The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied granting telecommunications companies in the country like MTN, Glo and others permission to increase tariffs.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of the NCC, stated this on his verified X account on Saturday addressing the false information circulating within the telecom sector.
Reports had emerged across some sections of the media that the telecoms industry regulator had granted the request of the network providers to increase tariffs.
The report disclosed that NCC had approved tariff increases for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and other telecom companies, affecting voice, SMS, data, and other services, adding that the development had resulted in higher costs for Nigerians.
TVN reports that the confusion could have stemmed from a document, titled, “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector,” recently posted on the NCC’s website.
The Commission in the document, highlighted that full disclosure of all tariff components and conditions was mandatory and asked telcos to ensure that all marketing and promotional materials are clear and comprehensible.
In the guidance which took effect on July 29, 2024, the NCC said all the operators must make available every detail of their tariffs.
“Every Operator is required to publish on its website (in a tab dedicated to tariff information), a table showing characteristics of each tariff plan and bundle it offers.
READ ALSO: NCC orders MTN, others to reactivate blocked SIMs
“The table must display all information which is necessary to enable the subscriber to make a comparison between the offered tariff plan and others, and thereby make an informed choice,” it said.
NCC added that whenever a subscriber requests their account balance through the *310#, the response must include information such as Name of Plan and Validity Period (if applicable); rate per second (and rate per minute) on-net/off-net; rate per megabyte/kilobyte/gigabyte; and rate per SMS on-net/off-net.
Reacting to the confusion that trailed the announcement, Maida described the report as “fake news” and stressed that there have been no new tariff hikes for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) or any increases in telecom services for consumers.
He wrote, “Like the others, this is FAKE NEWS! The Commission has neither approved any Telecom Tariff plans nor hike as this report claims”.
Similarly, the NCC in a disclaimer debunked the report of the increase.
“The NCC has neither approved any new Telecom Tariff Plans nor hike as reported on online. The public is advised to please disregard.
NCC issued a directive for all operators to simplify their current tariff plans in a transparent & fair manner for consumers” it clarified.
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NCC, Maida deny granting MTN, Glo, others permission to increase tariff
Tinubu’s speech failed to address hardship
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s speech to the #EndBadGovernance protesters, calling it hollow and inadequate in addressing the suffering of Nigerians.
As economic hardships intensify, many Nigerians are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities.
In response to these conditions, youths initiated protests on Thursday, which have continued into Saturday, in cities like Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, and other regions, demanding an end to hunger and poor governance.
In his response, President Tinubu, during a Sunday broadcast, urged the protesters to cease their demonstrations.
He explained that his decision to remove the fuel subsidy and unify the foreign exchange systems was necessary to eliminate the exploitation by smugglers and rent-seekers.
Tinubu added that this move also stopped the unjust subsidies benefiting neighbouring countries at the expense of Nigerians, which had severely weakened the nation’s economy.
He emphasized that the Nigerian economy had been stagnant for decades due to numerous misalignments that hindered its growth.
Tinubu said, “Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue using temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations.
“These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well.
“Yes, I agree, the buck stops with me. But I can assure you that I am fully focused on delivering governance to the people – good governance, for that matter.”
In a statement on Sunday, Atiku pointed out that President Tinubu’s broadcast overlooks the severe economic challenges that Nigerian families have faced since the start of his administration
He stated, “This address lacks credibility and fails to offer any immediate, tangible solutions to the Nigerian people. Given the extensive publicity surrounding the protests and the threats issued by government officials against demonstrators, one would have expected President Tinubu to present groundbreaking reforms, particularly those aimed at reducing the exorbitant costs of governance.
“But alas, no such announcements were made. The President ignored the protesters’ demands, such as suspending the purchase of aircraft for the President, downsizing his bloated cabinet, or even eliminating the costly and burdensome office of the First Lady, who has been indulging in extravagant trips at the nation’s expense.
“In his lacklustre recorded speech, President Tinubu offered a superficial account of his so-called reforms, revealing his own tenuous grasp of policy as he failed to convince his audience. While the President has spoken, it is unfortunate that his words lack substance and respect for the protesters’ sentiments, leaving Nigerians with little faith in his reform agenda – if one exists at all.
