News From Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said prioritizing infrastructure projects ameliorated hardship in some parts of the country, particularly the quick intervention on the Lagos-Ibadan route with completion of road and rail lines, which improved the traffic significantly.
“My objective was very clear, despite the dwindling resources, I wanted to deal with infrastructure across the country,’’ the President told a delegation from Kaduna State, led by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balaraba at the State House.
“We should look at advancement in terms of Infrastructure. No country can advance without infrastructure. There used to be railways, especially people from Southern Kaduna will remember this.
“Which country can really advance without road, rail and power, that’s why I wanted to sort out infrastructure, knowing that Nigerians are competitive by nature, and they will face their businesses when there’s road, rail and power,’’ he added.
The President said the challenge of commuting in the South West had been improved.
“The people from South West can tell better because between Lagos and Ibadan by now, if we hadn’t done what we did, people would have been trekking because the road was not there, the rail was not there and there was so much insecurity.
“But we thank the international community. We thank China and Chinese investors, who came along to support the Lagos-Ibadan transport projects,’’ he said.
President Buhari assured that the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure will be sustained, which include the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano express road, being handled by Julius Berger to ensure good, long-term quality.
The President commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, for the transformation of the state, with growing infrastructure and socio-economic projects, while noting the growing liberality, which welcomes all Nigerians.
“Please extend my gratitude to the Governor for doing so well. I have been living in Kaduna for many years before I came here, but now I will need a modern compass to go around because of the transformation,’’ he added.
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor thanked the President for his working visit to the state, where he commissioned projects in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.
She said the Urban Renewal Programme will be sustained and spread across the state for more impact on the lives of the people, with many already near completion, and will be ready by May, 2022.
The Emir of Zazzau also thanked the President for the visit in January and support to the Government, adding that the memory will be long cherished by all Kaduna State citizens.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 22, 2022
ASSENT TO ELECTORAL BILL: NO NEED FOR SABER RATTLING
Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.
One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.
It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.
A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinized, and be made as near-perfect as possible.
Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
February 21, 2022
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Expands, Updates Anambra Ward Congresses Appeal Panel
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expanded and updated the Ward Congresses Electoral Appeal Panel to consider appeals arising from the conduct of the Ward Congresses in Anambra State.
The members of the expanded Appeals Committee are;
The exercise is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the National Working Committee (NWC) Hall, PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja at 10.00am
All aspirants, leaders and critical stakeholders of our great Party in Anambra State should please take note.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Campaign Council for Plateau Bye-Elections
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following party members as members of the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Jos/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin State Constituency Bye-election scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Plateau State
The member of the committee are:
The Directorate of Organization and Mobilization shall serve as the Secretariat for the Council.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Text of Press Conference by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Today, Tuesday, February 22, 2022, on President Muhammadu Buhari’s Continuing Withholding of Assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill Against the Will of Nigerians.
Gentlemen of the Press!
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is addressing this World Press Conference today to alert all Nigerians and the International Community of a dangerous design by the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to trigger serious political crisis that has the capacity to derail our electoral system, truncate our democracy, subvert our corporate existence and turn our nation into another ‘axis of concern’ to the world.
As you are aware, President Buhari continues against the Will of Nigerians to withhold assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill re-transmitted to him since Monday, January 31, 2022 (clear 22 days ago) by the National Assembly. This was after the Legislature had acceded to and incorporated all his requests in the newly transmitted version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The refusal to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is nothing short of a premediated and contrived “political abortion” of the Will of the people as represented by the elected 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives who unanimously passed the Amendment Bill in the first instance.
The current stance of Mr. President further validates our Party’s position that the Buhari-led APC government is averse to free, fair, transparent and credible elections in our country, particularly the 2023 general elections.
The PDP wants to draw the attention of Nigerians and the International Community to this. On Thursday, February 17, 2022, President Buhari addressed the EU-AU Summit in Brussel, Belgium, whereupon he called on the European Union (EU) to impose weighty sanctions on those engaged in “unconstitutional change of governments” as well as those influencing the “process and outcomes of elections”
In President Buhari’s words, “We also call for stronger support from the European Union in the condemnation and imposition of weighty sanctions on countries that engage in unconstitutional change of governments as well as manipulation of constitutions in favour of extension of term limits…
“It is therefore imperative for our partnership to also focus on strengthening election processes in Africa and prevent interference to influence the process and outcomes of elections…”
We urge the President to practice what he preaches.
Mr. President’s refusal to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill constitutes an obstruction to democratic principle of credible elections. Any electoral process which does not guarantee the free, fair and transparent transmission of election results from the polling units can only result in a government that lacks credibility and legitimacy which amounts to an “unconstitutional change of government” against the Will of the people.
The Manipulations
As you know, President Buhari premised his withholding of assent to the previous version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill on Section 84 of that Amendment Bill which provided that party candidates for elections can only emerge through direct primaries.
In trying to justify his decision, Mr. President stated among other reasons in his letter dated December 13, 2021 to the National Assembly that “the amendment as proposed is a violation of the underlying spirit of democracy which is characterised by freedom of choices. Political party membership is a voluntary exercise of the constitutional right to freedom of association”
According to Mr. President, “several millions of Nigerians are not card-carrying members of any political party. Thus, the emphasis should be on enabling qualified Nigerians to vote for the candidate of their choice during general elections as a means of participation in governance and furtherance of the concept of universal adult suffrage or universal franchise…”
If indeed the President and the APC mean and believe in the statement above, then there can be no justification for the continuing delay in assenting to the re-worked Electoral Act Amendment Bill which has adequately taken care of Mr. President requests and now sitting on his desk. Voting by citizens should be made easier not harder as the President and the APC are doing.
It is clear that President Buhari and the APC are erecting road blocks to the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill due mainly to the provision for electronic transmission of election results from the polling units which will eliminate APC’s plans to manipulate the system, militarize the process, alter election results at collation centers and foist itself again into power against the Will of Nigerians.
Having been rejected by Nigerians because of its colossal failure in governance, especially in the areas of security, economy and fight against corruption, the APC is in mortal fear of electronic transmission of results because it cannot survive the inevitable crushing verdict of the ballot box in the 2023 general elections.
This ostensibly informed the conspiracy by the APC leadership of the National Assembly to inject the controversy of the mode of primaries by political parties as a camouflage to scuttle the entire Electoral Act Amendment Bill in the first place.
Nigerians can recall that the PDP had earlier alerted of plots by the APC to deploy all manner of shenanigans to delay the Presidential assent until few months to the 2023 elections to enable the President again cite being too close to the elections as reason to withhold assent just as he did on December 6, 2018 after respectively turning down the then Electoral Act Amendment Bill on flimsy grounds in March and September of that year.
In President Buhari’s words on December 6, 2018, “I am declining assent to the Bill principally because I am concerned that passing a new Electoral Bill this far into the electoral process for the 2019 general elections which commenced under the 2015 Electoral Act, could create some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process.
“This leads me to believe that it is in the best interest of the country and our democracy for the National Assembly to specifically state in the Bill, that the Electoral Act will come into effect and be applicable to elections commencing after the 2019 General Elections”.
With that, President Buhari set the stage for the APC and its agents to ferociously desecrate the sanctity of the ballot box by brazenly attacking polling centers, altering election results at collation centers, allocating fictitious votes to the APC, destroying electoral data, announcing losers as winners and ending up foisting the APC into power in 2019 against the Will of the people as reflected by the actual votes cast at the polling units.
