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A former governorship aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) recently conducted governorship primary election and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Omosede Igbinedion has expressed reservation on the way Governor Godwin Obaseki has piloted the affairs of the party as its leader since he joined at the eve of his re-election bid in 2020.
In a statement by Igbinedion titled “The hypocrisy of politics”, she said the old members of the party that Obaseki came to meet in the party have been pushed out of the scheme of things as principal offices in the Obaseki administration were taken by himself and those who came with him from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
She said the same thing has played out after the primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as the candidate of the party with the choice of the Secretary to State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogie Esq. as his running mate.
Igbinedion said she expected that the running mate to Ighodalo should have been ceded to the old PDP to give them a sense of belonging.
She also criticized those who have been claiming that she was on her way to the APC because of a recent visit to his Abuja home by the APC governorship candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.
According to Igbinedion “The Governor we have today, only joined the party along with his SSG and a host of others, simply because they had issues in their own party and needed a platform, which the PDP gave them.”
She said some of the people criticizing the picture that surfaced after Okpebholo’s visit “only attend campaigns when and if they are given transport fares, or else they choose not to leave their houses and use money sent to them for data to write rubbish online, same people who demand to be paid to remain in a political Party.
“Go and look at the results from the last federal elections where PDP in Oredo lost to Labour by 37,994 votes, PDP in Egor and Ikpoba Okha lost to Labour by 19,777, PDP in Orhionmwon and Uhumwonde lost by 2,986, whilst PDP in Ovia North East and South West lost by 1,455 votes. We lost all the seats in Edo South at the National. Oredo produced the poorest results for PDP, with only 11,899 votes, compared to the 18,396 votes pulled for PDP in Ovia.
“It is on record that I have never lost Ovia North East, since 2015 till date to any political party. The records are there to show.
“If Anyone has issues with me speaking against the injustice done to the original PDP members who had sustained the party till now and made it formidable enough for the governor to seek reelection in 2019, then I am sorry but I owe you no apology.
“I stepped aside my ambition for governorship on the grounds of equity, fairness and justice for the Esan people and now the question we must answer is; when choosing a deputy governor was it equitable, fair and just to not consider age, gender, the old PDP and the Ovia Constituency, that has never had governor or deputy governor before, but always given block votes to PDP ?
“Do not be deceived, most old PDP Members are silently protesting and ready to either work for Labour or decamp to APC. My appeal as a bonafide PDP Member is that we should settle the House before it’s too late.”
[Vanguard]
The federal government says Ahmad Gumi, the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has been invited for questioning over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and orientation, spoke on Monday while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja.
In recent years, Gumi has gained prominence for his comments on the activities of bandits.
He has been pictured with some bandits on many occasions.
The cleric reportedly offered to dialogue with bandits who abducted students from the Government Secondary and LEA Primary schools, in the Kuriga community under Chikun LGA in Kaduna.
The bandits attacked the community on March 7 and took away 137 schoolchildren and a teacher.
On Sunday, Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna, announced the release of the schoolchildren.
Gumi also accused the federal government of framing up its enemies by tagging them as terrorism financiers in his reaction to the identities of 15 entities released by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for alleged terrorism.
Some groups have also called on security agencies to arrest Gumi over what they described as the cleric’s alleged ties with terrorist groups.
Speaking on the development, the information minister said the security agencies will do their work if they feel that the statements made by Gumi are “reckless”.
“The government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems. The security agencies are up and doing,” Idris said.
“Sheik Gumi and any other individual are not above the law, if he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take
“But if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.
“There is nobody above the law. Let me put it here. And I’m aware that he has also been a guest of security agencies to answer questions.
“When you make remarks, especially those that border on our national security it is incumbent on our national security to think further, and they are doing just that, no one is above the law.”
[TheCable]
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Approves Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund
AdminPresident Bola Tinubu has approved the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across the pivotal areas of agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education in Nigeria.
The Fund will invest in critical national projects that will, among other things, promote growth; enhance local value-addition, create employment opportunities, and stimulate technological innovation and exports.
The objectives of the Fund are to:
(1) Establish an innovative infrastructure investment vehicle to attract and consolidate capital, serving as a dynamic driver for economic advancement.
