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Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to purchase a 14-year-old aircraft for use as a presidential jet, stating that there is no justification for such an expense.
Taking to X, Ezekwesili expressed her disapproval, describing the move as an act of “profligacy” that cannot be justified by any argument from the President.
She wrote, “No argument justifies the purchase of a 14 year old Airbus plane by the @NGRPresident @officialABAT for his indulgence. o argument that can persuade reasonable people justifies this latest profligacy.”
Ezekwesili further warned that such “obscene indulgence” would eventually face backlash from citizens struggling with poverty.
“Continue with your obscene indulgence until the day your hungry citizens can no longer bear to sleep on empty stomachs,” she cautioned.
She also criticized the manner in which the current administration came to power, suggesting it was solely for personal gain rather than for the benefit of the nation.
“I hope it is now evident to all eyes why they needed to ‘grab it…… snatch it ….. and run away with it’.
“All that desecration of our Democracy was to acquire Power for nothing but a self-indulgent lifestyle at the expense of the people. Nothing else. How crass! Just look at the country and its people. One Day shall be One Day,” she concluded.
Elder Statesman and National Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Edwin Clark, has called for the immediate exit of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Naija News reports that Clark made this call in a formal letter addressed to the National Chairman of PDP, Ambassador Iliya Damagun.
According to him, Wike needs to leave PDP for the party’s survival.
The former Federal Commissioner for Information and esteemed leader in the South-South region elucidated the alleged tactics employed by the former Governor of Rivers State to exert pressure on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the party, leveraging his close relationship with President Bola Tinubu.
During a press briefing at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expressed his inability to remain silent in the face of Minister Wike’s persistent attempts to undermine Governor Fubara.
The head of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum, who acknowledged his political career predated Wike’s birth, cautioned Damagun that failure to halt Wike’s actions would lead to a situation where the matter would consume the minister, Wike, and their allies.
Clark, who is currently in the process of writing a book titled “PDP: To Be or Not To Be,” highlighted the concerning trend of former Governors Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), and Ben Ayade (Cross River) defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that Wike’s current actions are reminiscent of those of his predecessors.
“After conceding that former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili and his wife made him what he is today and will forever remain grateful to them, he is now abusing them. I won’t allow him to destroy Rivers State,” Clark declared.
He alleged that having failed to use the APC to disrupt the PDP, Wike is now using the party against itself.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) leadership has warned that it is prepared to embark on a fresh strike across the country in response to any attempt to arrest or detain its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by operatives of the Nigeria Police.
This declaration was made at the union’s headquarters on Tuesday morning, following an immediate emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) to deliberate on the police’s request to invite the NLC President in light of allegations concerning the financing of terrorism.
During the meeting, the NEC decided that Ajaero would accept the police’s invitation but emphasized the necessity for the union’s legal counsel to request additional time for Ajaero to be presented before the law enforcement authorities.
Deputy President of the NLC, Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani, has urged the nation’s workforce to be prepared for further instructions if the police’s actions do not align with the union’s expectations regarding Ajaero’s detention.
He said: “As a committed labour centre, we will honour the invitation of the police because we are not a faceless organization, but we are working with our lawyer for an extension of time.
“In the event that the President is arrested, all workers will down tools immediately. We should wait for further directives from our leadership.”
In a tragic turn of events, Rt. Hon, Harford Oseke, the former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, has passed away.
The incident occurred on Monday when Oseke, who was engaged in his regular exercise routine at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital, suddenly collapsed and died.
Efforts to revive him proved futile, and he was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. His body has since been taken to Apex Medical Centre in Awka.
Born in August 1960, Oseke hailed from Umuawulu in the Awka South local government area of the State. He was a learned scholar, having studied law and recently completing a Ph.D. in Public Administration. Beyond his academic accomplishments, he was a prominent figure in the freight forwarding industry in Port Harcourt and was actively involved in the importation of fishing feeds into Nigeria.
Oseke’s political career was closely tied to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). During Peter Obi’s tenure, he contested for a seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly, where he later served as the Majority Leader before ascending to the position of Deputy Speaker.
Despite his attempts to expand his political influence, including a bid to represent Awka North and South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Oseke was defeated by the late Rt. Hon Anayo Nnebe.
Rt. Hon Harford Oseke was not only a dedicated public servant but also a devout Christian, recognised as a Knight of St. Christopher. He is survived by his wife and children.
[Leadership]
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President, Joe Ajaero, has fixed a date to honour the invitation from the Nigeria Police Force.
Ajaero fixed Wednesday, August 29 to honour the invitation.
