Keyamo Wants To Know If NLC And Peter Obi Agree On Fuel Subsidy Removal

September 17, 2022

Spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, has asked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on which platform Peter Obi was picked as the Presidential candidate to explain to Nigerians if it had abandoned its fight against the removal of fuel subsidy.

Peter Obi is the Presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party (LP).

In a statement today, September 17, Keyamo, who doubles as minister of State for Labour and Productivity in the current Federal Government, said that Peter Obi’s declaration to remove fuel subsidy if he is elected President in 2023, is coming against the backdrop pf position of the leadership of the organized labour under the aegis of the NLC, which fought successive governments to keep it alive.

He wondered if Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, discussed with the leadership of his party and the NLC to know their policies before making the statement to ‘excite his Obidient supporters.

The statement read: “We note that the leadership of the organized labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday, September 13, 2022, at a national retreat of the Labour Party in Abuja, promised to mobilise its members across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, to ensure victory for Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in next year’s presidential election.

“We also note that in several interviews he granted in the last few months and weeks, Obi has vowed to totally remove subsidy on petrol if elected President. We also note NLC’s long-standing opposition to total removal of fuel subsidy. Other left-leaning supporters of the Labour Party were also present at the event to cheer Obi.

“Consequently, the following questions are urgently begging for answers by the leadership of the NLC. Before adopting Obi as its candidate, did the leadership of the NLC have a discussion with him on the issue of removal of fuel subsidy? If they did have that discussion, did Obi agree to back down on the issue of subsidy removal? Was that a basis for supporting him? If he did not back down on the issue, did the organised labour agree with him?”

The Minister of State for Labour, Productivity and Employment, noted that it would be reckless of the NLC to adopt a candidate without thoroughly interrogating him on his policies as they affect the Nigerian workers or the masses if no subsidy removal discussion held.

This is even as he admonished the leadership of the NLC to come clean by making a public statement unless it has changed its earlier stance and now fully supports the removal of fuel subsidy.

“If the excuse is that Obi has said that the money saved will be used in other critical areas of the economy, how is that different from what the Buhari government is also saying?

“These questions have become necessary because Nigerians deserve to know whether organised labour’s adopted party, which is the Labour Party, supports and promotes a policy that the leadership of labour opposes in another breath, when it is adopted by the government of the day. They cannot be blowing hot and cold.

“As our Council stands for issue-based campaigns, we call on all members of the 4th Estate of the Realm not to sweep this point under the carpet and to thoroughly interrogate the NLC and the Labour Party on the one hand; and the seemingly right-leaning supporters of the Labour Party and Mr. Peter Obi on the other, on this issue so that they will come clean before Nigerians.”

Chinese National Stabs Nigerian Girlfriend To Death In Kano State

Editorial staff

September 17, 2022

Police I Kano have arrested a Chinese lover, Geng Quanrong, for allegedly stabbing his 22 year old girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani Buhari with knife. The incidence occurred at Janbulo quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano.

Police source said that the Chinese boyfriend had gone to see the lady at her parent’s residence located adjacent to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) office at about 10pm yesterday, September 16.

Confirming the incidence, the spokesman of the Kano Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, narrated: “On 16/09/2022 at about 2200hrs, a report was received from Janbulo Quarters Kano that, one Geng Quanrong, ‘m’, 47 years old, of Nassarawa GRA Quarters Kano, a Chinese national, went to the residence of his girlfriend, one Ummukulsum Sani, ‘f’, 22 years old, had a misunderstanding with her, as a result, he attacked her with a sharp knife inflicting deep cut on her neck and some other parts of her body,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Abubakar Lawal, FDC mobilised a team of policemen led by SP Ibrahim Hamma, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Dorayi Babba Division to the scene.

“The victim was rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano, where a medical doctor confirmed her dead. The suspect was immediately arrested.”

He quoted the commissioner to have “directed that the case had been transferred to the command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Homicide Section for discreet investigation”.

We’ll Find It Difficult To Campaign For Atiku In Southwest, Bode George Confesses

Editorial staff

September 17, 2022

A former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and still the chieftain of the party, Olabode George has confessed that with the way the party’s national officers are composed now, it would be difficult for them to campaign for the Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar in the build up to the 2023 election.

