EFCC Arrests Candidate For Kogi Assembly, In Ankpa, With N326 Million, $140,500 Cash

November 1, 2022

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested a candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who is contesting the 2023 election to represent Ankpa 11 Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Ismaila Atumeyi, with N326 million and $140,500 cash.

Atumeyi was arrested on October 30, alongside one Joshua Dominic, an alleged serial fraudster, in a sting operation at Macedonia Street, Queens Estate, Karsana, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

Also arrested in connection for the same fraud is Abdumalik Femi, a former bank employee, who allegedly supplied the inside information that facilitated the attack on the bank by the syndicate.

The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that Femi was picked up today, November 1at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos.

“Following his arrest, a search was conducted on his home in Morgan Estate, Ojodu where a total of $470,000 USD was recovered.

“The arrest of the suspects followed months of investigation into the hacking of one of the commercial banks by a syndicate of fraudsters who pulled off a heist of N1.4billion.”

The syndicate allegedly moved N887 million into the account of Fav Oil and Gas limited, from where the monies were paid to several Bureau de Change operators and some auto dealers for exchange into United States dollars and purchase of high-end cars.

Dominic, who has severally been arrested for fraud, allegedly helped Atumeyi perfect the hacking plan through Abdumalik. Dominic, a self-styled investment expert and Managing Director of Brisk Capital Limited was arrested in May 2021 by the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police for alleged N2 billion investment scam. He allegedly defrauded over 500 persons in a phony investment scheme.

Two Range Rover Luxury SUVs were also recovered from the two suspects arrested in Abuja.

Uwujaren said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as the investigation was concluded.

Meanwhile, the commission expresses concern over the rising spate of cyber-attacks on banks and the reluctance of the institutions to report such breaches to law enforcement.

While warning that such reticence would only embolden the criminals, the EFCC appealed to financial institutions to collaborate with it to secure the financial sector from threats of cyber-attacks.

Source: PUNCH.

Federal Govt Has Appointed Transaction Adviser To Concession Ajaokuta Steel Company

Editorial staff

November 1, 2022

The Federal Government has announced the appointment of a transaction adviser to concession the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, all in Kogi State.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who made this known today, November 1, at the opening of the 6th Edition of the Nigerian Mining Week in Abuja, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari as the Special Guest of Honour, said that the process is ongoing.

“Our commitment is to break the jinx and actualize the dream of a vibrant steel sector.”
Professor Osinbajo emphasized the “huge priority” the government of President Muhammadu Buhari gives to the development of the steel sector, saying: “our vision for an industrialised nation cannot be achieved without a vibrant steel sector.

“We understand the huge demand for steel and iron in our domestic markets and across the sub-region. This is why we prioritized the resolution of all the issues constraining the full operation of the Ajaokuta Steel company.
The Vice President stressed the a fully developed steel sector will not only surpass other sectors of the economy in terms of export earnings, it will also create more lucrative jobs and opportunities for many Nigerians.
Steel sector, he added: “will stimulate industrial growth as a local source of raw materials and improve the quality of lives in rural communities.”
He said that since Buhari came into office in 2015, he had continually prioritized the development of the country’s mineral resources as one of the frontiers for economic growth.
“This led to the comprehensive Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Sector and we have steadily followed the steps set out in the roadmap. So far, we can say without fear of contradiction that this administration has committed more resources to the development of the mining sector than any other government in the history of this country.
“Government will continue to intensify its regulatory and supervisory role in ensuring that mining is held to the highest standards of sustainable development and intergenerational equity.”

The Vice President called for more responsibility and accountability from public and private sector entities to ensure sustainable development and mitigate the effects of climate change.
“The extraction of mineral commodities entails considerable impact on land, water, air and other environmental assets that are central to human living, both now and in the future. The painful experience of the negative impact of oil and gas exploitation in the Niger Delta cannot be ignored. Therefore, all operators in the mining sector are obliged by law ethics, and our responsibility for the future, to ensure that proper environmental, social and governance principles are practiced in the sector.”
Osinbajo acknowledged that the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has achieved some milestones and commended the Minister, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, and other stakeholders in providing a conducive environment for investment.
The Vice President noted that the organization of informal miners into productive work groups is another landmark activity for the Ministry.
“The Ministry has increased the formalisation of mining activities and stimulated downstream development by the establishment of a gemstones and Jewellery Marketing Centre in Oyo State, Gold Ore processing plant in Kogi State, a Gold Souk in Kano State, and the construction of a Barite plant in Cross River State, as well as Kaoline plant in Bauchi State and a Lead/Zinc processing plant in Ebonyi State.
“The aim of these clusters is to provide direct and indirect economic opportunities for many Nigerians,” the VP added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite said that environmental impact is critical in sustainable mineral development, saying: “Government has maintained a consistent environmental surveillance and green mining practices to ensure minimum damage to the environment.

