NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Politics

Niger PDP guber candidate drums support for Bago

165 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The  governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023  general election in Niger state, Alh. Isah Liman-Kantigi, has urged the people to support Gov. Umaru Bago beyond 2027.

 

 

 

 

Liman-Kantigi stated this during a press conference on Tuesday in Minna.

 

He noted that the governor had performed creditably and deserved the total support of the people in order to consolidate on his achievements so far in the state.

 

 

 

 

The former guber candidate  said that he had received numerous text messages urging him to contest the governorship position in 2027.

 

He, however, declined, saying that he would vigorously campaign against producing a gubernatorial candidate from Zone A.

 

 

 

 

“I want to tell the entire people of Niger state that I officially endorse Umaru Bago as our candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

 

 

 

 

“Bago has started a lot of projects which have not been completed. It is my opinion that we should allow him to continue for a second term to complete what he has started,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Liman-Kantigi pointed out that his decision not to contest in 2027 was based a careful assessment of the situation on the ground, and urged others to join him in supporting the incumbent governor.

 

He said that his decision to concede defeat before the final result was announced during the last election was in the spirit of democracy as being practiced in America.

 

The former guber candidate also denied claims that his support for Bago could  have been influenced by contracts awarded to him by the state government.

 

Liman-Kantigi, however, explained that as a party man, he would work assiduously to ensure that the PDP wins other positions in 2027. (NAN)

Edited by Ebere Agozie/ Isaac Ukpoju

Politics

Forum tasks grassroots leaders on LG autonomy

436 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The National Councilors Forum of Nigeria (NCF) has underscored the need for grassroots leaders to prioritise the Local Government autonomy policy to advance democratic dividends in Nigeria.

The National President of the Forum, Yusuf Babawapa, Councilor representing Kano Municipal Local Government, Kano gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke on sideline of the National convention and election of new excos 2024.

The convention with the theme: “Consolidating constitutional local government financial autonomy; derivatives and internal outsourcing for sustainable growth and development” holds from Dec. 11 to 13.

Babawapa said, “As Councilors we need to make sure we explore the Local Government autonomy policy, to bring more dividends of democracy in governance.

“We need to also reach our people at the grassroots. By so doing, Nigeria will achieve more meaningful socio-economic transformative growth at the grassroot level.

“We started this convention in the past three years with the inception of my tenure as National President.

“Our goal is to sensitise and empower our people at the various Local Government Wards to the importance of good governance, particularly as Nigeria has lots of human and natural resources at the grassroots.”

He said not less than 2000 Councilors had so far registered for the convention, saying more were expected from across the 774 Local Governments in the country.

He reiterated that through their participation more people would be reached.

“We are here to educate the various councilors and ensure their effective implementation of the Local Government autonomy policy at the ward levels in Nigeria,” he added.

Highpoints of the event were remarks by Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, Principal Consultant to the Forum, paper presentation by Dr Bibi Farouk and Prof. Tochukwu Okeke, as well as discussions and interventions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Politics

Kano Assembly proposes relocation of cooking gas retailers

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By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated a legislative process to repeal the State Fire Service Directorate Edict No 17 of 1970, to regulate operations of cooking gas retailers in Kano metropolis.

The legislation seeks to insert a section to regulate indiscriminate sales of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), otherwise called cooking gas, in the metropolis.

This followed the adoption of a report by the House Standing Committee on Special Duties during the plenary presided by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.

The committee had probed indiscriminate sales of cooking gas within residential areas in Kano metropolis.

The Chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Yahaya (NNPP – Gezawa constituency), said the Kano State Fire Service Directorate reported about 475 illegal cooking gas outlets after engaging with relevant stakeholders.

He said that statistics of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), showed that there were 234 unlicensed natural gas retailers in the state.

The investigation, he said, was sequel to a motion sponsored by Tasiu Abubakar (NNPP – Kura constituency), on the need for a regulatory framework, to safeguard lives and properties from disasters that might arise from the activities of illegal LPG retailers in the metropolis.

While expressing concern over the spate of uncertified LPG marketers, Yahaya said the findings were limited to Kano metropolis, with few of the retailers who registered with NMDPRA, lacked basic training to enhance their operations.

He said the committee recommended for the state government to provide a permanent site for cooking gas marketers at the six entrances of the metropolis, just like the GSM and pharmaceutical markets, sited at designated locations.

“The six sites shall be sited at Hadeja Road; Maiduguri Road, Zaria Road, Madobi Road, Gwarzo Road and Katsina Road,” he said.

