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PDP, APC commiserate with Plateau gov over school building collapse

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PDP, APC commiserate with Plateau gov over school building collapse

The Peoples Democratic Party has condoled Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and the parents affected by the tragic school building collapse in Jos, the state capital.

This is just as the leadership of the All Progressives Congress has declared that it is deeply saddened by the news of the school’s collapse.

The death toll from the school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday morning, has risen to 22.

Initially, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, reported 17 fatalities, following a rescue operation at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area.

However, in a statement released on Friday night, the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, updated the figures, confirming that the death toll had increased to 22, with 154 others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

In response, the PDP, through a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday, expressed sadness over the incident, which has caused immense agony, sorrow, and pain to the students, teachers, parents, families, the government, and the people of Plateau State, as well as the entire nation.

The statement read in part, “Indeed, the heartrending death of these young Nigerian children who left their respective homes to school in search of knowledge and pursuit of their dreams and aspirations came as a huge blow to our nation and humanity and we pray that their death will not be in vain.

“Our party commiserates with Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and stands in prayers with the teachers, parents, siblings and families of the victims as well as the injured at this trying time.

“The PDP commends Governor Mutfwang for his swift intervention in search and rescue operation, recovery and provision of all necessary emergency aids including prompt evacuation of victims and medical assistance to the injured.

“The PDP prays for the repose of the souls of the dead, divine consolation for the bereaved and speedy recovery of the injured.”

Also expressing sadness at the incident in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described the collapse as “unbearably heartbreaking.”

The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress is deeply saddened by the news of the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in Busa Abuja in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State which claimed the lives of children, students, staff and injured many others yesterday, Friday, July 12, 2024.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent lives lost and best wishes for speedy recovery to those injured by the tragic incident. The incident is unbearably heartbreaking as the children and adults killed and injured were in the place they were supposed to be, in school, doing exactly what was expected of them.

“We urge the Plateau State Government to enforce building control standards more vigorously to guarantee safety and prevent a reoccurrence of a tragedy of this kind. We commend the emergency response led by the National Emergency Management Agency, and other agencies, including medical personnel that conducted the rescue, evacuation and treatment of victims of this horrific incident.

“May God grant the departed eternal rest and may He comfort the families they left behind. Amen.

According Online reports that the Saint Academy School building, located in the Busa Buji community, collapsed around 8.30 am. on Friday when the students and teachers were in their classes.

The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed in a statement on Friday that 120 persons were trapped under the rubbles while giving an update on the incident.

Nigeria’s problems beyond LG autonomy, says Makinde

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Nigeria’s problems beyond LG autonomy, says Makinde

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy as a distraction from the more pressing issues facing the country.

In a video released on Saturday, Makinde emphasized the need to address the underlying problems of productivity, hunger, and anger in Nigeria.

He said in part, “So the judgment of the Supreme Court, there is local government autonomy, financial autonomy, and all of that, and I will still say it, I think it’s just a distraction. We must face the real issues that we have.

“The issue that we have is that we are not producing enough. We are not productive.

According reports that in a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court ruled that the 774 local government councils in Nigeria have the constitutional right to manage their finances autonomously without interference from state governments.

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Your criticism of Tinubu driven by ‘pull-down’ syndrome, Karimi tells Ndume

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Your criticism of Tinubu driven by ‘pull-down’ syndrome, Karimi tells Ndume

The Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, has fired back at his colleague, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) stating that his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration was driven by a ‘pull-down syndrome.’

Karimi, in a statement on Saturday, cautioned Ndume, urging him to refrain from making derogatory statements against Tinubu’s administration.

According to Karimi, Ndume’s behaviour is “likened to that of a loose cannon” while he emphasised the need for constructive dialogue and criticism in governance.

He explained that most of Ndume’s criticisms of Tinubu’s administration appear to stem from a personal agenda to undermine the government at all costs.

He said, “Senator Ndume is inconsistent in his criticism and approach, he had been notably silent during the previous administration led by President Buhari from the North.

“Many of Senator Ndume’s allegations lack substantiated evidence and are driven by a pull-down syndrome rather than a genuine commitment to improving governance.”

Karimi added, “As an experienced legislator with over two decades of service in the National Assembly, Senator Ndume is urged to exercise caution in his statements and avoid making inflammatory remarks that could further polarize the polity and divide the nation.

“Senator Ndume should adopt a more constructive and responsible approach to criticism serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue and fostering unity in the pursuit of national development.

“It is essential for all stakeholders in governance to prioritize the collective interests of the nation above personal agenda and political vendetta.”

The According had reported that the two senators, under the All Progressive Congress, had on Tuesday co-sponsored a motion on the food crisis ravaging the country.

