We’ve Removed All Impediments To Economic Growth – President Tinubu

June 27, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that less than a month in the saddle, he and his team have been able to remove all the Impediments to economic growth of the country.

“At the moment, our country is going through some challenges, especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges.

“While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions.

“We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.”

In his Sallah message today, June 27, to Muslims in the country, President Tinubu said that as the nation embraces the present challenges, “we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.”

The President called on the citizens to embrace the sense sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim who demonstrated a greater sense of duty ever recorded in history.

He recalled Prophet Ibrahim’s offering his only son Ismail as sacrifice to Allah, saying that the best way “by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. “We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.

“This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities. By so doing, we showcase the values and virtues of our faith.”

In the Sallah message which he personally signed, President Tinubu, called on Nigerians to immerse themselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, and that they should remember those who may not be as fortunate like them.

“Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.

“Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.”

Ribadu To Tinubu: Thanks For Making Me NSA

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2023

The new National Security Adviser (NSA), Malan Nuhu Ribadu was at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport today June 27 to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from official overseas trips and to thank him for appointing him NSA.

Prof Abdulrasheed Resigns As Executive secretary Of Universities Commission

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2023

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Abdulrasheed, has announced his resignation from the Commission.

Abdulrasheed personally announced his resignation yesterday, June 26, at the Commission’s headquarters while approving the issuance of a provisional license to Kogi State University, Kabba, Kogi State.

He described the new university as his last baby in the Commission, as he has granted approvals to numerous universities in the country during his seven-year administration.

Abdulrasheed however, did not state the reasons for his resignation.

Kano Gov Stops Salaries Of Over 10,000 Workers Employed By Ex Gov Ganduje

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2023

The State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reportedly ordered the State’s Accountant General to stop salaries of 10,800 workers employed by the immediate past Governor of the State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The Accountant-General, Abdulkadir Abdusalam, announced the Governor’s directive on yesterday, June 26 while addressing journalists in Kano.

Abdusalam said that the Governor ordered his office to remove the affected workers from the State’s payroll.

He said that his office would carry out an investigation to find out the genuineness of their engagement and procedures so as to remove those illegally recruited.

Concerning local government workers in the state, Abdusalam said that those who were converted to state workers by the former administration would continue receiving their salaries.

He said that it would be based on local government levels, asking them to continue working in their new state’s MDAs until the investigation is concluded.

Recall that the new administration had accused former Governor Ganduje of illegally employing over 10,000 workers when it was about leaving office.

Tinubu Renames Maiduguri Airport After Buhari, Ilorin After Idiagbon, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

June 27, 2023

President Bola Tinubu on Monday approved the renaming of some Nigerian Airports across the country.

This was contained in a memo signed by the Director, Airport Operations, Olatunji Joke R (Mrs.) and made available on the Twitter handle yesterday, June 26.

She asked all Head of Directors Operations of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to take note and reflect it in their memos and letters.

According to the memo, President Tinubu renamed the Federal Airports in favour of some prominent Nigerians, like the immediate past president, Muhammad Buhari, late General Tunde Idiagbon, Chuba Okadigbo, Oba Akenzua 11, among others.

The memo, with reference number, FMA/T4464/7090/178/647 and dated 1 June, 2023, was issued from the office of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, on the naming of some federal airports after notable Nigerians.

Here are the names of the renamed Airports by the President as part of reforms of the Aviation sector.

Akure Airport – Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu,

Benin Airport – Oba Akenzua 11

Dutse Airport – Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi

Ebonyi Airport – Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo

Gombe Airport – Brigadier Zakari Maimalari

Ibadan Airport – Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

Ilorin Airport – Gen. Tunde Idiagbon

Kaduna Airport – Hassan Usman Katsina

Maiduguri Airport – Gen. Mumammadu Buhari

Makurdi Airport – Joseph Sarwuan Tarka

Minna Airport – Mallam Abubakar Imam

Nassarawa Airport – Sheikh Usman Danfodio

Osubi Airport- Alfred Diete Spiff

Port Harcourt Airport-Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo

Yola Airport.- Lamido Aliyu Mustapha.