Our Concerns
Gentlemen of the press, less than a year to the 2023 general elections, President Buhari and the APC are at it again! Expectedly, the current anti-people scheme against the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by the APC administration is heightening apprehensions across the country of furtive plots by APC leaders to orchestrate a constitutional impasse that can railroad our democracy into an emergency tenure elongation, induced election postponement, self-succession or worst still an interim government situation.
This growing tension calls for concern as it has the capacity to spawn widespread restiveness with consequential violence, bloodletting and attendant humanitarian crisis in the country that may affect the entire West Africa subregion, Europe, America and other parts of the world if not addressed.
This is because Nigerians, especially the youths have become more politically aware and involved, with well-founded and implacable aversion to injustice, oppression, manipulations and undemocratic tendencies as being witnessed under the APC administration. Evidence of this mood became manifest in the EndSARS protest of October 2020.
The situation is being worsened by the arrogant utterances of some officials of the Buhari-led APC administration particularly the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, who is now subjecting the decision of the generality of Nigerians through the National Assembly to personal parochial and partisan whims.
Our Party also has information about how some selfish unelected cabinet ministers, advisers and other top government functionaries with ambitions for presidential, governorship and other elective positions are mounting pressure on President Buhari not to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to enable them remain longer in office so as to continue to use public funds to corruptly pursue their personal political interests.
It is appalling that President Buhari who claims to be fighting corruption is condoning and encouraging this inordinate access to public funds in pursuit of private ambitions. The only way Mr. President can extricate himself is to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill immediately.
The PDP strongly advise President Buhari and APC leaders to stop toying with the aspiration of Nigerians to entrench democracy in our country through the process of free, fair, transparent and credible elections in 2023.
It is even most distressing that President Buhari, who is the biggest beneficiary of credible, free and fair elections conducted by the PDP in 2015 is now in the vanguard to frustrate genuine effort for credible elections in 2023, not minding the huge negative consequences such portends for our dear nation.
Call for Action
Given the precarious political situation in the country today, the PDP calls on all Nigerians, the Organized Labour, Civil Society, Student Bodies, Professional Bodies, Trade Unions and all lovers of democracy across the world to rise up and impress it upon President Buhari to immediately sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill so as to assure Nigerians and avert an impending crisis in our country.
Our Party also calls on the International Community and friends of Nigeria including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Russia, France among others; the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations (UN) to immediately bear diplomatic and political pressure on President Buhari, APC leaders and senior government officials who are intent on derailing our democracy.
Finally, the PDP charges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stand on the side of democracy, resist the APC and get prepared to use technology that abound to ensure the direct transmission of election results from the polling units in the 2023 elections.
Thank you for listening.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
February 22, 2022
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Mocks APC For Postponing Its National Convention Again
…Says Ruling Party Plagued by Cabal War, Ineligible to Contest 2023 General Elections
The continuing inability by the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in government, to conduct a routine National Convention has further explained why all sectors of our national life have been in shambolic state under the incompetent, corrupt, rudderless and overtly confused APC administration.
APC’s postponement of its National Convention yet again validates PDP’s stance that the APC is not a political party but a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of strange bed fellows, “political buccaneers” and ferocious power mongers on a mission to wreck our nation.
The PDP states that the APC which cannot conduct its own internal affairs could not be expected to successfully manage the affairs of a nation like Nigeria. The APC is a perfect example of failure both as a party and government unable to conduct a simple National Convention in two years. It has become a Russian Roulette with unending request for extension of time to undertake a routine statutory political activity.
Our Party is not surprised that the APC, a party of backstabbers, again postponed its National Convention already scheduled for February 26, 2022. It is rather saddening how a set of confused, greedy, deceitful, hard-heartened and self-centered individuals who cannot run a creditable organization foisted themselves in power and plunged our nation into the economic, security and social mess that we face today.
As a vacuous political contraption without a soul, peopled by “political warlords” without conscience and operating without rules, the APC is a bunch of inchoate sailors clobbered together for remote personal gain; operating without a Board of Trustees (BoT) and a National Working Committee (NWC); exists in violation of rules while constituting itself to a threat to our national unity and corporate existence as a nation.
APC’s postponement of its National Conventions had always been a fallout of the horrible infighting, backbiting and gang war by “political bandits” who are desperate for power and access to our national treasury. That explains why their congresses and other activities are always marred by violence, bloodletting and killings.
Moreover, the APC is not capable of holding a National Convention having become defunct since December 8, 2020 when it dissolved all its states, zonal and national party structures and set up an illegal contrivance called the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
Of course, the activities of the Mai Mala Buni Committee remain invalid and unconstitutional by virtue of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which bars a sitting governor from holding “any other executive office” in any capacity whatsoever while serving as a state governor.
The failure of the APC to hold a National Convention is therefore a clear warning to those aspiring for various positions in the 2023 election on its platform to note that with the APC, they are on a journey to nowhere. The only way the APC can legitimately participate in the 2023 general is to re-apply to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for fresh registration as a political party.
In any case, Nigerians are hopeful for a better future because the PDP is back and repositioned to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the stranglehold of the APC in 2023.
Nigerians are yearning for the return of good governance with the PDP so that they can again be secure, enjoy economic prosperity, infrastructural development, employment, food security and national cohesion which they experienced in the 16 years of the PDP in power.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 22, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Campaign Council for Imo Bye-Elections
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following party members as members of the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Ngor Okpala State Constituency Bye-election scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Imo State.
The member of the committee are:
The Directorate of Organization and Mobilization shall serve as the Secretariat for the Council.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan marries Natasha Akpoti
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
February, 22 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Campaign Council for Ondo Bye-Elections
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following party members as members of the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency Bye-election scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Ondo State
The member of the committees are;
The Directorate of Organization and Mobilization shall serve as the Secretariat for the Council.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU GETS KUDOS ON IKOYI BUILDING COLLAPSE WHITE PAPER
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has been applauded for his “forthrightness and sincerity” in adopting the recommendations of the six-man panel set up to examine the Ikoyi building collapse. The 21-storey structure went down on November 1, last year.
During a telephone interview with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, on the 99.3FM radio programme “Daily Digest”, host Jimi Disu acknowledged that it took courage for Mr. Governor to adopt 26 of the 28 recommendations of the six-man panel.
Saluting Mr. Governor’s “courage”, Disu said, “We are not oblivious of the kind of pressure he must have gone through. If we lesser mortals have gone through so much pressure over the issue, then we must give him credit for doing this”.
Callers on the programme also praised Mr. Sanwo-Olu for not sweeping the matter under the carpet. They encouraged him to ensure that it is followed up till the end.
Responding to questions about compensation to families of those who died in the incident, Omotoso said all those who evacuated bodies of their loved ones and asked for assistance were given money for transportation and funeral. Nobody, according to him, has come out to say he or she lost money in the incident.
Omotoso said: “The law has no room for such compensation, but if you’re talking about doing this on compassionate grounds, I know Mr. Governor as a compassionate leader. If other people also put up a case for assistance with verifiable documentation, I am sure it is something that Mr. Governor may consider”.
On those doubting if indeed those indicted will be prosecuted, the Commissioner said Attorney-General Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) had been directed by Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure that those found guilty of compromising the process of adherence to quality standards at the Foreshore Towers in Ikoyi are prosecuted.
Speaking further, Omotoso disclosed that the State Government was already fashioning out ways of collaboration with the private sector to strengthen monitoring and enforcement activities in the built sector in response to one of the recommendations of the panel on lack of adequate personnel to monitor building projects across the State.
He gave an assurance that all those found culpable in the process leading to the Foreshore Tower collapse, especially civil servants, will face sanctions.
