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Tinubu swears in 17 federal commissioners of population commission

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Tinubu swears in 17 federal commissioners of population commission

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in 17 federal commissioners of the National Population Commission, which he nominated last November.

The 17 new and returning commissioners took the oath of office – in three batches of six, six, and five – on Wednesday afternoon at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

On November 8, 2023, President Tinubu appointed 20 federal commissioners to the NPC, nine of whom were appointed for a second term in office.

A month later, on December 12, he forwarded the names of 19 of the 20 nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

However, only 17 appeared for the Senate’s screening on February 24, 2024, and were subsequently confirmed.

They include Emmanuel Eke (Abia); Clifford Zirra (Adamawa); Chidi Ezeoke (Anambra); Isa Buratal (Borno); Alex Ukam (Cross River); Blessyn Brume-Maguha (Delta) and Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwegu (Ebonyi).

Others are Tony Alyejina (Edo); Ejike Ezeh (Enugu); Abubakar Damburam (Gombe); Uba Nnabue (Imo); Sa’adatu Garba (Kaduna); Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa (Kano); Yori Afolabii (Kogi); Mary Afan (Plateau); Saany Sale (Taraba) and Ogiri Henry (Rivers).

Two nominees, Olakunle Sobukola (Ogun) and Temitayo Oluwatiyi (Ondo) were not screened as they did not appear before the Committee.

That day, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population, the recently suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP), explained that Sobukola and Oluwatiyi were absent because of “recent political developments in their states”.

After observing a minute’s silence in honour of a former Minister of State for Health, Gabriel Aduku, the Federal Executive Council proceeded into its ninth meeting in the administration.

Oil production rises 26.57m bpd in February — OPEC

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Oil production rises 26.57m bpd in February — OPEC

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries said crude oil production increased by 203,000 barrels per day ( bpd) in February to an average of 26.57 million barrels per day.

According to OPEC’s monthly oil market report obtained by Punch Online on Wednesday, the Organisation left the crude oil demand forecast unchanged.

“Crude oil output increased mainly in Libya and Nigeria, while production in Iran and Iraq decreased. Libya’s production climbed by around 144,000 bpd, the largest growth seen last month, while output rose in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia by 47,000 bpd and 18,000 bpd, respectively.”

Released on Tuesday, the monthly oil market report indicated that the production in Iran and Iraq declined by 15,000 bpd and 14,000 bpd, respectively.

“Demand for OPEC crude is projected to stand at about 28.5 million bpd in 2024, 1.1 million bpd higher than in 2023, while demand for OPEC crude in 2025 is expected to reach about 28.8 million bpd.

Meanwhile, “the non-OPEC output forecast for 2024 has been revised downward. OPEC natural gas liquids and non-conventional liquids production is expected to increase by around 60,000 bpd to average 5.5 million bpd this year, and additional growth of 110,000 bpd is forecast for 2025 to an average 5.6 million bpd.”

Non-OPEC liquids output is forecast to grow by 1.1 million bpd to average 70.5 million bpd in 2024. “This reflects a 120,000 bpd downward revision, compared with the previous month’s assessment, due to the extension of additional voluntary adjustments in 2Q24 by some countries,” it said in OPEC’s report.

In 2025, “non-OPEC liquids production is expected to reach 71.9 million bpd, with a growth rate of 1.4 million bpd. The main drivers for liquid supply growth are projected to be the US, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Norway, while production is forecast to see a major decline in Mexico and Angola.

“The global oil demand growth forecast for 2024 remains unchanged from last month’s assessment at 2.2 million bpd, year-on-year.

“Total world oil demand is projected to reach 104.5 million bpd this year, ‘supported by strong air travel demand and increased road mobility, including on-road diesel and trucking, as well as healthy industrial, construction, and agricultural activities, particularly in non-OECD countries,” OPEC said.

Oil demand in the OECD is forecast to grow by around 300,000 bpd year over year, led by OECD Americas and further supported by a minor uptick from OECD Europe and Asia Pacific.

