Month: November 2022

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Fuel scarcity: IPMAN blames NNPC, says depots not functioning

The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Chinedu Okoronkwo, has said almost all the depots owned by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Ltd are not working, hence the persistent fuel scarcity in the country.

Okoronkwo stated this during an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday.

The IPMAN president said that private depot owners are now responsible for the distribution of the products since the NNPC depots are not working.

He said NNPC had enough stock, but the distribution method was complicating the situation.

He said, “It’s very important for you to know where we belong in the chain. This product (PMS) is the product the government is still paying subsidy. That is to say, the government brings in NNPC and when this product is brought, remember nearly all the NNPC depots are not working because of vandalism. We have at least 21 that I can count and what happens when they bring the product in, they now begin to put in private depots owners and pay them some charges.

“And when this product is pumped into these depots, the owners claim to have ownership. Remember we control over 80% of the market and in the situation where my members cannot easily access this product, they now are made to buy from these private depot owners, a third party. Remember what we get from NNPC is N148.19 but these private depot owners by the time they begin to put their own charges, haring vassals, NIMASA, NPA, we get it N185 to N200.

“Those who have the muscles and everything to buy, they will buy. The product is there it is because of what have just said. NNPC has enough stock, but because of this distribution something that is why we need to do something.”

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ASUU receives full salary for November, awaits 8 months arrears

Lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU have received full salaries for the month of November 2022.

It was; also gathered that the eight-month arrears remained withheld by the Federal Government.

A senior member of the union at the Bayero University Kano made this known in Abuja on Wednesday.

“Some of our members have started receiving salaries and I can confirm to you that we received our full salaries for the month of November. However, the arrears are still withheld.”

The Federal Government refused to pay the striking lecturers; for the eight months during which the union embarked on strike.

The lecturers, in October 2022 were; also paid pro-rata (half-pay) according to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

Lecturers across the country have been; protesting against this decision by the Federal Government.

The National Executive Council of the union is; expected to hold a crucial meeting in the coming days over the withheld salaries.

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NANS apologizes to Aisha Buhari for alleged defamation

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has apologized to Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, over the arrest of a student of the Federal University, Dutse Jigawa, Aminu Mohammed, by the Nigeria Police.

Specifically, NANS  made the appeal in a statement on Tuesday by its President, Usman Barambu.

Further, the association apologized on behalf of the Nigerian students to the First Lady; while also calling for Mohammed’s release.

“The leadership of NANS received with concern the news of the unlawful arrest of Mohammed by the Nigeria Police on the instruction of Aisha Buhari. Upon receiving the news, I, Mohammed’s family, and friends swung into action to trace the whereabouts of Mohammed. After some days of searching, we got the information that he was at the police unit in Wuse Zone 2. I met with Mohammed at the police custody.

“It was alleged that Mohammed some weeks back posted Aisha Buhari’s picture on Twitter with the caption; “Su mama anchi kudin talakawa an koshi” (translated from Hausa to ‘the mother has gotten fatter by eating masses’ money’).

“Just like the normal way angry citizens have different ways of expression on social media. On November 18, 2022, the police from Abuja tracked Mohammed to the Federal University Dutse and picked him up without any written/verbal invitation or informing the school management or his family,” Barambu narrated.

The NANS President said Mohammed was taken straight to the Presidential Villa where he was allegedly brutalized; beaten, maltreated, and humiliated by the police on the orders of Aisha Buhari; after which he was unlawfully detained at a police facility at Wuse Zone II till date.

”I, alongside our team of lawyers, met with Mohammed at the police facility where he confirmed the incident to me. Until now, Mohammed has not been arraigned by any competent court of law or granted bail by the police.

“We want to, on behalf of all the Nigerian students, tender our unreserved apology to the First Lady Aisha Buhari; for the action of Mohammed which might have caused her and her family pains. However, as leaders and public office holders, we must overlook some criticisms if we want to really forge ahead and do the right thing.’

“We demand a detailed explanation by the Nigeria Police on why they will go to the school premises and ‘kidnap’ a student without due process and took him straight to the Presidential Villa where he was brutalized which violates his fundamental human rights,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, NANS said Mohammed had sustained various injuries and had not accessed any proper medical attention.

“We call on the police as a matter of national interest and urgency to release Mohammed unconditionally; or be prepared to face the Nigerian students.

“However, we are calling on our teeming students to be careful and apply decorum in dealing with people, especially our leaders. They should be mindful of what they post on social media.

“We want to inform the general public to be patient. We await response and actions from the Inspector General of Police on a letter earlier sent to his office,” the president added.

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INEC implores staff to fair dealing, pledges allegiance to electorates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, November 28, reassured Nigerians that its allegiance and loyalists are to Nigerians in the 2023 general elections, warning staff against compromise.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave this assurance at the opening of a two-day Induction Retreat for the commission’s Administrative Secretaries in Lagos.

The retreat is organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In his opening remarks, Yakubu, who was represented by Mr Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner, Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC) said the retreat was part of the preparation of INEC for the 2023 general elections.

According to him, over the last 23 years since the return of democratic rule, the commission has recorded steady progress with the nation’s elections getting better and citizens’ confidence in the process increasing.

“Let me repeat once again that the Commission’s allegiance is to Nigeria. Our loyalty is to Nigerians who want free, fair, credible and verifiable elections.

“It is in this respect that I want to warn all members of staff of the commission to be neutral and professional in their conduct during the forthcoming election,” Yakubu said.

