ENUGU GOVT TO LAUGH N20B STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND
Dons Eze
- October 15, 2024
ENUGU GOVT TO LAUGH N20B STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND
ENUGU GOVT TO LAUNCH N20B STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND The Enugu State Government has finalised plans to launch the State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF) as part of Governor Peter Mbah’s proactive measures to enhance security in the state. Holding at the state capital, Enugu, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the primary objective of the ESSTF is to provide support to security agencies operating in the state by equipping them with the necessary crime-fighting accessories and resources.Inaugurated in February 2024, Governor Mbah appointed experienced and diverse Enugu State indigenes to the Board of Trustees of the Fund, and it is chaired by Dr. Ike Chioke, the Group Managing Director of Afrinvest (West Africa), with Engr. Chinedu Ani, a distinguished telecommunications professional, as the Executive Secretary. “The Security Trust Fund is in line with what we have expressed in our manifesto when we were seeking the mandate of our people to serve them,” Governor Mbah said, adding; “We promised them that Enugu will be one of the top three states in terms of GDP and, of course, we said it is going to happen from private sector investment, and attracting private sector investment requires that you have the enabling environment. “To secure Enugu State by combating security issues such as kidnapping, armed robbery, herders/farmers conflicts, cultism, thuggery and cybercrime, Dr. Chioke said the Fund would enable the creation of a central security coordination point, which will help strengthen the state’s security infrastructure and combat insecurity across the state. “ESSTF is a public-private partnership established in response to the need to improve the security of Enugu State while fostering development and prosperity for its residents,” he said. With the vision to secure Enugu State, ESSTF’s will achieve that through strategic funding, collaborative partnerships and innovative security solutions. To implement this, ESSTF will be committed to effective stakeholder engagement, responsible management of funds, fostering communal service through stewardship, working transparently, being open, ensuring reliability and striving for excellence at all times.
GRID COLLAPSE, A NATIONAL SHAME, TESTAMENT OF LEADERSHIP FAILURE – PETER OBI
GRID COLLAPSE, A NATIONAL SHAME, TESTAMENT OF LEADERSHIP FAILURE – PETER OBI For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels. How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society? This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people. We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable. Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies. South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of about $400 billion and 30% of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity. Secondly, Egypt, the second largest economy with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts. Algeria, the third largest economy, with about 300B GDP and 20% of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity. Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the 3 countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure. This disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continue to hold back our growth and potential. It is time for urgent, comprehensive reform. Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development. A new Nigeria is POssible. PO.Peter Obi
PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS DECLARE PRO-FUBARA LAWMAKERS’ SEATS VACANT
PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS DECLARE PRO-FUBARA LAWMAKERS’ SEATS VACANT The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has declared the seats of Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and three other pro-Fubara lawmakers vacant in the wake of their absence from sittings for 152 days. While aaking the declaration on Tuesday during plenary, Amaewhule explained that Ehie did not properly write to inform the House of his new office, and as such his seat has been declared vacant. Regarding Victor Oko-Jumbo and the two others, the House held three separate votes to declare their seats vacant for absenteeism from sitting for 152 days consecutively without notification or permission, in violation of the 1999 Constitution. The House further agreed to write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct elections to replace the now vacant seats within 90 days to provide representation for their people. Also, the Assembly agreed to give Fubara another opportunity to present the 2024 Appropriations Bill following the Appeal Court’s nullification of the N800 billion budget which he had presented to a parallel House led by Edison Ehie.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 15, 2024
- 64 views
FG SUMMONS BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER OVER SUNDAY IGBOHO’S YORUBA NATION PETITION TO PRIME MINISTER
FG SUMMONS BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER OVER SUNDAY IGBOHO’S YORUBA NATION PETITION TO PRIME MINISTER The Federal Government has addressed concerns surrounding Sunday Igboho’s petition to the UK Prime Minister, submitted at 10 Downing Street. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it invited the British High Commissioner in Abuja to clarify the issue, according to a statement by Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the High Commissioner acknowledged the alarm generated by the petition but described press reports as misleading. He confirmed that he is aware of the delivery of the letter, explaining that it aligns with the established practice of submitting petitions and letters to No. 10. However, the High Commissioner added that the UK government and the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee did not endorse the petition. He reiterated the UK government’s policy of non-interference in the sovereign affairs of other nations and cited past rejections of similar petitions by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK Government. Sunday Igboho, a prominent advocate for the Yoruba Nation, had submitted the petition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on October 12, urging consideration of the Yoruba Nation’s bid for self-determination.
