Home Blog Page 592

Call for Kyari’s sack generates more controversy, tears Reps apart

admin
-
0
Call for Kyari’s sack generates more controversy, tears Reps apart

Members of the House of Representatives seem to be on a war path over the proposed probe of the operations of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd.

A group of members of the House on Saturday placed adverts in three national dailies, urging the Joint Committee of House of Representives on

Downstream and Mainstream to investigate the activities of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL Mr Mele Kyari.

However, in a new twist, some of the members said to be among the 118 legislators told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday that they did not give their consent before the publication was made.

Lawmakers numbering 118 lawmakers led by the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Rep. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, were alleged to have signed the publication.

In the advert the group demanded a fair hearing in the probe of Kyari, adding that any call for his resignation at this stage was unnecessary and premature.

In their publication, the group of lawmakers also urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard the call for the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Kyari’s sack or his resignation.

They said rather efforts should be geared towards supporting Tinubu’s initiatives to reposition the nation’s oil sector.

Among the members who distanced themselves from the publication were the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Land Transport, Rep. Sesoo Ikpaher, Rep. Tochukwu Okere, and Rep. Toyin Fayinka.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Rep Philip Agbese, who was said to have endorsed the publication also denied giving his approval.

Agbese had in various media reports urged Tinubu to fire Kyari even before the commencement of the investigation.

When NAN contacted Agbese he said though the lawmakers behind the advert sought his consent, he asked for some time to give them feedback because he was observing his prayers.

He said he was surprised to learn that he was included as part of the lawmakers that approved the publication.

Another lawmaker who pleaded anonymity told NAN that he did not see the draft of the publication before it was published.

“I would have advised against it. Those behind it called me and said they

were working on something; I didn’t know it was an advertisement they were working on,” the lawmaker told NAN.

It would be recalled that Agbese and the group of other lawmakers under the group named Energy Reforms and Economic Prosperity had earlier called for the removal of Kyari.

The group insisted that Kyari had hindered the growth of the oil sector thereby stalling the economic growth of the nation.

NAN.

BREAKING: EndBadGovernance: Tinubu bows to pressure, to address Nigerians Sunday

admin
-
0
BREAKING: EndBadGovernance: Tinubu bows to pressure, to address Nigerians Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday as the ongoing hunger protest continues in different parts of the country.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
The broadcast is to be aired on Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, at 7:00 am on Sunday.
“President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am.
“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.
“The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day,” the statement reads.
This comes after the President was asked to address Nigerians as the #EndBadGovernance protest entered the third day on Saturday.
Opposition leaders and other Nigerians had demanded that the President should address Nigerians amid the protests.
According to reports at least fourteen persons have been killed in the protests, while several individuals have sustained injuries.
BREAKING: EndBadGovernance: Tinubu bows to pressure, to address Nigerians Sunday

Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

admin
-
0
Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement on Saturday titled ‘President Tinubu to address the nation.’

He urged television, radio, and other electronic media outlets to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.

The statement added, “The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.”

Protesters have continued to hit the streets in Lagos, Oyo, Abuja and other states as they call for, among others, the reversal of fuel subsidy removal and the skyrocketing price of goods and services in the country.

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has, however, been marred with looting by hoodlums in Kano and other northern regions with the police going after the culprits to recover some items.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

#EndBadGovernance protest: Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

admin
-
0
#EndBadGovernance protest: Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians over the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests on Sunday morning.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, all electronic media outlets in the country to hook to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast at 7:00 a.m., on Sunday.
The president has been under pressure from concerned Nigerians to address the nation on the protest which entered its third day on Saturday.
READ ALSO: My govt’s policies will propel Nigeria out of downturns – Tinubu
The protest organized by some groups of Nigerians to express their displeasure over the hunger and other socio-challenges occasioned by the policy initiatives of the Tinubu administration has been marred by violence with a number of people killed and properties destroyed in many states across the country.
At least four states, including Kano and Borno State have declared curfew after hoodlums hijacked the otherwise peaceful protests in the states.
The #EndBadGovernance protesters are demanding the restoration of fuel subsidies and the forex regime, a solution to food shortages, unemployment, and wasteful spending by government officials.
Others demands are the immediate reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The post #EndBadGovernance protest: Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Fubara backs Tinubu, says Nigeria will be great

admin
-
0
Fubara backs Tinubu, says Nigeria will be great

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to make a positive impact in the state before leaving office.

