…CHARGES THEM TO TAKE THE WAR TO CRIMINALS
1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, December 12, 2024 presented 50 brand new operational vehicles to the security agencies in the FCT to support the fight against insecurity.
2. Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the FCT Minister said security was a priority of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and stressed the commitment of the FCTA to the security of the nation’s capital.
3. He said adequate provision was made in the budget of the FCT by the National Assembly for the purchase of the 50 operational vehicles, adding that the FCTA had, earlier in the year, also distributed 50 operational vehicles to the security agencies, bringing the total number to 100.
4. The Minster charged the security agencies to utilize the vehicles to protect lives and property in the Abuja city centre and the satellite towns, urging them to take the war to the criminals and not wait until they strike.
5. He said, “We must not give space, we must not allow the criminals to strike before we go in. We have to take the war to them, let them know that we are serious. So, this festive period, make sure that you don’t give them any gap”.
6. Barr. Wike who noted that there is improvement in FCT’s security situation, especially a reduction in kidnapping incidents in the rural areas, commended the security agencies and pledged the continued support of the FCT Administration.
7. He disclosed that 12 police divisions were currently being constructed in the six Area Councils of the FCT as was requested by the FCT Police Commissioner, and assured that the divisions would be completed, furnished, and handed over to the police by April next year.
8. Noting that the difficult terrain and remoteness of the FCT Area Council were militating against the fight against insecurity, the Minister also expressed confidence that the provision of access roads in the rural areas will also make it easier for the security agencies to operate in these areas.
9. He therefore called on FCT residents to support the security agencies, urging them to report untoward activities in their communities to nip security threats in the bud.
10. Reacting to recent accusations of land grabbing against the FCT Administration in social media, the Minister said the FCTA was not afraid of blackmail and was determined to correct anomalies in land administration in the FCT. He stressed that the FCTA would not be deterred by negative commentary in the media.
11. He said “Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and the residents of the FCT that we are not afraid of blackmail. In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and you say you will not be blackmailed, particularly as regards this Abuja where there are so many land grabbers.
12. “Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we will not be fasting again to go to heaven. We will stop anybody who thinks that he can take the government’s land for whatever reason without formal approval.
13. “We will not look at your face. If you like, you can be a civil rights activist. If you like, you can be a television talker. What is wrong is wrong. No amount of blackmail can stop us..If you want land, you know the right thing to do, you know the right step to take. But through blackmail, you won’t get it”.
14. The Minister also used the opportunity to warn ground rent and other land tax defaulters that the government would not hesitate to revoke their land titles.
15. He said the FCT Administration requires revenue to provide infrastructure in the FCT and pay staff salaries, adding that the allocation from the Federal Government alone was not sufficient.
16. He said, “I have published the names in the newspapers and people think I’m joking. All of you are saying we are providing vehicles, with which money. What does the FCT get in a month from the Federal Government allocation? If the FG gets N1 trillion in a month, for example, we take 1 percent and that is N10 billion. There is no oil here. We are not collecting derivations. It’s only what the Federal government gets, they give us one percent.
17. “You are talking about Wike is working, roads here, flyovers there. You own a property, pay your ground rent, you won’t pay. Then every day you say Wike is working. Will he work with his blood?”, he asked[/b]
Wike Presents 50 Operational Vehicles To Security Agencies In The FCT –
NDDC To Complete Longest Bridge In Rivers State
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the Commission will soon complete the 2-Kilometre double-lane Kaa-Ataba Road with two bridges in the Khana and Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Ogbuku gave assurance during an inspection of a 1.2-kilometer-long bridge on the road, accompanied by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, and other Directors of the Commission.
This was contained in a statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC.
He stated, “The project is about 70 per cent done, and we are ready to complete it by the middle of next year. We have just finished discussing it with the on-site contractors and even assuring the traditional ruler that we are back already. The contractor is back on site and working to ensure we finish this project by mid-next year.”
“As you can see, this bridge is one of the longest bridges in this country, after the Third Mainland Bridge and the Second Niger Bridge. This is about 1.2 kilometres long, and you can see it is very long. So, it is an ambitious project by the NDDC. We want to complete it for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta because once this bridge is completed, it will be linked to Ataba and also the Bony Island too.