(2) Execute strategic and meticulously chosen national infrastructure projects across several key sectors, including road, rail, agriculture (irrigation, storage, logistics & cold chain), ports, and aviation, among others.
(3) Efficiently utilize and aggregate accessible low-interest loans such as concessionary loans and Eurobonds, supplemented by the procurement of other favourable financing options, in addition to budgetary allocations.
(4) Guarantee Nigeria secures the most advantageous arrangements for financing, construction, and subsequently, operation and maintenance of the identified projects, ensuring optimal long-term outcomes for the nation.
The Fund will identify appropriate approaches in its investment strategy, such as direct project financing through budgetary allocations and SPVs; co-financing (public-private partnerships) with key institutions, multilateral development institutions, as well as equity investments.
On agricultural infrastructure and food security, the emphasis is on the development of robust agricultural infrastructure networks. This encompasses the establishment of national food storage facilities, integrated irrigation systems, ranching for animal husbandry, and the enhancement of agricultural logistics and distribution.
On ports revitalization, the strategic thrust revolves around the rejuvenation of port facilities and associated infrastructure to streamline operations and enhance the ease of doing business. By modernizing port facilities and implementing advanced monitoring systems, the goal is to optimize efficiency, attract investments, and bolster Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub.
On aviation enhancement, the focus is on the revitalization and modernization of major airports nationwide. Through targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades, major airports will undergo comprehensive refurbishment, including improvement in terminal facilities, runway expansions, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
On road infrastructure, some of the strategic projects to receive attention include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the Sokoto-Badagry Road, among other key road projects across the nation. This is to enhance connectivity, facilitate transport efficiency, and stimulate economic growth across regions.
On rail infrastructure, Lagos-Kano and Eastern rail lines are among the projects to be prioritized by the Fund. The aim is to ensure the modernization of transportation networks, fostering interconnectivity between key urban centres, and facilitating the movement of goods and people with greater speed and reliability.
President Tinubu has also approved that the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) be absorbed into the new Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), which will successfully eliminate identified bureaucratic inefficiencies, enhance domestic and external counterpart funding opportunities, and expedite project delivery timelines for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
As the major infrastructural enabler of his global push for foreign direct investment across sectors, the President has further directed that the projects funded under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) reflect an equitable national spread, such that every Nigerian is impacted by the initiatives of his administration in the most qualitative fashion possible.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 25, 2024
The office of the National Security Advisers, ONSA, has confirmed the escape of the Binance regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla.
DAILY POST reports that Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, escaped from custody on March 22, 2024, from an Abuja guest house, where he and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, were detained for alleged tax evasion.
A statement issued by ONSA head of strategic communication, Zakari Mijinyawa, said Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport”.
Mijinyawa said the personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect has been arrested and investigation has begun.
“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport”.
“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Binance in reaction to the development said the safety of its Manager remains top priority.
The firm stressed that it is working with the Nigerian authorities to resolve the issue.
The Senate Committee on Nigerian Army has applauded the military and other security agencies over the successful rescue of the abducted pupils of LEA School, Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, said in a statement on Monday, that the rescue mission was swift and appropriately responsive in line with military rule of engagement, noting that it was a rare operation that stands the military and other security agents in the operation as best among equals.
Yar’adua, who represents Katsina Central in the 10th Senate, said the military, having worked with other security agents and local vigilantes, have nonetheless shown their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the country.
“It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we commend the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies for their swift and successful rescue operation that led to the safe return of kidnapped students of LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The heroic efforts of our gallant troops, working in conjunction with local authorities and government agencies, have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
“It is heartening to note that these rescued individuals have since been conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further care and necessary action, bringing hope and relief to their families and loved ones,” he said.
The lawmaker added that the abducted Almajiri in Gada Local Government Council of Sokoto State in the Northwest Nigeria have also been rescued, stressing that the lofty achievement of the military showed their unalloyed commitment to protecting the sanctity of the nation
“Furthermore, we must also acknowledge the recent rescue operation in Gada LGA of Sokoto State, where 16 pupils (Almajiris) and a woman were freed from captivity and handed over to the Sokoto State Government.
“These combined efforts underscore the unwavering resolve of our armed forces to locate and rescue all hostages, as well as bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.
“While we celebrate these victories, it is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by our military personnel, who are often overstretched in their duty to safeguard our nation. As a gesture of our utmost appreciation and support, we pledge to enhance legislative measures aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of our brave soldiers, as well as streamlining their operations for greater efficiency.
