I Can’t Realize My Presidential Ambition In PDP, Peter Obi Says As He Resigns

May 25, 2022

A front line Presidential contender in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi, has alluded to the impossibility of getting the ticket of the party to contest the 2023 election.

Obi, who is former Governor of Anambra State, said: “recent developments within the party has therefore compelled him to resign his membership of the party and by that, withdrew from its presidential primary slated for end of May.

The ex-governor, in a statement addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, said that the recent developments won’t make it possible for him to make “constructive contributions”.

The title of Obi’s letter, who was one of the 15 PDP presidential aspirants cleared by the Senator David Mark-led Presidential Screening Committee last month was: “Resignation From Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Withdrawal from the Presidential Contest.”

In it, he said: “I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, which was conveyed to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2. Anaocha LGA Anambra, effective Friday 20 May, 2022. Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal for the PDP Presidential Primaries.

“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.

“Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs.”

Consumer Protection Commission Shuts Down 50 Fraudulent Firms Operating Loan Apps

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2022

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has announced the closure of 50 fraudulent Firms operating loan apps in Nigerian with their accounts frozen.

The Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Babatunde Irukera, who spoke to news men in Lagos, said that plans have been concluded to deal with loan shark apps and other firms violating the rights of Nigerian consumers.

He said that the Commission is doing everything possible to ensure that Nigerians are not exploited.

“In reality, we are not late to the party. The robustness of your action is what determines whether or not you are late to the party. This is happening across the continent. We are the leading regulator on the continent; others are looking to learn from us on how we are succeeding. It is not likely you are late to the party when others in the party are asking you the dance steps.

“We have so far frozen 50 accounts. We have taken over 12 applications off the Google Play Store and we are in discussions with more than 10 companies right now. The rate of defamatory messages has dropped by at least 60 per cent. I am not saying they have stopped but they have dropped by at least 60 per cent.

“More than half of the companies that are currently before us have agreed that they will have to modify their behaviour. Many of them have changed some of their systems, including sacking some employees who sent defamatory messages. We are developing a regulatory framework that will involve other regulators, and we are prosecuting at least one company right now.”

Buhari Bags Global Integrity, Anti-Corruption Award

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2022

President and Chairman of the Covering Council of Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria (CIFCFEN), Dr I.B Gashinbaki, has conferred Global and Anti-Corruption Award on President Muhammadu Buhari.

The award was conferred on the President today, May 24, when the leadership of the Institute visited the Presidential villa, Abuja

The First Deputy President of the Institute, Dr Johnson Oluata, was also at the occasion.

BREAKING: Plane Crash-Lands On Busy Lagos Road

Greenbarge Reporters

May 24, 2022

A plane has crashed-landed on a busy road in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, on Tuesday night.

Footages of the incident are currently circulating on social media.

However, no indication that there was any casualty at the time of filing this report.

Source: PM News.

Details later.

Buhari Thumbs Up For Nigerian Air Force For Securing The Country

Editorial staff

May 23, 2022

President Buhari addresses the nation on Covid-19 outbreak

President Muhammadu Buhari has thumbed up for men and officers of the Nigerian Air Force for living up to its constitutional responsibilities of securing the nation.

Speaking today, May 23 at the ceremonial parade to commemorate its 58^th anniversary, the President said the Air Force has justified the investments of the government of the day in the force and had transformed into a formidable entity, ready to confront immediate and future challenges.

“It gives me great pleasure to be here to felicitate with you on the Nigerian Air Force 58th Anniversary Celebration. This is particularly because the Nigerian Air Force has over these 58 years transformed to a formidable and resilient air force that is positioned to effectively tackle both contemporary and future security challenges.

“This adaptability has thus enabled the Service to respond effectively to our dynamic national security challenges. The Nigerian Air Force has been able to meet its constitutional responsibilities thereby justifying the Government’s enormous support in the last 7 years. I, therefore, congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and airmen/airwomen as well as civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force on this occasion of the 58th Anniversary.”

