Military, Police Warn Trouble Makers As Presidential Election Petition Court Delivers Judgement

September 5, 2023

The armed and police forces have warned trouble makers to stay clear as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal delivers judgement on the 2023 Presidential election tomorrow, September 6.

The two forces stressed that they are committed to preventing any unlawful activities by potential troublemakers.

Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, in a statement, warned those contemplating violent actions tomorrow to abandon such plans.

He said that only accredited individuals, including counsel and representatives of political parties, will be granted access to the courtroom, with the public encouraged to watch proceedings on television for a smooth and secure process.

Gusau emphasised that the Guards Brigade, Army Headquarters Garrison, and other security agencies were prepared to maintain peace and security, warning against any attempts to disrupt the proceedings. The police authorities have also heightened security measures across several states in anticipation of potential protests or demonstrations.

“We will continue to do our work, and if anybody wants to perpetrate any mayhem, we cannot fold our arms and be looking at them. We have to do our job.

‘’On the judgement day, we will maintain our normal vigilance with other security agencies. We can’t be doing our work and see somebody trying to unleash mayhem, and we keep quiet. So, why are we outside (on patrol).”

This was even as the Gombe State Police Command issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers, urging them to avoid the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mahid Abubakar, said that the command’s preparedness to address any unforeseen events, emphasising that proactive measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property.

“Any individual or group of persons planning to cause trouble should steer clear from the state; otherwise, they will be arrested and face the full wrath of the law.

“The command is aware of the development and that the Commissioner of Police, Oqua Etim, has directed adequate security measures be put in place to avert any unforeseen circumstances before, during, and after the judgement.’’

The Presidential Election Petition Court had announced that the judgment would be delivered tomorrow, Wednesday on the petitions challenging the victory of Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It also promised to televise the proceedings live.

Nigeria Is Set To Host 54 Countries, Others To Africa Internet Governance Forum

Greenbarge Reporters

September 5, 2023

Nigeria is set to play host to 54 African nations and other continental Internet governance stakeholder blocs at the 2023 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF 2023) in Abuja from 18th to 21 September, 2023.
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs in the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Reuben Muokan said that the event, being the 12th edition of the annual forum, is being hosted by the Commission behalf of the Federal Government, and is scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, with the theme: “Transforming Africa’s Digital Landscape: Empowering Inclusion, Security, and Innovation.”
The statement said that the Forum will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on Internet Governance among various sectors and regional initiatives to advance digital connectivity, address Internet Governance challenges, and empower Africa through digital transformation.
It said that the event will be preceded by the African Youth Internet Governance Forum, which will take place from 13-18 September, 2023.
It said that the series of events at this year’s programme will commence with the Parliamentarian Symposium, scheduled to take place from 18-19 September 2023 during which members of the Parliament from all participating countries will take the opportunity to consult and network with one another in a roundtable designed to better understanding of the roles of the legislature, and nudge deeper synergy with parliaments on Internet Governance in Africa.
“As a crucial gathering of stakeholders and investors in Africa’s digital future, the AfIGF 2023 promises to be a rare assemblage of key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, and a broad spectrum of actors in the private sector intentionally rallied to discuss important matters focused on the development, access, and governance of the Internet in Africa.
“The Forum, structured in a variety of gatherings, including dialogues, workshops, panel sessions, symposia, and roundtables, is a vibrant and inclusive platform that brings together stakeholders from across the African continent and other international partners, to engage in discussions that will shape the future of Internet Governance.
“Other focal sessions at the event will include plenary discussions, interactive workshops, and expert panels focusing on Digital Inclusion and Connectivity; Cyber Security and Data Protection; Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Technologies; E-Commence and Digital Economy; and Data Governance and Trust, among others.
“Participants are also expected to discuss the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the context of digital literacy and internet access in a manner that can accelerate development for the continent.
“The event will feature high-ranking speakers, policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond. Through participants’ expertise and insights, the forum will generate actionable recommendations that can inform policymaking, drive investments, and shape the future of Internet Governance in Africa, by reshaping the trajectory of the continent’s digital landscape and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future.”

Don’t Rubbish Image Of Tinubu’s Govt. Vice President Shettima Tells Aides

Editorial staff

September 4, 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned Presidential and political aides to avoid any actions that could tarnish the image and reputation of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Vice President Shettima, who spoke today, September 4, at the opening of the retreat and sensitization programme for Presidential and political aides on administrative procedure and governance in the public sector in Abuja said: “from today, your words and actions will undergo more intense scrutiny, occasionally even rigorous criticism.”

