Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike From January 28; Write Minister

January 10, 2023

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened a nationwide strike, if the federal government fails to meet up with their demands.

The association said in a letter to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, signed by its president, Dr. Emeka Innocent Orji that if the issues are not resolved before its January 2023 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which is scheduled for January 24th to 28th, the strike will begin.

The letter reads: “Sir, our January 2023 National Executive Council meeting has been scheduled for January 24th to 28th, 2023, and we can confirm very clearly feelers that if these issues are not sorted out before that meeting, our members will likely give us a mandate to immediately kick-start processes that will lead to a nationwide industrial disharmony in the health sector.”

It would be recalled that, NARD had earlier issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government six months ago on account of lingering unresolved issues affecting its members, including the irregularities in the new circular on an upward review of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), outstanding payment of the arrears of the new hazard allowance, non-payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015 and 2016, and non-payment of the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage to some of its members.

In addition, the delay in the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), salary arrears of its members in state tertiary health institutions running into several months, including Abia, Imo, Ondo, Ekiti and Gombe States, and non-domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) in most states across the federation.

The association however commended the efforts of government through its ministries, departments and agencies in resolving some of the issues raised, but that many of them remain largely unresolved and have now become sources of serious nationwide agitation threatening industrial peace and harmony in the health sector.

NARD said that the major ones amongst them are: “Omitted 2020 MRTF payment, irregularities in the new MRTF circular inconsistent with the Medical Residency Training Act, existing collective bargaining agreements and current economic realities and review of CONMESS salary structure.

“Sir, we know how critical this period is and the chaos that will ensue if the government does not take steps to prevent this from happening, and so we humbly implore you to use your good office to resolve these issues before our January NEC meeting. Sir, we trust in your fatherly disposition and believe that you will come to our aid and save this nation from this imminent industrial disharmony. ”

The association sent copies of the letter to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Minister of Labour and Finance respectively, as well as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum( NGF) among many others.

Source: INDEPENDENT.

We’ll Make Sure 2023 General Elections Hold – DSS

Editorial staff

January 10, 2023

The Department of State Service (DSS) has assured that it will not spare any effort in ensuring that threats to national security and conduct of the 2023 polls are curtailed.

The spokesman of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement today, January 10, said that the Service would create the enabling environment needed for the 2023 elections.

“We restate our unalloyed support to the President on his resolve to continue to confront head-on, threats to national security as well as create the enabling environment necessary for the 2023 general elections to hold.”

He said that the campaign of calumny targeting Service’s Director-General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, his family and some key officials of the Service will be resisted.

Dr. Afunanya called on members of the public to ignore the ridiculous horseplay of disgruntled elements aimed at undermining the highly dedicated leadership and management of the Service.

”Also, some sections of the media have been briefed to implement the strategy through sponsored articles, commentaries and features to malign the DG, his family and select officials of the Service.

“The Service is monitoring developments and will allow the plotters to either exhaust themselves or rescind the plan of action. Otherwise, no amount of intimidation, harassment and blackmail will deter it from discharging its duties.

“However, it would not idly watch a group of dissatisfied gang to undermine the Service and its highly dedicated leadership and management.

“The DSS, therefore, wishes to inform the public to be wary of these tendencies and ignore the antics of dark forces out to impugn the character of the DG.”

Also, the nation’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains resolute and unwavering in holding the elections scheduled for February 25 and March 11 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He gave the assurance at the 17th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari scorecard series in Abuja on Tuesday covered by Persecondnews.

Lai Mohammed also said the synergy between INEC and the various security agencies will ensure elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere.

“Let me use this opportunity to respond to inquiries from the media over a widely-circulated report, credited to an INEC official that the 2023 general elections face a serious threat of cancellation due to insecurity.

“The position of the Federal Government remains that the 2023 elections will be held as planned. Nothing has happened to change that position.

“We are aware that INEC is working wth the security agencies to ensure that the elections are successfully held across the country.

“The security agencies have also continued to assure Nigerians that they are working tirelessly to ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere. Therefore, there is no cause for alarm,” the minister said.

I Was Deceived By Devil, Pastor Begs Mother Whose Daughter He Has Sex With

Editorial staff

January 10, 2023

A pastor at the Peculiar Generation Assembly Church, Lagos, Chris McDouglas has allegedly confessed to the mother of a 17-year-old girl of having been having sexual relation with her for three years.