He said the repeal of the Service edict would provide guidelines to empower and support LPG retail services in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Oil & Gas , Politics

Group canvasses democracy that delivers peace, prosperity, justice

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By Naomi Sharang

Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman, Proponent Council, National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), has called on stakeholders to build a democracy that will deliver peace, prosperity and justice for citizens.

He made the call at the opening of Nigeria Democracy Week 2024, tagged: “Quarter of a Century of Sustained Democracy in Nigeria’s 64 Years of Statehood”, in Abuja.

Akor said that the occasion was a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment to the ideals that had shaped the country’s democratic journey over the past 25 years.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations that have brought us to this significant milestone.

“Democracy, as we know, is not just a system of governance; it is a collective effort that demands our continuous dedication to equity, justice and inclusivity.

“As we celebrate 25 years of democratic governance, let us remember that the true measure of democracy is not in the number of years it endures but in the lives it transforms.

“Let us commit ourselves to building a democracy that delivers peace, prosperity and justice for all Nigerians,” he said.

Akor called on the country’s leaders to prioritise transparency, accountability and the welfare of the people.

“The strength of a democracy lies not in its institutions but in the trust that citizens place in their leaders,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Steering Board of NDSG, Morgan Okwoche, said the most significant achievements of Nigeria’s democracy had been the peaceful transition of power between administrations, particularly across party lines.

Okwoche, however, identified some challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey, including insecurity, economic inequality, civic apathy, insurgency in the north-east, banditry and communal insecurity.

“These issues have disrupted governance and have also eroded economic development,” he said.

Okwoche called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy and the vision of a united, inclusive and thriving Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that the past 25 years of uninterrupted democracy represented a triumph for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egbetokun was represented by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olatunji Disu.

He said that the uninterrupted democracy was a statement of an enduring commitment to the principle of governance, the rule of law and the freedom that underpinned democratic systems.

“For the Nigerian Police Force, this period has underscored our vital roles as custodians of peace and security, which are fundamental to the success of any democracy,” he said.

Similarly, the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, said that there were no fewer than 83,000 inmates in 265 custodial centres across the country.

Nababa, who was represented by Assistant Controller of Corrections, Ope Fatinikun, added that there were also a total of 53,000 awaiting trials.

“Democracy has given the NCS space to operate. Democracy has been a good journey so far,” he remarked. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Politics

Progressive Governors to back Tax Reform bills

623 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has announced that the Forum will collaborate closely with the National Assembly to strengthen engagement on the proposed Tax Reform Bills.

Uzodimma disclosed this while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with progressive governors in Abuja on Wednesday.

He reiterated the Forum’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s reform initiatives, particularly the proposed Tax Reform Bills, which aim to improve Nigeria’s taxation system and administration.

The bills under consideration include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Addressing security concerns in parts of the North-West, Uzodimma noted that security agencies are actively tackling the situation and assured the Forum’s continued support to enhance national safety.

He added that the governors discussed key national issues, including measures to back the Federal Government’s reforms and create additional palliative programmes to mitigate their effects on citizens.

Uzodimma stressed the importance of unity among the governors to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in driving national prosperity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

Politics

Tinubu’s reform agenda most credible- Okupe

585 total views today

 

By Emmanuel Mogbede

A former Labour Party (LP) Chieftain, Dr Doyin Okupe, has described President Bola Tinubu administration’s reform agenda as the most credible compared to those of other presidential candidates in the 2023 presidential election.

 

Okupe, also a former Spokesman to former President Goodluck Johnathan, stated this while assessing Tinubu administration’s reform agenda.

 

“Though I never supported Tinubu ahead of the election; he is not my friend and we were not in the same party, in retrospect however, his reform agenda is the most credible.

 

“The Renewed Hope Agenda he (Tinubu) brought is one that can address, and is addressing, the country’s current challenges,” he said.

 

According to him, the renewed hope agenda is being meticulously applied by the president.

 

“Tinubu has a better policy document than any of his two rivals during the 2023 presidential election.

 

“Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an experienced, knowledgeable and thorough-bred politician.

 

“I know that for a fact that he also came with a testament that would have been binding on him and Nigerians.

 

“But when you put the testament side-by-side the current reality on ground, it is not applicable,” the politician said.

 

He stated that Atiku’s testament, documents and preparations were hinged on some loans which he thought he could use to sort out some things if elected, stressing they were all theoretical.