PRESS RELEASE
IKEJA GRA RESIDENTS HAIL SANWO-OLU FOR REHABILITATING, UPGRADING ROADS
Residents of Ikeja GRA in Lagos State have commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration for rehabilitating and upgrading major roads in Oduduwa Crescent, Oduduwa Way, Sobo Arobiodu and other inner roads in their community.
They said the decision of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government to rehabilitate roads within Ikeja GRA, will eradicate the hardship that people pass through while plying roads within the community.
Speaking during a visit to Ikeja GRA on Thursday, some residents commended the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in the area, noting that the progress of work has reached advanced stage, giving the residents some succour way ahead of the rainy season.
Alhaji Muri Akanmu, who has been living in Ikeja GRA since 1977, said they are happy with the ongoing rehabilitation of the roads.
“The rehabilitation of the roads is good. We like what the government is doing here and when they finish it, things will be okay. At one point, Joel Ogunnaike Road was very bad but after they fixed it, people now enjoy the road. Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing very well and we are happy that his administration is rehabilitating roads in GRA Ikeja.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is doing very well and he has been doing positive things in the areas of transportation and road construction. I am part of those who voted him into the office and I am happy he didn’t disappoint me,” he said.
Tobiloba Oyewole, who has been working in Ikeja GRA in the last five years, said she is happy with the ongoing rehabilitation work and implored Lagos State Government to continue with the road construction in more parts of the area, noting that when there are good roads, people will live a comfortable life, get to the office on time and go home on time.
She said prior to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration intervention on the roads, people had challenges passing through the roads. Oyewole said there were companies that closed operations or relocated from GRA due to bad roads, while some vehicles stopped plying Oduduwa Crescent, therefore forcing people to trek long distances.
“When this road is completed, there will be no dust. When the whole dry season is over, there will be no dust. We can come to the office comfortably and go home with our fine shoes. It is going to bring in more business to the environment because people like working in a good environment. Property in this area will sell more and we will get more people visiting the area. It will better the lives of people,” she said.
Another resident of Ikeja GRA, Mr. Ayuba Akibu said: “Governor Sanwo-Olu has done well because we have been expecting this for a while now. It is a good thing. He is doing excellently well in this area. The workers are working every day. He should keep it up. I pray that God will continue to bless him. The road is a busy place and with the work going on, people would benefit more from the road.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 FEBRUARY 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU MOURNS GAC MEMBER, PROF. TUNDE SAMUEL
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Tunde Samuel, as a great loss to the State.
The Governor who also commiserated with GAC members, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, especially in Agege and Lagos West Senatorial District, said the demise of Prof. Samuel has created a vacuum in the ruling party.
Prof. Samuel, the Pioneer Provost of Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Epe, Lagos and former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Bola Tinubu, died on Wednesday at 73 years.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Thursday, described Prof. Samuel as a renowned scholar and one of the few Nigerians in academics that used their wealth of experience to make a mark in the education and political sectors in Nigeria.
He said: “The passage of Prof. Tunde Samuel is a great loss to Lagos State, especially our party, the All Progressives Congress because of the critical role the deceased was playing in the party before his death, both as GAC member and party leader in Agege.
“Prof. Samuel was an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public service. He contributed to the education sector in Lagos State, especially as the Pioneer Provost of Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Epe, Lagos and former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Bola Tinubu.
“He also did his best for tertiary education in Lagos State as one of the founding fathers of the Lagos State University both as a member of the Implementation Committee and two-time member of the Provisional Government Council.
“As a member of the GAC, Prof. Samuel displayed exemplary leadership in Lagos politics. He worked with members of the progressive camp since the inception of the present Fourth Republic in 1999 to ensure that our party remains the ruling party in Lagos State in the last 22 years.
“I symphatise with GAC members; leaders and members of APC over the death of one of our leaders. I pray that Almighty God is pleased with the soul of Prof. Samuel and grant the family, friends, associates and APC the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 FEBRUARY 2022
Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan marries Natasha Akpoti
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan marries Natasha Akpoti
Royalty, business tycoons and politicians from around the world will meet in Okene, Kogi State on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
They are expected to attend the high society marriage of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan to Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The traditional marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Obeiba-Ihima, Okene Local Government Area.
The time is 10; 00am.
SANWO-OLU COMMISSIONS MULTI-LEVEL CAR PARK, FACILITY BUILDING TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN LAGOS ISLAND
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday commissioned a multi-level car park and facility building at Onikan to ease the age-long parking problem and ensure free flow of traffic in parts of Lagos Island.
The Governor said the facility, with a capacity to accommodate 384 cars on five suspended floors, will bring great improvements to Onikan axis of Lagos Island, reduce indiscriminate parking and greatly resolve traffic gridlocks as well as enhance the ability of businesses to effectively operate.
Speaking at the commissioning of the multi-level car Park and Facility Building at Onikan, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the “ceremony is symbolic of our steady movement towards the Smart Megacity of our dream; a Lagos where no one is slowed down and where we all succeeds together.”
The multi-level car park and facility building, which began construction in June 2013 when the incumbent Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, was Commissioner for Works, comprised five car parking floors with a capacity for 384 vehicles with offices for tickets and restrooms on each floor.
The 6th floor is designated as multi-purpose mixed-use consisting of a Club House (410sqm Capacity); two banquet rooms, with a sitting capacity of 800 and 600 persons each; Water treatment Plant, Elevators and staircases for smooth pedestrian movement, and Fire alarm systems, CCTV, data network and power.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the facility is another step towards fulfilling one of the goals of the pillar ‘T’ in his administration THEMES Agenda, which stands for Traffic Management and Transportation
He said: “At the inception of this administration, we promised that our government will work for all, no matter your race, creed or gender. Several months after, we are still committed to this cause and this has necessitated that we expand and extend the reach of infrastructure to fast track growth and development across the State.
“Lagos Island could be modestly referenced as one of the largest commercial corridors in the state. There is, therefore, a corresponding increase in commuting, especially, high volume of vehicular traffic including social activities, culminating in traffic gridlock and pressure along this corridor.
“This Multi-Level Facility Building was conceived in 2013 to provide a solution to this problem which essentially is generated by activities related to the stadium and other primary social centres such as Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, King George V Park, Police Command Recreational Centre as well as other facilities in the neighbourhood.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured that the facility will be supported by efficient traffic management and an Automated Fare Collection Service (AFCS) – that will offer an operable payment solution to prevent traffic dovetailing into the main road.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, said the commissioning of the facility is an affirmation of the resolve of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration to ensure the completion of all inherited projects.
She said: “The unprecedented growth of personalized vehicles has made the provision for parking an important aspect of transport planning which the State Parking Authority Law recognizes. In a city such as Lagos, scarcity of land is an issue. Hence a multi storey carpark which utilizes vertical space provides an ideal solution to overcome horizontal space constraint and regulate better traffic flow.
“In deciding to do this, we also realize that this Facility Building is significantly important because of its large size parking capacity, income generation potential and its location strategically within the heart of Onikan. Its judicious use will no doubt help absorb vehicles that would have otherwise parked on the roadside and other illegal parking places along the corridor with its attendant negative impact on traffic flow.
“Aside from creating job opportunities during execution, the facility will help solve the parking issues usually experienced within the axis. It will also reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety and security along the corridor, and of course provide aesthetically pleasing environment. More importantly, this project will complement all our efforts around the Tourism infrastructure within the precinct of Onikan.
“As laudable as the gains of this project are, there is, however, the need to understand that the challenge of sustainable infrastructure goes beyond just providing a qualitative one without provision for its maintenance. In resolving this, we have proactively addressed issues that are likely to originate in this regard by putting in place a facility management process which kick starts into operation from today.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for building the multi-level car park and facility building.
