Dons EzeSTATES, LG NOW ENJOY 40% RISE IN FAAC ALLOCATION – TINUBU
STATES, LG NOW ENJOY 40% RISE IN FAAC ALLOCATION – TINUBU President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s debt service to revenue ratio has dropped from a delicate 97 percent to around 60 percent, while allocations to states and local governments have risen by 40 percent. The president also said Nigeria’s foreign reserve has grown to about $37bn, from $35bn in 2023, creating an extra $2bn savings These were contained in the response to criticism of the president’s economic policies, especially the subsidy removal by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023, election. Obi had while reacting to the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians, demanded to know what has happened to the Federal Government’s savings from the subsidy removal. But President Tinubu, reacting through his media team, said the country has exited the Ways and Means debt regime, that characterised previous regimes in the country, adding that “Over $6bn of inherited forex backlogs have been cleared.” According to the Tinubu media team, “Majority of states and local governments have seen an increase in allocation of more than 40 percent.” The government also listed gains from the subsidy removal to include the grants made to medium and small-scale enterprises (MSME). “MSMEs grants have been awarded to millions of small entrepreneurs to support their businesses”, Tinubu said. The government also revealed that over 10,000 conversion kits have been distributed across the country in the first phase of the CNG initiative implementation, as part of the alternative measures to lower dependence on petrol “Thousands of people are currently benefiting from the student loan scheme “Thousands of civil servants (first phase) are currently benefiting from the recently launched Consumer Credit Scheme which will soon be extended to other Nigerians.” “Wage awards were given to workers to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal. “Foreign reserves have grown to around $37bn.” The president, while noting that times are hard, added “So much is being put in place to make the Nigerian system work for us and the coming generations.”
WHAT HAPPENED IN EDO STATE ON SEPT 21 NOT ELECTION BUT TRANSACTION – OLUMIDE AKPATA
WHAT HAPPENED IN EDO STATE ON SEPT 21 NOT ELECTION, BUT TRANSACTION – OLUMIDE AKPATAIn his first reaction to the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has said that what transpired on 21 September was not an election but a transaction.In a release titled, “Unbowed, Unbent, And Unbroken: Statement On The 2024 Edo State Gubernatorial Election Results”, Akpata said with the announcement of the results and the declaration of a governor-elect by INEC, he found himself compelled to “issue this statement with a mixture of profound concern and unwavering hope for our future.”He said, “While preparing for this election, we harboured grave concerns about the integrity of the process. We anticipated that powerful forces would attempt to skew the outcome in their favour, regardless of the will of the people.“Regrettably, these fears have materialised. Yet, we must also confront an uncomfortable truth: the outcome was enabled not just by those who sought to manipulate the process, but also by the actions—and inactions—of a significant portion of our electorate.” Akpata noted that although the election was largely free from historical forms of election-day malpractice such as ballot box snatching and stuffing, it was nevertheless marred by voter intimidation and the falsification of results.He also noted that the election witnessed one of the lowest voter turnouts in recent years, which he said was a testament to the apathy that has gripped our populace. He commended those who defied the odds, came out to vote and stayed to ensure their votes were counted, describing them as true heroes of the election.Akpata said a troubling theme emerged as the day unfolded, as the both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples’ Democratic Party engaged in widespread vote-buying scheme.“As attested to by YIAGA Africa, a leading civil society organisation and domestic observer group, our sacred electoral process was reduced to a commodities market—a bidding war for votes. This practice, no less damaging than outright ballot stuffing, has effectively disenfranchised the people of Edo State damaging than outright ballot stuffing, has effectively disenfranchised the people of Edo State.“Let us be clear: what transpired on 21 September 2024 was not an election but a transaction. It was enabled by those who chose to stay away, making it easier for the two dominant parties to afford a significant majority of the few votes on offer, and by those who came out and willingly sold their votes,” he said.The Labour Party candidate said rather than condemnation, he would extend understanding to those who sold their votes because of the economic hardship they face daily. He even acknowledged that some Labour Party Faithful and agents were among those who willing sold their votes.