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IGP: Officers Will Not Protest Non-Implementation Of Salary Increment

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IGP: Officers Will Not Protest Non-Implementation Of Salary Increment

Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, claims that no officer will go to such lengths to protest the non-implementation of a salary increase because they are aware of the consequences.

He made the statement in response to a report in the media on Monday that officers were planning a protest on March 26 to demand raises in their salaries and allowances.

Last year, the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi, stated that the new salary package for police officers would be implemented by January of this year, but this has not happened.

“It is pertinent to restate that the Nigeria Police Force is a regimented and disciplined organization with laid down rules and guidelines for addressing grievances, and in no circumstance is a strike action one of such means,” the IGP said in a statement released yesterday by the Acting Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi.

Read also: FG To Boost Youth Employment Through 43 Free Trade Zones

“The men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are fully aware that a strike or other deliberate disruption of law enforcement services by any security organization is mutinous, and the Force’s personnel will not descend to that level of disloyalty and indiscipline at any time, as policing services are paramount and essential in the maintenance of order and peace in the country.”

The planned protest by officers was described by him as a “attempt by unscrupulous individuals to bring the Force into disrepute, misinform the general public, and heat up the polity.”

“Since that approval, the Salaries and Wages Commission has issued an implementation circular, and the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs and the IGP have been working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to ensure that tax deductions are stopped as directed by the president and approved by the Federal Executive Council,” he said.

“It is important to emphasize that the president took the initiative to direct the process of increasing salaries and allowances without any demand from the Police,” the statement continued.

“As a result, the Federal Government is fully committed to implementing the new salary package.”

FG To Boost Youth Employment Through 43 Free Trade Zones

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FG To Boost Youth Employment Through 43 Free Trade Zones

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that eligible Nigerians are gainfully employed across the country.

The creation of 43 Free Trade Zones across the country, according to Adesugba, was one of the measures put in place to achieve this.

He went on to say that the trade zones would create jobs and reduce youth unrest in Nigeria, ensuring that the younger generations contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

Read also: Sokoto PDP Vows To Unseat APC Lawmakers

Adesugba gave the assurance during a breakfast forum organized by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce in Lagos titled “Non-Oil Exports: Situation Report and Way Forward.”

“In the face of dwindling and unstable revenue from oil, rising demand from foreign exchange, insecurity, external debt, and so on, the free trade zone and special economic zones provide the panacea to reinvigorate the non-oil sector,” Adesugba, who was represented by an Assistant Director in the agency, Mr Augustine Onyekwelu, said.

According to him, in these trying times of youth restlessness, the free trade zone is a valuable tool for addressing unemployment while also improving non-oil exports.

Dame Adebola Williams, President of the Chamber, expressed concern about Nigeria’s over-reliance on crude oil exports.

Sokoto PDP Vows To Unseat APC Lawmakers

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Sokoto PDP Vows To Unseat APC Lawmakers

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sokoto State Chapter, has stated that it will unseat the All Progressive Congress (APC”negligent” )’s National Assembly lawmakers in the state.

The boast was made by Alhaji Bello Goronyo, the party’s Chairman, during the distribution of cars and motorcycles to party leaders in the state’s Yabo and Shagari local government areas (LGAs).

The PDP executives from the two LGAs were given two Peugeot cars and 28 motorcycles.

Umar Yusuf-Yabo, a PDP House of Representatives candidate seeking to represent the Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, donated the items.

Goronyo expressed confidence that “people in the state will not make the same mistake they did in the past when they voted for leaders who only served their own self-interest.”

Read also: Second Niger River Bridge Will Be Completed In October.

“You made the mistake of voting for the wrong people in the past, but in the general elections of 2023, we will help you correct that mistake.”

“As guided by the party’s constitution and manifesto, the PDP will give its thronging supporters equal opportunities to purchase forms for elective positions.”

“This is to ensure we get the best hands in place to handle the society’s needs and address our collective interests as we desire,” he explained.

The chairman praised the aspirant’s gesture and encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.

“We will be eternally grateful to you and others like you who want to help us grow our party in the state,” he added.