He also appreciated the incumbent government for turning Lagos Island into a tourism hub through laudable projects and facilities within the axis.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 17, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS DR GOODLUCK JONATHAN AT 64
On behalf of the government and Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari greets former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on his 64th birthday anniversary, November 17, 2021, congratulating him for serving the country, and working for the peace and advancement of democracy on the African continent.
The President affirms that Dr. Jonathan continues to expand the boundaries of leadership, teaching many in the country the power of focus, consistency and diligence, having served as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, President, African Union Envoy and now, Chairman of the International Summit Council for Peace Africa (ISCP-Africa).
ISCP-Africa is an association of incumbent and former heads of state and their deputies, established in 2019 by the Universal Peace Federation, an organization in general consultative status with the United Nations (UN).
President Buhari believes the former President’s profile should remind those in position and all aspiring leaders that serving the country and humanity requires sacrifice, and ultimately placing the interest of others above personal gains.
As Dr. Jonathan turns 64, the President sends warm greetings to him and his family, praying that the Almighty God will continue to sustain them in good health and all round well being.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 16, 2021
November 16, 2021
Press Statement
Lagos EndSARS Report: PDP Demands Prosecution of Killers, APC Collaborators
…Says Report Confirms that APC is a Murderous Party
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the report by the Lagos state EndSARS panel confirming the gruesome killings of innocent youths at the Lekki Tollgate during the 2020 EndSARS protest, strengthened the fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is running a murderous and oppressive regime that has no regard for life.
Nigerians can recall how security operatives attacked and massacred innocent youths and how the APC, its leaders and agents, in various agencies of APC-controlled government, vehemently denied the killings, tried to mop up evidence and provided official cover for the killers.
The report of the Lagos EndSARS panel, which confirms the massacre of Nigerian youths in Lekki, has further shown the APC and its government as bloody liars whose hands are stained with the blood of our innocent compatriots.
It is now clear that no matter how much the wicked strive in denial, the truth will always prevail. Therefore, the blood of our innocent youths killed by agents of the APC and its administration must not be shed in vain. Those responsible for these callous acts must be made to face justice.
Of course, all those whose hands have become blood stained will never know peace.
The PDP hereby invites Nigerians to stand for our slain compatriots by ensuring that those behind the massacre of our youths as well as their supporters in government have their days in the dock.
The nation must ensure that such individuals are brought to book for their act of wickedness to humanity.
In this regard, our party insists that all those indicted by the panel should be arrested, prosecuted and dealt with in accordance with our laws.
The PDP again commiserates with the families of the slain young Nigerians, who were cut in their prime for demanding for a just, equitable and secure nation governed by the rule of law.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
November 13, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Babangida Aliyu at 66
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates former Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Chief Servant, as he marks his 66th birthday.
The PDP is very proud of Babangida Aliyu, whose landmark developmental achievements, humility in service as well as exceptional dedication to the wellbeing of his people during his eight years tenure as the governor of Niger state earned him the sobriquet of “Chief Servant”.
As a teacher, federal lawmaker, top civil servant, who held several senior positions in the federal civil service including being a permanent secretary, and later as two-term democratically elected governor of Niger State, the Chief Servant demonstrated exceptional excellence and showed that the true essence of leadership is in using the opportunities to serve the good of others.
The PDP joins family members, relations, political associates and friends in celebrating you at this auspicious occasion and pray to God almighty to grant you many more years in good health.
Happy birthday, Chief Servant!
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE FAIR IN DURBAN: WE HAVE COME HERE IN FULL FORCE, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
… AFRICA WILL REDOUBLE TRADE IN 10 YEARS
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Durban, South Africa assured participants at the 2nd Intra-African Trade Fair 2021, that his delegation is attending with ‘‘full force’’ to maximize the advantage of the gathering.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the event, the President said:
‘‘Let me assure you that Nigeria has come to Durban in full force to actively participate in this very important trade fair and take full advantage of all the opportunities it provides.
‘‘We have streamlined the country’s participation under one roof to enable you access all the information you need.”
President Buhari’s expectation of a good performance by Nigerian businesses at the Durban Fair is hinged on the outcome of the last edition in Cairo, Egypt at which they got deals worth over 3.3 billion Dollars.
Current records show that Intra African trade accounts for only 15 percent of their transactions.
The President expressed optimism that the creation of the biggest free trade area in the world, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), will work, especially with the active collaboration of the public and private sectors.
He canvassed support for the implementation of the free trade initiative, listing several benefits to the continent, including doubling trade in 10 years and reducing over-reliance on imports.
The Nigerian leader expressed concern that most of Africa’s existing challenges, whether security, economy, or corruption, can be traced to the inability over the years to domesticate the production of most basic requirements and provide jobs to her teeming and dynamic youth population.
‘‘Under the African Continental Free Trade Area, we can double our intra-African trade by 2030, reduce our reliance on imports and therefore create more jobs within the continent.
‘‘We cannot achieve this goal by talking alone. The implementation will be a difficult journey. But all challenges are surmountable if both the public and private sectors collaborate.
‘‘On the public sector side, Governments must support local entrepreneurs to build scale and therefore improve productivity.
‘‘This means providing incentives to encourage our businesses to formalise and comply with laid down regulations,’’ he said.
On the rules of engagement for the free trade initiative, President Buhari reminded fellow Heads of State and participants at the trade fair:
‘‘Free trade must also be fair and fairness can only be achieved when there is full compliance with regulations, especially those relating to rules of origin.
‘‘The AfCFTA is for “made-in-Africa” products and services.
‘‘Africa must be a marketplace where no country is left behind. As we implement, we must ensure that we create jobs and enhance revenues for all parties.
‘‘We must leverage on one another’s strengths to succeed,’’ he said.
President Buhari also used the occasion to call on businesses in Africa to key into existing regional value chains or build new ones, either to extend operations into the higher value segments of their industries or to satisfy the Area’s rules of origin requirements.
He expressed delight that the Intra-African Trade Fair was uniquely positioned to help in these areas.
The President stressed that the Nigerian economy under his administration had witnessed a re-engineering.
‘‘As many of you are aware, in the past five years, Nigeria has made significant strides towards the diversification of her economy from an oil revenue-dependent country to a nation with diverse revenue sources.
‘‘We were able to achieve this by putting in place fiscal, monetary and trade policies that support investments and investors in key sectors such as Agriculture, Mining, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Banking and Financial services, tourism, and manufacturing,’’ he said.
Declaring that Nigeria is open for business, the President highlighted that progress was being made in the reforms of key institutions, the fight against corruption as well as the ease of doing business in the country.
He congratulated the African Union Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Africa Export-Import Bank for their dedication and relentless effort in seeing the Trade Area become a reality.
‘‘Today is a great day for Africa as we start our collaborative journey towards collective economic prosperity through the African Continental Free Trade Area. I very much look forward to seeing more African products manufactured in Africa using African resources.
‘‘I also commend the people of Durban for hosting this year’s Intra-African Trade Fair. I sincerely hope that we will witness milestone agreements among African businesses at this gathering.
‘‘Through these gatherings, we will be laying a solid foundation for future business-to-business, business and government, and government-to-government co-operation,’’ he said.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 15, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH ALIKO DANGOTE, FAMILY OVER PASSING OF BROTHER, SANI DANGOTE
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Founder/Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, over passing of his younger brother and Vice President of the Dangote Group, Sani Dangote on Sunday.
President Buhari joins the family in mourning the industrious son, who over the years played a key role in the success of the family business, dedicating his time to ensure fairness and optimum result in all endeavours.
Reputed for his gentleness, loyalty and generosity, the President urges approximation of his wonderful deeds on earth, praying that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 15, 2021
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES AFREXIMBANK
President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday in Durban, South Africa assured that the Nigerian government will continue to support efforts to broaden the economy through multilateral financing.
