Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • PDP Governors deploying hypocrisy, blackmail to conceal failure – TDF

    PDP Governors deploying hypocrisy, blackmail to conceal failure – TDF

     

    By Iyiola Olalere
    The Democratic Front (TDF) has condemned what it described as the hypocritical and emotional blackmail of the federal government by governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF argued that it was a coordinated attempt to conceal their failure to deliver meaningful development to the people of their respective states.

    It said: “The call recently made by the PDP Governors in Asaba, Delta State on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ameliorate hardship in the country, can best be described as hypocritical, sarcastic, and a show of executive rascality, by heads of sub nationals who do not understand their primary duties and are ready to shirk their responsibility to deliver meaningful development to their people.

    “We are perplexed on why the PDP Governors choose to make a spectacle of themselves in a way that undermines their credibility after more than a year of quantum leap in federal allocations as a result of the economic policies of the Tinubu administration.

    “Is it that they are not aware that the increased allocations are meant for developmental purposes that will improve the welfare of people in their respective domains?

    “These are members of a political party that currently controls some of the states that receive the highest federal allocation in Nigeria, yet it is difficult to point at any substantively impactful projects that could boost food production in those states.

    “We expect that PDP Governors understood that one of the key objectives of the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, is to make more money available to governments at all levels to facilitate easy delivery of meaningful development in their respective jurisdictions.

    “With the record increase in FAAC allocations to states on the watch of the Tinubu-led administration, we expect all governors to avail themselves with the opportunity to provide their states with quality and affordable primary and secondary education, improved primary healthcare system as well as deliver. on their other promises to the electorates.

    “There is, however, no sign that any of the governors that converged on Asaba has improved on what was on the ground before May 2023.

    “It is therefore ironic that they ignored their own failings to indulge in divisive political blackmail that insults the sensibility of their electorates.”

    TDF urged the subnationals to take a cue from the federal government and complement its efforts rather than resort to playing to the gallery.

    “We could see the Federal Government’s investment in Agriculture and livestock development, the provision of support for indigent students through NELFUND, provision of financial credit to enhance the purchasing power of Nigerians through CREDICORP, investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper alternative fuel to Petroleum as well as massive infrastructural development.

    “We challenge these governors to identify any life-changing, meaningful projects they have set out to do in the last 20 months, which could be said to complement what is happening at the federal level or justify the quantum rise on their allocations.

    “This is because of our belief that the efforts of the Federal Government alone can not make life better for Nigerians without the complementary efforts of the sub-national governments,” it added.

    end

  • Navy intercepts boat laden with 4,200 litres of stolen fuel

    Navy intercepts boat laden with 4,200 litres of stolen fuel

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    By Sunday Bassey

    The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area has intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 4,200 litres of stolen fuel in Akwa Ibom.

    The Commanding Officer of the Base, Navy Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibaka on Friday.

    He said that the FOB intercepted the boat at about 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 5, while on a routine night patrol around Ebughu Creek general area of Mbo local government.

    He explained that the Navy received credible information of suspected smugglers around their Area of Operations and swift into action.

    “FOB Ibaka gunboat responded swiftly and moved to the location upon thorough search of the general area of a wooden boat carrying over 4,200 litres of product, confirmed to be petrol was discovered,” he said.

    Abdullahi said the suspects on the wooden boat on sighting the Navy gun boat quickly beach landed the wooden boat and fled the scene to evade arrest.

    He said that the intention of the smugglers was to smuggle the fuel from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroon.

    He  warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters to desist immediately.

    The commanding Officer reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes in the state under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

    He said that it would be impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.

    Abdullahi stated that criminal elements in the area of their operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence. (NAN)

  • Nigeria, Denmark, UK… 79 countries condemn Trump’s ICC sanctions

    Nigeria, Denmark, UK… 79 countries condemn Trump’s ICC sanctions

     

    State parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC) have condemned President Donald Trump’s sanctions against the institution.

    Trump accused the world’s first permanent international war crimes court of taking “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the US and its ally, Israel.

