Author: multiplat

Mr Joseph Usendiah (L), outgoing Comptroller of Corrections, NCoS, Edo Command, during the handover to Mr Babayo Maisanda, new Comptroller of Corrections, Edo Command, on Friday in Benin.

Mr Babayo Maisanda, has assumed duty as the new Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), for the Edo Command.

Mr Aminu Suleman, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, said this in a statement in Benin on Friday.

Suleman said that Maisanda was deployed to the state following the recent promotion and posting of senior correctional officers by Mr Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Comptroller General of Corrections (CGC).

READ ALSO: Immigration stops 58 London-bound Nigerian doctors at Lagos airport

He also said that until the recent posting, Maisanda, was the acting head of Zone C, Correctional Command, Bauchi.

He said that the comptroller took over from Mr Joseph Usendiah, who had been elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General of Corrections (ACGC) and moved to Zone F Correctional Command, Ibadan.(NAN)

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State

By Demola Akinyemi

Kwara State Government has received a bank draft for another N148,049,580:81 looted funds which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently recovered from some officials of the past administration.

According to the statement issued by governor’s Chief press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye to journalists in Ilorin on Friday morning, the money was received on Thursday on behalf of the state government by Commissioner for Finance and Planning Olasumbo Florence Oyeyemi.

The commissioner reportedly commended the EFCC for its patriotic efforts to stamp out corruption and abuse of public office and assured that the money would be duly appropriated and deployed to serve the public that it is meant for.

READ ALSO: Police foil planned protest by ex-militants in Cross River

The Ilorin Zonal Head of the EFCC Mr Oseni Kazeem had during a recent courtesy visit to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the recovery of new loots for the government.

AbdulRazaq had in turn commended the anti-graft agency which he observed has continued to recover funds stolen from public treasury, saying the funds would be judiciously used including for social investment programmes of the administration.

The anti-graft agency had earlier made similar recoveries of public funds.

Vanguard

…Says plan will create future we desire

Clement Agba

By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Federal Government says all is set for the formal launching of the new Medium-Term National Development Plans (MTNDPs) 2021 – 2025 by President Mohammadu Buhari in December 2020.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba disclosed this on Thursday at a world press conference, while speaking on the steps taken so far towards the development of Medium-Term National Development Plans (MTNDPs) 2021 – 2025 & 2026 – 2030 and the Perspective Plan, tagged “Nigeria Agenda 2050”.

He said that a deadline has been given to the TWGs to submit their work on the MTNDP, 2021 – 2025 to Central Working Group (CWG) by 30th September 2020, while the CWG is to turn in its report at the end of October 2020 with the launching of the Plan in December by Mr President.

Agba explained that the final document would not only postulate possible, probable and preferable futures for the citizens of Nigeria but also come up with measures for creation of the future we desire.

ALSO READ: Fuel price hike: FG currently not financially able to pay subsidy – Sylva

‘‘In preparing the MTEF, which is being used for the preparation of the 2021 Budget as approved by the National Assembly, the fundamentals of the Macroeconomic Framework for the Medium-Term Plan 2021 – 2025 were brought into focus and incorporated so that the implementation of the Plan begins in effect from the 2021 Budget.

‘‘The macroeconomic indices used for the development of the Economic Sustainability Plan of N2.3 trillion stimulus package to hedge the economy from sliding into deep and prolonged recession due to the impact of COVID-19 have been integrated into the Medium-Term National Development Plan.

‘‘These steps were all taken in the beginning to ensure that, henceforth, annual budgets are derived from National Development Plans, thereby fostering plan discipline in successive years.

‘‘We intend to deepen consultations with sub-national governments to ensure that plan discipline is entrenched in the system if we are to make the desired changes in the economy.’’

‘‘The desire of President Buhari to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty on to the path of prosperity in the next 10 years, remains one of the cardinal focuses of the MTNDP 2021 – 2025 & 2026 – 2030.’’

According to him, ‘‘The new Plans will also focus on creating jobs, deepening economic activities and providing enabling environment for thriving of the private sector.

‘‘Consultations are currently on-going with the TWGs and key MDAs and other managers of the key sectors of the economy. In the days ahead, we will continue to solicit input and memoranda from all stakeholders for purposes of incorporation into the Plan.

‘‘We are currently planning webinar programmes as part of sensitization and engagement process on the new Plans,’’ he added.

