… Faults Atiku’s Allegation on Contract Award

Group under aegis of Forum For Good Governance (FGGN), has come out strongly to defend the President’s Son,Mr. Seyi Tinubu after former Vice President,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar faulted the award of contract to a company he serves as a board member.

The former Vice President had accused the federal government of awarding construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

He did allege that Seyi is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which is a parent company of Hitech.

However ,In a press Statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, the group said the fact that Seyi’s father is the President should not deny him access to pursue legitimate business interests within and outside the country.

While stating that the gigantic projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway would no doubt boost the economy; engender growth and development, it noted, “Seyi Tinubu an adult,who has a right to do business in as much as ,it’s within the limits of the law.”

The Statement further reads: “From the information we gathered, Seyi joined the Board of Directors of CDK in 2018 as an investor, with a good record of performance. So ,why deny such investor with capacity right to business patronage because, his father is the president.

“Unfortunately for Atiku who raised the issue, the Chairman of CDK and the highest shareholder of the company is General T.Y. Danjuma (retd.) and not Seyi Tinubu, who has been involved in business several years,before the father became President.

“The big question we are asking Atiku is , ” How has Seyi as an investor on the board of CDK, conflicts with Hitech Construction Company’s work on Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway.

“He who must come to equity must come with clean hands. If Atiku raised an issue of conflict of interest,what we do say of him during his days as the vice-president, established Intels Nigeria with an Italian entrepreneur while serving in the Nigeria Customs Service .

“When he was Vice President of Nigeria between 1999-2007, he maintained his business links with Intels that won major port concession deals in Nigeria.”

Omale Adakole

The Nigerian Navy is facing intense scrutiny after the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) called for a comprehensive overhaul of its leadership and operations. The youth organization, representing the voice of the Niger Delta region, has expressed deep concern over recent allegations of crude oil theft and other illegal activities involving Navy personnel.

The NDYC’s call for reform comes on the heels of a series of disturbing reports, implicating some Navy officials in nefarious activities such as crude oil theft, diversion of crude oil, and providing security escorts for crude oil thieves on our waterways. The organization has urged the government to take swift and decisive action to address the corruption and restore the integrity of the Navy.

“The Nigerian Navy has a crucial role to play in protecting our nation’s resources and ensuring the security of our waterways,” said Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, National Coordinator of the NDYC. “We urge the government to take the necessary steps to reform the Navy and ensure that those found guilty of illegal activities are held accountable.”

The NDYC’s call for reform has sparked a national conversation about the need for transparency and accountability in the Nigerian Navy. As the nation awaits the government’s response, many are hoping for a renewed commitment to integrity and service in the Navy’s leadership and operations.

The Nigerian Navy has faced similar allegations in the past, but the NDYC’s call for reform has brought renewed attention to the issue. The government’s response to the NDYC’s demands will be closely watched by the nation, as many see this as an opportunity for meaningful change.

The Kaduna Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commended the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his exceptional leadership and transparent information management, which has significantly enhanced public credibility and goodwill for the current administration.

In a statement issued by the Chapter Chairman, Haroun Malami, on the occasion of the Minister’s birthday, the NIPR acknowledged Alhaji Idris’ demonstration of the highest standards of public relations practice, showcasing character, competence, and credibility in his handling of government communication since assuming office.

The Chapter praised the Minister as an innovator who has made a purposeful shift from the old norm, building on his experience as the Kaduna State Chapter Chairman. His patriotism and service to nationhood in various capacities have left an indelible mark, with laudable footprints and remarkable accomplishments that testify to the impact of public relations on outcomes.

The NIPR expressed its appreciation for Alhaji Idris’ commitment to elevating public trust in governance and deepening citizens’ faith in the country. The statement concluded with a prayer for the Minister’s continued good health, wisdom, and strength in his patriotic service to the nation.

This version maintains the same message and structure but with a few tweaks to enhance clarity and readability.

… Urges Tinubu to Intervene

As Nigeria joins the world to mark the Workers Day, the civilian staff of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), have used the occasion to protest what they termed unfair treatment and transparent payroll practices by the management.

The workers,who trooped out today at the premises of Ordinance Factory Complex , Kakuri , Kaduna  with various placards with inscriptions such as :”Pay us our wage award”, “we are tired of management incompetence”, ” military said we are not special” etc complained about denied access to a critical program that promotes transparency and efficiency in wage distribution as regards the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

According  to workers, the exclusion prevents them from receiving the recent wage increases implemented for IPPIS-enrolled employees.