“The Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) has been strengthened and the Ministry is keeping constant dialogue with committees in almost all the states of the country.
“The Committees have the responsibility of monitoring mining activities in the states including addressing issues of compensation and community relations.”
At the event, the Vice President commissioned the on-line innovation, the Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office.

Tinubu To Lagos Business Community: I’m Committed To Double-Digit GDP If…

Editorial staff

November 1, 2022

All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said that his government, if he is elected in the 2023 election, will be committed to attaining a double figure Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

At a town-hall meeting he had with the Business Community and Organized Private Sector players in Lagos today, November 1, The APC presidential candidate said that having achieved similar economic success as Lagos State governor, he has the capacity to repeat the same in the country as president.

“You may have heard that I was once governor of this dynamic economic force. However, may I remind you that when I first entered office, Lagos was a different story.

“My team and I developed a blueprint, a master plan, for Lagos. I can say that plan has been largely successful.

“We turned this state into a safer, more prosperous place where people can go about any legitimate vocation or venture regardless of their ethnicity, religion, region or prior social station.

“We did more than open Lagos for business. We opened the door for all Nigeria to join and experience the decent things progressive democratic governance can bring.

“We were not perfect but we did a lot.

“In doing so, we worked hand in hand with the business community as partners sharing the same goals of prosperity and renewed hope.

“Well, as you might have heard at some point recently, I now stand before you, seeking a bigger yet similar job.”

He called on the Lagos Business Community to join hands with him to achieve this, stating that a viable economy requires collaboration between the political and business communities.

“Nigeria stands at the threshold between indifference and greatness, prosperity and poverty, the future and the past.

“The door is ajar. Together, let us open it so that we may cross over to the better side and secure for this beloved nation its finer destiny.

“The productive and beneficial things we seek do not lie in the sole domain of one sector. They reside in the cooperation between government and the private sector.

“I see no conflict between the business community and government. Yet, with equal conviction, I believe the private sector and government should constantly be at war.

“But they wage this battle not as enemies. They must stand as inseparable allies combating the mutual enemies of scarcity, underdevelopment, joblessness and the fear these bad things breed.

“The pragmatic problem solving and teamwork that improved Lagos, I want to bring to this nation.

“I ask your help as the task ahead is doable but also difficult,” he added.

The Presidential candidate said that the nation needed to move from dependence on exporting its raw materials to nations who sell the finished products to us at exorbitant prices to one that refines its raw materials for upward export itself.

He praised President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for its patriotism and commitment, he itemised his administration plans to build on their achievements.

He said that such things include reviving dead industries, promote agriculture, provide power, produce and use made in Nigeria goods, build infrastructure and most importantly improve the country’s security.

“From its very inception, our political economy has been imbalanced and in need of major reform. Our political economy is much too dependent on the export of raw material or unfinished goods and the import of increasingly expensive finished products. Over the course of the time, gains from natural resource exports will prove largely insufficient to meet the rising costs of imports let alone support even the most basic demands of modern democratic governance.

“The time is now to cure this lapse. And time is of the essence for it does not wait for man or nation.

“We commend the work of prior administrations, especially the present government. This government has performed with patriotism and commitment during trying times.

“We simply must go farther and faster. My experiences in both the private sector and elective office afford me a special appreciation of the economic potency that close collaboration between government and the business community can bring.

“Allow me to share a few ideas that provide some insight into my vision for a more prosperous and secure nation where hope is renewed and despair rebuffed.

“Regular Dialogue – All Nigerians must be invested in our better future. We must maintain the channels and spirit of respectful and productive dialogue. At times what I say may help you. Other times, what you say may enlighten me. We must always talk and confer with the best of intentions. Just as this open door policy is with me before the election, I shall continue to honor it after the election.

“GDP Growth Rate: We must target double digit GDP to begin to reduce the poverty rate and I am determined to accomplish thua

“Revive Industry: We shall bring the nation’s industrial policy to life. Key to this is our aim to create major and minor industrial hubs in each geopolitical zone. We shall not be satisfied by bolstering traditional sectors. We will foster productive excellence in new areas such as light manufacturing and the Nollywood entertainment sector. Through active participation in the digital economy, we shall make Nigeria a leader, instead of a bystander, in the fourth industrial revolution.

