The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • Obi berates Tinubu’s govt over Cybersecurity Levy, says they’re interested in milking a dying economy

    Obi berates Tinubu’s govt over Cybersecurity Levy, says they’re interested in milking a dying economy

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has berated the President Bola Tinubu-led government for the imposition of the cybersecurity levy on Nigerians.

    He said on Wednesday in a series of posts on his X handle that the government was only interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth.

    There have been widespread condemnations of 0.5 percentage levy on bank transactions by customers, with few exceptions, to be managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as enshrined in the Cybersecurity Act.

    Obi, however, accused the government of coming up with policies that not only impoverished the citizens but also made the country’s economic environment less competitive.

    He also wondered when the ONSA became a revenue collecting centre.

    Obi said, “The introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth.

    “This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties but negates the government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system.

    “The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit hence will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation and high inflation rate.

    “It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government. Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive.

    “At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue collecting centre?

    “And why should that purely national security office receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law?”

    Daily Trust

  • Umahi tackles Atiku over criticism of Coastal Highway project, says Atiku’s viewpoints diversionary, superficial

    Umahi tackles Atiku over criticism of Coastal Highway project, says Atiku’s viewpoints diversionary, superficial

    The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has tackled Nigeria’s former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over his criticism of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

    In a press release signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Works on Media, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, and made available to Pacesetter, the media aide said Atiku’s criticisms were diversionary, superficial and intended to mislead the gullible.

    He insisted that everything about the project followed due process.

    The press release reads in full:

    1. The attention of the office of the Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works  has been drawn to the viewpoints and false analogies credited to His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 General Elections, on the intentions and procurement  processes that led to the award of Sections 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project by the Renewed Hope administration  of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. I wish to categorically state that such viewpoints are false analogies, conceived by the fertile imaginations of the former Vice President and which are clearly superficial, hypocritical, diversionary, and undoubtedly motivated by ambitious political calculations.

    2. The former Vice President had, on 7th April 2024, criticized the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project award and cost, which he fallaciously stated was awarded to Hitech without due process and at a cost higher than the initial amount announced by the immediate two previous administrations that attempted to execute the project. Also, on the 6th of May 2024, Alhaji Atiku criticized the Federal Government’s bold and visionary decision to  embark on a developmental journey that would redefine the economic growth trajectory of Nigeria, by raising two issues, namely; that the contract was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited because of the personal relationship between the President of Nigeria and the Chairman of Hitech, Chagoury, and that the demolition exercise was done in a hurry and thus a threat  to foreign investment. These accusations or rather, viewpoints, are, to say the least, intrinsically superficial, baseless, self-serving and politically motivated to imprint malice in the minds of unsuspecting members  of the public, especially the gullible. The Honourable  Minister  of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON,  has in different media fora decapitated the insinuations of the former Vice President and other desperate persons when he gave insights into the award process, the unit cost comparisons, the project  review dimensions, the demolition notices and compensation plans as well as those affected by the demolition.

    3. For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project complied 100% with the provisions of the Procurement  Act and was awarded based on the EPC+ F procurement process, that is to say, the project is an unsolicited bid done on EPC+F. Under this model of procurement, the investor provides all the designs, part of the financing and construction, while the FGN pays counterpart funds. The bid of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project came through this process. The Ministry received the bid, worked on it, and sent the same to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The BPP worked on it in accordance with the stipulations of the Procurement Act and came up with a competitive price slightly lower than the  Ministry’s price and even lower than the cost of similar projects awarded five years ago, including the Bodo-Bonny project awarded  to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The BPP issued a certificate of “No Objection” on the project to the Federal Ministry of Works as required by the Procurement Act. Consequently, the Federal Ministry of Works took the certificate of “No Objection” to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and the FEC deliberated on and approved the same. It would be recalled that the FEC had first approved the project model on EPC+F before the process of procurement even started. This is a testament that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project,  section 1, followed due process. The claim of the former Vice President that the son of the President of Nigeria has interest in CDK Integrated Industries Ltd is not tenable as the company that did bid for the project was Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Ltd which has a full legal personality, as it were. Again, this claims is nothing but a digression showing absolute frustration of a false accuser who is bereaved of facts to substantiate his claims.