The aggrieved  workers during the protest  raised concerns about the accuracy of their payroll data outside of IPPIS, said, ” To add insult to injury, the Deputy Director of Human Resources, Mercy Philip, curtly dismissed our inquiries, calling IPPIS a “no-go area” and suggesting they forget about enrollment altogether until she retires.

Speaking further about their concerns , the workers alleged :  “Allowances for scarce skills (established in 2008) and transportation (introduced in 2015) were abruptly stopped without explanation, causing frustration and a sense of unfair treatment. This is they described as a reprehensible treatment of a dedicated workforce.”

” To confirm the maltreatment, the workers alleged  that Director of Production Air Commodore, Ola Emmanuel in his address to some staff in the factory justified reasons civil staff have not  enjoyed wage award . Stressing, We have not received a single month of the wage award since it was announced September 2023.

He also said that rather than questioning our management , we should go and ask the Accountant General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defense and offices budget office and salary and wages commission to confirm why the non payment of the wage rewards .

They  explained further,” We are owed eight months of minimum wage arrears dating back to 2019. Additionally, we haven’t received the N35,000 six-month wage award initiated by the federal government in September 2023. With a new minimum wage on the horizon, we are concerned that we may be left behind again.

“Unfortunately, our attempts to address these concerns through open communication with DICON’s management have fell on deaf ears.

“Management has brushed aside our concerns, and even the Employee Town Hall, promised by the Director General to be held every two months, has never been held. This lack of transparency is further hindering progress.

“We have held peaceful protests, first on July 3rd, 2023, and most recently the one we declared on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, demonstrating a commitment to finding solutions. As DICON is a non-union workplace, we are staging this peaceful protest on a symbolically significant day for workers’ rights: May 1st. This comes amid reports of a list being compiled to terminate the appointments of those believed to be spearheading the ongoing protests.

“Furthermore, it should be noted that the demoralization and potential dismissal of a highly skilled workforce with exclusive expertise in producing restricted goods like weapons and explosives poses a significant security threat. Disgruntled or desperate workers could be more vulnerable to exploitation or radicalization, potentially jeopardizing the security of these sensitive materials. Will laying off such a critical workforce not exacerbate security threats by placing sensitive expertise in uncertain hands?

The workers however, said the failure on side of  DICON Management to meet the obligations to its civilian workforce has has negative impact on employees morale which raises serious concerns about fair treatment.

They  urged President Bola Tinubu  to take immediate action to address the concerns regarding fair treatment; transparent payroll practices, and the timely resolution of these outstanding issues.

…Call for Patience while problems are addressed

Group under aegis of Coalition for Civil Society Organisations, said it has confirmed the availability of products at  Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and called  for patience while the National  oil company address the problem.

Recalled that  on Thursday  many filling stations were closed in Abuja and  some other states on Wednesday as the scarcity of PMS caused heavy queues at the few outlets that dispensed the product.

But the Coalition of the CSOs in its reaction over the development,  said  it has confirmed availability  of products from the NNPCL management,which attributed the development to logistics issues, which have been resolved. 

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations which disclosed this in a press statement made available to journalist in Kaduna said the fact that NNPC gave reasons of logistics problem as the major cause of the  queues, should  be enough to calm nerves over issue of panic buying.

The statement signed by Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim Gimba, the CSOs appealed to motorists to avoid panic buying, because NNPCL as  sole importer of petrol had enough products, it commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mal Mele Kyari  for the swift  efforts to address  the problem and the measures  taken so far to revive the national oil company and resume full production .

It however described as unfortunate ,the situation, where the black marketers capitalised on the glitch to exploit motorists and other residents that jostled to buy at prices ranging between N1000 and N1200 per litre.

While stating  that it is unhealthy that this happened when many Nigerians are anticipating a crash in prices of PMS, the Coalition frowned at  the idea of  increase in cost of the product  to an average of N700/litre at stations owned by independent marketers.

The statement further reads: “We read the reaction of NNPCL  on  fuel scarcity problem via the Press Statement  issued by Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC, Olufemi Soneye,who also confirmed  that the scarcity was due to issues around logistics that have been resolved.

” We strongly  the clarifications made on the tightness in the supply of petrol currently being experienced in some areas across the country shouldn’t stir up tension that will take us back to the days of recurring long queues at filling stations.

” We are not unaware that the queues for petrol grew worse in Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa and Niger states recently,but the good news according to NNPCL has now been resolved.