The woman said that Pastor McDouglas had been having sex with her daughter at the back of his church and in different hotels on several occasions, adding that he had been doing that from 2017 up to 2020 in the guise of taking her out for gospel ministration.

The victim’s mother was led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Lagos State, on Monday.

According to her, when she confronted the defendant for defiling her daughter, he burst into tears and blamed it on the devil.

She said: “Pastor McDouglas will come to my house and ask my daughter to follow him for ministration so as to use her talent as a chorister to bless others.

“Unknown to me, according to my daughter, when he takes her out for ministration, he will branch in a hotel and have sex with her.

“When I confronted him with some leaders in the church, he said he was deceived by the devil and told me to forgive him.”

The witness, who gave evidence before Justice Ramon Oshodi, said she recorded her conversation as well as the defendant’s alleged confession on her phone.

“The pastor, whom I trusted so much with my family and saw as my spiritual father, entered my house anytime I was not around to have sex with my daughter.

“My daughter told me Pastor Mcdouglas would sneak into the house while I was not around, cover the curtains, cover her mouth and force himself on her.

“My daughter said when he sees that she wants to shout to attract our neighbours, pastor will bring out the fairly-used clothes that I sell and pretend to be selecting from it,” she added.

She stated that her daughter’s alleged sexual encounter with the defendant drove her (victim) into depression, which made her faint constantly.

The witness added that the defendant would come to the house and prayed for the girl whenever she fainted and also told them to sow seed to the church for her to stay alive.

She said: “I used my salary most times to sow seed on the instruction of Pastor Mcdouglas and my husband also gave him money to buy supplements for me.

“She said sometimes, the pastor will call her to his house to help wash his children’s clothes and ended up raping her in his house.

“He threatened my daughter that she would die if she told anyone about it.”

During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mr. Suleiman Salami, the witness told the court that she had known the defendant for more than 12 years and that her husband had been outside Nigeria for 10 years.

She stated that the defendant used to collect money from her family and he did not offer financial help to her family.

The woman said she was a member of the ushering department, an administrative officer and a member of the building committee of the church but left the church in 2020.

She confirmed to the court that the survivor, who was her first daughter, was depressed from 2017 to 2020.

“My daughter is moody whenever she comes back from pastor’s house, which is inside the church.

“Pastor does not give me breathing space as he is always in my house.

“My daughter always faints anytime she comes back from ministration and pastor always gives her holy water to drink.

“This has affected my daughter as she always have suicidal thought because I once received a call from her school that she wanted to buy an insecticide,” she said.

Pastor McDouglas is standing trial on nine counts bordering on defilement, rape and sexual assault by penetration, preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Taraba Varsity Students On Rampage Over Postponed Exams, Non-Payment Of Staff Salary

Editorial staff

January 9, 2023

Students of Taraba State University, Jalingo have embarked on demonstration, protesting the alleged postponement of their exams and non payment of academic and non- academic staff salary for 10 months.

The protest which started at the University gate today, January 9, defied armed security personnel, as thousands of students blocked a major road leading from wukari to Jalingo, Takum, Bali roads and disrupting vehicular movements and commuter activities.

The students proceeded to burnfire with disused tyres and destroyed political party billboards. They also marched with placards and chanted anti-government songs, calling on the state government to pay the lecturers who have not been paid for 10 months now.

The protesting students were blocked at the government House by heavily armed security forces who shot tears gas canisters into the air.

Speaking to some of the student protesters who do not want their names to be mentioned, one of them said: “the government sent thugs to attack us. More than four students were injured. Police shot directly at us and sent us away without being attended to”, he said.

Staff of the institution have last week protested round the school over non payment of their salaries and threatened that “No salary, No exams.”

The university staff, led by Mr. Solomon Ishaya Audu, the NASU Chairman and Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka the SSANU Chairman, in their protest letters presented to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Bako, said that the union members were demanding payment of the outstanding salary balance of March and June 2022; Payment of the outstanding responsibility and hazard allowances for September 2021 and Payment of the 75% outstanding third party deductions.

Source: NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper.

Pastor Bans Church Members From Sex For 21 Day

Editorial staff

January 9, 2023

Founder and lead minister of Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has banned his followers from enjoying their marital rights following the church’s 21-day fasting.

Pastor Ibiyeomie made the announcement during the church’s thanksgiving service for the year 2023.