In the non-OECD, OPEC said in its latest report that oil demand is expected to grow by 2 million bpd year over year, driven by China and supported by the Middle East, other Asia, India and Latin America.

In 2025, global oil demand is expected to see a robust year-over-year growth of 1.8 million bpd. “The OECD is expected to grow by 100,000 bpd on an annual basis, while demand in the non-OECD is forecast to increase by 1.7 million bpd”, OPEC’s monthly oil market report stated.

Police rescue kidnapped UNTH security man, nurse still missing

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Police rescue kidnapped UNTH security man, nurse still missing

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued a security man attached to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, who was reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday with a staff nurse.

This was contained in a statement the command issued on Wednesday, adding that a manhunt to arrest perpetrators and rescue the staff nurse had been launched.

Some gunmen believed to be kidnappers were reported to have invaded the federal hospital on Tuesday and allegedly abducted a female staff and a security man.

In a video that had gone viral in the state, an SUV allegedly belonging to the abducted woman nurse was seen abandoned on the road riddled with bullets.

Although the hospital was silent over the incident, some staff of the hospital who spoke to some reporters on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident.

“This is so sad; we are not safe at all in this hospital; everywhere is porous,” lamented one of the staff.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident and said that the police operatives had rescued the security man.

Ndukwe said that the commissioner of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, had directed the rescue of the nurse.

The statement partly read: “The security man, alleged to have been abducted alongside a female nurse by armed hoodlums in the morning hours of March 12, 2024, at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area, has been rescued by Police Operatives.

“He was rescued at Ishi-Ozalla in the same local government area at about 11.45 pm on the same date of the incident, following the intense operations immediately launched to rescue the victims and apprehend the assailants.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has ordered the Police Operatives and the complementary teams from the Neighborhood Watch Group, Forest Guards, and Local Vigilantes to ensure that everything is done to rescue the female nurse and arrest the hoodlums.

“Meanwhile, members of the public, particularly residents of the Ituku-Ozalla community and environs, have been enjoined to report any suspected individuals found within their residential areas or in the forest, by calling 08099854883 or emailing [email protected].”

Restore power supply in Yenagoa, Reps charge TCN

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Restore power supply in Yenagoa, Reps charge TCN

The House of Representatives has charged the Transmission Company of Nigeria to urgently restore power in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Call to resuscitate the power transmission sub-station in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, moved by member request Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, Mr Obuku Oforji.

Leading the debate on the floor of the House during plenary on Wednesday, Oforji recalled that “On September 23, 2023, the 132/33KV transmission sub-station serving Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital and its environs was gutted by fire, throwing Yenagoa in total darkness. Subsequently, the State has been struggling to use only a feeder to supply five feeders.

He added that the operational feeder is getting weak, stressing that “If urgent steps are not taken, the feeder will collapse.”

Cognizant that the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company has been carrying out remedial services to avert the collapse of the weak operational feeder, the House with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen presiding, urged TCN to swiftly intervene “To prevent the complete collapse of power distribution and transmission in Yenagoa.”

It also mandated the Committee on Power to ensure Compliance.

Dirisu Yakubu

Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The According

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Anambra appeal against Obiano’s trial irrelevant — EFCC

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Anambra appeal against Obiano’s trial irrelevant — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said Anambra State Government was not a defendant in the trial of the former governor Willie Obiano, saying that the government’s appeal on the matter was inconsequential.

Obiano had in a motion dated March 3 disclosed that the Anambra state government has filed an appeal challenging the authority of the EFCC to investigate and try him.

“There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government,” the motion partly read.

The ex-Anambra governor also urged the court to quash the charges against him, adding that the court lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security votes funds.

Obiano, who was arraigned on January 24, is standing trial on nine charges bordering on alleged N4bn theft.

The EFCC, in its counter-affidavit to Obaino’s supporting affidavit for his motion on notice, stated that the referenced appeal has no relevance to the charges against Obiano.

The anti-corruption agency also said the charges and evidence presented against him establish a prima facie case against Obaino.

