We Offer Ourselves As Your Footsoldiers, 1999 Governors Assure President Tinubu

July 12, 2023

Governors who served in 1999 when the fourth Republic began, have assured one of them, who is now the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that they are ready to be his Footsoldiers as he is set to reposition the country.

The former Governors, who go with group name “Class of 1999,” were at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, July 12, on a special visit to President Tinubu, who himself was Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

The Governors in the group are George Akume (who is now the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former Governor of Benue State).

Others are Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti State; Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, Abia State; Senator Sam Egwu, Ebonyi State; Adamu Muazu, Bauchi State; Donald Duke, Cross River State; James Ibori, Delta State; Obong Victor Attah, Akwa Ibom State; Chimaroke Nnamani, Enugu State; Saminu Turaki, Jigawa State; Senator Aleiro Adamu, Kebbi State; Olusegun Osoba, Ogun State; Adebisi Akande, Osun State; Senator Joshua Dariye, Plateau State; Attahiru Bafarawa, Sokoto State; Ahmad Sani Yarima, Zamfara State and Rev. Jolly Nyame, Taraba State. Ten others have died.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting leaders, chairman of the group, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, urged the President to pursue his vision for a greater Nigeria with vigour steadfastness, and resilience.

He promised the support of the group for development policies towards providing the necessary social structure for actualization of the nation of our dream.

“We are here with you. We are your foot soldiers, and you can tap into our experience. You are a person who believes in Nigeria. With your good leadership, Nigeria will take its place.”

This was even as President Tinubu said that he would take them as his advisers in an open government he is set to run.

“My commitment to democratic value is unwavering. I am overwhelmed and honored by the numbers of you here.

“I have an open door policy. You are my advisers. We went into the pond and wrestled with a pig. We got dirty, and cleaned up. That is why I am here today.

“We served as governors and sat in this Council Chamber. All I wanted was democracy and the salvation of the country. I never thought I was going to be here as President, but God Almighty has brought me.”

The President assured the governors and Nigerians that he will work towards the unity, equity, stability, and prosperity of the country.

President Tinubu appealed once more to Nigerians for patience as his government is speeding up the process of a full-proof social security structure that will not be compromised, especially in cash-transfer.

“I understand that our people are suffering yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain. Nigeria is reborn already with fuel subsidy removal.

“It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number over a few smugglers.

“Please tell the people to be a little patient.

“The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash-transfer to fall into wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country.”

President Tinubu said that the country will not make meaningful progress without fixing electricity, assuring that his administration will harness gas resources, and explore every opportunity to ensure stable power generation and supply.

On Security, the President who had earlier met with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State to review situation in the North East, appealed to Nigerians, especially Plateau State, to sheath their swords and use dialogue in resolving conflicts.

He said that the issues of borders were man-made, not created by God, saying; “we will do everything possible to stabilize the country.”

Nigerians Abroad Remitted $952 Million To The Country, CBN Confirms

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that Nigeria got a total of $952 million as direct remittances from Nigerians abroad between January and June this year.

The apex bank said this in its International Payment data just released.

The half-year 2023 remittances, however, represent a 21 per cent decline compared to the $1.210 billion recorded in the same period last year.

A monthly breakdown of the data showed that Nigeria recorded $79.2 million in remittances in January 2023.

In February, total remittances increased slightly to $83.8 million, while $138.6 million was recorded as total direct remittances in March.

In April, the country received $150 million as direct remittances, while the inflow increased to $202.9 million in May. For June 2023, total direct remittances to the country stood at $297.5 million.

While there have been concerns over the decline in total remittances to the country despite the surge in the number of Nigerians relocating abroad, Partner, Chief Economist, and Head of Research at KPMG Nigeria, Dr. Yemi Kale, said there may not be any cause for alarm now.

The total direct remittances to the country in 2022 stood at $2.16 billion, a threshold the country could still hit or surpass if remittances improve in the second half of the year. According to Kale, the decline in remittances in the half year could be attributed to several factors, including the general elections held early in the year.

“The decline is probably due to election uncertainty and the CBN cash and forex drama in Q1. I won’t be bothered till I see Q3 and Q4,” he said.

Direct remittances come into the country via the International Money Transfer Operators, banks, among others. According to the recently suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, there are four major sources of FX inflow into Nigeria.

He said that these include proceeds from oil exports, proceeds from non-oil exports, Diaspora remittances, and foreign direct/portfolio investments.

