KADUNA GOV CRIES OVER HUGE DEBT, SAYS HE CAN’T PAY SALARY
KADUNA GOV CRIES OVER HUGE DEBTS, SAYS HE CAN’T PAY SALARY Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has raised the alarm that his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous administration, making it difficult for him to pay workers’ salaries now. He, however, said that despite the humongous debt burden on the State government, he was yet to borrow a single kobo in the last nine months of his administration. The governor, who stated this in Kaduna on Saturday while addressing a Town Hall Meeting, added that the huge debt burden was eating deep into the State’s monthly Federal Allocation of fund, hence the state was finding it difficult to pay monthly salaries. Governor Sani lamented that due to the rise in the exchange rate, Kaduna State is now paying back almost triple of what was borrowed by the previous administration of former governor Nasir El-Rufai. He explained that N7billion out of the N10billion Federal Allocation due to the State in the month of March was deducted to service the debt. The governor further lamented that the state was left with N3billion, an amount which is not enough to pay salaries, as the state’s monthly salary bill stands at N5.2billion. He, however, assured that the debt burden not withstanding, his administration remained resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development, as the government has conducted a thorough assessment of the situation and it was sharpening its focus accordingly. According to the governor, “despite the huge debt burden of 587 million Dollars, 85 billion Naira, and 115 Contractual Liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development. We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly. “It gladdened my heart to inform you that, despite the huge inherited debt on the state, till date, we have not borrowed a single kobo. Recall that the immediate-past Governor Nasir El-Rufai had said he left a domestic debt of N80.60bn and a foreign debt of $577.32m for his successor during his handover to the new govenor last year. El-Rufai also said he left N5bn and $2.05m in the state treasury. Governor Sani highlighted some of his administration’s top priorities for 2024 to include safety and security, infrastructural development, education development, housing and urban development, social intervention and investment drive, among others. On security, the governor said the state has made a lot of progress through revamping of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) by recruiting 7,000 additional personnel for the service, while over 100 operational vehicles and 100 motorcycles have been procured for distribution to KADVS and the federal security agencies working in the state. In the area of education, Sani said aside the establishment of several skills and vocational cities to address skill deficits in the state, his government in collaboration with Kuwait was working to reduce out-of-school children in Kaduna State by 200,000, adding that the four-year program, which will start in may or June 2024, is a $62 million project that will build 102 new schools in the State and renovate 170 existing ones within a span of four year. Also speaking at the Town Hall event, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), urged efforts to address the security challenges facing the state, noting that without peace and security, no meaningful development can be achieved. In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, expressed optimism that despite the challenges facing the state, the governor has the capability to turn around the economy of the state for effective development. Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, has accused Governor Uba Sani of incompetence.…
SETBACK FOR UZODINMA AT TRIBUNAL, WITNESSES GIVE CONTRADICTORY TESTIMONIES
SETBACK FOR UZODINMA AT TRIBUNAL, WITNESSES GIVE CONTRADICTORY TESTIMONIES A star witness for Governor Hope Uzodinma at the ongoing election petition tribunal in Abuja has admitted that the votes garnered by the Governor exceeded the number of accredited voters. Barrister Akolisa, who appeared before the Justice Oluyemi Osadebey-led panel on Friday, said that votes recorded for Governor Uzodinma in the Form EC8D result sheet issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) exceeded the number of accredited voters on the certified Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) report. During cross-examination, he noted that the number of voters in the result sheet must tally with accreditation in the BVAS but could not fathom why there was a huge disparity in this case. Also the principal of Mgbidi High School, where Governor Uzodinma allegedly obtained his controversial WAEC result was in court to give her testimony. The school official, Lillian Ozoemena, brought to the tribunal a rubber stamp which she brandished as the official stamp of Mgbidi High School as her only means of identification. However, she could not produce any evidence to back up her claims that Uzodinma passed through the school. During cross-examination by the counsel to Sen. Anyanwu, Mrs Ozoemena said she was at the tribunal on her own and not in her official capacity contrary to the deposition in her witness statement. The principal also said she was neither the Principal nor teacher at Mgbidi High School in 1982, discrediting her attempt to authenticate the controversial document. The tribunal has adjourned the matter for the adoption of the written addresses of both parties to April 24, 2024. Recall that INEC declared that Uzodinma won the governorship election by polling a total of 540,308 votes and his opponent Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the PDP scored 71,503 votes. Mr Anyanwu and the PDP have challenged the outcome of the election, praying the tribunal to withdraw the Certificate of Return that was issued to Governor Uzodinma and declare Anyanwu as the duly elected Governor of Imo State. They also alleged that Uzodimma submitted forged WAEC certificate to INEC in aid of his qualification to contest the governorship poll. It can be recalled that in 2013, Festus Keyamo sued the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, over an alleged certificate forgery Uzodinma, then a senator representing Imo West at the National Assembly. According to Keyamo, inquiry and investigation into the names and persons that graduated from Mgbidi Boys’ High School in 1982 revealed that Mr. Uzodinma was not a graduate of the school in that year.