ALSO READ: Nine soldiers killed in jihadist offensive attack in Nigeria

To make the plan all-inclusive, the Minister said the administration is concerned with deepening participation of all stakeholders in the development of the new plans.

‘‘We are indeed committed to producing truly national development plans and not just Federal Government Plans. For this reason, six state Governors, one from each of the six geopolitical zones, representative of major political parties are involved at the Steering Committee level for the development of the Plans.’’

The Minister, however, appealed to media to lend their support in propagating the development of the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021 -2025 & 2026-2030 and Perspective Plan, Nigeria Agenda 2050 – to Nigerians both at home and abroad as well as the International Community.

He further hinted that the second MTNDP (2026 – 2030) report is due in February 2021; while the final report for the Nigeria Agenda 2050 is due in July 2021.

Recall that Government policies in the outgoing decade had been predicated on the Nigeria Vision (NV) 20:2020, which is being implemented through the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 – 2020.

The NV20:2020 was envisaged to place Nigeria among the top 20 economies in the world with a minimum GDP of US$900 billion and a per capita income of not less than US$4,000 per annum at the end of 2020, while ERGP came as a child of necessity to pull Nigeria out of recession with a negative GDP growth rate of 1.5% in 2016 to the path of positive and sustainable economic growth, with the terminal date of December 31st, 2020.

Aware of the terminal dates and to avoid a vacuum, President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved and directed the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to prepare successor plans from which Government could derive its policies going forward.

The new Plans – Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021 – 2025 & 2026-2030 and Agenda 2050 are therefore successor plans to ERGP and NV20:2020 respectively.

Although Nigeria is yet to attain the 20th position in the World economy with single economic growth digit, Agba said ‘‘it is, however, safe to state that implementation of ERGP pulled the economy out of recession unto the path of economic growth as the economy experienced eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession.

‘‘The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 and -6.1% in the 2nd quarter due to the impact of COVID-19.’’

Vanguard

Sen. Bala Mohammed, Executive Governor of Bauchi state

Gov. Bala Mohammed has enjoined the private sector to deploy financial, technical and managerial skills to reposition Bauchi State economy for the better.

Mohammed made the call when he inaugurated the newly established Bureau for Privatisation and Economic Reform in Bauchi on Friday.

The bureau, he said, is expected to serve  as a policy and decision making body on feasibility of  possible  economic reforms.

He said the private sector would be actively involved in the activities of the bureau to improve and strengthen competition, public finances ,funding of infrastructure projects and delivery of qualitative services.

”Bauchi State requires active engagement of private sector by partnering with the government to deploy their financial,technical and managerial skills to reposition the  state’s economy for the better.

” This strategy would resuscitates our ailing industries  to enable us compete for economic growth and profitability” he said.

The governor who described privatisation as a  tool to reduce government burden in terms of underutilization of resources , over employment, fiscal burden, financial crisis,heavy loses and subsidies.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s oil and the energy transition

According to him the objectives of the breau is transfer of management of all enterprises to the bureau and removal of unnecessary interference in the management of enterprises from the line ministries for transparency and corporate governance.

He said other benefits of the bureau were avoidance of conflict of interest in the management of the state owned enterprises,saying the board would allow the bureau to function effectively.

He called on  the board members to deploy their wealth of experience in the discharge of their responsibilities,stressing we expect you to work assiduously for a better Bureau.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bureau comprises of eleven members, with the state deputy governor, Sen. Baba Tela as chairman and Ibrahim Kasim the  Director-General of the Bureau as secretary (NAN)

vanguardngr.com

The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) says the deregulation of the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, will be beneficial to Nigeria and Nigerians in the long run.

MOMAN’s Chairman, Mr Tunji Oyebanji  made the assertion in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos while reacting to the outcry over the recent increment of the ex-depot price of petrol.

The PPMC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had on Sept. 2 announced a new ex-depot price of N151.56k for PMS against the N138.62k announced in August.

The development had led to an increment in the pump price of the product to between N160 and N163 in filling stations across the state.

Oyebanji said: “So, as things stand, we are into full deregulation.

“Unfortunately, this is coming at a time when most of our citizens are struggling with difficulties created within the context of the post COVID-19 economy.

“However,  we believe that Nigeria is been presented with a historic opportunity to get it right this time as a country to rebuild our economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

READ ALSO: PPMC slashes depot price of petrol to N108, diesel to N164/litre

“We welcome government’s action in allowing the market to determine prices as we believe it will prevent the return of subsidies while allowing operators the opportunity to recover their costs.”