“We urge the President and his team to own up to their failures over the past 14 months and abandon the absurd theory that the protests are orchestrated by the opposition. This administration has failed on all fronts, even in the simple task of keeping a presidential speech confidential.
“Typically, presidential addresses are shared under embargo with media houses. However, the premature leak of this speech, allowing Nigerians to read along with the President in real-time, starkly illustrates the media, nay Nigerians dwindling confidence in this administration.”
Enugu approves N183bn for road projects
The Enugu State Government has approved the sum of N183bn for the construction of 141 roads across the Enugu metropolis and 20 rural roads across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The government has also approved the award of 133 more smart schools in addition to the ongoing 127 smart schools to bring them to 260 or one smart school per political ward.
A statement by Governor Peter Mbah’s media office on Sunday said the approvals were announced at the end of the state Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor at the Government House, Enugu.
The Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who briefed government journalists said the projects were in furtherance of Mbah’s determination to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn, achieve a zero per cent poverty headcount index as well as position Enugu state as the premier destination for business, investment, tourism and for living in four to eight years.
The statement partly read, “Recall that before now, the state’s total budget hovered around N100bn and N120bn with capital expenditure of about N30bn or capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 25 to 35 per cent.
“However, in keeping with Governor Mbah’s promise to de-risk investments, boost production, and run a lean and prudent government, the governor proposed an unprecedented N521.5bn 2024 budget with a capital expenditure totalling over N400bn, which is an equivalent of capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 80 per cent and recurrent expenditure ratio of about 20 per cent.
“Accordingly, the theme that we took away from Exco today is doubling down. The government is doubling down on infrastructure. If you recall, we started with 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads last year. Now, the governor and the Executive Council have also approved 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads.”
It added, “It is noteworthy that although the rural roads are 20 in number, compared to 141 in Enugu metropolis, they are more, nearly three times those approved for Enugu urban in terms of kilometres.
“This is part of the strategies to improve the quality of life in rural communities and importantly to de-risk investments in agriculture. Outside security, which we are effectively dealing with, the big elephant in the room is to scale up the production and movement of produce from farmlands to the market. We also understand the need for processing, hence the heavy investments in road infrastructure,” Onyia stated.
Giving a breakdown of the roads, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji said the roads covered in this phase included the dualisation of the 41.3km Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road with bridges, dualisation of Penocks Junction – Nike Lake Road to T-Junction Flyover, Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road with two bridges, Umabi-Ehuhe Achi with a spur to Agbudu-Ihe-Owelli-Ogugu by Enugu-Port Harcourt old road, Nomeh-Oduma Road, Mburubu-Nkereffi Road, and Amodu-Akpugo Road.
Also approved were Iheaka-Ibagwa Road, Ibagwa-Itchi-Unadu-Alor Agu-Ibeje Road, Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Ugbawka Road with a bridge, Obeleagu Umana (Nkwo Ezeagu)-Omughu Umana-Aguobu-Umumba Road, Nara-Nkerefi Road with a bridge, Amagunze-Akpawfu Raod, Amagu-Attakwu-Akegbe Ugwu-Akpasha Road, Obinagu Udi-Isu Awa Road, and Nsukka-Ibagwa-Ogurute-Ette Road.
Others included Obuofia-Obeagu-Akegbe Ugwu Road, Obinofia-Ndiagu-Ugwuoba Road by Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Orie Engine-Aguobu-Umumba-Ebenebe Road to Anambra State border, Ituku Roads, Ozalla Roads, among others.
Otiji further explained that in selecting the 141 roads for construction and reconstruction, the government was deliberate in ensuring that all the zones, namely, Emene, Thinkers Corner, Abakpa, Trans Ekulu/New GRA/Old GRA, Awkunanaw (Achara Layout/Uwani/Gariki), Independence Layout, Ogui/Asata, and Coal Camp were covered.
On his part, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu and the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Aka Eze Aka, said the Executive Council was also briefed on the ongoing hi-tech security surveillance camera installations around the state and the planned turnaround and upgrade of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Meanwhile, pursuant to its agriculture and agro-industrialisation drive, the Mbah administration said it had built nearly 200,000 hectares in its Land Bank for agricultural purposes across its Produce Cities in the 17 LGAs of the state, which would now be boosted by the construction of the rural roads.