“We acknowledge the crushing economic hardships that many of you face daily—hardships that make the immediate relief of vote-selling seem like a lifeline. Yet, this short-term gain comes at an immense long-term cost. We implored you to reflect deeply on the consequences of your actions, to recognise that your vote is the legacy you bequeath to future generations. In the end, it became painfully clear that we did not have the people, as many—including some Labour Party faithful and agents—willingly sold their future for peanuts to the very political parties whose actions and policies have impoverished them.“Now, we have unwittingly instituted a collegiate system of government comprising godfathers, surrogate governors, and other forces within and outside the State who hope to puppeteer the governor-elect. The implications of this for Edo State’s development are dire. We face the prospect of continued underdevelopment, misallocation of resources, and governance that serves the interests of a few rather than the needs of the many. We must now live with these consequences for years to come,”…
I’M DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CONDUCT, OUTCOME OF EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION – PETER OBI
I’M DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CONDUCT, OUTCOME OF EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION – PETER OBI The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has reacted to the outcome of the Edo State off-cycle governorship election conducted in the state on Saturday, September 21st, 2024. Recall that Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC was declared the winner of the fiercely contested governorship election, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that the APC candidate scored 291,667 votes while Ighodalo polled 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the LP came a distant third with 22,761 votes. Obi, like the PDP and civil society organisations, in a strongly-worded statement issued on his X handle on Monday, expressed disappointment at the conduct and outcome of poll. He opined that the election did not in any way represent the democratic process the country chose as a method of electing political leadership. The former Anambra governor instead, said the election was a “blatant example of state capture” and “continued gross undermining of our democratic process and values.” Continuing, Obi argued that any nation whose leadership recruitment process is so fatally flawed is doomed, adding that “we are all seeing the effect in our country.” The LP chieftain urged those in authority not to allow “this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.” He further said, “As a country, we have invested significantly in IReV and BVAS, and they must be allowed to function and used properly in order to free our electoral process from the massive falsification that has plagued it and worsening. “To the agencies and individuals being used to undermine our democracy simply because they hold positions of authority, please remember that your time in office is not eternal. The society that you are helping to destroy today will eventually take her revenge on you tomorrow. “To the lecturers and others complicit in perpetuating this charade, you must reflect deeply on the roles you are playing in damaging the very foundation of our democracy. “The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future. “This kind of action has no place in a true democracy. That is why I have always maintained that today’s politics is not about capturing power, but about saving the country and making it work for everyone, regardless of their background.” He maintained that he is, however, committed to building a new and truly democratic Nigeria, which he insists is very possible.
BREAKING: PDP REJECTS OUTCOME OF EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
BREAKING: PDP REJECTS OUTCOME OF EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the results of the Edo State governorship election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The declaration was made at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday by Acting National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum. He insisted that the people of Edo State voted overwhelmingly for the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. “We will not accept anything less than Dr. Asue Ighodalo being declared the governor-elect,” Damagum stated. “The people of Edo State have spoken, and their voices must be respected.” Damagum charged INEC to retrace its steps, citing the Electoral Act’s provisions for correcting anomalies. He claimed the PDP had previously raised concerns about the All Progressives Congress (APC) colluding with INEC and police officials to manipulate the election process. “The PDP had raised the alarm of plans by the APC, working in cohorts with the compromised INEC and the AIG of Police in charge of the zone, to manipulate the process long before they executed their plot,” Damagum alleged. According to the announcement by INEC, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC led with 291,667 votes, followed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP with 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party with 22,763 votes.