President Buhari said that on assumption of office in 2005, he promised to equip and re-professionalize the armed forces to perform their constitutional responsibilities more effectively, adding: “we have therefore demonstrated the required political will and leadership as well as committed resources towards capacity building and re-professionalizing of the armed forces.

“Today, I can say confidentially that the armed forces have indeed witnessed tremendous improvement in the past seven years. In particular, the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation through enhanced welfare are also ongoing.

“The President noted that “the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation” like the Super Tucanos and the Augusta helicopter gunships among others, had greatly helped turn the tide in the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors, and sustained the Nigerian Air Force. He assured that the administration will continue to provide more platforms to modernise the Nigerian armed forces:

“To this end, we have approved the procurement of more platforms such as the Beechcraft, some modern helicopter gunships and UAV for the Nigerian Air Force to enable it to man our airspace more effectively. Rest assured that as a Government, we are willing to do even more to ensure the provision of the requisite support and encouragement to overcome various security challenges.”

President Buhari commended the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs as well as the leadership of the security agencies for doing their jobs well, charging them to “remain committed, steadfast and resolute as we forge ahead to achieving a secure, peaceful and more prosperous Nigeria.”

The Commander-in-Chief particularly lauded the Chief of the Air Staff, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the air force for the good work they are doing to support the Government’s defence and security policies as well as the high level of discipline, loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and support of democratic values.

Nigeria’s GDP Records 3.11Percent Growth In First Quarter 2022 – NBS

Editorial staff

May 23, 2022

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.11 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms in the first quarter (Q1) of 2022.

In its latest report published today, May 23, the NBS said that the figure showed sustained positive growth for the sixth consecutive quarter since the recession witnessed in 2020 when negative growth rates were recorded in quarters two and three of that year.

“The first quarter 2022 growth rate further represents an improvement in economic performance,” the report said. “The observed trend since Q4 2020 is an indication of gradual economic stability.

“The Q1 2022 growth rate was higher than the 0.51 per cent growth rate recorded in Q1 2021 by 2.60 per cent points and lower than 3.98 per cent recorded in Q4 2021 by 0.88 per cent points. Nevertheless, quarter-on-quarter, real GDP grew at -14.66 per cent in Q1 2022 compared to Q4 2021, reflecting a lower economic activity than the preceding quarter.”

In the quarter under review, according to the data agency, the aggregate GDP stood at N45,317,823.33 million in nominal terms – a performance that was higher when compared to the Q1 2021 which recorded an aggregate GDP of N40,014,482.74 million, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth rate of 13.25 per cent.

It added that the nominal GDP growth rate in Q1 2022 was higher relative to the 12.25 per cent growth recorded in Q1 2021, and higher compared to the 13.11 per cent growth recorded in the preceding quarter.

While broadly classifying the Nigerian economy into the oil and non-oil sectors, the NBS revealed that the nation recorded an average daily oil production of 1.49 million barrels per day (mbpd) in Q1 2022.

This value, it stated, was lower than the daily average production of 1.72mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2021 by 0.23mbpd, and lower than the Q4 2021 production volume of 1.50mbpd by 0.01mbpd.

“Real growth of the oil sector was –26.04 per cent (year-on-year) in Q1 2022, indicating a decrease of 23.83 per cent points relative to the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2021,” the report said. “Growth decreased by 17.99 per cent points when compared to Q4 2021 which was –8.06 per cent.

“Quarter-on-Quarter, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of 9.11% in Q1 2022. The oil sector contributed 6.63 per cent to the total real GDP in Q1 2022, down from the figures recorded in the corresponding period of 2021 and up compared to the preceding quarter, where it contributed 9.25 per cent and 5.19 per cent respectively.”

According to the data agency, the non-oil sector grew by 6.08 per cent in real terms during the reference quarter (Q1 2022).