” We are ready to draft our Monitoring  and evaluation unit to help the federal government to bring sanity to the oil sector.”

By: Bako Adura

…..

A coalition of Northeast youths operating under the umbrella of Northeastern Youth’s Advocacy for Peace and Development (NEYAPAD) has congratulated the newly elected Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Abbas Tajuddeen.

The group in a statement issued in Abuja noted that the choice of the duo by the majority of members of Nigeria’s National Assembly is a bold statement on the integrity, competence, and capability of the two presiding officers saying the development is unprecedented in the country’s legislative history.

The Convener of the organization Safiyanu Yau existing, his Co-Convener Mallam Salahuddeen Shuaib Planner, Secretary Abner Shittu, Executive Director Peace and Conflict Resolution Hon. Tukura Kwayi and Executive Director Youths affairs Engr. Sulaiman Bakafada in a jointly signed statement further tasked the new Nass leadership with the speedy confirmation of the newly appointed board and management of the Northeast development commission (NEDC) saying confirming the board will go a long way in easing the state of affairs at the commission and the generality of the people of the northeast.

The group further urged the leadership of the National Assembly not to allow itself to be influenced by politicians from the Northeast who have vowed to frustrate the confirmation of the new board saying the appointees comprise some of the best brains in Nigeria’s public service sector singling out the duo of Umar Abubakar Hashidu, the commission’s acting managing Director and Hajiya Suwaiba Idris Baba, The executive director Humanitarian Affairs and other appointees that constitute the new board as the most competent team to steer the commission.

The group averred that the profile of the duo mentioned above is that of excellence and integrity in every responsibility they’ve handled in the past, further concluding that their records and achievements are unimpeachable.
In conclusion the group further passed a vote of confidence on the entire leadership of the 10th Assembly and wish them a successful and progressive tenure

By : Faduri Oluwadare Joseph 

OPEN MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT TINUBU

While so many Nigerians are praising the Student loan policy that President Tinubu is introducing to the Nigerian educational system whereby students0062352805 can take a loan after gaining admission to attend institutions of higher learning and then repay in 2yrs after graduation? I am concerned it is doing the last thing first and a rushed policy to please angry Youths to buy their conscience without thinking it through.

My caution and reservations are that this step is not the first step to take in the educational sector of our Nation which has so many twists and turns and so many failures around it.

The system is setting itself up for failure 

In as much as we are building a home on no foundation.

During my Presidential campaign tour to some of our nation’s universities. I realized that many of the colleges, Polytechnic and universities we have in Nigeria are comparable to elementary schools of the developed Worlds in terms of structures, infrastructures;

Most of our schools don’t have adequate or standard classrooms, and most do not have any science labs, in the era of technology I am not sure if any of our schools can boast of modern technologies like laptops, digital blackboards for teaching, science labs, computer centers to mention a few, not to talk of stable electricity on campuses, comfortable classrooms, books in the libraries among many factors militating against our educational system especially most of the govt schools that have been relegated to worst with the advent of private schools in Nigeria.

Many Nigerian universities’ science students are learning many things from books as some of the technological equipment is nowhere to be found in many of our Govt institutions not to also mention the Jamb examination which has not been the best way of admitting students into schools all across the country, so to start overhauling the educational system by starting with student loans is an exercise in futility as this may not yield the needed results to help the lives of Youths in our Nation.

The lecturers’ unions across some of these institutions also have their issues that are yet to be taken care of by Govt as I am aware that many demands of ASUU are still there begging for resolutions so these teachers can shut down the system anytime when they feel their need is not been attended to not to finally talk of where would govt raise the money he will use to pay for these loans we talking about.

 Or are we Borrowing again to pay for student loans?

Having highlighted all these Grey areas, Had expected the govt who wants to copy the educational system of the Western developed world to start by making education free and compulsory from elementary to secondary school first and free to all Nigerians because what are the statistics of Nigerians able to send their kids to school from elementary to secondary school today? The statistics are very low, so many of our Children are roaming the streets and are uneducated. Many don’t even make it to secondary school much less colleges, if we must revive the educational system in our Nation we must start by making education affordable, free, and compulsory for all children born in Nigeria from 4yrs old to secondary school which will, in turn, help the parents to focus on other needs like accommodation and feeding of the family and even safe some money ahead of their colleges.