AISHA YESUFU MOCKS OBASEKI OVER EDO ELECTION LOSS, TELLS HIM TO STOP COMPLAINING
AISHA YESUFU MOCKS OBASEKI OVER EDO ELECTION LOSS, TELLS HIM TO STOP COMPLAINING Socio-political activist, Aisha Yesuf has harshly criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for expressing dissatisfaction with the results of the Edo State governorship election, in which Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious.The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Sunday that Okpebholo won the election held on September 21, 2024, securing victory in 11 local government areas. In contrast, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 7 local government areas, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) failed to win any. According to INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, Okpebholo received a total of 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes, and Akpata, who managed only 18,737 votes. In a dramatic turn of events early Sunday morning, Governor Obaseki entered INEC’s collation center around 2 am, claiming his visit was to gather firsthand information about the results. However, he was escorted out of the premises by a combined team of policemen led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mbah, around 4:10 am. Yesuf, in her reaction, pointedly questioned Obaseki’s grievances regarding the election outcome, urging him to accept the democratic process. She wrote on X, “I am looking for a video where Obaseki was speaking about the principles of democracy. Please share if you have it. “Obaseki that refused for 4 years to swear in 14 Edo House of Assembly members. “Obaseki that refused to swear in judges. He swore in 5 out of 8. “Obaseki that got his deputy Governor impeached. He is talking about democracy under attack.”
IT’S FAKE NEWS, LAGBAJA, ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF, NOT RESIGNED
IT’S FAKE NEWS, LAGBAJA, ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF, NOT RESIGNED The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has resigned from his position. The defence headquarters said an online report alleged that Lagbaja had submitted his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu, citing an assassination attempt on his life as the reason. Reacting, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, labelled the report as “fake news” and urged the public to disregard it. Lagbaja’s appointment as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff took place on June 19, 2023, following his appointment by President Tinubu to succeed Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
GO TO COURT – TINUBU TELLS EDO ELECTION LOSERS, CONGRATULATES WINNERS
GO TO COURT – TINUBU TELLS EDO ELECTION LOSERS, CONGRATULATES WINNERS President Bola Tinubu has advised candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the recently concluded Edo State governorship election to pursue their grievances through legal avenues. The call comes following the announcement of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s election. In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu congratulated Okpebholo on his victory, which was confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday. Okpebholo won over his rivals to secure the governorship seat. “The President urges all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels,” he said. Tinubu commended APC national leaders, Edo leaders and party governors for working hard to achieve victory. The President said the victory testified the people’s support for the ruling party, progressive ideals, economic reengineering programme and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. He urged Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a call to service. He encouraged him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and unite the people of Edo to ensure development. Tinubu also praised other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, saying that peaceful political contests such as the one on Saturday portrays Nigeria as a stable democracy. In addition, the President commended the people of Edo for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the country’s maturing democracy after 25 years. “I commend INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful and largely hitch-free exercise. “INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising free and fair election in our country,” Tinubu added.
OBASEKI’S DEPUTY, PHILIP SHAIBU, CELEBRATES OKPEBLO’S VICTORY
OBASEKI’S DEPUTY, PHILIP SHAIBU, CELEBRATES OKPEBHOLO’S VICTORY Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has reacted to the electoral victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo in the September 21st off-cycle governorship election held in the state. Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC was declared the winner of the fiercely contested governorship election, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that the APC candidate scored 291,667 votes while Ighodalo polled 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third with 22,761 votes. Taking to his official X handle, Shaibu, who fell out with his boss, Governor Obaseki before the election, said he celebrates “the triumph of democracy in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State.” He also commended the Edo people for their resilience, patience, and their active participation in the elections. According to him, “Your voices were heard through your votes for Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa of the All Progressives Congress. I say a big congratulations to the newly elected governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo. “This victory solidifies the power of the people, affirming the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Thank you, Edo State, and congratulations to the APC family.” Shaibu officially defected to the APC in July this year. He was formally a member of the APC until 2020 when he defected to the PDP with Governor Obaseki. The deputy governor was impeached by the state House of Assembly on April 8, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct and disclosure of government secrets before he was reinstated in July by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified his removal from office. The Appeal Court in August this year also affirmed him as the deputy governor of the state.