“Promote Agriculture: We shall continue to press reforms in the sector that will increase productivity, improve farm incomes while lowering food prices and bringing enough food to the tables of ordinary people.

“Power Nigeria: I am determined to give you the affordable and reliable power you need to drive your businesses in a way that lifts the entire economy.

“Produce and buy Nigerian: We seek a consumer credit revolution, working in concert with the banking industry lead by the CBN. Credit at affordable rates enables the purchase of more cars and the construction of more homes. The standard of living shall rise and the strength of the business sector shall increase in similar measure.

“Build Nigeria: We must continue with the expansion of infrastructure commenced by the current government From our roads and ports that will path the way to more commerce, to improvement in irrigation and water management/catchment systems to stem the humanitarian and economic tragedy visited on us by seasonal flooding.

“I have saved the single most important point for last. May I conclude with my thoughts on security.

“We shall continue the fight against insecurity by redefining our counterinsurgency doctrine and practice. Our response to terror, kidnapping and violent criminality will be defined by the following elements:

We shall enlist more people in the armed forces, security services and the police.

Our forces will be given better tactical communications, mobility as well as improved aerial and ground surveillance capacity.

“Through these and other measures, we shall better identify, monitor, track, and defeat these evil groups where they are. They shall have no respite until they surrender or are utterly defeated.”

The town hall session had in attendance the Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Simon Bako Lalong who is also the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku Bagudu, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, Abubakar Badaru, Dapo Abiodun, Adegboyega Oyetola, Nasir El-Rufai and Abdullahi Ganduje as well as other party leaders and chieftains.

The business community was fully represented with President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, former Chief Executive of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive of Access Bank and other business leaders representing sectoral groups such as agriculture, Oil and Gas, Trade, Manufacturing, creative Sector among others.

PDP Will Win Other Elections In Rivers, But Not Sure Of Presidency – Gov. Wike

Editorial staff

November 1, 2022

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his state will win the 2023 elections at state and federal legislative levels but that the State is yet undecided who it will vote for the Presidency.

The Governor, who spoke during the inauguration of 319 ward and 32 constituency liaison officers in Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday, October 31, said: “PDP will win our State. I am not hiding it as far as the governorship, House of Reps, Senate and State Assembly are concerned. The other one we have not decided until the right thing is done.”

The Governor also criticized a former Minister of Transport and Rivers Director, Atiku Supporters, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, saying he lacks the capacity to speak for the people of the State.

Wike described Sekibo as a self-seeking politician, who was unable to attract democratic dividends of any kind to the state and his Okirika hometown when he served as a Minister.

“I watched a video when one Dr. Abiye Sekibo, while he was addressing people in his house on Sunday, said he is the director of Atiku’s Supporters in Rivers. I have no problem about that. But he does not have that capacity to speak on behalf of Rivers State.

“In that video, he said that River State has been having a close relationship with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that Rivers State has always benefitted from Atiku Abubakar. I want to correct one impression, Dr. Abiye Sekibo has a personal relationship with Alhaji Atiku, not Rivers State.

“Dr. Abiye Sekibo was Minister of Transport when Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the Vice-President of Nigeria. Can you people mention one project in Okrika, I don’t even want to talk about Rivers State, in Ogu/Bolo, one project that he brought down to Rivers State. Is there anyone?”

Wike, a former Minister, said that leadership is not about personal aggrandizement, but serving the people, protecting their interests while building up others as competent successors.

The Governor said people like Dr. Sekibo is among those who were never satisfied with the fortunes they had enjoyed in life, otherwise, he should have been silent in the public sphere for his failure in leadership.

“I was a Minister, junior Minister in that matter. But I am proud to say anywhere I go to in this state (Rivers) ,I brought dividends of democracy to Rivers state.

“As a junior Minister, I brought the Oil and Gas Polytechnic to Rivers State which is sited in Bonny. There was no Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt since the creation of that institution, but I brought it.

“As a Minister, I made sure Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic and the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, even if they are State’s institutions. I made sure they got grant of N500m each.”

Passengers Stranded At Murtala Airport, Lagos, As Aviation Workers Block Entrances

Editorial staff

November 1, 2022

Passengers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos suffered delay flights and cancellations today, November 1, as protesting aviation workers blocked all entrances to the airport.