WE’RE ALL PRISONERS, PETER OBI’S EASTER MESSAGE TO INMATES
WE’RE ALL PRISONERS – PETER OBI’S EASTER MESSAGE TO INMATES During a special Easter celebration at the Correctional Center in Onitsha, Anambra State, Peter Obi, the former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, shared a poignant message of hope and redemption with inmates. Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe! He emphasized that everyone in Nigeria, in one way or another, is a prisoner seeking freedom and redemption. Read Also:Peter Obi plays dangerous politics, never comments on Tinubu’s good works – Onanuga Addressing the inmates during the Easter mass, Obi drew parallels from the biblical story of Mary Magdalene, who transformed from a life of sin to become one of the first witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. He encouraged the prisoners not to despair, reminding them that just as Mary Magdalene found redemption, they too can find hope and salvation even within the confines of prison. Accompanied by Archbishop Valerie Okeke of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese and several other priests, Obi emphasized the transformative power of faith and forgiveness. He highlighted the importance of self-correction and spiritual growth, reassuring the inmates that their current situation does not define their future. The Easter celebration at the Correctional Center has become a tradition for Obi, dating back to his tenure as Governor of Anambra State. The event was marked by joyful cultural performances from the inmates, who expressed their gratitude and admiration for Obi as a friend and mentor.In his closing remarks, he reiterated his commitment to supporting prisoners’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society, emphasizing the importance of second chances and the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their past mistakes.
NCC EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR SIM-NIN LINKAGE TO JULY 31
NCC EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR SIM-NIN LINKAGE TO JULY 31 The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed telecommunication companies to extend the disconnection of telephone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024. A reliable source within the telecommunication sector disclosed this information on Saturday. This decision communicated via a letter to telcos came after a careful consideration of various challenges and requests for extensions. The source said, “So, this particular extension from 15th April to 31st July is for those who have four SIMs linked to just one phone line.” The disconnection process, which began in February, was rolled out in three phases. The first occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second phase on Friday, March 29, 2024. Originally scheduled for April 15, 2024, the third phase has now been rescheduled to commence on July 31, 2024. During the initial deadline on February 28, 2024, the industry regulator said about 40 million lines not linked to NINs were barred. The source said while the exact number of lines affected by Friday’s deadline remains unclear, telecom companies are expected to proceed with disconnecting lines not linked with NINs.Telecom operators are expected to prioritize the verification of existing subscribers over new ones during this extended period.
