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Tag: Group

  • Group lauds Plateau Gov’s stance, synergy with security agencies

    Group lauds Plateau Gov’s stance, synergy with security agencies

    The Plateau Patriotic Front (PPF) has commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his bold stance on insecurity and his commitment to defending the lives and property of citizens amid ongoing attacks in rural communities.

    In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Mani Imman, the group commended the governor for consistently drawing attention to the plight of victims and holding security agencies accountable.

    “Governor Mutfwang has shown genuine concern and leadership by speaking up for the people and pushing for improved security across the state,” Imman said.

    The PPF also appreciated the efforts of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the multi-agency security outfit deployed to restore peace in Plateau, parts of Bauchi, and Kaduna States, but urged the task force not to rest on its achievements but to intensify its operations in vulnerable communities still experiencing violent attacks.

    “Dozens of people are still being killed almost on a daily basis. This calls for a more strategic, coordinated, and proactive approach from the security outfit. This is not the time for complacency. We call on the leadership of OPSH to review their strategies and strengthen community intelligence gathering,” the statement read.

    The group concluded by appealing to the federal government to increase logistical and operational support to OPSH to boost its performance in hard-to-reach areas.

  • DEFECTION: Group demands Nwoko to resign immediately from Senate

    DEFECTION: Group demands Nwoko to resign immediately from Senate

    …asks civil society to start mobilising to ensure Nwoko is recalled

    The AUF has slammed Senator Ned Nwoko over his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP asking him to resign his senate seat for betraying the mandate given him.

    The group in a statement on Saturday, February 1, 2025 said that Nwoko has smeared the people of Delta North by dumping the PDP and identifying himself with a party that is known for the hardship it has brought to Nigerians.

    The statement followed the recent letter by Nwoko to his ward chairman signifying his defection from the PDP. He had cited the crisis in the PDP as his reason for leaving the party.

    However, countering him, the AUF in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mani Onye and made available to newsmen at the weekend said:
    “We are shocked that Senator Ned Nwoko after riding on the popularity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the Senate office he had for long desired. We are more shocked that Nwoko with his seeming defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC is giving our constituency a badge that is strange to us.

    “Delta North prides itself as a no-go area for the APC and that is why the party has never been known to make any inroad into our constituency since it was founded. We are as such shocked that Nwoko would go to the Senate and identify himself and our constitutency with that party.

    “We call on him to toe the honourable path of resigning and seeking a fresh mandate, which he cannot get.”

    The AUF as such called on the PDP and all other civic society groups in the area to mobilise to retrieve the mandate from Senator Nwoko.

  • “You’re not qualified to be Igbo man of the year, group tells Umahi

    “You’re not qualified to be Igbo man of the year, group tells Umahi

    A group, Concerned Igbo Elites Forum, has described the selection of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year by Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as kangaroo nomination, saying it’s unacceptable.

    The group stated this in a statement by its Secretary Dr Kelvin Nwosu.

    The Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo had on Sunday announced that the former governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has been selected as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year.

  • National Honour: Group hails Tinubu’s decision to honour Reps Speaker With GCON

    National Honour: Group hails Tinubu’s decision to honour Reps Speaker With GCON

    The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on his conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) title by President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Ochima E. Ochima, the group expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for elevating the Speaker from Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to GCON.

    With this singular action, he said the President has reinforced the constitutional principle of equality between the two chambers of the National Assembly, promoting a more harmonious and balanced legislative environment.

    Ochima also said that the President has corrected the errors of past administrations, setting the nation on the path of progress.

    “We’re deeply grateful to President Tinubu for recognising the tireless efforts of Rt. Hon. Abbas, This move sends a powerful message about his administration’s commitment to recognizing excellence and promoting national unity,” Ochima said.

    “We commend President Tinubu for his leadership and vision, which have been evident in his recent initiatives, including his commitment to public order and civil service excellence.”

    Ochima also praised the Speaker for his impact and dedication to the welfare of Nigerians, adding that this prestigious recognition is a testament to his selfless service to the nation.

    “Abbas’ leadership has been marked by significant achievements, including creating 134 Standing Committees from the previous 109 to enhance legislative oversight and accountability,” he said.

    “The Speaker has also empanelled investigative committees to tackle high-profile corruption and misconduct in public offices, advocating for good governance practices.

    “The 10th House of Representatives has passed nearly 100 bills under Abbas’ leadership, including the groundbreaking Electricity Act 2023 and Electricity Act Amendment Bill 2024, signed into law by President Tinubu. These legislative milestones have been hailed as futuristic and pivotal in shaping Nigeria’s development.