Last year during the launch of ‘The RT200 FX Programme’ to boost forex supply in the country through the non-oil sector in the next three to five years, Emefiele had said that policies and measures introduced Diaspora inflow and remittances from an average of $6 million per week in December 2020 to an average of over $100 million per week by January 2022.

We’ll Delete Digital Lending Apps Harassing Customers From Google Play Store – Commission

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

The Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission has vowed to permanently delete digital money lending apps harassing and slandering customers from Google Play Store.

FCCPC’s chief executive officer, Babatunde Irukera, in an interview on Arise TV, said that digital lenders who are ethical are welcome to do business in the country while those that engage in harassment and defamation of consumers will be dealt with promptly.

“Our concern is if these lenders we’ve approved are still doing it (harassing customers), even if they do it just for once, we will permanently delete them from the Google Play Store.

“As we discover them, we go after them. There are things they can do wrong where they will be given a second chance but with respect to harassing consumers or defamatory messages, there will not be a second chance

“Most of the people who are failing to pay back these loans are chronic borrowers.”

Assistant Director In Job Racketeering Lands In Court

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

An Assistant Director in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Yildiyel Musa Takat has been dragged before Abuja High Court over fresh allegations bordering on fraud and employment racketeering.

Musa Takat was dragged before Justice A. A. Fashola by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in a charge no: CR/148/2022.

ICPC told the Court of how the accused person, as a staff of the Accountant General of the Federation with the intent to commit fraud, forged a letter, dated 4th August 2014, purportedly emanating from the Office of the Accountant General “under the hand of Director Administration – addressed to Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Mining and Geo-science, Jos for the purpose of securing employment.”

In a 12-count charge, the defendant was also accused of forging several letters of employment supposedly originating from the Director (Recruitment and Appointment) of the Federal Civil Service Commission and offering same to his unsuspecting victims.

The Commission, led by its counsel, Eno Ighodaro – Yahaya further told the Court of how the accused person forged other letters such as letters of promotion and posting to other government agencies, letters of request for assistance from State House and signed by the late Chief of Staff to the immediate past President to some government agencies, including ICPC with the intention to commit fraud.

The anti graft agency said that the actions of the accused are contrary to Section 13 and punishable under Section 14 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, and contrary to, and punishable under sections 364 and 366 of the Penal Code Laws of the Federation as well as Section 1 of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act, 2016.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him.

In a “Motions on Notice” supported by a 14-paragraph affidavit deposed to by the defendant respondent, the defense counsel, John Bello, moved bail application on behalf of his client which was not opposed by counsel to ICPC.

The trial judge thereafter admitted him on bail in the sum of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000:00) and two responsible sureties in like sum who must work in a reputable organization and must live within the FCT with a verifiable address.

The case was adjourned to the 24th of October 2023 for commencement of hearing.

Subsidy Removal: Tinubu Moves To Give Nigerians N500 Billion For Palliatives

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

The President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has made a move by writing to the National Assembly, seeking for the sum of N500 billion to be made available to Nigerians as palliative, to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy on fuel.

He is therefore, seeking an amendment to the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to be able to obtain the amount.

The President, in the letter, stressed that the amendment is to allow his government to source N500 billion for palliative to cushion the effect of subsidy removal for Nigerians.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read the president’s letter during plenary today, July 12.

In the letter, titled: “Request for the amendment of the 2022 appropriation act,” President Tinubu said that the money would be sourced from the 2022 supplementary Appropriation Act of N819.5 billion.

“I write to request the approval of the House of Representatives for an amendment of the 2022 appropriation act in accordance with the law.

“The request has become necessary in order to source for funds to provide necessary palliatives to cushion the effect of the recent removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria.

“The sum of N500 billion only has been extracted from the 2022 appropriation act of N819.536 for the provision of palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal. I expect that the House will speedily consider the request,” the letter read.

The speaker said that the lawmakers would consider Tinubu’s request at plenary tomorrow, July 13.

What Impact Has African Union On Corruption War, ICPC Boss Asks At Anti-Corruption Day

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other relevant offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, has said that the question confronting African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) is the issue of to what extent the body has impacted anti-corruption in Africa generally, and in Nigeria in particular.

He acknowledged however that the AUCPCC has, to a very good extent, improved the awareness of member states on the need to put corruption on the front burner of development agenda.

In a Goodwill message on his behalf by Kayode Adedayo who is the Director, Proceeds of Crime Department in the ICPC, at the 2023 African Union (AU) Anti-Corruption Day yesterday, Professor Owasanoye said that Nigeria is globally recognized as a leader in robust anti-corruption legislation and institutions.