APC Could Have Lost 2023 Presidential Election If Buhari Had Removed Fuel Subsidy – Garba Shehu

Editorial staff

June 26, 2023

Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity to the former President, Muhammadu Buhari has opened up on why the Buhari government did not outrightly remove fuel subsidy shortly before the last general elections in the country.

Speaking to newsmen today, June 26, in a chat, Garba Shehu stressed the need for people to be politically honest.

“The Buhari administration, in its last days, could not have gone the whole way (to remove the subsidy) because the APC had an election to win. And that would have been the case with any political party that was seeking election for another term with a new principal as its head.

“Poll after polls showed that the party would have been thrown out of office if the decision as envisaged by the new Petroleum Industry Act was made.”

The spokesman to the former President said that with the election now behind us, “a capable leader, as we now have in place, is best positioned to move forward.

“We have nothing but confidence that the new administration will carry the nation and all its constituents into a stable future in the aftermath of these major economic and financial decisions.

“As they say, there are times when you have to lose in order to win.”

Garba Shehu said that Nigerians might have forgotten too soon that when Buhari came to power in 2015, he met subsidies on fertiliser and other things.

“The massive electricity subsidy; the fraudulent fertilizer subsidy, Hajj/Christian Pilgrim subsidies – remember them?

“The diesel subsidy. The aviation fuel subsidy. LPFO, kerosene, cooking gas and the other subsidy policies we found in place, and put them firmly on the ground. Remember them?

“For those with short memories, many of those subsides were all in place when president Buhari was elected to office in 2015: all those in place were gone by May 2023 – including the annual fertilizer subsidy that weighed 60-100 billion Naira (that’s trillion naira in about 10 years – yes you read that right) heavy on the federal budget each year.

“Buhari didn’t remove the petrol subsidy – but in vitally important stages, he removed every other budget-busting, egregious, economic-growth-crushing subsidy along the way.”

He pleaded that the administration of Buhari would not want to distract the current government of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima from the onerous tasks facing them and the nation.

“Neither is it our wish to take the spotlight away from them in any way.

“In terms of the timings of the decisions to remove fuel subsidy and unify the currency, the Tinubu/Shettima administration has done overwhelmingly well.

“Even more importantly, they have been most dexterous in managing the aftermath of the decisions by successfully avoiding any crisis.

“To this extent, our wish and prayers are that fellow countrymen will continue to support the new leadership in these very laudable decisions and, in particular, for the Labour leadership and civil society to work with them to ensure that the palliative efforts as promised are successfully implemented.”

NUC Approves 3rd State University For Kogi

June 26, 2023

The Kogi State Government has obtained a license of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to establish the third state-owned university to be known as Kogi State University, Kabba.

The state governor, Yahaya Bello, in a mission statement read at the NUC in Abuja, said that the State House of Assembly last Thursday passed a bill to establish a third state-owned University to be sited in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

The state had earlier inaugurated an implementation committee, chaired by Emeritus Professor of English Language, Olu Obafemi.

Eid-El-Kabir: Federal Govt Declares June 28, 29 Public Holidays

Editorial staff

June 26, 2023

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 29, 2023, as public holidays for the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, who disclosed this in a statement today, June 26, said that the declaration was in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

“In the spirit of this special occasion, during which we commemorate the great virtues of obedience, sacrifice and faith as exemplified by Prophet Ibraheem (Peace of Allah be upon him), Muslims, and indeed, all Nigerians are enjoined to make sacrifices for the growth and development of our communities and our great country, Nigeria.

“We are hopeful that the prayers and sacrifices that come with this great celebration as well as the message of Eid-el-Kabir will bring about peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.”

Protests Rock Kano Over Demolition

Editorial staff

June 26, 2023

Youths, women and men today, June 26, took to the streets in Kano, protesting the demolition of property by the State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The protesters carried visited some of the demolished structures, especially the one at the old Duala hotel.