Speaking today, September 16 on The Morning Show on Arise TV, the PDP chieftain, stressed that the PDP will encounter difficulty in campaigning against the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if Southwest is not given a national role in the party’s structure.

“But how do I go on the campaign trip in the South-West and tell the people that look, we are ready and you must vote for our candidate? We must realize that the opposition party has its own presidential candidate from the South-West and he (Tinubu) will tell them (voters) I have the presidential ticket, what does the PDP have on its ticket for South-West?

“Let’s assume the south has the presidential ticket, vice presidential ticket and chairmanship position, how will our PDP brothers from the north take it? Will they be happy? All I am saying is to ensure justice and fairness and if they say they don’t want it, history will be on the side of the truth.

“And if at this age I can’t tell the truth, then what am I doing in politics? It is not a matter of forcing Ayu out. Remember, Ayu himself stated and I quote him: “If the presidential candidate emerges from the north, he will resign as the chairman of the party to allow the balancing.”

“We are simply just saying “let us be mindful and don’t let us overdrive this,” he said.

Bode George said that Ayu’s resignation became imperative to ensure balance in the party, advising Ayu to resign to help PDP convince Nigerians as the right party to vote for it in the next year’s election.

He said the calls for Ayu’s resignation is in line with the constitution, saying that the PDP chairman had himself promised to resign from his position if a northerner emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

Bode George reiterated that zoning is more important now than it was in 1998/1999.

The elder statesman said that he had been part of the party’s system for a long time and that he knows what is right for the party.

“In fact, the need to have zoning now is more important than in 1998/1999. Maybe some of these people don’t understand the concept that led to the thought processes of our founding fathers. Because it is an unwritten law it is up for debate and I hope we have the opportunity to put it down in writing and everybody will be able to read it.

“Those saying they don’t believe in it (zoning) and don’t want it are saying that because they don’t understand what brought about it but I am talking because I was part of the system from the very beginning and we have a saying from my part of the world that when you have old people in any association, they (old people) always make sure they correct the mistakes of the young ones and I am trying to refer us to that concept (zoning) that was established and brought about sanity to the nation.

“Now that we are trying to manoeuvre the concept that came from us to suit certain purposes and personal ambitions, it is going to drive us to the canvass and that is what I am saying.

“We are not asking Ayu that he should be zoned out or forced to resign. We are asking for this in the sense of oneness and inclusivity for him to throw in the towel and let us balance the top positions. We are going to campaign in my zone and we want our party to win. If it is not going to affect the party, I won’t bother.”

I’ll Put A Stop To Insecurity In The North To Enable Farmers Flourish, Obi Tells CNN

Editorial staff

September 17, 2022

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has vowed to put a stop to Boko Haram insurgence, terrorism and other insecurity to pave way for the farmers to reap the fruit of their labour.

Speaking with Asher Zain on the Cable News Network International (CNN) today, September 16, Obi said that if he is elected in 2023, his major focus in the first few days of his administration would be to restore stability in the North because the insecurity there is impacting negatively on the economy.

“One, is that you have to deal decisively with the issue of security because it is impacting negatively on the economy,” he said, when Zain asked about his plans to take Nigeria’s economy off of life support.

“You have to get the farmers to get back to the farms and you have to ensure that the vast lands of the North are invested and cultivated on; you have to start pulling people out of poverty as quickly as possible.

“You have to reduce aggressively the cost of governance and deal with the issue of corruption.”

He said that Nigeria needs a leader who is competent, and has the capacity with clear measurable vision to deal with the challenges of high-indebtedness, oil-theft, corruption, and a comatose economy.

Answering another question, Peter Obi, on Friday said that the 2023 poll is not based on whose turn it is, saying: “it is my turn is elite conspiracy to keep Nigeria under-developed.”

“All you hear about the ethnicity, religion, connections, ‘my turn’, is elite conspiracy to keep Nigeria underdeveloped,” Obi said.

“But now, we’ve reached the edge, we can no longer continue this way.”

Printing Fake Dollars: EFCC Arrests 5 Nigerians In Abuja

Editorial staff

September 17, 2022

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended five Nigerians for alleged currency counterfeiting in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital.

EFCC Head of Media, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement today, September 16, said that the suspects were caught with bundles of United States currency totalling $113,400.

