Dons EzeMEDIA MADE TINUBU ‘MINISTER OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES’ – BAYO ONANUGA
MEDIA MADE TINUBU ‘MINISTER OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES’ – BAYO ONANUGA The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed reports that the president is Nigeria’s substantive petroleum minister. Onanuga made the rebuttal on Sunday while fielding questions on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today programme. When asked if the president hopes to hold on to his job as the ‘Minister of Petroleum,’ Onanuga fumed, saying the president had never addressed himself with such title, adding that the nation already has two ministers handling the affairs of the oil sector. “I think I have answered this question somewhere. The President has never called himself the Minister of Petroleum. You people in the media gave him that position. We have two ministers there. One of them focuses on gas. That’s an area this government found in the past that Nigeria neglected the gas sector. Nigeria is more of a gas country than an oil country. “Just recently, former President Obasanjo said he made a mistake during his time by not focusing on gas. President Tinubu is rectifying that by making sure that we are focusing now on gas. The president supervises all his ministers. All of them. He is in charge of everything including all the ministries under him,” Onanuga stated. He noted that Tinubu is aware of the struggles Nigerians face, countering accusations that the president is indifferent to citizens’ hardships. “President Tinubu feels the pain of Nigerians and assures them that relief is on the horizon. Some have resorted to calling him ‘T-pain’ out of mischief, but he is not that. He’s here to heal, not to hurt. “The President has never shied away from acknowledging that Nigerians are going through difficult times. He is working tirelessly to provide relief and ensure that the nation moves towards a future of prosperity. “This is a painful transition, but it’s part of a long-term strategy to stabilize and grow the economy,” Onanuga clarified.
POLICE ARREST HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER FOR SLAPPING BOLT DRIVER, APGA VOWS DISCIPLINARY ACTION
POLICE ARREST HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER FOR SLAPPING BOLT DRIVER, APGA VOWS DISCIPLINARY ACTION The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, a lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya. According to a statement released by the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident occurred when Abuwatseya delivered a package to Ikwegh’s residence, with a dispute arising over the delivery method. Ikwegh allegedly slapped the driver and made derogatory comments about the Inspector General of Police. The FCT Police Command expressed concern over Ikwegh’s attitude, stating that he is undergoing questioning at the Maitama Police Station. “Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted. “The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident. “After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement. “Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the FCT police said. The incident took place on Sunday at Ikwegh’s Abuja residence. The Bolt driver, Mr. Abuwatseya, delivered a package to the lawmaker, but a dispute arose over the delivery method. Ikwegh allegedly slapped the driver. “You are a common bolt driver, you are a poor man and you have pride,” the driver quoted the Abia State lawmaker as saying. The driver was subsequently arrested and taken to the Maitama Police Station, where he was denied the right to receive calls. Police officers at the station accused him of going to fight a “senator” in his home. Although released, his car is still in the custody of the police. In the same vein, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has condemned the assault on a Bolt driver by Alex Ikwechegh, In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the party stated that the lawmaker’s actions are “condemnable in all ramifications” and fall short of the party’s constitution. The party announced the formation of a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter and enforce appropriate sanctions if Ikwechegh is found guilty. The statement reiterated APGA’s commitment to upholding dignity and integrity among its members and highlighted that conduct contrary to its values will not be tolerated. Opara called on all party members and elected officials to maintain high standards of decorum and civility in all engagements. Part of the statement read: “As a political party founded on respect for Human Rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and Federal Parliamentarian, Alex Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great Party. “As a party, we are founded on the basic principles of upholding the dignity of all humans, irrespective of class, creed and/or ethnicity. “The recent video allegedly showing Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is totally unacceptable and runs counter to what our Party – APGA – represents. “In line with APGA’s constitution, the Leadership of the Party shall set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA. “Our party shall not tolerate any verifiable conduct that is not in tandem with the ideals of our founding fathers. In APGA, we are our Brother’s and Sister’s keeper and it cannot be any other way.”