He communicated the date to the Inspector General of Police via a letter from his lawyers, Falana and Falana Chambers.
The NLC President was summoned by the Police over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
Ajaero, in the letter by his lawyers, also demanded details of the allegations levelled against him by the Police.
Parts of the letter signed by Samuel Ogala, read: “Therefore, Ajaero is prepared for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
“Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered, Ajaero requests for the details and nature of the allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime levelled against him.
“While awaiting your response to this letter, please accept the assurance of our highest esteem.”
[DailyPost]
The United States (U.S) government has unveiled a humanitarian aid package amounting to $27 million for Nigeria, aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and enhancing resilience against the challenges posed by food insecurity and the impacts of climate change.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced on Tuesday in Abuja that this contribution is a part of the broader $536 million humanitarian aid package allocated by the U.S. government to sub-Saharan Africa.
Naija News reports that Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, officially unveiled the comprehensive aid package which brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion.
“The funding will be channelled to those in need through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
“It brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion.
“The assistance aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals across the sub-Saharan region,” the mission explained.
It added: “This includes refugees from war and terrorism violence, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless individuals, and other conflict-affected people.
“It will focus on crises in the Sahel, among other areas, and support efforts to build durable solutions, such as voluntary returns and refugee integration.”
In an address regarding the development, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, highlighted the significance of the recently announced U.S. funding.
Mills noted that the initiative underscored the United States’ dedication to delivering essential aid and safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations and the communities that host them across the African continent.
“This assistance will make a real difference in the lives of those most in need in Nigeria and across the continent.
“This 27 million dollars in aid demonstrates the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing humanitarian challenges.
“We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to provide for vulnerable populations and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts,” the mission quoted Mills as saying.
The Lagos State Taskforce has launched a major operation along the Mile 2 Oke section of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, leading to the seizure of over 2,000 litres of petroleum products.
The operation is part of a broader effort to tackle environmental and security issues in the area.
The chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, spearheaded the raid under the directive of the state government and Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade.
The initiative aligns with the THEMES PLUS agenda, which prioritizes the preservation of the environment and the protection of lives and property across the state.
The Mile 2 Oke area has recently become notorious for severe traffic congestion, fueled by the proliferation of illegal roadside vendors and shanties.
The activities have not only disrupted traffic flow but have also contributed to an alarming increase in traffic-related robberies and other criminal activities, endangering both motorists and commuters.
CSP Akerele highlighted the particularly dangerous practice of illegal petroleum sales along the roadside, which poses significant fire hazards.
“Among the most pressing issues addressed was the illegal sale of petrol and diesel by the roadside, where over 2,000 litres of petroleum products were seized. This is a highly dangerous practice that poses a significant risk of fire hazards and explosions. We will ensure that such activities that endanger the lives of these illegal merchants and other road users are brought to a complete halt,” he stated.
The Taskforce dismantled several illegal structures and cleared the area of vendors as part of the operation.
Four suspects were arrested, and numerous items were confiscated during the raid.
The Chairman assured that the arrested individuals would be charged to court, and the confiscated items would be forfeited to the state government through legal processes.
CSP Akerele reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to maintaining safety and order across Lagos State.
“We will continue to monitor the area to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities and to ensure that the roads remain clear for safe and smooth transportation,” he added.
[TheNation]
Lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has accused President Bola Tinubu of not being a good leader.
Speaking against the backdrop of the recent purchase of a new jet for the presidential air fleet, Adeyanju, in a post via his Facebook account on Monday, accused Tinubu of behaving like former Military Head of State, Sani Abacha.
The activist said Tinubu is behaving like Abacha pro max, adding that critics don’t make good leaders.
He further accused President Tinubu of being a hypocrite because of the purchase of a new presidential jet, an Escalade bulletproof vehicle, and a yacht while urging Nigerians to bear the hardship in the country.
Posting on his Facebook page, Adeyanju wrote: “Critics don’t make good leaders. If in doubt, just look at Tinubu. The guy is acting like a Sani Abacha pro max just under one year. A hypocrite that can’t take what he gives.
“Just got back to Abuja from Lagos and saw Tinubu’s outrageously huge presidential jet.”
He also wrote in another post: “I have not recovered from the shock of how big Tinubu’s presidential jet is. It is so huge. We cannot subsidize the poor and the economy but we can subsidize Tinubu and politicians. Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder that could go off at any moment.”
Naija News recalls President Bola Tinubu-led administration, on Monday, unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased under his leadership.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who released the pictures, said it replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Onanuga, however, did not reveal the amount spent by the Nigerian government to acquire the new presidential jet.