    4. On the cost of award of the project and even other projects under His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON, it is of public notice and a sort of judicial notice that Sen. Umahi is second  to none in the history  of the Federal Ministry of Works in effectively negotiating costs of projects, and he does that with the deepest  sense of patriotism. The Honourable Minister of Works,  has within the shortest  period in office, saved billions of Naira in the review, redesign and award of contracts. The former Vice President and others who share in his misguided  views can honestly testify to this indisputable fact. In the case under review, the Honourable Minister had come up with a new and higher dimension of the project of which the design, dimension and concept were reviewed upward by the Ministry and yet the cost was drastically reduced downwards. The project, which was by the analysis  of the former Vice President put at a cost of about N8.552 billion per km of  standard  gauge, was meticulously  and judiciously  reduced  to about N4.329 billion per kilometer gauge by the Honourable Minister of Works under the new design and concept. The old concept and design relied upon by the former Vice President has a 52-metre corridor with asphalt, whereas the new concept as reviewed by the Honourable Minister of Works has a 100-metre corridor with a total concrete pavement of 59.2 metres and increased  size of 10 lanes and a provision for 25 metres for train track. As you know, the road standard used by the former Vice President  in his analysis  can not stand the test  of time because  of the  high water table  at the coastal  area. The quality of road design and construction by the Renewed Hope administration for the coastal  road is such that it will last for 50 to 100 years. In this regard  therefore,  it will not be immodest  to state that the former  Vice President displayed the highest  level of hypocrisy and was out to mislead and brainwash the unsuspecting members of the public, especially  the gullible,for selfish political reasons.

    4. Further to the issue of due process raised by  concerned environmentalists and with the greatest respect  to the concerns of Laila Johnson-Salami, there was a preliminary approval issued in December 2023 by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the same renewed in January 2024. As you  know, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ( ESIA) certification is progressive with the project’s progress and final certificate issued when all issues are resolved. This means that the Federal Ministry of Works has a certified ESIA to start the project. Even the Federal Ministry of Environment has confirmed  this  position  in their  recent press release, whereof they stated, among others, that Preliminary Impact Assessment certification was issued for site clearance and scopping  for compensation. The Federal Ministry of Works has redesigned the route to put human face to the decision to embark on the project and to minimize demolition of permanent structures. The  route, as it were, targets the demolition of mainly shanties and this demonstrates the human face in action of the Renewed Hope administration. The process of ESIA involves constant stakeholders’ engagement, of which many have taken place, and the Honourable Minister of Works has even participated in two of the meetings in Lagos which were broadcast live to buttress his sense of transparency, openness, probity and accountability, which are the tenets of the present administration. Compensation is ongoing and those  whose properties were affected appreciated the human face shown by the Honourable Minister of Works and they offered  to make sacrifice  as their  contribution  for the nation’s economic advancement. It need not be overemphasized  that the relevant notices were issued  and this led to a seamless compensation  process achieved without  rancor, except  in the case of the owner of Landmark whose psyche was manipulated by politicians moments after he appreciated the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Works  in ensuring  minimum  damage to properties on the right of way for which he acknowledged that he had no valid  title in favour thereof.

    5. It will be reiterated  that the  Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway  is a historic project and Africa’s biggest super highway that is expected to be a major catalyst  of  Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation. Although it was conceptualized partly  at the time His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was the Vice President of this country,  successive administrations  failed to execute  it because  of lack of political  will. The Renewed Hope administration, being  private sector and FDI friendly, saw the need to  execute the project and on time through  ECP+ F model of funding. Again, this project  was appropriated by the 10th National Assembly and extra-ordinary  funding, as permitted by law, was required  to execute  the project, hence the ECP+ F Hitech  contract This is a legislative practice that is well known and very consistent with the Constitution of Nigeria 199 as Amended. This super  highway  will trigger economic boom, raise the GDP, create greater  tourism  potentials, create wealth and job opportunities, attract  wider Foreign Direct Investment, boost coastal businesses, trade and market  development, and promote industrialization, especially along  the coastal  corridors with far reaching impact on the social-economic activities and safety along the feeder routes and spurs. Nigeria will be a great country  when the 10-lane super highway  of 700 kilometres  with a train track is completed. As for the speed and quality of work, you can always trust the track records  of the President  of Nigeria  and his Honourable Minister of Works  in service delivery. I hope this matter will be laid to final rest by all critics.

    6. For those who are pessimistic and those who seek to malign the Honourable Minister of Works, especially  those who described  him as a “miserable FEDERALIST AND ONE OF THOSE WHO CLAIM TO LOVE NIGERIA AT THEIR OWN PERIL” particularly as verbosely captured in the publication  made in the Daily Sun of  of 6th May 2024 by one columnist and perhaps a separatist agitatator,  Amanze Obi, the Honourable Minister is passionate about restoring the confidence of Nigerians in the utility value of road infrastructure nationwide.  He has no business with their political permutations of the future and he has not castigated anyone or anyone’s opinion in the course of discharging his mandate as the Honourable Minister of Works,  Federal Republic of Nigeria, except that he needed to put issues in their proper perspective as regards the concerns raised by politicians on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Of note is the fact that he has a good personal  relationship with his brother, His Excellency, Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi, CON, and this is mutually respected by each of the two. If Amanze Obi has chosen to be a bigot, as insinuated in his ill-mannered and erratic  publication, the Honourable Minister of Works believes in one Nigeria where there is love, fairness and equal opportunities, and where every citizen  must work for the unity and progress of the country  with a deep sense of patriotism  and truth.

