Urhobo News

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday called on executives of banking institutions in West Africa to forge a closer collaboration to tackle economic challenges confronting the sub-region.

Receiving a delegation from the West African Bankers Association (WABA), led by its President, Thierno Seydou Nourou Sy, the President noted that the sub-region must find a common understanding and ground to address low access to financial services and recovery from post COVID-19 pandemic.

President Buhari told the association, founded in 1981, and which brings together over 250 commercial banks and 15 institutions from across West Africa, that ,for many centuries, African countries have traded with one another without a formalized and structured system.

He, however, noted that over time, global trade has become more complex and organized.

The Nigerian leader expressed confidence that the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area would be a turning point in how African countries trade with each other.

”More importantly, we will turn the page in ensuring that we deepen and expand our industrial capabilities by making sure we export less of what we have been endowed with in primary or raw form, and convert larger portions of these resources into finished materials.

”That will allow us to benefit from the revenue earned from the added value of exporting a finished product,” he said.

Speaking further, the Nigerian leader declared: ”Our ability to overcome the current phase of our development lies in our resolve to work jointly via our regional and sub-regional organizations where we can all reach a common understanding to fight against a common enemy.

”This is one of the reasons I am delighted with the strides ECOWAS has been making towards unanimity and forging alliances with a goal to resolve issues that confront the sub-region.

”I believe that this is also the approach that is being followed in the West African Bankers’ Association and the West African Monetary Union.”

Commenting on ongoing efforts to synchronize monetary and fiscal policies through WABA, the President challenged the association to work towards finding a common ground, despite the unique macro-economic challenges that each member-state faces.

He pledged that Nigeria will always be ready to support efforts that are geared towards improving the lives of all its citizens ”as long as they do not place us at a disadvantage.”

The WABA President lauded the lead role Nigeria plays in African economy, adding that President Buhari’s leadership was also well appreciated.

”That’s why we are here for counsel and guidance for the financial sector in West Africa,” he said.

He urged President Buhari to be an advocate for greater inclusion for WABA in ECOWAS structure, also noting that one of the challenges with the banking system is capacity building, and urging Nigeria to set up a training academy for the industry.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

May 24, 2022

May 22, 2022

Press Statement

Perish Your Tenure Elongation Plot, PDP Cautions APC

…Accuses APC of Stoking Political Crisis to Stall 2023 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautions the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perish the thoughts of subverting the electoral process as part of its desperation to elongate its abysmal tenure beyond May 29, 2023.

The Party alerts Nigerians of the plot by the APC to use orchestrated insecurity and political uncertainty to derail the electoral process, stall the 2023 general election and create a situation to justify a tenure elongation.

There are revelations that desperate APC leaders are behind the delay by President Muhammadu Buhari in signing the amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 so as to frustrate the smooth conduct of primaries by political parties and derail the entire electoral process.

It is not surprising to the PDP that Mr. President was again “absent” having travelled to the United Arab Emirate and abandoned his constitutional duty of signing the crucial amendment to the Electoral Act.

This attitude of Mr. President to an issue that is critical to our electoral system is consistent with APC’s plot to cause confusion in the polity, orchestrate an unconducive environment for elections, stall the 2023 general elections and achieve a rumoured third term agenda.

The regularity of the electoral process as well as the confidence of the people in the certainty of timelines and outcomes of elections are the hallmarks of democracy, which the APC has been dislocating apparently with the view to undermining the electoral process.

It is clear that the APC has already commenced this ignoble plot with its desperation to use the Court to overthrow the outcome of the FCT Area Council election held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 which was overwhelmingly won by candidates of the PDP, halt the swearing in of the newly elected Chairmen and Councilors and impose an undemocratic government in the FCT.

The PDP is concerned about APC’s exposed plot to deploy such despicable underhand methods to subvert elections in 2023 where they do not favour APC candidates.

Moreover, it is now clear that the APC administration has been compromising our security system, opening our nation up to attacks and permitting shared sovereignty with terrorists over large portions of the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, apparently to further orchestrate a security situation that will justify the stalling of elections in 2023.

This probably explains why President Buhari has failed to confront terrorists, contrary to his promise to lead the fight against terrorism from the front and why he remains “absent” and “weak” as terrorists pillage our citizens in various parts of the country.

This is in addition to the provocative comments that have promoted disunity, agitations and restiveness in various parts of our country, including tagging a particular part of the country as “a dot in a circle”

Our Party cautions the APC to note that its plans has been exposed and that Nigerians will never allow it to perpetrate its misrule through an orchestrated tenure elongation.

Nigerians are determined to vote out the APC and return our nation to the path of unity, stability and economic prosperity under the PDP. No amount of shenanigan can keep the APC in power beyond May 29, 2023.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola: The Untiring Progressive Idealist @65

By Erasmus Ikhide

The American influential journal, Imprimis, has as its motto, ‘Ideas have consequences’. That’s the plank upon which Comrade Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola – born 25 May 1957 – has been engaging and driving the civil society and governance enterprises, each step of the way. As a philosopher ideologue, an embodiment of true leadership, radiating hope and vision as a savant, raconteur of genius, gifted literati, Aregbesola has distinguished himself distinctly from the pack of politicians who are scarcely sensitive enough to allow the confidence reposed in their offices to reflect on the output of governance.

Admirably for all his gifts, sacrifices, and his countless achievements, Aregbesola remained deeply spiritual, a thinker, humble, unassuming and self-effacing as he is earnestly loved by Nigerians. Truthfully, his total abstinence from impurities, his politics of inclusiveness and broad mindedness, have roots in his deep Islamic piety. These uncommon qualities as a visionary idealist contributed immensely to his stellar achievements as Works Commissioner in Lagos State for eight years, as well as Governor of State of Osun for another eight years, in succession.