According to him, this will in the long run, encourage investments and create jobs.

“We all must remember the country is broke and can no longer afford subsidy. There is no provision for it in the budget.  With this, the incentive for  smuggling will be reduced.

“More funds will be available to the government for investments in infrastructure, roads, health, education and power, ” he said.

Oyebanji also explained that deregulation meant  that prices would go up and down depending on the market forces.

He said: ” They went down in April now they will go up as we are entering the European winter season and demand for refined crude goes up.

“Already there are indications of more investments in local refining in Nigeria which will moderate the cost.  Fierce competition will also moderate the price.

“As you can see, not everyone is selling at the same price.

” Consistent with global best practices,  MOMAN does not dictate prices to its members as this will be anti-competition in a fully deregulated market.”  (NAN)

vanguardngr.com

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state

Gov. Sani Bello of Niger,  has appealed to residents of Kagara town in Rafi Local Government Area to remain calm, as government was deploying resources at its disposal to ensure  protection of their lives and property.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Berje in Minna on Thursday, said that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow law abiding and innocent citizens to be mowed down.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armed bandits on Wednesday,  attacked Kagara town, shooting sporadically to scare away residents.

READ ALSO: Call Iran, IMN to order – Coalition urges US, EU

Bello assured the people that the state was collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies to address the menace of insecurity in the state.

He commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, and prayed for speedy recovery of all injured victims.

The governor solicited the cooperation of the people in providing useful information to security agencies and assured them that their identity will be protected. (NAN)

vanguardngr.com

By Bose Adelaja

A suspected armed robber was reportedly shot dead, Friday, when a team of Policemen foiled a robbery attack, on Sagamu/Benin highway.

The incident occurred at about 2.45 am, when a team of four suspected armed robbers dressed in Military camouflage mounted roadblocks in the pretext of discharging their civic duties thereby engaging in the robbery.

Also read: Flogging of suspected bandits unacceptable – NAF

However, a combined team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad from Imagbon, Ogun State led by ASP Akinosi Jackson got wind of the operation, swiftly moved to the scene and engaged them in a gun duel.

It was gathered that one of the suspects was gunned down while others suspected to have sustained bullet wounds fled into the bush.

Ogun State Police Image maker, Abimbola Oyeyemi has confirmed the development.

Details later…

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Vanguard News

By Ifeanyi Nwannah

The Zamfara State  governor, Hon Bello mohammed Matawalle  has sent a red  signal to the opposition party  in the state, warning that their utterances would send them go to prison if they desist to  correct themselves.

He stated this while welcoming APC chieftains who decamped to the ruling PDP in the state in, pointing out that  he would arrest and prosecute any politician who defamed or assassinate  his character .

READ ALSO: Your Excellency garners global acclaim from fans

“If the members of the opposition cannot defend what they say, that  however amount to  deformation of character. I therefore advice them to stop deforming other people ’s character , because I will order the arrest of whoever is caught doing that and he will go to jail. ” he lamented.

The governor explained that some politicians had resorted to the use of hate speeches and defamation of character for political gains because they had since lost their  political relevance .

Matawalle therefore warned such politicians to keep off from the state government affairs or face the full wrath of the law.

Vanguard

Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) has said that diversified means of transportation would reduce the cost of transport and port gridlock in the country.

Bello told newsmen in Abuja that transport drives the economy and the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration was working at ensuring diversification of the country’s transport system.

“We have been having challenges in our Nigerian ports because of some distortions.

“I will give some examples to the road, our dependence on the road has cost us a lot, or has stiffened and made it impossible for transportation to make expectant contribution in terms of revenue, in terms of employment and infrastructure.

ALSO READ: Russia planning to erode Americans’ trust in mail-in voting – DHS

“But the government is trying. Like I said, if not for COVID-19, we will not be having gridlock, we would have connected the rail to the ports.

“Now connection of the rail to the port is significant, because it will do two things, for every trip the rail makes, 38 trailers are removed from the port.

“Before now the monopoly is on the road traffic, it is only the dominant, maybe 90 per cent of connection that is dropping cargo to the port.

“You can’t rely on one mode of transportation. Nigeria Shippers’ Council has now encouraged rail employment and also evacuation from the ports and that will be at a cheaper rate,’’ Bello said.

He said the various stakeholders in the maritime sector were collaborating to strengthen the standard operating procedure for the rail. He said:“ that will mean two things, we have an alternative to road, we remove a lot of trucks and we give the truckers a run for their money.