The Counter-affidavit disposed to by one Habu Fari partly read, “Contrary to the depositions contained in paragraphs 5 (v) and (vi) of the Defendant’s affidavit, the charge and the proofs of evidence disclose a prima facie case and link the Defendant with the allegations constituted in the Charge

“That the deposition contained in paragraph 5 (xi) of the affidavit in support of Motion, Anambra State Government is not a Defendant in the instant proceedings and the Defendant is not Anambra State. The appeal alluded to have no bearing or relationship with the Instant Charge. ”

The EFCC also said the charges preferred against Obiano were devoid of witch-hunting.

“Contrary to the deposition in paragraphs, 5(xii), (xii), (xiv), (xv), (v) (xvii) and (xviii), the instant Charge is brought bonafide, Initiated through due legal process, devoid of witch hunting, precise, unassailable and borne out of the process of a serious investigation as a call to duty to fight economic and financial crimes.

“That the counts constituted in the Charge all border on money laundering which this Honorable Court has exclusive jurisdiction to try, “the commission said.

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the counsel for the defendant, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), adopted his processes and urged the court to grant his client’s prayers.

On his part, the EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to dismiss the defendant’s application.

He submitted that security votes could be probed when misappropriated.

Tahir said, “I urge your lordship to dismiss the application of the defendant. This court has jurisdiction to hear the matter. Security votes are like any other funds when misappropriated it can be accounted for.”

The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned till April 18, 2024, for ruling on Obaino’s application.

UK mulls plan to pay migrants to move to Rwanda voluntarily

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UK mulls plan to pay migrants to move to Rwanda voluntarily

The United Kingdom government said Wednesday it was considering a scheme to send rejected asylum seekers to Rwanda voluntarily and will reportedly pay them up to £3,000 ($3,800) to make the move.

The plan, an extension of existing voluntary returns arrangements, comes as ministers struggle to kickstart separate controversial proposals to deport other migrants to the east African nation.

First unveiled in 2022 in a bid to deter tens of thousands of migrants arriving each year on small boats from mainland Europe, that scheme has stalled due to legal challenges.

The government is trying to satisfy a UK Supreme Court ruling that deporting asylum seekers to Kigali is illegal under international law by enacting legislation compelling judges to treat it as a safe third country.

It has also struck a new treaty with Rwanda.

But earlier this year, it also agreed a new deal for the country to receive people whose British asylum applications have failed, The Times reported.

It would see a financial assistance payment worth up to £3,000 — handed out under existing voluntary returns schemes — made to those willing to relocate to Rwanda, the paper said.

Rwanda integration programmes

The plan would be the first time migrants were paid to leave the UK without returning to their country of origin, according to The Times.

It aims to remove tens of thousands of migrants who are not authorised to remain in Britain but cannot be returned to their home country.

“We are exploring voluntary relocations for those who have no right to be here to Rwanda,” an interior ministry statement said.

It noted that 19,000 people were removed voluntarily from the UK in the past year, and such schemes were “an important part of our efforts to tackle illegal migration”.

Rejected asylum seekers cannot work legally in the UK but would be allowed to do so in Rwanda and be eligible for five years of additional support agreed in the 2022 deportation plan.

That includes housing and access to integration programmes to help them study and train.

Rwanda — home to some 13 million people in the Great Lakes region — lays claim to being one of the most stable countries in Africa.

But rights groups accuse President Paul Kagame of ruling in a climate of fear, stifling dissent and free speech.

The country has drawn praise for its modern infrastructure but sparked unease over its record on human rights.

Britain’s main Labour opposition said the latest plan showed the government’s contentious deportation scheme “has no chance of succeeding”.

AFP

Senate meets Wike, FCT CP behind closed-door

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Senate meets Wike, FCT CP behind closed-door

The Senate is currently meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe

The Senate at the Wednesday plenary resolved at about 12:20 pm to move the first order of the day to another legislative day to allow for a meeting with the duo in a Committee of the Whole in a closed-door session.