He told participants, made up of political aides and senior civil servants, on the topic: “Forging a Path to Responsible Governance: A Call to Political Aides,” that the responsibility they would carry would not merely be about fulfilling their roles.

“It encompasses the aspirations of our entire nation.”

He said that the retreat is designed to facilitate their transition and equip them with the fundamental tenets of public sector administration and governance.

Vice President Shettima said that the mission of the Tinubu’s government is to uplift the lives of the citizens impartially and inspire lasting change.

“Leadership, for us, means breaking down barriers of inequality and fostering a safe, peaceful society. To truly expand educational opportunities and empower our youth with knowledge for self-reliance, we must fully dedicate ourselves to our duties within the State House.”

The Vice President observed that many of the participants are taking their initial steps into the realm of public service, especially at the federal level, but that their competence is beyond doubt.

“You are here because of your formidable skills, and our confidence in your potential to catalyze change.

“We yearn for fresh and imaginative ideas to harmonize with established practices.”

On the sensitive nature of their roles as political aides, Vice President Shettima said “from this very moment, you are bound by the laws of our land in all matters of official correspondence. These laws outline the consequences for both intentional and unintended mishandling of the information entrusted to your care.

“Should you falter in this duty, the consequences would ripple far beyond the intricate fabric of governance. They could erode public trust, jeopardize national security, and undermine the very integrity of our administration.

“Understand that your credibility, that of your team, your superiors, and indeed, the entire government, rests in the balance, and history reminds us that very few have emerged unscathed from the aftermath of such ethical lapses.”

The Vice President also reminded the participants that the State House is a bastion of order and the engine room of the nation’s public service.

“Within its precincts, operations pivot upon a hierarchy, wherein each role and position adheres to well-defined protocols and communication procedures.”

The Vice President then called for synergy and team work, reminding them that their primary instinct should always revolve around the recognition that they are part of a team, united in the pursuit of a shared objective.

“There is no need for rivalry. This, precisely, is the essence of your presence here.”

This was even as the Permanent Secretary in the State House, Engineer Funso Adebiyi said that the training was aimed at registering the commitment of the political aides towards actualizing the goals of the President Bola Tinubu led administration.

He said that participants would be exposed to techniques of information and documents management systems in order to ensure the smooth running of the new administration.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, (DCoS), Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeja; Permanent Secretary State House, the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Abubakar Rufa’i; the representative of the Director-General, Directorate of State Services and other senior government officials.

The retreat and sensitisation programme was organised by the State House, in conjunction with Direct Knowledge Consult Ltd and scheduled to end on 22.

How NASS Continued To Stall Completion Of Benin-Auchi-Okene-Obajana Road For 15 Years – Agba

Editorial staff

September 4, 2023

The immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has blamed the National Assembly for the none completion of the Benin-Auchi-Okene-Obajana Road for nearly 15 Years now.

Speaking on the road project while sharing his thoughts with audience at the grand reception and dinner night organised in his honour by the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin, Agba said that budgetary provisions had always been spread thin on projects that were usually inserted in the budget by the National Assembly such that money budgeted could not accomplish the projects.

“With the national budget, there had been a lot of challenges. Yes, there had been improvements in terms of the cycle, but particularly as a person, I am not very happy with the content because we seem to spread ourselves so thin that we don’t have enough to do work.

“I hear people say that the National Assembly pads the budget. I wish they pad the budget because what they are doing is un-padding the budget. If they pad the budget, that means they are putting more money in it, right?

‘’And, so, you have more money to work? Right? But what they are doing is that they are removing from what have been provided and then creating other projects, making us spread too thin, and not having enough money to work.

“This is one of the things that had affected the Benin-Auchi-Okene-Obajana road, which started 15 years ago. Have I been a minister for fifteen years? I was only minister for three and a half years, yet I was the cause of the problem on that road because I tried to offer a solution.

“I found out that the problem of that road was insufficient funding, and each time budgetary provisions are made, our representatives from the State do not protect what is there. So, when the budget comes back, the amounts are lower and insufficient to do the work.

“We started with trying to use SUKUK funding, which is the Islamic interest-free loan to do it. But with that we had to spread the amount across the country and I realized we moved very fast with the second Niger Bridge; we moved very fast with the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and we also moved very fast with the Kano-Kaduna road.”

