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Tag: Government

  • BREAKING: Fire engulfs Katsina Government House

    BREAKING: Fire engulfs Katsina Government House

    An early morning fire has razed the red chamber of Katsina Government House.

    The chamber is attached to the governor’s office, where the governor meets important personalities.

    Details are sketchy regarding the cause of the fire and the level of damage as at the time of this report.

    Daily Trust gathered that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda was in Funtua attending a zonal town hall meeting when the calamity struck.

    He was there to engage with the population on their needs and aspirations.

    Details later….

  • Kidnapping: Declare war on insecurity — Peter Obi tells government

    Kidnapping: Declare war on insecurity — Peter Obi tells government

    Following incessant reports of kidnapping across the country., the 2023 precedential candidate of Labour Party (LP) peter Obi, has called on the government to declare war against insecurity.

     In a statement on X.com on Saturday, Obi wrote, “When I say we should declare war on the economy, power, and insecurity, some people spin the narrative, while others complain. But what else can we do?

    “In the last 24 hours, several people have been kidnapped across Nigeria, including about 20 dental students from Maiduguri and Jos in Benue State.

    “An Anambra State Commissioner and his wife were abducted in Edo State, and others travelling with them were killed. These are just a few of the many tragic incidents happening across the country.”

    “We cannot continue living like this,” Obi said. “It’s time for bold action, collective resolve, and a united front against these challenges.”

    “We must declare war on this massive insecurity and other ills that threaten our society and work tirelessly to build a safer, more prosperous, and just society for all,” he added.

    His outcry comes less than 24 hours after the kidnapping of the Anambra State Commissioner for Youths Development, Patrick Aghamba, and his wife.

     

     

  • Kano state government relaxes curfew for 5 hours

    Kano state government relaxes curfew for 5 hours

    Kano State Government has relaxed the 24 hours curfew imposed on the state.

    Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, made the announcement on behalf of the Governor.

    He said, “The curfew has been relaxed for from 12pm to 5pm which will continue to be observed. This decision is to enable the Muslim faithful in the state to go out and observe the Friday prayers.

    “We pray that God will continue to protect us in all our endeavours.”

     

  • Lagos motorists in trouble as govt sets N2.5bn revenue generation target for LASTMA

    Lagos motorists in trouble as govt sets N2.5bn revenue generation target for LASTMA

    Lagos motorists in trouble as govt sets N2.5bn revenue generation target for LASTMA

    Motorists in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria who are fond of breaking road traffic laws should be warned because officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been given the target to generate N2.5 billion into government ‘s coffer this year.

    This is contained in the approved budget of the Lagos State Government for 2024 and signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    In the budget, the Ministry of Transportation is to generate N52.48 billion this year, out of which LASTMA is to rake in N2,505,000,000.

    In the 2023 budget, LASTMA was given N2.35 billion as revenue target. The Authority raked in N703.486 million between January and September, 2023. The revenue generation in the last three months (October-December) was not captured in the budget.

    Asides LASTMA, the Ministry of Transportation is to cough out N11.28 billion, while the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is to generate N10.3 billion.

    The Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) was given a budget of N17.059 billion revenue target. In the previous year, out of the N16.399 billion revenue target, MVAA generated N7.196 billion between January and September 2023.

  • Finally, Kogi govt rescues all abducted CUSTECH students

    Finally, Kogi govt rescues all abducted CUSTECH students

    The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara (CUSTECH) Bringing the numbers of rescued students to 30.

    Recall 32 students were abducted inside the school premises early last month while preparing for the commencement of their exams. Four of the abducted students were first rescued, followed by another 16, and two students who escaped on his own, before the latest 8 that were rescued.

    Two of the abducted students were however killed last week by the abductors following the state government decision not to pay ransom for the victims, but rather embarked on ‘kinetic and non kinetic” onslaught against the kidnappers.

    This latest development was revealed on Sunday in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.

    “The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.

    “The Governor has directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while modalities are being put in place to make Kogi safer for all.

    “The Government of Kogi State expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mobilization of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students.

    “We also thank the National Security Adviser immensely for his commitment to the release of the students and the general security of the State.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police and all the officers and men of the Armed Forces that put in their best as well as the Pilots, did a wonderful job to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families.

    “The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat.

     

    “Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also expresses immense gratitude to his Kwara State counterpart, Governor AbdulRahmam AbdulRazak for his personal commitment, cooperation and support towards the success of the operation that led to the rescue of the remaining kidnapped students.

    “The Kwara State Governor showed the reason he is effectively leading the Nigerian Governors Forum. His actions have also reinforced the Kogi/Kwara cooperation and unity of purpose.

    “Now that the remaining students have been rescued, our administration will continue the drive to recalibrate our security architecture and pay an uncompromising attention to the Safe School Initiative.