The President spoke when Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) paid him a courtesy call ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2nd Intra-African Trade Fair Conference in the South African city on Monday.
“I appreciate the support you are giving Nigerian businesses and by implication, the Nigerian economy. Rest assured you can count on me as you seek a better trade and investment climate in Africa.
The President of the bank who came in company of the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, thanked President Buhari for honouring the invitation of the South African President to attend the Afreximbank-backed Fair, joining other Heads of State, saying it clearly demonstrated that “President Buhari understands the importance of trade and how Intra-African trade can help transform the African economy and of course, that of Nigeria.”
He also appreciated the Nigerian leader for granting the land and accepting to grace the occasion of the ground-breaking ceremony of the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence project to be implemented by the continental bank in Abuja in December.
Prof. Oramah reiterated that Nigeria is an important market for the bank “with an exposure of 5.5 billion dollars and it was therefore imperative that we continue to engage Nigeria at the highest level.” He said Nigerian businesses got deals worth over 3.3 billion dollars during the first edition of the event in Cairo, Egypt, adding that more is expected at this year’s Fair with an assurance that Afreximbank would be ready to support such business deals emanating from the event “especially considering the support we have seen from the President.”
According to him, “Nigeria’s participation was essential as the largest economy in Africa. Africa needs Nigeria as Nigeria needs Africa. Anything we do at the continental level that does not have Nigeria is seen globally as incomplete.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 15, 2021
JULIUS BER WINS 6TH CONSECUTIVE AWARD AT #IAMBRANDNIGERIA’s TOP 50 BRANDS
The country’s widely acknowledged leading, most dependable and innovative engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has strongly won for the 6th consecutive time its top rating as Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand in the Building and Construction Services Category at the TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA awards.
The construction experts, last week retained its top position in Nigeria’s construction sector in recognition of its outstanding quality, innovativeness and best international standards and practice in the building and construction industry for 2021.
At a well-attended zoom event anchored from Lagos, and with the who is who in the various industrial sectors in attendance, Julius Nigeria emerged the winner in the building and construction sector with a Business Strength Measurement, BSM of 60.5 to strongly beat and best its own previous performance records in all the previous years at the ratings.
According the Mr Taiwo Oluboyede, the CEO of the BrandNigeria event, Top Brands Nigeria, the BSM ratings of nominated companies are determined by their individual Brand Identity and Client Retention, Quality Elements, Market or Category Leadership, Innovation, National Spread, Online Engagement and their respective Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Consciousness and engagement.
According to Mr Taiwo Oluboyede, “Julius Berger has a progressive and open-minded corporate culture. The company never stands still in its efforts to drive both the organization and its clients’ developments forward to its sworn allegiance to success.”
Julius Berger was also positively cited for its culture of punctuality and capacity to arrive on schedule for its tasks. Executive Director Administration of the company, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, later told our correspondent in a telephone interview that: In Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, punctuality is the soul of business; as a propelling operational policy, we seriously work to arrive at every milestone and assignment as planned. That corporate culture proudly productively underpin our company’s reliability to our clients in every project. That is what we strongly bring to every work and project as our proud historical legacy; a tenacity and consistency of purpose that has made us win the highly coveted construction sector leadership award for the 6th consecutive time. We intend to maintain our productive momentum and remain the trusted and preferred partner when project timelines and success matters most to the client. That is Julius Berger’s lasting and reliable promise. On behalf of the Board, Executive Management and entire Staff of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, I wish to appreciate and thank the BrandNigeria organization for this valuable award, and for the objectivity that has continued to guide the ratings, keeping the nominations for the awards only merit-driven.”
The CEO of BrandNigeria, Taiwo Oluboyede, had earlier noted that it has been widely observed and acknowledged that: “no matter the challenges and regardless of the scope, Julius Berger approaches each project not only as a contractor, but as a partner for project success.” Tracing the history of its works in Nigeria back to the construction of Eko bridge in Lagos in 1965 which it added “still stands strong today” the Top 50 Brands Nigeria CEO said “…it is a testimony to Julius Berger’s leadership in delivering enduring quality.”
Furthermore, Mr Oluboyede speaking from the citation of Julius Berger from the BrandNigeria 2021 Manual, said that, among many other fine technical qualities of Julius Berger, the company places emphasis on the deployment of progressive construction methods and innovative technologies to achieve sustainable and value-driven solutions as the scope of Julius Berger’s operations covers “all areas of construction including the pre and post phases. Success is built on the strategy of having vertically integrated operations, which improve efficiency and timelines of project execution.”
To underscore the foregoing, Top Brands Nigeria said, “Julius Berger is a brand that is unmistakably recognized throughout Nigeria, a brand that has built a track record of delivering the highest level of performance and a brand synonymous with quality and reliability.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Top Brands Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oluboyede in his opening remarks at the landmark event congratulated Julius Berger Nigeria and other sectoral winners declaring that, “today, these are the best top brands in Nigeria.”
Other winners at the award event included the Dangote Group, Conoil, Oando, Shell, Total, Globacom, Guinness, Coca-Cola, Nestle, MTN, Airtel, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Nigeria Breweries, Toyota, the Honeywell Group, Lafarge, Channels Television, etc.
South-South women knock Akpabio’s critics
Women in the South-South geo-political zone on Sunday praised the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for inspiring the people of the region with fresh hopes and vigour.
In a statement in Benin, the women applauded Akpabio for proving his sincerity by remaining constant to the Niger Delta cause.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is working hard in the interest of the Niger Delta people’’
The statement signed by the Coordinator of South-South Women Alliance (SSWA), Dr. Mary Alli, praised Akpabio for showing prudence, wisdom and courage.
The statement described the attitude of President Muhammadu Buhari as friendly.
‘’The news story on the scrapping of NDDC is false, provocative and mischievous. It shows disgraceful ignorance of the discussion in Nigeria on the repositioning of NDDC and development of the Niger Delta region’’ the statement said.
The statement emphasized the great work of organization in the Niger Delta development Commission (NDDC) and the services of Akpabio to the good people of the region.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is zealous in our cause. The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is doing good service. He is promoting the interests of the Niger Delta people’’.
The statement threw a good deal of light on the positive change in the feeling of the people towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the country.
Alli expressed the gratitude of the group to President Muhammadu Buhari for paying special attention to the Niger Delta.
The women also thanked warmly the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) Worldwide, Isoko Development Union (IDU) and the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) for supporting the Federal Government reforms in the Niger Delta region.
They emphasized Akpabio’s plans for the people, his present services to the country, skill and wisdom of his recent pronouncements on NDDC’s board, forensic audit report and the region’s development agenda.
The women criticized the Ijaw Interest Advocate (IIA) and Niger Delta Peoples’ Forum (NDPF).
Specifically, the women expressed discontent with the impotent views of Chief Boma Ebiakpo and Mr. Arerebo Salaco Yerinmene.
‘’Some people care for nothing but their selfish interests’’ the statement added.
PRESS RELEASE
EndSARS PANEL: SANWO-OLU SETS UP FOUR-MEMBER COMMITTEE FOR WHITE PAPER REPORT
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday set up a four-member committee led by Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) to raise a White Paper on the reports submitted by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for victims of SARS related abuses and other matters.
Other members of the committee are; Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu; Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure, Engr. (Mrs) Aramide Adeyoye and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mrs. Tolani Oshodi.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the Committee would bring forward a White Paper within the next two weeks to be considered by the Lagos State Executive Council, pledging that the reports and recommendations will be made public and submitted to the National Economic Council (NEC) for discussion.