He said it saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.
Onanuga said, “The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.”
A Nigerian man, identified as Yomi Olayeye has been arrested and charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and identity theft for his alleged role in a $10 million pandemic unemployment assistance fraud scheme in the United States.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts under the Department of Justice revealed this in a statement posted on its website on Monday.
The statement read, “A Nigerian man was arrested on Aug. 13, 2024 upon arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on charges that he and other conspired to fraudulently obtain at least $10 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.
“Yomi Jones Olayeye, a/k/a “Sabbie,” 40, of Lagos, Nigeria, is charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. He made an initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York on Aug. 14, 2024 and will appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow.
“According to the charging document, between March and July 2020, Olayeye and others defrauded three pandemic assistance programs administrated by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and other states’ unemployment insurance agencies: traditional unemployment insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).”
Olayeye and his co-conspirators were alleged to have used stolen personal information to apply for unemployment benefits in multiple states, including Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Indiana.
The statement added, “In total, Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly applied for at least $10 million in fraudulent UI, PUA and FPUC from Massachusetts, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Montana, Maine, Ohio and Washington and received more than $1.5 million in assistance to which they were not entitled.
“Specifically, Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly used personally identifiable information (PII) they purchased over criminal internet forums to apply for UI, PUA and FPUC – falsely representing themselves to be eligible state residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly used the same fraudulently obtained PII to open U.S. bank and prepaid debit card accounts to receive the assistance payments. It is also alleged that Olayeye and his co-conspirators recruited U.S.-based account holders to receive and transfer the fraud proceeds via cash transfer applications.”
They were also alleged to have used the benefits to purchase Bitcoin and concealed their connection to Nigeria by using US-based IP addresses.
“Olayeye and his co-conspirators then allegedly used the fraudulent proceeds to purchase Bitcoin via online marketplaces.
“It is further alleged that Olayeye and his co-conspirators concealed the conspiracy’s connection to Nigeria by leasing Internet Protocol addresses assigned to computers located in the United States for use in the fraudulent transactions,” the statement read.
The United States Department of Justice further explained that if convicted, Olayeye faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, forfeiture, and restitution.
The statement added,”The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, fforfeiture,and restitution.
“The charge of aggravated identity theft calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to be added to any sentence imposed on the wire fraud charge.
“Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.”
The Attorney General was reported to have established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force on May 17, 2021 to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across the government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud
[Punch]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it recorded remittance inflows of $553 million in July.
This is a 130 percent increase from the corresponding period in 2023, the CBN said in a statement on Tuesday, signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, its acting director of corporate communications.
More to follow…
[TheCable]
More...
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed that its President, Joe Ajaero, has been summoned by the police over allegations of terrorism financing and other related offenses.
The confirmation was made in a statement by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, on Monday evening. The police had invited Ajaero for questioning regarding charges connected to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
According to the invitation letter dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Intelligence, Ajaero’s name surfaced in ongoing investigations related to the alleged offenses.
In his statement, Upah said, “A personal message sent to Comrade Joe Ajaero by SP Moshood said, ‘We were at the Labour House to submit this (letter of invitation), but the place was locked, sir.’”
Upah expressed concerns, noting that staff were present at the office beyond 6 pm and questioned why Ajaero was not addressed by his official title as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
He added, “Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress.”
Upah also recalled that prior to the raid, the NLC had advised the government to engage in dialogue with organizers of a recent protest, despite the congress distancing itself from the event. The congress had also condemned the high casualty rate resulting from police action during the protest and demanded an apology from the police and the government.
“At its world press conference last Thursday, the congress had raised the alarm that should anything happen to the leadership of the congress or any of its members, the police should be held accountable,” Upah continued.
He concluded by questioning the motive behind the police action, stating, “The question on the lips of those in the know is: Who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?”
It is worth recalling that security agents conducted a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja on July 7.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has stated that it has not made any fuel subsidy payment to anyone in the last nine months.
The disclosure was made on Monday by the Chief Financial Officer of the company, Alhaji Umar Ajiya in Abuja.
According to Ajiya, NNPC Ltd only handles Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) importation shortfalls between the company and the federation.
“In the last eight to nine months, NNPC Ltd. has not paid anybody a dime as a subsidy; no one has been paid Kobo by NNPC Ltd. in the name of subsidy. No marketer has received any money from us by way of subsidy.
“What has been happening is that we have been importing PMS, which has been landing at a specific cost price, and the government tells us to sell it at half price. “So the difference between the landing price and that half price is a shortfall.