PORT HARCOURT-ENUGU RAIL LINE: MINISTER FROWNS AT SLOW PACE OF WORK
PORT HARCOURT-ENUGU RAIL LINE: MINISTER FROWNS AT SLOW PACE OF WORK The Minister of Transport, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, has expressed displeasure at the snail speed at which reconstruction work on rail lines from Port Harcourt to Enugu state is going on. Visibly angry at the pace of work, the minister said the intention of government to finish the project in record time would be defeated unless the contractor handling the job buckled up. Alkali who expressed the displeasure weekend in Isiagu, Ebonyi State, when he embarked on a final inspection of the project, said instead of using modern technology to execute the job, the contractor was using manual efforts, a situation that would drag the project beyond expectation. The minister said he had inspected the project before now and thought significant progress would have been made. “We are in Ebonyi to inspect the slipper factory which the contractor is using for the corridor so that we see things for ourselves. However, my impression is not too good because when I came to the factory it looked as if there is no cohesion. “I sought for explanation from the contractor and he said they have some challenges of funding,” he said. The minister added that the federal government had been playing their part to see the job executed and the contractor should as well do his own part. “On our side as a government we have done our best even from inception. They should gear up on their own part to continue so that we make progress from Port Harcourt to Enugu and from Port Harcourt, we try to see if we can link Onne,” Alkali said. He challenged the contractor to galvanise and gear up for the project. “I challenged the contractor on the security aspect of the corridor and I also challenged him on the technologies they are using on the project because they are using manual instead of modern technology.”
I’M STILL LP MEMBER, WON’T BE INVOLVED IN ANTI-PARTY – PETER OBI
I’M STILL LP MEMBER, WON’T BE INVOLVED IN ANTI-PARTY – PETER OBI The Labour Party, LP, 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims of dumping the party. Obi said he’s still a member and will never be involved in an anti-party. He spoke while addressing Nigerians on X Space hosted by Parallel Facts on Friday. “I am still a member of the Labour Party and I don’t and will never do anti-party,” he said. The former Anambra State governor also insisted that he didn’t lose the 2023 presidential election. He said the impact of his followers known as Obidients were felt in Nigeria and the globe. “We did not lose the election of 2023, we won, your (Obidients) impact was felt all over the world and you can’t take that for granted. “It’s actually a stepping stone, hold your head high and celebrate. Together, a new Nigeria is possible,” he added.
COURT REMANDS SERVING SENATOR IN PRISON OVER NYSC CERTIFICATE FORGERY
COURT REMANDS SERVING SENATOR IN PRISON OVER NYSC CERTIFICATE FORGERY A High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has remanded a serving Senator, Benson Konbowei, in Kuje Correctional Centre for alleged forgery of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, exemption certificate. The Bayelsa Central Senator was arraigned before Justice Christopher Oba on March 26, 2024. In the charge marked: CR/028/2023, the Inspector General of Police accused Konbowei of fraudulently forging a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption’ with number 000256454 and dated July 4, 2008. The police said the Senator acted contrary to the provisions of Sections 366,156 and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and was liable to punishment under Section 364 of the same Act. Upon his arraignment earlier on Tuesday, the Senator pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court allowed him to go home and fixed the hearing of his bail application for Thursday, March 28, 2024. After listening to counsels in the matter, the Senator was granted N50m bail with two sureties by the court. Justice Oba said the sureties must own landed properties with Certificates of Occupancy in the Federal Capital Territory. The judge, however, ordered that the Senator be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.The matter was adjourned till June 24, 25 and 27 for hearing.
COURT REMANDS SERVING SENATOR IN PRISON OVER NYSC CERTIFICATE
COURT REMANDS SERVING SENATOR IN PRISON OVER NYSC CERTIFICATE FORGERY A High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has remanded a serving Senator, Benson Konbowei, in Kuje Correctional Centre for alleged forgery of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, exemption certificate. The Bayelsa Central Senator was arraigned before Justice Christopher Oba on March 26, 2024. In the charge marked: CR/028/2023, the Inspector General of Police accused Konbowei of fraudulently forging a document titled ‘Certificate of Exemption’ with number 000256454 and dated July 4, 2008. The police said the Senator acted contrary to the provisions of Sections 366,156 and 158 of the Penal Code Act CAP 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and was liable to punishment under Section 364 of the same Act. Upon his arraignment earlier on Tuesday, the Senator pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court allowed him to go home and fixed the hearing of his bail application for Thursday, March 28, 2024. After listening to counsels in the matter, the Senator was granted N50m bail with two sureties by the court. Justice Oba said the sureties must own landed properties with Certificates of Occupancy in the Federal Capital Territory. The judge, however, ordered that the Senator be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.The matter was adjourned till June 24, 25 and 27 for hearing.
