Igbo Businessmen Promise To Compensate Northern Traders For Losses Incurred From IPOB Attacks

June 24, 2021

Igbo business people from the Southeast, led by a prominent politician cum business tycoon, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have called on northern traders in the region to provide them with an estimate of the losses incurred as a result of attacks by Biafran agitators in the South-East for possible compensation.

At a meeting involving Igbo leaders and Northern traders in the South-East, held in Owerri, Imo State, the Igbo businessmen pledged to do everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of the northerners living in their area.

They asked the northern traders to report all losses incurred due to the killings and destruction of property, adding that they will convene another conference in the North, and promised that everything will be fine within a short time.

Speaking during the meeting, Nwuanyanwu promised that they would ensure a return to normalcy.

“If they are honest Nigerians, we should help them (affected traders). As soon as we have people like you talking to them, we should help them,” he said.

Some Igbo activists expressed concern over the situation, saying that Igbo people have investments in various parts of northern Nigeria.
They said that there are at least 11 million Igbo people living in the northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the meeting, head of the Northern Livestock Dealers Association, Alhaji Yau Ali, said that members of the association attended the meeting because they wanted to take action on the killings of northerners in the south-east.

Members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) had recently launched attacks on government institutions, security forces and individuals, including northerners and their businesses.

Dangote Bags Cameroon’s Highest Honour Of Commander Of National Order Of Valour

Greenbarge Reporters

June 24, 2021

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has received the highest civilian honour in Cameroon – the Commander of the National Order of Valour – from the President of the Republic, Paul Biya.

According to President Paul Biya, the honour was conferred on Dangote in recognition of his efforts in infrastructural development of Cameroon and Africa through his cement plants.

The President, at a conferment ceremony held at the Unity Palace, Yaoundé, expressed pride at Dangote’s various efforts to promote industrialisation across Africa through the building of cement plants in several African countries.

He noted that these plants have provided thousands of direct and indirect employment at their various locations, to boost the economies of their host countries, just like in Cameroon.

He urged the leading African investor to consider more investments in the manufacturing sector in Cameroon, explaining that there are numerous business opportunities in the country. He maintained that his government is focused on promoting a business-friendly environment to make the country more attractive and an investors’ destination.

In his response, Dangote thanked President Biya and the people of Cameroon for the great honour done to him in the award of the nation’s highest civilian honour.

He said that plans are underway to diversify the group’s investments in Cameroon, starting with energy.

“We have plans to expand our investment to other sectors beginning with oil and gas while our capacity in cement will be expanded.”

He commended the Cameroonian government for providing an enabling environment, which aided the successful completion of the Dangote Cement plant. He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by the President and cabinet in solving the challenges encountered in the construction of the plant.

“At the inception of our construction activities at the plant, we encountered several challenges, but the government stepped in and ensured that we overcame these initial problems. Also, the incentives by the Government to investors are encouraging. We feel very much at home here in Cameroon because of the business-friendly environment. If demand for cement increases, we will increase the capacity of the plant and make the country self-sufficient in cement production

We’re Determined To Pass Many Bills Before We Go On Summer Recess In July 15 – Senate President

Editorial staff

June 24, 2021

The President of the Senate of Nigeria, Ahmed Lawal has said that the National Assembly is set to pass many bills before it, including the amendment to the electoral Act, before the lawmakers proceed on the Annual Summer Recess in July this year.

The Senate President, who was answering reporters’ questions at the Presidential villa, Abuja today, June 24, confirmed that the National Assembly has several very important bills that are pending “and we are working around the clock.

“At the moment, we are dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s on the PIB; the Petrol Industry Bill, and by the grace of God, our committees, the joint committees, will finish their work on it by the end of the week, hopefully.

“The reports would be laid on Tuesday in both chambers. This is what we have planned and this is what we’re working towards.

“You also know that the President, the executive arm of government, had submitted a Supplementary Budget request. In the Senate. We have had the second reading yesterday and we have given the Appropriations Committee, particularly to deal with it with the relevant committees of Defense related and other security agencies related committees and of course, for COVID-19 vaccines that we have to procure. We need the Health Committee and, of course, the Primary Healthcare Committee as well to work on the Supplementary Budget request for Mr. President.

“We’re expecting report on this by Tuesday, by the grace of God and we may consider that report on Wednesday next week, so that we are able to pass the request because of the urgency and the need for us to hit the ground running. “We need to give so much attention to our security agencies because of the situation across the country and of course, the COVID-19 vaccines procurement is also an essential thing that we need to do.

“We also have some work to do on the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill. Our committee in the Senate and indeed, in the House, have worked jointly and we have very little to do really, to get the reports and consider in the two chambers. We expect that we will do that before we go on our annual summer recess, which comes up on the 15th of July, by the grace of God. So, before we go on summer recess, we should be able to pass the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill.

“We also have outstanding confirmation requests for National Commissioners of INEC. We will consider those confirmation requests from Mr. President before we go. We will also have the loan request from Mr. President. The loan request is to fund the 2021 Appropriation Act and of course, this is not a new request: it’s something that we had passed in the MTEF and it’s something that when we pass the budget 2021 we also passed that, so it’s only to give the necessary legislative approval for the administration to go further and collect the funds.”