    7. The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON  is unwavering  in his passion  and commitment  to Nigeria’s road infrastructure  revolution and he is ahead of the detractors  who do not see anything  good in having a country, we can all be proud of. As a nation- builder, he is committed to reflecting the ideals of these aspirations in all his private and public dealing irrespective of the person’s religion, tribe, tongue or political affiliation.

    Signed:
    Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
    Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works

  • Coastal Highway: ‘You lack moral right to allege corruption’, Onanuga fires back at Atiku

    Coastal Highway: ‘You lack moral right to allege corruption’, Onanuga fires back at Atiku

    The Presidency, on Monday, tackled former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his claim of conflict of interest in the award of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway by the Federal Government.

    Atiku, in a statement on Sunday, claimed that the road project was awarded to  Hitech Construction Company because the owner of the firm, Gilbert Chagoury, had business ties with President Bola Tinubu.

    The ex-VP also alleged that Tinubu’s son, Seyi, sits on the board of a company owned by Chagoury.

    Atiku also faulted the massive demolition of buildings to pave the way for the highway, saying it had the potential to discourage foreign investors.

    But the Presidency, in a statement on Monday, denied the claims by Atiku, adding that the former VP lacked the moral right to raise the question of conflict of interests.

    The statement titled,  ‘Atiku Abubakar’s penchant for distorting facts,’ was signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    The Presidency said, “We found it strange that Alhaji Atiku could accuse President Tinubu of conflict of interest in the award of Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway to Hitech Construction Company, which he claimed is owned by Chagoury family because the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, sits on the board of CDK, a tiles manufacturing company, based in Sagamu, Ogun State.”

    The Presidency said should Atiku, who formed Intels Nigeria with an Italian businessman when he served in the Nigeria Customs Service, a “clear breach of extant public service regulations…be the one accusing someone else of conflict of interest?”

    It said as Vice President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, Atiku maintained his business links with Intels, which won major port concession deals.

    “Was this not an abuse of office, a flagrant violation of his oath, that a company where he was a co-owner won major government contracts and concessions when he was vice president?”, the Presidency queried.

    It also accused the former VP of approving “sales of over 145 state-owned enterprises to his known friends and associates” as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation.

    The Presidency, therefore, stated that Seyi Tinubu, a 38-year-old adult who joined the Board of CDK in 2018, has a right to do business and pursue his business interests in Nigeria and anywhere in the world within the limits of the law.

    “The fact that his father is now the President of Nigeria does not disqualify Seyi from pursuing legitimate business interests,” it asserted, stating that “the Chagourys are minority shareholders in the company, and only one member of the clan is on its five-man board.”

    It added, “We wonder how Seyi’s membership of the board of CDK conflicts with Hitech Construction Company’s work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway.

    “How can an elder statesman be waging a campaign of calumny against the economic fortunes and prosperity of a country he wishes to govern or trying to scuttle a project that will bring prosperity to nine coastal states and the nation in general?”

    The Presidency also countered Atiku’s claim that demolition of buildings for the Lagos-Calabar highway would discourage investors.

    It asserted, “Various sectors of Nigeria’s economy, such as telecoms, manufacturing, solid minerals, oil and gas, e-commerce, and fintech, are attracting new Foreign Direct Investments from discerning investors who know Nigeria is a good market for bountiful returns.”

    It argued that contrary to Atiku’s claim, the Tinubu administration has attracted over $20bn into the economy within its first year.

    Onanuga cited President Tinubu’s trip to India for the G20 summit last September, saying “a substantial part” of the $14bn in new investments that investors promised “is already in the country.”

    “Foreign investment in Nigeria’s stock market has ballooned, from N18.12bn in Q1 2023 to N93.37bn in Q1 2024, an increase of 415 per cent.

    “The last time Nigeria saw such a level of investment was in the first quarter of 2019 when N97.6 billion was invested.

    “The market, since Tinubu came to power, has broken records and created more wealth for the investors,” the statement read.

    The former Vice President had also said, “The fact that President Bola Tinubu’s son and his surrogates are on the board of companies owned by Gilbert Chagoury constitutes a conflict of interest.”

    The Presidency said that every true and patriotic Nigerian, regardless of political differences, should work to promote the unity and economic well-being of the country and not delegitimise genuine efforts of the Federal Government to encourage local and foreign investments into the economy.