Ndume had, thereafter, granted various interviews where he said Tinubu was oblivious of the happenings in the country and had been caged by certain forces.

Ndume said, “Mr. President is not in the picture of what is happening outside the Villa. He has been fenced off and caged. Many of us won’t go through the backdoor to engage him,” Ndume said. “Now they have stopped him from talking, and he doesn’t have public affairs managers, except for his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, who writes press statements. Nigerians are getting very angry.”

74 victims discharged as Plateau gov orders closure of collapsed school

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74 victims discharged as Plateau gov orders closure of collapsed school

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has ordered the closure of Saints Academy in Jos, which collapsed on Friday, killing over 22 persons.

The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Ashoms said Muftwang gave the order during a visit to the site of the collapsed building at the Busa Buji community as well as hospitals where the injured were receiving treatment on Saturday.

The commissioner added that the governor also ordered the arrest of artisanal miners, mining around residential areas in the state.

He stated that Muftwang also commiserated with the families of the deceased children and promised that the state government would bear the cost of the treatment of the injured students

Ashoms said the state government has declared a three-day mourning period following the sad incident.

The statement read in part, “In response to the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained by teachers and students of Saints Academy Jos, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a three-day period of mourning from July 13 to July 15, 2024. During this time, all flags will be flown at half-mast to honour the victims of the school building collapse in Jos.

“Governor Mutfwang extends his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating incident and urges citizens to strictly follow building codes and ethics to prevent such tragedies. He emphasizes the need for all developers and property owners to submit their building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation, as part of the enforcement of Executive Order 003.

“We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to those affected during this incredibly difficult time. We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority. We urge all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure the necessary approvals from the JMDB before beginning any construction projects.

“Governor Mutfwang also extends his deepest gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their tremendous support and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy. He thanks the first responders for their swift action and commends the many citizens who donated blood and other resources to aid the injured.”

The statement, however, said that out of the 154 persons who were injured and rushed to the hospital, 74 of them had been treated and discharged from the hospital

“As of the time of this release, 58 individuals remain hospitalised, while the rest have been treated and discharged:
– Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH): 6
– Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH): 6
– Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH): 14
– Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLA): 32

“A total of 74 persons have been discharged,” it added.

Invasion of Taiwanese rubber firm by Cross River Govt sparks concerns among investors

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Invasion of Taiwanese rubber firm by Cross River Govt sparks concerns among investors

Last week Friday, the Cross River State Privatisation Council ordered armed security operatives to storm the Enghaut Industries Ltd, a rubber processing firm situated in the Uyangha area of Akamkpa LGA of the state.
The operatives and government officials allegedly carted away several tons of rubber and other equipment belonging to the company, according to sources in the firm.
The government has gone ahead to sack the management of the rubber firm, and announced a new managing director.
Justifying the action, a personnel in the state Ministry of Finance, who confided in this reporter, said that the invasion was overdue, accusing the firm of not carrying out Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.
“They have not established schools, clinics; no scholarships, no impact of the firm on host communities at all. We cannot sit by and watch. The same action will be taken against such rubber and other firms who do not also discharge their obligations.
“Since the owner of the firm died, they began to move equipment to Sapele where they have another plantation.
“Since we lost our 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State, government wants to use every avenue to recoup revenues.”
Further findings revealed that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu had issued a warning in April 2024, claiming that the firm was owing the state government the sum of N178 million in respect of ground rent for 18 years.
The government announced that it will revoke the right of occupancy of the Taiwanese firm.
The development followed the report of a fact-finding committee which Otu set up to look into the activities of the firm whose owner, a Taiwanese, died some years ago after which the wife took charge.
Special Adviser on State Security to the Governor, retired Major General Okoi Ubi Obono, headed the fact-finding committee.
The committee had recommended the invocation of sections 1 and 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 to enable government revoke the Right of Occupancy of the firm.
The committee also suggested that due process be followed in acquiring the company’s land, but where compensation was to be paid, the amount, N178 million should be deducted from the accumulated ground rent owed the state government by the firm.
Receiving the report, Otu had assured that appropriate action would be taken to address the situation.
Otu assured that his administration was committed to ensuring that the rich agricultural endowment of the state is developed and made to become the economic mainstay of the state.
However, an official of the rubber firm, who gave his name as Julius Abeng, contradicted the position of government, saying the company have performed its CSR obligations according to the law.
“We have done much in terms of investment only for the present state government of Governor Otu to wake up and publish a revocation of right of occupancy against the company when it is yet to reap the dividends of its investment.
“The business was established by the late Mr Bob Lin, a Taiwanese, whose wife manages presently.
“Following the unjustified occupancy right revocation, the company filed for an interim injunction against the state government which was granted on the 9th day of July, 2024.
“Before the grant of the injunction, agents of the government came to take over the estate on Friday, 5th July 2024, and on Monday, 8th July 2024, the same government agents came and carted away 53.8 metric tons of the company’s harvested natural rubber by force to an unknown destination.”
Meanwhile, in suit no HC/162/2024 between Enghuat Industries Ltd vs Attorney General of the state and CRS Privatisation Council, filed on 1st July 2024, the state high court presided over by Justice B. T. Ebuta, issued an order of interim injunction dated 9th July 2024, restraining the state government and its agents from entering the claimant’s property or tampering with the its assets.
Following the action of the state government, business owners, investors and rubber plantation owners in the state have expressed concerns about their own fates.
An investor, Sir Lawrence Akpan, expressed concern that the manner the government is clamping down on thriving industries by revoking their business rights has sent a wrong signal to existing and potential investors like him, who has hundreds of workers on their payroll.
He advised the government to rather encourage more investors to come in, and also lure those that fled to neighbouring states because of high taxations to return.
“Business environment was not very conducive for investors and manufacturers in the state and now the state government is clamping down on some industries that provides employment and contribute to IGR. It is scary. It has sent a wrong message.”
Invasion of Taiwanese rubber firm by Cross River Govt sparks concerns among investors

