Television Nigerian

Atiku under fire over Naira comments

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February 20, 2023

For allegedly making contradictory remarks regarding the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Naira redesign policy, Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate for the 2023 election, has come under fire from opposition groups.

According to reports, Atiku made a U-turn on Sunday and claimed that the CBN’s naira redesign strategy is harming common people.

The former vice president supported the currency redesign strategy over two weeks ago and urged the apex bank to stick to the original deadline of February 10 for the demonetisation of old naira notes.

Read Also: Atiku meets Rivers PDP stakeholders in Abuja, Wike is absent

Any additional extension, according to the PDP candidate, would defeat the policy’s goal and purpose.
Reacting to Atiku’s change in stance, Festus Keyamo, the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), slammed the PDP candidate for being ‘double-faced’, and ‘playing with the lives of Nigerians’.
Keyamo posted screenshots of Atiku’s comments on Monday morning on his verified Twitter account, saying, “Check out the changing positions of a two-faced candidate always playing politics with the lives of Nigerians, just like he played politics with the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto last year.”

In a similar vein, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), implied that Atiku is not a true leader.

On Monday, Sowore posted on Twitter that opportunistic @atiku believed he could use the Naira Design to increase poverty and win the election.

Read Also: ACF urges Nigerians to accept outcome of elections in 2023

Any sincere leader would have understood that the “naira design” fraud would harm the nation’s poorest citizens. There is no difference, I keep saying for this reason. He will be selling everything.

Kogi lawmaker urged to contest gov election, gets N50m donation

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February 20, 2023

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Kogi lawmaker urged to contest gov election, gets N50m donation

The presentation took place when friends and associates from all three senatorial districts of the state paid him a courtesy visit at his Abuja residence on Sunday, according to a statement from the media office signed by Adeleye Oluwafemi, a Special Adviser to Adeyemi.

According to the statement, “Friends and associates of Senator Smart Adeyemi from across Kogi State in Abuja called on him to run for governor today, February 19, 2023, at the Maitama residence of Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi (CON), equally raised money to buy the governorship form, and promised to galvanize support across the entire state for him.”

Read Also: Naira crisis: Kaduna residents turn to petrol stations for help

The group hinged their support for the journalist turned politician on his courage, carriage, capacity, great antecedents, experience, exposure, vision, patriotism, detrabalized nature, oratory prowess, maturity, passion and delivery capacity.
The group noted with “reminiscence” Senator Smart Adeyemi’s “remarkable achievements across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State and his quality representation at the floor of the senate.”

The formal donation of the fifty million naira was made on behalf of others by fifty of the senator’s friends and associates.

They claim that the bank draft was obtained on Friday, February 17, 2023, but that they were unable to present it to the senator because he was away in Maiduguri, Borno State, for the APC presidential campaign.
Adeyemi responded by thanking the group for their unanimous choice and urging them to support Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima, and other APC candidates in large numbers during the upcoming election.

Adeyemi praised Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, and Shettima, his running mate, for having intellectual prowess, a proven track record, and impeccable moral character. She also said that the two together would be the best choice to take Nigeria to a new level of development and prosperity.

Read Also: NCDMB boss Identifies Strategies for Local Content Regional Collaboration.

Among those present at the meeting were Chief Sule Ebira and Ahmed Yinusa from the Kogi Central senatorial district, as well as Nathaniel Taiwo, Ben Owoleke, Ade Olamife, and Akin Akinola from the Kogi West senatorial district, Omale Isaiah, Mr. Dan Ameh, and Mr. Philip Omale from the Kogi East senatorial district, and others.

Poll: APC suspends National Vice Chairman for six months

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February 20, 2023

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Poll: APC suspends National Vice Chairman for six months

The Rumde Ward Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yola North Local Government Area has suspended Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), for a period of six months.
Salihu was suspended for allegedly participating in anti-party activities.
The party’s ward chairman, Abdulkadir Abdullahi, was also suspended.