 

This, Okupe said, was especially so, because by the time President Muhammadu Buhari was leaving office, no international financial institution was ready to borrow Nigeria money again.

 

Okupe said that if such institutions were ready to borrow Nigeria money, Buhari wouldn’t have gone to print money just at the tail end of his administration.

 

“So the premise Atiku placed his testament on was sinking and it can’t work.

 

“As for Peter Obi of Labour Party, he did not given any document to Nigerians that he was going to work on.

 

“In Labour Party, we didn’t have a document that we could adopt as a policy document for what was going on.

 

“All we were saying was that we wanted to take Nigeria from consumption to production; good rethorics, but it was not grounded either in policy development or principle application,” he said.

 

Okupe noted that the announcement of fuel subsidy removal by Tinubu on his inauguration day was a mere confirmation of an event that had happened under Buhari’s administration.

 

“Upon assumption of office, Tinubu addressed the issues in the country’s foreign exchange where some people were feeding fat on our foreign exchange earnings, using their contacts in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” he said.

 

Okupe also noted that Tinubu implemented the student loan and consumer protection programmes, providing loans to low income earners in a systematic manner.

 

He recalled that the president paid off some debts that were going to cripple the country’s economy.

 

“Two months after getting into government, he put up a committee to look into tax reform which was in his agenda.

 

“This man (Tinubu) has a systematic, reliable, focused and applicable agenda that can take Nigeria to enviable heights,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Politics

Reps pledge support for digital, technical education

385 total views today

By EricJames Ochigbo

Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has pledged the commitment of the house to passing appropriate legislation that will foster digital learning and technical education in the country.

Abbas gave the pledge at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education in Abuja on Monday.

The hearing was on four bills seeking to establish the National Vocational Centre; Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute, Aliade, Benue; Federal College of Science and Technology, Askira-Uba, Borno and National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Wamba, Nasarawa State.

Represented by Rep. Auwalu Gwalabe (APC-Bauchi), Abbas said that the initiative required a strong collaboration on the side of the government and all stakeholders.

He said that polytechnic education would continue to be relevant to the Nigerian economy for the much-needed industrial development.

According to him, there has been an increasing recognition of the important role that science, technical and vocational education plays in national development.

Abbas said with the emergence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, it was no longer sufficient for educational institutions to merely impact theoretical knowledge.

He said that youths must be equipped with practical skills that would enable them to thrive in an ever-evolving technologically-driven job market.

“We are hoping that the eventual establishment of these proposed science and technical institutions will provide access to quality technical education.

“We are also hoping that it will address the skills gap by equipping our graduates with employable skills, promote innovation and entrepreneurship as well as support the current efforts of government to diversify the economy.

“These proposed institutions will serve as beacons of excellence – providing qualitative education that meets international standard, while also being tailored to meet local needs.

“Therefore, today’s hearing aligns seamlessly with our legislative agenda as mentioned earlier, aimed at enhancing the educational framework within Nigeria.

“We recognise that in an increasingly competitive global environment, it is imperative that our youths have the relevant skills and knowledge,” he said.

The speaker expressed the committed of the house to ensuring access to quality education as well as improving educational infrastructure and teacher quality.

Abbas said that the public hearing was a reflection of the desire and commitment of the house to prioritise technical and vocational education as part of the ongoing social sector reform and development of the present administration.

He said that reforming and modernising science and technical education were critical steps toward promoting skill acquisition and empowering youths to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of the country.

According to the speaker, the ongoing fight against insecurity must, as a matter of necessity, consider the provision of functional education for students and youths to ensure that they are gainfully engaged.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Fuad Laguda (APC-Lagos), said that the bills were designed to improve Nigeria’s educational development and promote sustainable human capital development necessary for a self-reliant society.

Laguda said there was the need to prioritise the advantages of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in driving economic growth.

The lawmaker said that the passage of the bills would ensure that the workforce was technologically empowered.

According to him, it will be used to tackle the issues of unemployment, wealth creation, poverty reduction and insecurity, while it will also as a veritable tool in curbing youth restiveness.

“The main objective of establishment of vocational, entrepreneurship and technical skills acquisition institutions in Nigeria is to train technicians and middle-level personnel who will act as catalysts for rapid industrialisation and development of the real sector of the economy.

“There is the need for all stakeholders here present to be dedicated and committed to purposeful deliberations as well as make positive inputs and opinions on all the contending issues of the bills, to further enrich the content and intendment of the proposed laws.