Consequently, a motion was moved by the Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru, and seconded by the Minority Leader in this respect.

Ashiru said, “The minister and the commissioner will brief us on the modalities of security in the FCT.”

The Senate, on Wednesday, February 28, summoned Wike, and the Commissioner of Police, Igwe, over the murder of Chris Agidy, an aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, by some kidnappers.

The Senate resolved that the FCT Minister and the police commissioner should appear to brief the Red Chamber on the increasing cases of kidnapping in Nigeria’s capital city.

The Senate resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Nwoko on the kidnapping and killing of his senior legislative assistant, Agidy.

Agidy was reportedly kidnapped along with 19 others in the Galadimawa area of Abuja in November 2023.

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Kudos, knocks trail government delay of student loan initiative

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Kudos, knocks trail government delay of student loan initiative

The suspension of the highly anticipated student loan scheme introduced by the Federal Government has sparked mixed reactions from professional groups and Nigerians on social media platforms.

Some netizens and groups have knocked the decision and expressed frustration and disappointment, seeing it as a setback for students anticipating financial support for their education. They also criticised the government for what they perceived as incompetence and lack of commitment to fulfilling promises.

Some Netizens and groups have, however, hailed the decision, noting that the delay was necessary to ensure the proper implementation of the scheme.

The launch of the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme was indefinitely postponed by the Federal Government on Tuesday.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyer, made this known during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday.

This postponement, occurring just 48 hours before the scheduled launch of the scheme was attributed to necessary corrections being made.

The scheme, initially proposed by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, was intended to provide interest-free loans for higher education.

Despite preparations, including the creation of a dedicated website, the launch was delayed multiple times.

Meanwhile, various stakeholders, such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and concerned citizens, have voiced their concerns and criticisms regarding the suspension, highlighting issues of transparency, government accountability, and the impact on students.

While some viewed the delay as necessary to ensure effective policy execution, others criticized it as indicative of broader governance issues, including a lack of transparency and accountability.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos (UNILAG) while reacting to the suspension of the scheme renewed its call for free education, saying Nigerian students do not desire the FG’s education loan.

ASUU UNILAG stated this on its X handle on Wednesday.

ASUU_UNILAG said, “📢 The message is simple and clear 🔊🔊🔊
#WeShallOvercome #AlutaContinua #VictoriaAscerta #SolidarityForever #ASUU.”

Also, an X user, Omaconsultant03 while reacting wrote, “Really confused government.
-CNG buses not yet seen
-Student loan cancelled
-Civil servant Palliative not consistent
-Conditional cash transfer failed
And yet the claim of subsidy is gone stand
Please God intervene in Nigeria’s issues.”

“FG assumes all Nigerian students are perhaps making money from online frauds and all! The interest and well-being of Nigerians never bother these politicians.

oredolalaide, another netizen wrote: “If a politician goes around acting like ‘fighting for the people’, he’s just fighting for his ambitions and relevance,”

DeborahToluwase on the other hand wrote, “The Federal Government honestly needs to come clean on this student loan thingy. Ajuri came out two days ago to say that the Student Loan scheme will be launched on Thursday (Tomorrow);

“only for the Executive Secretary of the Loan Fund, Akin Sawyerr to say that some corrections still needed to be made and hence he can’t commit to a certain date as regards the launch. This is not a good image at all. Why give a launch date for a half-baked policy?”

akomscopy while also reacting on the X platform wrote, “The reason why this delay in the student loan scheme is generating mixed reactions is because the policy, when implemented, will be beneficial to mostly the poor and middle class. It’s important for the government to get it right, once and for all.”

“If you study the body language of Mr President, you will know he wants to give it all, and he (president) said ‘nobody should be left behind” when it comes to this scheme’.

“Not leaving anyone behind means there must be due diligence in getting many things right before launching,” he stated.

ashman_babane wrote, “🤣🤣🤣🤣 They have nothing to offer, it’s just a mouth-washing promise, Nigeria is so easy to predict in terms of the governance policies.