    It said infrastructural projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are used to galvanise the economy as US President Joe Biden used his $2tn bi-partisan infrastructure deal to revamp decaying American infrastructure.

    Onanuga, also described as “stale news,” reports that the IMF is reclassifying Nigeria’s economy as the fourth largest in Africa.

    He noted that the reclassification happened because of the devaluation of the Naira, promising that “Nigeria will bounce back to where it rightfully belongs as Africa’s largest market and biggest economy.”

    Punch

  • Enugu Modern Transport Interchange: Govt. Begins Payment of Compensation to Holy Ghost Property Owners

    Enugu Modern Transport Interchange: Govt. Begins Payment of Compensation to Holy Ghost Property Owners

    …Property owners get temporary locations, right of first refusal on completion

    Ahead of the commencement of construction of a new and modern transport Interchange (bus terminal) at Market Road, Enugu (Enugu Central Station), popularly known as Holy Ghost, the leaser of properties at the site will, from Tuesday, start receiving their compensations as agreed with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the lessor.

    The commencement of payment was made known to the Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, on Monday.

    Recall that the Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, had, on 19th October, 2023, met with critical property owners and stakeholders on the proposed Enugu Central Station. At the meeting, Mbah had explained that the proposed Enugu Central Station was part of the larger infrastructure plan, which also includes other major modern transport interchanges at Garki, Abakpa Nike, and Nsukka. The aim, he said, was to alleviate the perennial traffic congestion, enhance safety, preserve road assets, optimise transport efficiency, and address various needs of transport sector operators in the state. He, therefore, sought their cooperation towards the realisation of the project.

    Citing similar world-class developments in other parts of the world like Dubai, and Singapore, among others, Governor Mbah said there was no reason Holy Ghost bus terminal could be allowed to continue in its present state of decay, perennial traffic congestion, and high-level crimes when such overseas feats could be replicated through conscious efforts and planning.

    Sequel to the meeting, the Commissioner for Transportation had on 20th October, 2023 letter formerly notified each individual occupant over a six-month notice of the government’s intention to use the location, while the lessors, the Railway Property Management Company Ltd. equally served the leasers notices of recovery of property to the on 22nd April, 2024 in line with their term of the lease.

    In a copy of one of the letters by Railway Property Management Company Ltd. entitled “Notice of Recovery of Railway Land Along Market Road, Enugu”, referenced as T/P. 1794/VOL.1, signed by the Director of Land and Estate Services, A.O Abdulsalam, for the company’s Managing Director, it said the Federal Ministry of Transportation had agreed to release the said portion of Railway land to the Enugu State Government for a modern bus terminal.

    The letter reads in part: “We refer to your lease of Railway land along Market Road, Enugu with Ref. No. T/P. 1794/VOL. 1 dated 02/08/2017.

    “Please, be informed that the Federal Ministry of Transportation, on behalf of the Federal Government has agreed to release the portion of the NRC land, which was earlier allocated to you as referenced above, to the Enugu State Government to construct a modern transportation hub under the Transport Infrastructure Project.

    “In line with our contractual agreement, the Enugu State Government has agreed to compensate you for the structures (s) constructed on the land based on an independent valuation of your structure on the land.

    “Therefore, you are kindly requested to provide us with your account details through our Enugu Zonal Manager on or before 26th April 2024 to enable the Enugu State Government to credit your account with the necessary payment.

    “Furthermore, as a kind gesture, the Enugu State Government has agreed to do the following: To provide you with an alternative temporary location to ease your business pending when the project is completed; to also give you the right of first refusal to return to the newly completed structure.”

    Throwing more light on the development, Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, said the temporary places had since been allocated to the affected businesses, with some already developing the new place.

    “But importantly, I can say with certainty that they will start receiving alerts latest from Tuesday based on the compensation advisory sent to the state government by the Nigerian Railway Property Management Company Ltd. These are huge sums of money, but we have to do it to ameliorate the temporary inconveniences,” Ozor stated.

    Meanwhile, at the meeting with Governor Mbah last year, the property and business owners, in addition to legitimate tenants numbering over 29, commended the project.

    The event was attended by the owners and representatives of Anaocha South Mass Transit, Chisco Transport Company, Onitsha South Mass Transit, Farm Associates Limited, Dozie Oil Limited, A.C. Decanal Limited, Harco Oil, Pilgrimage Sisters (Osisatech), Okeyson Transport Limited, MDS Logistics Limited, Beach Crushers Association, FCMB, and Ecobank, among others.

    Also, during a visit to Mbah in November to better know the project, the Chairman/CEO of Chisco Transport, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, lauded Governor Mbah for taking responsibility to build such an important transport infrastructure that was always overlooked.