“This bridge gives multiple gateways to Bony, apart from the Bony-Bodo expressway. You can also access Bony through this link, so I think we are very willing and prepared to complete this project; that is why we came here to meet with the contractor on site. They have already started casting the beams for the bridge.”
The Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni Local Government Area, King Benson Egwenre Uruk, said he was delighted to see the NDDC back on the project, noting: “We had almost lost hope on this project. We prayed for it to be completed. Seeing the NDDC here today has brought us joy.
“We are joyful because this project is so dear to our hearts. Most of the communities in Andoni are motorable except the Ataba community. Completing this project would be a big relief for economic and social activities. It will improve the lives of the Ataba people.
“We, the people of Ataba, are very peaceful and cooperative. We assure the NDDC that we will not disrupt the project as it goes on.”
The NDDC team also inspected the 30km Nsasak Junction-Akon Road that links Akwa Ibom and Abia State.
Ogbuku highlighted the project’s significance, stating that it would serve as an alternative route for commuters and reduce the cost of transportation. He expressed readiness to review the project’s scope and mobilise contractors to resume work as soon as possible.
He said, “This is a vital project that links Akwa Ibom State and Abia State. Though awarded in 2012, we inspected and saw the project’s status. About 15km of this project is done, and we are already conversing with the contractor about when they will return to the site. We are committed to reviewing the scope of the road and completing it in no distance time.”
“It is a project awarded in 2012 and is one of the projects we want to complete now. We came to inspect it to see its status, and we are already in discussions with the contractors to see how they can return to the site.
“We are determined to finish it because it will also reduce the cost of transportation between Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. Those going to Akwa Ibom can take the shorter route rather than go through the East-West Road on the Ogoni axis.”
“We want to finish this project. As you can see, it has already gone far. The beams for the bridge are all on the ground, and the bridge is meant to be 100 meters long. The contractors are eager to return to the site.”
“The total length of this road is 30 kilometres, but 15 Kilometres have already been done, so it’s just for us to cross the bridge and complete the remaining 15 Kilometres and another three Kilometres in front that will now link up to Azunmini.”
The NDDC team also inspected the emergency reconstruction of the 5.5-kilometre Oyigbo road network, which traverses the Obunku, Umuosi, Obeakpu, Mgboji, and Ndoki communities in the Oyigbo Local Government Area.
Industrial Court declines retiree’s benefit claim, awards N5m damages against Business Outfit
The Presiding Judge, Akure Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Kiyersohot Damulak, has declared Norwood Executive Drivers Management’s decision to retire Mr. Alonge without paying him his retirement benefit unjustified and an unfair labour practice.
The Court ordered Norwood Executive Drivers Management to pay Mr Alonge N5,000,000.00 (Five Million) Naira only as general damages for the unfair labour practice and unjustified retirement within 21 days.
However, Justice Damulak refused to grant Mr Alonge’s 10 Million Naira retirement benefit claim on the failure of Mr Alonge to plead and produce the document forming the agreement and basis for the calculation of retirement entitlement.
From facts, the claimant- Mr. Alonge had submitted that he worked with the defendants between the years 2000 to 2020 before his appointment was determined by a letter titled Advice to Proceed on Retirement and that he is very healthy and not suffering from any ailment as stated by the Norwood Executive Drivers Management in its letter of retirement and that he is still having three years of service before retirement.
Mr. Alonge averred that upon receipt of the letter of retirement, he waited for the defendants to call him to fill in the necessary documents for his retirement benefits but all were to no avail.
In defence, the 1st defendant- United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) stated that Mr. Alonge was deployed to serve by the personnel service provider who employed him, that the card issued to Alonge was a mere access card which gave him access to the premises and facilities of the bank which is in line with the agreement between the UBA and Norwood Executive Drivers Management.
United Bank for Africa further averred that it’s not responsible for the determination of the terms of Mr Alonge’s employment as well as payment of any benefit that the company was not in any way involved in the retirement of Mr Alonge.