“There will be competition, so this will mean prices of transportation will crash very soon in time to come and that is one of the achievements.’’

According to Bello, the NSC is also looking at a very important aspect of access to the ports which is the batches inland water ways.

According to him, the diversified means of transportation will give room for competition, the law of demand and supply will apply, thus, there will be reduction in transportation cost.

“Besides the Federal Government has made a policy statement that all ports and I hope this will include dry ports would be linked with rail. As I have said if not for COVID-19, the Chinese will have linked not just Apapa but Tin Can with rail.

“The moment we have inland connectivity, the gridlock in Apapa will disappear that is apart from infrastructural efforts the federal government has made.”

ALSO READ: Nigeria and Ghana: Big boys disturbing the peace

The NSC boss however noted that infrastructure was not enough to manage traffic , adding that the various stakeholders were working at developing an electronic system that would ensure this.

On high cost of doing business, Bello reiterated that the NSC had made it impossible for shipping companies to bring out arbitrary or unilateral charges which would increase cost of doing business in the country.

He said the council was also working with the Nigerian Customs Service to ensure speedy clearance of cargoes at the ports.

“Because of lack of scanners , cargo is cleared after 100 per cent physical examination, now this is a primitive way of doing things and it causes so much delay.

“ So scanners will be redeployed very soon we have been at it with Customs, it takes five hours for a container to be examined physically and then cleared but when we have the scanners it will take five minutes.

“So you can see we are all making our ports efficient, we have the structure, infrastructure superstructure as a matter of fact and the clearance will be simpler, faster, more economical,’’ Bello said.

NAN

Vanguard

….Implement Report of the 2014 National Conference.

….Decree 24 which transmuted into 1999 Constitution has not guaranteed national unity

By Sam Eyoboka

NATIONAL Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) made up of eminent Nigerian citizens worried by another attempt by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Nigerian Constitution has described fifth attempt in 20 years as an exercise in futility.

In a memo titled: “Review of Constitution: Wrong therapy for serious disease” signed by NCEF chairman, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, on behalf of eminent Nigerian Christian elders including Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd) (Vice-Chairman), Prof. Joseph Otubu, Dr. (Mrs) Kate Okpareke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Elder Moses Ihonde, Elder Nat Okoro, Gen. Theophilus Y. Danjuma (rtd), Elder Matthew Owojaiye, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Elder Michael Orobator, Hon. Justice James Ogebe (rtd), Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Dr. S. D. Gani, Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Prof. Yussuf Turaki, Lady Mariam Yunusa, Prof. (Mrs) Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, Dr. Taiwo Idemudia (Diaspora) and Pastor Bosun Emmanuel (Secretary) told the ninth National Assembly to save the nation’s scarce resources arguing that what Nigeria requires is a brand new Constitution.

“It is with mixed feelings that the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) received the news of yet another Constitutional Review, proposed by the ninth Assembly. This would be the fifth Alteration in 20 years as previous Assemblies have undertaken similar exercises usually with a budget of one billion Naira. This humongous budget, at a time when the country is on the brink of another recession, is worrisome,” NCEF argued.

According to the Christian Elders, “while Constitutional amendment, in a clime where there is sincerity in government is a welcome exercise, one is at a loss why Military Decree 24, which transmuted into the 1999 Constitution, without the input of Nigerian citizens, requires any amendment in the first place.

“The patriotic step for any conscientious National Assembly would have been to legislate a Bill demanding a new Constitution. This, to our mind, would require a Conference of Ethnic Nationalities, the true owners of Nigeria, to re-negotiate the country and draw up a People’s Constitution of the people, by the people, and for the people,” the statement added.

The Christian Elders further contend that the “perennial merry-go-round Amendments have not solved any problem for the country since it is often devoid of patriotic sincerity or the political will to make any meaningful change in the country.

“For example, the 8th Assembly in the Fourth Alteration in 2017 made 32 amendments to the Constitution and there is no significant improvement in the country. On the contrary, Nigeria grew worse by every index of measurement. This proposed Amendment exercise would be the 5th Alteration in 20 years. What Nigeria requires is a new Constitution.

READ ALSO: APC hails new Executive, Legislative, Party Consultative C’ttee

“Bearing in mind the insensitivity of the current Administration to progressive views, NCEF would like to sound a note of caution for the benefit of Nigerians. Given the direction of Government in the past five years, there is ample justification to be apprehensive about a Constitutional amendment by a National Assembly that gives impression of subservience to the Executive arm of Government,” NCEF stated.