    In response, he imposed financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who assisted the ICC in investigating American citizens.

    The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

    The ICC said it found reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant acted as civilian superiors and intentionally directed attacks against a civilian population. A Hamas commander was also subject to an arrest warrant.

    In Thursday’s order, Trump accused the Hague-based ICC of creating a “shameful moral equivalency” between Hamas and Israel by issuing the warrants at the same time.

    Tomoko Akane, ICC president, said the order harmed the court’s independence and deprived millions of innocent victims of atrocities of justice and hope.

     On Friday, she urged the court’s 125 state parties, civil society, and the international community to defend the institution.

    Hours later, 79 state parties released a joint statement reaffirming their support for the ICC.

    “As strong supporters of the ICC, we regret any attempts to undermine the Court’s independence, integrity, and impartiality,” the statement reads.

    “We are committed to ensuring the ICC’s business continuity so that the Court can continue to carry out its functions effectively and independently.”

    Countries that signed the statement include Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Afghanistan, Ghana, France, Gambia, and South Africa. Others include Poland, Denmark, Spain, Namibia, Luxembourg, Jordan, Finland, Sierra Leone, and Mexico.

    The US and Israel are not ICC member states.

  • Gunmen kidnap imam, 10 worshippers in Sokoto mosque attack

    Gunmen kidnap imam, 10 worshippers in Sokoto mosque attack

     

    At least 10 persons and an imam have been kidnapped by gunmen in an attack on a mosque in Bushe community, Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto state.

    The suspected bandits invaded the mosque on Thursday morning as worshippers performed the Subhi prayer.

    Residents told Channels Television that the community has been under siege by bandits despite the presence of security operatives.

    However, they said troops swiftly repelled the attackers and prevented further damage.

    Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto police command, confirmed the incident. He however said he could not ascertain the number of abductees due to telecommunication challenges in the area.

    “Yes, the incident happened, but I can’t confirm the number of victims,” he told TheCable.

    “I don’t have any update on the incident as I haven’t been able to reach the officer in charge for an update. There is a network problem in the area.”

  • NAFDAC Traceability Initiatives Receive Major Boost From WHO

    NAFDAC Traceability Initiatives Receive Major Boost From WHO

     

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): NAFDAC technology-driven product track-and-trace initiative has received a major boost with donation of 120 traceability scanners to the Agency by the world health organization.

    This was disclosed in a post on the Agency’s X handle monitored by Flowerbudnews on Thursday.

    Speaking on receiving the traceability scanners, NAFDAC Director General expressed appreciation for the donation, saying;

    ”We are pleased to receive 120 #traceability scanners from @WHO, a significant boost for our track-and-trace initiatives to enhance product safety”.

    Prof. Adeyeye received the donation from ”@WHONigeria Country Representative @WMulombo” when he visited NAFDAC for discussions on strengthening regulatory systems and combatting substandard and falsified products.

    ‘:Thank you for your continued partnership in safeguarding public health,” the NAFDAC Boss stated.

     

     

  • NAFDAC Boss Seeks Death Penalty For Fake Drug Dealers

     

    By Mark Mayah

    The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeyeye, has proposed death penalty for fake drug peddlers.

    The NAFDAC DG made this call on Friday while speaking during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

    She argued that only strict penalties would deter drug peddlers, especially when their actions result in the deaths of children.

    “Somebody bought children’s medicine for about N13,000, while another person was selling it for around N3,000 in the same mall.

    “That raised an alarm. Guess what? When we tested the medicine in our Kaduna lab, there was nothing inside. So, I want the death penalty.

    “You don’t need to put a gun to a child’s head to kill them. Just give them bad medicine,” Adeyeye said.

    The NAFDAC boss also called for the cooperation of the judiciary and the National Assembly to make the proposal a reality.

    According to her, the agency is open to working with lawmakers and other stakeholders on the matter.

    She said, “You cannot fight substandard and falsified medicines in isolation. The agency can only do so much, but if there is no deterrent, there will be a problem.