It has so far leased 15,000 hectares of land at Ikem Nkwo to Ugwu Anama Farms Enugu SPV Limited for the cultivation of crops; 2,000 hectares at Eha-Amufu to Atlantico Farms and Agro Concepts Limited for crop production and another 100 hectares for the establishment of an ultra-modern feed mill and poultry farm; 20,000 hectares to Sujimoto Group for the cultivation of rice and development of agro-industrial processing park at Odenigbo, Eha-Amufu; and 7,221 hectares to Fungtai Company Limited for the planting of economic trees, crop farming and establishment of agro-allied industrial parks at Ugwujoro, Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani LGA.
The administration has also concluded arrangements for the takeover of the management and development of the long-moribund Songhai Farms Heneke in Ezeagu LGA by Britednuel Agro Limited and its partners.
In 2023, the state government cultivated 1,000 hectares in Aninri, Nkanu East, and Uzo-Uwani LGAs to support the cassava to bioethanol value chain development initiative of the Federal Government, while the Biotechnology Industrial Park led by Federal Government/Enugu State and Biosource Technologies Ltd, a private partner, is under construction at Egede/Affa in Udi LGA
Your broadcast speech failed to connect, Ezekwesili taunts Tinubu
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has said President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast speech regarding the nationwide protest was underwhelming.
In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, the President addressed the nation amid #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, which began on August 1.
Protesters have made several demands, which include a return of fuel subsidies, improvements in living standards, cuts in the cost of governance, reduction in electricity tariffs, and solutions to escalating insecurity, among others.
In an X post on Sunday, Ezekwesili said Tinubu’s speech was a monumental missed opportunity to placate citizens with sound answers and outline of convincing evidence-based actions.
The former minister added that the speech terribly failed to connect to what the protesters were protesting about, adding that it was written out of a mindset that was focused on “getting back at our enemies”.
She wrote, “@officialABAT, As one of the millions of Nigerians who were at church when you delivered your late-in-coming speech to Citizens on the #EndBadGovernancelnNigeria protests, let me loudly say it was terribly underwhelming to read.
“Your speech reads like a page from your party manifesto and terribly failed to connect to what our citizens on the streets are angry and protesting about.
“Your speech is quite a monumental missed opportunity to placate citizens with sound answers and outline of convincing evidence-based actions that you and your @NigeriaGov will immediately take to address the priority #BadGovernance concerns.
“Your speech was sadly again written out of a mindset that is focused on “getting back at our enemies”. Imaginary enemies at that! No true Leader has the luxury of having “enemies” among their citizens. Not at all. A public leader becomes the leader of all with a mind that does not think of any as their enemies.
“This is why it is ever unfortunate to see Nigerian public “leaders” talk and behave like Losers on matters of public governance where they are expected to rally all their citizens behind the common purpose of nation-building.”
The former minister also condemned the unwillingness of Nigerian public leaders to admit responsibility for the demands of their offices.
Ezekwesili also asked security agencies to arrest personnel that have killed and maimed citizens during the protest to serve as deterrents to others.
She added, “It is nauseating to observe this recurrent innate unwillingness of Nigerian public leaders to admit responsibility for the demands of the same public leadership that they kill and maim citizens to assume.
“@officialABAT, citizens know when they are being badly governed and from what one can see, Nigerians have now realized that they must collectively speak up and take action; otherwise, their self-obsessed rulers (and not leaders) will not pay them any heed at all.
“As we remember and pray for families of all our citizens mauled down or maimed for demanding an End to Bad Governance, let me call on you @officialABAT to immediately instruct the IG @PoliceNG and his men to “Stop killing peaceful protesters now!”
“Also, fish out all law enforcement personnel that have killed and maimed citizens and ensure they are sanctioned as a deterrence to their colleagues.”
EndBadGovernance: I was shocked by Tinubu’s broadcast – Dele Momodu
The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has said he was left shocked by President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast to the nation on Sunday morning.
In a post on X, Momodu said the President failed to address the demands of ongoing protesters across the country.
Tinubu addressed Nigerians on Sunday, three days after the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests started.