The governor stated that despite the myriad of distractions, his eyes are on the ball.

He also reacknowledged the hardship faced by the people, suing for patience and peaceful disposition as well as the need to work together with President Bola Tinubu and the state government to build that Nigeria and Rivers State that they all desire.

Fubara made the assertion during the funeral reception of the late Sister Inyangette Yobana, mother of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Ambassador Marvin Yobana, at her home town, Kono in Khana Council Area of the State on Saturday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.

The governor reassured said, “We are in trying times. So, we need to work together to make sure that we build that Nigeria, that Rivers State of our dream.

“Please, everybody should learn to be patient and peaceful. It gets hard before it gets better. We are at the point of that breakthrough to a wonderful state and the envy of the country.

“When I say the envy of the country, if we pass through this state, Nigeria will be great. We just have to support Mr President to make sure that this phase passes.

“I have said it before, and I am saying it again: I will not leave without making a positive impact in the life of our State. No matter the distraction, our eyes are on the ball.

“We will not play with the education of our children. We will not joke with quality healthcare (for the people), and we will make sure that we invest heavily in food production in our State.”

Commenting on the funeral, Fubara noted that the deceased lived a good life, and left an indelible legacy worthy of emulation.

The governor admonished Yobana to follow the footsteps of his late mother in order to live long on earth as well as join hands with his siblings to ensure that the legacy of their mother is kept alive.

He said, “Mama has gone, I can say she lived a good life. Seventy is the Bible age when the blessings of God are upon you. For you to add an additional 10 plus, it means God loves you. So, Mr. Marvin, your mother lived well, and I believe that you will live like her so that you can also stay up to 80, if not more.

“And the secret is this: ensure that your hands are clean. Live a clean life. Don’t be in any meeting to undo people so that you don’t get old while you are still young.

“Just be strong and whatever is remaining, know that you are the head of the family. Join forces with other members of your family to ensure that the memory, the good life and the legacy of your mother are kept alive.”

He condoled with Yobana on behalf of the Simplified Movement, saying that the presence of members is to show support.

Fubara also thanked God that the deceased died at a time when he was in a position, with his contemporaries, working together with the state government, a paradigm shift from the time when the former local government chairmen despised the government.

He added, “What we are doing here is to show support to one of us, and I am happy that I am able to come to support him physically, not just by words. I also want to thank every one of you who came here to support our own.

“Mr. Marvin, please, on behalf of our big family: the Simplified Movement, I want to say that we feel your pains, we understand what you are going through. Even if your mother is 100 plus, when she leaves, you still feel that pain. So, we condole with you.

“You can imagine in our midst today, we have the 23 Local Government Area Caretaker Chairmen. Is it not God? If it was before, they would be hiding. Those would be hiding, but today, they are here with us.

“So, when I say he is eating from left and right, I know what I mean. You are a lucky man.”

Earlier while on his way with his entourage to Kono for the funeral ceremonies, the governor’s convoy had encountered a crowd of #EndBadGovernance protesters at Rumuobiakani Roundabout at the intersection of Trans Amadi Industrial Layout in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the peaceful protesters cheered and chanted songs, praising Fubara for his people-centric policies.

Waving green leaves and chanting: “Our Governor, carry go”, “Our Governor, we are solidly behind you and your government”, the peaceful protesters swiftly cleared one lane of the dual-carriageway for easy passage of the governor’s convoy, amid excitement and jubilation.

Abbas appeals for peace, says FG addressing protesters’ demands

admin
-
0
Abbas appeals for peace, says FG addressing protesters’ demands

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbass has urged Nigerians on the streets to suspend the ongoing nationwide protests, saying top officials of the government are currently discussing the issues affecting the country.

In a statement signed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Kirishi, Abbas said he has since reported the grievances and demands made by the youth to President Bola Tinubu after he engaged with them at a town hall meeting on Wednesday.

The statement stated that the Speaker said this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, following the ongoing protests by Nigerians, especially the youths, which began on Thursday.

Abbas recalled how he led the House to engage with leaders and representatives of various youth organisations at the National Assembly, noting that he had fruitful deliberations with over 25 youth groups.

He said after listening to their complaints and demands, he communicated the same to President Tinubu to find solutions.

“We have already started reporting what we discussed with the youths to the President. He was okay with our discussion, and he was equally happy with what we did. He also assured me that he would do his best to see that all the issues raised are well addressed one after the other.