REPS MEMBER UNDER FIRE FOR ASSAULTING DRIVER
REPS MEMBER UNDER FIRE FOR ASSAULTING DRIVER A video showing Alex Ikwechegh, member representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency, allegedly assaulting an Uber driver during a delivery at his residence in Maitam, Abuja, is currently trending. According to the driver, whose name is yet unknown, tensions escalated when he requested that Ikwechegh come outside to receive his delivery personally. In the video, the lawmaker repeatedly insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status. As the altercation intensified, the footage captured Ikwechegh slapping the driver multiple times, insisting the request was disrespectful given his social status. At one point in the recording, Ikwechegh is allegedly heard threatening the driver, claiming he could make him “disappear” without facing any consequences. “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money. “I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will show you that I am a big brother. I will tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey,” he said. Meanwhile, the video has sparked widespread outrage accross social media, with calls for accountability and justice. On X, formerly Twitter, @ndidi_patricia wrote: “He’s talking about disrespect, yet he was the one being disrespectful, to the guy, assault and calling him all sorts of names just because the driver couldn’t enter his house to deliver the package, which i think is outside Bolt’s jurisdiction. What can we call this type of behavior?? Akanekwu osi do you know who I be ?” @Franksvics: “How long enough before we realise we have to do something about these politicians, there’s no hope for the common man. until them done begin use citizen skulls drink water na our eye go open…” @ayo_omooba: “The Rep man of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Aba North and South, Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, have a troubling history, as he brazenly claimed he could make a Bolt driver disappear. This statement raises serious concerns.”@ayo_omooba: “Nigeria Police should conduct a thorough investigation into Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh potential involvement with missing persons.”@chrisneche: “This is intimidation to humanity. I never knew it was a crime to call one to come and pick up ones order from the driver’s car. I don’t see anything honourable about this man. Imagine the attitude from the so-called big brother.:”on Facebook, Obinna Akor said: “Irresponsible & indecent behavior defined most of our Politicians. They only cherish & value the lives of their children. A lot of common citizens have been maimed & destroyed by the very people that ought to lead & protect the masses. Untill the corrupt sociopolitical system that allowed for the likes of Alex ikwechegh, to be at the corridor of power is sanitize, reformed & clean up, Nigeria will continue to have worst set of people occupying political& public offices.”Udo Obimba: “In the corridor of power…..I think we should hold him responsible for all the missing person in the country” Nwogwugwu David: “I don’t no the lawmaker but you guys supposed say the truth for one’s, the bolt driver doesn’t have manners he lacks respect he is in for a business and supposed to respect his customer ( the lawmaker) he was challenging his customer which is very rough as a business person ok. If I am the bolt driver boss I will sack him because of poor attitude and lack of respect, the customers are the boss ok.”
TENSION IN ENUGU AS HOODLUMS KIDNAP UNN DON, OTHERS
TENSION IN ENUGU AS HOODLUMS KIDNAP UNN DON, OTHERS A senior lecturer in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Prof Oguejiofo Ujam was on Sunday abducted along the Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road. Oguejiofor is the Dean, School of General Studies of the university. DAILY POST learnt that the kidnapping of the university don is one in a series of abductions along the road within the last one week. In a post on his Facebook Page, a social media influencer, Chijinkem Ugwuanyi wrote, “Prof Oguejiofo T. Ujam was kidnapped yesterday morning along Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka road. “He is a lecturer at the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, and Dean, School of General Studies University Of Nigeria Nsukka. “Our prayers are needed for his safe return to us, unharmed.” Similarly, a lecturer, who spoke to our correspondent under anonymity, confirmed that the incident was posted on the WhatsApp page of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, UNN chapter. “Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, the Dean of GS was kidnapped this morning along Opi-Enugu Road. Please, we need urgent help,” the post on ASUU platform read. There have been concerns over the spate of abductions along the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road despite the number of police and military checkpoints along that axis. The hoodlums were also reported to have abducted several other road users on a daily basis in the last one week. DAILY POST reached out to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, but he is yet to comment on the report.
19 SOKOTO TRADITIONAL RULERS RESIGN
19 SOKOTO TRADITIONAL RULERS RESIGN Nineteen traditional rulers comprising district and ward heads in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have resigned their positions and declared their support for Senator Ibrahim Lamido. The traditional rulers that resigned included ward heads of Sabon Birnin Gabas, Tsilba, Sabon Garin Danbaki, Magajin Dawakin, Dan Faru, Zumbuli, Dawakin, Kanwuri, Hande, Sabon Fegi, Tudun Dankusu and Alhazzai among others. The development is coming a few weeks after the District Head of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad Bawa, tendered his resignation letter. Bawa, in his resignation letter dated October 16, 2024, said he resigned his position as district head of Sabon Birni with effect from 16 October 2024. The letter, which he personally signed, reads in part: “I was appointed district head of Sabon Birni on July 15, 2014, and I resigned my position to join the political wagon of Senator Ibrahim Lamido.” Alhaji Lauwali Shuaibu, the ward head of Taka-Tsaba, one of the affected traditional rulers, told journalists in Sokoto, “We have tendered our resignation letters but nobody invited us to hear our grievances. He said their decision was prompted by Senator Lamido’s commitment towards improving their well-being, noting that “the man is always coming to our rescue whenever bandits attacked our people. “Our support will encourage Sen. Lamido to continue with the good work he has been doing for our people. Also commenting, another traditional ruler who resigned his position, Alhaji Jamilu Gwanda Gobir, the Ubandoman Sarkin Gobir, late Isa Muhammad Bawa, said their decision was aimed at salvaging Gobir district. “About 10 traditional rulers joined me in resigning their positions. I served the district as Ubandoma for nine years. Our positions are now vacant. The former Ubandoma assured that the traditional rulers that resigned have vowed to support only politicians who are committed to the wellbeing of their constituents.