The protesters had made several demands, including a return of fuel subsidies, improvements in living standards, cuts in the cost of governance, reduction in electricity tariffs, and solutions to escalating insecurity, among others.
Reacting to Tinubu’s broadcast, Momodu said, “After the long-awaited speech of President Bola Tinubu eventually came this morning, I’m sure most of you would be as stupefied as me.
“I must confess that I had little hope of Tinubu granting some concessions to the aggrieved Nigerians. As a man who has held an iron grip on Lagos State for the last 25 years, it would be difficult for him to change a winning formula that has worked for him ever since.
“Also, what did we expect his advisers to be telling him when most of them have been his most fanatical cronies from Lagos who have learnt never to challenge the master?
“So it was merely wishful thinking on the part of incurable optimists like me to think he was going to have mercy on hapless and seemingly helpless Nigerians.”
EndBadGovernance: I was shocked by Tinubu’s broadcast – Dele Momodu
Tinubu, sports minister laud D’Tigress on historic Olympics achievement
President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Nigeria’s D’Tigress on qualifying for the quarterfinals of the women’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
D’Tigress beat Canada by 79-70 in their last Group B match of the Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, France.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the president’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president commended “the team for their uncommon demonstration of resilience, teamwork and diligence.”
Tinubu also lauded “the coach and managers of the team for their dutifulness and dedication,” as he enjoined “the brave Tigress not to rest on their oars until the final victory is won.”
The statement noted that the president “assures the team and the entire Nigerian contingent at the 2024 Olympics of his support as they fly the nation’s flag at the global sports event.”
Also, the Sports Minister, John Enoh, congratulated D’Tigress for their remarkable victory over Canada.
In a tweet made on X.com, the minister tweeting as #OwanEnoh, described the team’s win as a “groundbreaking accomplishment.”
His tweet partly read, “Dear D’Tigress, today marks a historic achievement. By becoming the first African team (male or female) to reach the Olympic quarterfinals, you have made a groundbreaking accomplishment.
“Despite being ranked 12th, you defeated FIBA’s 3rd and 5th teams, demonstrating exceptional skill. Your success has brought joy to Nigerians everywhere.”
Head coach Rene Wakama’s side won 55-46 in the third quarter before the historic 9-point win.
Enoh further commended Favour Ofili’s impressive qualification for the women’s 200-metre semi-final at the Olympics.
Ofili stormed to a season-best of 22.24 seconds to win heat 6 of the event, thereby booking her place in the semi-finals ahead of Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and Gambia’s Gina Bass-Bittaye.
“We commend you. Ofili Favour Chukwuka, your determination and talent shine bright. Overcoming obstacles, you excelled in the heat. We celebrate your collective triumph and urge you to strive for gold. Continue to excel!” Enoh tweeted.
Ohanaeze seeks immediate solution to protests
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on Nigeria’s economic managers to as a matter of urgency take steps to prevent further protests.
Reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Sunday following the ongoing protests over hardship, Ohanaeze, urged Tinubu to find alternative ways to resolve some of the demands of the protesting youths to bring an end to demonstrations.
In a statement on Saturday, signed by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organisation noted that there still tense atmosphere occasioned by further threat of another anti-hunger nationwide protest between August 5th and 10th 2024.
The organisation, however, commended President Tinubu for his courageous address to the nation, especially in wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Ohanaeze stated that it had carefully studied President Tinubu’s broadcast on Sunday, where he rolled out promising economic policies that could potentially address Nigeria’s economic challenges in the long run.
It added, ”While we acknowledge the potential of these economic policies, we are concerned about the immediate challenge of quelling the ongoing protests across the country.”
The statement added that the protesters, along with their local sponsors and international conspirators, were eagerly awaiting for President Tinubu’s speech to strategise for more chaotic and violent protests, particularly in the North, South-West, and Niger Delta regions.
”It is clear that the reduction of fuel prices, or any other tangible concession, could have been a significant step towards pacifying the protesters and their sponsors,” the organisation noted.
”We understand that President Tinubu needs time to implement his economic policies effectively. However, the urgency of the current situation cannot be overstated.
”The protesters and organisers may not have the patience to wait for these policies to materialise. Therefore, we urge President Tinubu to find alternative ways to address the demands of the protesters before it is too late.”