Taraba gov pledges good governance to sustain PDP dominance

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Taraba gov pledges good governance to sustain PDP dominance

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, on Saturday, said his administration will continue to provide good governance and maintain a clear line between politics and governance in the interest of the state.

The governor, who disclosed this during an expanded caucus meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Jalingo, the state capital, lamented that most times, politicians make promises during campaigns, but focus more on politics when elected than fulfilling the promises, thereby, eroding the people’s trust and making it difficult to convince the electorates during elections.

According to him, “We are elected to provide good governance to the people, and we will continue to do that, and that is the only way we will continue to maintain the PDP winning streak in the state.

“We are going to do something different. We are already focusing on people orientated governance than politics so that the people of Taraba will not be tired of PDP.”

Kefas also emphasised the need for party leaders to return to their respective wards and develop a consensus list of Ward and Local Government Council executives ahead of the state congress of the party slated for August.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, former Minister of Finance, Ambassador Idris Waziri said the party, during the meeting, zoned key positions of the State Working Committee to the three zones to ensure balance and inclusivity of all stakeholders of the party in the state.

According to him, the state Party Chairman, Elder Nuhu Abe, presented the guidelines and timetable for the upcoming PDP ward, local government, and state congresses on behalf of the committee, which was adopted at the meeting.

Sources at the meeting also informed our correspondent that a committee within the State Working Committee that was tasked with zoning various party offices for the upcoming State Congress also submitted their report to the Governor for final approval.

The meeting also affirmed that the Vice Chairmen of North, Central, and Southern zones, who are currently serving their first term, will continue in their roles.

Adamawa LG poll: Gov Fintiri votes in hometown

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Adamawa LG poll: Gov Fintiri votes in hometown

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has cast his vote in home town, Madagali, in the ongoing Adamawa State local council election.
The Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission, ADSIEC, is conducting the poll for the election of chairmen and councillors for the state’s 21 local government areas.
The governor, who voted at his Kirshiga Ward 004 polling unit in Madagali, later told journalists that he was happy with the conduct of the election.
In the election which started late across most polling units in the state, the state Deputy Governor, Professor Farauta Kaletapwa, cast her vote in Numan, 70 kilometres south of the capital city, Yola.
The deputy governor also said she was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of everyone involved in the election process.
She expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would be victorious in the election across the state because of the many development projects of the PDP-led state government.
TVN had earlier in the week reported that the leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, as well as another major party, the Social Democratic Party, SDP, boycotted the election.
The two parties which expressed dissatisfaction with how the state electoral body, ADSIEC, was constituted, sad they could not trust the agency to conduct a credible election.
Twelve political parties are participating in the election.
Adamawa LG poll: Gov Fintiri votes in hometown

Abuja building collapse: Four rescued, search continues

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Abuja building collapse: Four rescued, search continues

Four persons have been rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed two-storey building located beside Cupid Hotel, Sultan Dansuki Road, Phase 2, Site 2, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, on Saturday.

The Acting Director FCT Federal Emergency Management Department, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

She noted that “the FCT Emergency Management Department, was notified of the incident by passers-by and also received a distress call on the 112 emergency toll-free number at about 6.45 am.

“Two of the rescued victims have been taken to the Kubwa General Hospital. Efforts are ongoing to search for any other person that may be trapped in the collapsed building.

“The FCT Emergency Management Department, National Emergency Management Agency, FCT Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, the Civil Defense Corps, and the Nigeria Police are on the ground at the incident scene.”

The collapsed building contained 45 self-contained apartments. It was previously used as a hotel before it was converted for residential purposes.