The donor had previously stated that the gift was part of his commitment to help the party’s leaders in his constituency become more motivated.

“This is to ensure we get the best hands in place to handle the society’s needs and address our collective interests as we desire,” he explained.

The chairman praised the aspirant’s gesture and encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.

“We will be eternally grateful to you and others like you who want to help us grow our party in the state,” he added.

The donor had previously stated that the gift was part of his commitment to help the party’s leaders in his constituency become more motivated.

Second Niger River Bridge Will Be Completed In October.

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Second Niger River Bridge Will Be Completed In October.

Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has confirmed that the second River Niger Bridge project will be completed by October this year, “all things being equal.”

Richter made the remarks when the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, led a federal government delegation to inspect the 2nd River Niger Bridge, which is being built by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.

As of February 2022, Richter estimated that 83 percent of the work on the Second River Niger Bridge had been completed. According to the current status of the project, the Bridge’s substructure is complete, while the superstructure and finishing work are ongoing. Secondary bridges have also been finished. He also pointed out ongoing culvert and drainage projects to the visitors.

Read also: INEC lists Oyebanji, Kolawole, 14 Others For Ekiti Gov Poll

The bridge is designed to relieve traffic congestion on the old bridge and improve regional connectivity. The project, which is funded by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, is expected to boost economic activity and development in the country’s southeast.

The project includes the construction of a 1.6-kilometer bridge over the Niger River, which is expected to be completed in August 2022, as well as the completion of two secondary bridges, each spanning 21.7 meters, at CH25+166 (Amakom Village Road) and CH28+304 (Atani Road). The project also includes the demolition of an existing flyover and the construction of a new interchange at CH34+100 (Onitsha-Owerri Road), which is expected to be completed in August 2022. The project also includes the construction of a 3.3-kilometer approach road on the Asaba end of the main bridge and a 7.0-kilometer approach road on the Onitsha end of the main bridge, both of which are expected to be completed in October 2022. There will also be a toll plaza with 8 lanes in each direction at CH25+700, which will be completed in October 2022, as well as site clearing of the right of way (RoW), which will include the removal of all bush, trees, and shrubs.

When completed, the second River Niger Bridge will provide significant socio-economic benefits to the country, particularly the surrounding states, by improving commercial activities, improving traffic flow, and improving commuter safety.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, were among the dignitaries in the Chief of Staff’s entourage. Uche Orji, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), was also in the Chief of Staff to the President’s entourage.

The inspection began at the Owerri interchange end of the project, where Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, briefed the Chief of Staff on the status of the ongoing works. Julius Berger introduced and implemented innovative soil improvement solutions using the Geotextile Encased Sand Columns (GEC) system for base reinforcement, according to Richter. The breakthrough, according to Richter, is a foundation method for embankments on low-bearing-capacity ground. It also includes mega Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD), which help to speed up the settlement and consolidation process by allowing settlement to take place during the construction phase.

Read also: I Didn’t Clear Abba Kyari On Money Laundering….

Julius Berger held a Safety brief for the important visitors prior to walking the full length of the constructed bridge, where finishing works are still ongoing, in keeping with its impeccable commitment to site safety. The Managing Director was accompanied by other company officials, including Engr. Friedrich Wieser, the Project Director for the 2nd River Niger Bridge.

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the President’s Chief of Staff, praises Julius Berger’s work as “excellent and visible for all to see….we are very impressed with the work done so far.”

“People often say seeing is believing,” said Labour Minister Dr. Chris Ngige, “but today, having not only seen but also walked on the fully constructed length of the 2nd River Niger Bridge, I now say, ‘Walking is believing; Julius Berger is indeed reliable.”

“Some people said there was no bridge before, but now we are walking on it,” Works Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, said. This is happening right now…. We’ll finish it as promised… From what we can see today, the contractor (Julius Berger) has done a good job; after the spans are linked on April 2nd, this bridge will be ready for Mr. President to use.”

INEC lists Oyebanji, Kolawole, 14 Others For Ekiti Gov Poll

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INEC lists Oyebanji, Kolawole, 14 Others For Ekiti Gov Poll

The final list of eligible candidates for the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State was released by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday.