In addition, the 2nd defendant- Norwood Executive Drivers Management contended that as a vendor to the UBA, it was wrongly joined to this suit; that there is no reasonable cause of action disclosed against it; the suit is therefore frivolous and same shall be urged to be dismissed against the Norwood Executive Drivers Management.
The Norwood Executive Drivers Management also argued that it is a registered business name and so is not a juristic person and cannot sue and be sued and urged the Court to strike out its name.
In opposition, the learned counsel to Alonge, ThankGod Ekpah Esq posited that his client is an employee of the United Bank for Africa and does not know the Norwood Executive Drivers Management except when he received his retirement letter on its letterhead, and urged the Court to grant the reliefs sought.
In a well-considered judgment, the presiding Judge, Justice Kiyersohot Damulak held that the Rules of the Court provide an exception under which the Norwood Executive Drivers Management can sue and be sued in the circumstance as a business name whose business is allegedly affected.
Justice Damulak reasoned that based on the letter of employment in evidence, it would have been easy to hold that Mr Alonge was an employee of Standard Trust Services Limited, which is a separate entity from Standard Trust Bank because the content of the retirement letter issued to Mr Alonge admits that Mr Alonge was a staff of the Norwood Executive Drivers Management.
The Court faulted the retirement of Mr Alonge by the Norwood Executive Drivers Management without paying him his retirement benefit as an unjustified action and an unfair labour practice.
On the claim for N10,000,000.00 as retirement benefits, Justice Damulak said Mr Alonge did not make any attempt to show how he was entitled to retirement benefits and did not prove or justify the amount prayed for.
Visit the judgment portal for full details
FG To Add 150 Megawatts Of Electricity Before January – Minister
The Minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that plans are ongoing for additional 150 megawatts of electricity to the National grid before January 2025.
Adelabu who disclosed this at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, said the move will lead to relative stability of the National grid.
The Minister who was part of the bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his German counterpart, Frank Walter Steinmeier, said the part way to steady power supply is collaboration, partnership and revamping of the entire grid.
He said Nigeria has bilateral relationship with the Republic of Germany in the area of energy and electricity, adding: “What is key now is collaboration and partnership, and the flagship of this bilateral relationship has to do with what we call the Siemens project, which is our presidential power Initiative, where Siemens is actually implementing the Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations of the Presidential Power initiative.”
According to the Minister, since December 2023 when the agreement was signed “We have completed the pilot phase of this project, up to 80 percent. This involves the importation, the installation and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 powermobile substations.
“There have been imported and installed. We have just about two left to be commissioned before the end of the year. The positive impact of this is that it has added nothing less than 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity, which is why the relative stability that we are seeing in the grid today is the direct positive impact of the pilot stage completion.
“So, we believe that before end of the year, additional 150 megawatts capacity is going to be added upon completion of the entire pilot phase. We are officially entering into the phase one stage of this project, which involves rehabilitation of 14 brownfield existing substations and the establishment of 23 new Greenfield stations across the length and breadth of this country.
“What we are expecting now is a no-objection approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement, after which I am going to present it at FEC. Once presented at FEC, and we will finalise the financing arrangement, we are quite confident from the satisfaction that we got from the completion of the pilot stage.
“When we are done with the Phase One project in the transmission, the entire grid will not remain the same, and that’s why we are telling Nigerians that this is a very old grid. It’s quite fragile and it’s dilapidating. We need to revamp the entire grid for us to be sure of stability going forward.”
Speaking on renewable energy, he said, “We have an energy transition plan to achieve net zero emission by year 2060. To achieve this, we must collaborate. We must partner. We must cooperate with a country like Germany, who have the technology, we have the sun. Over 30 states in Nigeria have minimum of 10 hours of sunshine everyday.
“They have technology. We have the wind. We have the desert wind up north, and we have the coastal wind down south. And with the new highway from Lagos to Calabar, it’s opening up our coastal offshore wind across the nine coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. We won’t have any choice.”
He also said the solution to the electricity issue is the off-grid system where the “36 states and FCT will have their own generating plants within the state, and this network will be embedded within the states, and they will be shielded from any problem on the national grid. When there is a problem on the national grid, they will all have backup.