She added that efforts are ongoing to search for any other person who may be trapped in the collapsed building.

“The FCT Emergency Management Department, National Emergency Management Agency, FCT Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, the Civil Defense Corps, and the Nigeria Police are on the ground at the incident scene,” she added.

Wenegieme assured that “search and rescue efforts are ongoing until the last person is removed if at all there is still someone trapped in the rubble.

She appealed to developers to follow strictly the building code and avoid the use of substandard materials.

South-East LP Assembly lawmakers ask Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

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South-East LP Assembly lawmakers ask Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

Labour Party lawmakers in the South-East, under the aegis of South-East Labour Party House of Assembly Caucus, have called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu has been in detention since 2021, after he was arrested in Kenya by the Federal Government and repatriated to Nigeria to face trial.
The South-East LP lawmakers, at a press conference in Awka, Anambra State on Saturday, said Kanu’s release will quell insecurity in the zone.
The caucus leader, Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, who addressed journalists on behalf of the 11 other members of the group, said: “We express happiness and gratitude to the South-East Governors, Senators and House of Representatives members on their recent resolve to interface with the Federal Government for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
“We see it as a demonstration of leadership and show of concern for the people. We therefore, lend our voices in appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, so as to douse the current ravaging insecurity in the zone.
“This insecurity has grounded the economy of the region and has occasioned unprecedented loss of human lives as well as destruction of property.
“His release will act as a healing balm to the region and also encourage the feeling of oneness as a nation. It will also separate genuine agitators from criminals in the business of kidnapping.”
The LP lawmakers also called on governors of the South-East region to grant full financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly in accordance with the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers.
“This will go a long way in ensuring more robust assemblies, by enhancing their functionalities in the area of law making, oversight and other attendant legislative duties.
“Following the example of the Federal Government, it will deepen democracy in the states and ensure more quality and effective representation.”
The caucus consisted of lawmakers from from Anambra and Enugu Houses of Assembly. They include Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, Kingsley Udemezue, Nigeria Chidinma Mbachu, Nkechi Ogbuefi, Justice Azuka, Harrison Ogara, Eze Gabriel, Malachy Onyechi, Raymond Ugwu, Fred Ezenwa and Osita Okoh.
South-East LP Assembly lawmakers ask Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

LG autonomy: S’Court judgment conspiracy against democracy

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LG autonomy: S’Court judgment conspiracy against democracy

The pan-Yoruba socio-political association, Afenifere, has condemned the judgment of the Supreme Court which granted total financial autonomy to the local governments in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court on Thursday declared it unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.

The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.

Afenifere, in a statement on Saturday, by its leader and the National Public Secretary, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Prince Justice Faloye, described the apex court judgement as a mere judicial conspiracy.

The statement was titled ‘Tinubu and the grand conspiracy against democracy and true federalism in Nigeria.’

According to the group in the statement, the judgement was against the principle of true federalism. It added that the Supreme Court had played to the gallery in delivering such a judgement.

The statement read, “Afenifere views the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case filed by the Federal Government on the so-called local government autonomy as a sheer judicial conspiracy in cahoots with the Tinubu administration against the Nigerian state and its foundational principles of federalism.

“Rather than interpret the constitution to uphold its elementary but overriding federal principle which recognises only a two-tier federal structure of the central government and federating states, the Supreme Court played to the gallery and wittingly allowed itself a most retrogressive declaration that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, Afenifere makes bold to say that in line with its negotiated basis of existence, Nigeria is a ‘Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory’. as affirmed by Section 2 (2) of the 1999 constitution. While Afenifere frowns at corruption and misuse of public funds at levels of government, it condemns in most unmistaken terms  the subjugation of the states and their constitutional roles including the local government system to the whims and caprices of the federal government by any means including obvious manipulation of the federation account as in the present case.”

The group also alleged that the ongoing administration of Tinubu had been practising a unitary system in some of its policies since its inception. It maintained that the only way forward for the country was to practice true federalism.

“It is becoming stridently eloquent that with just over a year of its inauguration, the Tinubu government,  more than even the military administrations, is uncannily determined to unitarise the Nigerian Federation.

“Part of the unitary package is the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development which is the audacious euphemism for the re-introduction of cattle colony, RUGA and those other policies by which the Buhari administration sought to appropriate lands in the states contrary to the provisions of the Land Use Act and the Constitution which vest land in the state in the Governor in trust for the people.

“Afenifere insists that the way forward for Nigeria is not the confusing rudderless tinkering but a holistic restructuring of the polity to re-enact the fundamental principles of true federalism as agreed by the founding fathers. This includes the fact that the local government system is an exclusive preserve of the states, either by direct constitutional provisions or residual powers in a federation,” the group submitted.

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