Married couples in the church are expected to suspend the consummation of their conjugational rights until the end of the 21 days of spiritual exercise.

During the service, Pastor Ibiyeomie told his congregation that physical intimacy would not be allowed during the period of fasting, stating that abstinence from sex for only three weeks will not kill anyone.

Giving Bible references to back his claims, the cleric read recommended 1 Corinthians 7:5 for the couples.

The Bible scripture given by Pastor Ibiyeomi reads: “The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, – 1 Corinthians 7:5.”

Pastor Ibiyeomi further charged couples who believe they can break their fasting with food and sexual affairs for the day to stir clear from it.

According to him, such kind of mentality is associated with persons who wish to twist the Bible to gratify their fleshly lust.

“Abstain from sex this fasting season because I’ve heard people say, ‘My husband said that once we break since we eat food, we should eat this one too’! So, ah! I’ve heard it!

“As a pastor, they say please talk to my husband that we are fasting.”

There’s Deliberate Attempt To Destroy Nigeria, But… Buhari Opens Up

Editorial staff

January 9, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that there was deliberate attempt by those he did not name, to destroy Nigeria but that God did not permit it.

He said: “there was a deliberate attempt to destroy Nigeria but God did not permit it. God has helped Nigeria to bounce back.”

Buhari, who spoke today, January 9, at the palace of the Emir of Damaturu, Hashimi II El-Kanemi, commended members of the Armed Forces and the Police for their sacrifices in protecting the country.

The President stressed that having fought to defend Nigeria’s unity during the Civil War, those who were part of that experience would never “allow anybody to fiddle with this country again.”

He advised Nigerians to develop strong confidence in the country, its security institutions and never allow any terrorist groups to destablise Nigeria again.

He vowed to continue to protect the right of every Nigerian child to education, particularly the children displaced from their homes by Boko Haram.

“With the four months I have left as President, I’ll continue to be steadfast and I hope that I will retire in peace.

“We must develop strong confidence in our country. Let us make sure we do not compromise security at all in any form because security and economy are the most important things.

“We have gone through so much as a country and I appeal to you to be steadfast and make sure that we will not allow anybody to disorganize us again.”

The President was delighted at the return of peace and normalcy in Yobe State and Northeast Nigeria, even as he thanked Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and his Borno State counterpart, Professor Babagana Zulum, for their persistence in reconstructing schools, health centers and institutions destroyed by the misguided terrorists.

Governor Buni told the President that in the heat of the battle against insurgency, the Palace of the Emir of Damaturu was overrun by terrorists.

“However, today and worthy of note is that Yobe State is one of the States you liberated from the clutches of Boko Haram terrorists.

“Before, in this Palace even if you placed one billion dollars for someone to come and pick it, nobody dared to come near but your coming onboard has made that history and the people of Yobe are enjoying relative peace.”

The Emir also thanked the President for improved security in the country, saying: “we have had bitter experiences in the past, but your administration has unified the country.”

After the courtesy visit at the Emir’s palace, President Buhari proceeded to commission several projects executed by the State government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

They include the ultra-modern State Command Headquarters, the Police Tertiary Hospital and access roads, and Police Secondary School, conceptualized and completed under Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.

He also inaugurated Damaturu ultra-modern market, Maternal and Child Health Complex at the Yobe State Teaching Hospital, the 2600 Housing Estate in Potiskum and the Damaturu Mega School at new Bra-Bra, executed by Governor Buni.

Earlier and immediately after his arrival from Yola, Adamawa State, the President had inaugurated Yobe International Cargo Airport, named after him.

Buhari Advises Adamawa People To Make History By Electing First Female Governor

Editorial staff

January 9, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the people of Adamawa State to make history by electing Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed-Binani as the first female Governor to ever emerge in the country.

The President, who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential and Gubernatorial Flag-off campaigns in Adamawa State today, January 9, said: “let me remind you of the good fortune that is awaiting your State in 2023 after returning the APC to power at the federal level and electing the party’s candidate as your incoming governor.

“You have been given the opportunity to set a record in the history of Nigeria and the annals of democracy and politics in our country by electing the first ever female chief executive of a state in Nigeria. You cannot afford that such a significant opportunity would slip through your fingers.”

The President said that Senator Binani has consistently worked for the welfare of the State and indigenes over many years, and that entrusting her with the Office of the Governor would further strengthen her to reposition the State for greatness.