The Vice Chairman of the APC in Rumde Ward, Abdulhadi Ahmed, the Secretary, Garba Mohammed, and 16 other individuals signed the notices of suspension.

The APC’s acting chairman in Adamawa State and the party’s chairman in Yola North LGA have both been informed of the suspension of the two leaders.

Read Also: NCDMB boss Identifies Strategies for Local Content Regional Collaboration.

The All Progressives Congress’ suspension letter for Comrade Mustapha Salihu states: “The All Progressives Congress, Rumde Ward Working Committee, Yola North Local Government Area(LGA) held an emergency meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2023 and considered, among other things, the immediate suspension of the North-East Vice Chairman of the APC, Comrade Mustapha Salihu over glaring and proven anti-party activities, gross abuse of office, and creating crisis within the ranks of the party at all levels
“Therefore, in compliance with the relevant provisions of the constitution of our great party, the members of the working committee have adopted and approved the suspension of Comrade.Mustapha Salihu for the penod of six months with immediate effect so as fo serve as a deterrent to others in the future.

“This committee is very much aware of the responsibilities vested on it by the party and will always ensure the supremacy of the party above any personal interest of any person or group of persons especially when that poses danger to the chances of the party at the polls.

“While appreciating the state Working Committee of our party for your continued support, we hope our resolution will receive accelerated treatment.”
The ward also suspended Abdulkadir Abdullahi, the ward’s APC chairman, in a letter of a similar nature.

Read Also: Naira crisis: Kaduna residents turn to petrol stations for help

The All Progressives Congress stated: “We, the undersigned, Rumde Ward Working Committee, Yola North LGA, held an emergency meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2023, and reviewed, among other things, the immediate suspension of the Ward Chairman Abdulkadir Abdullahi over proven anti-party activities, gross abuse of office, and a brewing crisis within the ranks of the party at the ward level, which if left unchecked will affect the party at the forthcoming general election.

“While appreciating the state Working Committee of our party for your continued support, we hope our resolution will receive accelerated treatment.

Naira crisis: Kaduna residents turn to petrol stations for help

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February 20, 2023

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Naira crisis: Kaduna residents turn to petrol stations for help

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, residents of Kaduna State have turned to gas stations for assistance in their desperate search for money to meet their urgent needs.

This development follows the lack of readily available cash in the majority of the city’s ATMs, which is also the reason point-of-sale operators had to close their doors.

According to NAN checks, people looking for cash flocked to gas stations dispensing fuel to look for people buying gas with cash rather than an electronic transfer.

A deal was then made with those in need of money, according to which they would pay for the fuel through an electronic transfer from their account and receive the money from the fuel buyer in exchange.
The arrangement was a relief to many people who had been experiencing extreme hardship, according to people interviewed in one of the filling stations.

“I learned about this arrangement today and went to a gas station where fuel was being dispensed. There, I spoke with a driver of a commercial bus, and he agreed to assist me.

We agreed that I should pay N7,000 through the station’s PoS, which I did, as that was the amount his fuel cost.

Read Also: ACF urges Nigerians to accept outcome of elections in 2023

“When it was his turn to receive the fuel, I presented the N7,000 slip and obtained the cash from him in exchange; this was a huge relief to me as I had no cash on me.
“The major challenge is that it is not everything that can be purchased through electronic transfer of money; there are some needs that can only be satisfied using liquid cash”, said Adamu Saleh, a resident.

He said commercial vehicle operators had been very useful in that regard, just as he praised them for not capitalising on the situation to requesting for something in return.

Another resident, Mrs Aisha Fika, said she had to accost three different people at a petrol station before she secured liquid cash.

“I accosted two people who told me they had already been ‘booked’ by others, but a third person obliged,” she said.

Fika said all efforts to secure cash through the ATMs or PoS proved abortive, until she got wind of the petrol station arrangement.
Another resident, Aminu Lawan, said the challenges with this arrangement, are the uncertainty of network service, and the time spent waiting for the turn of your helper to be dispensed fuel.