It explained that the rate was higher by 5.28 per cent points compared to the rate recorded same quarter of 2021 and 1.34 per cent points higher than the fourth quarter of 2021.

“This sector was driven in the first quarter of 2022 mainly by information and communication (telecommunication); trade; financial and insurance (financial institutions); agriculture (crop production); and manufacturing (food, beverage, and tobacco), accounting for positive GDP growth.

“In real terms, the non-oil sector contributed 93.37 per cent to the nation’s GDP in the first quarter of 2022, higher than the share recorded in the first quarter of 2021 which was 90.75 per cent, and lower than the fourth quarter of 2021 recorded as 94.81 per cent.”

Federal Govt Floors State Governors In Court Over Local Councils Autonomy

Editorial staff

May 23, 2022

The Federal Government and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) have defeated state governors, under the auspices of Nigerian Governors’Forum (NGF), in Court over the autonomy in matters concerning Local government joint accounts.

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) had dragged the federal government and NFIU to court for interfering with state government powers to initiate transactions on local government joint accounts, citing provisions of the 1999 constitution.

The NGF was prompted to go to court when the NFIU, in June 2019, issued guidelines aimed at curbing crime vulnerabilities created by cash withdrawals from local government accounts by various state governments.

The NFIU’s guideline was basically on money laundering risk and vulnerabilities, advising all banks not to honour transactions from joint accounts.

It directed that the States/Local Governments Joint Accounts should be used only for receiving funds and subsequently transferring them to local government accounts only.

The guidelines also reduced cash withdrawal from local government accounts to N500,000 daily.

However, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, today, May 23, delivered a judgment in favour of the Federal Government and Nigerian Financial Intelligence.

Reacting to the judgment, the Director/CEO of NFIU, Modibbo Tukur, said that it ruling was good because the federal government was always ready to protect both states and local governments, by making funds available for their governance responsibility.

Chief Media Analyst, Ahmed Dikko, NFIU boss, stressed that from this judgment and from today, all transactions on Local Government funds will be disclosed to ICPC and EFCC 100 percent and will be reported continuously.

He said that funds can now be decided on by local councils which can be channeled to improving local security.

We Are Determined To Punish Those Fanning Embers Of Disunity In Nigeria – DSS

Editorial staff

May 23, 2022

The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned those who are bent on causing disunity in Nigeria to stop their antics as its officers are determined to bring such elements to book.

In a statement today, May 23, reacting to what he called “a false online publication authored by one Adio Oluwole Bashir who purported to be a former staff of the Service, the Services spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya warned those bent on throwing the country into violence to retrace their steps and give peace a chance.

“While it reaffirms its commitment to continue to work with sister agencies to ensure lasting peace in the country, it will also not hesitate to bring to book those determined to break the law.”

Dr. Afunanya said that in the write up the said Bashir claimed to have led the team that arrested suspected killers of David Imoh, a sound engineer allegedly murdered on 12th May, 2022 at Lekki, Lagos State. He further alleged that the suspects who were of Hausa origin were exchanged with Christians.

The spokesman said that Bashir is neither a serving nor retired staff on its rolln of DSS, adding that even his writing style and use of paraphernalia gave him out as fake and an impostor. “Findings have, however, revealed that his aim is to ignite an ethno-religious conflict. His co-conspirators are elements of separatist groups who are desirous of achieving the same objective as well as pitting security agencies against one another.”

Dr. Afunanya said that the Lagos State Police Command has already issued an unambiguous statement on the entire episode, saying that the Command’s clarification should guide public understanding of what actually transpired.

“Dragging the DSS which never participated in the operation at Lekki into his skewed account exposes the lies and intentions of Adio Oluwole Bashir and his cohorts.

“The DSS wishes to state that the write-up is completely false and frowns at the calculated effort to use its name for malicious purposes. It therefore requests the public to disregard the misleading narrative.”