    Anyaegbu said the ultramodern terminal would benefit various players within the transport sector and beyond, pledging his total support towards its speedy realisation in a record time.

    In another stakeholder engagement session, the Executive Director of Onitsha South Mass Transit, Chief Arinze Ekwenibe, expressed gratitude to the government for its willingness to collaborate with the private sector in advancing transportation enterprises and creating jobs.

    Chief Ekwenibe urged the government to uphold its commitment to granting the right of first refusal, emphasising the project’s importance in sustaining entrepreneurial growth and development in the region.

    Chairman of Anaocha Mass Transit, Chief George Ibekendu, while echoing commendations for the initiative, equally appreciated the state’s compensation scheme and the assurance of the right of first refusal upon completion of the interchange.

  • NERC announces tariff reduction for Band A customers

    NERC announces tariff reduction for Band A customers

    Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos), on Monday, announced the downward review of electricity tariffs for Band A customers.

    The downward review takes effect from 6 May, some of the nation’s distribution companies disclosed in statements posted on their X handles on Monday.

    Last month, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) ordered the immediate upward review of electricity tariffs.

    The NERC Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, said only 15 per cent of the electricity consumers are affected by the hike.

    Accordingly, he said, power distribution companies (DisCos) will be allowed to raise electricity prices to N225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from N68.

    Since the announcement, the decision has attracted criticism among Nigerians.

    On 30 April, the House of Representatives asked NERC to suspend the tariff hike pending an investigation by the House.

    It also resolved to set up a special committee to probe the power sector.

    The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Kama Nkem-Kanma (LP, Ebonyi) during plenary.

    Mr Nkem-Kanma, in his motion, faulted the arbitrary hike in the tariff and the discriminatory nature of the policy.

    The lawmaker, therefore, called for an urgent intervention by the House to prevent the extortion of Nigerians by the electricity distribution companies.

    “What is more concerning are the reports indicating discrepancies in customer categorisation and widespread complaints regarding inadequate service despite increased charges.

    “This situation has not just sparked national anxiety, but it also threatens regulatory certainty and investor confidence in the sector, demanding immediate attention,” the lawmaker told his colleagues at the time.

    Mr Nkem-kanma alleged that there was a failure of due process in approving the tariff hike.

    Announcing the reduction on Monday, the distribution companies said customers in Band A will now pay N206.80/kwh from N225/kwh.

    The companies noted that the tariff for Bands B, C, D, and E remains unchanged.

    Ikeja Electric Plc in a statement said “Dear esteemed customers, Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective 6th May 2024 with guaranteed availability of 20-24 hrs supply daily.

    “The tariff for Bands B, C, D, and E remains unchanged,” it said.

    The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) said “Dear esteemed customers, Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective 6th May 2024. The guaranteed availability of a minimum of 20 hrs per day still stands.

    “The tariff for Bands B, C, D, and E remains unchanged,” it said.

    The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) said, “Dear valued customer, Kindly be informed that our Band A feeders’ tariff rate has been reviewed downwards, effective Monday, 6th May 2024, from N225/kWh to N206.80/kWh with a guaranteed minimum daily power supply of 20 hours.

    “Do note that the tariff rate for the other bands remains unchanged,” the company said.

    Also, the Kano electricity distribution company (KEDCO) in a statement said “Dear esteemed customers, This is to kindly inform the general public of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kWh to N206.80/kWh effective 6th May 2024.

    “Only Band A customer categories are affected by the minor review and Band B-E Customer categories shall remain frozen at the rates payable since December 2022,” the company said.

    Premium Times

  • Assailants Murder Traditional Ruler in Ebonyi 

    Assailants Murder Traditional Ruler in Ebonyi 

    The Umuihe autonomous community, Akaeze in the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been thrown into a state of trauma, following the killing of their traditional ruler, HRH Umazi Ibo Ubani, by suspected gunmen.

    Vanguard learnt that there were heavy shootings in the community by the gunmen during an invasion last Friday, which created undue panic in the area as members of the community were reportedly seen scampering for safety.

    The Coordinator of Akaeze Development Centre, Chinasa Okorie, confirmed the incident on Sunday evening, stating that the incident occurred at about 10 p.m. on Friday.

    He condemned the killing of the monarch, stressing that it will be very difficult to get a traditional ruler of his calibre again.

    According to him, the monarch, who is in his 60s, was bold, fearless and intelligent, adding that his wealth of experience would be greatly missed by the community, the Local Government and the state at large.

    “Around 10 pm last Friday, I received a call that there was shooting in the house of our traditional ruler, that after the shooting, it was discovered that our traditional ruler had been killed and that is the traditional ruler of Umuihe Autonomous Community, Akaeze, HRH Eze Umazi Ibo Ubani.