“The contributions of all the stakeholders are important for the success of these bills which seek to address contingent economic issues in Nigeria,” Laguda said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Politics

Buhari welcomes APC’s victory in Ondo

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By Mufutau Ojo

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday governorship election in Ondo State which returned Gov. Lucky Aiyeditawa.

In his reaction to the outcome of the election, the former president said the voters had spoken lucidly and loudly about the confidence they have in the party and the governor.

Buhari said in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday that the voters had expressed their wish through the ballot box, adding that this should be respected by other stakeholders.

The former president said the election’s outcome had shown that democracy remained strong and could not be easily overturned in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.

He, however, challenged the governor-elect to put in place policies that engender economic growth, tame high unemployment and inflation while pursuing welfare programmes to make life better for the people.

Buhari also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies for their efforts in reducing observed shortcomings in previous elections.

He wished Aiyeditawa and his team a successful tenure in office. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Politics

Chambas calls for African Defence Force

349 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo

Former President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has called for the establishment of an African Defence Force.

 

Chambas made the call in Awka while speaking at the 13th Zik Lecture Series.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture is in honour of the late elder statesman, Nnamdi Azikiwe, who died on May 11, 1996.

 

This year’s edition had as theme: “Zik Legacies and Rising Social Movements in Africa: Rethinking Regional Integration in Africa.”

 

Chambas, who is the Chairman of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan, said a unified African Defence Force would improve the continent’s ability to address security challenges.

 

” Terrorism and insurgency have plagued regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Central Africa.

 

” These issues are beyond the capacity of any single African country to tackle alone,” he said.

 

Chambas said Africa with its own standby force could efficiently deploy resources and personnel to conflict zones, supporting peacekeeping operations and stabilising at-risk areas.

 

“This collective approach would allow African states to share intelligence, strategise collectively and neutralise threats before they escalate.

 

“Furthermore, a unified defence force could secure Africa’s borders and natural resources from external exploitation.

 

“As Zik emphasised, a stable Africa would be less susceptible to the interference of foreign powers who seek access to its vast resources.

 

“The force would be a deterrent against neocolonialism, allowing Africa to establish policies that prioritise its own interests over those of external actors.

 

” For instance, an African Navy could safeguard the continent’s coastal areas, particularly against illegal fishing and piracy, which have become significant issues in regions like the Gulf of Guinea” he said.

 

Chambas also said a common defence strategy would protect the rights of African citizens and ensure that governments uphold human rights and democratic principles.

 

This, he said, would further stabilise the region and bolster Zik’s vision of dignity and self governance.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Politics

Toluwani Ojo-Lanre tops 2024 Emerging Political Leaders Fellows

305 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

Toluwani Ojo-Lanre, an indigene of Ekiti, has emerged Overall Best Fellow in the 2024 cohort of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellows (EPLF) in Nigeria.

EPLF was founded by Sen. Liyel Imoke, a former Governor of Cross River, as a non-partisan academy dedicated to nurturing visionary young leaders, who are committed to public service and governance in Nigeria.

This is according to a statement by Ojo-Lanre, on Thursday.

Imoke, while presenting the award to her during the 2024 EPLF Graduation and Mentoring Dinner in Abuja, on Wednesday, highlighted her dedication, diligence, and commitment to political leadership and public governance.

He said this had positioned her as a promising beacon for Nigeria’s future.

Ojo-Lanre’s hard work was further celebrated with the conferment of an Advanced Certificate in Political Leadership and Public Governance, awarded by Hon. Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, a former Governor of Imo.

In addition, she received an award of Recognition for her diligence and an Award of Excellence presented by Sen. Biodun Olujimi.

Olujimi expressed heartfelt pride in Ojo-Lanre’s accomplishments, acknowledging her as an inspiring representative of Ekiti’s best values in governance and leadership.

She said: “Toluwani’s achievements are a source of pride for Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole. Her commitment and expertise in leadership embody hope for the future of this nation.”

Commenting, Ojo-Lanre said her remarkable achievements served as an inspiration, embodying the spirit of service, resilience, and dedication that defines Nigeria’s future leaders.

She promised to continue to break new grounds to inspire many young Nigerians to pursue impactful leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth and progress.

The event brought together a distinguished audience, including Amin Tambuwal, a former Governor of Sokoto State; Sen. Gabriel Suswan, Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation; Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe; Sen. Stella Oduah; Sen. John Enoh, among others.

These prominent leaders, along with the award presenters, lauded Ojo-Lanre’s dedication to governance and public service, describing her as a symbol of hope for Nigeria’s emerging leaders. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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