He said that since the 2011 general elections, the reliance on new knowledge and experience gathered from the conduct of previous elections, enhancing electoral integrity and improving voter experience through innovations, planning and technology had guided INEC through several elections.

“Consequently, our elections have become better, electoral outcomes less contentious and less stressful, ” he added.

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Unknown gunmen burn INEC office in Ebonyi, destroy 340 ballot boxes

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has been set ablaze by unknown gunmen.

INEC disclosed this on Sunday in a statement signed by Festus Okoye, its national commissioner, information and voter education.

According to the statement, Onyeka Pauline Ugochi, the resident electoral commissioner for Ebonyi state, reported that the attack happened at 10.00 am on Sunday.

Okoye said although no casualties were; reported, 340 ballot boxes, 130 voting cubicles, 14 electric generators, and others were; destroyed.

He added that the incident has been; reported to the  Nigeria Police and other security agencies for investigation and; further action.

The incident comes less than three months before the 2023 general elections.

Two weeks ago, suspected hoodlums hurled loaves of bread; soaked with petrol into the INEC compound in Abeokuta, Ogun State, setting the building on fire.

A few hours later, the commission’s office in Oke-Iresi, Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State was; also set ablaze by suspected arsonists.

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Donjay ft Meemah Jackson – One Chance

Nigerian Super Amazing Jos based Music Singer and Song. Writer, the impeccable Donjay has decided to thrill the music airwaves with an extra ordinary sound he title “One Chance” a nice piece of tune featuring the exceptional music goddess Meemah Jackson, together the did justice to the beat by the incredible Haskebeats

Listen & Enjoy…

DOWNLOAD MP3: Donjay ft Meemah Jackson – One Chance

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Tinubu bags chieftaincy title in Ebonyi

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC’s candidate for the presidency, has received a traditional title from the Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council.

The APC candidate was given the title of “Dike Di Ora Nma”. It translates to “Hero that is loved by the people.” Chooks Oko, an aide to the Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, revealed this.

The conferment took place during a town hall meeting on Wednesday in the state. The ceremony was held ahead of the presidential campaign rally, scheduled to hold at the township stadium in the state capital.

The former Lagos State Governor is currently in Ebonyi State for some political activities ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Before the rally on Thursday, Tinubu met with some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi state.

Recall that Tinubu has emerged as the presidential candidate of the APC for the 2023 presidential election in June. He defeated 13 other contenders to emerge the flag bearer at the Special National Convention of the party in Abuja.

During the primary election, Tinubu gathered a total of 1271 votes ahead of Rotimi Amaechi and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He also had the endorsement of six aspirants, who stepped down for him.

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Fire Guts Jos NTA Moto Park (Photos)

There was a fire incident that occurred last night which ravaged a section of the NTA motor park in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

The incident destroyed the office of the financial secretary of the terminal and two shops situated there.

It was also gathered that the inferno was caused as a result of fluctuating power supply around the area.

The chairman of the Park, Ibrahim Maikwudi who confirmed the incident to reporters, stated that no life or vehicle was lost to the incident.

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Buhari opens up on reason behind approval of Naira redesign

President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated the new Naira banknotes’ domestic production by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) PLC at their unveiling on Wednesday, November 23, in Abuja.

The president gave a detailed explanation of the reasons behind his consent for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the 200, 500, and 1000-naira banknotes during the launch of the new banknotes, which preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

According to President Buhari, ‘‘the new Naira banknotes have been fortified with security features that make them difficult to counterfeit.’’

He also added that the new banknotes would help the Central Bank design and implement better monetary policy objectives; as well as enrich the collective memory of Nigeria’s heritage.

President Buhari commended the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and his Deputies for the initiative; while also thanking the Managing Director, Executive Directors and Staff of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting PLC; for working tirelessly with the apex bank to make the currency redesign a reality; as well as for printing the new Naira notes within a comparatively short time.

The President acknowledged that it has been close to 20 years since the last significant redesign of the nation’s local currency was carried out.

He noted that, in accordance with international best practice; central banks and national authorities should issue new or redesigned currency notes every 5 to 8 years.

Buhari said, “This implies that the Naira is long overdue to wear a new look.

‘‘A cycle of banknote redesign is generally aimed at achieving specific objectives; including but not limited to: improving security of banknotes, mitigating counterfeiting, preserving the collective national heritage; controlling currency in circulation, and reducing the overall cost of currency management.

‘‘As is known, our local laws – specifically the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007 – grants the Central Bank of Nigeria the power to issue and redesign the Naira.

‘‘In line with this power, the Central Bank Governor approached me earlier in this year to seek my permission to embark on a currency redesign project. I considered all the facts and reasons presented before me by the Central Bank.

‘‘There was an urgent need to take control of currency in circulation and to address the hoarding of Naira banknotes outside the banking system; the shortage of clean and fit banknotes in circulation, and the increase in counterfeiting of high-denomination Naira banknotes. It is on this basis that I gave my approval for the redesign of the ₦‎200, ₦‎500 and ₦‎1000 banknotes.

‘‘While this may not be apparent to many Nigerians; only 4 out of the 54 African countries print their currencies in their countries, and Nigeria is one. Hence, a majority of African countries print their currencies abroad and import them the way we import other goods.

‘‘That is why it is with immense pride that I announce to you…These redesigned currencies are locally produced right here in Nigeria by our Security Printing and Minting PLC.”

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