Nigeria, Germany To Deepen Ties As Tinubu Hosts Steinmeier
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, assured German businesses of Nigeria’s readiness to fully implement existing pacts to ease investment in renewable energy, youth skill development and industrial growth.
Speaking during the visit of German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment.
These include import duty waivers for machinery, decentralisation of power generation and active foreign exchange reforms.
“We have an open-door policy: ease of entry, ease of exit,” Tinubu said during the press conference that followed closed-door talks, emphasising the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks in establishing businesses.
He explained, “We have an open-door policy. What do I mean by that? There is no longer bureaucracy in establishing your business. We have tax reforms that are private-sector friendly.
“We have import duty waivers for machinery. We have so many other incentives that we will help establish private businesses. That I can assure you. We are removing the bureaucracy.
“We have a reform in the foreign exchange market, and it’s very active. We’ve aligned our petroleum industry with the world standard practice of production and consumption.”
Both Presidents also discussed ways to improve the people-to-people relationships between both countries.
Tinubu revealed, “It was a very good bilateral discussion. I could see from the previous meeting earlier today that our businessmen and policymakers are very anxious to do business with Germany.
“Mine is to continue to assure you that our business doors are open and reforms are working very well.
“We plan to strengthen the relationship and build a fulfilling and rewarding partnership between the two countries, people-to-people relationships, and government-to-government facilitation of opportunities and prosperity.”
He noted Nigeria’s potential as a major gas producer and its abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar power, which can be harnessed through German technology for rural electrification.
“While we are equally promoting the possibility of alternative energy sources, we pride ourselves on being one of the largest gas producers.
“What we need to do has been discussed, and we need to strengthen the partnership for the utilisation of energy as a source of supply and promotion of additional incremental value in business opportunities for Nigeria and Germany. We’ve discussed that,” said Tinubu.
In electricity, the Nigerian leader warned that though Siemens Energy is “working very hard” to fulfil its part of the partnership, Nigerians should not expect a “magical response” as the existing power infrastructure is decades old.
Tinubu said, “Nigeria, being a nation in a hurry, wants a magical response. But don’t forget, those transmission lines are about 50 to 60 years old.
“The snags are what we are trying to improve and reduce the possibility of problems. We are doing that. I’ve signed a reform that decentralised the power distribution and generation in the country. The states and various subsectors and subnational can generate their power and distribute it; they are working on it all.
“We have German businesses who are promoting alternative sources of energy, and they are here. We have the sun; they have the technology. I think we can utilise that for rural electrification; as mentioned earlier on, we can use the various dams that are not effective. We assure you that we will put these dams to use for the benefit of our people.”
His comment comes just as the national grid collapsed on Wednesday, the 12 time in 2024.
The President also underscored the importance of youth training, solid minerals, and industrial partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda.
“We have a brilliant youth population that is energetic and ready to learn. We have a population that is market-friendly. We have an industrial plan that is anxious to establish assembly plants.
“We equally have solid minerals and the best proportion we can harness to attract German businesses and partners for progress.
“We can tap all the opportunities for effective legal migration. Germany has been noted for the training of our youth population. We need additional strengthening of youth and skill development programmes that will help energise our populations. And we discussed that extensively, too,” said Tinubu.
For his part, the Steinmeier said that while Nigeria remains Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Sahara Africa, both countries can deepen ties.
“German businesses are seeing this as an improvement in investment relations, and it is perceived as such, and this is why we’re happy that Nigeria is Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Sahara Africa.
“But there is great potential, even greater potential. So, I’m happy and grateful that we took much time to engage with one another.
“We promised each other that we both, with our opportunities and the governments on both sides, will do everything in our power to promote political and cultural ties and also promote and intensify People-to-People contacts in our meeting with you and the Cabinet,” said the German leader.
He expressed appreciation for the strong ties between Germany and Nigeria, emphasising the importance of Nigerians who study in Germany and return to their home country.
These individuals, he noted, carry with them a wealth of knowledge about Germany, becoming vital intermediaries for German companies and cultural institutions operating in Nigeria.
Steinmeier also highlighted the mutual interest in fostering a generation of bridge-builders and encouraged Nigerian youth to explore opportunities in Germany.