“Sometimes, the network can disappoint, or the person to help you is far behind in the petrol queue; except you are patient you may end up getting frustrated”, he said.

Others who spoke to NAN said the arrangement was a big relief, and had helped in reducing the frustration of many, occasioned by the current cash squeeze in the system.

Meanwhile, some hospitals in Kaduna patronised by ordinary people, are experiencing dearth of patients.

Some employees of the hospitals, who were interviewed by NAN, attributed the low turn out to the unavailability of new naira notes.

One of the employees at the hospital, who pleaded for anonymity, said some patients did not even have cash to settle their transportation fare to the hospital.

A patient, Mrs Munirat Umar, met in one of the hospitals, said in spite of her coming late, was able to see a doctor due to low turnout of patients, saying she met empty seats at the waiting hall.She said the lack of cash, as well as poor network that hindered seamless electronic transfer of money, had played a major role in reducing the number of patients in the hospital.
Muhammad Adam, another patient, said they were able to see a doctor but were unable to pay for medications because they did not have any fresh naira notes. Muhammad Adam brought his sister to the hospital.

Read Also: Stop lying, you’re foreigner in Ogun West, says PDP candidate Obanibasiri to Adeola

We have old naira notes, but they won’t take them, insisting that we use the new currency or the Point of Sale, the man said.

NAN also noted that Kaduna city tricycle drivers now prominently display their account information on their tricycles so that customers can pay their fares electronically.

Additionally, passengers were informed in advance that old N500 and N1,000 notes would no longer be accepted as legal tender.

ACF urges Nigerians to accept outcome of elections in 2023

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February 20, 2023

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ACF urges Nigerians to accept outcome of elections in 2023

For the survival of democracy in Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum, or ACF, has urged Nigerians to strictly accept the results of this year’s elections.

The forum asserted that there must be winners and losers and emphasized that, regardless of the outcome, nobody should try to discredit Nigerians’ choice by denouncing or rejecting it.

The forum’s Secretary General, Mallam Murtala Aliyu, said in a statement that any attempt to contest the election’s results would be seen as a cruel assault on the nation’s democracy and would be viewed as unacceptable and harmful to the democratic process.
The statement explained, “The resolve of Nigerians to conclude the 2023 general elections successfully has also never been in doubt. Given all that has been accomplished, there is no earthly reason for anyone to even attempt to tamper with the announced timetable of the elections. That will be totally unacceptable.”

Read Also: Current Champions League players with most goals, assists in UEFA

Before, during, and after the elections, the forum urged leaders at all levels to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all citizens and foreigners in their spheres of influence. It also urged Nigerians to ensure a peaceful transition from one civilian administration to another.

The forum also gave the media advice on how to calm any unrest that might develop as a result of the elections and results.

ACF expressed satisfaction with the introduction of technology to the electoral process, stating that it is a wise move that would serve to prevent the previously common electoral malpractices of over-voting, ballot stuffing, ballot box snatching, and result alteration.
The forum believed that the online transmission of results from the polling points to the collating centers and the provision of facilities for people to monitor election results online are also innovations that will ensure that the elections are not rigged.

The statement hailed the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for creating the conducive environment that will ensure that the elections are free and fair, and that every vote cast counts in the country.
Although the principle of power rotation is still largely and somewhat divisive, the statement noted that efforts must be made to bring disparate groups together to accept that Nigeria is a country for all of its citizens and that each citizen has the right to choose whatever they feel is in their best interests and the interests of their supporters.

Read Also: Adamu, APC Governors meet in Abuja to discuss the “Naira Crisis”

The forum advised voters to take into account very lucid and objective party manifestos as well as the personalities and backgrounds of the candidates.

It emphasized that Nigerians should vote for candidates who will best serve their country’s interests, not just those of their ethnicity, religion, or location.