“I am, therefore, calling on all the men, women and youth of Adamawa State, the northeast and indeed the entire country, to support the candidature of Senator Aisha Binani and ensure her victory in March, 2023.”

President Buhari urged the electorate to also vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as President and Vice President in the forthcoming elections, and candidates of the APC for Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly.

“I am delighted to be here today in Yola, Adamawa State, to be part of the campaign of our candidates for different offices in the country, starting from presidential, to gubernatorial, national and state assemblies. It is All Progressives Congress (APC) from top to bottom.

“APC for President! APC for Governor! APC for Senate! APC for House of Representatives! APC for Assembly Members!”

President Buhari said the APC has a vision of making Adamawa State more peaceful, progressive and prosperous.

“Your contributions in Adamawa State to our national development can be attested to by your output in agriculture, fishery, livestock, industry, manufacturing, commerce, mining, among others.

“Your achievements in the areas of education have made us proud and given us immense joy and satisfaction. Adamawa people are progressive in nature, and it is time to prove it once again.

“Our vision for Adamawa as a peaceful, progressive and prosperous state is strong and enduring. With your perseverance and determination, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will make Adamawa a model state in all areas of endeavour.”

The President urged the youths in the state and country to pursue values that will bring honor to their families and the country, advising that Nigeria’s image could only be improved by the citizens.

“Let me now speak to the youths of our country, and Adamawa State particularly. I want you to know that you mean so much to us. Please remain loyal and patriotic citizens, learn from your elders and behave responsibly at all times.

“There can be no other place better than this country that promises so much to us and beckons us to greater prosperity.

“I want you to remain true to our ideals of decency, respect and accountability. You should bear your responsibilities seriously and acquit yourself well in all that you are called on to do.

“You should all come out and vote in the forthcoming elections, exercise your franchise responsibly and do not allow yourselves to be misled by vain sentiments and idle promises.

“Let me remind you and the entire people of Nigeria that the eyes of the world will be on you come February and March, 2023. Therefore do not give in to temptation and allow yourselves to be manipulated.”

The President advised the youths to remain loyal to the APC by sensitizing on the gains of the party, and voting for its candidates at various levels.

“I wish specially to thank you for reposing your trust in me and giving me your support during the last two presidential elections.

“I want you to continue with this spirit and remain loyal to our party the APC. I want you to support our candidates at all levels in the state and federal elections. You can trust Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, our party’s flag-bearer and presidential candidate, together with his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.

“I want you to vote for them massively, retain the party in power at the centre, and also return Adamawa to the rank of the progressives.

“I want you to wholeheartedly embrace the message of “RENEWED HOPE” on which our candidates and party are campaigning.”

In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu called on voters to elect Asiwaju Tinubu for President, and Senator Binani for Governor of Adamawa State.

Adamu assured the large gathering of party supporters at the Muhammadu Buhari Square that both candidates have been tested with responsibilities at various levels of governance, and would work together for the benefit of the people.

Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu thanked the President for leading the country with integrity, and setting new standards in development projects.

“Nigeria is blessed. We have integrity in President Buhari. Whatever damage the Poverty Development Party, PDP, have done, we will replace it with joy, prosperity, happiness and employment for our people.

“We will get you engaged properly. We will pay attention to your needs. Vote Binani for governor of the state, and when we are elected, we will work together to provide good water, education, health and end killings and kidnapping.”

Senator Binani pleaded with the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, APC stalwart, Nuhu Ribadu and member of House of Representative, Abdulrazak Namdas to join hands with her in ensuring success at the polls towards lifting the state to greater heights.

Former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, urged the electorates to vote for Asiwaju Tinubu for President, and Binani for Governor of the state, noting that Tinubu and his Vice Presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima, had already set precedence of good leadership as former governors.

He said that Binani would build on past achievements in the state, and correct anomalies in leadership and development, especially in placing the welfare of the people first and ensuring inclusive governance.

Why We Issued Query On Paramount King, Ohinoyi Of Ebira Land – Kogi Govt

Editorial staff

January 9, 2023

The government of Kogi State has responded to comments being expressed in the social media by Ebira people on the query which the State Government issued to the Paramount ruler, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim over his alleged failure to turn up to receive President Muhammadu Buhari on December 29, 2022.

In a statement today, January 9, 2023, the State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Salami Momodu Ozigi Deedat, said that the query became necessary when it was obvious that the Ohinoyi deliberately avoided the newly remodeled official palace of the Ohinoyi.