Reports said that many passengers, who were scheduled to travel out of Lagos through the private terminal (Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), could not access the entrances leading to the terminal as they were blocked by members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).

It was learnt that part of their demands is the reinstatement of the sacked 37 workers in the terminal by the management of the operator, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited. Of the 37 sacked, the union said 34 are members of the union.

The affected airlines had earlier informed their passengers to brace up for disruption of flights today.

The management of Ibom Air sent messages to their passengers titled: “Urgent Announcement: Picketing Of MMA2 Lagos By Labour Union,” saying:: “This is to bring to the attention of our esteemed passengers and the public, that our operating terminal out of Lagos, the Murtala Mohamed Airport 2, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited has been completely closed off to workers and passengers alike by the labour Union, very early this morning.

“Efforts are currently being made to resolve the situation; however, please note that this action will greatly impact our flights scheduled in and out of Lagos today.

“We greatly regret the impact of this unexpected action on your day’s plans as we urge you to kindly stay close to all our communication channels for subsequent updates.”

Reports said that the decision of the union has been condemned by key players across the sector, with many of them describing the latest picketing as unreasonable at a time the airlines and the sector are going through hard times

They said that many passengers are stranded, whereas those who are financially capable have chosen to purchase fresh tickets to enable them travel through the general aviation Terminal One.

Those who could not afford another tickets have either rescheduled their flights or chosen to remain in the airport until the labour issue is resolved.

Source: Per Second News

Momodu To Wike: “Don’t Cross Lines,” – Wike Responds: “You’re Just An Errand Boy”

Editorial staff

October 31, 2022

The crisis in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken another dimension with the Director of Strategic Communications of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Momodu warning Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his allies not to cross the line by maligning the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

This was even as Governor Wike responded immediately by describing Dele Momodu as a mere errand boy who had moved from being a presidential aspirant to a being spokes person, adding that he would not allow anybody to use him to gain “relevance.”

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard today, October 31, Dele Momodu said that it was wrong for Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state to label Atiku as an agent of Miyetti Allah, adding that the former Vice President is a Pan-African leader and not an ethnic bigot.

“Calling him an agent of Meyitti Allah is to the extreme. Anybody who has followed the trajectory of Atiku will know that he is detribalized, and has friends in every part of Nigeria. I currently work in his office, where a lot of young men and women from every part of Nigeria are doing their work. Atiku Abubakar cannot be an agent of Miyetti Allah, I think that is carrying it too far.

“Wike is carrying it too far. He is a man I like so much. Of course, it is wrong to label him (Atiku) an agent of Miyetti Allah. You can say anything about Atiku Abubakar but calling him an agent of Miyetti Allah, I disagree vehemently with that. It is wrong.

“If you don’t want to support a man, it is very easy to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it, but it is wrong to disparage a man who has served his country meritoriously; who has done everything he could for every part of this country; but because you are playing politics, disagree with him, you will use such weighty words against him? Well, there is always another time.”

Momodu commended Governor Wike for not attacking Atiku and asked him not to turn the fight for justice and equity into a personal vendetta.

“That is what I am telling you, even Governor Wike, who is supposed to be the angriest of them all because he participated in our primary, has not used such words against Atiku.

“I give him credit. In getting angry, in trying not to work for him, if that is their decision, let us conduct ourselves well. People get angry, there is nothing wrong with that, they have every reason to be angry, but they should not cross certain lines.

“I have written in the last couple of months to Governor Wike, the closest to me among them, because I call him the ‘poster boy in PDP’, great guy, doing very well, advising him not to cross certain lines.

“That night, he called, we spoke briefly and we continued to respect his opinion but I will continue to appeal, don’t destroy the bridge you crossed because you don’t know whether you will need that bridge again. If you don’t need it, a member of your family might need it.“

Responding, Governor Wike said: “I have also read where some people say we should not cross the lines. Ordinarily, I should not have responded to this. I read they said it is one Dele Momodu. These are the things I’m talking about. Ask him. When did he join the party?

“He came into PDP two weeks before the presidential primary. He is from Edo state. He did not even get one vote, not even from his own state.

“When you just want them to recognize you, from presidential aspirant to becoming spokesperson; somebody who wants to rule Nigeria has become a spokesperson of a presidential aspirant.

“All of you know how many times Dele Momodu had been in Port Harcourt, from one project commissioning to another.

“I’m not going to be a party to anybody using me to be relevant. If you don’t have a job, say you don’t have any job, I have a job and I will continue to do my job.”