German President Lauds Ongoing Economic Reforms In Nigeria –
The German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on Wednesday, commended the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, applauding President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and Citizens’ for their perseverance.
President Steinmeier gave the commendation during a bilateral talk session by the two leaders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The German President pledged support for the Nigerian government to further boost the nation’s economy and cushion the effects of the economic challenges confronting the country.
He recalled the German experience on previous economic crisis and identified courage and perseverance as boosters of realising economic transformation in any nation of the world.
Steinmeier said: “It is not easy it was the experience in Germany many years ago when Germany was in a deep economic crisis, you need a lot of courage and perseverance that would be to the benefit of your country.
“I myself and everybody in German politics are following your courageous steps and we will support you.
“Germany will support you on the ongoing reforms in Nigeria,” he added.
Our Reforms Are Working – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that the reforms embarked upon by his administration are working and Nigeria is open to having a mutually beneficial business with Germany.
He spoke yesterday at a joint press conference between him and the visiting German President.
The president applauded the quality of the discussions, saying “it a very good bilateral discussion.”
He said Nigerian businessmen were eager to do business with their Germany counterparts, saying that the country is ready and open for business.
He said, “I could see from the previous meeting, earlier meeting today that our businessmen and policy makers are very anxious to do business with Germany.
“Mine is to continue to give you assurances that our business doors are open and reforms are working very well. These business ranking, that’s what we have discussed.
“We plan to strengthen the relationship and build partnership that is fulfilling and rewarding to the two countries, people-to-people relationship, and government-to-government facilitation of opportunities and prosperity.”
On his part, the German leader commended President Tinubu for his stabilizing role in the ECOWAS region, saying that as a member of the European Union, Germany understands the importance of regional cooperation.
He said Nigeria is Germany’s second largest trading partner in sub Sahara Africa and that is why he is happy that there is improvement of investment relations between the two countries.
However, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement about what transpired during the bilateral talks said President noted his interest in the welfare of citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, assuring that “wisdom and diplomacy will make the difference in reintegrating the countries into ECOWAS.”
He said the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant in bringing out transition programmes with clear dates.
“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.
“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.
“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power,’’ he said.
President Tinubu told the German leader that the regional body would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries, saying “This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalize issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,’’ the President added.
In his response, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries will have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.
2027 Presidency: Atiku, Obi Alliance Can’t Unseat Tinubu, Declares APC
The ruling All Progressives Congress has warned that no alliance of the opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, will be potent enough to stop President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The warning was given by the National Publicity Director of APC, Bala Ibrahim, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday.
Ibrahim was reacting to a statement by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, that both his principal and his Labour Party counterpart had learnt their lessons in the last general elections and would unite to kick out the “incompetent and clueless” administration of the APC.
According to him, the combined votes of the two leaders, which would have amounted to 12 million, should have been enough to stop the President and prevent the hardship he has meted out to Nigerians.
Ibe expressed his views on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Reactions have trailed the interview with major opposition agreeing that a coalition of forces or merger could indeed defeat the APC in the same manner as the one witnessed in 2015 when former President Muhammadu Buhari defeated a sitting President, Goodluck Jonathan.
When contacted, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, emphasised that his principal was committed to a better Nigeria and would be willing to collaborate with anyone who shared his vision, as long as their desire isn’t state capture.
Ibrahim said, “This dedication stems from his unshakeable optimism in the country’s potential and his focus on the welfare and prosperity of all citizens. Regarding Paul Ibe’s statement about Atiku’s willingness to unite with Obi, it’s clear that both leaders are open to working together to save Nigeria from the APC-led administration’s tyranny.
“However, Obi’s commitment to collaboration isn’t limited to any particular individual or party.”
On its part, the opposition political parties in Nigeria under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties and the Social Democratic Party have expressed concerns, saying the country needed more than a coalition between the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.
CUPP and SDP stated that to defeat the APC, Nigerians must demand credible elections and form a coalition of trustworthy leaders to spearhead a rescue movement that served the nation’s collective interest.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh acknowledged that a coalition could aid opposition parties in defeating the APC.
