Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • I-G lists conditions for planned protest

    I-G lists conditions for planned protest

    Flowerbud News

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun has issued guidelines for the Aug. 1 planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians.

    Egbetokun issued the guidelines  while adressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that protesters must provide details of their proposed route, assembling point; duration of the protest; names and contacts of protest leaders and organisers.

    The I-G said that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state the protest was intended, must also be provided with measures taken to prevent the hijack of the protest by criminal elements.

    “By providing these information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

    “It will also help the police to designate its personnel specific routes and areas for the protest, to avoid conflict with other event or activities.

    “With the information, the Police can establish clear communication channels with the protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

    “It will also help to minimise the risk of violence, property damage or other criminal activities,” he said.

    According to him, the Police acknowledge the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly or protests, but it is incumbent on the protesting groups to provide the details in the interest of public safety and order.

    Egbetokun called on the groups  in the planned protest to cooperate with the Police, by obeying the law and adhering to global best practices for peaceful assembly.

    He said the Police had been monitoring the threats surrounding the planned protest, and that some groups were calling for violent protests to emulate Kenyan’s recent protest.

    The I-G said that others were calling for peaceful protest, with violence undertone resulting to concern about their sincerity.

    “We have our own history of violent protests in Nigeria and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to know the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.

    “We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest and note those who had spoken out against any form of protest at this critical time.

    “The fear that enemies of the country may manipulate the process were genuine concerns shared.

    “We have credible intelligence on foreign machineries’ involvement in the planned protest,” he said.

     

    Egbetokun urged Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.

    He said  that it had become clear that even peaceful protest at this time might be ill-timed.

    The I-G warned the groups plotting to destabilise the country and hoodlums seeking to exploit the protest for their criminal agendas.

    He said that the Police would not tolerate the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of public infrastructure and private property, as well as looting of private businesses.

    NAN

  • Hardship: DSS recovers 2,000 diverted bags of FG’s rice in Katsina

    Hardship: DSS recovers 2,000 diverted bags of FG’s rice in Katsina

    Flowerbud News

    The operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS) in Katsina State Command, have recovered 2,000 bags of rice out of the 20 trucks donated to the state by the Federal Government.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recovered rice was allegedly diverted by some government officials.
    NAN also reports that the gesture by the Federal Government was to cushion the effects of the current economic hardships in the country.
    The DSS officials in the state, who confirmed the negative development, however, declined further comments on the issue and preferred not to be anonymous.
    An investigation conducted revealed that the 25kg bags of rice were deposited in a store at the Central market, Katsina.
    It was some people who alerted the DSS on Wednesday night, who immediately swung into action.
    The Chairman, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, Mr Abdulrahman Abdullahi, expressed shock over the issue.
    Abdullahi lamented how the Federal Government donated the palliatives to the vulnerable but were allegedly diverted by some unpatriotic people.
    The chairman vowed that they would continue to follow the case up to its logical conclusion.
    He, therefore, advised the government to investigate the matter with a view of punishing those behind the diversion.
    Also commenting on the matter, a resident of Katsina, Suleiman Kofar-Durbi, said that was an unfortunate development.
    “It is unfortunate that I received the information yesterday night that the President provided relief to the vulnerables and some people diverted it.
    “People are experiencing hardship due to the current economic situation in the country, the government should investigate the matter thoroughly and bring culprits to book,” he said.
    The Chairman, Market Traders Association, Alhaji Shehu Usman, said that the rice was brought into the market by someone who was not a trader.
    “Someone asked his brother to keep the rice for him in his stores in the market.
    “We are calling on our members to be careful in receiving such items from people outside for keeping in the market,” he said.
    Responding to the matter, the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to Gov. Dikko Radda, Mr Aliyu Abdullahi, said the rice was allocated to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, by the Federal Government.
    ‘He said, ‘The minister directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal to keep it and he decided to take the rice to the market for safe keeping.
    ‘The rice allocated to the minister  were 1, 200 bags.”
    NAN
  • Breaking News: Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

    Breaking News: Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

    Flowerbud News

    The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is dead.
    The Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Alex Ogbonnia confirmed the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Enugu.
    “Today is a bad day for Ndigbo. It’s true! Ahaeji aga Mba is gone.
    “Ohaneze is yet to issue an official statement on the demise of our President General, Chief Iwuanyanwu, but he is gone.
    Aged 82, Iwuanyanwu was elected the President General of the apex Igbo cultural organisation on April 20, 2023 following the sudden death of his predecessor, Prof George Obiozor.
    An unconfirmed report said that the octogenarian died in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja on Thursday, July 25.
    NAN reports that Iwuanyanwu is the second President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to die in office after his predecessor, Prof. George Obiozor, died in office.
    Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is a prominent Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the Igbo community and beyond.
    NAN
  • Toxic petroleum products: Senate vows to expose saboteurs in oil sector

    Toxic petroleum products: Senate vows to expose saboteurs in oil sector

    Flowerbud News

    Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the  Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the alleged economic sabotage in Nigerian petroleum industry, stated this while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    Bamidale said the committee would carry out the investigation in the overall interest of Nigerians.

