wednesday disconnected the home of the late Shehu Shagari, the Second Republic President of Nigeria, over unpaid bills to the tune of over N6 million. The former president died on December 28, 2018 at the age of 93. Confirming the disconnection of Sama Road, Sokoto home of the late president to DAILY NIGERIAN, the spokesman for the company, Abdulaziz Abdullahi, said the bill has not been paid since Mr Shagari’s death. “The company has given enough grace for them to settle the bills before the disconnection,” said Mr Abdullahi. A family source told Daily Star, a Sokoto-based online newspaper, that prior to Mr Shagari’s death, the state government footed the electricity bills of the former leader. “Just a few days ago, KAEDCO ...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

President Buhari Re-appoints Hadiza Bala Usman As NPA MD, Approves Board Members

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Hadiza Bala Usman as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for additional five-year tenure. Also approved is the reconstitution of the Non-Executive Board of the NPA, with Mr Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye (from South-west zone) as Chairman. Other members of the Board are: Prince Ekenyem Nwafor-Orizu (South-east zone), Akinwunmi Ricketts (South-south zone), Ghazali Mohammed Mijinyawa (North-East zone), Mustapha Amin Dutse (North-West zone), and Abdulwahab Adesina (North-Central zone). The President has equally approved Board members for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), who will oversee the selection of a new Managing Director for the organization. They are: Muhammad K. Ahmad, OON, (Chairman), Chief ...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Fresh Political Realignment Emerges As Ex-CPC Chairmen Float New Movement

A fresh crisis is brewing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the legacy parties that coalesced to form the ruling party, have formed a new political association, New Nigeria Movement. They hinged their decision on the ruling party’s deviation from its foundational plans. This comes as the Chairman of Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the ruling party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has warned that the party will deal with anyone or group that attempts to hijack the membership/revalidation of the party. The CPC, along with the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2009, and factions of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Abuja Court Reinstates Pondei-led NDDC Interim Management

A Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated the interim management committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) led by Prof. Daniel Pondei. In a judgement that struck out the lawsuit against the IMC by the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Governance on January 13, 2021, the court denied ever sacking the Pondei-led IMC. Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had on December 12, 2020 directed the NDDC IMC to step aside for an interim sole administrator to take over the affairs of the interventionist agency on the strength of the purported court injunction against the Podei-led IMC. However, the Court reiterated that the NDDC IMC was never dismissed, stressing that “that there was no order for interim injunction (against the IMC)...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

If We Wait For Buhari, Herdsmen Will Kill All Of Us – Banji Akintoye

The Worldwide Leader of the Yoruba global movement, Ilana Omo Oodua, Prof Banji Akintoye, has accused the Presidency of supporting criminality by faulting Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's order asking herdsmen to vacate forest reserves in the state. In an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the historian asked people of the Yoruba race and Nigerians to prepare to defend themselves against herdsmen. He accused Fulani herdsmen of engaging in full-scale criminality since President Muhammadu Buhari became Nigeria's president. The Yoruba elder wondered why the Federal Government had refused to prosecute many Fulani herdsmen engaging in criminal activities. He said, "The Presidency is now initiating a very dangerous doctrine of governance in Nigeria. The presidency is now sayi...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Buhari Directs Agencies To Certify Locally Made Helicopter

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to conclude certification issues on the manufactured Made-in-Nigeria helicopter. The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, disclosed this on Wednesday when he visited the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. Haruna explained that President Buhari had given NASENI and the rest of the agencies associated with the Nigeria helicopter project including the Federal Ministry of Aviation to expedite actions on the processes. He reiterated the commitment of the Buhari administration to launch the first Made in Nigeria non-commercial helicopter currently being manufactured at NASENI. He said the president plans...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Atiku Writes Biden, Lists Nigeria’s Challenges, Seeks U.S Intervention

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last General election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Thursday wrote a message of goodwill to the US President, Joe Biden, urging him to strengthen US-Nigeria relationship. In a statement titled: ‘Message of Goodwill To President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’, the former vice President enumerated a whole lots of challenges bedeviling Nigeria and asked for his intervention. His words: “As President Joe Biden begins his tenure as the 46th President of the United States of America, I am confident that this new era will mark America’s regeneration and her reaffirmation as the beacon of democracy to the world. “As I congratulate President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, I urge them and their admin...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Kwara APC Crisis: Lai Mohammed Faction Threatens To Work Against Party