Ahmeh emphasised that the key coalition needed at this time was one focused on ensuring free and fair elections.
He stated, “Our country has its ways. Atiku is a wonderful leader in Nigeria. That is very important. But the fact is there will be some sentiments that will come into play if you don’t put a person from southern Nigeria on the ballot. If you don’t do that, the idea that the northerners have taken over their eight years will now become part of the discussion across southwestern, southeastern, and South-South Nigeria.
“So, what we should do is believe that at the end of the day, these two leaders and other leaders will find common ground, where they will put the interest of Nigeria before their personal interests, allowing us to win this election and determine the future of Nigeria in a way that will benefit all Nigerians.”
Reacting to the possibility of a coalition between Atiku and Obi’s group to defeat the APC, he stated that in addition to a coalition, Nigerians must demand that elections be decided and concluded at the polling unit.
He added, “Yes, a coalition can help the opposition party defeat the APC. There’s no doubt about that. It will also facilitate the easy defeat of the APC.
“But the most important coalition we need at this moment is one that ensures elections are free and fair. Because if we do that, even when people form a coalition, we still face the problem of draconian leadership that can cause glitches in the server, or manipulate election results without proper authority behind it. The solution is that our elections should be decided by the polling unit.
“The Republic of Ghana has shown this. If you look at the commission chairperson, votes are cast at the polling unit, votes are recorded at the polling unit, and winners are announced at the polling unit. We should do away with these coalition centres, which are fraudulent centres for the manipulation of results.
“We still believe that when the people are determined and stay true to their convictions, the electorate will go to the polling unit and make their decision. But a coalition will only facilitate and make it easier for the opposition to reach the Presidency.”
The National Chairman of SDP, Shehu Gabam, stated that a coalition may not be the right solution at this time.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Gabam explained that political parties had struggled to unite over a long period, resulting in a trust deficit that affects most parties, with only a few exceptions.
He stated, “The coalition will not do much right now. The decay is extremely bad, and the loss of gravity in the political space is another point of concern. What people are looking forward to is the assembly of credible individuals to form a rescue movement that is credible and has a solid base; this has nothing to do with the coalition of political parties.
“The parties, over a long period of time, could not galvanise themselves. The trust deficit has enveloped the various political parties, apart from a few. Even if you merge all the parties, the roles of individuals who are good, credible, and have been tested will draw people, not the roles of the political parties.
“There is a trust deficit, and this may lead to a crisis among various political parties. What the people are looking for are individuals who have a record of service and the ability to be creative.
Regarding Atiku and Obi, he said, “All I know is that every hand is needed to be on board to salvage the situation. We are talking about salvaging Nigeria. And the knowledge required to do that is not domiciled in a single individual. We have a multitude of talents in the country, with the energy and capacity to turn things around for good; it’s just that they have not been organised.
“So, for me, what is critical is to focus on the individuals, the energy sector, and their intellectual base to harness the strength in our diversity for the benefit of all.”
Similarly, the All Progressives Grand Alliance said it was ready to form an alliance with other progressive political forces across party lines to build a Nigeria that citizens could be proud of.
The National Chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja, echoing similar sentiments expressed by the party’s National Leader and Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo.
Ezeokenwa stated that with the party’s internal leadership tussle resolved by a Supreme Court judgment affirming his chairmanship, APGA was now poised to reclaim its position in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“APGA proudly has elected representatives within and outside the South East. We are ready and willing to work with all other progressives to build Nigeria because we believe in our country.
“As part of our commitment to reconciliation, we have granted amnesty to party members who are genuinely repentant, irrespective of which side they supported during the crisis,” he said.
But Bala Ibrahim laughed at the thought of both Atiku and Obi, who he described as strange bedfellows, coming together with the sole aim of stopping Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The APC spokesman also said no potential from the opposition, who he said are enmeshed in crisis, can seriously pose any serious threat to the ruling party.
He said, “It is a dream gone wrong. All over the world, you don’t add up the total votes in an election and hope to use it to topple the votes of the winner. No! You don’t do that. A smart winner always capitalises on that to create a crack within the opposition. This is because each candidate is aspiring to win.