    “We’re reminded of Abbas’ remarkable career trajectory. From his humble beginnings as a primary school teacher to his tenure as a lecturer at Kaduna State University, Abbas has consistently demonstrated his passion for education and public service,” he added.

    “His landmark contributions in the National Assembly are a shining example of his tireless efforts to promote the welfare and interests of Nigerians.

    “As we congratulate Abbas on this feat, we’re inspired by his unrelenting passion for Nigeria’s development. We look forward to his continued impactful service to the nation, driven by his commitment to the Nigerian masses.

    “Thank you, President Tinubu, for celebrating Abbas’ remarkable achievements, and thank you, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for your tireless service to our great nation”.

  • Edo 2024: Snub candidates who boycott debate-Group tells voters

    Edo 2024: Snub candidates who boycott debate-Group tells voters

    The Edo Salvation Group, ESG has called on voters in the state and the major political candidates in the forthcoming governorship election of September 21 to give the scheduled governorship debate the seriousness it deserves.

    The group in a statement issued on Friday, 30 August 2024 said that the commonwealth of the state was an issue which it expects all candidates and voters to bring to the fore in the debate scheduled to hold on September 15, 2024.

    The statement issued by its national coordinator, Imman Ekpe said that it views the debate as a major test that should show to all who among the major candidates is best suited to drive the engine of the state for the next four years.

    “We as a group commend the Nigeria Elections Debate Group, NEDG and the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists for partnering to bring this debate ahead of the election of September 21.”

    “We believe that this debate in whatever way it is presented offers a platform for the respective candidates to present the vision they have for the state and that is why we are enjoining the citizenry to take the debate with all seriousness.

    “We as a group are urging all the three major candidates, Senator Monday Okpebhello of the APC, Mr Asue Ighodalo of the PDP and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party to take this debate with all seriousness and bring forth their arguments as to why they will want to govern the state.

    “While we appeal to the candidates not to throw away this opportunity, we are also appealing to voters to scrutinize the candidates during the debate not just in oratory but also in terms of the contents of their ideas.

    “Any candidate who boycotts this debate should be boycotted by voters,” the group said in the statement.

  • Again, group drags Women Affairs Minister over alleged inflated contracts

    Again, group drags Women Affairs Minister over alleged inflated contracts

    A group, under the aegies of Asiwaju Conscience Group, ACG, on Saturday, demanded that the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, should come out to clear her name over the recent online news publications over a leaked contract document.

    In a recent controversy that has sparked outrage across the nation, a leaked document from the Ministry of Women Affairs has revealed what appears to be egregious overpricing in the ministry’s empowerment program.

    The document, which surfaced this week, outlines the purchase of several items at shockingly inflated prices, raising serious questions about financial mismanagement and accountability.

    According to the leaked document, the Honourable Minister, Kennedy-Ohanenye, approved the purchase of a cutting scissor for a staggering 180,000 naira, a pressing iron for 200,000 naira, a steaming machine for 400,000 naira, and a tape measure—referred to as a tapping machine—for an eye-watering 900,000 naira.

    These prices, according to Analysts, are far exceeding the market rates for such items, thus, the calls for an immediate explanation and investigation.

    Citizens and civil society organizations have reacted to this, demanding that Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye addresses these revelations.

    In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Musa Mohamed and Hon. Tobi Adelaja, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on behalf of Asiwaju Conscience Group; the group said it was not time for the Minister to sit back and keep quite, while Nigerians drag the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over her (Kennedy-Ohanenye’s) misgivings.

    “The document’s contents are not only embarrassing but also indicative of gross financial impropriety within the Ministry of Women Affairs.

    “The exorbitant costs listed have led to suspicions of possible corruption or gross incompetence in the management of the ministry’s funds.

    “As the public demand for clarity intensifies, the pressure is mounting for Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye to break her silence and respond to the damning allegations contained in the leaked document.

    “In light of these revelations, we call upon Honorable Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye to step forward and deny or confirm the facts presented.

    “The integrity of her office and the trust of the Nigerian people are at stake. It is imperative that she provides a transparent explanation for the apparent gross inflation of prices in the ministry’s empowerment program. Failure to do so would not only undermine the credibility of her office but also further erode public trust in government institutions.

    “The nation awaits a response from Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye, hoping for a swift and honest clarification of these troubling financial discrepancies.

    “Anything short of this is an embarrassment to the ministry and the nation, which we would not take it. We would not allow any misgiving from any of the appointees to dent the long time image of the President”, the group warned.