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- March 30, 2024
- 82 views
KING CHARLES HAS ONLY TWO YEARS TO LIVE, FUNERAL PLANS UNVEILED
KING CHARLES HAS ONLY TWO YEARS TO LIVE, FUNERAL PLANS UNVEILED King Charles III has only been Britain’s reigning monarch for 18 months, yet his funeral plans are already set amid his battle with pancreatic cancer. Named “Operation Menai Bridge,” the monarch’s funeral processions will look similar to Queen Elizabeth II’s ceremonies, dubbed “Operation London Bridge.” As his cancer progresses, royal insiders tell In Touch that Charles’ final resting plans are of timely prioritization. “It’s a fairly common thing to do among the British royalty, but in Charles’ case expediency is necessary,” says the source, who notes that “some courtiers believe Charles’ cancer is worse than they’re making it out to be.” “Operation Menai Bridge” is set to include familiar protocols. When the monarch dies, Charles’ body will be moved from the throne room at Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. He will lie in state, and his official funeral will take place nine days later. He will likely be buried in the royal vault at Windsor Castle. “It will have all the pomp and circumstance befitting a British monarch,” adds the source. The update comes shortly after a separate high ranking royal insider told In Touch that Charles is not only battling pancreatic cancer – a timely update given that he did not share what kind of cancer he was diagnosed with – but has a mere two years to live. “King Charles is much sicker than the palace lets on and simply isn’t up to the job of running his fractious family, the crown’s business interests and fulfilling the daily duties of the monarchy,” the member of the royal inner circle revealed in early March. “His cancer is eating him alive. He’s very frail. The situation is desperate.” Royal watchers have begun to witness his decline, too. Though he will be stepping out on Easter Sunday for a service at Windsor, the king is missing from the royal calendar for the foreseeable future, instead relying heavily on his sister, Princess Anne, to do the work of the royal family. While many would have assumed his heir, Prince William, would be stepping up to the plate, he too is missing from the royal schedule due to Princess Kate Middleton’s own cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, additional sources told In Touch that more could be at play between Charles and William outside of the family’s respective health crises, as the king is under the impression William is not ready to take the throne. “Charles knows the pressures of being the monarch, and he just isn’t sure William is ready to take his place,” the third insider revealed, noting that William is “currently facing a public relations disaster.” “It seems premature, and there could be consequences.” With such an update, the future of the monarchy seems shaky at best, and even Queen Camilla is said to be frustrated by Charles’ declining health and weakened status. “Behind the scenes, Camilla is disgusted by the king’s apparent weakness and is providing him little comfort as he battles his fatal cancer,” a palace courtier told In Touch in early March, highlighting her vacation from royal duties which started on March 4.“By going on holiday, she was thumbing her nose at stepson William, who is incapable of shouldering the monarchy’s burdens on his own.”
SENATE MAKES U-TURN, REVEALS PLAN TO RECALL NINGI AFTER ULTIMATUM
SENATE MAKES U-TURN, REVEALS PLAN TO RECALL NINGI AFTER ULTIMATUM Reports indicate that the Senate is poised to revoke the three-month suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central), a recent development disclosed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio upon his return from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Speaking to journalists, Akpabio stated that the Senate will imminently review Ningi’s suspension, imposed following his allegations of a N3.7 trillion padding in the 2024 budget. Ningi, through his legal representative, Femi Falana SAN, issued a letter last Thursday, giving Akpabio seven days to rescind the suspension or face legal consequences. While Akpabio acknowledged the letter’s existence, he emphasized that the issue is receiving the Senate’s attention, expressing optimism that Ningi will resume his duties earlier than anticipated.He remarked, “It is a parliamentary decision. I have not seen the letter yet. But Senator Ningi is one of us. I mean what is suspension? I believe that in a few days he will join us. So, there is no problem. It would be resolved amicably. The Senate is a family.”