“The relentless dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces in the face of adversity are a testament to their unwavering commitment to our collective security and national well-being,” he said.
Presidential Election: 44-Year-Old Opposition Candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Opens Up Early Lead In Senegal
AFOLABI44-year-old opposition candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye has reportedly taken the lead in the ongoing Senegal Prsidential election.
Provisional results from individual polling stations published by local media and on social networks is showing that Faye has opened a commanding lead over the governing coalition’s candidate and former prime minister, Amadou Ba.
Some other candidates in the election have also started congratulating Faye ahead of official declarations, while the candidate’s supporters have gathered at his campaign headquarters in the capital Dakar late Sunday, singing and dancing to the sound of klaxons and drums.
Young people on motorbikes paraded the streets chanting “to the (presidential) palace”.
At least seven of the presidential contenders congratulated Faye in light of initial indications from the ongoing vote count.
“Congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his unquestionable victory,” the only woman candidate, Anta Babacar Ngom, posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Dethie Fall congratulated Faye “on his fine victory, clearly achieved in view of the very strong trends that are emerging”.
The ruling party is however not sharing the optimism of the opposition candidate and his supporters, saying in the worst case scenario, there would be a second round of voting.
Ba’s campaign management said that according to its experts, it was “certain to be, in the worst case scenario, in a second-round”.
It also accused Faye’s camp of attempted “manipulation”.
“It is not inevitable that Senegal will slide into a populist adventure,” the statement added.
The enthronement process of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land will commence on Tuesday, March 26.
This was confirmed by the Olubadan Advisory Council.
The revered throne became vacant on March 14, 2024, following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, who died aged 81 after ruling the ancient city for two years.
The meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council, in accordance with tradition, is billed to hold at the residence of the most Senior High Chief, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, former Oyo State governor, at his Bodija residence.
According to a source, the Olubadan Advisory Council will at the meeting nominate the successor to the late monarch, High Chief Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The traditional practice of nomination of a new Olubadan by the Advisory Council, according to the source, is usually done after the eighth-day Islamic prayers for the late monarch, which was held on Friday, March 22, 2024.
The source disclosed that soon after the nomination, a document of affirmation of Olakulehin’s nomination would be sent to Governor Seyi Makinde, through the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Two lines have historically, on a rotational basis, been producing the occupants of the Olubadan stool. They are the Otun Line (Civil Line) and the Balogun Line (Military Line).
The immediate-past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after two years on the throne, was produced by the Otun Line.
Popular singer, May D has reacted to claims of owing N11k.
He was called out over the weekend by a waitress for allegedly owing N11,000 balance for the food he bought.
A waitress @dblaqgoddess232 alleged the singer and friends came to the hotel where she works on January 12, 2024 for food and drinks which amounted to N56,000.
She claimed May D and friends left for a club that same day and didn’t arrive until the next day.
When it was time to reconcile account by 10 am the next day, she decided to contact the singer through a phone number offered by a friend still in the hotel.
The lady alleged that he had given her an offensive reply instead.
After much back and forth, he finally paid N45,000 with an outstanding balance of N11,000 since January.
She wrote: “My encounter with a celebrity as a waitress….Disclaimer: this isn’t clout chasing, I just want my money!!!
“So about two months ago Mr MayD and friends came to the hotel where I work to lodge, and I served them food and drinks, it was on Friday, 12 of Jan,2024….
“So after he had foods and drinks on Friday, they all went to the club and didn’t come back that same night, was so scared coz I would have been the one to pay if he ended up not paying, but one of his friends was still in the hotel so I was a bit assured I’ll get the money..
“Fast forward to the next day which was on Saturday 13th,of Jan 2024.
Our hotel rule is to do our sales account before 10am in the morning, so I got his contact from his friend who was in the hotel to reach out to him so I can get the money and his response was totally offensive.
“Still I kept my cool coz I wouldn’t want to get blocked and end up paying for money I didn’t owe, which I still did coz he only sent part of his payment and I had to cover up the balance of 11k with my salary at the end of the month…”
After being dragged online by the waitress and some other netizens on X, May D took to the platform to break his silence on the allegations.
He acknowledged owing the money and noted that he should be left alone because he is broke.