    Just on Tuesday, the Honourable Minister was caught in a deep heated argument with the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs over the whereabouts of the sum of N1.5bn contract fund.

    The House is currently investigating how N1.5bn disappeared from the ministry’s coffers after the approval from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, whereas, the Contractors were not paid a penny.

  • Group primarily designed to champion Sapele’s devt schedules maiden reunion

    Group primarily designed to champion Sapele’s devt schedules maiden reunion

    A non-political socio-cultural Group, Sapele Memories and Development Foundation, SMDF has scheduled its maiden reunion meeting for September, 2024.

    Apart from those currently living in Sapele, Delta State axis, the Group is also made up of hundreds of people who are indigenes of Sapele and many non-indigenes who have had any reason to have lived, permanently resided or worked in the coastal town.

    The planned weeklong activty is spiced with activities designed to awaken the zeal and zest of the people of the town to the need to rally for the rehabilitation and development of the town.

    Apart from sessions on the investment potentials of the town, sessions like boat regatta, games, ensemble of diverse cultural shows as well as talk shows are scheduled to feature as well as a social night of old school music as it was in the Sapele of your.

    We are definitely going to stage a fruitful and succesful week of activities to revamp the memories of all to the good old days of Sapele and the need to revamp the town to not just its old glory but to greater heights of progress, prosperity and economic development, said the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-committee of the Foundation, Mr Godwin Dudu-Orumen.

    He continued, we all recall what Sapele meant to the economy of the old Midwest and Bendel states. What happened to that envious status of the town? Where are the industries and related businesses that make Sapele tick many years ago? Why are the ever vibrant youths of Sapele of yore no longer identifying with the place? We have PHCN facilities in Sapele; yet there is never public power in Sapele. Why is this so? Just why is everybody that should help keeping quiet and prefering to live with the problems; thus causing more poverty in the land? These are issues among others that we intend to address beginning from our first reunion meeting come September.

    Even as delegations from the Foundation are being despatched to identified leaders in the town to acquaint them of the forthcoming event, the Group, at its last general meeting held Sunday, May 19, 2024, via zoom, announced that several decisions were taken as to further galvanise members and stakeholders across the globe on further preparations for the planned historic event.

  • Youth Group dismisses NECA’s criticisms of Expatriate Employment Levy

    Youth Group dismisses NECA’s criticisms of Expatriate Employment Levy

    A youth group, Consolidated Youth Assembly (CYA) has dismissed the recent criticisms by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) regarding the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), stating that it is essential for enhancing skills transfer and generating revenue.

    Group leader, Mallam Hamza Abdullahi, said in Abuja, that EEL has benefits for the Nigerian economy. “The EEL is a crucial step towards promoting local workforce development and reducing dependency on foreign expertise,” Abdulahi remarked in a statement.

    Contrary to NECA’s concerns about discouraging foreign investment, Abdulahi argued that the levy demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and creating a conducive business environment. “By encouraging companies to invest in local talent and skills development, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” he stated.

    Abdullahi also addressed NECA’s assertion that the EEL would hinder the government’s fiscal and monetary reforms, stating that the levy aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy. “The EEL complements existing legislation aimed at promoting local content and immigration regulations”

    Regarding NECA’s legal objections to the levy, the youth leader highlighted the government’s authority to implement such measures in pursuit of national development goals. “While we respect NECA’s concerns, it’s important to recognise that the government has the constitutional mandate to enact policies that advance the public interest”

    Furthermore, Abdulahi dismissed NECA’s predictions of negative socio-economic consequences, asserting that the EEL would ultimately benefit Nigerian workers and businesses. “By investing in local talent and reducing reliance on expatriate labour, we are creating more opportunities for Nigerian professionals to excel in their careers”.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and job creation through initiatives like the Expatriate Employment Levy, adding “We urge stakeholders to support these efforts and work together towards building a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria”.

  • Group calls for support, funding to promote Igbo language

    Group calls for support, funding to promote Igbo language

    Non-governmental organization (NGO), has called for support and funding for the promotion of Igbo language and culture worldwide.

    Mazi Ikechukwu Ọjị, Executive Director of Igbo Efula, made the call while speaking in Enugu on Thursday on practical ways to improve usage of Igbo language and culture.

    Oji stressed the need for the government and other stakeholders to support the business of all those who earn a living from the Igbo language and culture.

    According to him, such industries and endeavors included: Igbo teachers, Igbo journalists/writers, publishers, Igbo Nollywood practitioners, those selling Igbo arts and artifacts among others.