2023: Fani-Kayode Goes Haywire, Begs God Not To Hand Nigeria Over To Malevolent Souls

Editorial staff

October 31, 2022

Former Minister of Aviation and All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode, has begged God not to hand Nigeria Over to those he referred to as malevolent souls and brotherhood of bottom-lovers.

Fani-Kayode, in an unmistakable fit of anger, tweeted today, October 31: “God will never hand Nigeria over to a bunch of raving sodomites, filthy perverts, reprobate deviants, malevolent souls, mendacious characters, unrepentant liars and racist bigots”, no matter how hard they try.

“You can go to Paris, Washington, Dubai, Geneva, Lichtenstein, Morocco and Abu Dhabi as much as you like. You can even go on a round trip to Mars, Pluto, Uranus, and the moon and back.

“No matter how hard you try, one thing is for sure: God will never hand Nigeria over to a bunch of raving sodomites, filthy perverts, reprobate deviants, malevolent souls, mendacious characters, unrepentant liars and racist bigots.

“He will not put our nation in the hands of the Cult of the Yansh or in the power of the Botherhood of Bottom-Lovers.

“He will not put us in the evil clutches of the disciples of Molech or drop us in the satanic laps of the followers of Baal.

“He will not give us up as a sacrifice or forsake and abandon us to the sheer depravity and sordid ways of a cabal of filthy, disgusting, deplorable, dark, degenerate, corrupt and utterly occultic minds.”

NCC Pledges Its Commitment And Collaboration With Anti-Graft Agencies To Fight Corruption

Editorial staff

October 31, 2022

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other government agencies towards supporting Federal Government’s anti-corruption campaigns.

The Director of Human Capital and Administration in the NCC, Usman Malah, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, spoke when he hosted a delegation from the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) that paid a courtesy visit to commend NCC.

According to Malah, the NCC earned a score of 81.15 percent in the year 2020, putting it in the top 10 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government among 352 MDAs assessed on Ethics Compliance and Integrity Scorecard (ECIS) by the ICPC.

Malah told the PCC delegation that “with this performance, the Commission also emerged as the most ethically compliant government regulatory agency for the year 2020 under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.”

According to Malah, it was natural for NCC to support efforts geared towards tackling corruption in the country. Therefore, he said NCC was willing to collaborate with the PCC to boost anti-corruption campaign of the Federal Government aimed at curbing corruption and negative tendencies among the Nigerian youth.

The Commission acknowledged PCC’s enlightenment programme on anti-corruption targeted at the Nigerian public, the youths and students, who, he said, can be great stakeholders for the sustainability of the anti-corruption campaign, and support for telecom sector initiatives to boost the national economy.

Malah said the “NCC also strongly associates with the central objective of PCC, which is to redress all forms of administrative injustice in Nigeria, and the noble goal of promoting social justice, especially in a world that is increasingly complex and sophisticated for the average individual, given the rapid advancements in technology and diversity of practices.”

Earlier, the PCC Secretary, Philip Enyali, who represented the Chief Commissioner (Ombudsman of the Federal Republic), Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf, commended Danbatta for maintaining zero tolerance for corruption and for the noble achievements of the Commission under his leadership. Ayo-Yusuf said NCC strides have seen the telecommunications sector contributing immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and overall economic growth of the nation.

Enyali stated that the PCC’s purpose of visiting the NCC was to intimate the telecom regulator on the scheduled Anti-Corruption Marathon at the Eagle Square, Abuja, as well as the National Youth and Students Summit which will take place later in December 2022.

“We are here to request the support and partnership of the NCC in hosting the two events targeted at curbing anti-corruption tendencies among the Nigerian youth as well as create opportunity to discourage young people from indulging in corrupt practices,” Ayo-Yusuf said.

What Is In Tinubu’s Manifesto For Southeast? By Fredrick Nwabufo

Editorial staff

October 31, 2022

What is in it for us? When it comes down to brass tacks, this is the question tugging at the heart of zonal political interests in Nigeria. The national integrants think in favour of group interest and protection. How will this government preserve our interest? Will this government be fair to us? Will this government secure our rights and freedoms? Are we going to have an equitable share of the “national cake”.

It is only natural that humans seek self-preservation. Recently, the Arewa Joint Committee held a summit in Kaduna state where it invited the leading presidential candidates to unveil their plans for the north. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was at the event.