EDITORIAL: TO SAVE NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY, OPPOSITION PARTIES NEED URGENT RESET
EDITORIAL: To save Nigeria’s democracy, opposition parties need urgent reset Opposition political parties in the country are being buffeted by intra-party wrangling, which takes the wind out of their sail. By and large, they are self-inflicted wounds that weaken not just the parties, but democracy itself. When vibrant opposition takes flight in a democracy, what is left is no more than a silhouette, which is worthless. Entrapped in this maelstrom are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) that rattled the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC in the 2023 presidential election. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has also joined the mix. The fight for the control of the soul of these parties has factionalised them. As such, their leaderships preoccupy themselves with how to survive, rather than putting the APC-led government on its toes as the opposition, through constructive criticisms or offering policy alternatives to citizens. Sadly, only one outcome could emerge from such a milieu: the gradual but steady making of the APC into a one-party dictatorship in Nigeria. It is a dangerous drift that should be halted at all costs. In the PDP, one camp is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, while the other is on the side of a former Vice President and its presidential candidate in 2023, Atiku Abubakar. Matters came to a head penultimate week when a splinter group within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged anti-party activities. Both are suspected surrogates of Wike. A counter-suspension of the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for disloyalty was swift, having masterminded the Damagun suspension. It took an immediate injunction of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to nullify the chairman’s suspension, for a semblance of normalcy to return to the party. Damagun took over from Iyorchia Ayu, following his suspension from his ward in Benue State last year. This marked a point of no return for him. The PDP’s orgy of self-nihilism has been its reward for jettisoning the North/South sensibilities in the running of its affairs. With Atiku’s emergence as the presidential flag bearer in 2023 from the north, a southerner was required, naturally, to be the party’s national chairman – a position that Ayu from the North-Central then held and clung onto. The party’s constitution entrenches such balancing acts to avoid crises like this. But Ayu refused to see reason. This upset the apple cart, to Wike’s disbelief. He had then vowed to revolt over this lack of equity and he subsequently went on to support the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu, during the 2023 election. He also delivered the Rivers State votes to him. For doing so, Wike was rewarded with the plum post of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. And, he insists that his support for the president will not waver even in 2027. The Wike factor in PDP is so strong that it is telling in his home state, Rivers, where the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is not in charge of the party structure, as evident in his use of the APP in the recent local council polls to sponsor 22 out of 23 candidates who won the chairmanship seats. This and other related matters have put the state in perpetual confusion and litigation. A similar battle of attrition is playing out in the Labour Party, dating back to the 2023 election period. A faction headed by Lamidi Apapa even challenged the petition of Peter Obi, its presidential candidate at the Election Petition Tribunal, as he squared up with the Julius Abure-led party leadership. As Apapa exhausted all his legal challenges and lost, the party is entangled in yet another…
LAGOS STATE PAYS N740M TO RETIREES
LAGOS STATE PAYS N740M TO RETIREES The Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), has confirmed that the Lagos State Government has disbursed N740 million in accrued pension rights to 348 retirees. This payment covers past service benefits earned before the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was introduced in 2007. He highlighted the state government’s dedicated efforts to streamline pension processes, with a strong focus on transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Obilana praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to fulfilling pension obligations on time, a priority that has significantly improved the quality of life for many retirees. This proactive approach, he noted, reflects the administration’s dedication to recognizing and supporting those who served the state. LASPEC has actively engaged in public awareness campaigns to educate current employees and retirees about the CPS and the necessary documentation for smooth retirement benefit processing. Financial literacy workshops have also been organized to empower retirees to make informed financial decisions. In addition to pension payments, the Lagos State government has implemented various welfare programs for retirees, including free health insurance and subsidized public transportation. The recent payment of accrued pension rights signifies the state government’s dedication to the well-being of its retired workforce.
TINUBU NOT AWARE HE IS NICKNAMED T-PAIN – BAYO ONANUGA
TINUBU NOT AWARE HE IS NICKNAMED T-PAIN – BAYO ONANUGA Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has described as mischievous the nickname ascribed to his principal over the economic hardship in the country. Nigerians who are angered by the ravaging economic downturn, coined the term T-Pain to describe President Tinubu. According to them, the president, through his unfavourable policies, imposed hardship on the citizens. Addressing the matter on Sunday, in an interview with Channels TV, Onanuga said Tinubu has not come to inflict pain on Nigerians but to “repair the economy.” According to him, “the President is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties,” but he is not aware that some persons have labelled him T-Pain on social media as “the President does not read what is on social media.” He said: “Some people have also responded and called the president a different name. So, as far as I am concerned, it is a non-issue. Some people, out of mischief, just say somebody is a T-Pain. He (Tinubu) is not T-Pain.”
