Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

By Oladele Eniola

The Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has advised the Chairman of Arik Air, Johnson Arumemi-Ikide, to present a reasonable debt recovery plan in order to recover the airline.

The Managing Director of AMCON, Mr Ahmed Kuru, gave the advice at a media interactive session in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that AMCON, the special debt recovery vehicle of the Federal Government, took over Arik Air in February 2017.

The take over was part of measures to “save” the airline from “imminent collapse” citing gross mismanagement by Arik owners, and debt above N300 billion.

Arumemi-Ikide, in July had attempted to reclaim the airline’s headquarters in Lagos following a Federal High Court ruling that faulted AMCON on transparency, transfer of Arik’s asset to float a new airline, and barring of Arumemi-Ikide from the airline’s facilities.

Arik had on at least two occasions – in 2018 and 2022 – called for amicable settlement of the debt, which were welcome by AMCON and Arik Air (in-receivership) but failed.

Kuru said once there was a reasonable settlement of the debts to AMCON and the banks, the receivership would be terminated and Arik Air Limited returned to its shareholders/owners alongside all documents and securities held by it and the banks.

The managing director said regardless of the campaign of calumny against AMCON, it remained a resolution agency that had always supported businesses and would continue to support them in the overall interest of the Nigerian economy.

He said, “AMCON is a resolution agency of the government, and we look forward to any obligor or debtor that wants to come to discuss repayment plan with us.

“Our doors are always open to resolve debts because that is our primary function and aside from our recovery mandate, AMCON does not have a secret agenda.

“So the challenges of the founder of the airline to recover his airline might seem difficult, but not irredeemable, however, there is always a way out of every situation.

“There must always be a situation of give and take and AMCOM is now ready to sit down with the owners of Arik, if they are ready to agree on what is good for them and the Federal Government.

“When we engage and arrive at an agreement, we will go back to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as well as the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and share such resolution strategy with them.”

Kuru said it would be recalled that, in the past, AMCON had resolved issues that were more difficult and more complicated than the Arik issue such as the banks, oil and gas, manufacturing sector, real estate, telecommunications, among others.

The managing director, however, said for any resolution to take place, the two parties involved must have an understanding and they should be convinced that there was always a way out.

Kuru worried that since the coming of a new government, there had been a heightened campaign by some AMCON debtors that sought to evoke the emotion of the public to perceive the corporation and its recovery activities from negative optical prism.

The managing director added that most debtors did not mind the huge problem their debts had caused the country.

He stated that those pushing the negative campaign forgot  that Arik at the time had about 50 per cent passenger-load before it took over in 2017 under a receivership arrangement.

Kuru said because the government of the day at that time was interested in saving the airline because of its strategic role in aviation sector, felt strongly that the airline must be saved from imminent collapse and national embarrassment.

“At that time the government mandated AMCON to intervene, the airline was not paying staff salary, or insurance, and could not afford to buy aviation fuel to keep the planes flying.

“It was so bad that nobody including some key aviation international partners wanted to do business with Arik among other issues,” he said.

Kuru said before we took over, everything was wrong with Arik as the airline delayed flights for two to three days in a row while its aircraft were being arrested abroad, which was a big embarrassment to the country.

According to him, if AMCON had not stepped in at the time the government asked AMCON to intervene, Arik would have gone under within two weeks.

He said when some of the obligors heard the news of the proposed AMCON sunset, they stopped picking up its calls.

The managing director said, in their mind, they believe AMCON would soon close shop, which would mean that the government would write off the debt.

He stated that the process of winding AMCON down would be a process, affirming that no government would allow any debtor to walk away with the debt.

NAN

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Sept 13, 2023

Gov. Umar Bago of Niger has showered encomiums on the Chairman, State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on his 20th year on the throne and 71st birthday.

This is contained in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.

The governor acknowledged the fatherly role the Etsu Nupe has been playing not just among the Nupe speaking people, but to entire Nigerians..

Bago said the good leadership style of the traditional ruler was evident in the high level of patriotism and cooperation among the Nupe-speaking extraction.

He described him as a bridge builder, valiant, selfless and compassionate leader

The governor said the reign of the Etsu Nupe in the last 20 years had brought good tidings to his subjects, the state and the nation in general.

“Etsu Nupe is a rare germ to us in the States. His reign has sustained peaceful coexistence and promoted the rich cultural heritage of Nupe Kingdom.

Bago added: “Having the celebrant at the helm of affairs of the Traditional Institution in the state has also strengthened the institution, and ensured the unity of all the traditional rulers”.