    “As the State with the lowest out of school children in the North, we have put structures in place to keep our schools safe to ensure every child is not deprived of his or her right to education.

    “Kogi has domesticated the Child Rights Act and we will defend the right of our children to quality education. In Kogi State, education is free up to the Secondary School level.

    “We also pay the registration fees for our students to write all internal and external examinations with a budgetary allocation that is way above the UNESCO benchmark for education. We do all of these to educate our children and make them responsible contributors to the economy of Nigeria.

    “We urge our citizens to always volunteer intelligence to security agencies to enable them to prevent crime. This is safer, cheaper and better for us all.

    “All of us must come together to defeat banditry, kidnapping and any form of criminality in our society.”

  • How Nigerian government officials demanded Crypto bribe from us- Binance CEO  

    How Nigerian government officials demanded Crypto bribe from us- Binance CEO  

    Some Nigerian government reportedly demanded $150 million in cryptocurrency bribe from Binance Limited.

    According to Teng in a blog post on Tuesday, the company had engaged with some government officials on January 8 in Abuja, during which the organization was accused of criminal activities bordering on illegal operations in the country and foreign exchange rate manipulations.

    He stated that after the meeting with the Nigerian authorities, they were approached by unknown persons who claimed to be representatives of the government officials and suggested to them to make a payment in settlement of the allegations within 48 hours of making the request.

    Teng, however, said the offer was rejected through their legal counsel, who demanded an open and official settlement of all pending issues.

    The Binance CEO in his blog post added that despite multiple requests, the organization is yet to receive details of the allegations.

    According to him, the organization “inquired if there was an opportunity to submit our responses in writing and in the absence of a public hearing”.

    “There were a number of reasons for that, including the sensitivity of the information and getting the opportunity to see the allegations in full and prepare a thorough substantive response,” he said.

    “The meeting ended with the Chair confirming they would consider the matter and revert through Binance’s local counsel.

    “However, as our employees were leaving the venue, they were approached by unknown persons who suggested to them to make a payment in settlement of the allegations.

    “Later that day, our local counsel — representing us at that time — was summoned by the Committee through someone purporting to be their agent, who relayed the Committee’s terms and instructed our local counsel to advise us.

    “Counsel reported back that he had been presented with a demand for a significant payment in cryptocurrency to be paid in secret within 48 hours to make these issues go away and that our decision was expected by the morning.

    “Our team grew increasingly concerned about their safety in Nigeria and immediately departed.”

    Teng added that the said payment request was declined “via our counsel, not viewing it to be a legitimate settlement offer”.

    The CEO said Binance clarified that it would engage in settlement negotiations on the conditions that the relevant petition or the details of all allegations were seen.

     

    In addition, he said any settlement “must be official, recorded in writing, and signed by all relevant parties.”

     

  • NELSON EGWARE: Chief Emman Amgbaduba: Ode to a remarkable leader

    NELSON EGWARE: Chief Emman Amgbaduba: Ode to a remarkable leader

    By Nelson Egware

    The concept of leadership is more than merely having the capacity to command, dominate, govern, or guide others; rather, it starts in the mind. That is, the instant you bring new concepts, inventions, and opportunities to life that have the potential to inspire the kind of change you want to see in people and in society.

    A leader is someone who leads by example, thinks and acts morally, and instructs others in appropriate behaviour. A real leader inspires and motivates his team, establishes the direction and tone, and leads them in the correct way. A great leader is someone who is fearless, tenacious, laser-focused, and fervent about achieving a shared objective.

    A deep reflection on the remarkable characteristics of Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, the immediate past Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, as he takes another trip round the sun is indeed a fascinating escapade and compelling excursion. It is also a veritable opportunity to relive his unique personality, leadership traits and their positive impact on the people.

    Celebrating his remarkable birth anniversary on May 6 is a great feat for the erstwhile Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta South Senatorial District. Chief Amgbaduba’s records in all the public offices occupied exemplifies his astute commitment to the well being of the people.

    The former Commissioner is a good man, a very calm person, a devout member of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel) and a bridge-builder who does not prioritise personal interests and narrow-mindedness over the needs and well-being of others, nor does he or she separate people based on their class, ethnicity, politics, or religion.

    He absorbs wholeheartedly from the moral precepts of the Church, particularly the Christian duty to advance harmony, love, and peace as well as to share in the suffering of others by lessening it.

    Without any iota of doubt, the former commissioner and party administrator has always given God the glory, devotion, and gratitude for his extraordinary achievements while in office. These accomplishments were made possible by his resourcefulness, diligence, vision, dignity, generosity, and patriotic gestures. He also had a peaceful demeanour, humility, inclusion, kindness, sacrifices, forbearance, and commitment to God.