He asked the lady to send her account number to him and wait for the end of the month for the balance.
Mr May D wrote: “You people should leave me alone I’m broke , she should send her acvount , I’ll pay her at the end of the month when I collect salary from my Oga .. 11k Abi”
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has approved the appointment of 168 assistants and 104 board members for the 15 agencies and commissions of the state.
This is according to a statement issued by the Secretary to the state government, Bukar Tijjani, on Monday, in Maiduguri.
He said the appointees comprised nine senior technical assistants (STA), 81 senior special assistants (SSAs), and 78 special assistants (SAs).
The SSG also listed the 104 others as chairmen and board members of 15 agencies and commissions.
The appointment, Mr Tijjani said, was done based on powers conferred on the governor by the provisions of Section 208(2)d of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
“The governor congratulates the appointees and looks forward to their contributions to the development of Borno,” he said.
(NAN)
Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the executives from Binance detained in Nigeria on allegations of tax evasion and other offenses, has reportedly escape from custody.
Anjarwalla, aged 38, allegedly fled from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were being held, purportedly taking advantage of a moment during Ramadan prayers when guards escorted him.
Despite his British passport remaining under the control of Nigerian authorities, he is believed to have exited the country using a Kenyan passport, Premium Times reported.
Authorities are currently working diligently to determine his intended destination and take steps to apprehend him.
The detention of Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, unfolded after their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2024.
They were promptly subjected to criminal charges, including alleged tax-related offenses, leading to their remand by a local court.
In a separate legal maneuver, the Nigerian government brought forth additional charges against Binance Holdings Limited and the two executives, accusing them of conducting operations without the requisite registration and tax compliance.
This development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s intensified efforts to combat financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing.
Binance, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange platform, has found itself at the center of this crackdown.
The Nigerian government alleges that over $21.6 billion in transactions on Binance involved individuals whose identities were shielded, pointing to potential illicit activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and market manipulation.
These activities, according to Nigerian authorities, have had adverse effects on the nation’s economy, contributing to currency fluctuations and undermining the value of the Naira.
The detention of Binance executives in Nigeria follows closely on the heels of the platform’s settlement of criminal money laundering charges in the United States.
Binance’s founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, entered a guilty plea and agreed to resign from his position.
Zhao’s criminal trial, which is linked to the charges brought by the US Department of Justice, has been postponed to April 30.
More...
[PRESS RELEASE] Federal Government Committed to Building Enduring Road Infrastructure at Lowest Possible Cost, Commended by Leaders Across Political Divide for Historic Infrastructural Transformation
Admin-As Honourable Minister of Works Saves for the Country Over N300 Billion on the Design of the Onitsha Axis of the Second Niger Bridge Bypass Done by the Past Administration
1. As part of efforts to secure the future of Nigeria and guarantee her progressive march to economic prosperity, the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has expressed its commitment in building everlasting road infrastructure with the most effective design at the lowest possible cost. This assurance was made by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON during his inspection visit to the rehabilitation of Enugu- Port Harcourt dual carriageway section IV (Aba-Port Harcourt) handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd( CCECC) on Sunday, 24th March 2024. The Honourable Minister who was accompanied by a member of the Senate Commitee on Works and Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, and other leaders across political divide from South East said that some of the ideals in the Renewed Hope mantra under his Ministry include design and cost effectiveness, speed and standard of job delivery as well as innovations that would guarantee zero maintenance and durability of road infrastructure in Nigeria. He urged contractors to always consider the sufferings of the road users as they set up their work plans.
2. The Honourable Minister also enjoined contractors to ensure that the roads they are working are made passable for commuters during the rainy season. He thanked Mr. President for the enablement to change the narrative of the road infrastructure in Nigeria. On the section being handled by CCECC, he directed, "We will not accept anything less than two to three sections working. And I've given seven days for this particular lane, that is, the upper bound lane to be totally repaired, to ameliorate the sufferings of the commuters. I feel for them very highly. When you go through this road, you now need to take a number of painkillers. It's not desirable. So I'm begging CCECC, the controller, and engineers to do everything possible in the next seven days and create a smooth sail on this right-hand side." He further said, " I want to thank Mr. President, so much. He has done a lot in our road infrastructure. He's a man who wants all the roads to be completed as soon as possible. But let me assure him that I'm doing the best that I can with the fear of God and with commitment to his Renewed Hope agenda, which we all embraced. He continued, "And just only two days back, with these leaders, we went to Asaba to look at the design of the bypass of the second Niger bridge, and we went to Onitsha. And by that singular movement, we saw that the design was defective and we agreed on a new kind of design. That was how we saved the country over N300 billion by that singular movement to that location."