Atiku meets Rivers PDP stakeholders in Abuja, Wike is absent

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February 20, 2023

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Atiku meets Rivers PDP stakeholders in Abuja, Wike is absent

Senator Dino Melaye, director of public affairs for Atiku’s campaign, claimed that the meeting served as recompense for the Rivers State rally that was cancelled by the party due to the impasse with Governor Nyesom Wike.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, met with Rivers State stakeholders in Abuja on Sunday evening, ahead of Saturday’s keenly contested election.

Among those present at the meeting were a former National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus; Senator Ben Bruce; a former governor of Rivers state, Celestine Omehia, among other prominent party members in the state.

Atiku’s campaign Director, Public Communications, Senator Dino Melaye, stated that the meeting was a compensation for the Rivers State rally, which was shelved by the party, owing to the impasse with Governor Nyesom Wike.

Read Also: NCDMB boss Identifies Strategies for Local Content Regional Collaboration.

The co-convener, Senator Lee Maeba, assured the PDP of victory in Rivers State, while listing some federal projects that Atiku should prioritise in the state, such as the completion of the East-West Road.

L-R: Former governor of Rivers state, Celestine Omehia; Senator Ben Bruce; and former National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus at a meeting of PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar with Rivers PDP stakeholders in Abuja, on Sunday, February 19, 2023.

In his remarks, the candidate promised full completion of the East-West Road and to revamp the Federal Government amnesty programme upon assuming office.

Afterwards, the presidential candidate headed for another meeting with the PDP National Assembly candidates, where his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, addressed the candidates.

Okowa appealed to the federal legislative candidates to carry on with the campaigns in their respective constituencies and senatorial districts.

He urged them to win their elections, saying the PDP needed the majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

The vice-presidential candidate also called on the candidates to protect their votes cast for the PDP on Saturday.

Atiku, in his address to the candidates, stated that Nigeria was in one of the most challenging times in its history.

According to him, the country is more divided, and security and economy are in a sorry state. He added that to redirect the country, there is a great need to “work together when we are all elected.”

NCDMB boss Identifies Strategies for Local Content Regional Collaboration.

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February 19, 2023

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NCDMB boss Identifies Strategies for Local Content Regional Collaboration.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, has proposed strategies that would break down barriers and promote cross-border collaboration among governments and businesses amid global concerns over energy security and a regional resolve to collaborate to deepen local content.

In a presentation he gave on Tuesday at the opening of the 7th SAIPEC Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference in Lagos, he made the recommendations, making hints about the necessity of peer review mechanisms and the sharing of experiences and ideas on the sustainability and growth of the industry.

The event provided a platform for the NCDMB to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Technical Secretary of the National Content Monitoring Committee of Senegal (ST-CNSCL), the agency that is responsible for the coordination and supervision of the development and implementation of the local content strategies in the Senegalese oil and gas sector.

Under the terms of the MoU, NCDMB will offer ST-CNSCL strategic advice and guidance in the areas of laws, frameworks, knowledge exchange, procedures for baseline study, data collection on capacities that exist in Senegal, design of strategic plan for local content implementation in Senegal and other capacity development initiatives.

Speaking further, Wabote drew the attention of sub-Saharan Africa’s Ministers of Petroleum to the relatively high crude oil price levels and upswing potentials experienced from 2021 to date and the geo-political dynamics at play, highlighting the challenge for African oil and gas service providers “to partake in the development and maintenance of oil fields,” which could be best facilitated through a deliberate action plan.

Read Also: Adamu, APC Governors meet in Abuja to discuss the “Naira Crisis”

In his paper entitled “Sub-Saharan Africa Local Content Collaboration Strategies,” the Executive Secretary said the action plan under consideration centres on legal framework, funding, infrastructure, human capacity development, and research and development. He equally highlighted initiatives and grounds covered by the Nigerian Government through the NCDMB in local content development and how other African oil producers could benefit from these.