AFCON QUALIFIER: CAF DELISTS NIGERIA, LIBYA
AFCON QUALIFIER: CAF DELISTS NIGERIA, LIBYA The Confederation of African Football has delisted the Group D second-leg fixture of the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya. The game was earlier scheduled to take place in Libya by 8 pm after the first leg took place in Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday. The Super Eagles beat the Mediterranean Knights by a lone goal in the dying minute of the game. However, the return leg has been greeted with controversy after the Super Eagles players and officials narrated their over 14 hours ordeal at the Libya airport leading them to return home. Meanwhile, CAF said it had launched an investigation into the incident after the Libya Football Federation alleged sabotage and threatened legal action against Nigeria. The African football body further updated games that would be played on Tuesday without including the Libya versus Nigeria game on its X handle.
EFCC INVADES RADIO STATION IN ENUGU, ARRESTS PRESENTER
EFCC INVADES RADIO STATION IN ENUGU, ARRESTS PRESENTER Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have raided Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu, arresting a presenter during live programme. In a statement on Tuesday, the station apologised to its listeners over disruption of the programme. It said the invasion occurred at 6:45pm on Monday when the ‘Prime Time’ programme was ongoing. Urban Radio said operatives abducted presenters and seized communication equipment without disclosing reasons for their actions. “The Board and Management of Urban Radio 94.5FM, Enugu regrets the abrupt halting and disruption of our programme on Monday evening.” “Armed men identifying as the EFCC had barged into the studio and interrupted the live program ‘Prime – Time’, forcefully abducted our presenters and took away our communication equipment for reasons they vehemently refused to disclose.” “Whilst we are following up with the matter, we will continue to inform our dear listeners accordingly through this medium. Once again, we apologize for the unethical break-in into our live studio and disruption of your favourite programmes and hope that the matter will be resolves as soon as possible and for whatever the reasons.” However, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokespesman, has defended the anti-graft agency’s action, saying the agency was at the station to arrest Favour Ekoh, a presenter, over alleged involvement in a ponzi scheme in which 103 Nigerians were defrauded. The EFCC spokesperson said only Ekoh was arrested and that operatives did not take away communication equipment. He said operatives of the agency tracked the presenter to the station after she shunned several invitations.
PDP CRISIS: GOVERNORS TELL WARRING MEMBERS TO MAINTAIN STATUS QUO
PDP CRISIS: GOVERNORS TELL WARRING MEMBERS TO MAINTAIN STATUS QUO The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has directed conflicting party members to return to their previous positions. The chairman of the forum and governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, made the announcement following the governors’ meeting that concluded in the early morning of Tuesday. Mohammed mentioned that as a political organization, the PDP was expected to face disagreements among its members, but he assured that these issues could be addressed and overcome. “There is no crisis. The Governors, BoT, the National Assembly caucus have agreed that the NWC should revert to status quo,” Mohammed was quoted as stating. He said all the suspensions have been nullified.