The crisis rocking Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) has assumed another dimension with the faction loyal to Alhaji Lai Mo­hammed, Minister of Information, threatening to work against the party’s interests over alleged bias by the Caretaker/Convention Planning Committee of the party led by Gov­ernor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. The aggrieved members have also threatened not to allow the forthcom­ing party membership registration exercise scheduled for this January to hold in the state over the removal of Bashir Bolarinwa, the chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee, who is loyal to the minister. Bolarinwa, who has not been on the same page with the state governor, AbdulRahman Abdul­Razak, was removed by the nation­al caretaker committee led by Yobe State governor, M...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Insecurity: Northerners Not Happy, Bafarawa Tells Buhari

A former Governor of Sokoto State and elder statesman, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has said that Northerners and indeed all Nigerians are not happy with security situation in the country, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to focus and show more concern on insecurity than COVID-19. Bafarawa said this on Wednesday in Abuja in his State of the Nation address. According to him, insecurity has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives than COVID-19 pandemic has ever done. He also lamented that “government appears to have abandoned the situation and channelled all its effort to a pandemic that has taken barely 2000 lives in the country.” The former governor insisted that insecurity is worsening in the country, asking the Federal Government to divert the proposed N400bn for the...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

“It Is A Lie! I Didn’t Dole Out Vehicles To Bandits” — Bello Matawalle

Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle has denied allegation he supplied vehicles to bandits in the state. A former chairman of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State Abubakar Maradun had made the allegation against the governor, saying he supplied Hilux vehicles to bandits which they used to attack innocent residents. However, tweeting on Tuesday, Mr Matawalle said the vehicles in question were donated to security agencies. “The said vehicles, 200 of them were donated to security agencies in the state to boost their morale in tackling insurgency,” he said. The governor’s special adviser on Media and Publicity Zailani Baffa described the allegation as wicked. He said, “These vehicles were duly distributed to all security agencies in the state under the supervision of ...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

2023: Buhari Will Not Support Tinubu’s Candidacy – Sule Lamido

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido said the days of the All Progressive Congress APC is numbered as President Muhammad Buhari will not support Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s candidature in the coming 2023 general. Lamido stated this at the inauguration of the Jigawa State People’s Democratic Party PDP reconciliation committee in Dutse. He claimed that in the near future, there would be no more APC because the whole of APC is made of two people Buhari and Tinubu. “True of the matter very soon there would be no APC in Nigeria because it’s made up of two persons Buhari and Tinubu” And I swear to God Buhari will not support Tinubu’s candidacy coming 2023 general election” “So since they are the leaders of APC and they have issues everyone will find his way and that wou...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

EFCC Reveals Why Maina Escaped To Niger Republic

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed why former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, jumped bail and fled to Niger Republic. Maina is on trial for money laundering charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Late in 2020, he was found by the court to have jumped bail and fled to Niger. Upon an arrest warrant issued by the court, Maina was later apprehended in the neighbouring country and repatriated to Nigeria. In a fresh court document filed by the EFCC, the anti-graft agency claimed Maina “sneaked out to Niger Republic after jumping court bail was to obtain new travel documents at the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) in Niamey to enable him flee back to the USA with his family where he and his fami...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Conducive Business Environment Vital For Economic Growth – Osinbajo

In a renewed attempt at further deepening the reforms of the nation’s business environment, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, has resolved that CEOs and Heads of some Federal Government regulatory agencies be presented with the outcome of a recent survey that exposes major pitfalls in the operations of the agencies. The Cost of Compliance Report which was presented to the Council at its first virtual meeting of the year on Tuesday revealed persistent corruption, the duplicity of functions, poor service orientation, and several anti-business disposition in some of the regulatory agencies. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who presided over the meeting directed that CEOs and heads of such government regulatory agencies involved should be presented with...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

FEC Approves Bill To Increase Retirement Age And Years Of Service For Teachers

A new bill to increase the retirement age of teachers across the country was on Wednesday approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The bill seeks to increase the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years and also increase the possible years of service from 35 to 40 years. The bill will now be sent to the parliament for the proper legislative process before it can become law, the education minister, Adamu Adamu, told journalists in Abuja after the FEC meeting. The ‘Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill 2020’ , seeks to give legal backing to new measures by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to enhance teaching in the country. “This memo that was approved for the Ministry of Education is a giant step towards what we set out to do last year, with...