A legal framework, as he pointed out, is an enabling legal or regulatory framework, a basic requirement “to drive and develop local content sustainability.” That would be the critical instrument “to forge a collaborative Africa local content strategy.” That requirement, he observed, has been taken care of by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which he noted “created the world’s largest free trade area by integrating 1.3 billion people across 54 African countries, with the objective of tapping into a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over $3 trillion.”

In the area of infrastructure, he cited Dangote Integrated Refinery and Petrochemical Company, with an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd), which he noted would “afford Nigeria and other African countries the partnership opportunities for sourcing petroleum products and fertilizer.” Other critical infrastructure cited were Lekki Free Trade Zone, SHI-MCI FPSO Fabrication/Integration Yard, Lagos, West African Gas Pipeline Project, the ongoing AKK gas transmission pipeline, and NCDMB’s seven Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks (NOGAPS), two of which are due for commissioning in 2023.

The occasion also became an opportunity for the Executive Secretary to invite business organisations from the sub-Saharan region interested in the manufacture of equipment, components and spares relevant to oil and gas operations to apply for spaces in the industrial parks at Emeyal II in Bayelsa State, and Odukpani, Cross River State.

With regards to funding, he expressed satisfaction for progress made towards establishing an Africa Energy Bank to address financing challenges of Africa’s oil and gas projects in an era of declining investments in fossil fuels.

For human capacity development, the NCDMB boss noted its importance “to the successful implementation of local content as every intervention will be powered by humans – either through intellect, skill set or both.” Research and Development is similarly pivotal to successful implementation of local content.

Engr Simbi was profusely thankful to the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) for “graciously hosting and dutifully organizing this auspicious event year after year.” In his concluding remarks he expressed the hope that the Association would look into “how to develop and showcase indigenous technology at SAIPEC.”

Adamu, APC Governors meet in Abuja to discuss the “Naira Crisis”

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February 19, 2023

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Adamu, APC Governors meet in Abuja to discuss the “Naira Crisis”

At the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, an urgent meeting of governors who are supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently taking place.

The meeting was called by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the national chairman of the APC, to discuss campaign-related issues, the naira crisis, and the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.

According to our correspondent, security has been stepped up inside and outside the secretariat as the private meeting is still going on.

Among the governors present at the meeting are Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Simon Lalong (Plateau), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe).

“I am happy with the response so far,” Adamu said in his welcome remarks during the opening session. And from what I understand, additional governors are on the way. You probably remember the recent event that made this invitation necessary.

Read Also: Stop lying, you’re foreigner in Ogun West, says PDP candidate Obanibasiri to Adeola

“We don’t want to pass judgment on anyone or anything in relation to how the current state of the nation affects our great party.

“I believed the best course of action was to gather everyone holding the key positions in the party and engage in some conversation so that we could better understand and appreciate the situation that we are in. Those are the

Stop lying, you’re foreigner in Ogun West, says PDP candidate Obanibasiri to Adeola

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February 17, 2023

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Stop lying, you’re foreigner in Ogun West, says PDP candidate Obanibasiri to Adeola

Ganiyu Dada Obanibasiri, a senatorial candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun West, has referred to the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “foreigner” in the region.

Adeola, according to Obanibasiri, “does not comprehend the suffering and marginalization Yewa/Awori people have experienced since Ogun State was established in 1976.

Speaking to supporters in Ipokia Local Government, the PDP senatorial candidate insisted that Adeola, the incumbent senator representing Lagos West, did not comprehend the struggles of the residents of Ogun West and that “he has only come around to lie to the people and deceive them” into voting for him.
“He (Adeola) lies too much. He said he would reopen Idiroko land border. We should ask him why he is yet to open Seme border which is under his constituency at the moment, his mouth is full of lies,” Obanibasiri stated.

Read Also: 2023: I’m working for him, Ortom officially asks Benue people to vote Peter Obi, gives reasons

The candidate expressed surprise that Adeola, who in September 2019 on the Nigerian Senate floor backed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to close the borders, is now advocating for doing so.