APC SWEEPS IMO LG ELECTION: WINS 27 AREAS, 305 WARDS
APC SWEEPS IMO LG ELECTION: WINS 27 COUNCIL AREAS, 305 WARDS All Progressives Congress, APC, Imo State chapter, has cleared all the 27 local government chairmanship and 305 councillorship seats in the just concluded elections. This was made known to journalists by the chairman of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), Charles Ejiogu, who officially announced the results at the Commission’s Secretariat in Owerri, the State capital. “All the candidates of APC have been officially declared winners as Councilors and Executive Council Chairmen-elects. “The elections took place across 305 electoral wards and 27 local government areas (LGAs) in Imo State”, Ejiogu stated. Reacting to the announcement, a group under the aegis of National Youth Alliance, NYA, Imo State chapter declared that the State LGA election was a charade and slap on democracy. The group alleged that ISIEC connived with the ruling APC to truncate the exercise, accusing the Commission of depriving the electorate from exercising their franchise. In a press statement by its State coordinator, Chinonso Uba, he alleged that electoral materials were selectively distributed and that ISIEC staff did not show up in some of the council areas but that results emanated from those places. He further alleged that over 250 wards were starved of electoral materials which he said deprived many people from voting. “Voting materials such as ballot boxes, result sheets arrived as late as 3pm. In most areas, ISIEC never showed up and many voters were disenfranchised,” he stated.
LUTH ANNOUNCES BREAKTHROUGH IN CURE OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE
LUTH ANNOUNCES BREAKTHROUGH IN CURE OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in partnership with Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has establish a high-quality, safe bone marrow transplant programme that meets international standards for the cure of sickle cell disease in Nigeria. This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo and National Director, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr Annette Akinsete, on Sunday in Lagos. It said that Nigeria had the most significant burden of sickle cell disease worldwide, saying that Individuals affected with the disease suffer life-threatening complications from early childhood, serious damage to their organs and reduced life expectancy. “The establishment of comprehensive care programmes, including newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, and Transcranial Doppler screening in children to identify those at risk of stroke. “This is followed by chronic blood transfusion therapy and the increasing use of hydroxyurea therapy, has improved the proportion of children surviving into adulthood. “But, has not improved the proportion of adults living to older age, especially for the most severely affected. “Bone marrow transplant using a donor from a family member is an established cure for this disease,” the statement said. According to the statement , bone marrow transplant is associated with known complications such as infection and graft-versus-host disease (when donor cells can attack the patient), infertility, and even death. It explained that this procedure has been much improved over the last 20 years to ensure good outcomes and limit complications. “Bone marrow transplant is now an approved therapy for children and adults with severe sickle cell disease. Bone marrow transplant is a complex procedure requiring a multidisciplinary team approach and involves treatment and close follow-up for approximately 12 months,” it said. The statement said that the complexity and costs have severely limited those who can obtain this treatment, and most have sought the treatment outside Nigeria, which causes severe hardship for patients and families. It said: “Recognising the gaps in care for individuals affected by the disease in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH established a bone marrow transplant programme at LUTH. “In preparation for a locally adapted and cost-effective bone marrow transplant programme in Nigeria, a post-transplant clinic was initially established in 2019, a first in sub-Saharan Africa, to provide post-transplant care to patients who had travelled to other countries for bone marrow or stem cell transplants”. According to the statement, LUTH/SCFN bone marrow transplant programme consists of a high-level multidisciplinary team that includes paediatricians, adult haematologists, psychiatrists, anaesthesiologists, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, and other ancillary health personnel. It added that the programme had been guided by the scientific expertise and leadership of Prof. Adetola Kassim of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, saying that, to further strengthen expertise in the program, Prof Josudela Fuente from the Imperial College London Healthcare NHS Trust UK joined the team in 2022. The statement said: “The first set of patients are currently undergoing bone marrow transplants at LUTH and were admitted in the last week of August 2024. “They received a treatment regimen of exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy and anti-infective prophylaxis to prepare them for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells that were harvested from family donors, processed and given Sept. 17 and Sept. 19, 2024. “Both patients are currently undergoing immediate post-transplant care within the transplant unit at LUTH. “We want to express our appreciation to patients and families, the Management of LUTH and SCFN; board of directors, Lagos State Government, Chevron, collaborative and technical partners, and other dedicated staff who worked around the clock to ensure success of this programme”.