    Amgbaduba, fondly known as “Oziko”, the Tonkepa of the ancient Ogbolubiri-mein Kingdom and the Mientonghan of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, Bomadi Local Government Area. He is a fully blooded Delta State indigen; born and bred in the State. He is paternally from Ofonibenghan (Okrika) in Burutu Local Government Area and maternally from Gbaregolor in Ughelli South Local Government Area all in Delta State.

    As a typical “Warri Boy” and someone who grew up in the heart of the Oil City, he is an active player in Delta politics since inception of this democratic dispensation in 1999 and by the special grace of God, he has the political clout which is visible in every nook and cranny of the State.

    He is a public administrator of repute and his records in public service speaks for him. He was one time a Senior Recruitment Consultant, UK in 2002; Special Envoy to the Delta State Government in the UK/Europe in 2005 amongst others.

    In Delta State, he has held many covetous positions in the State Government from time to time. He was one time a member of the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board in 2009; Second Member, Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), 2010 and later, First Member, SUBEB, Delta State in 2015, etc.

    As a seasoned public administrator, his records in public service have also been extended to the PDP in the State which has undoubtedly boosted the Party’s fortune in Delta State. He was the immediate past Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District (State Vice Chairman), PDP. During his tenure in the Office, he was equally appointed as the Chairman, PDP State Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee in 2017.

    Again, in 2019, he became the Secretary, PDP State Facts Finding/Disciplinary Committee to review the Party’s performances in the 2019 general elections. While still holding the Senatorial Chairman’s office, he was also appointed as the Chairman, Delta South Mega Rally Central Organizing Committee, 2017; Returning Officer, PDP Delta South Senatorial Primary Election, 2018; Returning Officer PDP, DTHA Sapele Constituency Primary Election, 2022 and Returning Officer, Okpe, Uvwie and Sapele Federal Constituency Primary Election for the PDP in 2022 amongst others too numerous to mention.

    Similarly, he was appointed twice by the immediate past governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa as the Honourable Commissioner for Oil and Gas. To add to his administrative credentials, he was again appointed as the Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the Delta State PDP Campaign Council, 2023; Member, Venue Committee of the Delta State PDP Campaign Council, 2023; Member, Environment/Sanitation Committee, Delta State Transition Committee, 2023, etc.

    A core Deltan with vast knowledge of local languages, Amgbaduba speaks English Language, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri and Igbo languages very fluently. He is a unifier, bridge-builder, astute administrator, a patient listener, a goal getter, silent achiever, youth/gender friendly, a lovable character, a loyal party man and above all God fearing. He is happily married and blessed with children.

    Chief Amgbaduba, as you celebrate this day, may the good Lord continue to guide, protect and bless you with peace, joy, good health, strength, prosperity, and more years of selfless service to the state and humanity.

    An excellent leader always leaves you inspired. Chief Amgbaduba has always inspired me and many others to become better leaders. He is a man who is passionate about service to the people and the state in general. He has demonstrated this in all the positions the Almighty God has given him the opportunity to serve. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do more if given the opportunity to serve, even at a higher position.

    As triple Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba celebrates his new age, may the Almighty God grant him many more years, good health, and wisdom to continue to render selfless service to humanity, Delta and Nigeria in general.

    Happy birthday, triple Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, The Tonkepa of Ogbolubiri-Mein Kingdom, the Mientonghan of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom and the Gesiyemieowie of Operemor Kingdom!

    Nelson Egware writes from Asaba.

  • Scarcity: Government raid filling stations to prevent hoarding fuel

    Scarcity: Government raid filling stations to prevent hoarding fuel

    In Ilorin the Kwara state task force, raided many filling stations operating within the state, in its bid to tackle the lingering fuel scarcity in the state.

    The government warned the filling stations against hoarding of fuel which it declared imposes needless hardship on the masses.

    Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Mahe Abdulkadir who led the team noted that the committee set up by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is tasked to attend to the problem of fuel shortage.

    “We observed that the major marketers are doing their best so far because we checked their pits,” he added.

    Prince Abdulkadir also appealed to the people of the state to be patient and avoid panic-buying.

    “We want to call on the people of the state to be patient and avoid panic buying, the federal government is not trying to increase the prices of fuel. We will make sure our people are not shortchanged,” he stated.

    Filling stations inspected included Total Energies Post Office Area; Rainoil Filling Station Asa Dam; NNPC Gerin Alimi; Total Energies Surulere; NNPC Surulere; and MRS Filling Station Oja-Oba.

    The Chief of Staff charged the management of fuel stations dispensing fuel across the state to properly organise their customers to ensure orderliness.

    At Rainoil Filling Station Asa Dam, NNPC Gerin Alimi, and NNPC Surulere, the team confirmed that there was enough fuel in their pits and encouraged them to continue to sell in an orderly manner.