Abiodun Oyebanji was cleared as the All Progressives Congress candidate, with Monisade Afuye as his running mate, according to the list, which was published on the commission’s website and distributed to INEC’s 16 local government area offices in the state.

The APC candidate will face off against Olabisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party, who is backed by Kolapo Kolade.

The governorship election will feature candidates nominated by 16 political parties.

Mr Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, said in a statement that the development followed the publication of the candidates’ personal details last month.

Following the close of nominations by political parties, he added, it was also in compliance with the Electoral Act of 2022.

Read also: Bread, Rice Record 42%, 48% Price Hikes In Five Years….

“The commission wishes to remind political parties that under Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, any party that notices that the name of its candidate is missing from the list shall notify the commission in writing, signed by its national chairman and secretary, and accompanied by an affidavit not later than 90 days before the election,” Okoye stated.

“Furthermore, parties are reminded of Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act of 2022, which states that failure to notify the commission will not result in the election being declared invalid.”

“As required by law, the final list is made public in our state and local government offices in Ekiti State, as well as on our website and social media platforms.”

“Political parties are urged to take note of the law’s provisions in order to ensure compliance.”

Bread, Rice Record 42%, 48% Price Hikes In Five Years….

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Bread, Rice Record 42%, 48% Price Hikes In Five Years….

According to data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, the average price of bread and rice in Nigeria has increased significantly over the last five years.

Based on NBS data, a year-over-year comparison of average prices from January 2017 to January 2022 shows that bread (unsliced, 500g) and rice (agric-sold loose rice) both saw price increases of 42% and 48%, respectively.

The average price of a loaf of bread (unsliced, 500g) in January 2017 was N270. However, by January 2022, it had risen to N384.

The price of sliced bread (500g) has also increased, from N303 in January 2017 to N419 in January 2022.

As of January 2017, the average cost of 1kg of rice (agric-sold loose rice) was N324. However, by January 2022, it had risen to N481.

Read also: I Didn’t Clear Abba Kyari On Money Laundering….

Locally sold loose rice, medium-grained rice, and imported high quality sold loose rice (1kg each) all increased in price from N286, N312, and N402 in January 2017 to N430, N477, and N579 in January 2022, respectively.

Despite the fact that overall inflation fell from 18.72 percent in January 2017 to 15.60 percent in January 2022, this was the case.

However, the 15.60 percent was still higher than the Federal Government’s inflation target of 13% for 2022.

In its key projections and assumptions for the 2022 budget, the federal government forecasted an inflation rate of 13%.

Mrs Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, revealed this during her recent presentation of the approved budget for this year.

“Inflation is expected to be double-digit in the medium term due to structural issues affecting the cost of doing business, including high food distribution costs,” she had said. However, the current steady decline is expected to continue, with inflation expected to fall to 13% in 2022 and 10% by 2024.”

The country, however, continues to struggle with double-digit inflation, with the World Bank predicting that Nigeria will have one of the highest inflation rates in the world in 2022, with rising prices eroding Nigerian households’ well-being.

Nigeria may have the seventh-highest inflation rate among Sub-Saharan African countries in 2022, according to the Washington-based bank’s Nigeria Development Update report.

With the full implementation of the CBN’s recent policies designed to boost various sectors of the economy, the country’s inflation rate is expected to drop to a single digit in 2022.

The World Bank, on the other hand, stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria did not take any concerted action to reduce inflation in 2021, despite the fact that inflation had pushed an estimated eight million Nigerians into poverty.

“Double-digit inflation rates are depressing economic activity and exacerbating poverty,” the report stated. Rising food prices are eroding household purchasing power, and we estimate that the ‘inflation shock’ alone will push about eight million Nigerians into poverty between 2020 and 2021.”

Read also: BREAKING: Niger State Youths On The Rampage To avenge The killing Of Two Farmers By Suspected Fulani Herder.

“Without decisive action, the average inflation rate for 2021 will exceed that of 2020, and by the end of 2022, it will be unlikely to approach the CBN’s target range of 6–9%,” it continued.

