SENATE PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON AKPABIO
Dons Eze
- October 17, 2024
86 ROOMS WHERE TENANTS PAY N250K YEARLY DISCOVERED UNDER LAGOS BRIDGE
86 ROOMS WHERE TENANTS PAY N250k YEARLY DISCOVERED UNDER LAGOS BRIDGE Authorities in Lagos State have uncovered a network of makeshift apartments beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in the highbrow area of Ikoyi. Tenants were reportedly paying N250,000 per annum for accommodation in the apartments. According to the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, a total of 86 partitioned rooms, varying in size from 10×10 to 12×10, were discovered beneath the bridge. These rooms, along with a container used for illicit activities, were removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. Wahab disclosed this in a post via X alongside videos documenting the eviction and dismantling of structures beneath the bridge. “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge,” Wahab wrote. Meanwhile, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge. Rotimi-Akodu highlighted the environmental violations and illegal settlement that prompted the eviction, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI. “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI),” Rotimi-Akodu stated.He further disclosed that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction process, emphasizing that the law would be enforced to address such violations.
NIGERIA RECORDED 227 NATIONAL GRID COLLAPSES IN 14 YEARS AMID EPILEPTIC POWER SUPPLY
NIGERIA RECORDED 227 NATIONAL GRID COLLAPSES IN 14 YEARS AMID EPILEPTIC POWER SUPPLY Nigeria recorded 227 total and partial national grid collapses from 2010 to April 2024 amid epileptic power supply. Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. However, she said grid collapse declined by 76.47 per cent in the last five years, with 20 grid disturbances compared to the previous five years, when there were 85 collapses. “In recent years, the number of grid disturbances/system collapses has gradually reduced, contrary to popular opinion. “Clearly, between 2020 to date (five years), we recorded fourteen total and six partial grid disturbances totalling twenty (20), which represents a 76.47 per cent reduction in grid disturbance, when compared to the previous five years, (2015 to 2019) where we had sixty-four total and twenty-one partial grid disturbances, totalling eighty-five (85) times”, he stated. Meanwhile, the development comes amid the recent 240 per cent electricity tariff hike announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on April 3, 2024. Several Nigerians, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, manufacturers and other organisations have called for the reversal of the hike.The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently said that the nation would be plunged into darkness without the electricity tariff hike.
SOME ENUGU STATE RETIREES STILL EARN N1,000 MONTHLY PENSION – ORGANISED LABOUR
SOME ENUGU STATE RETIREES STILL EARN N1,000 MONTHLY PENSION – ORGANISED LABOUR The organized labour in Enugu state has said that some retirees in the state civil service were still being paid N1,000 monthly as their pension. The state chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Benneth Asogwa, and his counterpart in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Fabian Nwigbo disclosed this while addressing the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah on behalf of workers during the Workers’ Day celebration at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu on Wednesday. According to the TUC chairman, there was an urgent need for an upward review of the pension to improve the social and economic wellbeing of retirees, lamenting that pensioners were still owed outstanding pensions, a development he added, had put so much pressure on their health and general wellbeing. The workers also demanded that “payment of outstanding pension to retirees of state parastatals, local government and primary schools and the incorporation of parastatal retirees into the state central monthly pensions platform. “Harmonization of pensions and payment of gratuity to retirees at both state and local government levels”, as well implementation of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for the Health Professionals and workers in the State Health system. For the NLC chairman, the government should ensure that after the verification of pensioners, payment of the arrears of gratuity should commence to alleviate the sufferings of persons in that category. The workers, among others pressing demands, also called for a review of the termination of the appointment of some staff of Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET), most of who had worked in the institution for over two years before the announcement of the sack. Governor Mbah, who was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, empathized with the Nigerian workers in the current hardship they face in the face of the economic situation in the country. He stayed that his administration was aware of their challenges, pleaded for their understanding and more patience. He said: “No one can pretend that there are challenges in our country that the income the workers receive hardly is enough to cater for their basic needs. This is because we don’t exist in another planet. We live with our people. They go to the same market. Families buy fresh the same petrol stations, buy from the same shops with their children going to the same schools and hospitals. “We know how hard it is for every worker. But all we are asking from our workers is for them to be patient with us. Within the means available to government, we keep doing all we can to make life a lot better for the workers of Enugu State. “But, you must also understand that for everything we have failed to do, not for want of desire to fulfill. It is because of non-availability of resources to meet the outstanding obligations of government. “That’s why we’re trying to create wealth. That’s why we’re aggressive on our local and foreign drive for investments. That’s why we’re trying to create jobs”.On pensioners that were yet to be paid in various parastatals and corporations, the governor promised to look into the matter with a view to solving it with dialogue, the way previous issues were settled.