The Elders therefore urged Nigerians to note the following points and remain on high alert to ensure that the proposed Constitutional Review is not a Trojan horse designed to legitimize sectional ethnic and religious discriminatory agendas that are opposed to the peace, unity, progress and well being of Nigerians.

“According to local parlance, Nigerians, shine your eyes: In December 2019, CJN Hon. Justice Tanko, called for the amendment of the country’s Constitution to accommodate more of the peculiarities of the Shari’a law in a secular State.

“The CJN was quoted as saying, ‘… we have the number to amend the constitution to suit our own position as Muslims.’ That call was condemned by many well meaning Nigerians. We hope that this exercise is not an attempt to railroad Nigeria, a secular state, into a full Islamic theocratic state.

“Rather than increase any religious content in the Constitution, as advocated by the CJN, any Constitutional Review should be used to expunge reference to ANY religion in the Constitution of Nigeria. Any mention of religion in the Constitution is in violation of Section 10 of the same Constitution and by reason of Section 1 is unconstitutional.

“It should be recalled that in 2011 in Harvard, USA, his eminence the Sultan of Sokoto who is also the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, was reported to have said during a public function, ‘I do not recognize any Nigerian Constitution and the only Constitution I recognize is the Koran.’ This statement speaks volumes.

“What Nigeria requires is resolution of the conflict between Democracy and Sharia in the Constitution and we are certain that this Administration, with its compliant 9th Assembly, will work to the contrary. Therefore, the proposed Review of the Constitution by the 9th Assembly should be seriously scrutinized,” the Christian Elders argued.

Continuing, NCEF hoped that the proposed Constitutional review will not be used to legitimize toxic Bills like Social Media Bill, Hate Speech Bill, Water Ways Bill, RUGA, Grazing Reserve, Grazing Colony, as well as dismantle the Federal Character Principle which the current Administration has flagrantly violated and abused.

The Christian Elders recalled that a Senator promised that he was going to the NASS with the intention of sponsoring amendment of the Constitution to make President Buhari life-president. “The statement should not be dismissed as inconsequential. It is hoped there would be no subterranean move in this direction considering statements by some unpatriotic elements that this President should be allowed to do third-term.

“This Amendment, if it becomes inevitable, should dismantle the obnoxious Exclusive Legislative list that has hindered the Federating Units from maximizing their potentials and resources.

“Most of the 68 items in the Exclusive Legislative list that are supposed to be in the Concurrent List, which currently has only 12 items, should be appropriately designated so that the States can become functional and viable.

The Eminent Nigerian Christians are proposing a Constitutional Amendment that will provide opportunity for the National Assembly to legislate on the immediate implementation of the Report of the 2014 National Conference.

According to them, “most of the issues listed for amendment are adequately treated in the Report of the National Conference. All that is required is the political will to implement it. It would be of immense benefit to Nigeria if the salient portions of the National Conference Report are included in the proposed Amendment.

“This exercise gives the National Assembly the opportunity to legislate on a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Nigeria as the basis for healing and reconciliation of all the ethnic nationalities in the wake of the insurgency and the discriminatory policies of the current Administration.

“The sectional and discriminatory policies of the President Buhari administration have shattered trust and broken relationships amongst the divergent groups making up Nigeria.

“The National Assembly should also consider this exercise as a temporary measure to restore balance to Nigeria while rapid arrangements are made by Government for Ethnic Nationalities Conference that would re-negotiate Nigeria and draw up a proper Constitution of the people by the people.

“It should be clear to all and sundry that Decree 24 which transmuted into 1999 Constitution has not guaranteed national unity, peace, progress and prosperity for Nigeria. After 20 years of appreciable failure, it should therefore be consigned into history, like the Military regime that gave birth to it. It is not people’s Constitution. Nigeria requires a new Constitution of the people, by the people, and for the people,” the Christian Elders advocated.

Vanguard

The URHOBO Political Movement, UPM, has warned against what it described as moves to tarnish the image of Cross River State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini.

It also expressed confidence in the ability of Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct a free and fair election in Edo State. The socio-cultural group spoke against the backdrop of an allegation that Igini allegedly met with some persons in Benin to rig the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

A statement by Obiuwevbi Ominimini and David Ekuetafia, Chairman and Secretary respectively of the group, called on those who made the allegation to retract their statement.