“The first day we heard this my boss said all na lie, and here we are🤣. The system is not to make life okay is set up against citizens.”

“The pitfall in this loan is one big issue, transparency in its administration and implementation is another. But one troubling part in all this is the back-tracking of this government’s policies. It seems that all their campaign promises were not realistic and well thought out,” VictorIbetoEsq wrote.

darligton_ stated, “Lol…they just used it as an excuse to increase school fees. This govt is full of scammers.”

Diaspora Nigerians seek consulate office in Chicago

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Diaspora Nigerians seek consulate office in Chicago

The Nigeria Diaspora Initiative has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently approve the establishment of a Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois, United States, to increase Nigeria’s annual Foreign Direct Investment and boost its economic status.

This is coming after the Federal Government announced that the FDI for the third quarter of 2023 stood at US $59.77 million.

The move, the group claimed in a statement on Wednesday, would attract investments that could bring growth to the Nigerian economy, especially when other nations are currently facing challenges.

They stressed that preventing Nigerians and other investors around the US from traveling long distances to access services provided by the nation’s embassy office will scale up FDI yearly.

Among those advocating for the creation and establishment of the consulate are Prof Shaffideen Amuwo, a Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Chicago, Alh. Tunji Quadri, a US-based cyber security expert and the General Coordinator of Nigeria Diaspora Initiative, Mr. Tolani Banire, a Manager with vast experience in the Aviation Industry, Dr. Oluwagoke Ajayi, a seasoned Engineer and contractor with the US Department of Defense, Dr. Victor Onafuye Jonathan, an Information Technology expert, and Hon. Femi Odere.

In the statement signed by NDI Coordinator, Alhaji Tunji Quadri, the group maintained that the consulate office would not serve as merely a bureaucratic expansion, but a symbolic avenue for the Federal Government to engage with the Nigerians abroad especially those in the United States.

“At its core, the issue of access to any consular services is a fundamental human right. All people have the right to consular services in a timely and effective manner. Yet, for Nigerians especially those in Chicago and Midwest cities, that right has been denied.

“This denial by the Federal Government has created significant barriers, making it difficult for people to travel, do business, and even access vital documentation.

“It is crucial that the Tinubu-led administration ensure that Nigerian Americans are given the support they need to succeed. The establishment of a consulate in Chicago would be a powerful symbol of that commitment,” he added.

On his part, Tolani Bamire argued that the population of Nigerians in the U.S., especially in the Midwest area is a key factor in establishing another Consulate office in Chicago, Illinois to serve the needs of our citizens.

He added that the clamour for a new consulate office will decongest the number of Nigerians and investors traveling to the other offices in New York and Atlanta, Georgia for consular services.

According to him, the office will be a platform for a strengthened bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the US.

Police order patrols around Kano schools

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Police order patrols around Kano schools

The Kano State Police Commissioner, Hussaini Gumel, has directed Operational Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify patrols around all the primary and secondary schools as well as all tertiary institutions in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations, SP Abdullahi Haruna, on Wednesday.

He said the measure was in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on ensuring the safety of schools under the Safe Schools Initiative.

Haruna said the directive was aimed at improving the security of lives and property, most especially the safety of schools and students.

“The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff and to boost the overall educational sector in the state.

“The intention of increasing the presence of police personnel in these areas is to further deter criminal activities and provide a secure environment conducive to learning and teaching.”

He urged members of the public, particularly school administrators, teachers, parents, and students, to cooperate fully with the Police and other security agencies and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.

While thanking the people of the state for their support, cooperation, and understanding, the commissioner urged them to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest Police station.

The According reports that over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits last Thursday, triggering national outrage.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Amnesty International, the Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the House of Representatives condemned the attack and asked the government to rescue the victims immediately

The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.

The According reports that the secondary school was relocated to the primary school on account of the insecurity in the council.

The incident occurred barely 24 hours after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Borno State.

The women were kidnapped in Ngala, the headquarters of Gambarou Ngala in Borno State while fetching firewood in the bush.

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