Isiguzoro emphasised the importance of the president taking swift action to prevent the escalation of the protests.
”We implore President Tinubu to consider making a pronouncement, through his media aides, that addresses the demands of the protesters.
”This could potentially defuse the tension and pave the way for the implementation of his economic policies,” he said.
Ohanaeze also called on Tinubu to summon his resolve and address the grievances of the protesters promptly.
”A timely response from the president could save our democracy and provide the necessary breathing space for the implementation of his economic agenda.
”Let us work together to ensure peace and progress in our beloved nation,” the statement concluded.
Enugu Govt approves N183bn for 141 urban, 20 rural roads
Enugu State Government has approved the sum of N183bn for the construction of 141 roads across Enugu metropolis and 20 rural roads across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The government also approved the award of 133 more smart schools in addition to the ongoing 127 smart schools to bring them to 260 or one smart school per political ward.
The approvals were disclosed at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, at the weekend.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the Exco meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the projects were in furtherance of Governor Peter Mbah’s determination to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn, achieve a zero per cent poverty headcount index as well as position Enugu State as the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and for living in four to eight years.
“Recall that before now, the state’s total budget hovered around N100bn and N120bn with capital expenditure of about N30bn or capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 25 to 35 per cent.
“However, in keeping with Governor Mbah’s promise to de-risk investments, boost production, and run a lean and prudent government, the governor proposed an unprecedented N521.5bn 2024 budget with a capital expenditure totaling over N400bn, which is an equivalent of capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 80 per cent and recurrent expenditure ratio of about 20 per cent.
“Accordingly, the theme that we took away from Exco today is doubling down. The government is doubling down on infrastructure. If you recall, we started with 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads last year. Now, the governor and the Executive Council have also approved 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads.
“It is noteworthy that although the rural roads are 20 in number, compared to 141 in Enugu metropolis, they are actually more, nearly three times those approved for Enugu urban in terms of kilometres.
“This is part of the strategies to improve the quality of life in the rural communities and importantly to de-risk investments in agriculture. Outside security, which we are effectively dealing with, the big elephant in the room is to scale up the production and movement of produce from farmlands to the market. We also understand the need for processing, hence the heavy investments in road infrastructure,” Onyia stated.
Giving a breakdown of the roads, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, said the roads covered in this phase included the dualisation of the 41.3km Abakpa Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road with bridges, dualisation of Penocks Junction – Nike Lake Road to T-Junction Flyover, Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road with two bridges, Umabi-Ehuhe Achi with a spur to Agbudu-Ihe-Owelli-Ogugu by Enugu-Port Harcourt old road, Nomeh-Oduma Road, Mburubu-Nkereffi Road, and Amodu-Akpugo Road.
Also approved were Iheaka-Ibagwa Road, Ibagwa-Itchi-Unadu-Alor Agu-Ibeje Road, Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Ugbawka Road with a bridge, Obeleagu Umana (Nkwo Ezeagu)-Omughu Umana-Aguobu-Umumba Road, Nara-Nkerefi Road with a bridge, Amagunze-Akpawfu Raod, Amagu-Attakwu-Akegbe Ugwu-Akpasha Road, Obinagu Udi-Isu Awa Road, and Nsukka-Ibagwa-Ogurute-Ette Road.
Others included Obuofia-Obeagu-Akegbe Ugwu Road, Obinofia-Ndiagu-Ugwuoba Road by Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Orie Engine-Aguobu-Umumba-Ebenebe Road to Anambra State border, Ituku Roads, Ozalla Roads, among others.
Otiji further explained that in selecting the 141 roads for construction and reconstruction, the government was deliberate in ensuring that all the zones, namely, Emene, Thinkers Corner, Abakpa, Trans Ekulu/New GRA/Old GRA, Awkunanaw (Achara Layout/Uwani/Gariki), Independence Layout, Ogui/Asata, and Coal Camp were covered.
Also briefing Government House correspondents, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu and the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, said the Executive Council was also briefed on the ongoing hi-tech security surveillance camera installations around the state and the planned turnaround and upgrade of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Meanwhile, pursuant to its agriculture and agro-industrialisation drive, the Mbah administration said it had built nearly 200,000 hectares in its Land Bank for agricultural purposes across its Produce Cities in the 17 LGAs of the state, which would now be boosted by the construction of the rural roads.