DAMAGUM DIVIDES PDP GOVERNORS
DAMAGUM DIVIDES PDP GOVERNORS The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of resolution, as the internal discord has led to a significant split among governors elected on the party’s platform.The turmoil escalated on Friday when the PDP’s national leadership fractured into two factions, with Yayari Mohammed and Umar Damagum leading each side. This division follows the controversial suspension of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, by the Damagum faction during the 593rd meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC). In the wake of the leadership upheaval, Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha were appointed to fill the roles of the suspended officials in acting capacities. However, the situation intensified further when Ologunagba announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, citing numerous complaints against them. Prior to these disruptive suspensions, the PDP had scheduled a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for October 24, intending to elect a substantive national chairman to complete the tenure of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Under this arrangement, Damagum was expected to revert to his position as National Vice Chairman (North). According to Punch, the move to remove Damagum has split the PDP governors, with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, leading six other governors pushing for Damagum’s ouster. With Mohammed are Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno. Meanwhile, four other governors, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are opposed to Damagum’s removal. Others with Makinde are Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State. However, two out of the 13 governors are neutral. They are Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
PDP BREAKS INTO FACTIONS
PDP BREAKS INTO CAMPSThe battle for what is left of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), took a new turn on late last week, with suspensions, counter suspensions and court orders ensuring that it has effectively broken into two factions, with one group loyal to Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, and its presidential candidate in the last election, and the other part loyal to Nyesom Wike, former Rivers state governor, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The Wike camp, sources say, is likely fronting for Seyi Makinde, Oyo State governor, in 2027 presidential poll. In broader terms, it’s a battle between forces that want PDP to remain an opposition party that could contest for power in 2027, and forces that want the party to exist as a mere appendage of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to pave the way for President Bola Tinubu’s easy victory in 2027.“The act of betrayal that the FCT Minister has been committing against the party for the last one year was possible, because he had an acting national chairman and secretary, and few others who have been politically compromised,” said Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.“In fact, they are like the agents of the FCT minister, who is working for the APC. You can imagine that there was a court order stopping a state congress in Rivers, but the national leadership went ahead to do that congress and the supporters of the FCT minister were dashed the state structure of the party. And these are people, who have already pledged allegiance to the APC agenda of retaining power in 2027. ”The drama on Thursday, through Friday started with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) loyal to Wike, led by Umar Damagum, the acting chairman, suspending the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, citing anti party activities. Both men had been vocal in urging the acting chairman to ensure the party adhered to its constitution in day-to-day operations.The Ologunagba group, loyal to Atiku, in return, announced the suspension of Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu over same anti party activities.Although the party had been in crisis for years, the latest turn of events, which now threatens its continued existence as a political force, began in the aftermath of the Rivers local government election in which those loyal to Atiku, and those loyal to Wike naturally took parallel positions.Wike, a loyalist of President Bola Tinubu, had used his influence with the NWC to take over the party’s structure in Rivers, leaving his successor and political adversary, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara in limbo. The idea in the Wike camp had, perhaps, been to use the PDP structure to take over the state’s grassroots political structure ahead of the local government election held recently. But Fubara had other ideas. His loyalists moved to his proxy party, the Action Peoples Party (APP).The Wike camp, however, sensing what was coming, went to court to stop the election, and secured an order of the Federal high court in Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).The court also barred the inspector-general of police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the exercise, an order the police swiftly complied with. But citing an earlier judgment of the Rivers State High Court, and provisions of the constitution, both Fubara and RSIEC vowed that the election would hold as scheduled.In this back and forth, the PDP NWC loyal to Wike, issued a statement opposing Fubara’s decision, while Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary backed the governor, who went ahead to…
WE SYMPATHISE WITH THE POOR BUT TINUBU’S POLICIES WILL CONTINUE – VP SHETTIMA
WE SYMPATHISE WITH THE POOR BUT TINUBU’S POLICIES WILL CONTINUE – VP SHETTIMA The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies despite the widespread hardship faced by Nigerians. Vice President Senator Shettima made the pledge at the 30th anniversary of the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday. “Some of the policy decisions, the policy options available are painful, but they are almost inevitable,” he said. “My heart and the heart of President Bola Tinubu go to the Nigerian people. We empathise with what the poor and the young are going through in the Nigerian nation, but we have no option,” Shettima added. The policies, introduced after Tinubu took office last year from Muhammadu Buhari, were supposedly meant to revitalize the economy and attract foreign investment. However, they have led to soaring fuel prices and inflation rates not seen in three decades. Recently, the pump price of fuel has skyrocketed from around 610 naira per litre ($0.38) to 855 naira per litre, following an increase by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Private suppliers have taken it even further, selling fuel at rates as high as 1,200 naira per litre.