Agba said that there was a presidential infrastructure development fund and the sovereign wealth fund that was making contribution into the fund and all the funds that were returned from corruption issues like the Abacha loot were going into these three projects.

“That was how we were able to practically complete the projects. I thought that was one of the things we needed to do to fast track the work on the Benin-Auchi-Okene-Obajana road where there are three sections by three contractors that have been on the road for the last fifteen years.

“So, I approached my colleague, the minister of Works, on the need for us to use the tax credits and we spoke to the Chairman of the FIRS and he started working with the NNPC Ltd on this.

“But the NNPC Ltd report, I must say, did not include that road. So, it was a big battle for me, fighting to ensure that Edo State was included.

“I want to especially thank my two colleagues and brothers (Sunday Dare and Prince Goddy Jeddy Agba) that are here because they joined me in that fight and in the lobby to get funding for it. In the end, each section got an approval of N25 billion, which means N75 billion, and I was also able to get another N10 billion in budget 2023 for two sections.”

Source: NAN

I Inherited A Lot Of Abandoned Projects, FCT Minister, Wike Complains

Greenbarge Reporters

September 4, 2023

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has complained that he inherited a lot of abandoned projects, most of which have hardly reached 20 percent completion.
“Contracts in the FCT are something else. As I speak to you, you don’t even have up to 20 percent completion. “Every contract (has been) abandoned because of no money.”
The minister, who took a tour of some abandoned projects today, September 4, said that a situation where contracts are awarded and later abandoned, due to the lack of funds, will no longer be encouraged.
“We are not going to encourage that (abandoning projects).
“We are not going to be awarding contracts for awarding sake. We are going to award contracts that we will finish and then embark on new contracts.
“We will continue to do this. Areas that we are not sure of, we will go and visit and see it for ourselves before we make any commitment to the contractors.”
The minister, who stopped over at the ongoing project for the provision of engineering infrastructure to Wasa affordable housing project in Wasa District which was awarded in 2014 at the cost of N28 billion and later reviewed upward to N85 billion, expressed dissatisfaction with the agreement.
He frowned at the terms of agreement between the FCT Administration and the private developers involved in the construction of the houses, saying that it will be reviewed.
“We are not impressed with the arrangement made by the FCT. Government will not just cough out N85 billion and the land, and we are providing all the infrastructure, then you want to give out to private developers who will now build and sell. “We think that government must also participate, having provided the land and having provided the infrastructure.
“So, this kind of arrangement is not commendable at all. If we are partnering with private individuals or developers, the common sense is that you provide the land and also provide infrastructure and then they come and develop and make profit. “Government can say okay we will take 10 percent, then they take 30 percent, depending. “And it is in that case that government will even be involved in determining the prices that the houses would be sold. But when you don’t have that kind of arrangement, then the private developers can put the cost at any rate, which is not also affordable.”
The minister assured that the access road would be constructed to the Institution and Research District, because notable institutions including the EFCC Corporate Headquarters, the Body of Benchers Building, Baze University, Federal Medical Centre, Institute of Human Virology amongst others are located there.
“We have been able to invite the contractor to see us tomorrow so that we will be able to complete that road, which is very, very important; important in the sense that headquarters of the EFCC is there, the Body of Benchers building is also there.”
The FCT Minister who also visited the Kabusa Junction along the Apo Mechanic village where some shanties were recently cleared by the Development Control Department, commended the department for removing the shanties.
He said that perimeter fencing would be introduced in the area to prevent miscreants from returning to the cleared portion.
The FCT Minister, stressed that he would not allow shanties to take over the city, adding: “Development Control has done well by making sure that those shanties are destroyed. Having been destroyed, we are going to put fence in the place so that all these miscreants will not go back there to mess up all what we have done.”