He said that ICPC, despite, being the first dedicated anti-corruption institution in Nigeria, created before the Convention, has aligned with the provisions of UNCAC and the AUCPCC in both its functions and the three-pronged mandate of enforcement; prevention; and public education and enlightenment.

“However, challenges remain. There is a need to initiate and sustain international cooperation that aligns with the concept of the Convention.

“Also, member states are yet to establish and capacitate anti-corruption institutions to bring them at par with the commitments that member states made upon accession to the Convention.”

Earlier, Mrs. Jane Onwumere, Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-corruption Reforms (TUGAR), and the head of the Secretariat of the Inter-Agency Task Team of Anti-Corruption Agencies, , said that this year 2023 marked two decades of the implementation of the AUCPCC and that Nigeria has since shown progressive commitment to the fight against corruption by making sure that the treaty obligations were fulfilled.

“You may recall that in recognition of the progress made by Nigeria and her position in blazing the trail in preventing and combating corruption on the continent, former President Mohammadu Buhari was named the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion.”

According to her, this year’s event comes at an auspicious time as the nation was undergoing the review of implementation of the AUCPCC after having gone through two cycles of review of the nation’s implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

Onwumere stressed the importance of recommitment to collective action in preventing and addressing corruption from its roots as initiatives put in place and challenges are reflected on.

In his address, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Oliver Stolpe described this year’s event as a very important one as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the AUCPCC same year as we are commemorating the 20 years anniversary of the UNCAC.

“Given the fact that both instruments were born the same time, African led the way because many of the provisions in the UNCAC were inspired by the AUCPCC, which was negotiated slightly before the UN Convention, so the African continent and Nigeria in particular led many reforms we benefit from today as a global community in terms of the anti-corruption strategies that was established.”

In his keynote address, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu represented by Brigadier General Adamu Laka, expressed his gratitude to the anti-corruption agencies, Civil Society Organisations and their partners in the fight against corruption for demonstrating their support to Nigeria and Africa in the efforts to rid the continent of corruption.

“The war against graft is a work in progress as corruption is not only a serious challenge, but also remains poised to fight back relentlessly. All hands must remain on deck to sustain the campaign with vigour until the menace is subdued for the betterment of our society and continent”.

He urged all participants at the event to enrich the dialogue with their insights and perspectives that will inform new strategies in the efforts to tackle corruption and its impact on the continent.

The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba in her message remarked that the AU Anti-Corruption Day was set aside to raise awareness on the negative impact of corruption on African Continent, stating that corruption has continued to hinder the achievements of the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to her, this year’s Anti-Corruption Day is coming at a time Nigeria is about to embark on the adoption and implementation of the second phase of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS).

The event also featured two paper presentations on “Nigeria’s Implementation of the AUCPCC: Achievements and Prospects” by Lilian Ekeanyanwu and “Recovery and Return of Proceeds of Crime for Sustainable Development: the CAPAR and its mechanism” by Dr. Esa Onoja.

The African Union Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually on the 11th of July as designated by African Union via the adoption of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) in recognition of the vast progress in the war against corruption on the African continent and the need to reflect on the approaches to end the vice.

The theme for this year’s commemoration “African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) 20 Years After: Achievements and Prospects” focuses on strategies, mechanisms and initiatives put in place to curb corruption to the barest minimum.

Nollywood Actress, Cynthia Okereke, Is Dead

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

A veteran Nollywood Actress, Cynthia Okereke is dead.

A popular actor and filmmaker, Joseph Okechukwu, in an Instagram post today, July 12, said that Okereke died on yesterday evening.

Sharing the actress’s picture, Okechukwu said that he was about to pay for Cynthia’s flight ticket to come to America before her death.

He wrote: “REST IN PEACE, Nwanyi oma. I’m shattered beyond words.

“The fact that I was about to pay for your flight ticket to come and finish what we started only to hear you went to be with Lord just last night is one of the toughest things I’ve had to deal with in recent times.

“I pray I’m able to recover from the shock. Life is really just a mist. One minute you have it, the next you don’t.

“For the more than 20 years that I’ve known you, you’ve been such an amazing, decent, and lovely soul to be around. Words fail me. May your gentle soul rest on till we meet again in glory. #CynthiaOkereke.

Source: Decencyglobalnews.blog

Online Publisher, Horatius, Bags Lion Club International Award In US

Greenbarge Reporters

July 12, 2023

Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of The Bridge online newspaper, based in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital, Horatius Egua, was in Boson, the United States of America, on Monday, July 10, Conferred with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (MJF), during the 105th Lions Club International Conference.