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21Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Amid Fears Over Insecurity, Makinde Accuse Journalists Of Stoking Ethnic Tension

Amid rising cases of insecurity in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde says some journalists have allowed themselves to be used as tools to stoke ethnic tensions in the state. The governor, who said this while making a statewide Broadcast on Wednesday, alleged that some stories in the media are targetted at exaggerating the security situation in the state. Whil noting that he will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace of the state, he assured that his administration will continue to take all necessary steps to protect residents from harassment, thuggery and banditry. While acknowledging the efforts of some officers of the Nigeria Police Force, who have resumed their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order in our st...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

“We Look Forward To Working With You” – Buhari, Others World Leaders Congratulates Biden, Harris

President Muhammadu Buhari warmly welcomes inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice President of the United States of America on Wednesday, expressing hope that their presidency will mark a strong point of cooperation and support for Nigeria as well as the African continent. President Buhari congratulates the leaders, and entire country on the successful transition, which marks an important historical inflection point for democracy as a system of government and for the global community as a whole. “We look forward to the Biden presidency with great hope and optimism for strengthening of existing cordial relationships, working together to tackle global terrorism, climate change, poverty and improvement of economic ties and expansion of trade. “We hope t...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Makinde Faults Call For Herdsmen’s Exit From Oyo

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned against actions that could incite peace in the state, saying that no individual or group has the right to initiate forceful eviction of the Fulanis from Oyo State. Makinde gave the warning in a statewide broadcast, on Wednesday, in reaction to the ultimatum that was reportedly given to the Fulanis in the state by Chief Sunday Adeyemo, a.k.a Sunday Igboho, a popular businessman and activist from the Oke Ogun axis of the state. The governor, who said that whoever defaults would be made to face the wrath of the law, directed the chairmen of all local government council areas and local council development areas in the state to work in harmony with traditional rulers and the security agencies in their councils to ensure that peace is mainta...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Herdsmen’s Actions Illegal, Presidency Misinterpreted Constitution – Adegboruwa

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has faulted the presidency’s opposition to the vacation order given to herdsmen in Ondo State by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The PUNCH reports that Akeredolu had asked herdsmen to leave the state’s forest reserves within seven days. Apart from ejecting the herdsmen, Akeredolu also banned under-aged grazing, night grazing, movement of cattle within the cities and highways. But the presidency in a statement on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Akeredolu lacked the power to unilaterally sack herdsmen from Ondo forests. Reacting in an interview with The PUNCH, the senior advocate said the presidency misinterpreted sections of the constitution. Adegboruwa said...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

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Wike Donates N500 Million To Sokoto To Support Rebuilding Of Central Market

Governor Nyesom Wike earlier today announced the donation of N500million to the Sokoto State Government to support the rebuilding of the Sokoto Central Market. Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Wednesday donated N500 million to support the Sokoto State Government in rebuilding the Sokoto Central Market ravaged by fire on Tuesday morning. Wike who visited the scene of the market inferno barely 24 hours after the disaster, expressed shock and dismay over the incident. Gov. Aminu Tambuwal ’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Muhammad Bello , disclosed this in a statement in Sokoto on Wednesday. The Rivers governor said part of the donation was to also support the victims of the inferno. He noted that whatever affected Sokoto state concerned Rivers, adding that his adm...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

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Buhari, Trump Won’t Be Forgotten In A Hurry – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose says President Muhammadu Buhari would not be forgotten in a hurry like the outgoing United States President Donald Trump Mr Fayose stated this in a series of tweets on Tuesday, hours before the end of Trump’s full day as president. He said Nigerians would remember Buhari just like Americans would recall the government of Trump with distaste. “As Americans look forward to the exit of Trump, Nigerians too cannot wait to see the exit of Buhari. The two can’t be forgotten in a jiffy. Buhari will be remembered like Trump because it is obvious that he is the low budget Trump when damages done to their countries are compared. “Everything that matters has been destroyed under the watch of Buhari. All the values that we share as a country – econo...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Ondo Forests: Afenifere Hails Akeredolu

Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere on Wednesday said South West governors should join hands with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in driving out killer herdsmen and bandits from their territories. A statement signed by Yinka Odumakin, the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary said it was not surprised at the statement by the Presidency telling the governor he has no right to secure his people from marauding herdsmen “The intervention by what we mistakenly call the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of marauding Fulanis in Ondo state against the lawful government in that state did not cone to Afenifere as a surprise as it is in line with non – pretence by this regime that it represents only Fulani interests against those of Yoruba, Igbo, Junkun, Ijaw and other ...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

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David Nketim-Rex: Treatment Of Gunshot Patients Lawful, Says Peter Obi