“We’ll continue to engage with the President on every issue that we know will affect the lives of Nigerians so that necessary measures can be taken. I, therefore, call on all Nigerians, young and old, men and women, to be cautious. We shouldn’t allow the protests to destroy our country”, the Speaker said.

He stated that Nigerians have the right to peaceful protest, but history has shown that in most cases, even in advanced countries, unpatriotic elements hijack protests and cause the destruction of lives and property.

Abbas also noted that the House is aware of the state of the nation and that the Tinubu administration is working hard to address insecurity, inflation, and unemployment in the country, adding that Nigerians will soon start seeing positive changes.

He said some ministers from key sectors were part of the engagement, where they offered explanations to the youth on what the government was doing to address their plight.

NNPCL uses fuel subsidy savings to sustain current pump price – Budget Minister, Bagudu

admin
-
0
NNPCL uses fuel subsidy savings to sustain current pump price – Budget Minister, Bagudu

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu has explained that Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, is using fuel subsidy savings to sustain the product’s current pump price.
The minister made this known on Channels Television on Saturday, noting that Nigeria’s 2024 budget did not have an arrangement for fuel subsidy.
When asked about the amount saved from fuel subsidy since its removal in June 2024, he explained that NNPCL’s contribution because of fuel import outweighed the pump price sold to Nigerians.
“That is the issue. If NNPCL is supposed to contribute the most it cannot contribute because I have to use the money to import fuel. NNPCL is obligated to provide energy security. Consequently what they are to provide is affected,” he said.
This comes amid uncertainties surrounding the government’s fuel subsidy payment despite its removal in June 2023, which led to the increase in the product pump price to above N600 per liter from N238.
TVN reports that one of the demands of the ongoing hunger protests, tagged #EndBadGovernance is the return of fuel subsidy.
The protest, which entered Day 3 on Saturday, is expected to last for 10 days.
Speaking on the protesters’ demand, the minister said the government is listening to Nigerians and making reforms in line with the yearning of the people.
When asked if NNPCL had remitted funds to the Federal Government, he said, “I am not aware. Not necessarily, the Accountant-General should know. I will be surprised if they have done so.
“Let’s face it, you told somebody to import fuel and he says the cost of import is higher than the cost of the product being sold.
“We have the NNPCL, the Petroleum Industry Act makes its private liability company and at the same time mandated it with energy security. So only NNPCL can say this is the price fuel is arriving in Nigeria.
“And if it is selling below that price, then obviously it is an NNPCL issue. It means it is NNPCL that is taking the loss. We don’t have the provision for fuel subsidy. That is not to say that NNPCL is not suffering a loss as a result of the difference between the landing cost and what it is being sold.
“President Tinubu is listening to Nigerians so that we do things differently.”
TVN recalls that the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria announced that the landing cost of fuel stood at N1,170 per liter. Meanwhile, depending on the location, fuel is between N617 to N850 per liter.
NNPCL uses fuel subsidy savings to sustain current pump price – Budget Minister, Bagudu

Foundation seeks help for widows in Africa

admin
-
0
Foundation seeks help for widows in Africa

The African Widows Summit, an initiative of the Almanah Hope Foundation in Nigeria, has called on African leaders to promote sustainable and universal empowerment for African widows by taking constructive action on issues that have to do with them.

Speaking at an event in Lagos, on Saturday, on the outcome of the first African Widows Summit held in Zanzibar, Tanzania in June, the Founder of the Almanah Hope Foundation in Nigeria, Hope Nwakwesi, said the government should protect and empower windows.

Nwakwesi, who is also the President of the Union of African Widows and the African Widows Summit, said the landmark event for African widows’ reform provided a platform where widows and various stakeholders explored and addressed the challenges faced by widows across the continent.

The event, she noted, aimed to drive the narrative that focused on widow’s empowerment through inclusion, emphasising the role of government in providing political leadership and intervention through strategic policy, planning, and allocation.

She explained, “As African women in widowhood continue to grapple with persistent challenges and the prevalence of discrimination and disinheritance measuring across five key pillars: cultural practices and beliefs, economic opportunity; political empowerment; social services and security.

“Having a policy within these borders is an action that will promote sustainable and universal empowerment for African widows, which must be provided by the government, hence the initiative of The African Widows Summit.”

She commended the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and its President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, for supporting the summit believing in their mission, and welcoming the historic first-ever summit for widows on the continent.