“The inflation rate has not fallen below 9% since 2014, but in a hypothetical scenario in which inflation had been close to the CBN’s goal of 9% in 2020 and 2021, the average Nigerian’s consumption level would have been at least 15% higher today.”

Aside from the World Bank, Global Finance, a US-based publication, said the CBN failed to control rising inflation and prevent the naira from depreciating against the US dollar.

I Didn’t Clear Abba Kyari On Money Laundering….

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I Didn’t Clear Abba Kyari On Money Laundering….

Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has stated that he has only ordered a further investigation into the case of DCP Abba Kyari, the suspended commander of police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

According to the AGF, Kyari was never exonerated in the money laundering case involving his ties to Ramon Abbas, alias Hushpuppi, an international wire fraudster suspect.

Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, the AGF’s special assistant on media and public relations, said there appears to be a misunderstanding about the issue.

“It was a work-in-progress case in which the office of the Attorney General of the Federation requested additional investigation into certain aspects of the investigation,” he said.

Gwandu stated that the conclusion reached regarding the alleged contradiction on the issue was a clear case of misunderstanding.

Read also: Delta NUJ Honors Doctor Who Gave His Life Ho help COVID Patients.

“In the absence of evidence relating to the first report, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice maintains that no conclusion has been reached.”

“The issues were raised for further investigation with the goal of covering the field in order to make an informed decision,” he added.

There were reports over the weekend that the AGF’s office had reversed its decision in the Abba Kyari case.

Following further investigations, the AGF’s office has stated that there are no links with Kyari, despite the fact that the late DIG Joseph Egbunike-led Special Investigation Panel (SIP) established a prima-facie case of money laundering involving 33 payments against Kyari.

Kyari and others are currently facing criminal charges in court for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, wrote a new legal opinion on behalf of the AGF with the reference number DPPA/LA/814/21, emphasizing that the evidence contained in the case diary showed no link between DCP Abba Kyari and Hushpuppi.

Read also: Igbo group accuses Nigeria Governors Forum of being enemies of Nigerian youths.

The case diary evidence ‘was not sufficient to indicate or show that the said monies (N279 million) were laundered directly or indirectly by Kyari to disguise their origin,’ it said. ‘The police report on the investigation failed to investigate the gaps identified in their investigation by the AGF office,’ he continued.

The advice was addressed to IGP Usman Alkali Baba and was titled ‘Re: Forwarding of the Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Team investigation report and request for legal advice with regards to allegations of criminal conspiracy, aiding and abetting Internet fraud, wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering against DCP Abba Kyari.’

“I am directed to inform you that after a careful study of the said response wherein you stated that ‘the monies have been traced to Zenith Bank account no. 2255416115 belonging to Usman Ibrahim Waziri; Guaranty Trust Bank account no. 0130665392 belonging to Adekoya Sikiru; Zenith Bank account no. 2080537566 belonging to Hussein Ala and other funds went to Sharon Festus and other funds went to Sharon Festus The money was taken out and used by the aforementioned account holders as well as the lady.

“We believe the above response does not link the suspect, DCP Abba Kyari, to the crime of money laundering because the evidence in the case diary is insufficient to indicate or show that the said monies were laundered directly or indirectly by Kyari to disguise their origin, especially since the aforementioned recipients or receivers exonerated him in their statements as having nothing to do with the monies.”

Delta NUJ Honors Doctor Who Gave His Life To help COVID Patients.

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Delta NUJ Honors Doctor Who Gave His Life To help COVID Patients.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents Chapel has nominated late Dr. Toju Eresanara, former Zonal Medical Director, Central Hospital, Warri, for a posthumous award.

Mr Okiemute Okpomor, Chairman of the Warri Correspondents Chapel, stated this on Thursday.

The award, according to Okpomor, is one of the events planned for the chapel’s upcoming “2022 Annual Press Week Lecture/Award Night.”

According to him, the weeklong event will culminate on March 23, 2022 at the Casa de Pedro Hotel in Effurun, Delta’s Uvwie Local Government Area.

He claimed that the late Consultant Anaesthetist was nominated for the award because of his tenacity in the face of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

“Eresanara was a frontline medical personnel in the state’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. He gave his life so that others would be able to survive the global pandemic,” he said.