    “We are taking this task seriously with a view to addressing fundamental issues that pose grave threats to our economic prosperity, fiscal stability and public health as a federation.

    “In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel the roots of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and make necessary recommendations that will entrench global best practices in the industry and open it up for more investments, especially in midstream and downstream sectors.

    “We are utterly committed to this mandate, we shall carry out this national assignment without fear or favour.

    “We shall be fair and just to all parties with a view to promoting and protecting the strategic national interests of our fatherland.”

    According to him, the committee will examine the pre-shipment and pre-discharge test parameters adopted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority.

    This, he said was to uncover loopholes, if any, being exploited to get toxic petroleum cargos into the country.

    He said the committee would determine the level of compliance of NNPCL’s direct sale and direct purchased arrangements in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    According to him, it will beam legislative searchlight on the activities of the
    Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years.

    “We will enquire from the NNPCL the status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products.

    “We will also meet with stakeholders in  the oil and gas industry, with a view to identifying possible gaps in regulating and strengthening the surveillance and monitoring structures in place to enable Nigeria detect violations of best practice standards in the importation of products.”

    Bamidele also said that the committee would engage with NNPCL with a view to understanding the extent of its determination and timelines for the start-up of government-funded oil refineries.

    He said the committee would also investigate how institutions across the importation and distribution chain failed to conduct quality sampling, shipped in products without auditing among other terms of reference.

    According to him, Senate did not constitute the committee to intimidate and witch-hunt any party.

    He, however, said that the committee was constituted for the purpose of ensuring social and economic justice in the light of grim realities facing Nigeria.

    He assured the public that the committee would pursue the investigation with utmost diligence and integrity.

    “We are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians and restoring confidence in our energy sector.”

    He called on all relevant stakeholders to cooperate fully with the investigation, adding that the committee was dedicated to safeguarding interests of all Nigerians and restoring confidence in our energy sector.

    “Together, we can ensure that such an incident does not re-occur and that the integrity of our fuel supply chain is maintained and the timelines for the start-up of funded oil refineries, are determined.”

    He said a public hearing with concerned stakeholders to unravel those behind illicit importation of hazardous, substandard petroleum products into Nigeria would held from Sept 10 to Sept 12.

    NAN

  • WAEC officials detained at N/A over `lack of accountability`

    WAEC officials detained at N/A over `lack of accountability`

    Flowerbud News

    This followed a motion by a member of the committee, Rep.Uchenna Okonkwo, during the hearing in Abuja.

    The committee was piqued that the officials failed to answer their questions bothering on accountability to its satisfaction.

    The officials are, Amos Josiah Dangut, Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria, who represented the Registrar; Angus Okeleze, Senior Deputy Registrar; Victor Odu, Acting Director of Finance and Segun Jerumeh, Deputy Director of Finance.

    The lawmakers, during the hearing, were engaged in heated argument with the WAEC officials whether the examination body was accountable to the parliament or not.

    Dangut had earlier in his presentation to the committee posited that WAEC was not an agency of government, therefore not accountable to the parliament.

    But the lawmakers insisted that WAEC Nigeria was a creation of an Act of the National Assembly, hence should account for all its activities to them.

    They pointed out that the National Assembly makes appropriation for WAEC.

    The lawmakers also pointed out that WAEC’s convention dictates that it must submit to the legislation of any of its member countries.

    Following the arguments, Okonkwo moved, “I will like to move a motion that while pending the investigation to look into the activities of WAEC Nigeria, the invited guest before us should be taken into custody.

    “They should be held at the police post while we seek for solutions for these issues they are bringing upon Nigerians.” The motion was seconded by Rep. Marie Ebikake.

    One of the WAEC officials kept shouting at the panel that it was being unfair to them.

    There after officials were taken away by members of the Sergeant at Arms of the National Assembly where they were detained in one of the offices for about 15 minutes.

    However, after a brief closed door session, the committee resolved to allow them go and return on a later date with relevant documents demanded from them.

    Rep. Oforji Oboku, the Committee Chairman of the committee, said they must bring the audited statement of accounts of the examinations body from 2018 till 2024.

    He also directed that they should present relevant documents in respect to a N5 billion loan that WAEC accessed in 2022 to buy a custom-made calculator among others.