Outstandingly, Aregbesola has been demonstrating consistently as the current Minister of the Ministry of Interior where he is repositioning, digitizing and revitalizing the Ministry’s four paramilitary agencies under his watch to the admiration of even ardent critics of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. It’s quite absorbing and elevating that Aregbesola’s administrative acumen has brought a great deal of innovation and speed into the Ministry at a time Nigerians are nervous and disillusioned about the entire system that has not lived up to the expectation of many.

Since his assumption of office in August 2019, there has been the approval for the New Visa Policy reclassifying the Visa Categories from 6 to 79. Aregbesola also ensured that Nigeria commenced Visa on Arrival to holders of passports of African countries and visitors who processed their visa on arrival in advance online without delays. It’s on record that Aregbesola is the only Minister in recent times that has procured 451 operational vehicles for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). Ditto for the creation of Citizens Integrity Unit at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Under his administration, 3,000 capacity custodial centre in three geopolitical zones of the country are being constructed in the last three years, at the same time, the ministry promoted 18,000 personnel out of the 33,000 that sat for promotional examinations in the years under review. Added to that is the construction of a world class technology building for the NIS to manage all @nigimmigration ICT enhanced systems in Nigeria, as well as re-opening and rehabilitation of 32 Satellite Custodial Centres previously shut down due to insurgency.

The digitization process of the nation’s security infrastructure did not end there. The installation of Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) in all International Airports of the country is part of the ministry’s strategic plan towards ensuring the security of the nation and safety of travellers across the country. Within the same period, 2,615 Fire distress Calls were responded to, saving 724 lives and assets worth N1.629 trillion between June and October 2019 in the country.

Aside that, the ministry has deployed 28 newly procured fire engines across the country to boost emergency response in crisis situation. The ministry also underwent the training and deployment of over 1,500 personnel as Agro-Rangers in Yobe and Adamawa States to protect farmers and their farms, thus promoting food security.

A week ago the ministry of interior launched an emergency alert app N-ALERTS which facilitates real time alert to all security agencies on any emergency and criminal activities in any part of Nigeria. This app is on Android Playstore and IOS store. It can be downloaded on smartphones and other devices.

In the midst of such gloomy statistics, Nigeria as a country has something to celebrate in the spartan, austere, visionary and pragmatic game-changer called Comrade Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, even though the nation is presently foaming in blood. As a dealer in hope, and an unusual Apostle of national self-renewal and self-validation and a committed adherent of Islamic faith, it will not be long before Nigeria surmounts the legions of her self-afflicted woes!

Erasmus Ikhide wrote in from Lagos Nigeria and can be reached via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com

Press Statement

Rivers Guber Primary: Obuah Sues For Calm Among Supporters

The immediate past Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman, Rivers State and frontline governorship aspirant in the state, Bro Felix Obuah has sued for calm among his numerous fans and political allies over the choice of who flies the party’s flag for the state in 2023 general elections.

Bro Obuah said in all matters and decisions that have to do with the party, the party is supreme and demands the support of all party members in the overall interest of the party.

As regards the governorship primary billed for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, he said whoever that is chosen by the party becomes the party’s candidate for the forthcoming election irrespective of personal preferences.

The party’s choice is also binding on all other aspirants in the spirit of togetherness necessary for the desired victory at the elections proper, Bro Obuah emphasized.

“I am a loyal party man and will always stand by the decisions of the party. It’s not in the best interest of the party to engage or encourage anybody or anything that will affect the overall interest of the party negatively.

“I therefore enjoin all my supporters across the state not to be disheartened or lured into any form of protest or agitation by anybody on my behalf should the outcome of the primary not reflect their expectation,” Bro Obuah appealed.

The governorship aspirant rather prayed that the primary may be very smooth and produce the very best that will not only win the election for the PDP but also raise the bar of governance in Rivers State to a greater height.

Signed

Jerry Needam

Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to

Bro Felix Obuah

Frontline PDP Governorship Aspirant

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU: NO GOING BACK ON JUNE 1 BANNING OF MOTORCYCLES IN SELECTED LG AREAS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said the State Government will go ahead with its proposed ban on motorcycles, known as Okada on highways and six local governments and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from June 1, this year.

He said security services and Lagos State Government are on the same page in respect to banning of motorcycles in the selected areas of the State and therefore they will be going ahead with the plans.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke to journalists, on Tuesday evening, after the State Security Meeting, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, which was attended by heads of security services in the State.

The Governor said his administration in conjunction with security agencies will ensure that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way so that Lagos residents will continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.

He said: “The security meeting gives us an opportunity for us to review the recent pronouncement on the future banning of Okada (motorcycles) in some selected local governments and LCDAs.

“We are able to put strategies in place. All of us were able to identify a lot of other things we need to do to embark on advocacy and ensure that we communicate effectively and efficiently to citizens. And that is why you see us giving out handbills in all of the major languages that we have in the country.

“There is a radio jingle being sent out to also communicate to people. I am also aware that there is a plan for advocacy on television stations as well.

“It is a people driven initiative that we all agreed to live and to comport ourselves in similar manner. And we know what has been the effect of this. So, I am happy that all of us, the security operatives and government are on the same page with this and we will also be going ahead with our plans.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured all political parties in the State of adequate security in the ongoing delegates and primary elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He said: “The other thing that we discussed for public knowledge is around ensuring that the ongoing primaries and delegates elections that are happening in different parts of the state by different political parties have sufficient security coverage.

“We enjoin that various political parties should approach the Lagos State Police Command to give them adequate security at various venues where they are conducting their various delegate and primary elections for various positions people are vying for.

“It is purely to ensure that there are no gaps and that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way and our citizens can continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

24 MAY 2022