Dr. Eresanara died on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, as a result of complications after testing positive for the corona virus while saving lives on the front lines.

The event’s theme, according to Okpomor, was “2023 General Elections and Security.”

He stated that five other notable individuals would be honored, while nine individuals would be recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields of human endeavor.

According to the chapel’s chairman, the award was divided into four categories: education, security, oil and gas, politics, and administration, with the recognition category divided into three categories: media, education, and artisanship.

Prof. Emmanuel Ogujor, Rector, Delta Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; Matrix Energy; and Dr. Michael Tidi, Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area are among the other awardees.

“Mr Thomas Ereyitomi, member of the National Assembly for the Warri South/North/Warri South-West Federal Constituency, and Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command.”

Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro, Vice Chancellor, Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo; Prof. Rim-Rukeh Akpofure, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Effurun; and Mrs Rachael Obokohwo were selected for the recognition category.

Mr Shola Adebayo, Dr. Olayinka Ebikagboro, Mr Shola O’Neil, Mr Emmanuel Amaize, Mr Emmanuel Ogoigbe, and Chief Omafume Amurun are among the others, according to him.

Ambassador Godknows Igali, former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, will chair the program, according to Okpomor.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the former governor of Delta, and Mr Kenneth Gbagi, the former Minister of State for Education, will be the Guest Speakers, he said.

2023: Only Candidate With Capacity To Win Election Will Get APC Presidential Ticket…

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2023: Only Candidate With Capacity To Win Election Will Get APC Presidential Ticket…

Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo State, said on Monday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would only give its presidential ticket to a politician who could win the election in 2023.

This was stated by the governor during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

However, he stated that the choice of the party’s presidential candidate would be made by the entire party.

“The APC presidential ticket is not an airline ticket,” Uzodinma said. We’re discussing the possibility of a presidential candidate. It is a decision that the party will make. It needs to be a group decision.

Read also: If I leave, PDP will fall apart….

“One thing I’m certain of is that when it comes to deciding on the APC presidential candidate, winnability is the most important factor to consider.” Nobody will be elected president because he spoke good English on television or because he verbally abused people on television. It is a party decision, and many factors will be considered, both covert and overt, because at the end of the day, the ticket will be given to a name that can win the election.”

Several politicians, including APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, and former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, have declared their intention to run for the party’s presidential ticket next year.

If I leave, PDP will fall apart….

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If I leave, PDP will fall apart….

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, believes that if he leaves the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party will fall apart.

Despite the fact that Kwankwaso says he is dissatisfied with the main opposition party at the moment, he claims he has not yet defected.

He made the comments during a Channels Television program called Political Paradigm, in which he discussed his political ambitions.

“There is no doubt about it,” the former governor said when asked what would happen to the PDP if he left. “Where have all the leaders gone?” Who are the people in charge? They’re going to fall apart.”

He insisted that he remained in the PDP despite rumors and speculations that he had defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). His new political movement, the National Movement, has joined the NNPP.

If he joins the NNPP, which is seen as the third force, he believes it will grow stronger than the PDP and become the second force.

Kwankwaso went on to discuss some of the reasons for his dissatisfaction with the PDP, citing the recent zonal congress in the North West as an example.

“Ideally, in a party like the PDP, I should be one of the most important individuals,” he said. “For obvious reasons, and based on what we’ve seen, it appears that many people are turning my strength into a weakness, which cannot be tolerated.”

“If you look at the situation in the North West during the congress, the vice-chairman of the zone was supposed to be given to me to nominate someone from the things that were taken to Kano.” Just as (Former Governor Ibrahim) Shema did in Katsina, (Former Governor Ahmed) Makarfi did in Kaduna, (Former Governor) Sule Lamido did in Jigawa, (Former Governor) Kabiru Turaki did in Kebbi, and (Governor Aminu) Tambuwal did in Sokoto.

“It was only in Kano that they thought I was too small to be given that position, and that’s what sparked the whole thing, and everyone kept quiet and were so happy that Kwankwaso might not be needed in the party,” says the narrator.

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