    The chairman said WAEC could not operate outside the supervision of the National Assembly.

    “You are not different from any other agency by saying you are not an agency of government. We are not here to witch hunt you. WAEC is subject to Nigeria’s laws.

    “We have reviewed the position and we have all the powers to oversight you. You cannot come here and say WAEC is not an agency of government,” he said.

    He said WAEC would be invited at a later date, insisting that failure to produce the required documents would attract sanctions.

    NAN

  • Kwankwaso: Hearing defer in suit against EFCC

    Kwankwaso: Hearing defer in suit against EFCC

    Flowerbud News

    The inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to file processes before a Kano High Court on Tuesday stalled hearing in a fundamental rights suit filed by Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso and seven others.

    The other applicants are the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Ajuji Ahmed, Dipo Olayanku, Ahmed Balewa, Chief Clement Anele,  Folashade Aliu,  and Buba Galadima.
    When the matter came up for hearing,
    Counsel to the EFCC , Mr Idris Ibrahim-Haruna, told the court he was not ready and sought for an adjournment to enable him file  responses.
    “My lord service was effected in Abuja. We are very sorry for the inconveniences and seek for another date to enable us file our responses.”
    Responding, Counsel to the applicants, Mr Robert Hon, told the court that he was ready to proceed with the hearing.
    He urged the court to dismiss the  application by the EFCC counsel seeking for an adjournment for not giving the court a genuine reason for not filing their responses.
    “My lord we served the respondent with all the court processes on June 10, and by the rules of this court they have five days to file their responses.
    “The respondent is out of time. It is more than 30 days. My lord this is a fundamental rights suit” Hon said
    He urged the court to adjourn the case for definite hearing.
    Justice Yusuf Ubale, ordered the EFCC counsel to file his responses and adjourned the matter until Oct.24, for definite hearing.
    NAN reports that the court had on June 10, granted an Interim order stopping the (EFCC from arresting Kwankwaso and the seven responders..
    NAN
  • Protest: Adviser seeks peace, unity amongst political parties in Niger

    Protest: Adviser seeks peace, unity amongst political parties in Niger

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger on Political and Strategy, Mohammed Nma-Kolo, has called on Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), to safeguard the existing peace in the state.

    He made the call during a meeting with IPAC in Minna on Tuesday.

    The adviser urged them to remain vigilant, proactive and prevent any action that could jeopardise peaceful co-existance in the state.

    Nma-Kolo said as representatives of diverse political parties, they should set aside their differences and work together to ensure progress of the state.

    “As diverse political parties, we understand the importance of unity and cooperation on achieving our share goals.

    “Our state can not strive without your support, we appreciate your positive contributions towards the development of the state,” he said.

    He appealed to them to encourage their supporters to voice out their concerns through appropriate channels rather than resulting to nationwide protest.

    Nma-Kolo said the governor shares in their concerns and had taken measures to alleviate hardship in the state.

    He called on them to support the Bago-led administration to build a brighter future for the state.

    He said that the administration had achieved significant strides in agriculture, aimed at ensuring food security for the state and the country.

    The adviser said that it was crucial for everyone irrespective of their political differences, to support the governor to deliver good governance to the people of the state.

    Responding, the Chairman of IPAC in the state, Alhaji Isah Bello, lauded the adviser for being proactive in ensuring political parties come together to support the administration.

    He said that IPAC in the state would not take part in the planned nationwide protest due to the incredible performance and achievements of the governor.

    Isah called on the governor to ensure that political parties were adequately captured in government incentives and programmes.