The Commissioner said that when the idea to reconstruct the palace to make it befitting for the stool of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was muted, Dr. Ado Ibrahim was sufficiently consulted and that he gave his consent.

“Upon the completion of the project which has received commendation from far and wide and the date for the commissioning by the President was approved and announced, I personally paid a visit to Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and I duly informed him of the programe of event.

“Although he responded negatively that he would not attend, I persuaded and entreated him to kindly attend in view of the importance of the project and, especially the personality of the President that would commission the project.

“It is now known to all sundry that he made good his negative disposition not on any account of ill health or circumstances beyond his control, but a deliberate act of disloyalty and insubordination to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Executive Governor of the State.”

The Commissioner said that the official visit of the President to Kogi State to commission projects was not limited to Okene alone, adding that many projects were commissioned by the President in Lokoja, the State capital.

“To this effect, the President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, Attah Igala led other Royal Majesties and all 1st Class Chiefs from both East and West Senatorial Districts and from their far domains to receive the President at the designated venue in Lokoja.

“It is therefore left for the public to judge if it was fair and appropriate for His Royal Majesty, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, whose private residence is a few meters away from the venue of the commissioning of the palace and being the principal beneficiary of the project to stay put in his house while all the Graded Chiefs within the Central Senatorial District were present in solidarity with him to honour and receive the President.”

Barrister Salami Deedat said that government of Yahaya Bello, being a responsive and responsible one will not allow any person or group of persons, no matter how highly placed, to ridicule, humiliate and cast aspersion on or disdain the genuine intention of the administration to usher unprecedented development in the State.

“Actions that are tailored towards disloyalty, insubordination and that which tends to affect the peace, security, good image and cohesion of the State will not be treated with levity.

“This administration will continue to ensure that this State is governed by the rule of law, respect for authority and humanity and the guarantee of equal rights for all citizens.

“Let the general public be rest assured that Government will handle this matter with utmost objectivity devoid of any sentiment.

“The panel that will be set up to look into the matter will be dispassionate, deligent and rational and will ensure fairness, equity and justice.”

Part of the statement goes thus:

“It has become highly imperative to brief the general public on the issues surrounding the issuance of letter of query to His Royal Majesty, Alh. Dr. Ado Ibrahim CON, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

“This is because, what ordinarily should have been an official process has been made public by the recipient of the query and as such the public deserve to be abreast with the truth and isolate it from falsehood.

“First and foremost, the reconstructed palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland which was commissioned by the President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces has all along been the official palace/residence of successive Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

“It is on record that when President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR visited Okene in the year 1984 as a Military Head of State, it was in the same palace that he was received by the then Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, late Alh. Sanni Omolori.

“The palace has been remodeled and reconstructed to a magnificent edifice that every son and daughter of Ebiraland could be proud of.

“Albeit, the current Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alh. Dr. Ado Ibrahim CON opted, on his own, to stay in his personal house and use it as a palace, that does not erase the fact that there is an official palace built over the years for Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.”

How Nigeria Can Win In 2023, By Fredrick Nwabufo

Greenbarge Reporters

January 9, 2023

Twenty twenty three is a defining year. We, the people, will decide our fate. We will decide whether to retreat to the years of the locusts where public funds were milked from the national till; where impunity ruled over the land; where there was a lack of accountability; where soldiers drowned in blood in thousands because funds for the purchase of arms were appropriated by light-fingered agents of government; where lies were the language of the establishment, and where deceit was poetry, or to continue to advance on the trajectory of financial discipline, diligent resource allocation, and colossal infrastructural development.

We will decide whether to return to ‘’governance “Sobibor’’ or to soldier on to a future of greater possibilities. 2023 can be ours. Challenges are expected, but we can win. In our hands is the power to forge our own destiny, and to determine the trajectory of our country in the next few years. Yes, we wield that inexorable power to shape or impair Nigeria. But we must make Nigeria. We must apply this cosmic power responsibly – not to serve personal ends but to preserve our collective interest as Nigerians.

Good governance is heterogeneous, and so is bad governance. We are potential victims or victors, depending on the choice we make on February 25.

The elections are a few weeks away, and destiny beckons. Nigeria can win. Nigeria will win if we elect the candidate who has shown a personal example of leadership, who has shown preparedness, demonstrated competence, expansiveness, and character, and who has put forward a clear and plausible plan for the development of the country.