3. The Honourable Minister who also visited the Upgrading of the 15km section of the East-West road section III: (Port Harcourt - Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State) handled by RCC, the rehabilitation of Enugu- Port Harcourt Expressway Section 3, Enugu- Lokpanta handled by CGC and the rehabilitation work at the collapsed bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge near NNPC mega fillings station Enugu Capital City, Enugu State, expressed satisfaction with the job being done but charged contractors to step up their pace to cover a milestone ahead of the rainy season. He said of the project along Eleme refinery road, " We are upgrading the 15km road between Eleme flyover to Onne junction. We are starting with excavation to fill all the failed sections to make them stable. And when we get to where stable, we build up the boulders. After boulders, we put up sharp sand, and after the sharp sand, we compact. After the compaction, we put the first layer of stone base, 20cm first layer that will build up against another 10cm of stone base, we compact. After compacting, we leave it out for the traffic. So that it gets maximum compaction. After that, we put 10 cm with 5% cement to stabilize it and make it very strong. That will make the road very stable and it will last for a long time. "
4. The stakeholders from South East, who accompanied the Honourable Minister, thanked Mr. President for appointing a round peg in a round hole and for taking a bold and reassuring step to recover the economy of the country. They enjoined Nigerians to continue to have faith in the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi, who is also the Deputy Chairman Public Accounts and member, Works Commitee of the 10th Senate said, "This is what we were lacking before, like he said here, he is not an office Minister. He moves from site to site to ensure that the jobs are done according to specification. That is what we want in this country, and I want to commend Mr. President for finding him worthy. This is the very first time an expert is leading this ministry, and I want to assure Nigerians that very soon, they will see the difference in all our projects." The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON said, "I want to remind you that the day the Honourable Minister took oath of office, he had a reception and I chaired it and I reassured Nigerians that he would exceed their expectations. I think this trip is a follow-up to that assurance to satisfy myself that he's actually exceeding expectations. And I can tell you that it's amazing. His passion, his expertise impacts the design, the quality, the speed, the durability, and, in fact, impacts the style of project implementation. And for the two days we've been on the road, it's been like never before. And I want to say that I am proud that he is exceeding expectations. And I want to say that I have been vindicated that the President did not make any mistake. Again, I want to reemphasize, like my brother, there is a case of square peg in a square hole. Thank you, Mr. President." The former National Publicity Secretary of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said, "I want to state clearly, publicly what I have seen in the past two days. In the last two days, I have witnessed things that I never knew were possible on the issue of road construction in Nigeria, especially on these roads. I've gone with the Honorable Minister. I have seen, I've been satisfied. I feel that it is a question of a round peg in a round hole. Our request, Mr. President, is that the hope is real, and as long as the Minister is in charge, he's being supported, he's being funded, Mr. President is going to write his name in gold in the annals of our history for generations to come. This will be a reference point about what he has done on our roads in the entire country. It's a legacy project for Nigerians. I want to state that the most important thing is not only the quality of the roads that we have seen but the fact that it's being done with the lowest amount of money. What the Honourable Minister is saving the country, saving from the budget, saving the Nation on the instruction of Mr. President is unquantifiable. This is democracy in action. Mr. President, thank you so much. We thank Mr. President and we thank you, Mr. Honourable Minister."
Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works
The crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, took a dangerous dimension last week, with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, picketing the party’s national secretariat and some of its state offices.
There are also indications that the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and his supporters known as Obidients have abandoned the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure to his fate.
This is not unconnected to the internal crisis that has been rocking the party structure since the 2023 general elections was concluded.
After a series of legal battles with the factional chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa, Abure has been in the news over alleged financial impropriety and other disturbing issues.
Abure’s unending alleged financial scandals
DAILY POST recalls that Peter Obi in February 2024, called for a thorough and forensic investigation into an embezzlement allegation levelled against the party’s chairman, Abure.
The call by the former Anambra Governor was in response to allegations earlier made by Oluchi Oparah, the national treasurer of the party, accusing Abure of allegedly misappropriating N3.5 billion.
Oparah also alleged that the Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, was working hand-in-hand with the Edo State Government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the September 2024 governorship polls.
Similarly, in a letter signed by Comrades TItus Amba and Chris Uyot, the chairman and the secretary of NLC Political Commission, the party expressed concerns over recurrent scandals and pending cases of fraud.
Labour Party administration under Abure
Abure was recently accused by some stakeholders of the party, including the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, of running the LP as a “sole administrator.”
DAILY POST recalls that the Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Dr Theophilus Ndubuaku, who spoke when the workers occupied the Labour Party headquarters in Abuja recently, said the decision to picket the party’s headquarters was taken to express workers’ grievances against Abure’s style of leadership.
He said, ”Now, it is in the hands of this usurper, he is looking for N30 million, N40 million, and so on to buy forms, excluding the people who founded the party. Enough is enough, Abure must go,” said the acting General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Bello Ismail on the cost of governorship interest and nomination forms.
Similarly, in a letter issued by Comrades TItus Amba and Chris Uyot, the chairman and secretary of NLC Political Commission, respectively, the union also knocked Abure for not being committed to the ideology of the Labour Party.
Controversial national convention
The embattled LP Chairman was in the news recently again over his alleged plan to hold National Convention without due processes.
DAILY POST reports that the Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, was accused of planning to hold the national convention of the party in Umuahia, Abia State capital on March 27.
The planned convention was captured in a notice issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on March 13.
The move was, however, rejected by critical stakeholders, such as the House of Reps Caucus and the NLC, leading to the recent picketing of the party’s secretariat last week.
Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission – the political wing of the NLC, had in an open letter dated March 15, condemned the planned convention.
While demanding for the immediate resignation of Abure, the commission described the plan as illegal, noting that it would not allow any form of illegality in the affairs of the party to stand.
A source who spoke to DAILY POST on Saturday on condition of anonymity, alleged that Abure’s intention was to impose leadership on the party.
He said major stakeholders in that party were against the March convention, stressing that the party needs more time to select its leaders.
“Everybody in the party including our leader, Peter Obi is tired of Abure’s leadership. If we are not in court today, we will be in the news for one allegation or the other.
“The time we need to use to prepare for elections like the ones coming up in Edo and Ondo is used in settling disputes.
“Abure knows that everyone wants him out and the next thing he wants to do to remain relevant in the party is to impose a chairman on the party.
“How can you be talking about conventions and stakeholders of the same party are not even aware? The Labour Party is not Abure’s personal company”, he said.
Search for new chairman begins
DAILY POST gathered on Saturday that a former Deputy National Campaign Manager to Peter Obi/Dati Presidential Campaign, Comrade Isaac Balami from the Northern region may take over from Abure.
An insider told DAILY POST that some party leaderships and chieftains have had a meeting and suggested Balami as the next National Chairman of the party.
When contacted, Balami told our correspondent on the phone that he was “under pressure to run for the chairmanship of the party”, but that there are issues on ground still stopping his declaration.
According to him, he doesn’t even know whether the convention will be held as scheduled as “there are forces fighting against the unity and progress of the party”.
“But then, I can’t refuse or turn down a request coming directly from the youth constituency of the party.
“You know they were instrumental to the change in the political narrative and advancement of the Labour Party in the last election, so we can’t joke with their position.
“I truly appreciate their commitment to the success of our party and I won’t take their call for granted.
”In a couple of hours, we shall make our final decision on this matter.”
DAILY POST reports that the former All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain had prior to the 2023 general elections, dumped his party for the LP, saying he believed in the ideology of the party and its candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the convention, Dr Yunusa Salisu Tanko, Chief Spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election, told DAILY POST on Saturday that Abure failed to carry the stakeholders of the party along in the planned convention.
He said, “all we want is for us to build a political party we all will be proud of. A part that will represent the interest of everybody.
“We have all that it takes to build the structure of the party. That is the best thing that can happen to us as a party.
“We don’t want a closed convention like the Chairman is trying to have. Because it is likely going to be a closed convention instead of an open convention and that is not good for us.
“Many people did not even know that there was going to be a convention. I was not aware of the convention too. I saw it in the newspaper just like any other person.
“This is what NLC is also saying. Nobody is against any particular person but for us to have a convention that all of us will be proud of. Peter Obi has also said that the convention should be open for everybody.”
Asked to clarify the viral report purporting Peter Obi’s decision to dump the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, Tanko simply said, “It is not true. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing like that”.
The National Hajj Commission has requested 2024 intending pilgrims to pay an additional N1,918 million amid Naira fluctuation against US dollar.
The Commission disclosed this in an update released through its official X handle on Sunday, noting that intending pilgrims should pay up the additional cost before 11:59 pm, 28th March, 2024.
Recall that the Commission had earlier pegged the fare for Hajj at about 4.9 million depending on the departure zone as approved by the government.
However, according to the NAHCON, the revaluation of the Naira against the US dollar in the foreign exchange market resulted in additional costs.
The Commission added that 6,441 intending pilgrims had made the initial payment and were advised to visit their state pilgrims boards to confirm their status.
The states included Bauchi, which had the highest figure of 2,290, followed by Adamawa(1,767). Thirdly, Edo(265) and others made up the total number of 6,441.
With the latest update, intended pilgrims will pay N6,818 million for the 2024 hajj, depending on the location.
“It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict timeline. As for the 2024 Haj, the preparatory timeline released by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing. NAHCON endeavoured to adhere to the schedule outlined by the Ministry.
“However, non-to-late remittances of Hajj fare by those concerned necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts, with the final being 12th February 2024. Recall that on 31st December 2023, Naira was still at N897:00 to a Dollar at the banks. These shifts, unfortunately, pushed the Haj fare collection deadline to fall after the harmonization of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge.
“What the harmonization meant in the Hajj fare equation was that in the face of global financial challenges, coupled with the new forex policy.
“Nigerian pilgrims would now be saddled with an unexpected increase in Hajj cost, despite having already paid the fixed fare of about N4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by the government.
“The Federal Government saw the wisdom in deliberately intervening on behalf of the Nigerian intending pilgrims through various strategies, including persuading cost reductions.
“Unfortunately, the interventions could not cover the entire number that had met the final registration deadline. This had remained the Commission’s dilemma. To make matters worse, about 50,000 pilgrims under the Public Quota have now paid the hitherto announced fare of about N4.9 million, and their payments are currently under the custody of the Commission.
“Considering the urgency of the situation, NAHCON was forced to explore various options, including encouraging State Governments and affluent individuals to intervene on behalf of their pilgrims. This window remains open.
“This will complement the intervention of the Federal Government that went the extra mile to support the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in discharging their religious obligation. Commendably, the government’s policy focus on bringing down the exchange rate has boosted the Hajj fare reduction.
“The good news now is that with Naira having appreciated to N1,474.00 to a Dollar over the preceding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON’s desire to ensure equitable spread because of the Federal Government’s intervention to all the already registered pilgrims whose payments have been received, the Commission resolved that each pilgrim would now have to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 by the current foreign exchange rate.
“Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are, by this release, advised to proceed and pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024. The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March, and no other payment will be accommodated after.
“Affected pilgrims are advised to visit their respective state pilgrims boards to confirm their status”, NAHCON stated.
The Nigerian Federal Government announced that applicants of its N50,000 Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme for citizens across the 774 local government areas should watch out for SMS to link applications with the National Identity Number.
The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this in a notice she posted through her official X account on Sunday.
The Minister stressed that the applicant’s NIN must tally, without which there will be no processing in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s NIN- Account number linkage requirement.
“The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment thanks all applicants for their interest in the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme and assures that applications are being thoroughly processed.
“Due to new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria, applicants are now required to link their national identification numbers (NIN) with their bank accounts. We currently do not have a record of the NINs of those who applied. Therefore all applicants will receive an SMS from ‘FGGRANTLOAN’ With instructions to submit this information via a
secure link.
“This step is essential for the continuation of the application process. Only verified applicants will receive this notification, and NINs must match the applicant’s name for the process to proceed.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation, and we will keep you updated on your application’s progress. Thank you for your participation and contribution to national growth”, the statement reads.
The scheme, which was expected to commence on March 9, 2024, would offer financial grants, without repayment obligations, to eligible small business owners in Nigeria.