    NAN

  • Housing-for-all: Nigeria needs 550,000 houses annually for 10 years – Minister

    Housing-for-all: Nigeria needs 550,000 houses annually for 10 years – Minister

    Flowerbud News

    Dangiwa spoke at the 18th Africa International Housing Show on Tuesday in Abuja, which had the theme: “Financing the House We Need.’’
    He said that to achieve the goal of constructing 550,000 houses per annum for 10 years, the government would require about 5.5 trillion naira annually, adding that the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda was a plan in that direction.
    “The 50,000 units we plan to deliver is relatively ambitious given our history in the housing stock development. However, it is very small when we place it side by side with the 550,000 housing units required per annum.
    “I see this gap not only as a social necessity but a business opportunity for investors and our partners to make profitable impact.
    “This is why we are looking to Public-Private Partnerships and collaborations with housing development finance institutions, investors and partners.
    “We have adopted a demand-driven approach for our housing delivery strategy to avoid the issues of abandoned or completed but unsold buildings by launching an online housing portal to ease the process of acquiring homes.’’
    Dangiwa said that over 28,000 applications had been recorded since the launch of the portal.
    Also speaking at the Housing Show, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the 10th Assembly believed that every person deserved a roof over his or her  head and would stand by citizens to achieve that goal.
    Akpabio, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Victor Umeh, said the Senate was working hand in hand with the executive to ensure housing right became a reality for  Nigerians.
    “We must leave no-one behind in our efforts to provide affordable and accessible housing solutions, especially for the most vulnerable members of our society.
    “Furthermore, no discussion on housing can be deemed complete without addressing the need for inclusive policies.
    “Our citizens come from diverse backgrounds and have different needs. It is our duty to ensure that our housing policies cater to these diverse needs, providing equal opportunities for all.
    “I firmly believe that this housing show can assist us in creating a housing ecosystem that leaves no-one behind, and uplifts the marginalised,’’ he said.
    Akpabio expressed concern over building collapse in Nigeria and tasked professionals in the built environment to address the menace.
    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Abdulmumin Jibrin, stressed the importance of housing to the growth and development of Nigeria.
    According to Tajudeen, providing adequate housing is not just a social need, but a critical step towards solving many of the nation’s and humanity’s challenges.
    He said: “It is an asset of pride and power, with critical economic, social, and political impacts. I believe that financing and providing adequate housing is essential for addressing many of our nation’s challenges.
    “These challenges include insecurity, social stability, job creation, health, quality education, economic productivity, preservation of culture and values and civic participation.
    “To address these challenges and unlock the potential of housing as a solution to Nigeria’s problems, we must implement comprehensive policies that focus on both demand and supply.
    “We must prioritise the construction of affordable housing units through direct government funding and public-private partnerships.
    “Incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies for developers can stimulate investment in affordable housing projects.’’
    Tajudeen added that simplifying the land acquisition process and improving land administration systems would reduce bottlenecks and encourage more housing projects.
    “Government intervention in the area of affordable mortgages is a win-win for the sector, and this emphasises the need for sustainable housing solutions that protect our environment.
    “By addressing the challenges in housing demand and supply, and implementing forward-thinking policies, we can transform our housing sector into a catalyst for national and international development,’’ Tajudeen stressed.
    The Chairman of the ceremony, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, who is the  Chairman of Makarios: The Luxury Place, called on Nigerians to embrace the act of land banking, which was the practice of aggregating parcels of land for future sale or development.
    Ashimolowo advised that in doing so, citizens should be wise to avoid encroaching on government reserved lands and they should also learn about the land laws in their various states.
    He called on the government to make accessing houses through mortgages easier for citizens like in other climes, to fill in the housing gaps in the nation.
    The Chairman, Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Suleiman Zarma, in his welcome address, said that the  2024 housing show was the 18th Edition organised to address the housing challenges in Africa.
    “This event is therefore put together to find sustainable and lasting solutions to the myriad of housing challenges confronting the continent.
    “The global economic and political crisis does not spare any continent as the effects manifest in rising prices of virtually everything.
    “These disturbing scenarios therefore call for a renewed political will to combat the daunting challenges, and one of the ways to tackle these recurrent issues is the inclusion of professionals in built environment,’’ Zarma said.
    He added that the AIHS 2024 featured an exhibition to highlight revolutionary products, materials, designs, and processes for the provision of housing.
    NAN
  • Senate passes 2024 Appropriation Act Amendment bill of N6.2trn

    Senate passes 2024 Appropriation Act Amendment bill of N6.2trn

    Flowerbud News

    This, followed presentation and adoption of report of Committee on Appropriations on the bill by its Chairman Sen.Solomon Olamilekan (APC-Ogun).

    Olamilekan in his presentation said out of the N6.2 trillion,N3.2 trillion was for capital expenditure, while N3 trillion was for recurrent expenditure.

    He said the 2024 appropriation act amendment bill sought to make available, additional funds for the renewed hope Infrastructure development projects, to be undertaken across the country.

    He said the bill was also designed to meet other recurrent expenditure requirements, such as the minimum wage increase necessary for effective governance of the federation.

    He said the committee in the course of processing the bill consulted widely with other critical stakeholders and significantly deliberated with Minister of Budget and Economic Planning on sources of funding the projects.

    He said the additional expenditure contained in the amendment bill would be financed by the one-time windfall tax on banks’ foreign exchange profits for year 2023 as approved by the National Assembly.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio commended the Chairman of the committee on appropriations and members for their expeditiously input on the bill.

    He prayed that the amendment would enable Nigeria to reach its eldorado and bring about the renewed hope and stem the tide of protest by the labour union.

    Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu for the agreement reached in the minimum wage saga, while praying that Nigeria would be better with the amendment on the budget.

    He congratulated the lawmakers for their contributions, cooperation, saying that it was sacrificial to the development of the nation.

    NAN