Former vice-presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday mourned David Ntekim-Rex who was shot dead by robbers in Jibowu area of Lagos on January 15. According to a tale of the incident narrated on Twitter by Roy Mustang who identified himself as the deceased’s cousin, the 22-year-old was attacked around 8pm while returning home. The incident has generated outrage from the populace, with many calling for improved security. Mr Obi wrote on Twitter that Ntekim-Rex did not deserve to die in such manner. “I am saddened by the killing of innocent and hard-working young Nigerian, David Ntekim Rex, in the hands of armed robbers due to worsening insecurity in our country,” he said. “David, and indeed any other citizen, does not deserve this untimely death because the Compulsory Tre...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Akeredolu’s Order: Ondo Tackles Presidency, As Villa Defends Herdsmen

The Presidency on Tuesday waded into the controversy generated by the directive of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, asking herdsmen to leave the state government forest reserves. Apart from ejecting the herdsmen, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu also banned under-aged grazing, night grazing, movement of cattle within the cities and highways. He also gave the herdsmen seven days ultimatum to comply with the order. However, the Secretary-General of the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Usman Baba-Ngelzerma, had reacted that the association had not been formally informed. But in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President called for restraint on the side of the state government and the Fulan...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Ondo Herdsmen: ‘Stop Turning Blind Eye On Your Tribesmen’ – FFK To Buhari

Femi Fani-Kayode has attacked the Buhari-led administration for condemning Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's ultimatum for herdsmen to leave forest reserves in Ondo state within 7 days. The governor gave the directive on Monday, January 18 following claims that “bad elements” have turned the forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities. In a statement released on Tuesday January 19, presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, stated that the governor being a senior lawyer should know better than unilaterally expelling thousands of herders who have lived all their lives in the state. FFK in a series of tweets posted this morning said Garba Shehu's position is ''insulting, provocative, asinine & absurd....

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Ondo Herdsmen Quit Notice: “You Are Wrong” – Shehu Sani Tells Akeredolu

@Shehu Sani My Dear Governor Akeredolu, I’m quiet aware of the security challenges facing your state. I appreciate your efforts, but it’s outrightly and completely wrong to ask ALL cattle herders to leave Ondo forests. The sins of a criminal few should not affect the law abiding and peaceful ones who have the right to live and move freely in all parts of our country. Efforts must continue to be made to deal with those who breach the law, while and respecting and protecting the rights of the innocent. Best Wishes.. Thank you.

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

INEC Planning To Make NIN Compulsory For Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission is considering making the National Identity Number a precondition for registering voters when the continuous voter registration exercise commences in a few weeks. A national commissioner at INEC disclosed this during an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday. He said the NIN would help tackle challenges of underage voting, alien voting and other challenges associated with registration. The national commissioner, who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak, said a final decision would soon be reached. The INEC official explained that the permanent voter card was only supposed to be in use for a maximum of 10 years, adding that most countries rely on a national database and not the Permanent Voter Card for v...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

FG To Pay 24 Million Poor Nigerians N5,000 Each – Sadiya Farouq

The Federal Government on Tuesday said about 24.3 million poor Nigerians would get N5,000 each for a period of six months. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, disclosed this at the inauguration of the Federal Government’s emergency intervention database for the urban poor. A statement issued in Abuja by her aide, Nneka Anibeze, said the intervention would serve as cushion for those further impoverished by the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement read in part, “According to records, about 24.3 million poor and vulnerable individuals were identified at the end of 2020 and registered into the National Social Register. “Each beneficiary will receive N5,000 for a period of six months.” Farouq said the intervention database ...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

You Lack Effrontery To Advise Nigerians On COVID-19 Vaccine – Wada To Bello

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Kogi 2019 gubernatorial election, Engr Musa Wada on Tuesday, has asked the incumbent governor Yahaya Bello to stop using COVID-19 as part of his Presidential ambition campaign, describing his last outburst against the use of yet-to-arrive vaccine, as careless and unnecessary misleading. Considering the fact that COVID-19 pandemic is strictly scientific-based issue, which ought not to be merely political, the engineer raises alarm against the approach of governor Bello towards the pandemic. Engr Wada, in a statement signed by his campaign spokesperson in Abuja, Usman Okai Austin, asked the All Progressive Congress (APC) led government to take a very definite stand on the pandemic, as the party is blowing hot and cold the same ti...