The statement reads: “Ordinarily, UPM would not have responded to these spurious allegations since the organisation is neither an agent of the Independent National Electoral Commission nor a body involved in the management of electoral matters.”

That notwithstanding, as a body devoted to the promotion of rule of law, transparency, good governance and anti-corruption, we are under obligation to fight for what is right and against oppression, particularly with racial or ethnic coloration.

READ ALSO: Police arrest 140 suspected rapists in Katsina State — CP

“Today, under the Independent National Electoral Commission under the able and courageous leadership of Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Mike Igini is one of the leading credible voices. He currently serves as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State. The UPM and the entire Urhobo race are proud of his impeccable antecedents and activities in the nation’s electoral body.

“Even though Mike Igini has already instructed his legal representatives to write those who made the allegation for a retraction of the defamatory publications and also to tender an unreserved apology or face legal actions, the Urhobo Political Movement, still, seriously frowns at the unprovoked invasion of the personal honour and integrity of a fine gentleman like Mike Igini.’’

Vanguard

Gov Abubakar Sani Bello, of Niger State

Gov. Sani Bello of Niger has appealed to residents of Kagara town in Rafi Local Government Area to remain calm, as the government was deploying resources at its disposal to ensure the protection of their lives and property.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Berje in Minna on Thursday, said that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow law-abiding and innocent citizens to be mowed down.

Also read: Oyetola warns residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armed bandits on Wednesday,  attacked Kagara town, shooting sporadically to scare away residents.

Bello assured the people that the state was collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies to address the menace of insecurity in the state.

He commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of all injured victims.

The governor solicited the cooperation of the people in providing useful information to security agencies and assured them that their identity will be protected.

Vanguard News

…Says N1trn saved from subsidy removal

…To merge PPPRA, PEF

…Considers cheaper gas products as palliatives

By Michael Eboh

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, yesterday, disclosed that the Federal Government is not currently in a position, financially, to pay subsidy, as the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted negatively on the country’s finances.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Sylva also disclosed that since the introduction of the deregulation policy in March 2020, the country had saved about N1 trillion.

He further stated that the Federal Government had concluded plans to merge the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, and the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, PEF, into one agency called ‘The Authority’.

READ ALSO: NASS should stop Water bill to avert catastrophe says Okon

Sylva noted that the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector and the removal of subsidy was not a political decision, but had become inevitable, especially with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the low crude oil prices and curtailing of Nigeria’s production output by OPEC, which had constrained government’s revenue.

He said: “It became necessary that the country cannot sustain subsidy payments, hence the decision to deregulate. Government has stopped subsidizing petrol at the pump, but will now play its traditional role of protecting consumers from exploitation, by ensuring that marketers do not profiteer at the expense of ordinary Nigerians and consumers of the product.

“We are no longer in the business of fixing prices; we have stepped back and allowed market forces to determine the prices. Henceforth, if crude oil price go up or down, it would reflect at the pumps.

“This is about the survival of the country and there are certain things the country can afford at this time. We have cut production to 1.412 million barrels, which had halved our earnings.”

He added that the revenue that is currently available to the government had reduced considerably, and has raised the question of where would the government get the money to pay subsidy.

“It is a necessary policy; we would get over this initial pain, with time, we would get past it,” Sylva maintained.

He further explained that the savings of about N1 trillion since the removal of subsidy comes from the expulsion of N500 billion earmarked for subsidy payment in the 2020 budget and the removal of foreign exchange differentials, which saved the country around N500 billion also.

Cushion

To cushion the effect of the removal on Nigerians, Sylva said the Federal Government was fast-tracking the nationwide roll-out of cleaner and cheaper alternative to premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, such as liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, and Compressed Natural Gas, CNG.

He said: “We think the solution to this should be sustainable, hence the palliative that the government is considering, is that we are introducing a fuel that is cheaper and better. In the end, I do not think people would feel the increase that much, as gas would be cheaper by half than PMS.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had introduced new funds for Nigerians at cheaper rates.”

He further stated that the government was monitoring the prices, using its templates, to ensure the prices that marketers would churn out are fair, while he promised that any marketer found charging prices beyond the range it knows is fair, would be sanctioned.

PPPRA, PEF to be merged

Sylva also added that the PPPRA and the PEF would still be relevant to serve as a regulator on the industry, noting that without PPPRA and PEF, it would be difficult to deal with profiteers.