Names of the suspects were given as Sule Sani, Abba Sulaiman, Abraham Amengwa James, Haruna Nahum Rabiu and Samson Koadam Paul.

They were arrested at Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, following actionable intelligence the commission received.

“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” Uwujaren said.

Saudi Arabia Bans Use Of National Flag In Any Form Of Advert

Editorial staff

September 17, 2022

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabian has banned individuals and businesses from using the country’s flag in commercial promotions, including publications, goods and products, brochures, special gifts and others.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Commerce, in a statement today, September 16, explained that the major reason for the ban is that the national flag contains the name of Allah, and the official state emblem of two swords and palm tree.

It said that the ban also covers pictures and names of Saudi leaders and officials.

The ministry said that it has carried out inspection tours in markets in all regions of the Kingdom to control such violations, especially during festive occasions such as National Day.

It said that the ministry would also monitors e-shops, saying that legal measures would be taken against those who violate the ban.

According to the statement, a circular had already been issued to businesses four years ago, banning the use of the State’s emblem of two swords and a palm tree in commercial transactions.

The Kingdom is scheduled to celebrate National Day next Friday.

Atiku Going To Dubai To Visit His Family – Media Aide

Editorial staff

September 16, 2022

Paul Ibe, media aide to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said that the candidate would embark on a trip to Europe and a visit to his family in Dubai, starting from today, September 16.

Ibe, in a statement today, September 16, debunked the news making the rounds that Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria, is undertaking the journey on medical ground.

“Today’s trip is in continuation of an earlier business trip of 3 weeks ago.

“At the conclusion of his European trip, the former Vice President will also use the opportunity to visit his family in Dubai.
“His trip is for business and family purposes and has nothing to do with medicals as being insinuated in some quarters.”

Mele Kyari Lists Benefits Of Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project; Signs MOU

Greenbarge Reporters

September 16, 2022

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kyari, has listed the benefits of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project.

Mele Kyari said that apart from helping to mitigate agaist desertification it will also drastically reduce carbon emission in Africa.

The NNPC boss, who spoke at the signing ceremony of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in Rabat Morocco yesterday, September 15, said that the project will also create wealth, and improve the standard of living of people in countries in the African region.

Kyari described the event as a very important milestone in the Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline project as it reaffirms the commitment of stakeholders to deliver on the project.

The NNPC boss explained that the NNPC is well positioned to advance the project by leveraging on its experience and technical capabilities ranging from gas production, processing, transmission and marketing as well as our vast experience in executing major gas infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

He said that from inception of the project to the present stage, concerted efforts have been made by the government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco which led to the “very commendable achievements recorded.”

He expressed appreciation to His Royal Majesty, King Mohammed VI of Morocco and His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for entrusting NNPC Ltd with the strategic project.

“As you are aware, our countries stand to benefit immeasurably from the execution of the project which extends beyond the supply of gas to energize the countries along the route.

“Some of the benefits include creation of wealth and improvement in standard of living, integration of the economies within the region, mitigation against desertification and other benefits that will accrue as a result of reduction in carbon emission.

“I am glad to say that NNPC is well positioned to progress the project by leveraging our experience and technical capabilities ranging from gas production, processing, transmission and marketing as well as our vast experience in executing major gas infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

“On our part, NNPC Limited will facilitate the continuous supply of gas provide other enablers such as the required land for the first compressor station for the pipeline to be deployed in Nigeria which is among the thirteen stations earmarked along the pipeline route.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I would like to thank you all as we continue to strengthen our partnership for the benefit of our countries.”

It was earlier reported NNPC Ltd would sign an MoU on a 7,000km gas pipeline project estimated to cost $25 billion, with the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines of Morocco (ONHYM) and the ECOWAS Commission.

NNPC and National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines of Morocco, also signed two MoUs with Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH) of Mauritania and Petrosen of Senegal.

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) Project is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco, and was conceived during the visit of King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Nigeria in December 2016.

The NMGP Project is aimed at monetization of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources thereby generating additional revenue for the country, diversification of Nigeria’s gas export routes, and elimination of gas flaring.

The 7,000km gas pipeline when completed, will supply about three billion standard cubit feet of gas to Morocco, 13 ECOWAS countries and Europe.