    “Someone brought in 225mg of Tramadol, which can kill a person or fry their brain, and the punishment is just five years in prison or a fine of N250,000. Who doesn’t know that a person can simply withdraw N250,000 from an ATM?

    “That is part of our problem — there are no strict measures to stop offenders from repeating the same crime. We can only do so much, but if our laws are not strong enough or the judiciary is not firm in its stance, we will continue to face this challenge.

    “So, our judicial system must be strong enough. We are working with the National Assembly to make our penalties much stiffer. But if you kill a child with bad medicine, you deserve to die.”

  • Enhancing customers’ experience: EEDC introduces self-service BOT application

    Enhancing customers’ experience: EEDC introduces self-service BOT application

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has introduced a self-service Robotic application known as “EEDC BOT” to enhance positive customers’ experience.

    The Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in a statement on Friday, that the new robotic application is consistent with EEDC’s quest in leveraging technology to enhance its operations and improve customer experience.


    Ezeh said that the application, currently targeted at prepaid customers, streamlines access to essential functions while providing instant support through the social media platforms, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, thereby revolutionising the way customers interact with the company.

    According to him, “EEDC BOT” will significantly speed up responses to common requests and queries by customers through two primary channels (Facebook and WhatsApp).

    “To further ensure a good customer experience, a dedicated Facebook page has been created for this purpose and customers can now interact with EEDC through this platform.

    “In addition, a dedicated phone number has been provided for WhatsApp, enabling customers to access EEDC via this messaging platform.

    “Prepaid customers should take advantage of the self-service to resolve issues relating to their prepaid accounts by saving the WhatsApp number (08150826233) as “EEDC BOT” on their phone and send “Hi” or “100” to activate the menu and select a request as applicable.

    “They can equally visit EEDC official Facebook page to access this Application. Login access is not required for this purpose,” he said.

    The EEDC spokesman noted that
    upon initiating a chat, customers would receive interactive codes, and they can select as it applies to their specific needs.

    “Some of the available services offered by “EEDC BOT” included: Chat with a Customer Service Agent, Request for Token, Meter Application Request, KCT Generation, Last Token Retrieval, Arrears Balance Inquiry, New Service Request, Transaction History, and many more.

    “By utilising this self-service, EEDC aims at offering a more efficient and user-friendly approach to customer service by efficiently managing its customers, reducing waiting time, and promptly resolving issues.

    “EEDC is excited to include “EEDC BOT” to some of the innovative solutions it has introduced in its operations to enhance service to its esteemed customers,” he said.

  • NPA reviews tariffs upward by 15%, after 32 years

    NPA reviews tariffs upward by 15%, after 32 years

     

    Lagos:  The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) says it is reviewing its charges upward by 15 per cent, citing a need for competitiveness and infrastructural upgrades.

    The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, made this known during a maritime stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Thursday.

    He said that this was the first time the Nigeria Ports Authority would be reviewing its rates since 1993.

    Dantsoho, who was represented by Mr Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director, Marine and Operation, said the authority was compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian ports up to speed with those of its peers globally in terms of infrastructure and equipments.

    He said: “Though the NPA rates review has already been approved by the Federal Government, but the management decided to meet with stakeholders on the issue out of the desire to carry everyone along.

    “The 15 per cent upward review which is to cut across all NPA rates and dues is premised on the urgent need to address the undesirable reality of aged and weak infrastructure.

    “We need to address obsolete equipment and slow port capacity expansion which has continued to diminish performance and, indeed, competitiveness of Nigerian ports.

    “Port authorities depend on revenue from operations to stay alive to their responsibilities which include construction and maintenance of port infrastructure.

    “Other responsibilities are dredging of channels, provision of aids for safe navigation, provision of modern marine crafts for efficient harbour services,
    automation and digitisation of port transactions, port security, energy efficiency and training and retraining of its employees,” Dantsoho said.

    Also speaking, a Maritime Stakeholder, Mr Joshua Asanga, concerned about the increment, said that the value of NPA’s present tariff had been suppressed by inflation, which was at about 35 per cent.