    “This is a great loss to the community and Akaeze at large because he is a man of integrity, a man that would be difficult to replace because the man is intelligent, he is bold and he is fearless.

    “The man does not know corruption because, at all times, his integrity is always seen. I am very sad about his killing. It is a great loss to Akaeze Development Centre where I am the leader, Ivo Local Government and Ebonyi State.

    “His voice is loud in Ebonyi State. He is a first-class traditional ruler. The killing is a very bad incident”, he stated.

    Okorie said only security agencies can ascertain the remote and immediate cause of the incident and those behind it.

    Another stakeholder from the Community, Simbad Ogbuatu, also confirmed the attack and killing of the traditional ruler.

    He noted that the incident has caused tension and apprehension in the community, adding that markets and shops around the community couldn’t open for any kind of business transaction.

    “I have been calling everyone and nobody told me there was crisis or problem in the community to warrant such incident. Maybe when normalcy returns, we will know the cause of everything”, he stated.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, while confirming the incident, said policemen had begun a manhunt for the assailants.

    “Immediately we got a distress call on the incident, we swung into action and the assailants have already left the scene by the time our men moved to the scene but we are trailing the assailants.”

    Vanguard

  • Atiku Alleges Conflict of Interest as He Claims Tinubu’s Son is on CDK Board, Faults Rushed Coastal Road Contract

    Atiku Alleges Conflict of Interest as He Claims Tinubu’s Son is on CDK Board, Faults Rushed Coastal Road Contract

    seyi-tinubu-coastal-road-atiku
    Atiku claims Seyi Tinubu’s (left) has a stake in the coastal road project

    Former vice president Atiku Abubakar claims Seyi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu’s son, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, faulting the award of contract for the Lagos-Calabar coastal road.

    The Federal Government recently started the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road which is being done by Hitech Construction Company Ltd. The Chagoury Group is the firm’s parent company.

    While the commencement of construction for the road has continued to elicit criticism from several quarters, Atiku who is one of the fiercest oppositions to the project, claimed that since Seyi Tinubu is on the board of CDK, the award of the contract to Hitech Construction Company Ltd constitutes a conflict of interest.

    “The former Vice President noted that Tinubu’s son, Seyi, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which manufactures ceramic tiles and sanitary towels,” a Sunday statement by Atiku’s media aide Paul Ibe read.

    “Citing a report by Paris-based Africa Intelligence News Agency where it was revealed by the Corporate Affairs Commission that Seyi is officially a business associate of Chagoury, the former Vice President said it was not surprising that the Chagoury Group had become the biggest beneficiary of the Tinubu largesse.

    “Thanks to quality reporting by Africa Intelligence, our suspicions have been confirmed that Chagoury and Tinubu are indeed business partners and it has been formalized with Seyi on the board of one of Chagoury’s firms,” Atiku was quoted as saying in the statement.

    He also accused President Tinubu of rushing to award the contract for the road, saying the country has other pressing needs to address.

    “The awarding of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway was rushed; the environmental impact assessment report was not even completed; the right of way for the 700 km stretch of the highway project was not secured; it was converted from a PPP to a government-funded project within the twinkle of an eye,” he said.

    “The N500m that was approved by the National Assembly for the project was ignored, while over N1tn was released by Tinubu’s administration without approval from the National Assembly.

    “To add insult to injury, this project that is being done in excess of $13bn was awarded without a competitive bidding,” the chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said.

    The Federal Government recently began the demolition of structures for the project. But Atiku has faulted the move, saying it sends a bad signal to investors.

    “Investors are seeing how local businesses are being treated and will not come to a place where their investments will not be protected,” he said.

    “In saner climes, businesses such as Landmark would have been given at least two years’ notice in order for effective planning. But Tinubu’s eagerness to satisfy his business partners impaired his ability to coordinate the project properly.”

    Channels TV

  • NAF airstrikes kill terrorists in Borno, Niger

    NAF airstrikes kill terrorists in Borno, Niger

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Sunday said the air components of Operations Hadin Kai and Whirl Punch in the North East and North Central killed many terrorists in airstrikes in Borno and Niger.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement.

    Gabkwet said the air components had continued to obliterate terrorists and destroy their structures, equipment and mobility, thereby limiting their ability to attack ground troops and innocent Nigerians at will.

    He said that in the North East, the air interdiction was on May 3 authorized and conducted over Chinene, a location tucked inside the Mandara Mountain.

    He said terrorists had been observed to be emanating from various locations and assembling ostensibly for a meeting.

    According to him, seven gun trucks were also observed parked under trees within the same location.

    Gabkwet said the aircraft bombarded the assembly area and tree coverings and destroyed their weapons and mobility.

    He said that the Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were neutralised and logistics destroyed.