They wielded different placards with which they expressed displeasure against the action of the governor.

Some of the inscriptions written on the placards read: “Your action, Governor Yusuf is sending investors away” “stop this bad action” “Your demolition is political” “The demolition is vendetta,” “We did not vote for you to demolish people’s structures” “Kwankwaso also allocated land to people,” among others.

The protesters started marching from the demolished Duala hotel to the state police headquarters in Bompai to deliver their protest letter to the Commissioner of Police.

At the Kano State Command, they were later dispersed by the police in order for the protest not to escalate.

While reading the content of the protest letter, the Director of Research and Government Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative, Comrade Zahradeen Sani Baba, said: “we are here to inform your good office about the later development happening in the state that are quite disturbing to us.

“It is our profound gratitude to address you today in protest against the illegal demolition of properties legally acquired by indigenes and investors by the Kano State Government without reasonable justification for such exercise.

“We want to thank the Kano State Commissioner of Police, who has displayed professionalism in handling security issues in the State. CP Gumel is a distinguished officer whose stance has restored dignity to the Force. Right from the time of elections, he separated the Police from politics and maintain that stance till date.

“We are here to present our grievances to you over the demolition of properties legally acquired by indigenes and investors by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf. We believe that, you will convey our massage to the Governor believing that, the Almighty God will touch his heart to listen to the cry of the people.

“The people of Kano State unanimously voted for Governor Abba Yusuf with a view to bring development to the State. It was believed that, the Governor is the messiah of the time who shall continue with people’s oriented programmes of his predecessor to salvage the people of Kano State.

“It is unfortunate that within six days in office, the perceived messiah became a source of sorrow to many residents and indigenes of Kano State, who acquired land from the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje when the Governor ordered demolition of properties worth over two hundred and twenty six billion Naira within three weeks in office.

“Let it be on record that six days in office is insignificant for a people’s oriented government to order the demolition of properties because the time allowed by law for such notice was not followed.

“It is our firm believe that Governor Yusuf is using the people’s hard earned investment to settle political scores with the previous administration which is a bad development. We expect him to know that once you emerge as a governor, you become a governor for all and not that of NNPP alone.

“The Land Use Act specified that, individual do not own land as all lands belong to the Government. It is true that government is also a continuous process where successors inherit assets and liability.”

Ex Federal Permsec, Dikwa, Demands Apology From Online Newspaper Or Face N10 Billion Libel Suit