    Asanga listed port management liabilities like wages, fuel and other areas of expenditure as having adjusted upwards without a commensurate rise in NPA charges for over 30 years.

    He noted that NPA needed funds for improved port infrastructure, robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Port Community System, procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency.

    Another stakeholder, Mr Demian Ukagu, spoke on the need to apply more NPA funding to outer port facilities and jetties like the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and development of other critical port facilities across the country.

    He noted that NPA rates should be able to cover these costs that would guarantee minimum return on investment and promote sustainable trade.

    The meeting agreed that existing tariffs were set devoid of capital cost, labour cost, consumables and overhead expenditures needed to run the ports.
    The meeting was attended by terminal operators, bonded terminal operators and other ports users.

  • TMSG hails FIRS N21.7 trn revenue feat, credits Tinubu for record-breaking performance

    TMSG hails FIRS N21.7 trn revenue feat, credits Tinubu for record-breaking performance

     

    By Majeed Ishola

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the N21.70 trillion revenue recorded in 2024 by the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS) as the fulfilment of a promise by President Bola Tinubu to raise collectable revenues without increasing the tax burden on Nigerians.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group noted that the record earnings by FIRS’ new leadership reflected the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to improving revenue generation and collection.

    It said: ” When in July 2023, the then special adviser on revenue to President Bola Tinubu, Zach Adedeji, now FIRS Executive Chairman, announced federal government’s plan to double the nation’s revenue within three years, many saw it as a pipe dream.

    “He had boldly announced the intention of the Bola Tinubu administration to raise its revenue target to N30 trillion without adding new taxes at a time the country was generating N15 trillion from all sectors with a budget of N21.83 trillion for 2023.

    “So in the first full year of the administration, the government projected an estimated revenue of N18.32 trillion for the 2024 budget of N28.7 trillion, but it is now confirmed that FIRS alone raked in N21.70 trillion which is a 76 per cent increase from the N12.474 trillion it generated in 2023. That figure is also N2.1 trillion more than FIRS’ N19.4 trillion target for the year.

    “As a matter of fact, the N21.70 trillion that FIRS alone generated in 2024 is almost the size of the entire 2023 national budget of N21.8 trillion.

    ”This is also about N7 trillion shy of the 2024 budget, a feat which development analysts have described as good music to the ears more so at a time when the federal government needs all the revenue to execute its several noble people-oriented programmes. It is a very inspiring feat.

    “So we agree with the Executive Chairman of FIRS that this is no mean feat when one considers that it was recorded without any increase in taxes at any level.

    “Also interesting in the breakdown is the revelation that non-oil taxes increased by 97 per cent while oil taxes went up by 35 per cent when compared to the 2023 figure.

    “In scrutinizing the record-breaking collection, we discovered how improved infrastructure and cutting edge tax technology became the game changer, particularly the more expanded use of TaxProMax introduced in 2021, as well as modern organisational reforms created by a conducive ease of doing business and an attractive tax collection climate promoted by the Tinubu administration for businesses to thrive and pay taxes willingly.”

    TMSG added that it would be interesting to see FIRS’ improved performance when the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly become law.

    “We are aware that one of the four tax reform bills seeks to change FIRS to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and empower it with the responsibilities ‘to assess, collect, and account for revenue accruable to the government of the federation.’

    “For us, this move will go a long way to eliminating inefficiencies while blocking leakages by consolidating revenue collection under a single agency.

    “And knowing that the tax reform bills include measures to increase the tax on the rich and wealthy while reducing that of low-income earners and small businesses, we are optimistic that the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio will move closer to 15 per cent which is widely considered a significant benchmark from the current level of 10.86 per cent which is even low by African standard.

    “It, therefore makes sense that the Tinubu administration opted for a more ambitious budget of N49.74 trillion for 2025, which is a 41.91 per cent increase on that of 2024 and a revenue expectation of N36.35 trillion.

    “We anticipate a greater performance from FIRS as well as other revenue-generating agencies this year,” it added.

    End