Secondly, we would have to set up an educational reform board to see how govt can upgrade most of our schools, and equip them to be able to meet up with modern international standards  so that we start producing graduates who can contribute to growing and creating a New Nigeria and A new economy.

After we have made education compulsory and free from kindergarten up to secondary school and after we have upgraded most of our higher institutions up to modern and international standards then bringing students loans would have been a great idea to institutions where we will now build the new tomorrow of Young Nigerians who would have the tools and environment to learn and take something to the World to contribute to our economy and country at large .infact if we create an enabling environment we can start having institutions of higher learning in Nigeria producing Nigerian locally made kinds of stuff but to start with students loan is to build something on nothing and eventually a failed policy from the beginning and a policy rushed through just to please the Youths of Nigeria not just to bring about educational advancement in our Nation.

I will appeal to the govt of President Tinubu to look through my submission and retrace his steps to embark on a complete overhaul of the educational system in Nigeria not just this fire brigade approach to solving part of it.

May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria 

Signed:

Faduri Oluwadare Joseph 

Former Presidential Aspirant Labour Party Leader 

Rescue Movement for New Nigeria

…Says Ategbero Led BoT Selectively Blind

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) National Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi has reacted to the newspaper in publication over claims what he termed erroneous claim that the Interim Management Committee is unknown.

According to Hon. Abubakar, the Interim Management Committee exist and has continued to oversee the affairs of the association pending the election of substantive officers.

In a letter written to Daily Trust Editor to clear the air over the erroneous publication, ALGON body said ,…” our current National Chairman of the IMC, is Hon. Abdullahi U. Abubakar, chairman representing Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory took over from Hon. Abdullahi S. Maje, a former chairman of Suleja local government area in Niger State.

“Let me reiterate that the Interim Management Committee was set up by the General Assembly in 2019 in furtherance to conducting elections of substantive leadership into the association, this feat which Alabi and Ategbero led BOT has continued to challenge in the judiciary space. Please note that the matter between the IMC and Alabi led faction is before a court of competent jurisdiction, brings me to wonder the claim made in the publication by Ategbero refuting any knowledge of the IMC.”

…Read full text of Letter:

The Editor News
Daily Trust Newspapers

THE IMC EXISTS, ALABI FALSELY PARADING AS ALGON PRESIDENT; ATEGBERO LED BOT SELECTIVELY BLIND

I write on behalf of the Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON to react to a recent newspaper publication signed by the Hon. Ategbero led Board of Trustees on behalf of the Hon. Kolade Alabi led faction of the association.

It is well within the news and the full glare of the public, the constant crisis besieging the association as a result of battle for supremacy for the past few years, this rejoinder is the IMC’s mode of clarification on the allegation made by the BOT, stating that the Interim Management Committee is unknown.

First let me reiterate that the Interim Management Committee exist and has continued to oversee the affairs of the association pending the election of substantive officers, our current National Chairman of the IMC, is Hon. Abdullahi U. Abubakar, chairman representing Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory took over from Hon. Abdullahi S. Maje, a former chairman of Suleja local government area in Niger State.

It is imperative to note that our activities overtime, has been clear for all to see especially as it bothers on eradicating the usurpers, lawbreakers who hijacked the leadership of our association and held it hostage for over 5 years.

Alabi has continued in flagrant violation of subsisting court order restraining him and his cronies from parading as leadership of ALGON, carryout activities in that same vein through the backing of Hon. Odunayo Ategbero led BOT. the former is not a member of any of the 774 constitutionally recognized local government areas, and according to the constitution, a person who is just a local council development area chairman, cannot be president of the association.

Infact these persons, deceitfully gained the position they currently occupy.
We have overtime, casted a vote of no confidence on the Hon. Ategbero led board of trustees, we are not surprised that they have allowed themselves to be puppet in the hands of Alabi and co.

Ategbero led BOT, has continued to thread the path of sabotaging the IMC simply for their selfish interest of enriching the pockets. Their actions show total disregard for the constitutions that binds the association, their nonchalance in creating a solution that would end the crisis, has shown that they are core beneficiaries of it. They have proven to being BOT of propaganda, biasness and greed against the IMC.

The Interim Management Committee is saddled with the sole responsibility of savaging and restoring the association to its glory, we do not want to be seen bantering words in the media spaces, with humans who do not have anything to loose.

Let me reiterate that the Interim Management Committee was set up by the General Assembly in 2019 in furtherance to conducting elections of substantive leadership into the association, this feat which Alabi and Ategbero led BOT has continued to challenge in the judiciary space. Please note that the matter between the IMC and Alabi led faction is before a court of competent jurisdiction, brings me to wonder the claim made in the publication by Ategbero refuting any knowledge of the IMC.