Global Energy Alliance Appoints Ex Vice President Global Advisor

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), an international agency funded by the Rockefeller, IKEA Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, has appointed the immediate past Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as a Global Advisor.

The appointment was announced today, July 12, at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday.

GEAPP launched at COP26 with aligned investments of $10 billion, including a commitment of up to $1.5 billion from their 3 anchor partners, as well as nearly $9billion in aligned investments from their eight investment partners, the African Development Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the British International Investment, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and the World Bank.

Their common mission is to enable emerging economies to shift to a clean energy, pro-growth model that accelerates universal energy access and inclusive economic growth while supporting the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.

While accepting the appointment, Professor Osinbajo said that there is a need for governments of many developing countries to understand the economic opportunities that lie in climate action.

“Perhaps, this is the only way this makes more sense to governments. If you look at the pace at which climate action has gone, it is way behind the urgency of the matter.

“I believe we have an opportunity to do a lot more in terms of sensitizing governments to the need to act quickly, urgently and act together.”

The immediate past Vice President also made a case for the African Continent being the solution to climate change whilst ensuring a just energy transition journey.

According to Professor Osinbajo, “it is evident that given its huge renewable energy resources, the largest carbon sinks in the world, enormous natural resources and a large youth population, we (Africa) can be the solution to climate change.

“First by forbearing to grow along the carbon-intensive pathway of wealthier economies and adopting climate-positive growth policies, we play a critical role in ensuring that global net zero is possible by 2050. Second, climate action can indeed be the job engine for Africa.”

Professor Osinbajo noted that “Africa could lead the way in tackling climate change leveraging on its renewable energy potential, young workforce, green technologies, carbon removal and green manufacturing.

“In other words, Africa can provide jobs for millions of its young people, prosper and lead in the fight against climate change by becoming perhaps the first green or carbon-free civilisation. And we have the comparative advantage to do so.”

Professor Osinbajo said that building climate positive growth future in the context of a just energy future that includes energy access at all levels and drives economic growth in developing countries requires international consensus, collaboration and investment.

He acknowledged the work of GEAPP as one that bridges the gap “between developing countries and energy access” which has been “a core focus of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) since it was founded in 2021.

“As Vice President, I worked extensively with the team towards creating a pathway that ensures Nigeria achieves its goal of net zero emissions by 2060.

“This work eventually resulted in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), a data-based, strategic, clean energy transition plan in Africa, and the Energy Transition Office, which works tirelessly towards successfully implementing the plan. The twin problem of energy access and climate change simply cannot be solved independently by developing countries. I saw this first-hand while working on Nigeria’s decarbonisation journey plan. We need partners at different levels.”

Professor Osinbajo admitted that “there is still much to be done with the current energy transition to preserve the planet.

“This transition process affords us the opportunity to address climate change and expand energy access for all, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background.”

In his remarks, Simon Harford, the CEO of GEAPP said that the choice of Osinbajo as a Global Advisor is because “His Excellency is a phenomenal advocate, champion and case study for how a government, region and continent should think about this (climate change).

“That way of thinking, harnessing governments, and working together as governments is an enormous skill and background that he has that we can benefit from at GEAPP.”

He emphasised the business opportunities inherent in clean energy, “it is jobs, it is manufacturing. There is a problem to be addressed but there is a profound solution and opportunity.”

Bishop Kukah Still Angry Buhari Did Not Patronize Him – Femi Adesina

Editorial staff

July 12, 2023

Femi Adesina, spokesperson to immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, is still angry that Buhari did not patronise him throughout his eight-year tenure.

“Who listens to that Bishop again? He’s still pained that he got no under-the-cassock patronage from Buhari, unlike in the past. As e dey pain them, e dey sweet us,” Adesina tweeted.

The former presidential spokesperson was reacting to comments by Kukah who said, on Monday in Ekiti State, that Nigerians witnessed rampant corruption under the Buhari administration.

Kukah spoke while delivering a keynote address at the 60th call-to-bar anniversary of legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

The cleric said that although corruption did not begin under Buhari, but that his administration amplified it in the eight years he was President.

Kukah said: “We have seen the worst phase of corruption in Nigeria, Femi Falana, my friend here, will speak about that because he has published a series of articles talking about what happened under the Buhari administration.

“They were not the ones who caused corruption but I think in the last administration, we saw the ugliest phase of corruption whether in moral terms, financial terms and other terms.”

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