However, he disclosed that the PPPRA and PEF would not exist as they currently are, stating that with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, the two organisations would be merged into one and called ‘The Authority’, to help monitor the downstream sector.

Vanguard

By Mike Eboh

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday, said, it has obtained a prepayment funding of circa US$1b to support the upstream operations of its subsidiary, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC.

In a statement in Abuja, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Dr. Kennie Obateru explained that the crude oil prepayment had enabled NNPC to pay NPDC’s tax obligations to the Federal Government of Nigeria, of circa $700 million  with the balance utilised to fund NPDC’s capital and operating expenditures.

The prepayment financing, he noted, is backed by future oil production of NPDC, and utilises a well-established structure to enable the purchaser of the crude, Eagle Export Funding Limited, to raise financing in the domestic and international markets, to fund an upfront payment to NNPC under a Forward Sale Agreement, FSA.

READ ALSO: Fuel subsidy returns, as NNPC pays N5.4bn as under recovery

Obateru added that the financing  which funded the prepayment had been structured over two tranches: a five-year US dollar amortizing tranche (“Tranche 1”) and a seven-year Nigerian naira amortizing tranche (“Tranche 2”), stating that both tranches benefit from a cash sweep with the 7-year tranche having a 1-year non-call period.

He said: “These tranches shall be repaid by Eagle Export Funding Limited from the export sale proceeds of the NPDC crude, which in turn are backed by Letters of Credit, issued by banks with a minimum credit rating, in line with market precedent.

“The export price for the crude is the relevant NNPC Official Selling Price (OSP) for the corresponding calendar month and crude grade. Vitol and Matrix Energy have executed the standard NNPC Crude Oil Sale & Purchase Agreement.

“The participants in the Eagle Export Funding Limited deal include Standard Chartered Bank, United Bank for Africa, Afrexim Bank, Union Bank and two oil trading companies, Vitol and Matrix Energy.

“Despite the constrained liquidity situation in the financing markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the pricing and terms obtained for the USD and NGN funding tranches were very competitive and better than precedent transactions.”

Vanguard

President Muhammadu Buhari

…Dangerous and divisive bill —Nkanga

…Disguising onshore/offshore dichotomy —Mudiaga-Odje

…Bill should be buried at this time —Ambakederimo

…Nothing bad with the bill — Ugolor, Welson

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South, Sam Oyadongha, Jimitota Onoyume, Festus Ahon, Egufe Yafugborhi, Emma Una, Chioma Onuegbu, Davies Iheamnachor,Emem Idio & Ozioruva Aliu

People of the South-South region, yesterday, rose resolutely against the Water Resources Bill, rebuking the Presidency for trying to force the notorious bill on Nigerians, notwithstanding the fact that they had in turn opposed its passage by the National Assembly in the past.

Leaders and stakeholders of the oil rich region, who spoke to Vanguard,  were angry at the seemingly suspicious manner the Federal Government was handling the matter.

Dangerous and divisive bill —Nkanga

National Leader of Pan Niger-Delta Forum, PANDEF, the assembly of monarchs, leaders and stakeholders of the coastal states of Niger Delta, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd) said: “The stand of PANDEF on the reintroduction of the Water Resources Bill is that if they do not want to destroy this country, they should just keep it away because it has been rejected severally before.

“To even try to reintroduce it through the back door is a clear mark of dishonesty. So, we are saying the Federal Government should be honest with the country.

“Why is it that they want to sneak it in through the back door? They should just keep it aside because it has been rejected before, and it will be continuously rejected.

“We are telling our policymakers of the South-West, South-South, South-East and Middle Belt not to stay in that National Assembly to support a bill that is anti-peace and against this country. If they do, let them remain there, let them not even think of coming back. We believe that if all of them come together and say ‘no’, that bill will not be passed.

“To all our National Assembly members, we are saying this is the time to stand up and be counted. It is a very dangerous bill that could completely destroy the fragile unity of this country. So, if the members in the National Assembly for whatever reason keep quiet and support such a bill, history will never forgive them.”

Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Calabar zone, Dr Aniekan Brown, said: “A situation where you give water resources to the Federal Government is an aberration.

“In fact, as we speak, there should not be a Federal Ministry for Water Resources. There is no reason to have such a federal ministry control water resources. What would state and local governments do?