    He said similar airstrikes were conducted same day by the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in a pre-emptive air strikes over terrorists hibernating at Allawa village, near Shiroro town in Niger.

    The NAF spokesman said the mission was conducted following credible intelligence which revealed the migration of terrorists into the village after the mass exit of locals for fear of their safety.

    He said the terrorists had, on May 1, stormed the deserted Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area and torched the Central Primary School.

    “In the evening of the same day, another group of terrorists also arrived at the location, wielding AK-47/49 rifles after invading Galapai village in Galadima Kogo District of Shiroro.

    “Accordingly, to prevent further occupation as well as pursue the terrorists from the location, the air component scrambled a formation of its platforms to attack the location.

    “On arrival at the location, several terrorists were sighted and engaged effectively.

    “Furthermore, following credible intelligence as well as detailed aerial observation, which confirmed the presence of their cache of arms hidden inside Allawa Forest, the air component further carried out air strikes at the location,” he said.

    Gabkwet also said that the NAF carried out air strikes North of Arugbana and Temakiri in the Niger Delta, where illegal refining sites were observed and destroyed.

    He said through this action, the capabilities of oil thieves to continually sabotage and destroy oil pipelines were minimised.

    (NAN)

  • EFCC Dissociates Self From List Of Former Govs Under Investigation, Says It’s False

    EFCC Dissociates Self From List Of Former Govs Under Investigation, Says It’s False

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has dissociated itself from a trending list circulating in sections of the media claiming it has released a full list of ex- governors being investigated for alleged corruption.

    Recall that over the weekend, there was a report with the headline, “EFCC Releases Full List of 58 Ex- Governors that Embezzled N2.187 trillion”, where names of past governors, including current Senate President Godswill Akpabio were mentioned.

    However, after several attempts to get the EFCC to react to this list on Saturday, the spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, yesterday, released a statement, stating that the EFCC “feels obliged to dissociate itself from a phantom report circulating in sections of the media claiming it has released a full list of ex- governors being investigated for alleged corruption.”

    He said the story which was first published ” in one of the news outlets, is false and mischievous as the commission neither issued the said list nor entertained discussions on investigation of ex-governors with any news medium.

    “This invariably means that the so-called list is a disingenuous fabrication designed to achieve motives known only to the authors. The public is enjoined to ignore the report as it is false and misleading.

    “The media is advised to endeavour to crosscheck facts pertaining to matters under investigation with the commission to avoid misleading the public with false and inaccurate reports.”

    Leadership

  • Enugu Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Murder of Policemen, Neighbourhood Watch Members 

    Enugu Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Murder of Policemen, Neighbourhood Watch Members 

    …as CP Kanayo orders sustained manhunt of assailants, warning against misinformation peddling on the incident

    The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and gruesome murder of two (2) Policemen and three (3) Neighbourhood Watch Group members by harboured criminal members of the Igga Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, in the evening hours of Friday, May 3, 2024. On the same date, a combined security team of three (3) policemen and four (4) Neighbourhood Watch Group provided security for a team of visiting investors from Lagos on a tour of a proposed agricultural investment site in the area. However, the team was ambushed and attacked by a large group of the criminal elements, who opened fire on them.

    Upon the unprovoked sudden attack, members of the team scampered for safety, while an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who led the team, one Neighbourhood Watch personnel, and the three (3) member team of investors were later rescued by a policemen team that immediately mobilized to the crime scene. But the eventually murdered members of the team went missing and unaccounted for.

    However, in the course of a full-scale investigation and a search and manhunt operation launched thereafter, three (3) males suspected to have masterminded the attack were arrested. Their revelations during interrogation led to the discovery and recovery of the slain policemen and Neighborhood Watch Group members in the forest on May 4, 2024. Their lifeless bodies were taken to the hospital, confirmed dead by doctors, and deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has described the unprovoked criminal act of the gruesome murder of the personnel as inconceivable, dastardly, and unwarranted. Hence, he orders further deployment of the Command’s intelligence and operational resources to sustain the manhunt of the fleeing criminals, stressing that the Police will stop at nothing to fish out and bring the perpetrators of the senseless act to book.

    Furthermore, the CP has cautioned those who, in an attempt to misinform and mislead unsuspecting members of the public, are circulating unverified videos alleging the burning and looting of houses in the community by joint forces to desist forthwith.

    The Commissioner has also advised members of the Igga community, particularly the criminal elements directly involved in the unthinkable and wanton act of murdering serving police officers and others, to voluntarily surrender themselves to the Police without delay.

    DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, nisma
    Police Public Relations Officer,
    State Headquarters,
    GRA, Enugu.
    May 5, 2024.