Buhari Gives Marching Order To Minister On National Space Policy’s Update

Editorial staff

June 24, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu to prepare and submit to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for consideration and approval, a revised 25-year roadmap for the implementation of the National Space Policy.

The President, who spoke today, June 24 at a meeting with members of the National Space Council of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) at the Presidential villa, expressed a renewed commitment to the space sector, describing it as the foundation of cyber security and a vibrant digital economy.

“Today therefore, marks another milestone in our resolve to effectively utilize Space Science and Technology in tackling some of our critical challenges.

“No doubt Space is providing a new frontier for human development. As a stimulus for increased technological advancement and economic innovation, outer space offers a unique challenge and platform for effective exploration and exploitation of our natural resources and the protection of our environment.

“Moreover, space technology remains the foundation for cyber security and a vibrant digital economy.”

Buhari acknowledged the huge human resources already acquired by Nigeria in the field of Space Science and Technology over the last twenty-one years and the need for the country to put in place the necessary infrastructure required for the actualization of the goals and objectives of our National Space Policy and Programme.

“Being the recipient of very strong government support, I also must task you with the mandate of working with other agencies and components of government on how you could best utilize the tools at your disposal in resolving some of those critical issues that confront us as a country; issues regarding security, improved communication and digital penetration and importantly, agriculture.

“In line with the implementation of the National Space Policy and Programme, I hereby also direct that the revised 25-year Roadmap for the implementation of the National Space Policy be reviewed and updated and then forwarded to Federal Executive Council, for consideration and approval.”

The President urged the Agency to engage in partnerships with other relevant stakeholders and the private sector to achieve its objectives:

“Additionally, you should seek to explore useful collaboration with the Private Sector on how you can best commercialize some of your output in furtherance of our objectives.

“The present administration is committed to developing our society by engaging relevant human resources for the socio-economic improvement of our nation. We shall be steadfast in providing the required support towards the success of the space programme; as well as relevant resources needed for its growth and successful realization of the mandates of the Nation’s Space Agency.”

Hevcommended NARSDA for the satellites already launched, even as he charged the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency to do more.

“I am very proud of the strides we have achieved with the launch of NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, Nigcomsat-1R and NigeriaSat-X. Of tremendous interest to me is NigeriaSat-X which was designed and built to flight standards by our engineers and scientist.

“I expect you to drive your team towards the attainment of these goals which deepens your relevance in our national construct, while inspiring millions of our Youth to explore the opportunities in this field.”

The Chief Executive Officer/ Director General of NASRDA, Dr Halilu Ahmed Shaba who updated the meeting on the status of the NigeriaSat-2 and the progress made on building and launching of a Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nigeria SAR-1) and on Optical Earth Observation Satellite (NigeriaSat-3) craved for intensified funding of the agency’s activities in order to achieve the set objectives.

He also gave a detailed briefing on the agency’s support to the Military in their fight against terrorists, the “geovisualisation “ of terrorist activities; providing digital support for agriculture and several other capabilities in population activities, distribution of infrastructure and projects monitoring.

Buhari Leaves For London Tomorrow For 3-Week Medical Follow-Up

Editorial staff

June 24, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari will proceed to London, the United Kingdom tomorrow, June 25, for a scheduled medical follow-up.

A two-paragraph statement today, June 24 by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that the President is expected back in the country during the second week of July, 2021.

INEC Kills Soludo’s Guber Ambition As It Rules Out APGA In Anambra Election

Editorial staff

June 24, 2021

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled out the ruling Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 6, 2021 Anambra State election for violating the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

By this decision, hope of Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who emerged as the party’s governorship candidate yesterday, June 23 has been dashed.

According to the INEC, APGA’s disqualification followed the party’s failure to comply with Section 85 of the Electoral Act.

The commission disclosed that APGA did not notify it when it purportedly held its ad hoc congress to elect delegates for the party’s governorship primary election.

INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Publicity and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, in a statement, insisted that parties must act within the confines of the law in the conduct of their congresses and primaries if they are to avoid issues and challenges that might complicate the conduct of elections.

INEC’s clarification came on the heels of the declaration of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, as the winner of the factional primary, organised by the Chief Victor Oye-led faction of the party.

Meanwhile, Soludo had been suspended by another faction of the party.

The Chief Jude Okeke-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party said that Soludo was suspended from APGA for anti-party activities, saying that the NWC arrived at the decision after its meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

The acting National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja, said the party leadership applauded the peaceful and successful “Special Delegate Ward Congresses, where three-member Ward Delegates were elected for the July 1, governorship primaries of the party.”

NNPC Rallies EFCC, Others To Curb Petroleum Products Smuggling, Crude Oil Theft

Greenbarge Reporters

June 24, 2021

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to curb the twin menace of petroleum products smuggling and crude oil theft which are negatively impacting the nation’s economy.