“And the deal is between the Federation and NNPC Ltd., to reconcile, sometimes they give us money, so there is no money exchanging hands with any marketer in the name of subsidy,” he stated.
Speaking further, Ajiya said credit lines are prevalent in the downstream business based on the worldwide commercial system,
He revealed that NNPC Ltd. has had an open credit agreement with PMS suppliers in the past, with term lines agreement for payment.
Elisha Abbo, a former lawmaker who represented Adamawa North in the Senate, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the salary of senators.
For years on end, Nigerians have kicked against what they considered humongous salaries that are paid to federal lawmakers.
Recall that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo recently called out federal lawmakers for determining their own salaries and allowances, calling it immoral.
“You are not supposed to fix your salaries or allowances; it is supposed to be done by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
“With all due respect, you know it’s not right; it is not right for me to be the one to determine what I pay myself; it is immoral, and you are doing it; the Senate is doing it,” Obasanjo said.
The Senate, however, debunked the claims by Obasanjo, calling them lies.
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) also stated that each of the 109 senators in the upper chamber receives a total of N1.06m in salary and allowances per month.
Speaking on the matter, Abbo stated that the monthly earnings of senators are not a lot of money.
In an interview on Arise Television, Abbo noted that their monthly take home is only “big on paper” and not enough for the demands and challenges of their office.
Abbo recalled that his salary and allowances while serving as a senator was N14.4 million monthly, while current senators earn up to N29 million monthly.
He said: “When I was in the Senate, cumulatively, all the allowances were N14.4 million per month. You have a wardrobe allowance, a vehicle allowance, and other allowances put together that were N14.4 million, including the N1 million salary.
“It is about N29 million now. N29 million looks big on paper
“I’m saying this as an honest man. I’m not trying to support the National Assembly, and I’ve been a member of that vilified institution for five years. I am not standing with them, but I’ll bear the facts on the table.”
Speaking further, he said he became poorer after quitting his business to become a lawmaker.
He said: “I had to leave the company I founded, in which I was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, to go into governance when I won the election.
“I had to start subsiding my life because the money that was allocated to my office was absolutely nothing considering the demand and challenges faced by my own constituents on a daily basis.
“I had a case of just one person I took to the hospital; I spent N14 million on one person.
“And every month, from all over Adamawa State and other states, my office was besieged with people looking for help.
“I had to start calling some state governors to help me with cases that are being brought from their states into my office.”
The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the appointment of an additional 1,192 aides to his government.
The latest development was confirmed in a communique issued Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade.
“The aides include Yakubu Abdulhakeem, who will serve as the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Office for Disability, 165 Senior Special Assistants, and 36 Special Assistants.
“Others on the list approved by the governor are 574 Ward Special Assistants and 290 Local Government Special Assistants,” the statement noted.
Ododo has also approved the appointment of Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulsadiq as the Director of Protocol for the First Lady’s Office, alongside other members of the First Lady’s retinue.
The governor congratulated all the appointees, emphasizing the importance of dedicating their utmost service to the state and the broader global community.
Furthermore, Ayoade announced that all appointments would be officially effective from September 1, 2024.
Why We Appointed 717 Ward Special Assistants – Kogi Govt
Earlier, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, provided insight into the recent appointment of 717 Ward Special Assistants by Governor Usman Ododo.
According to Fanwo, these appointments are part of the Governor’s strategy to deepen democracy and ensure that governance is participatory, particularly at the grassroots level.
During a press briefing in Lokoja, Fanwo emphasized that Governor Ododo is committed to empowering the people by selecting Special Assistants who are deeply connected with the rural communities they serve.
“The Governor is determined to ensure grassroots participation in governance. He doesn’t want to be detached from the hopes and aspirations of the grassroots. We have learnt from past experiences, and we should be able to put those lessons to use,” Fanwo stated.
Reflecting on past administrations, Fanwo pointed out that many previously appointed Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants were often disconnected from grassroots realities, as they resided primarily in the state capital.
He said, “In the past, many of the Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants that were appointed lived in the state capital and did not relate with the grassroots people. There was a gap between the pulse at the grassroots and the impression of the Government. But with this novel appointment strategy, the people at the grassroots are already jubilating over the commendable inclusive governance.
“Those appointed are those who sleep and wake up in those Wards. They don’t live outside of their Wards, and they will be the foot soldiers of the Government in achieving the Consolidation Agenda of the Ododo Administration.”
Addressing concerns about the potential increase in governance costs due to the high number of appointees, Fanwo clarified that the salaries of three Ward Special Assistants are equivalent to what a single Senior Special Assistant would earn.