The governor prayed for Allah’s blessings and guidance on the celebrant and wished him peaceful and successful reign.

NAN

By Ismail Abdulazeez

Sept 12, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has called for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the recurring tragedy of fatal boat incidents across the nation.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Tinubu said government agencies would be held accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses, urging that comprehensive safety measures and enforcement must be carried out on boating activities in the country.

The president directed various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities to collaborate in identifying the causes of these unfortunate and preventable disasters.

Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the recent boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger and Gurin village, in Fufore LGA of Adamawa.

He expressed solidarity with the governments and people of Niger and Adamawa as they mobilized emergency response teams and volunteers to provide assistance to victims of the incidents.

Tinubu wished those injured in the incidences a most speedy recovery, assuring the affected families and communities of government’s continued support in this trying period.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a boat conveying people to their farms in Njuwa Lake capsized and killed about 15 persons on Friday.

On Monday, another boat capsized in a river in Gurin of Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa with many people on board.

Similarly, 26 bodies were recovered while 44 are still missing after a boat capsized in a river between the Jebba and Kainji dams in Mokwa Local Government of Niger on Sunday.

NAN

The total revenue generated from postal activities in 2022 dropped from N3.63 billion in 2021 to N3.01 billion in 2022, indicating a decline of about 17.05 per cent.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated in its Postal Service Data for 2022 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The report said the total number of Post Offices and Postal Agencies declined by 19.43 per cent from 2,794 recorded in 2021 to 2,251 in 2022.

It stated that the total number of boxes installed in 2022 was 836,731, indicating a decline of 0.08 per cent from 837,428 recorded in 2021.

The report said the total number of PMBs available in 2022 was 20,775, indicating a decline of 8.44 per cent from 22,689 recorded in 2021.

The NBS said the total number of postal articles handled in 2022 increased by 102.05 per cent from 17.7 million recorded in 2021 to 35.7 million in 2022.

“Domestic mail handled was 15,669,072, while mail dispatched abroad was 543,893 and mail received from abroad and delivered in Nigeria was 19,463,153.”

The report indicated that Lagos State had the highest number of boxes installed in 2022 with 143,416, while Jigawa recorded the least with 1,800.

NAN

By Philip Yatai

Sept 12, 2023

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has released the list of some of the 135 roads inaugurated for rehabilitation and resurfacing in Wuse, Garki, Gwarimpa and Maitama Districts.

The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, who inaugurated Phase I of the projects on Monday, gave the contractors six-month completion timeline.

The list of the streets for rehabilitation and resurfacing obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, showed that most of the projects would be executed in Wuse District.

In Wuse Zone 1, the streets to be rehabilitated include Daloa, Kayes, Umme, Bumbuna, Masana, Badundu, Oran, Sawhaj, Arusha Crescent, Sunyani, Bamako, Takorade, Dakar, Bulawayo, Soka, Darioa, Kaolack, Kigali, and Gonder Street.

In Zone II,  the streets are Kribi, Kumba, Touggourf, Kisumu, Gaborone, Faranah, Gabes, Lavumisa, Niami, Johannesbourg, Angola, Korhogo, Bechar, Senanga, Hargeysa and 2, Khartoum, and Damba Street.

In Zone 3, six streets would be rehabilitated or resurfaced namely Idimba, Port Loko, Ndele, Yele, Al-Fayyun, and Aswan.

The streets for rehabilitation in Zone 4 include Mandingou, Lubumbashi, Port Said, Mogadishu, Shinyanga, Sfax, Zinglunchor, Kitwe, Elminya Close, Sefadu, Meknes, Safi, Mbala, Gwelo, Melange, Savalou, Sheraton and Yar’adua Road.

A total of five roads would be rehabilitated in Zone 5 namely Doula Streets, Mombasa Street, Windhoek Street, Boffa street and Jessaoua Close.

In Zone six, the streets for rehabilitation are Cotonou, Yaounde, Makeni, Massenya, Annaba, Bukoma, Mobondo, Mbabani, Diovo, Berbera, Chiongola, Jima, Kinshahsha, Bouake, Rabat, Tanga, Timbuktu, Zinder, Rumbek, Zuwai, Beyia, and Tema.

Others are Diredawa Street, Kalemie, Asmara, Mbandaka, Macenata/Welkom, Harare, Tripoli, Maseru, Iringa, and Dodoma Streets.