  • Cheers as Gov. Mbah joins 2024 Coal City Marathon, promises world-class marathon

    Cheers as Gov. Mbah joins 2024 Coal City Marathon, promises world-class marathon

    …Says it’s opportunity for talent discovery, sports, fitness

    …Participants win big

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has received cheers and commendations from residents of the state for actively participating in the 2024 Coal City Half Marathon held in the state’s capital on Saturday.

    This was even as the governor promised that his administration was working towards strengthening and improving subsequent marathons in the state by making it attractive enough for international athletes to participate as a world-class sporting event.

    Governor Mbah, who joined in the 21.79km half marathon, which kicked off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, stated that the event would serve as an opportunity to discover young talents and for all sports lovers as well as the elderly to keep fit and live a healthy lifestyle.

    He said his administration was keen on sustaining and consolidating the huge success recorded in this year’s marathon through the right investment in the development of the sports industry in the areas of sporting infrastructure and facilities, adding that the state saw sports as business and source of wealth creation for the people.

    “We’re investing hugely in our sports sector, and we’re not only treating sports as leisure or recreation, but we’re also seeing the sports industry as key business. That’s why in addition to quickly returning the pitch, once we came in, to enable Rangers International return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, we just awarded the contract to renovate and overhaul our stadium and bring it to world-class standard.

    “You also know that in that sector, we’ve just recently entered a memorandum of understanding to build a world-class entertainment and sports centre and this is all going to reinforce our position in the sports industry,” he added.

    While congratulating the participants, who came from over 20 states across the country, the governor stressed that the goal of the event was to promote unity, discipline and cooperation amongst Nigerians, saying in a few years, the state would join the league of world athletics competitions because of the level of investments the administration was committing to the industry.

    “What is even more important is the desire of the state to take the Enugu State Marathon event to the next level. In few years, I want you to note that the Enugu State Marathon is going to be part of the world international athletic events. Just as you have the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, you’ll also have the Enugu Marathon in the international athletics calendar,” he added.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr Lloyd Ekweremadu, explained that part of the goals of the marathon was to continue to foster the culture of sports and fitness, which engenders healthy development.

    He expressed satisfaction over the success of the event, saying participants from other states were happy about the hospitality and the excellent works the governor was doing in the state through his infrastructural drive.

    Commending the Zenith Bank PLC for partnering with the State Ministry of Youth and Sports, the commissioner maintained that this year’s event couldn’t have been possible without the support of the governor, community patrons, and other businesses.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the winners of this year’s Marathon. Francis James, Israel Sadjo, and Nenfort Mathias clinched the sum of ₦1,000,000, ₦500,000 and ₦300,000 as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places respectively in the male category, while Patience Dahyop, Agofurb Charity and Munitikat Emmanuel also clinched the same amounts as the winner, 1st and 2nd runners up, respectively, in the female category

  • Gov Umo Eno To Recruit Health Workers, Assures Fair, Transparent Process

    Gov Umo Eno To Recruit Health Workers, Assures Fair, Transparent Process

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured that the planned recruitment of health workers in the State will follow a fair, transparent process, based on merit.

    Governor Eno gave the assurance at the May edition of Government House monthly Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Uyo.

    He noted that the recruitment examination will be computer based, in compliance with international best practices, and warned interested persons to desist from unnecessary pressure on anyone as such will be counterproductive.

    The Governor who made reference to the recent screening and appointment of permanent secretaries in the State, said the government under his watch will continue to ensure fairness to all and transparency in all its dealings.

    He disclosed plans for a training programme by Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) for all Permanent Secretaries, adding that there is always the need to learn, unlearn, and relearn.

    Governor Eno also used the opportunity to shed more light on some of the activities earmarked for his first anniversary in office including the flag-off and commissioning of projects, Children’s day, thanksgiving service and others.

    He noted that in the second year, government will turn some of its idle assets, both within and outside the State, to profitable ventures, while also continuing with its rural development initiatives.

    The State Chief Executive who is a seasoned entrepreneur, stated that the Ibom Icon Hotel will be overhauled for maximum utilisation.

    He appreciated Most Rev Dr John Ayah for his thought-provoking homily and everyone for taking part in the service, assuring that he will continue to focus on God for the grace to serve the State better.

    Earlier in his homily on the theme, “Leadership and the Burden of Service,” Dr. Ayah who is the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, noted that Akwa Ibom is a land of promise, but through a concerted effort and harnessing of resources, it would move beyond a land of promise to a land of fulfilment.

    Taking his text from 1 Peter 5:1-4, he admonished leaders to be exemplary in their actions, be people and service oriented, and focus on real time impact.

    He commended the Governor for his laudable development strides within one year in office while urging the citizenry to protect public facilities in their domain while continuing to support and pray for the government.