Police Blasts Media Aide To Kogi SDP Guber Candidate Over Malicious Allegation

Greenbarge Reporters

September 4, 2023

The Kogi State Police Command has blasted one Faruk Adejoh-Audu, who is the Director of Communications to the Gubernatorial Campaign Organization of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka.
In a statement today, September 4, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Superintendent of Police (SP), Williams Ovye Aya, the Command accused Adejo-Audu of what it called “fake, incendiary, perfidious, malicious and misleading allegations, to the effect that, the Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha plans attack on Ajaka Supporters in Kogi LGA.”
“The Command wishes to emphatically and categorically state that, the statement is not only the figment of the imagination of Faruk Adejoh-Audu and his Political Candidate, Yakubu Ajaka who has mastered the art of Political gimmickry and brigandage, but totally false, malicious, pretentious, and highly mischievous.
“The Commissioner of Police, who upon assumption of duty one month ago, has so far demonstrated a high level of professionalism by providing a level playing ground for all Political Parties and their Candidates to operate in the State should not be dragged into Politics.
“The SDP Candidate and his Campaign Organization should leave the Police alone and focus on issues-based Campaigns and soliciting for support from the electorate instead of resorting to cheap blackmail, bullying and arm-twisting for Political sympathy from the public who already know their tricks, gimmicks and antecedents.
“The entire narrative to injure, assassinate and malign the hard-earned reputation and integrity of the Commissioner of Police is the height of insensitivity, callousness, self-serving and emblematic of desperation, vindictiveness, a Propensity for destructiveness and to salivate the insidious and vaulting Political ambition of a psychopath.”
The Command recalled that, on 3rd June, 2023 along Abuja-Lokoja road, the SDP Candidate Murtala Yakubu Ajaka and his supporters blocked and attacked the Convoy of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello at Banda, some kilometers away from Lokoja.
It said that during the attack, some of the Governor’s aides sustained varying degrees of injuries, adding that all efforts, invitations and entreaties to come and give his own side of the incident has come to nought.
“Yet he has been moving around the nooks and crannies of the State without any molestation even when he has no immunity. The case is still under Investigation.”
The police noted that in a democracy, freedom of expression is a right, but that it must be accompanied by responsibility, not to hide under it’s guise to spin out lies, falsehood, innuendos and sensationalism.
“It shows the writer and his sponsors have no decorum, decency, intellect, and are oblivious of the legal consequences of deformation and assassination of character.
“The Commissioner of Police hereby appeals to Murtala Yakubu Ajaka and his Campaign Organization to leave him alone, stop all the negative write-ups and frivolous allegations aimed at under-mining the spirited crime-fighting efforts of the Police in Kogi State and whipping up sentiment against them and heating up the State for no just cause.
“And to the good and peace loving, highly enlightened, Politically sophisticated citizens of Kogi State, the Commissioner of Police urges you all to disregard and discountenance such mischievous and malicious information, and to be wary of being hoodwinked by Merchants of violence, but instead gravitate towards issues that unite the State rather than those that divide you, please.”

Vice President Shettima Welcomes NIA Boss, Ahmed Rufai To Retreat

Greenbarge Reporters

September 4, 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima welcoming the Director –General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai to the opening of a Retreat and Sensitization Programme for Political Aids on Administrative Procedure and Governance in the Public Sector at ARMY Resort Centre Abuja today, September 4, 2023

Presidency: Tinubu, Atiku, Peter Obi Know Fate Sept 6

Greenbarge Reporters

September 4, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) will know their fate on Wednesday, September 6.
The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), headed by Justice Haruna Tsammani, will deliver judgement on the 2023 election.
Atiku and Peter Obi had filed petitions before the court, challenging the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 election.
A statement from the Court today, September 4, said that the proceedings, planned to commence by 9am, will be aired live on television.
The statement stressed that only those who are accredited will be allowed into the court for the judgement.