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20Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Monarchs Hails Oyetola’s Governance Model, Endorses Him For Second Term

Traditional rulers in the State of Osun have described the governance model of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola as one that is progressive and has service at its heart. The monarchs also endorsed Oyetola for a second term in office, stating that it will be to the advantage of the State if there is no disruption. Speaking at the flag-off of the South-West Agenda 2023 in the State of Osun, the Oludo of Iddo Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, the Secretary for the Council of Obas and Chief in Nigeria, described the performance of Governor Oyetola as one that has attracted attentions even at the federal level. According to him: "We are not politicians, but when we have identified the right path to follow, it is only ideal and logical to follow that path and guide the people under our domain. Tha...

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19Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

NIMC Disowns Fake Twitter Account

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has disowned a Twitter account fraudulently posing as the commission. “The Twitter account @NIMC_ng is an imposter account. The official Twitter account of the National Identity Management Commission is @nimc_ng,” it said in a disclaimer on Tuesday. The commission also warned the public against giving their personal information to “fraudsters using parody accounts.” The disclaimer came against the backdrop of increasing engagements with the parody account over the National Identity Numbers (NIN) linkage with SIM cards. Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami said on Tuesday that a total of 47.8 million NINs had been collected ahead of February 2021 deadline.

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19Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Lifting 20 Million Nigerians Out Of Poverty In 2 Years Within Reach – Osinbajo

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT ESP CASH TRANSFER SCHEME: LIFTING 20 MILLION NIGERIANS OUT OF POVERTY IN NEXT 2 YEARS NOW WITHIN REACH, SAYS OSINBAJO *VP adds: Nigeria deserves social security scheme not just for poverty alleviation, but wealth creation also *Nigeria first country in Africa to develop & test wholly technology-based approach to social protection Following the successful activation of the Economic Sustainability Plan’s (ESP) Cash Transfer scheme aimed at delivering financial support to at least 1 million urban-based households using technology, the Buhari administration’s vision of reducing extreme poverty by lifting at least 20 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next two years is now within reach, according to Vice Preside...

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19Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Anambra Governorship Election To Hold On November 6, 2021

Announced on the INEC's official Twitter Handle.

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19Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Akeredolu Cannot Unilaterally Oust Herders In Ondo State – Garba Shehu

The presidency on Tuesday noted that as a lawyer, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in tackling insecurity is not expected to unilaterally oust Fulani herders in the state or he will go against the constitution of the country. This followed an ultimatum issued by the government for them to vacate government reserves over security concerns. According to a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja, the presidency maintained that asking the herders to leave can set off a chain of events, which the constitution anticipated and tries to guard against. It, therefore, called for caution on both sides. The statement read: “The Presidency has been keenly monitoring events occurring in Ondo State and the ‘orders’ by the ...

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19Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Beninese President, Patrice Talon Meet Buhari At Aso Rock

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic at the State House, Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Beninese leader, who arrived at the forecourt of the presidential villa at 11.09 a.m., was received by Mr Buhari. The agenda of the meeting between the two leaders, who immediately went into a closed-door meeting, was unknown to journalists. NAN, however, gathered that Mr Talon, who last met with the Nigerian leader in June 2019, was in the villa to thank Mr Buhari for ordering the re-opening of Nigerian borders in December 2020. Mr Buhari had in August 2019 ordered closure of Nigeria’s land borders to check smuggling of rice and other foodstuff as well as small arms and light weapons. The ...

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19Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Zamfara Gives ‘Repentant’ Bandits Hilux Vehicles, Millions Of Naira – SaharaReporters

About 15 brand new Hilux vehicles were given to leaders of different repentant bandits in Zamfara State by Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle The Governor also approved millions of naira to be given to the 'repentant' bandits as compensation. Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara-state The Zamfara State Government had in 2019 entered a peace agreement with the gunmen. But despite the accord, communities in the state are still being attacked and residents kidnapped and/or killed. A top military officer told SaharaReporters that the bandits now carry out attacks with some of the vehicles given to them by Matawalle. The officer said, “Those bandits have different group, so if they say they repent, the governor will give them a Hilux vehicle but unfortunately they are now usin...

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19Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Don’t Sell Your SIM Cards Linked To NINs – FG Tell Nigerians

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against selling their SIM cards that are already linked with the National Identity Numbers (NIN), asserting that crimes committed with any SIM card would be traced for appropriate action. Sounding the warning, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami said this has become necessary as 47.8 million Nigerians have linked their SIM cards with their NINs. Dr Pantami after a review of the on-going NIN registration exercise with the Ministerial Task Force commended Nigerians for massively turning out for the exercise. The Minister in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, urged Nigerians to be mindful of the need to protect and se...

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