The pipeline will originate from Brass Island (Nigeria) and terminates at North of Morocco where it will be connected to the existing Maghreb European Pipeline (MEP) that originates from Algeria (via Morocco) to Spain.

They Are All Nigerians Now

Greenbarge Reporters

September 16, 2022

The President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, September 15, conferred Nigerian citizenship rights on 286 foreigners, including Lebanese, British, Americans, Egyptians, Syrians, Italians and Palestinians.

Of the 286 foreign nationals presented with certificates of Nigerian citizenship, 208 received certificates for naturalisation, while 78 got certificates by registration.

‘’You have pledged your allegiance to Nigeria. When you give your love and loyalty to Nigeria, she returns her love and loyalty to you,” Buhari said at the event held at the State House, Abuja.

The President said the Ministry of Interior ensured that only deserving persons were recommended to the Federal Executive Council to be conferred with Nigerian citizenship.

He assured the new citizens that Nigeria is a nation united by the principles of opportunity, equality, and liberty as enshrined in the Constitution.

“No matter where you come from, or what faith you practise, this country is now your country. Our history is now your history, and our traditions are now your traditions. Nigeria is your home and pride and joy.

“You are expected to abide by the ideals and institution of the Nigerian national flag, anthem, pledge and respect for all constituted authorities.

‘’All those concerned with immigration matters are to offer our new citizens quick legal identification. Also, their local governments should assist with their integration into the local community to enable them to enjoy all the entitlements of a Nigerian citizen.’’

In his address, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said, ‘’Without any doubt, Nigeria is a great nation, richly endowed and blessed with great people. Smart people continue to flock to our country to do business with us.’’

He noted that Nigeria would continue to welcome every qualified citizenship applicant.

Civil Aviation Authority Grounds Azman Air Over N1.2 Billion Ticket Sales

Greenbarge Reporters

September 16, 2022

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the Air Transport Licence of Azman Air for failure to remit N1.2 billion ticket sales charge from passengers.

The Director-General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, in a statement in Lagos yesterday, September 15, said that the airline was suspended for failure to also submit security clearance for the renewal of its ATL, which expired in April 2021.

Nuhu said that the N1.2 billion debt was the revenue accrued from the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo sales Charge collected from the air travellers by the airline.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the is shared among five aviation agencies; NCAA and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

Others are the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. NCAA gets 58 per cent from the total 5 per cent of and it is the major revenue earning for the agency, while the other four agencies share the remaining 42 per cent.

Nuhu decried that the regulatory agency had made efforts to recover the debt from the airline over the years, but ”the carrier was recalcitrant in paying back the sum despite collecting it from the passengers.”

However, the withdrawal of the airline’s ATL rendered its Air Operator Certificate invalid.

Nuhu told aviation journalists that its management had held series of meetings with Azman Air leadership on how to pay back the debt, but both parties failed to reach an agreement.

He said that the airline’s management had promised to pay back the sum of N10 million monthly as part of the N1.2 billion debt, but said the regulatory body insisted on N50million monthly. Besides, the D-G said that the airline could not provide its security clearance, which was one of the prerequisites for renewal of ATL.

“We didn’t suspend Azman Air’s Airline Operator certificate, but suspended their ATL, which had earlier expired.

”The ATL earlier expired in April 2021, but we gave the airline extension because of the disruption to aviation activities by the COVID-19 pandemic. This was what we did for other airlines, too. However, we wrote a reminder letter to the airline six months to the new expiring date, which is statutory.

“Later, the airline requested for another extension of 90 days, but we only granted it 60 days. At the expiration of the 60 days, we also gave it 30 days reminder, which elapsed on Wednesday night, yet nothing was done by the airline.”

Nuhu said that the airline owed us N1.2 billion as, adding, ”we invited them and set up a committee for that purpose.

”Azman said they would pay the sum of N10 million monthly out of the debt, which we refused. They later came up to N20 million, but we insisted on N50 million monthly.

“If we had agreed to the N10 million monthly, it means it will take them about 12 years to repay back the money it had already collected and by then, the money would have lost.”

Nuhu threatened that the ATL or AOC of any other airline that owed the agency’s five per cent would not be renewed. He appealed to other carriers to pay up the backlog of debts.

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