Greenbarge Reporters

June 26, 2023

Former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa has asked an online newspaper, The Peoples Gazette, to retract a story it published against him, and to tender an apology to, and compensate him for damages.
In a letter dated June 23, 2023 and addressed to the Editor/Managing of the online newspaper, Kyari Dikwa said that if the online newspaper failed to apologize within seven days, he would go ahead to institute a N10 Billion Libel Suit against it.
He rook serious exception to the recent publication of the online newspaper, titled “EXCLUSIVE: Scavengers cart away $4 million from $76 million cash haul stockpiled in Abuja apartment by NDIC manager Aisha Odariko, ex-perm sec Mohammed Kyari.”
“By your publication, which is widely circulated, you falsely and maliciously wrote and published defamatory words which referred to our client.”
The letter, written by Kyari’s legal team, is reproduced here and it goes thus:
We act for Mohammed Kyari Dikwa (“our client”) a personality of good repute and sterling personal and professional attainments.
Our Client’s profile
Our client who is a retired Federal Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance is a personality who has distinguished himself in both public and private sectors over the last couple of decades.
Owing to his impeccable character and integrity, our client was appointed as the Accountant–General of Borno State in 1999, and later the Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in 2002. As a result of his exemplary character, proficiency and vast experience in the finance sector, his service was transferred to the Federal Civil Service in 2004. In the Federal Civil Service, he held several Directorship roles, which culminated in his appointment as Acting Accountant General of the Federation in 2015, and subsequently, the Federal Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance in 2018, before his retirement in 2019. Our client brought to bear his astuteness, integrity and unparalled initiatives which increased transparency in public finance in Nigeria. He is credited with the conceptualization and implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), E-payment and E-collection, Whistle Blowing Policy and a host of other innovations in public finance in Nigeria.
Our client has a PhD in Accounts and Finance; is a Fellow of several professional bodies, and is a Director on the Board of both State and Federal Agencies.
Your malicious and false publication
Our client’s attention has been drawn to your recent online publication, by one Ahmed Oluwasanjo, on June 23, 2023, titled: “EXCLUSIVE: Scavengers cart away $4 million from $76 million cash haul stockpiled in Abuja apartment by NDIC manager Aisha Odariko, ex-perm sec Mohammed Kyari” which is making the rounds on social media platforms including WhatsApp. By your publication, which is widely circulated, you falsely and maliciously wrote and published defamatory words which referred to our client.
There is no doubt that your publication amounts to very serious libel on our client which has caused him considerable distress and embarrassment. All of these allegations made against him are false to your knowledge and your attack on him was unjustified, malicious and callous. The correct conclusion that could be drawn from your publication against our client is that the publication was made deliberately to bring our client to ridicule, hatred and ruins, despite that you know that there is no iota of truth in your prejudiced publication which smacks of sensationalism.
The consequent damage on our client’s reputation
The only treasure our client holds on to, is his impeccable character which he has built over the years. His rise to the position of a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service was predicated on his track record as evident in his selfless service to the nation and the public finance sector.
Consequent upon your publication, which is injurious, our client’s reputation has not only been assaulted but injured and severely damaged as categories of people have been calling on him through personal visits, messages, e-mails, telephone etc challenging him on account of your publication, which they all read. Majorly, these persons are surprised that you alleged that our client has been involved in not only fraud and financial impropriety, but extra-marital liaison. No doubt, his professional integrity in the finance industry built over the years through dedicated hard work, and his private family life, has been besmirched. We strongly believe that if you had bothered to find out our client’s perspectives before your publication, you would have known that there is no iota of truth in the publication.
From the foregoing, you would agree that the said publication was wholly an attempt to disparage our client and bring him to public odium. Since the publication of the libelous story, our client has been subjected to unquantifiable psychological, emotional and physical trauma.
Our client is a well–respected elder statesman, a public finance expert and philanthropist, well known within and outside the boundaries of Nigeria for his dedication, hard work and unquestionable integrity in affairs bordering on public finance and accountability. It is the achievements of decades of industry and forthrightness that your organisation tends to destroy overnight through a careless, prejudiced and one-sided publication. We would not allow such deliberate wrong to go un-redressed, particularly as your publication is not a true reflection of who our client is, his character and his values.
Demand and option for settlement
In the circumstance, our client requires from you, as a matter of urgency, a full and unequivocal public retraction and apology in terms to be approved by our firm, and an undertaking not to repeat these allegations. We have also advised our client that he is entitled to substantial compensation for the injury to his reputation and feelings, in respect of which we invite your proposals. Our client also demands from you all the legal costs he has incurred so far on this matter.
We look forward to hearing from you without delay. If we do not receive a satisfactory reply within seven (7) days of the receipt of this letter, our instructions are to commence legal proceedings against you, without further recourse to you, wherein our client shall claim against you as follows:
DAMAGES including exemplary damages in the sum of N10,000,000,000.00 (Ten Billion Naira Only) for libel contained in your defamatory publication.
INJUNCTION restraining further publication in any manner whatsoever connected or related to the said or similar words defamatory to our client.
AN ORDER directing you to retract or cause to be retracted the said defamatory words in the same manner and form adopted in your publication of the defamatory words.
AN ORDER directing you to tender an unreserved apology in at least three (3) widely circulated national newspapers, and online media platforms, within 72 hours of the date of the delivery of judgment in the suit.
We hope you will make the afore-said actions unnecessary.
Yours faithfully,

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