Tinubu spoke on a gamut of issues, oscillating from state policing, how to address the almajiri challenge, out-of-school children, insecurity, and how to incentivise small businesses. The APC presidential candidate said at the summit: “Agriculture is of special interest to me. It is both an economic and existential issue for every country. Experience in the last seven years has shown the potentials of agriculture in solving the problem of unemployment and boosting our GDP. For example, recent investment in the rice value chain has led to the springing up of rice mills across the country with attendant wealth creation and a reduction in our import bill. The North has greater advantage in this regard due to its large and abundant arable land. My vision is for the region to be the hub of agribusiness in sub-Saharan Africa. We will improve investment in our livestock value chain. Specifically, sub-sectors like the dairy industry that has the potential of adding billions of dollars into our economy will receive significant attention.’’

Some concerned citizens have asked, “where is the plan for the south-east?” And I say, it is in the manifesto. Is there a pearl for the south-east in Tinubu’s manifesto? I believe so.

On October 21, Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, his running mate, unveiled their manifesto conceptualized as ‘’Renewed Hope’’. The chef-d’œuvre breaks down in bits and rigour the plan for Nigeria. Plans for the economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and other chief sectorial elements were clearly delineated.

On the economy, Tinubu says his administration will improve existing industries and sectors; adjust the revenue allocation prescription to give states greater flexibility to foster grassroots economic development; build an economy that produces more of the everyday items — both agricultural and manufactured goods –; bring the national infrastructure policy to life and harmonise it with the national industrial policy to ensure optimal development of key sectors; review federal budgetary methodology, curb importation of non-essential goods, reform the tax system as well as implement a naira-denominated monetary policy.

On security, I would say, the vade-mecum presents the most pragmatic approach to dealing with insecurity. Technology, confidence-building, citizens’ participation, intelligence-led policing, improvement of salaries and welfare of troops, creation of anti-terrorist battalions, bolstering of manpower, freeing the police from VIP security and guard duties, and again, deployment of technology. New security threats require innovative responses.

But what is in it for the south-east? In the document, under Industrial Policy, I found a pearl for the south-east and the south-south. The Tinubu companion says: ‘’In Southeast and the South-South, a new hub and dry pot will focus investment on labour intensive manufacturing’’.

This is forward thinking by Tinubu. The south-east used to be a manufacturing hub before the sadim touch of both state and federal governments over the years. In 2017, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said 75 manufacturing firms from about 150 in its membership list in the south-east had shut down in the past five years. This represents about 50 percent of its members.

The association attributed the parlous state of industries in the zone to ‘’poor infrastructure, including bad access roads, electricity, transportation’’.

Infrastructure and industries are what the southeast needs. One of the vectors of the current youth restiveness in the area is a lack of jobs. South-east youths are industrious with bountiful energy for innovation. But sadly, this vigour has been misdirected by some youths to violent agitation. The relaunching of the south-east as an industrial hub will eviscerate the army of discontents. And the proper channelling of this ‘’youth energy’’ will result in unprecedented boost in the quality of life of the citizenry.

I believe the southeast agenda should be on ‘’infrastructure and industries’’. Which of the leading candidates has presented an actionable plan to this effect? Tinubu’s plan for the south-east is devoid of ambiguity and political chicanery.

I suggest the south-east toe the path and hold him by the document.

By Fredrick Nwabufo; Nwabufo aka Mr One Nigeria is a writer and journalist.

Nigerian Govt Describes Recent US Terror Alert As False, Irresponsible

Greenbarge Reporters

October 31, 2022

The Nigerian Federal Government has described as false and irresponsible the security alerts on perceived heightened insecurity in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on Abuja, the nation’s federal capital, issued by the United States and the United Kingdom in Nigeria.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired General Babagana Monguno, who spoke to newsmen today, October 31, after a Security Council Meeting, presided over by President Muhamadu Buhari at the Presidential villa, Abuja, assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm and that the situation is under control.
General Monguno insisted that the alert was for American and British citizens and that the way it was released complicated the situation.
According to him, the alert was simply an unnecessary distraction and that nothing untoward so far.
The NSA advised Nigerians to go about their daily activities without fear, saying that the security agencies are in control and that Nigeria country is safe.
President Buhari had called for emergency security meeting during which time he met with security chiefs to further review and strengthen nation’s security network.
The President had to suspend some of his official engagements, including the inauguration of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) new Technology and Innovation complex to preside over the emergency meeting with the security chiefs.
In attendance at the meeting were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi; Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor led the service chiefs including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao to the meeting.

Source: PRNigeria.

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