FCT Director Of Land Seeks ICPC Partnership To Deal With Land Racketeers In Abuja

Greenbarge Reporters

May 23, 2022

The Director, Land Administration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Adamu Jibrin Hussain, has sought the partnership of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to tackle land racketeers in the capital city.

The Director of land, in a courtesy visit to ICPC headquarters in Abuja, said that the partnership will help to address some of the challenges in the agency which included impersonation and cloning of documents, manipulation of systems for private gain, fake acquisition of land by fake agents, and tampering with land records.

Adamu Jibrin Hussain said that the essence of the visit was to enhance service delivery through a harmonious partnership with ICPC as one of the key agencies fighting corruption in Nigeria, as well as enlighten the Commission on what they do in the different departments.

The Director added that the collaboration will also enable the agency to share relevant data with the Commission to aid its operations.

In his response, Chairman of ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN), said that the visit was significant as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) played an important and relevant role to development, adding that it was therefore imperative to cleanse the system of corruption and corrupt practices.

Professor Owasanoye said that it is necessary for the administration to apply strict punishment to individuals who engaged in fraudulent practices especially of the staff of the department, saying that every agency is faced with the daunting challenge of dealing with fifth columnists.

The ICPC boss advised the visitors to implement the recommendations of a system study conducted by the Commission on the agency stating that it will help solve most of the challenges.

The Chairman pledged the Commission’s readiness to work with the FCT Land Administration, adding that he was looking forward to having access to records which he said would help investigation and other operations of the Commission.

FG Wants Synergy In Midstream, Downstream Sector To Boost Domestic Refining

Editorial staff

May 23, 2022

The Federal Government has called for synergy among stakeholders in the midstream and downstream sector to strengthen local content and boost the country’s domestic refining capacity.

In an address at the opening ceremony of a two-day dialogue on “Maximizing Potentials in the Midstream and Downstream Oil and Gas sector – a local content perspective,” in Lagos, today, May 23, Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva said the dialogue will serve as a platform to sensitize and enlighten stakeholders about the Board’s capacity building intervention initiatives in support of Nigerian Content Development in the Midstream and Downstream sectors.”

Sylva noted that the interface would “create a forum for top level dialogue that will articulate an agenda for actualizing the full potentials and prospects of the massive investments in the Midstream and Downstream sectors of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry” adding that the “mandates of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources under the Next Level Agenda of Mr. President is the “Increase in Domestic Refinery Capacity.”

He noted that government’s effort at boosting domestic refining capacity led to NCDMB’s partnership with local companies such as Waltersmith Refinery, Azikel Refinery, and Atlantic Refinery “to be the catalyst for the industrialization of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry and its linkage sectors”.

Sylva went further to say that “NCDMB’s investments in Eraskon Nigeria Limited for a lubricating oils blending Plant, Bunorr Integrated Energy Limited for the production of lube oil and other lubricants in- country, and Duport Midstream Company for the establishment of an energy park, which comprises modular refinery and gas processing facility, have shown a broad spectrum of partnerships in the midstream and downstream value chain.”

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) the Minister noted has introduced a governance framework for the industry with clear delineation of roles between regulation and profit-centric business units, stressing: “The Act contains fiscal incentives to attract investment in gas development and local refining; it also provides exceptional care for host communities and future energy security through dedicated funding renewable energy development and local content.”

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for creating the enabling environment in the oil and gas sector for local content to thrive adding that “under the “Decade of Gas Initiative”, gas has been declared a transition fuel towards our actualization of a net- zero carbon emission. Government has supported critical projects such as NLNG Train 7, Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, Nigeria/Morocco Gas Pipeline, Trans- Saharan Pipeline, and the National Gas Transportation Network Code.”

While expressing optimism at the outcome of the dialogue between

the various stakeholders at the forum the Minister said he expect that at the end of the dialogue, “we would have broadened our knowledge to the Nigerian Content opportunities associated with the midstream and downstream sectors. We must find ways to unlock the natural gas and domestic production potentials of Nigeria and drag millions of our people out of energy poverty.”

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