PANDEF SETS UP COMMITTEE TO RECONCILE WIKE, FUBARA
PANDEF SETS UP COMMITTEE TO RECONCILE WIKE, FUBARA The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), under the leadership of South-South elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has established a High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee aimed at resolving the ongoing tensions between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.This decision was announced in a communiqué after a special general assembly meeting in Port Harcourt over the weekend. The committee is tasked with addressing the dispute between the two political figures and mitigating any further conflicts within the region. The Communique was signed by King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass and first Military Governor of Rivers State as Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees; former Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian countries( Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway), Dr. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman; Hon Godwin Okotie, Ag. National Secretary and Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Spokesman. The Reconciliation Committee, which is headed by Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Pandef BOT, has Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien; former Senate Whip, Senator Rowland Owie; Senator Stella Omu; former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah; H. E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu as members. It said, “The Assembly hereby sets up a High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate on and resolve all disputes and conflicts within the area. The Committee is headed by His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Pandef BOT. Others on the Committee are Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, H. E. Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, H. E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu.” Though the political impasse between former Rivers State governor Wike and Fubara was not added in the Communique, when PANDEF’s Spokesman was asked if it was part of the mandate, he said in a text that “Wike and fubare are not members of the cttee but the mandate of the cttee includes reconcilling their conflict.” Recall that Wike and Fubara have been at loggerheads since the latter assumed office as governor in 2023, just as Fubara had said that his rift with Wike is tied to a tussle over power and control in Rivers State. The cold war between the duo had continued despite President Bola Tinubu and other relevant stakeholders’ intervention. PANDEF has also condemned, in very strong terms, the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs by President Bola Tinubu last week, calling on the federal government to further discuss the issue with a view to addressing several specific concerns, especially at a time when the government is pursuing policies to increase oil production radically. The body said that the Federal Government dissolved the Ministry into a non-existing body without due consideration to those specific circumstances that led to its creation nor consultation with the critical stakeholders. According to the Communique, the Ministry of Niger Delta was established to address specific issues bordering on the peculiar circumstances of the Niger Delta, its damaged environment and its overall importance to the national economy, even as it welcomed the proposed South-South Commission to supplement existing Federal Agencies, saying however that the name of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NÐDC) should reflect its functions and the actual membership. Moved by the poor level of education in the region, PANDEF has called on the State Governments to guarantee tuition- free education at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, advising that the Region should aim at an average of one tertiary institution in each of the 185 LGAs, adding that the minimum annual budget support in all the states of the Niger Delta should be 25% in line with the template recommended by the United Nations…
SOLVING NIGERIA’S POWER PROBLEM NOT ROCKET SCIENCE – PETER OBI
SOLVING NIGERIA’S POWER CRISIS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE – PETER OBI Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) in 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has said the continued power outages in many parts of the country, particularly in the northern and eastern states, as well as south-south states, is a cause of grievous concern. In a series on tweets on his X handle, on Sunday, he said it is heartbreaking to see that the affected states, majorly in the North, have been facing a total blackout. The ongoing blackout, which has lasted over four days, initially stemmed from vandalism of the Shiroro-Mando transmission line, which provided bulk electricity to the northern states. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said the situation will persist due to security challenges hindering repairs on critical transmission lines. To mitigate the impact, the TCN said it diverted electricity through the Ugwuaji-Apir 330-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line. However, a tripping incident on this alternative line further worsened the situation. Speaking on the development, Obi said the negative impact of the continued power outage on businesses is unimaginable. “This power crisis, when combined with the present high cost of petroleum products and a harsh operating environment, remains a lethal recipe for widespread business failure and increasing poverty in the country.” “I have consistently maintained that solving Nigeria’s power and energy crisis is not rocket science. Many of our comparable peer nations have demonstrated how possible it is to provide sustainable power for their citizens. “Our African neighbour, Egypt, for example, invested aggressively in their power sector, which resulted in the establishment of a sustainable power infrastructure by way of many power stations. “Today, Egypt has revolutionized power and energy production in the country, providing sustainable power to millions of small businesses, which account for over 90% of active enterprises in the country and contributes to over 80 percent of their GDP,” he said. He urged the government to ramp up efforts and provide both immediate and long-term solutions to this seemingly perennial challenge.