The Governor constituted the committee after receiving the two reports of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for victims of SARS related abuses and other matters presented to him at the Lagos House, Ikeja by chairman of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi (retired).
The two reports submitted by the Panel to Lagos State Government are on investigation on petitions on several abuses and killings by the Nigerian Police, especially the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the October 20, 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shootings during the EndSARS protests hijacked by hoodlums.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also reassured Nigerians, especially residents of Lagos that the Government’s action would be guided by the law and in the public interest.
The Governor, expressed hope that Lagos State government’s decision on the reports would bring complete healing, reconciliation and restitution.
“I am going to constitute a four-member committee immediately, which will be headed by the Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, the Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure and the Permanent Secretary, the Cabinet office.
“The four of them will immediately look through and bring forward a White Paper within the next two weeks that will be considered at the Lagos State Executive Council and would be gazetted as a white paper coming from the Panel of Inquiry.
“We will ensure that the recommendations that are coming out that will be turned into a white paper and would be made available to the public. We will do it appropriately so that history will judge us well and we will have a document that will stand the test of time. That is what the tribunal law says, so that it will be properly documented and gazetted in government’s records,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who pointed out that the panel had operated independently, commended members of the Justice Okuwobi-led panel for a job well done and also expressed appreciation to Lagosians for their cooperation during the exercise, which lasted for almost a year.
Speaking earlier, Justice Okuwobi expressed deep appreciation to the Lagos State Government and all the stakeholders who appeared before the Panel. She also thanked members of the Panel for their uncommon resolve to bring closure to the assignment and good team work.
She said part of the recommendations of the panel is establishment of a body to take over human rights abuses in Lagos.
Justice Okuwobi, who disclosed that the panel awarded a total of N410 million to 70 victims of Police brutality, said 235 petitions were received with only 14 of it being on the alleged Lekki Shooting incident.
“As much as the panel desired to have taken all petitions, the ones that were not taken by the panel were those that did not comply to our rules, so in this report, we made recommendations for a body to take over human rights abuse cases in Lagos State,” she said.
It would be recalled Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on October 19, 2020 inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate alleged cases of brutality and human rights violations perpetrated by the Police and operatives of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The panel was also saddled with the investigation of the alleged shootings that took place on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Tollgate.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 15, 2021
SANWO-OLU URGES STATE GOVTS TO CUT DOWN ON WASTE, EXCESS FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised state governments to cut down on waste and excess, and ensure that every unit of surviving expenditure delivers maximum value and impact, for the benefit of the populace.
He said the ultimate goals must be value for money, and the enhancement of the quality and timeliness of service delivery.
Speaking on Monday at the National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) Conference held at Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said a robust Public Finance Management system is the critical pathway for the efficient and effective delivery of the dividends of democracy to the citizens, which according to him must be carried out in a manner that is transparent and accountable to all.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his keynote address during the conference entitled “Public Sector Finance Management in the New Normal, (Post Covid-19)” said the gathering would provide an opportunity to share thoughts, exchange views and forge a common front in addressing some of the fiscal and socio-economic challenges foisted on the country by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: “What the pandemic (COVID-19) has done is to compel us all, whether in the public or private sectors, to focus more attention on exploring ways ‘to do more with less.’ We have been forced to find ways of optimising spending, to ensure that, one, we are cutting down on waste excesses and things that we do not need, and two, that every unit of surviving expenditure delivers maximum value and impact, for the benefit of our populace.
“This is the time for Commissioners for Finance and Commissioners for Economic Planning to be sincere with their principals, who may have asked you to do the impossible. But indeed, we know this is the time for you to be frank and sincere to your principal that we have to think out of the box. You have to be very creative and do away with what will not be considered as important this time.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the Federal Government for faithfully implementing various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of Public Financial Management in Nigeria.
He said initiatives like the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), among others, including the States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme for Results (SFTAS) Programme, have provided support to States to help them achieve desired fiscal reforms underlined by prudence, openness, transparency and accountability.
The Governor said the programme has also highlighted to States the need to redouble efforts aimed at increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He said: “We must rapidly embrace technology as a tool for increasing transparency and accountability, as well as expanding citizens’ access to public services in a manner that is cost-effective and solution oriented. Every opportunity to reduce non-essential spending must equally be seized with both hands. And, very importantly, we must invest in building the human capacity required to adapt seamlessly to the social, legal, technological and policy demands of the new normal.
“Here in Lagos State, we are doing a lot in that regard, from cleaning up our public payroll system, to embracing automation and technology in the management of land and property records and processes, to restructuring loans and bonds to ensure a productive lowering of our debt service costs, and also to exploring innovative ways of mobilising capital to deliver on our vision of a truly 21st Century Megacity.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also reiterated Lagos State’s commitment and continuous support to the Federal Government’s policies and programmes.
“The Lagos State Government, under our watch, will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders, public and private, on this journey to the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
The time is now, for all hands to be on deck to rebuild from the disruptions occasioned by the pandemic. The goal of this rebuilding must not be to restore the old economy that COVID disrupted, but instead to build a new one that is fit-for-purpose for the 21st century and fit for the new reality of a post-COVID planet,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. (Mrs) Zainab Ahmed, said the Federal Government remains committed to the reforms the Muhammadu Buhari administration has started, which according to her are aimed at enabling the business environment, creating the right fiscal space for investment and diversification of the revenue base of the economy.
She said: “The last couple of years presented series of challenges to us as a nation and the entire globe. From the decline in revenue to slow growth and recovery largely due to the fall in crude oil prices on account of falling global demand and the containment measures to fight the spread of COVID-19, which affected virtually every sector of the economy.
“The good news, however, is that our recovery rate from the pandemic has been sustainably good and encouraging. Fortunately, things are now looking up for us and our economy is bouncing back to normal. Based on the current economic outlook, our economy is projected to grow by 1.5 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2022. Therefore, as we move to the reset opportunities, our focus should be on growing and consolidating the recovery efforts.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance and Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator Adeola Solomon, said the government should develop and push for appropriate measures that suit the country’s situation, especially in dealing with post-COVID 19 issues.
Also speaking, Kogi State Commissioner of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris, said Lagos State deserves special attention and therefore called on the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to consider special status for Lagos State anytime they are going to review the revenue formula.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 15, 2021
SANWO-OLU RAISES 10-MAN PANEL TO ASSESS LASU’S OPERATIONS, STAFF WELFARE
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, constituted a full Visitation Panel that will conduct holistic assessment into the Lagos State University (LASU) administrative process, academic programmes, finances, and staff welfare in order to ascertain if the school is being run in accordance with provisions of laws that set it up.
Composition of full Visitation Panel for the school was part of the recommendations submitted to the Governor by the Prof. Bamitale Omole-led special panel which, after resolving the crises that rocked selection of substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC), prescribed the need for a full panel to inquire into the level of implementation of the White Paper on the last Visitation Panel Report of 2009.
Former University of Lagos (UNILAG) VC, Prof. Abdulrahman Bello, is the chairman of the 10-man full Visitation Panel; Director of Investigation in the Office of Special Adviser on Education (OSAE), Mrs. Yemisi Omoloye, is the Secretary.
The Bello-led team has eight weeks to submit report on 11 terms of reference it is charged to examine.
Sanwo-Olu said the raising of the full panel demonstrates his administration’s commitment to positioning LASU as the best in quality research, pedagogical and administrative excellence, as well as industrial harmony.
The panel, the Governor said, would examine the relationship between various internal organs and units in the school, including registry, bursary, Works and Maintenance Services, Health Services, and Departments, while also finding out how laws had been observed or flouted by the relevant authorities, propose modifications to enable the university achieve its objectives.
He said: “This full Visitation Panel is being inaugurated based on the recommendation of the Prof. Bamitale Omole-led LASU Vice-Chancellorship Special Visitation Panel, which was constituted to resolve the issues that trailed the appointment of the university’s 9th Vice-Chancellor.
“We have carefully selected the members of this 10-Man team to examine 11 terms of reference, which shall include examining financial management of the university, statutory allocations and internally generated revenue over the recommended period and determine whether it was in compliance with appropriate regulations, statutes, acts and laws of the university.
“The panel will examine compliance with the law and extant regulations of the university in terms of promotion, welfare, and disciplinary procedures for both staff and students. It will also consider any other factor that will enable the university to better achieve its objectives and make recommendations as necessary. I am confident that these seasoned professionals will justify the trust reposed in them.”
As part of the panel’s duties, it is expected to Investigate the application of special grants and subventions for accreditation exercises, TETFund grants and loans meant for specific projects, while also determining the status of ongoing projects and their relevance for further funding.
Sanwo-Olu promised not to interfere in the discharge of the panel’s duties, expressing hope that the recommendations would be helpful for the State Government in tackling pressing challenges being faced by the university.
“I urge you to consider your appointment a call to duty and an opportunity to make significant contributions to LASU’s growth and development,” the Governor charged the panel members.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, said the raising of the full Visitation Panel was the last leg of the Omole-led team recommendations being implemented by the Governor, noting that a thorough assessment would help put all challenges facing the school in the last 12 years to a rest.
Bello, a professor of Chemical Engineering, assured the Governor that the university would come out healthier after the work of the panel members.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 16, 2021
Enlightenment/Sensitization Visits: RIWAMA Monitoring Team Storms Oginigba, Rumuobiakani, Others
…As Sole Administrator, Bro. Obuah Harps On Need For Environmental Cleanness At All Times
…Warns Traders To Stop Bringing Out Wastes Outside Government Approved Hours Of 6pm To 12midnight On Account of Thursdays Market Sanitation
The Monitoring Team of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) on Enlightenment/Sensitization on indiscriminate dumping of refuse, dumping time and indiscriminate dumping of refuse on market sanitation days, continued its visits to markets and other public places, Tuesday morning, with a visit to Oginigba, Rumuobiakani communities and its environs in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
The team, which was led by the Sole Administrator of the Agency, Bro. Felix Obuah, watched with approval as traders and residents who were taken unawares by the visit, hurried to sweep and pick up debris on the roads and around the gutters.
Represented by the Director of Environmental Health/Operations, Mrs. Helen Ohaka, Bro. Obuah appealed to residents on need to ensure their environments are kept clean at all times, warning that the Agency frowns seriously on indiscriminate dumping of refuse, non-observance of dumping hours and littering of markets with debris.
Further warning that Sanitation Marshalls have been dispatched to arrest those who dispose of refuse indiscriminately, especially at the median of roads, Bro. Obuah disclosed that any one arrested would be charged before the Sanitation Court, warning that to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
The RIWAMA boss noted that almost every day, the Agency embarked on public enlightenment and sensitization campaigns against indiscriminate dumping of wastes, waste management and educating the people on dumping time of 6pm to 12midnight, stating that the task of keeping the roads, markets and other public places clean and healthy at all times must be done by all and sundry.
Reaffirming his stance that those who flout sanitation rules are enemies of the State, Bro. Obuah stressed that residents and those living and doing business in Port Harcourt, the State capital and its environs have no excuse to dump refuse indiscriminately as receptacles have been strategically positioned close to business and residential places.
He appealed to traders and residents to join hands with the State government to keep the streets, markets and other public places clean at all times.
Reaffirming the warning that the Agency would not fold its hands and watch unpatriotic agents sabotage the efforts of RIWAMA, Bro. Obuah urged residents and traders to reciprocate the good efforts of Governor Wike who is working tirelessly to sustain the Garden City status of the state.
Bro. Obuah also warned traders to stop bringing out wastes outside government approved dumping hours of 6pm to 12midnight, on account of Thursdays Market Sanitation.
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to
Bro. Felix Obuah, Sole Administrator,
Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).
Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
CDWR SUPPORTS THE PLANNED WARNING STRIKE OF RAILWAY WORKERS
WE DEMAND IMPROVEMENT IN WAGE AND WORKING CONDITION
Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) supports the planned three-day warning strike to be embarked upon by the Railway workers from November 18, 2021.
The Nigerian Union of Railway Workers is embarking on strike action due to poor remuneration and poor working conditions. The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and Federal Government have failed to accede to the demands of workers for more than a year and also several months after holding a meeting with the Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi.
The reality is that the present wage framework based on the N30,000 minimum wage has been eroded by high inflation and the ever-rising cost of living. This is the more reason workers across sectors should get wage increments in line with the inflation. We challenge the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to initiate a struggle towards achieving a new minimum wage that meets the present economic realities side by side with enforcing the implementation of the current one
We call on the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Federal Government to meet the demands of the railway workers for improved wages and better working conditions.
CDWR calls on the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers to make the strike an active one and mobilize public support through press conferences, rallies, etc. We also call on NLC and TUC to support the strike and give active solidarity.
SIGNED
Comrade Rufus Olusesan Comrade Chinedu Bosah
National Chairperson National Publicity Secretary
Press Statement
Enlightenment/Sensitization Visits: RIWAMA Monitoring Team Storms Oginigba, Rumuobiakani, Others
…As Sole Administrator, Bro. Obuah Harps On Need For Environmental Cleanness At All Times
…Warns Traders To Stop Bringing Out Wastes Outside Government Approved Hours Of 6pm To 12midnight On Account of Thursdays Market Sanitation
The Monitoring Team of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) on Enlightenment/Sensitization on indiscriminate dumping of refuse, dumping time and indiscriminate dumping of refuse on market sanitation days, continued its visits to markets and other public places, Tuesday morning, with a visit to Oginigba, Rumuobiakani communities and its environs in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
The team, which was led by the Sole Administrator of the Agency, Bro. Felix Obuah, watched with approval as traders and residents who were taken unawares by the visit, hurried to sweep and pick up debris on the roads and around the gutters.
Represented by the Director of Environmental Health/Operations, Mrs. Helen Ohaka, Bro. Obuah appealed to residents on need to ensure their environments are kept clean at all times, warning that the Agency frowns seriously on indiscriminate dumping of refuse, non-observance of dumping hours and littering of markets with debris.
Further warning that Sanitation Marshalls have been dispatched to arrest those who dispose of refuse indiscriminately, especially at the median of roads, Bro. Obuah disclosed that any one arrested would be charged before the Sanitation Court, warning that to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
The RIWAMA boss noted that almost every day, the Agency embarked on public enlightenment and sensitization campaigns against indiscriminate dumping of wastes, waste management and educating the people on dumping time of 6pm to 12midnight, stating that the task of keeping the roads, markets and other public places clean and healthy at all times must be done by all and sundry.
Reaffirming his stance that those who flout sanitation rules are enemies of the State, Bro. Obuah stressed that residents and those living and doing business in Port Harcourt, the State capital and its environs have no excuse to dump refuse indiscriminately as receptacles have been strategically positioned close to business and residential places.
He appealed to traders and residents to join hands with the State government to keep the streets, markets and other public places clean at all times.
Reaffirming the warning that the Agency would not fold its hands and watch unpatriotic agents sabotage the efforts of RIWAMA, Bro. Obuah urged residents and traders to reciprocate the good efforts of Governor Wike who is working tirelessly to sustain the Garden City status of the state.
Bro. Obuah also warned traders to stop bringing out wastes outside government approved dumping hours of 6pm to 12midnight, on account of Thursdays Market Sanitation.
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to
Bro. Felix Obuah, Sole Administrator,
Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).
Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja said Nigeria lost an estimated $50billion worth of investments in ten years, created by the uncertainty of non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), lack of progress and stagnation in the petroleum industry.
In his remarks at a ceremony on passage of the PIA, which preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the President said the stagnation affected growth of the economy, citing lack of political will on the part of past administrations to actualize the needed transformation.
President Buhari said assent of the Petroleum Industry Bill on August 16, 2021, marks the end of decades of uncertainty and under-investment in the petroleum industry.
“We are all aware that past Administrations have identified the need to further align the industry for global competitiveness, but there was lack of political will to actualize this needed transformation.
“This lack of progress has stagnated the growth of the industry and the prosperity of our economy. In the past ten years, Nigeria has lost an estimated US$50billion worth of investments due to uncertainty created by the non-passage of the PIB.
“This administration believes that the timely passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill will help our country attract investments across the oil and gas value chain.
“In view of the value our Nation and investors will derive from a stable fiscal framework for the oil and gas industry, our Administration has found it necessary to work with the two Chambers of the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the PIB, ’’ he said.
President Buhari noted that signing of the bill was part of the administration’s commitment to building a competitive and resilient petroleum industry that will attract investment, improve our revenue base, create jobs and support our economic diversification agenda.
The President said as a “nation that depends on oil resources for the development of other sectors, Nigeria runs a Petroleum Industry that is governed largely by laws enacted over 50 years ago such as the principal legislation; the Petroleum Act of 1969 and other obsolete legislations.’’
He said the Presidential assent of the bill to “Petroleum Industry Act 2021” marked the beginning of the journey towards a competitive and resilient petroleum industry that will attract investments to support the nation’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
“The “Petroleum Industry Act 2021” creates a regulatory environment that would ensure efficiency and accountability across the oil and gas value chain and reposition NNPC to a commercially driven National Petroleum Company that is accountable to the Federation.
“The Act also provides for a direct benefit framework that will enable sustainable development of Host Communities. I appeal to the host communities to look carefully at the contents of the Bill which in the implementation will bring real and lasting benefits to them.
“Furthermore, the Act provides for deliberate end to gas flaring which would facilitate the attainment of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement through a funding mechanism to support gas flare out project in host communities,’’ he added.
President Buhari said the administration believes that the timely passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill will help our country attract investments across the oil and gas value chain.
While directing immediate implementation of the framework for the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), he urged all relevant stakeholders to comply and reposition for full activation within 12 months.
The President said the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, will head the implementation team, urging all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) to adjust to the transition, designed to reposition the economy.
“To consolidate the commitment of this administration to delivering the value proposition of this law, I have approved an implementation framework commencing immediately to ensure the industry envisaged in the new law begins to take shape.
“The implementation process to be headed by the Hon Minister of State, Petroleum Resources is hereby tasked with the completion of the implementation of this act within 12 months. I am therefore directing all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to fully cooperate in ensuring the successful and timely implementation of this law,’’ he said.
President Buhari commended leadership of the 9th Assembly for their continued pursuit of national aspiration and demonstration of mutual harmony with the Executive in the pursuit of patriotic outcome in passage of PIB.
“I also commend the entire team in the executive that worked tirelessly to ensure the delivery of this strategic legislation for our country. I thank Nigerians and other industry stakeholders for their contributions and support in achieving this historic landmark,’’ he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and other lawmakers, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mele Kyari.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 18, 2021
August 18, 2021
Press Statement
Sanusi’s Exposé on Buhari, APC, Vindicates Us -PDP
…Calls on More Nigerians to Speak Out
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that the exposé by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, that the gains made by Nigeria in 35 years were wiped out in the last five years, vindicates our stance that President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has wrecked our nation.
The PDP asserts that the declaration by Sanusi Lamido directly reflects the position of majority of Nigerians across the country.
Noting that the dire situation is now beyond politics, the PDP calls on more stakeholders to speak out irrespective of ethnicity, creed and political party affiliations, so as to save the nation from a total collapse.
The Buhari Presidency and the APC have in the last six years, only succeeded in destroying every sector of our national life with their manifest incompetence, unbridled corruption, treasury looting, impunity, exclusionist and restrictive economic policies that have brought our nation to her knees.
Nigerians can recall that the PDP handed over a robust economy, rated the largest hub in Africa and one of the fastest growing in the world with Fitch B+ rating and Gross Domestic Produce (GDP) of $574 billion to President Buhari and the APC in May 2015.
Sadly, in the last six years, Buhari-led APC administration has reduced our productive sectors to a complete wreckage with alarming 33.3 percent unemployment and 17.38% inflation rates; over 60 million hitherto flourishing businesses folded up and the naira crashing from N167 to a dollar in 2015 to N512 under the APC corrupt and directionless watch.
More depressing is that the corrupt APC administration has practically erased all the gained of the debt repayment achieved by the PDP, returned our nation to a beggar state and mortgaged the sovereignty of our country with reckless borrowing and accumulated N33.107 trillion.
Life has become so unbearable in Nigeria under President Buhari and the APC, that more than 82.9 million Nigerians are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other necessities of life, with our nation now ranking as poverty capital of the world and 98th out of 107 in Global Hunger Index.
Today, under the APC, a liter of fuel which sold for N87 under the PDP now sells for N165, a bag of rice which sold for N8,000 now sells for N30,000, a measure of garri and beans which sold for N150 and N250 now sell for N600 and N800 respectively; a measure of maize and guinea corn which sold for about N150 now sells for N400, a kilo of meat which sold for about N800 now sells for about N2,300 while a 12.5 kg of cooking gas which sold for N3,000 now sells for over N6,000, all thanks to the incompetence and corruption of the Buhari-led APC administration.
Furthermore, the compromises of the APC administration have led to the escalation of terrorist activities, banditry, kidnapping, killings, bloody agitations as well as other acts of violence that have turned our nation into a large funeral palour, with no hope in sight.
Indeed, this is not the way our nation should go. The PDP therefore urges more Nigerians to speak out to rescue our nation from this fast descent to a failed state.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS ENGINEER, ADMINISTRATOR, ENTREPRENEUR, EMEKA OKWUOSA AT 60
President Muhammadu Buhari salutes Chairman/CEO of Oilserv, Engineer Emeka Okwuosa, as he turns 60 August 19, 2021.
The President pays tribute to the Electronics/Electrical engineer who graduated from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and who has built a reputation as an astute administrator, investor, and entrepreneur.
Okwuosa, the President notes, successfully runs a chain of companies, both within and outside the country, with special interest in the oil and gas industry, playing a major role in the building of the landmark Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline under construction.
President Buhari rejoices with the Okwuosa family, their friends, associates and well-wishers on the auspicious occasion, wishing the celebrant long life and prosperity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 18, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES STEERING COMMITTEE ON PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT
President Muhammadu Buhari has commenced implementation of the newly signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by approving a steering committee to oversee the process.
The steering committee is headed by the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
Other members are: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Group Managing Director, NNPC, Executive Chairman, FIRS, Representative of the Ministry of Justice, Representative of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Natural Resources, Barrister Olufemi Lijadu as External Legal Adviser, while the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, will serve as Head of the Coordinating Secretariat and the Implementation Working Group.
The primary responsibility of the steering committee shall be to guide the effective and timely implementation of the PIA in the course of transition to the petroleum industry envisaged in the reform program, and ensure that the new institutions created have the full capability to deliver on their mandate under the new legislation.
The committee has 12 months duration for the assignment, and periodic updates will be given to Mr President.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
August 18, 2021