“It’s a case of the simple majority providing the winner so far as he meets the requirement and whatever percentage is needed. So, if this is what they are relying upon, then we start celebrating 2027 because they are going to be defeated again. They will be severely beaten.
“We are happy they are learning lessons from the superior antics of the ruling APC. Now that they have admitted they are learning from those lessons, they should wait for new tutorials in 2027. As a matter of fact, the APC has opened a Progressive Institute where they can come with their books and biro to learn more about progressivism.”
Also, in an exclusive interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, explained that both the former Vice President and the former Governor of Anambra State were partly to blame for the hardships Nigerians were currently facing.
Osadolor called the potential unity between Atiku and Obi an illusion, noting that neither has demonstrated a commitment to collaborating.
“Atiku and Obi coming together is still illusionary because they have not committed themselves to coming together.
“If they go ahead and come together, they will provide a viable alternative to this APC-failed administration.
“The truth is that Atiku has paid his dues, and Obi has also paid his dues. Both of them contributed to where we are now. If they had united in the last election, Nigeria and Nigerians would not be in the current pain we are in now.
“But for 2027, anybody with his head on his shoulders will be better than President Bola Tinubu. Atiku and Obi will be a welcome development if they agree to work together and manage their egos. But I believe there will be more viable options that we can pick from.
“Atiku brought Obi to the light in 2019, so what Obi searched for and couldn’t find in 2023, he may also want to search for the same thing in 2027. So, for me, it is an ego issue. If Obi can manage his ego and if Atiku can open his heart more, they stand a chance, but I will not foreclose Nigeria’s liberation on them.”
FG Flags-Off ₦12 Billion Road Construction After 40 Years
The Federal Government on Wednesday flagged-off a N12 billion road construction in Eti-Oni, Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun after 40 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the construction of the 56 Kilometer road, which was to be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works, was greeted with jubilation by residents of the town.
Mr David Umah, the Minister of Works, said that the roads were three in number and would be executed in phases to ensure early completion within 12 months.
The minister was represented by Mr Oluseyi Adedipe, the Acting Controller of Works, Osun field office.
Umahi said the road project, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, would open up economically viable regions to enable communities to move their farm produce with ease to commercial centres.
The minister said that the road, after completion, would boost the economy of Eti-Oni town, which was a major cocoa producer in the state.
He, however, urged the contractors to follow the ministry’s standard and specification in the construction of the roads.
Umahi said that this was necessary to ensure that there was value for tax payers’ money spent on the road projects.
Also, Oba Dokun Thompson, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, said that the road, which had been abandoned for 40 years, had been a source of worry for the residents.
Thompson, who could not hide his joy, said after completion, the road would open up the town and showcase the cocoa production and other agricultural produce of the town.
“The joy, the happiness is tremendous and we cannot explain it because this road has been neglected for more than 40 years.
“When you have a fertile land but without access, it is like a cemetery and that is how this place looks like before, but it is coming back to life.
“What we are witnessing today is a renewed hope for the future generations and I believe with this happening now, many youths will be incentivised to be able to come into agriculture”, he said.
Thompson appreciated Tinubu for approving the construction of the road, adding that it was a perfect gift for the town as it celebrates its cocoa festival
“We are grateful to Mr President for this gesture. It is not only a gesture but also a gift to us, people of Atakumosa East, Eti-Oni and the entire Osun state.
“If the president can remember this community, which is very rural, it means that other areas that are even more in the open will benefit more in this renewed hope season,” he said.
A residents of the town, Chief Musibau Gbadamosi, said that the community was blessed with cocoa and other agricultural produce, and the road would boost the economic activities in the town.
He appreciated the president for the gesture, adding that they would continue to support his administration.
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An electricity blackout is imminent following the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s directive to gas producers to cease supplying gas to indebted generation companies (GenCos).
NMDPRA stated that the substantial debts owed to producers had hindered their ability to sustain operations. It called on gas off-takers, particularly power generation companies, to ensure timely payment for the gas supplied.
The federal government and some GenCos currently owe over N2 trillion in legacy debts to gas producers in Nigeria.