Nwakwesi noted that the African Widows Summit held from June 20-22, 2024, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, had set a new benchmark in addressing the critical issues surrounding widowhood in Africa

The women advocate said the three-day conference, under the theme “Women in Widowhood: Reforming the African Space,” brought together a diverse group of leaders, advocates, and widows to focus on widows inclusion, economic empowerment, and policy reform with delegates from over 10 countries of Africa.

“The objectives of the summit were: to deepen the understanding of widowhood issues and policy development; improve access to knowledge and information related to widows’ rights and to provide political leadership to addressing widows’ issues and catalyzing solutions that will improve the values of African widows.

“It also discussed the social and economic roles of widows in their communities and the need for supportive frameworks through government planning and allocation.

“The summit had a compelling keynote address from Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, the African Union Director of Women, Gender and Youth.

“Among her contributions were on how to ensure widows’ rights are upheld. Widows should be empowered economically to improve their livelihood and support their families to live in dignity.”

According to her, the summit also stated the need for the establishment of a dedicated fund to support widows, aiming to provide financial resources and opportunities for self-sufficiency, and for donor policy and politics to begin the allocation of funds to widows empowerment.

In her submission, Nwakwesi highlighted that sustainable and universal empowerment for African Widows was key to unlocking the invisible women (widows).

“It’s the responsibility of the government which involves the inclusion of widows in policy, economy, education, health, and housing plans”, she said.

APC, PDP clash over #EndBadGovernance protests in Zamfara

admin
-
0
APC, PDP clash over #EndBadGovernance protests in Zamfara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sponsoring attacks on its members by protesters in the state.
The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Malam Yusuf Idris, made the allegations at a press briefing on Friday in Gusau.
He alleged that the PDP leadership in the state had used the protests to attack the residence of the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle.
He added that PDP thugs also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Ya’u in his hometown of Kaura Namoda and destroyed valuable items, including a Toyota Hilux van.
Idris said” “We have earlier forecast the possibility of hijacking the protests by hoodlums and other miscreants in the state.
“We commend the proactive action of the security agencies in the state for their quick intervention.
“We urge them to do more and immediately arrest the culprits who infiltrated the peaceful protests.
“The Zamfara APC chapter is disturbed by the dimension of the nationwide protests, which are supposed to be peaceful.
“We have observed that many PDP thugs were strategically deployed to attack and maim personalities as well as destroy properties of the APC.”
He urged Governor Dauda Lawal to call the PDP members to order for peace to reign in the state.
Responding, the PDP acting Chairman in the state, Alhaji Mukhtar Lugga, described the allegations as unfortunate.
READ ALSO: Zamfara APC, police explain arrest of PDP members
Lugga, who is the Chief of Staff to the governor, wondered why the APC always came up with baseless allegations to attack the current administration.
He said: “This is very unfortunate, It is very sad for the APC leadership in the state to relate the nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance with politics.
“I wonder why the APC leaders in Zamfara always politicise issues related to the development of the state and Nigeria.
“You know, we don’t want to join issues with the APC. We are on governance now. We are focusing on the development of our dear state.”
The post APC, PDP clash over #EndBadGovernance protests in Zamfara appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Police arrest 90 suspected looters in Gombe

admin
-
0
Police arrest 90 suspected looters in Gombe

Following the looting of the Gombe Bureau of Public Reforms, shops and main market, the Gombe State Police Command on Saturday said no fewer than 90 suspects have been arrested.

Confirming the arrest to According Online, the Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, said some of the items stolen have been recovered.

He disclosed that among those arrested were looters and violent protesters, adding that they were found with the items allegedly stolen.

According to him, “Gombe State Police Command wishes to inform members of the general public that normalcy has been restored in the state, as the command arrested 90 suspected looters, violent protesters and recovered some stolen properties and no loss of life was recorded.”

Speaking further Abdullahi noted that the state is generally calm, “as people are moving on with their lawful activities and the command is committedto maintaining this progress, as close monitoring and extensive patrols continue.

“The return to normalcy is a testament to the act of professionalism, resilience and restrain exhibited by the police officers and other security agencies in the State.”

While lauding one of the communities for its support to the command, Abdullahi said, “However, the Command appreciates the Bolari community members for their efforts towards recovering some of the looted property and to everyone who contributes towards this positive turnaround.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Usman, urges the members of the general public to continue cooperating with the security agencies in preserving and maintaining law and order in the state.”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

1...591592593...2,816Page 592 of 2,816
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv