Latest News
President Bola Tinubu says the increase in petrol price is a “bold and unprecedented decision” necessary for Nigeria’s growth.
Tinubu spoke on Friday at a meeting with Nigerians in Beijing, China, after rounding off his official engagements in the country.
In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu said the petrol price hike and other reforms by his administration are part of an overall strategy to set Nigeria on the path of economic growth.
“Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices,” the president was quoted as saying.
“But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?
“What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?
“So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people.
“The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development.’’
On September 3, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited increased the pump price of petrol to N855 across its retail outlets amid long queues at filling stations.
The development followed a protracted scarcity which has strained business activities nationwide.
Media reports attributed the price adjustment to a directive of the federal government asking the NNPC to sell at N1,000 but Heineken Lokpobiri, minister for petroleum resources (oil), said the ministry never gave the national oil company such a directive.
Tinubu said while it is not always easy to have a national consensus on issues, he is ready to take the hard decisions to move the nation forward.
“One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hand to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that. We are focused, and I have a very good team,” the president said.
Tinubu added that he is committed to replicating China’s infrastructure in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that it has not prohibited students under 18 from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made the clarification in Abuja on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day, ILD.
Recall that Education Minister Tahir Mamman had on August 25th said the Federal Government instructed the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, and the National Examinations Council, NECO, not to allow underage children to write their examinations.
But Sununu said that the public misconception and misinterpretation of what was said by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, was highly disappointing.
He said that the minister was actually speaking on the 18 years entry age into the tertiary institutions as was practiced in the 6:3:3:4 system of education.
“We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working and we are also working.
“It was shocking to say that a university in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11 and 12 years. This is totally wrong.
“We are not saying that there are no exceptions, we know we can have talented students that have the IQ of an adult even at age 6 and 7, but these are very few.
“There must be a rule, and the ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child, so that parents don’t say we are blocking their children’s chances.
“Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” NAN quoted him as saying.
As hardship in Nigeria has increased since President Bola Tinubu took office, Senior Pastor Adewale Giwa of Awaiting The Second Coming of Christ Ministry has cautioned Nigerians that Tinubu is not the Messiah they are hoping for.
Since Tinubu assumed office, Nigerians have been lamenting over the rate of hunger and increased prices of items due to policies of his administration.
The current economic downturn in Nigeria has been traced to Tinubu’s announcement to end the fuel subsidy regime.
Speaking during his inaugural speech in Abuja on May 29, 2023, Tinubu had said fuel subsidy regime was “gone”.
Lamenting over the current situation, Pastor Giwa, in a statement, said: “Tinubu is not the Messiah Nigerians are expecting, he is not the one God wants to use in solving the crisis of Nigerians.
“Nigerians should not rejoice over Tinubu’s presidency because there will be no way out, the solution to insecurity and economy is not with Tinubu.
“Under Tinubu, everything will be destroyed and Nigeria will disintegrate if Tinubu is sworn in after Buhari’s tenure. This is why Tinubu should return the certificate of return back to INEC.”
The clergyman likened Tinubu to the Bibilical Abimeleck who was the “son of Gideon in the book of Judges 9 who forced himself to become the King of Shechem after killing 70 of his brothers, yet there was no peace within three years of his reign”.
He added: “I’m certain that Tinubu is not the Messiah that will lead us to the Canaan land, no good thing will come out of his administration, he has no plans to return Nigerians to God.”
The local currency's decline worsened yesterday, with the naira falling to N1,639.41 per dollar at the official exchange rate.
The figure yesterday indicated a whooping loss of N34 after the dollar exchanged for N1,606 the previous day, according to the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) rate.
Also the black market rate also dipped yesterday as the naira lost N5 against the dollar, exchanging at N1,645/$1, as against N1,640 the previous day.
The Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
They also urged him not further worsen the pains with the hike in petrol price across the nation.
The YCE, in a statement by its General Secretary, Oladipo Oyewole, said though it was hopeful that there will be a positive turnaround in the country, “there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land.”
The statement reads;
“The YCE remains hopeful that Nigeria will have a turnaround. However, going by scanty information available on Government pursuits and activities, there is, presently, a lot of suffering in the land. Be that as it may, we of YCE stand on our strong position that the interest of the masses to live a good life should be given full attention.
Without regular supply of electricity and with the official announcement of an increase in the price of Petroleum Products (PMS), the current hardship cannot but be increased in daily living by Nigerians. The Federal Government ought to immediately pursue every avenue to make available to our people, the dividends of democracy. Not through the distribution of palliatives (that does not seem to filter to the bottom) but by putting in place avenues to enhance proper/quality living through effective governance administration.
Every Nigerian should be entitled to enjoy our common resources. Indeed, Nigerians are suffering deeply at this time, no light, no fuel, no food. Mr President should, without delay, revisit his drawing board to attend to the short-term needs of Nigerians (the immediate needs of the people) whilst pursuing the long-term vision of making Nigeria a better place for growth and development
As Elders, YCE wants immediate succour for the people to boost the welfare of Nigerians so that all can live in comfort and harmony
As far as this Elders Council is concerned a lot of administrative work by government is (absolutely) required for the masses of this country to live, stay alive as respectable and responsible people. The state of this nation today is a pill that has a bitter taste.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu should do something quickly to ensure proper steering of its intentions to establish and install better governance in Nigeria.
Infact, the Presidency should doall possible to alleviate the suffering of all Nigerians immediately and without delay.”
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved a work-from-home arrangement for civil servants in the state.
The arrangement is aimed at further cushioning the effect of the current economic situation on workers in the state.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, under the new arrangement, officers on levels 01-07 will work from home three days a week.
Also, officers on levels 08-12 are to work from home two days a week, while officers on levels 13-17 will work from home once a week.
The new arrangement, which commences on Monday, September 9, 2024, excludes essential workers like teachers, core health workers in hospitals, and security personnel, among others.
According to the governor’s directive, each MDA is expected to produce a workable schedule for staff to ensure that the new work-from-home arrangement does not jeopardize effective service delivery.
The arrangement will be in place for a period of two months and is subject to periodic review in line with prevailing circumstances.
Also, the arrangement does not affect other palliative measures put in place by the state government, including the monthly wage award for workers and pensioners, and the free bus service for workers and students.
The Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji-led administration is committed to workers’ welfare and will continue to implement necessary measures to enhance their productivity.
[DailyPost]
The federal government has flagged off the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to public servants with duly registered National Identification Number (NIN) to curb racketeering. The move is parts of efforts to crash the prices of food in Nigerian markets.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented at the flag off by Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and food security, said the intervention will be sold strictly “one man to one bag or one woman to one bag”.
He said the rice — which is to be sold at a flat rate of N40,000 naira only for 50kg — is the federal government intervention for the sales of subsidised milled rice to ameliorate the prevailing food crises in Nigeria.
“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” he said.
“As one of the numerous efforts of the present administration to cushion the effect of high cost of food commodities, kindly join me to applaud the immense efforts of the present administration such as the release of 42,000MT of Assorted Food Commodities (AFC) to vulnerable and the 30,000MT of milled rice which is being flagged-off for sales to Nigerians today 5th September, 2024.”
The minister blamed COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, climate change amidst other localized factors/challenges for the high cost of food prices.
“This has led to increase concern and risk of food insecurity and general decline in the standard of living globally. I therefore urge us to understand that the present challenges are not peculiar to our great country,” he said.
He added that the federal government being aware of the potential challenges associated with the sales of an important staple such as rice, at this critical period has deployed a multi-disciplinary machinery of Government, as well put in place certain processes and conditions to ensure the transparency, wider reach and success of this exercise.
“This includes one man one 50kg of rice, others are the verification of intending beneficiaries using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to forestall multiple access to this food commodity by fraudulent individuals at the detriment of other citizens,” he said.
He implored citizens to cooperate with the relevant citizens to achieve the initiative.
“Let us work together to ensure that the dream of the present administration to upheld the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved. It is expected that with the injection 30,000MT (1000 trucks of 30MT each of this important staple into Nigeria food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives.”
He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and be patient with Mr. President as his numerous efforts to enhance Food security will soon begin to pay off.
The director, food and strategic reserve of the ministry, Haruna Sule Abutu outlined the procedure to buy the subsidised rice.
“To qualify for the one person one bag, you must have National Identification Number, of course you have phone numbers and those in public service are all registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) platform,” he said.
“Once you have any of these three, at the point of sale, with the NIN logged into the system, a code number and a Treasury receipt will be generated, and with that the buyer can get to the collection center and pick up his bag. The receipt will indicate, time and point of collection to eliminate stampede.”
[BusinessDay]
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Arthur Esene and Anselm Ojezua, to disqualify the party’s candidate for the upcoming September 21 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo.
In the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/863/2024, Esene and Ojezua had urged the Court of Appeal to overturn the April 17 judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which dismissed their suit as “statute barred.”
Justice Omotosho had previously ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove their claim that Ighodalo had forged his voter’s card. He also noted that “non-possession of a voter’s card did not constitute a disqualifying factor under the Constitution and the Electoral Act” to bar a candidate from contesting an election.
In the lead judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Hamma Barka upheld Justice Omotosho’s decision and affirmed that the suit filed by Ojezua and others was “filed out of time and statute barred.”
Justice Barka concurred with the Federal High Court’s finding that the appellants “failed to establish their claim” that Ighodalo forged his voter’s card.
He further observed that the suit lacked merit, based on the flawed assumption that “non-possession of a voter’s card constitutes a ground to disqualify a candidate from contesting an election.”
Justice Barka highlighted that the appellants did not contest the trial court’s findings that Ighodalo had applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the transfer of his registration from Lagos State to Edo State, and that INEC had issued a voter’s card to Ighodalo.
Consequently, Justice Barka struck out the appeal for being without merit and awarded costs of N3 million against the appellants and in favor of Ighodalo, PDP, and INEC.
Justices Usman Musale and Okon Abang, who were also on the panel, concurred with the lead judgment.
Details later…
[Tribune]
The first ballots for the US election were slated to go out to voters Friday, two months ahead of what looks set to be a photo finish between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
The closely fought battleground state of North Carolina was expected to distribute around 130,000 absentee voting slips, with a presidential debate — the next likely campaign inflection point — set for next week.
Early in-person voting will start as soon as September 20 in some states.
North Carolina is among a handful of swing states that Harris and Trump have been crisscrossing as they embark on the most intense phase of a White House race expected to be decided by razor-thin margins.
Harris’s entry into the contest six weeks ago turbocharged enthusiasm among Democrats, who had been despondent about President Joe Biden’s chances of stopping Republican Trump from re-entering the White House.
Her team announced Friday that it raised $361 million in August, the largest monthly haul of the cycle and nearly triple the Trump team’s figure.
“In just a short time, Vice President Harris’s candidacy has galvanized a history-making, broad, and diverse coalition — with the type of enthusiasm, energy, and grit that wins close elections,” said campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez.
“As we enter the final stretch of this election, we’re making sure every hard-earned dollar goes to winning over the voters who will decide this election.”
– ‘Honeymoon’ –
Harris’s ascent to the top of the ticket has tilted the races for the White House, Senate and House of Representatives in the direction of Democrats, though all three fights remain close.
While Trump has seen the leads he built over Biden evaporate, his campaign still sees several possible paths to victory and believes it has more support on key election issues like the economy, immigration and crime.
Trump’s aides argue that Harris’s “honeymoon” with voters has overstated support that is beginning to erode as her policy views come into focus.
Harris is up 1.8 percent in head-to-head nationwide polling, according to aggregator RealClearPolitics.
The polls that really count — in the crucial swing states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina — show an even tighter race, with Harris up 0.2 percent overall, a statistical dead heat.
The plan in North Carolina was to begin mailing out voting slips first thing, but a judge ordered a halt until at least midday to give Robert F. Kennedy Jr time to appeal a ruling refusing to take his name off the ballot following his late withdrawal from the race.
– ‘Save our country’ –
The independent candidate sued the North Carolina election board after its Democratic members denied his request to be removed, deeming the task of reprinting and distributing voting slips impractical at such a late stage.
Kennedy’s exit was a reminder of how rapidly events could change the calculus in the campaign.
His support has fallen away precipitously — from 13.8 percent in July to five percent when he dropped out, according to RealClearPolitics — but even a few hundred of his supporters could swing an election in a close state.
Other wrinkles on the path to November 5 include Trump’s 34-felony hush money conviction in New York, which is likely to charge back into the headlines with his much-delayed sentencing scheduled for September 18.
The first — and perhaps only — debate between Harris and Trump is the next big landmark, set for Tuesday on ABC News.
Trump — who has consistently opposed mail-in voting — posted a short video on TikTok urging Americans to send him back to the White House, “whether it’s mail-in ballots, early voting, or voting on Election Day.”
He was due to address an influential police union in North Carolina on Friday, and then hold a rally on Saturday in Wisconsin.
“We’ve got to save our country, we’re the only ones that are going to save it. That other group of people, they’re going to destroy our country. We can’t let that happen,” he said.
![[PRESS RELEASE] PMS Prices are Determined by Free Market Forces - NNPC Ltd](/media/k2/items/cache/8c23c447e7f2aef6c06bd8bc5fab3854_S.jpg?t=20240906_021948)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has stated that foreign exchange (forex) illiquidity has been a significant factor influencing the fluctuation in prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which are governed by unrestricted free market forces, as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Speaking on TVC News' “Journalists' Hangout” show on Thursday, the Executive Vice President of Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Adedapo Segun explained that the current fuel scarcity was expected to “subside in a few days as more stations recalibrate and begin selling PMS.”
He said Section 205 of the PIA, which established NNPC Ltd, stipulated that petroleum prices were determined by unrestricted free market forces.
According to him, “The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices.”
On the commencement of lifting PMS from the Dangote Refinery, Segun said that the NNPC Ltd was awaiting the September 15th timeline provided by the refinery.
Segun, who said no right-thinking individual would be comfortable with the current fuel scarcity, added that the NNPC Ltd had nearly a thousand filling stations nationwide and was collaborating with marketers to “ensure that stations open early, close late, in order to maintain adequate fuel supply to meet the needs of Nigerians.”
He assured Nigerians: “We are also engaging relevant authorities to ensure products diversions are prevented and timely deliveries to all stations are ensured. The scarcity should ease in the next few days as more stations recalibrate and begin operations.”
Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
More...
…Says govt to take full responsibility for music legend’s upkeep
….Ejeagha: Mbah honoured me, prepared ground for Gwo gwo gwo ngwo trend
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday, commissioned four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, in Enugu metropolis, among them the Mike Ejeagha Crescent where the music legend lives and the adjoining, popular Obinagu Road, which he renamed him.
Other roads commissioned were Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road, and Nkpor Street.
Mbah, who also used the occasion to visit Ejeagha at his residence, announced that the government would henceforth take full responsibility for his upkeep, describing him as a living legend.
“Recall that when you gave us your mandate, we told you that you had kept your own part of the deal and that the burden had downshifted to us to fulfill our own part of the social contract.
“Recall further that we made a firm pledge that all the roads in the urban areas in Enugu must be paved.
“Recall also that last year,n we awarded 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads. Those 71 urban roads had since been completed, but some of the roads we are commissioning today are not part of those 71 roads.
“In the course of constructing or reconstructing those 71 roads, we identified, in January, some roads, which were not initially captured, hence needed to be treated as an emergency.
“So, we are commissioning four roads here today and all those roads are quite significant.
“But one of those roads stands out. It is the road that leads to the home of one of our great legends and icons.
“We have always told people that Enugu State is the home of legends. It is not just sporting legends. We also have the music icons. And we have one man, Mike Ejeagha, who, through his folk songs, have largely brought memories of years gone by to our doorsteps. He is a man who reminds us of our golden heritage as a people.
“When we talked about Enugu as being the centre of art and culture, this is a man, who brought Enugu to that epicentre. So, we are here to celebrate him while he is still living with us.
“So, in honour of him, this Obinagu Road, the entire stretch of the road leading to his home, is named after him and will now be known as Mike Ejeagha Road,” he stated.
Mbah, however, stressed the commissioned roads here was only the beginning of a new era for road infrastructure across Enugu State.
“We want to assure residents of Abakpa and Enugu State that we are not done yet. If you have followed our events, you would have noticed that recently, we also awarded contracts for the construction of 141 roads and 20 rural roads. And I can also tell you that Abakpa is not left out.
“Very soon, we will commence the dualisation of Penocks junction on the Enugu-Onitsha all the way to Opi-Nsukka. That contract has been awarded and work will soon commence.
“I want to assure you that the commitment we made to serve you with every fibre of our being can never be lost on us. We are going to work for you with everything we have,” the governor concluded.
Earlier in their remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, assured the governor and residents that the roads were constructed with durability and convenience of road users in mind.
“The typical road cross section of Obinagu Road and Mike Ejeagha Crescent comprise 300 to 600mm-thick sub-grade, 150mm-thick sub-base, 150mm-thick stone base course, 50mm-thick asphalt wearing course, and 600 by 600 to 900 by 900 reinforced concrete drainages and culvert,” he stated.
Meanwhile, receiving the governor at his residence, Ejeagha, who spoke through his son, Emma Ejeagha, and daughter, Elizabeth Ugwu (Nee Ejeagha), said that Mbah had honoured him beyond his lifetime.
“Previous governments made promises, however nothing happened. But Mbah never made any promise to us. We only woke up and heavy equipment were all over the place. And like a dream, we have brand new roads. Not long after, Gwo gwo gwo ngwo started trending,” Emma Ejeagha stated.
Also, elated residents, who turned out in their numbers, commended the governor for the roads, noting that the Infrastructure would impact their businesses and lives positively.
Mbah equally did some Gwo gwo gwo ngwo dance steps to the delight of residents.
...As Ekiti Hosts Inaugural Meeting of Security Advisers of neighboring States
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday took a significant step towards enhancing regional security by convening a meeting of special advisers on security from Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, and Osun States.