Dangote Cement Enriches FG With N412.9 Billion Tax In 3 Years

Greenbarge Reporters

September 4, 2023

Dangote Cement Plc, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, (DIL), has announced that it paid a total of N412.9 billion into the coffers of the Federal Government as tax for three consecutive years.
A statement from the company said that a total of N97.24 billion was paid by Dangote Cement in 2020, N173.93 billion in 2021 and N141.69 billion in 2022.
According to the statement, the tax payment from only one of the conglomerate’s subsidiaries, re-affirms Aliko Dangote’s position that prompt and accurate tax payment is a duty for everyone who wishes to witness real growth and development.
He posited that government cannot offer social services to the citizens without tax collection.
Dangote also advised the government to automate the tax system in the county, while commending the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms
“Maybe they should look at automating the tax system, just like what they did in India. If you go to India today, the country collects at least $1 trillion in various taxes. On petroleum products alone, India makes $100 billion yearly, because they charge 100 per cent on petroleum products. So, what I am suggesting is that people should pay tax and if you pay, you demand services from government. I think it is a social contract.
“Once people start seeing that government is using the money to do infrastructure, fund education, healthcare, whereby the citizens don’t need to go out to India or other countries for medical attention, then people would settle down and start paying taxes,” the renowned entrepreneur added.
Other listed companies of Dangote Industries Ltd, also paid huge taxes to the Federal Government during the said period. Both Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc and NASCON Allied Industries Plc are listed on the Nigeria Exchange Limited.
Analysis of the yearly annual reports of Dangote’s three listed companies indicated that they paid N114.31 billion as tax in 2020; N187.17 billion in 2021 and N172.15 billion in 2022.
During the three years, Dangote Cement paid a total of N412.86 billion as taxes, Dangote Sugar Refinery paid N55.38 billion, while NASCON Allied Industries paid N5.39 billion.
A total of N97.24 billion was paid by Dangote Cement in 2020, N173.93 billion in 2021 and N141.69 billion in 2022. Dangote Sugar Refinery paid N15.85 billion in 2020, N11.97 billion in 2021 and N27.56 billion in 2022. For NASCON Allied Industries, it was N1.22 billion in 2020, N1.27 billion in 2021 and N2.9 billion in 2022.
The analysis indicated that companies from Dangote Group had remained major contributors to the nation’s economy with the volume of taxes paid in the period under review. The group has given Nigeria hope of earning income through economic diversification, implying that the nation can wean herself from dependence on export of crude oil as major source of government income.
Dangote Industries Limited is a diversified and fully integrated conglomerate as well as a leading brand across Africa in businesses such as cement, sugar, salt, beverages, and real estate, with new multibillion-dollar projects underway in the oil and gas, petrochemical, fertiliser and agricultural sectors.
Dangote Cement Plc is Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement producer with an installed capacity of 51.6Mta capacity across 10 African countries. The company operates a fully integrated ‘quarry-to-customer’ business with activities covering manufacturing, sales and distribution of cement. It has a production capacity of 35.3Mta in its home market, Nigeria.
The Obajana plant in Kogi State, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 16.3Mta of capacity across four lines; the Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta, the Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta, while Okpella plant in Edo State has 3Mta.
Dangote Cement Plc has a long-term credit rating of AAA by GCR, AA by Fitch and Aa2.ng by Moody’s due to its market-leading position, significant operational scale, and strong financial profile evidenced by the company’s robust operating and net profit margins relative to regional and global peers, adequate working capital, good cash flow, and low leverage.
The excellent credit ratings are due to its leading market position, significant operational scale, strong financial performance profile demonstrated by its robust financial profile relative to regional and global peers, adequate working capital, strong cash generation, and low leverage.
Dangote Sugar is a leading brand that has made a remarkable impact on the Nigerian sugar sector. Dangote Sugar refining facility at Apapa is the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 1.44MT per annum installed capacity. The company’s sugar backward integration projects located at Numan, in Adamawa state is focused on cultivation and milling of sugarcane to finished sugar.

It’s Fake, FCT Minister, Wike, Did Not Order Demolition Of Jabi Motor Park – Investigation

Greenbarge Reporters

September 3, 2023

Investigation has revealed that a minute-twenty-seven-second video, shared on TikTok and forwarded many times on WhatsApp with the claim that the new FCT Minister and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of Jabi Motor Park in Abuja is false.
The investigation, conducted by the Daily Trust on Sunday via Google reverse image search, showed that the video was from 2020 when the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) ordered the demolition of illegal shops in the Jabi Motor Park.
Also, in 2022 the Jabi Art Village as well as some illegal structures along Jabi Dakibiyu were demolished.
To further verify the authenticity of the video, a correspondent visited the section of the park rumoured to be undergoing demolition and discovered there was no ongoing demolition.
It was therefore confirmed that the video in circulation suggesting that the FCT minister Nyesom Wike had started demolition of Jabi Motor Park is false and misleading.
It would be recalled that in showing the video clip that went viral, someone speaking in the Hausa language was heard lamenting: “everyone in Nigeria knows Jabi Park and today the government has ordered its demolition. Our shops have been demolished and our business burned.
“Does the government want us to be criminals in society? We have found businesses to sustain ourselves but the government has come to put it to shame. We will not become criminals; we will continue to work but the government needs to look into the situation.”

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