16 TRAVELLERS BURNT TO DEATH, TWO INJURED IN ENUGU FATAL ACCIDENT
16 TRAVELLERS BURNT TO DEATH, TWO INJURED IN ENUGU FATAL ACCIDENT Tragedy struck in Enugu Tuesday evening as 16 travelers were confirmed dead while two others were rescued following a fatal motor accident that occurred in the state. The two of the accident victims rescued alive were rushed to a hospital where they are being treated for injuries sustained. The road mishap occurred along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, Enugu with 16 out of the 18 travelers in the affected bus burnt beyond recognition. Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, urged members of the public to help in identifying the victims. In a press statement, the Police Spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu had visited the scene of the lone fatal motor accident, describing it as a ‘sad’ one. The statement issued by the Police spokesman reads: “The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that a lone fatal motor accident occurred today, April 30, 2024, around 5:20 p.m., at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified fourteen males (14) and two (2) females who burned beyond recognition. “The accident involves an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”, said to have been driven at high speed, lost control, and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road. “A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames burning beyond recognition, the sixteen (16) deceased individuals, who were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead. “However, two (2) other passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention by police officers, soldiers and public-spirited citizens, who immediately responded to the incident. “A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle, loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and the luggage of the passengers, was heading towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road. “However, the actual point of take-off and final destination of the vehicle have not been ascertained. Nonetheless, the items have been recovered by the Igbo-Etiti Police Division. “Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, *CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+)*, in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation. “He describes the accident and the carnage therein as sad, commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.“The CP further calls on individuals that can help in identifying the victims or with information to trace the family members of the deceased to come forward with such information or alternatively call 08098880172 or 08086671202, or send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com.”
MAY DAY: TINUBU GOVT HAS MADE LIFE DIFFICULT FOR WORKERS WITH ANTI-POOR POLICIES – NLC
MAY DAY: TINUBU GOVT HAS MADE LIFE DIFFICULT FOR WORKERS WITH ANTI-POOR POLICIES – NLC The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has not given workers breathing space since assuming office. It said the government has been dishing out one anti-poor policy after another to worsen the socio-economic conditions of the workers. In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said Nigerians had been going through a very difficult time, adding that it had not been easy in the last year. He contended that besides the ill-advised petrol price hike and floating of the naira that had made life excruciating since May 29, 2023, the government added an electricity tariff hike to the burden. Ajaero said: ‘’As we go through this phase of massive suffering in our nation as a result of the ill-advised policies of the federal government in hiking the price of PMS, under the guise of withdrawal of a non-existent subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, our responsibility must be focused on the protection of the welfare of workers and the downtrodden. “Duty calls and we must respond vibrantly as expected to nudge the government in the right direction and protect our nation from imploding. That is why we must all prepare ourselves for the struggle ahead as we embark on another round of National Minimum Wage negotiation. ‘’It is our responsibility to send the right signal to the government of our continuous readiness not only to stand together but also protect our collective interests. “We warned them about the consequences of their policies and they insisted that they know better, so we must insist on getting a living wage – A national minimum wage that will not amount to poverty or starvation and reinforce poverty.‘’We cannot be working but are yet poor. Let us, therefore, gird our loins, though we appeal to the government to realize the importance of taking care of workers who are the original creators of wealth, for without us, no wheel can turn.’’
HOUSE OF REPS STOPS INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF FOR BAND A CUSTOMERS
HOUSE OF REPS STOPS INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF FOR BAND A CUSTOMERS The House of Representatives has stopped the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Company (NERC) from implementing increase in electricity tariffs for customers belonging to Band A, The lower legislative chamber approved the resolution during its plenary session on Tuesday, following the enactment of a motion addressing pressing public concerns. The House directed NERC to cease the introduction of the new electricity tariff for Band A customers. Customers in this group, who are provided with 20 hours of energy daily, were expected to begin paying N225 per kW, a substantial increase over the N66 pricing that was in place previously. Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, justified the tariff increase on Monday during a Senate Committee on Power hearing by claiming that the federal government could no longer afford to offer electricity subsidies Customers in Band A are urged by Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu to stop paying the new electricity cost if they are not receiving up to 20 hours of supply each day. The Minister also revealed that, the Federal Government would reimburse N2.9 trillion for electricity subsidies this year.During a one-day investigative hearing on the necessity of stopping the proposed rise in energy tariff, the minister made this statement in front of the Senate Committee on Power.