It has so far leased 15,000 hectares of land at Ikem Nkwo to Ugwu Anama Farms Enugu SPV Limited for the cultivation of crops; 2,000 hectares at Eha-Amufu to Atlantico Farms and Agro Concepts Limited for crops production and another 100 hectares for the establishment of an ultra-modern feed mill and poultry farm; 20,000 hectares to Sujimoto Group for cultivation of rice and development of agro-industrial processing park at Odenigbo, Eha-Amufu; and 7,221 hectares to Fungtai Company Limited for planting of economic trees, crop farming and establishment of agro-allied industrial parks at Ugwujoro, Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani LGA.
The administration has also concluded arrangements for the takeover of the management and development of the long moribund Songhai Farms Heneke in Ezeagu LGA by Britednuel Agro Limited and partners.
In 2023, the state government cultivated 1,000 hectares in Aninri, Nkanu East, and Uzo-Uwani LGAs to support the cassava to bioethanol value chain development initiative of the Federal Government, while the Biotechnology Industrial Park led by Federal Government/Enugu State and Biosource Technologies Ltd, a private partner, is under construction at Egede/Affa in Udi LGA.
Enugu Govt approves N183bn for 141 urban, 20 rural roads
Kogi gov commends IPAC for promoting unity
The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has commended the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the State for deviating from the usual culture of divisive politics by promoting unity among political actors in the state.
Ododo stated this when he received members of IPAC led by its chairman, Ilyas Badanga, on a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House in Lokoja on Saturday.
The governor assured that his administration is committed to strengthening the relationship with IPAC in providing purposeful leadership that will shape the policies and programmes of the government in the interest of the people.
“The era of demarketing the state by political actors should be left in the past, and political actors should provide a positive evaluation of his administration by offering superior options in policies and programmes that will have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
“As politicians, it is time to come together to remarket the entire state by towing the lane that will lead to its development as demonstrated by the leadership of IPAC, which has put ideas forward that will promote politics of inclusion for the peace and unity of the people of the state”, Ododo said.
In his address, the IPAC Chairman, Ilyas Badanga, expressed appreciation to Ododo for his humane disposition and open-door policy, which he noted has ensured cordial working relationships with key political actors towards promoting good governance in the state.
Badanga assured that IPAC is prepared for further engagement with the government to collectively agree on how best to ensure a free and fair outcome in the forthcoming local government election in the state.
He further commended Ododo for his efforts in sustaining infrastructural development and improvement in the prompt payment of workers’ salaries in the state.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the governor, Haddy Ametuo, praised members of IPAC for closing ranks with the government of the day during the visit to the governor.
He assured that the state government would do everything possible to prioritize the well-being of the people and unite them irrespective of their political affiliations.
Tinubu’s failure to address protesters’ demands worrisome, says INC
The Ijaw National Congress has expressed concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday nationwide broadcast, stating that he failed to address the demands of ongoing protesters across Nigeria.
In a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, President Tinubu spoke to the nation amid protests that began on August 1, which have led to violence in various regions.
Protesters have called for several key changes, including a reduction in petrol pump prices, improvements in living standards, cuts in the cost of governance, decreases in electricity tariffs, and solutions to escalating insecurity, among others.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagba, the INC criticised the President’s address for not adequately responding to these pressing issues.
“The president’s speech did not address the demands of Nigerians as expressed through the protesters,” the statement read.
Oyakemeagba noted that while Tinubu highlighted some of his achievements, he overlooked critical issues, saying, “He didn’t address the issues of cost of governance, corruption, the removal of subsidies on petroleum products, or the increase in electricity tariffs. Nigerians expected concrete statements on how these issues would be tackled, including a timeframe for solutions.”
He emphasised that the current economic climate is one of the worst in Nigeria’s history, lamenting, “The larger population of Nigerians is going through extreme poverty and hunger.
“The clear message from the protesters is that there is hunger in the country, a direct result of bad policies. Reducing the pump price of petroleum products could alleviate many of the challenges we are facing.”
The group also criticised the distribution of food aid by state governments, stating, “Imagine various state governments sharing rice and garri to citizens. This can only be experienced during war or natural disasters.”