I have studied the plans of the leading presidential candidates. I have listened to their stump speeches, and I have followed their pristine thoughts. One candidate stands out, and that is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I say this with all sincerity. I look into the future, and I see promise for Nigeria with Tinubu as president.

As I said in the column, ‘We need the Nigerian dream and identity’, inspiring citizens to dream the Nigerian dream through deliberate policies and good governance, should be a priority of the next leadership. Nigeria needs corrective leadership in 2023. No government has it all figured out. Progressive leadership is corrective leadership. It is important that the next government consolidates the achievements of the current administration and make adjustments where necessary.

I believe, in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu resides the courage to inspire citizens to dream the Nigerian dream of hope, national unity, mass prosperity and self-actualisation.

Recently, the APC presidential candidate made a valiant statement on axing petrol subsidy and other economic drainpipes. What many will consider a political suicide attempt.

He said: “By all means, you must have electricity. And you won’t pay for estimated billing anymore. When I become president, multiple exchange rates will go away. Write it down. How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, of Niger, of Benin Republic. No matter how long you protest, we are going to remove subsidy. We can do it. We are educated enough.’’

The honesty, courage and forthrightness exemplified by Tinubu in this instance is infectious. He did not dilly-dally or play around the critical issue with political chicanery; he made a firm statement and asked Nigerians to hold him to his word.

Petrol subsidy is a Venus flytrap. Tinubu is right. Petrol subsidy has to go. It is unsustainable. In 2023, it is projected to gulp about N7 trillion. Nigeria needs a leader with the mettle to take tough decisions for the greater good. I believe Tinubu is that leader.

I had argued for the removal of petrol subsidy even when it was unpopular to do so years ago. So, my standpoint on this matter has been consistent.

In 2021, I wrote that Nigeria needs a leader who can take tough decisions like removing subsidies on petroleum and electricity for instance; vacuum the tax system and make heads roll – if need be. The argument for subsidy retention is an emotional one that discounts the filth in the system. Nigeria is a quasi-socialist country, a highly subsidised country. Corruption thrives partly because of the regime of subsidies.

Any dauntless leader willing to reform Nigeria must be ready to be unpopular because the status quo will fight back — and will do so ruthlessly.

Virtually every essential commodity or service is subsidised and does not reflect true value. The subsidy regime is clearly unsustainable. Kerosene, which is the common energy of the poor, was de-subsidised; diesel as well, yet petrol which sells for over N700 per litre in Ghana – an oil-producing country — is scandalously buffered. Who does this benefit?

The NNPC said it spent N541.65 billion within six months in 2021 on petroleum subsidy. Between 2017 and 2020, the company was projected to have spent over N1.53 trillion on petroleum subsidy. The reality is that the current price of petrol in Nigeria does not reflect its actual value vis-a-vis the prevailing global market value.

But if the poor can afford a basic commodity like kerosene which sells for N947 per litre without subsidy, why should petrol mostly utilised by the middle and the upper class be N195 per litre? Who does the subsidy regime serve? The masses or some industry leviathans and wolves?

Nigeria can win in 2023.

I believe Nigeria will win with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nwabufo aka Mr. OneNigeria is a writer and journalist.

Group Threatens Buhari With Court Action Over 300 Percent Increase In Electric Tariff

Editorial staff

January 8, 2023

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has given seven days to President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the recent 300 percent increase in electric tariff across the country.

SERAP said that the increase would further create more hardship for Nigerians who are already battling survival following the current harsh economic realities

In the letter dated 7 January 2023 and signed by the Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the increase which took effect from December 2022 as unlawful, unjust and unreasonable.

“The increase in electricity tariff failed to follow due process. It is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), the Electric Power Sector Reform Act and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
SERAP asked the President to “direct the minister of power, Goddy Jedy-Agba and the Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor James Momoh to immediately reverse the unlawful, unjust and unreasonable increase in electricity tariff, which reportedly occurred in December 2022.”

“The increase in electricity tariff would exacerbate the extreme poverty across the country, and undermine the ability of millions of Nigerians to satisfy basic human needs.”

“Millions of Nigerians continue to live in darkness despite the spending by successive governments of trillions of naira as investments and bailouts to electricity companies.“The increase is unjustified, especially given the unreliable, inefficient and poor quality of electricity in the country.

“Rather than providing electricity discounts to poor Nigerians, successive governments continue to give bailouts to electricity companies.”

1...335336337...2,456 Page 336 of 2,456