REPORT REVEALS HOW NIGERIAN GOVT OFFICIALS STEAL PUBLIC FUNDS TO BUY PROPERTIES IN DUBAI
REPORT RRVEALS HOW NIGERIA GOVT OFFICIALS STEAL PUBLIC FUNDS TO BUY PROPERTIES IN DUBAI A report published by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has revealed how Nigerian public officials and their proxies steal public funds and invest it in luxurious properties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to the report, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) under scrutiny by anti-graft agencies are seeking new ways to hide their ill-gotten wealth by purchasing expensive properties in Dubai. The 800 Dubai properties linked to Nigerian PEPs are estimated to be worth well over N146bn ($400 million). This equals roughly two-thirds of the Nigerian Army’s annual budget and over three times the annual budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Quoting Sandcastles data, the report said 158 suspected PEP proxies bought 226 houses, 13 known Nigerian law enforcement suspects bought 216 houses, 50 PEP-linked businessperson bought 91 houses, 14 security sector leader bought 71 houses, 35 governors bought 69 houses, 16 legislators bought 45 houses, 16 heads of department and agencies bought 25 houses, 15 ministers bought 24 houses, 11 NNPC officials bought 19 houses, five Presidency staff bought 13 houses and one judge bought one house. Some of the officials listed in the report include Kebbi State governor, Abubakar Bagudu, who is regarded as Abacha’s money man and godfather of former Nigeria’s Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami. Bagudu is affiliated with eight properties worth over $4.8m in total on the 12th floor of Dubai’s Capital Bay Towers, according to the report. Mohammed Alabi Lawal, a former governor of Kwara State between 1999–2003, is reputed to own the most property on the list. He owns six properties with a total purchase price of over $2m. At least one of those properties, a villa, was bought in January 2003 while Lawal was still in office. Lawal died in 2006 but the properties haven’t been recovered. Sandcastle data also showed that four political associates of former Delta State governor, James Ibori, have ties to properties in Dubai. Ibori, a well-known financial offender in Nigeria, was arrested in 2010 under an Interpol warrant and was subsequently extradited to the United Kingdom. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud and money laundering involving at least $66. In 2017, Ibori returned to Nigeria after serving six years in prison and remains a major political figure in Delta State. One of his friends purchased four Dubai properties with a total value of $3.8m. Another is affiliated with a two-bedroom flat on the 21st floor of the DAMAC Residenze, which, according to the developer, “comes with all the trappings of an indulgent lifestyle” as well as “uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean”. The official reportedly purchased the apartment for over $1.5m and also bought a flat in another development for $500,000. A third Ibori ally is linked to a two-bedroom flat on the 23rd floor of the DAMAC Residenze that he purchased for over $1.3m. Yet another is tied to four luxury flats in Dubai purchased for over $2m. Ahmadu Ali, a former chairman of the board at the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (2009–2011) facilitated a $6.8bn fuel subsidy fraud scheme. Ali, his wife and son are linked to 11 properties in Dubai. His wife, Marian, unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2007 and is now a member of the All Progressives Congress. Seven of Ali’s properties are together worth at least $4m; the other four are worth an estimated $2m. Ali also owns two high-end London properties – a $10m house near Hampstead Heath and a $1.3m flat in Marylebone. Ali did not respond when confronted with being connected to the properties in Dubai. A former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete is also linked to a parcel of land in Emirate Hills worth…
REPORT REVEALS HOW NIGERIAN GOVT OFFIALS STEAL PUBLIC FUNDS TO BUY PROPERTIES IN DUBAI
REPORT RRVEALS HOW NIGERIA GOVT OFFICIALS STEAL PUBLIC FUNDS TO BUY PROPERTIES IN DUBAI A report published by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has revealed how Nigerian public officials and their proxies steal public funds and invest it in luxurious properties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to the report, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) under scrutiny by anti-graft agencies are seeking new ways to hide their ill-gotten wealth by purchasing expensive properties in Dubai. The 800 Dubai properties linked to Nigerian PEPs are estimated to be worth well over N146bn ($400 million). This equals roughly two-thirds of the Nigerian Army’s annual budget and over three times the annual budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Quoting Sandcastles data, the report said 158 suspected PEP proxies bought 226 houses, 13 known Nigerian law enforcement suspects bought 216 houses, 50 PEP-linked businessperson bought 91 houses, 14 security sector leader bought 71 houses, 35 governors bought 69 houses, 16 legislators bought 45 houses, 16 heads of department and agencies bought 25 houses, 15 ministers bought 24 houses, 11 NNPC officials bought 19 houses, five Presidency staff bought 13 houses and one judge bought one house. Some of the officials listed in the report include Kebbi State governor, Abubakar Bagudu, who is regarded as Abacha’s money man and godfather of former Nigeria’s Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami. Bagudu is affiliated with eight properties worth over $4.8m in total on the 12th floor of Dubai’s Capital Bay Towers, according to the report. Mohammed Alabi Lawal, a former governor of Kwara State between 1999–2003, is reputed to own the most property on the list. He owns six properties with a total purchase price of over $2m. At least one of those properties, a villa, was bought in January 2003 while Lawal was still in office. Lawal died in 2006 but the properties haven’t been recovered. Sandcastle data also showed that four political associates of former Delta State governor, James Ibori, have ties to properties in Dubai. Ibori, a well-known financial offender in Nigeria, was arrested in 2010 under an Interpol warrant and was subsequently extradited to the United Kingdom. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud and money laundering involving at least $66. In 2017, Ibori returned to Nigeria after serving six years in prison and remains a major political figure in Delta State. One of his friends purchased four Dubai properties with a total value of $3.8m. Another is affiliated with a two-bedroom flat on the 21st floor of the DAMAC Residenze, which, according to the developer, “comes with all the trappings of an indulgent lifestyle” as well as “uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean”. The official reportedly purchased the apartment for over $1.5m and also bought a flat in another development for $500,000. A third Ibori ally is linked to a two-bedroom flat on the 23rd floor of the DAMAC Residenze that he purchased for over $1.3m. Yet another is tied to four luxury flats in Dubai purchased for over $2m. Ahmadu Ali, a former chairman of the board at the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (2009–2011) facilitated a $6.8bn fuel subsidy fraud scheme. Ali, his wife and son are linked to 11 properties in Dubai. His wife, Marian, unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2007 and is now a member of the All Progressives Congress. Seven of Ali’s properties are together worth at least $4m; the other four are worth an estimated $2m. Ali also owns two high-end London properties – a $10m house near Hampstead Heath and a $1.3m flat in Marylebone. Ali did not respond when confronted with being connected to the properties in Dubai. A former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete is also linked to a parcel of land in Emirate Hills worth…
LAGOS-CALABAR HIGHWAY, A MISPLACED PRIORITY – PETER OBI
LAGOS-CALABAR HIGHWAY, A MISPLACED PRIORITY – PETER OBI The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, took to his verified Twitter handle to lampoon the Federal Government for continuing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. In his tweets, he rued the economic and job losses, asking the government to focus on maintaining existing highways instead of engaging in non-essential projects. Contrary to reason and the necessity for compassion in public policy, the federal government has commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country. However, reports as of yesterday indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project has commenced from the Lagos end. The sight of this insensitive demolition is heart-wrenching. Livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments are being wasted, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar through. The homes of the elderly are being overturned by the power of bulldozers. This hasty flag-off defies the widespread outcry by the public, especially business and property owners directly affected by the project. Nobody knows the outcry that will accompany this project as it progresses towards poor rural landscapes. Thousands of jobs are about to be lost, with investments above $200 million at risk. Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4000 mostly youth employees. At a time of rampant unemployment, the government is embarking on a job-losing project. The economic losses currently observed are primarily limited to the initial kilometers in the Lagos area. However, the 700 km stretch of this road will pass through rural regions where affected individuals lack the voice, power, or influence to assert their rights. Significant sections of the public have questioned the process preceding the project’s approval, yet the government remains deaf to reason and caution. While acknowledging the economic value of the road, its conception dating back to Tafewa Balewa’s time, several parameters have changed. Insecurity and poverty are rampant, placing this project lower on today’s national priorities. It’s time to question the rationale and timing of this and similar projects. The nation is in its worst economic state in history, with poverty and hunger spreading. The basic necessities of life are beyond reach for most Nigerians. This is a moment when a committed government cannot embark on non-essential projects. Existing highways urgently need maintenance, and insecurity makes travel unsafe. Just a few days ago, many lives were lost, and over 70 vehicles were burned in a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on the East-West road in Rivers State. This tragic accident was primarily caused by the extremely poor condition of the road, which has been neglected for years and urgently needs attention. Our economy is struggling, and our health institutions are ill-equipped. Why embark on an expensive new highway project when there are close to 50 abandoned federal highway projects across the country? The urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged. It’s not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway project.We cannot afford another expensive abandoned project. Nigeria’s urgent development needs are more real and essential. We do not need landscape decoration escapades. -PO
FEDERAL GOVT APPROVES SALARY INCREASE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
FEDERAL GOVT APPROVES SALARY INCREASE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved an increase of between 25% and 35% in salary increase for Civil Servants across the Consolidated Salary Structures. In a statement on Tuesday, the Head of Press of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku said the increases take effect from 1st January 2024. Njoku added that the government has also approved increases in pension of between 20% and 28% for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme with respect to the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures with effect from 1st January 2024. He said the increase applies to the six remainig consolidated salary structures, namely the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). It would be recalled that those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors had already received their increases which involved Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for Universities. For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it involved the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS). The Health Sector also benefitted through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).