The Ota chief emphasized that Adeola, also known as Yayi, was once a novice and asked him to stop bragging about his position as a ranking Senator.

“He said he is a ranking Senator, he has forgotten that people like Senator Olabimtan, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Senator Kola Bajomo, Senator Akin Odunsi, Senator Gbolahan Dada, and Senator Tolu Odebiyi were all first term senators and they brought developments to our land that are still visible today,” he said.
Obanibasiri spoke further: “Yayi’s penchant for lies is unprecedented in the history of Ogun State. He went on to lie that the other parties said they will only campaign in just two local governments. We should ask him where he and the PDP met to discuss that.

“In the calendar of the other political parties including the PDP, it is clearly stated that all the parties would be campaigning in all the local governments of the zone. We should be wary of aliens that are here to create discord in our community.
“He also pledged to construct a bridge linking Ipokia and Badagry. This is the same lie he told the Badagry people in 2014 when he was running for their Senate seat; he has just sharpened his lying tongue to use it on the Ogun West people.

Read Also: NBC orders foreign broadcasters to register within 30 days

“Adeola falsely accused Hon. Adekunle Akinlade of betraying his trust by doing so because he backed Hon. Ladi Adebutu. In spite of having a shared commitment with Gboyega Isiaka to back a Yewa candidate for governor in 2019, one should also inquire as to why Yayi backed Ogun East against two of his purported Yewa brothers in 2019. He is obviously self-centered and only wants to reap his own rewards.

NBC orders foreign broadcasters to register within 30 days

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February 17, 2023

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NBC orders foreign broadcasters to register within 30 days

Foreign broadcasters with offices in Nigeria who beam their signals into the nation are urged to register with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) within 30 days.

The decision was made by Malam Balarabe Ilelah, Director-General of NBC, on Friday in Abuja when he presented 67 newly approved licensees with provisional approval.

In order to prevent disconnections and legal action, Ilelah also urged Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and other broadcast stations that stream their content online to register with the commission.

He stated that NBC was committed to working with security organizations to crack down on illegal broadcasters in the nation.

Read Also: Wike criticizes Buhari for lifting restriction on old N200 notes, claiming it is improper

The head of NBC urged licensees who have not yet paid their outstanding debts to do so right away to avoid having their licenses revoked for illegal broadcasting.
The commission will be forced to work with law enforcement and anti-corruption organizations to recoup the debts because failure to pay is considered economic sabotage, he said.

He urged the 67 licensees who had just received approval to return President Muhammadu Buhari’s favor by putting the license to use within the allotted timeframe.

Ilelah urged them to act morally, in accordance with the Act, the Code, and other applicable laws governing broadcasting.

The presidential nod serves as a testament to Buhari’s desire for media diversity and freedom of speech.

I beg you to support our democratic values, national unity, and cultural heritage in order to complement the gesture.
He, therefore, advised the new licensees to pay attention to safeguarding the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria through their broadcast.

” This is in addition to promoting and sustaining the Nigeria’s diverse culture by ensuring diversity in programming content for the Nigeria’s widest audience.“Most importantly is to promote Nigerian content and encourage the production and projection of Nigerian life, hence try to achieve 100 per cent local content.
Broadcasters should be aware that sending staff to the recently established Nigeria Broadcast Institute for training is one of the conditions for the start of test transmission, the speaker said.

Read Also: El-Rufai, Ganduje, Badaru group against Buhari in 2023 election

Dr. Mustafa Lecky, the CEO of Afe Elamah Company Ltd. Edo, responded on behalf of the licensees and promised that they would work hard to advance national unity.

“We hereby pledge to uphold the laws and rules on behalf of our members who have been granted this license. We won’t fall short. We hold this trust to be of the utmost importance.

We will diligently and completely pay our annual licensee fees on time, and the commission will be pleased with us.