For Zone 7, the streets include Lome, Harper, Huambo, Ndola, Sokode, Sirasso and Bambari Crescents, Masaka Close and Dalaba Street.

In Garki District, Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki II would be rehabilitated, while Strabag Road, Gwarimpa Life-Camp would also be rehabilitated.

In Maitama, the roads are N16 Road, Maitama Roundabout and N11/B4 (Ahmadu Bello Way/This Day Dome Junction) Maitama, Junction between Ring Road 1/Tafawa Balewa Way Area 3-Garki.

Others are House 14, 1 and 2, off Jere Street, behind Rita Lori Hotel.

Wike had explained during the inauguration that the projects were in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu administration.

NAN

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Sept 12, 2023

Mr Joshua Audu-Gana, the member representing Edati/Lavun/Mokwa Federal Constituency of Niger State, in the House of Representatives, says he will appeal the judgment of the election petition tribunal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (MAN) reports that delivering judgment on Monday, a three-member tribunal headed by Sylvester Godspower agreed with the submissions of the petitioners.

The tribunal invalidated votes in the 26 polling units of the constituency, thereby reducing the votes of Gana to 46,494 while those of Gbatamagi were reduced to 39,159.

Speaking to newsmen, Audu-Gana said:”while the tribunal has ruled for a rerun in some polling units in my constituency, I remain a member of the House of Representatives until all judicial processes are exhausted”.

NAN reports that the tribunal ordered for a rerun in 23 out of 482 polling units of the constituency affecting 14, 411 PVCs collected in the area.

“Well, this is not what we expected but this is democracy and we remain confident that our time in the House of Representatives is far from over.

“I understand the exuberance of the media to attract readership. But it is established that the judicial process does not end at the tribunal.

” Therefore, I am focused on discharging my legislative responsibility to the good people of Edati/Lavun/Mokwa Federal Constituency, while also defending the mandate freely and creditably given to me by my constituents at the Court of Appeal.

“I am confident that this judgment by the tribunal will not stand.

” I urge the good and hardworking people of Edati/Lavun/Mokwa Federal Constituency to keep the faith and be rest assured that their mandate will not be taken away under any guise.”

NAN reports that Audu-Gana  of the PDP, was declared the winner after polling 47,942 votes to defeat Abdullahi Gbatamagi, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), who garnered 40,003 votes.

But the APC and its candidate, Gbatamagi, lodged a petition at the tribunal through their counsel, Johnson Usman, to challenge Gana’s victory.

The petitioners alleged that the election was invalid by reason of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

They added that the margin of win was less than the permanent voter cards (PVCs) collected in the polling units where elections did not hold or were cancelled.

NAN

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Sept 10, 2023

Gov. Umar Bago of Niger has urged the  stakeholders in the state to remain ambitious and key into his “New Niger Agenda” to enhance the required growth and development.

Bago gave the advice during a grand reception in honour of the newly elected and appointed Ministers, National and State Assembly members held at the Justiće Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna on Saturday.

He said that the gathering was aimed at fostering unity, collaboration, among all and sundry to be on the same page in achieving steady progress.

The governor added that the event was adopted as a policy to be observed every quarter to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on issues that affect the state.

“It will also be used to show how best to address these issues,” Bago said, even as he directed the 25 Local Government Areas to replicate same in their respective councils.

He advised the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris-Malagi, whom he described as an elder brother to use his good offices to fast-track the growth and development of the state and the county.

He appealed to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Sabi-Abdullahi, to ensure that the state was considered for the pilot scheme of Federal Government’s agricultural initiatives based on its size and abundant untapped natural resources.

In their separate goodwill messages,   Idris-Malagi and Sabi-Abdullahi, both lauded the governor for his foresight and acknowledged that a ‘New Niger’ was achievable.

Idris-Malagi said:”No need for acrimony, It is time to come together, make sacrifices and synergise for a new Niger as governor Bago is not only building a #NewNiger, but also unifying the people.”

The Senator representing Niger South, Sen. Peter Jiya, spoke on behalf of the members of the National Assembly from the state.

Mr Abdulmalik Muhammad, who also spoke on behalf of the members of the state assembly, assured that they would work collectively for the growth and development of the state.

The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, on behalf of the Judiciary pledged its support to the realisation of the ‘New Niger’ agenda of the governor.

The Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Muhammadu Mu’azu II, who spoke on behalf of the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, urged elected and appointed leaders to serve with the fear of God and do their best in addressing the challenges bedevilling the state.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Niger Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman said: “The maoden event is to usher in the new development agenda of the governor.

NAN