    Some of the managers promised to avoid hoarding in the interest of the state.

    In their reactions, some motorists on queue appealed to the government to continue to monitor sales of fuel to check hoarding and reduce hardship occasioned by fuel scarcity in the state.

  • Group urges Akwa Ibom govt to enforce Map-2023 law to end crisis between oil communities

    Group urges Akwa Ibom govt to enforce Map-2023 law to end crisis between oil communities

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    The people of Eket in Akwa Ibom state have urged the present Akwa Ibom State Government to immediately enforce the State Map law-2023 as a step that will permanently resolved the issues of Oil Rich Stubbs Creek Reserved Forest impasse between Eket and Ibeno.

    Coming under the umbrella of Uku Ndito Ekid, foremost community based group, the Eket people said the Ibeno people have no moral or legal claims to ownership of the said oil rich land.

    President- General of the group, Mr William Job, made the call while briefing some Journalists in Eket at weekend on the sideline of the face –off between the people of Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno, that resulted in the ongoing communal crisis that disrupts economic activities in the area.

    The group issued a stern warning to Ibeno people to “stay clear of the Oil Rich Stubbs Creek Reserved Forest, fondly called Akoiyak, as it is the exclusive historical and ancestral land of the Eket people, even, as they (Ibeno) have no moral or legal ground to lay claims to its ownership”.

    The group insisted that Akoiyak as the legitimate land of Eket people dates back to several judiciary pronouncements of 1916 and others which such judgments have not been upturned nor faulted by any court of competent jurisdiction.

    “The Stubb Creek Reserve Forest (A.K.A) Akoiyak is the historical heritage of Eket people, a right they have enjoyed since the creation of humanity and supported by several judicial pronouncements by competent courts since 1916. This right of ownership has never been upturned nor faulted by any court” Job asserted.

    He saluted the courage of Dr. Samuel Udonsak – led Aboriginal Coastal communities of Akwa Ibom State for collaborating with the people of Eket in their quest to ensure no inch of the said Akoiyak is ceded to anybody, corporate or private for any purpose.

    He said ,“I salute the patriotism of Dr. Samuel Udonsak and others for taking the lead in our determination to ensure no inch of our land is ceded to anybody no matter whose ox is gored. This cannot happen in our lifetime.”

    According to him the face-off lingered for decades because successive administration in the state lacked the political will to address the issues or refused to do the needful in this circumstance for some inexplicable reasons.

    He said despite the refusal, the ownership of the said land is legally and historically vested in Ekid people as bonifide owners.

    Job specifically urged the present administration in the state to immediately enforce the State Map law-2023 as a step that will resolve this issues permanently, saying, “this map should also be published in state documents such as dairies, souvenirs, calendars etc and such document given to both state and federal agencies for immediate compliance”.

    He further averred, that “government cannot acquire our land for over ridding public interest and thereafter, sell it to private company for profit making purposes as was obtainable in the case with BUA Group. Thus procedure of acquisition therefore makes the operation of BUA Group at Akoiyak illegal and strange to the laws of our land.

    “If for any reason, a part of the reserved forest is de-reserved, BUA group should have met and negotiated its tenancy in Akoiyak with the people of Eket, but regrettably, the government took side with Ibeno against Eket who are the beneficial owners of the reserved forest.

    “These act of the government cannot be divorce from the ongoing hostilities that has attracted wider dimension. The government should therefore act immediately to save the situation before it degenerates further.” The President warned.

  • Just In: Govt declares 3 days curfew as 4,000 prisoners escape in jail break

    Just In: Govt declares 3 days curfew as 4,000 prisoners escape in jail break

    The Haitian Government has declared a State of Emergency in the country, imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

    According to reports, the government has resorted to this policy decision after a wave of unrest that left at least 12 dead after a gang stormed a state penitentiary on Sunday and released 4,000 prisoners among them hardcore criminals.

    The government stated that the State of Emergency and the 6:00p.m to 5:00 a.m. curfew would be effective from Sunday to Wednesday.

    Economy Minister Patrick Michel Boisvert signed the statement in his capacity as Acting Prime Minister.

    Both measures would apply to the Ouest region which includes the capital Port-au-Prince.

    According to the government, the State of Emergency was a measure aimed at helping them, re-establish order and take the appropriate measures to take back control of the situation

    Further details of the situation reveal that three American Airlines cancelled flights to the country with the American government requesting its citizens to evacuate the country as soon as possible.

    “ U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.

    “United States citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and information on security conditions from commercial transportation providers and should arrange to leave Haiti when security conditions permit doing so,” read the United States Government statement in part.

    This curfew and State of Emergency came shortly after the Kenyan Govt and the Haitian Govt inked a deal to send 1,000 police officers to the troubled Caribbean nation.