Others to be similarly involved are the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant downstream and upstream stakeholders in the petroleum industry.

The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, who dropped this hint today, June 24, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, said that the move is at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari who mandated the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the NNPC, the EFCC and all other security agencies to do everything possible to stop crude oil theft and illicit truck-out of petroleum products which he described as major economic crimes that have hindered Nigerians from enjoying the benefit of subsidized petroleum products.

He urged all industry stakeholders to collaborate with the Corporation to ensure that the daily national petroleum products consumption which shot up to 102million litres in the month of May is brought down to realistic levels around 60million litres, stressing that it was obvious to all that that volume of premium motor spirit (PMS) was not consumed by Nigerians alone.

“We all agree that smuggling is not a business that should be condoned because even for deregulated petroleum products it brings extra cost burden on this country both in terms of safety and security of supply and in securing of foreign exchange. It even constitutes more burden to this country when the product involved is a regulated product like Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” Mallam Kyari said.

The GMD explained that with the increasing price of crude oil at the global market and the OPEC+ production cuts, the country cannot afford to shoulder the cost of smuggling.

“We all know that our daily consumption is not up to 60million litres. We all know that, and that is why we have to pull it down. We will pull it down by every means necessary.”

He said that NNPC would emplace Advanced Cargo Declaration in line with global best practices to tackle the issue of crude oil theft in the country.

This was even as the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, expressed the readiness of the Commission to work with the NNPC to ensure that all those involved in the economic sabotage were brought to book.

The Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and all the other stakeholders also expressed readiness to partner the NNPC to bring an end to petroleum products smuggling.

Nigerian Army To Sheikh Gumi: Stop Aiding Enemies Of State Or Face Consequences

Editorial staff

June 23, 2021

The Nigerian Army has warned Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to stop aiding and assisting the nation’s enemies, including Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and others or it would not hesitate to apply appropriate legal authorities on him.

The army also stressed that it would as well not hesitate to apply Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 on any of its officers found wanting in any way.

Reacting to Gumi’s allegation on ARISE TV to the fact that its personnel are colluding with bandits who had been responsible for various crimes and atrocities in the country, the Director of the Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement today, June 23, said that Nigerian Army remained a symbol of national unity that had discharged its constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices.

He described the allegation by the scholar as not only sad and unfortunate but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country.

The statement said that the Army will not attempt to excuse the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold, but that it will also not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel, as provisions for dealing decisively with such acts are stipulated in Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

It enjoined Opinion leaders to demonstrate patriotism in building peace, rather than being agents of destabilization and aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.

Ex CBN Governor, Soludo Emerges APGA Governorship Candidate In Anambra

Editorial staff

June 23, 2021

Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo has emerged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. This came few hours after a facton of the party in Anambra suspended him from the party for anti-party activities.

Professor Soludo emerged winner in a keenly contested primary election in Awka, Anambra State and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Soludo scored a total of 740 votes out of 792 valid votes cast by delegates.

Declaring the results of the exercise, Samson Olalere, the Returning Officer, said that Professor Soludo fulfilled the provisions of Electoral Act and APGA guidelines.

Olalere said that Soludo beat his rivals, Rep Okwudili Ezenwakwo, who scored 41 votes, Damian Okolo seven votes and Thankgod Ibeh who scored 4 votes. He said a total of 812 delegates were registered out of which 795 accredited and 792 voted.

The returning officer issued the APGA candidate Certificate of Return after Governor Willie Obiano, raised up Soludo’s hand as the duly elected candidate of the party in the forthcoming election.

In his remark, Governor Obiano congratulated Soludo for his victory while calling on party faithful to continue to support the party.

In his acceptance speech, the former CBN governor said that he welcomed the nomination of APGA to fly their banner in the forthcoming governorship election.

“I accept your nomination in the November 6 governorship election. I am proud that I came from Anambra. I offer nothing but statement of gratitude, thank you for the mandate to fly our flag. I assure INEC that APGA is a law-abiding party.

“I salute the other aspirants. I salute you. This is the time to unite. We won the primary by over 80 percent, but let us come together. The coming election is consequential for the state. It will determine our match for progression of retrogression.”

Soludo commended previous governors of Anambra for transforming the state, but noted that Governor Willy Obiano had taken the state to the next level.

He said there is no state government in Nigeria with comparable revenue like Anambra State that is doing well than the present administration, saying there is no need to change a winning team.

“We need continuity, consolidation and transformation; we need to build on what is on ground. We will unveil our campaign manifesto in August. I am a poor boy whom God has raised to serve. I have been decorated with over 200 awards.

“I believe it is now time for me to serve my people. I have decided to give back to the people.”

I Have Lot Of Respect For Buhari, Gov Obaseki Confesses; Vows To Remain His Friend

Editorial staff

June 23, 2021

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has confessed to have a lot of respect for President Muhammadu Buhari despite that he is in a different political party with him.

Answering reporters’ questions today, June 23 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Obaseki said: “you know, for a man who did so much for me, how can I not ever be friends with him?

“You know, he is someone I admire. And you know, he is someone I have a lot of respect for.”

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