It is also in the news, anti-graft agencies of the criminal offences carried out by Hon. Kolade Alabi, one is the 5.2 billion naira funds belonging to the 774 LGAs purportedly diverted by the former, Mrs Binta and perhaps the Ategbero led BOT who by their actions, have shown that they may be aware of the process. As a committee, we have ensured that the public are aware of the issues surrounding the association, the trustees of any association, holds the authority and responsibility to ensure the fulfilment of an association’s mandate, rather than that, the BOT has drifted and sabotage the associations from carrying out and achieving the mandate.

Finally, let me reiterate that against unsubstantial letter written and signed by the Ategbero led faction, the Interim Management Committee exists and was never ever nullified or dissolved, we shall in due time inaugurate an electoral committee to conduct elections for credible leadership for the association as instructed by the General Assembly (Please note that we shall be transparent and all activities will be captured by the media), Alabi led faction and the BOT is bent on misrepresenting court judgement to massage their ego and divert public attention from their criminal activities in the association and lastly, the IMC, is very open to the media for further questioning or inquiry.

Thank You.
Signed: Hon. Mohammed I. Abubakar

The Secretary General, IMC

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Lawal Dare, Gamji Gusau has congratulated Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council ,Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on his selection as the newly elected Interim Management Committee National Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria(ALGON).

According to the Governor, the local government as the third tier of government in any clime across the world requires a focused and ingenious individuals to steer its affairs to be able to achieve the desired goals on delivery of dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.

” But in our clime,part of the main challenges facing local government affairs in some quarters today is certainly lack of capacity and ability on side of most elected Council Chairmen to create and generate sustainable sources of revenue for development as well as overdependence on FAAC”.He noted .

The new Zamfara State Governor, Dr Lawal Dare , Gamji Gusau, who disclosed this in a congratulatory Message personally signed said the emergence of Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi as the new leader of ALGON in Nigeria is a clear evidence of new dawn for a visionary and purposely leadership that will help carve a niche for progress and development the Association.

He However, advised the new ALGON National Chairman to work closely with the federal and state governments in order to ensure smooth and cordial relationship that will engender growth , development and avenues for revenue and wealth creation .

While stating that the independence of the Local Government is important for revenue generation and control, he advised LG chairmen across the 36 states of the federation and FCT,Abuja to look inward and avoid over dependence on monthly allocation from federal government.

“As a Governor, I am are ready to give all necessary support needed to make our local government areas in Zamfara to be more viable and business driven is achieved with shortest period.

Governor Dare further pointed out,”The essence of creating local governments as third tier of government is to bring government closer to the people at the grassroots and this is sacrosanct”.

Meanwhile ,he enjoined all the members of ALGON to support Hon. Abdullahi while his tenure lasts .

By: Jamiu Aina

The leader of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima has pleaded with the Former Governor of Zamfara State and frontline Senate Presidential aspirant, Senator Abdulaziz Yari to concede the Senate President to the Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Addressing newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday morning, Shettima hinted that allowing a South Easterner and a Christian to be the Senate President will help to strengthen the unity of the country.

He said the partnership between Senator Yari and Senator Kalu is well accepted in the North and have received silent endorsements across the country.

According to him,” We are happy with the strong partnership between the North and South in Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

“We are aware they are yet to formally announce to Nigerians on who becomes the Senate President and who becomes the deputy.

“We are happy that the two are ready to accept the decisions between the two groups.

“We also know that Yari has an upper hand in the partnership since he has about 42 Senators while Kalu has about 27 senators making the partnership to have 69 Senators in their fold. But we are appealing to Yari to consider the future of the country in this critical time and accept the Deputy Senate President position. There is actually no difference between the Senate President and Deputy Senate President since the two are presiding officers.

“We only think that for religious balancing and for peace and unity of the country, the South East deserves to produce the Senate President. Senator Uzor Kalu is a detribalized Nigerian who has built relationships across all regions. He is very close with President Tinubu and his family. He is close to the North and the South South.

“He would make a good senate president because of his capacity, competence and experience. He is very peaceful and patient and It is only right that Yari consider this appeal and allow Kalu to be the Senate President in their joint ticket. The North will hold him in high esteem and would forever acknowledge his unwavering commitment to unity of the nation.” He said.

ENDS