    “This remains the most practical way of promoting Igbo language and culture,” he said.

    Oji also encouraged mothers and women, who spend more time with children at home, to focus on speaking Igbo language and ensuring that children clearly understood the language from the cradle.

    He said: “A language is a living thing and only dies when it is no longer being used effectively, especially for productive and commercial purposes.

    “If our Igbo language usage professionals and others are supported and encouraged; they will be in a better position to give their best towards the sustenance and promotion of Igbo language.”

     

  • Group petitions Reps, seeks probe of NNPCL Retail OVH Acquisition, demands Mele Kyari led Mgt suspended

    Group petitions Reps, seeks probe of NNPCL Retail OVH Acquisition, demands Mele Kyari led Mgt suspended

     

    2. Group Petitions Reps to Investigate How NNPCL Paid N140B for Acquisition of OVH Energy Downstream Assets, wants nnpcl mgt suspended.

    …decries lack of proper investigation to previous probe

    A group known as, Nigeria Transparency Council (NTC) has dragged the Mele Kyari led Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mgt and NNPCL retail group to the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum over alleged shoddy acquisition deal between the company, Nueoil and OVH energy which is alleged to have cost hundreds of billions of Naira caused by alleged over bloated assets with the merger of the acquired company not yet formalised.

    The NNPC announced in October 2022 that it had acquired OVH Energy Marketing, owner and operator of the Oando downstream assets, but did not disclose the price at which it bought it and the company that sold it.

    The House of Representatives last year set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the alleged fraudulent acquisition of OVH by the National oil coy.

    But Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, appearing before the committee of the House before its dissolution in September, 2023 for an investigative hearing on the allegation, said the acquisition of OVH Energy was properly done, adding that it gave the NNPC over 30 percent control of the downstream sector with a profit of N18.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023, a position which have been disputed by industry players as not backed by any documentary evidence.

    Recently, it was disclosed that the National oil coy paid cash amounting to over $325.09 million (N140.559 billion) for the acquisition of Oando-branded retail stations and a reception jetty in Apapa, among other facilities with allegation trailing the acquisition that some of the acquired assets are alleged not to have belonged fully to ovh or licensed.

    In a petition submitted to the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Hon.Barr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere who represents Ideato Federal Constituency, the group’s secretary general Dr. Ayo Olubunmi urged the lawmakers to convene a powerful meeting of their committee to look into the acquisition agreement, alleged assets said to have been bought, the promoters of the nueoil and why nueoil bought OVH within 8 months of incorporation before nnpcl bought OVH from nueoil within weeks with some official of Nueoil working as alleged officials of nnpcl.

    The group also urged the lawmakers to look into the evidence of financial transactions plus the valuation reports and the circumstances that led to the emergence of the official of the acquired company emerging as Head of state owned oil company arm( NNPCL RETAIL)

    They lamented lack of proper investigation in the previous probe and complained of non-observance of due process in the investigation procedure beacuse the earlier panel didn’t investigate the beneficial owners of the Nueoil, the emergence of Mr Stoks as RETAIL Md, didn’t see any evidence of financial transactions between all the parties, didn’t invite the staff of nnpcl retail Ltd to hear their own side etc

    In the 3 page petition made available to journalists in Abuja, the NTC group urged the committee to recommend to President Bola Tinubu for suspension of the NNPCL leadership led by Mele kyari, the NNPC Retail leadership and the foreigner who is NNPCL MD to enable unbiased investigation of the deal which was done in alleged unclear terms plus detailed investigation of why the merger process years after have been deliberately left uncompleted with OVH still taking NNPCL retail allocation and operating a separate accounting system while nnpcl retail still pays salaries to ovh staff.

    The group also raised alarm that until now NNPCL retail and OVH have not formalised the acquisition agreement thereby raising more suspicion on the reals things happening post acquisition.

    They wondered why OVH is still trading in its name and receiving products in their names and using revenue from NNPCL retail to pay OVH staff.

    The group wants the committee to exercise its powers of oversight and uncover the ongoing shoddy activities going on in NNPCL retail which is a national downstream assets that is key to energy stability and security.

    They further urged the committee to investigate all products given to NNPCL retail and OVH and where the payments and revenue went to and also investigate the legal business relationship between both entities.

    The group threatened to proceed to court if the committee does not commence public investigation of the acquisition of OVH within the next 10 days while asking the Speaker Abass led leadership to use the house committee on monitoring and evaluation to investigate why the adhoc committee refused to do detailed investigation of this shocking transaction including refusal to see relevant documents of the transaction and closed their eyes to all issues uphill now .