The initiative aims at strengthening the security architecture of the states who share boundaries and ensuring the protection of lives and properties within their borders.
The meeting, held at the Bawa Lodge at the Ekiti State Government House, was chaired by the Special Adviser on Security to Ekiti State Governor, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd).
Attendees included Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security, Ondo State; Commander Jerry Omodara, Kogi State; Brigadier Samuel Ojo (Rtd.), Osun State; and Brigadier General S.T. Bello, Kwara State, with Dr Adetunberu Oludotun, Director General Jomeland Security, Ekiti State as Secretary.
In his remarks, Gen. Ogundana emphasized that the meeting was convened at the directive of Governor Oyebanji in response to rising trans-border insecurity. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among the neighboring states, particularly in tackling inter-border crimes, where criminals evade prosecution by crossing state lines.
Gen Ogundana stressed that intelligence-sharing would be key in controlling such criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.
The retired General stated further that the inaugural meeting marked the beginning of massive collaboration among the states, adding that future meetings would involve local governments in the border areas in order to enhance cooperation among security personnel.
He also noted that security efforts were being intensified across Ekiti, including farm settlements, to encourage farmers to return to their businesses without fear. This, he said is to enhance food security.
“We are committed to ensuring peace across Ekiti State and in all our neighboring states”, Ogundana assured, stressing that improved security climate is a driver for increased investment, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“Without adequate security, there will be no investment, and we have seen big-time agro investors showing interest in Ekiti.”
Ogundana also addressed the recent food insecurity challenges, expressing hope that such issues would not recur this year due to proactive measures taken by the state, including resolving disputes between herdsmen and farmers.
He urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear of being kidnapped, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring a conducive environment for investors.
The meeting is set to continue periodically, with further discussions held virtually as needed, to stay ahead of potential security threats.
Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), says Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), should arrest Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), over a comment credited to him.
While speaking at a congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers state in August, Wike said he would “put fire” in the states of governors siding with Siminalayi Fubara, the governor.
Wike and Siminalayi have been at loggerheads over issues concerning Rivers.
The rift between both politicians has created two factions in the Rivers house of assembly — with each camp electing a speaker loyal to the minister and the governor.
In an open letter addressed to Egbetokun entitled ‘Arrest Wike Now With a Warrant of Arrest’, the elder statesman said Wike “has gone overboard in his macabre dance”.
“As we lawyers say, nobody is above the law and the law must take its course,” he said.
“If you could in the past arrest Omoyele Sowore for similar or less implicating threats against public peace and public officials, if you are right now leading prosecution in law courts against people who participated in ‘End Bad Governance’ protest, what are you waiting to act in this case of Wike?
“My dear IG, at well over 97 years of age, and having held various positions in government including being a Minister over 50 years ago, I am shocked that a public officer who is an appointee of a serving President can descend to this level.
“When we worked under Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, in the Federal Executive Council, the code of conduct which we were expected to keep especially as it pertained to being instruments of public order was at the highest level.
“There is nothing that Wike has not done in his attempt to sabotage the government of Siminalayi Fubara and install the former speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, his brother, as Governor.
“But all have failed.”
Clark said Wike should not be allowed to change the rules of the party arbitrarily because of his feud with Fubara who is the leader of the PDP in Rivers.
The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria, effective from August 2024. This measure aims to address rising food costs and improve inmate welfare.
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the increase during an interview with PUNCH Online on Thursday.
He described it as the “first phase” of a broader review intended to enhance living conditions for inmates.
“The inmate feeding allowance has been increased by 50 per cent, effective from August 2024. This is just the first phase,” Umar said.
He added that further reviews would follow, particularly due to the soaring cost of food.
“The FG will also consider additional reviews. This is just the first phase. Normally, there is a period when inmate feeding allowances are reviewed. Following a presentation during the budget process, the FG deemed it necessary to adjust the allowance due to the rising cost of food. Further adjustments are expected,” Umar explained.
According to the latest figures from the NCoS, Nigeria currently has 84,575 inmates.
For the 2024 budget year, the NCoS has been allocated over N24.4 billion for catering materials and foodstuffs.
The need for an increase in the feeding allowance has been a public concern, especially after it was revealed in December 2023 by the Controller General of the NCoS, Haliru Nababa, that N750 was allocated per day for each prisoner, while N800 was spent daily on feeding each of the 900 dogs in the service.
Inmate welfare issues gained further attention recently after a viral video from the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, Cross River State, showed inmates being served poorly cooked meals.
This sparked public outrage and led to an investigation ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, into the conditions at the facility.
The NCoS confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, emphasising that the incident does not reflect the overall standards of care and commitment to inmate welfare across the country.