“So my take is that the very thing the Federal Government  should be doing for this country would have been largely in the context of external relations, not a situation where you want to increase the responsibility of the Federal Government

“I, therefore, challenge our members, especially those from this part of the country in the National Assembly. All of them should gang up against the passage of the bill.”

Disguising onshore/offshore dichotomy —Mudiaga-Odje

Rights activist and lawyer, Dr Akpor Mudiaga-Odje, who spoke in Delta State, said: “Indeed, the waterway bill is a re-introduction of the political incubus called the ‘Onshore/Offshore Dichotomy.’

“This bill will stifle, obfuscate and obliterate the riparian rights of the littoral states of this checkered federation. Under Section 44 (3) of the constitution, all natural resources, including oil and gas, belonging to our despoiled  people of the weather beaten Niger Delta have since been expropriated by the Nigerian state.

“To go further, take away waters from the littoral states is not only callous, but indeed a crime against the world and a sin against God.”

Capturing our land for herdsmen —Magege

Former Chairman, Delta State Waste Management Board, Chief Olori Magege, said: “The Water Resources Control Bill is as vexatious as it is obnoxious, particularly to the southern Nigerians and Middle Belters, who have been on the receiving end of the Fulani marauders.

“It is Buhari fulanization agenda to seize lands of indigenous people and hand them over to Fulani herdsmen Miyetti Allah stock.

READ ALSO: No to Water Resources Bill —Southern, Middle-Belt Leaders’ Forum tells Buhari

“The bill, if passed, vests ownership and control of all river basins in the country in the hands of the Federal Government. Take for instance Delta State, River Niger enters into Delta from Oshimili and flows through Aniocha to Ndokwa, Isoko, Ijaw lands with thousands of tributaries in Urhobo land and Itshekiri land.

“River Ethiope crisscrossed Ukwuani land into Urhobo lands of Orogun, Abraka, Okpe, Agbon, Idjere, Mosogar and Oghara before entering Itshekiri and Ijaw land. Then there are hundreds of rivers in-between the Niger and Ethiope Rivers flowing to the sea in the rest of Delta State.”

S’South govs, other stakeholders should meet —Iniruo Wills

Iniruo Wills, who is President, Ijaw Professionals Association (Homeland Chapter), Bayelsa State, said: “Our governors should meet urgently with other key stakeholders to take clear common positions on the Water Resources Bill.

“It is another intended obnoxious law being contemplated against our people and communities, hence everything should be done to shoot it down. It should not be allowed to fly because there is more to it than interest for the Federal Government.

“Federalism that takes away from the people instead of protecting what the people have is a bad form of federalism. They have, through such obnoxious laws denied our people of resources under the ground. If this Water Resources Bill is not brought to naught, one day, the government will deny us of the air God has given us freely to breath.”

Bill should be buried at this time —Ambakederimo

Convener, South- South Reawakening Group, Joseph Ambakederimo, speaking also said: “From what I have gleaned so far regarding this Water Resources Bill controversy,  one would ask for the bill to be laid to rest or the processes associated with bill passing in the NASS should be strictly adhered to.

“NASS should feel the impulse of the people at all times and where they think a bill is not popular with the people,  such bill should be confined to the shelf. I sincerely hope that the Water Resources Bill should be buried at this time.”

Nigerians should resist the bill —Onuesoke

Also, former Delta State governorship aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, said: “Nigerians should speak out against the reintroduction of the Water Resources Bill. If the bill is allowed to sail through, it will vest the power over all water sources across the federation in the hands of the executive.

“I, therefore, appeal to Nigerians to resist this move to grab land around waterways for cattle herders by the executive arm of government. I see the bill as decoy to advance the interests of the cattle-herding population.

“Even the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had raised concerns over the piece of legislation on July 23, querying: ‘is this not the same bill that generated controversy in the media’.”

On his part, rights activist, Emmanuel Igbini, said: “The Water Resources Bill is a deliberate move to distract Nigerians from shocking revelations of massive looting of public funds in some MDAs, the China Loans of slavery, killings and insecurity particularly in northern Nigeria.”

Trash the bill —Omare

Immediate past president, Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, Eric Omare,  said: “The information I have about the bill is that among other things, it seeks to control management of water resources across states in Nigeria.  However, what I have not come to terms is how the bill seeks to promote good governance and the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.

“This is important because the overarching responsibility of the National Assembly is to make laws for the good governance and promote peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.”

Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Cross River, Dr Lawrence Ekwok, said: “Without equivocation, the Water Resources Management Bill by the Federal Government is the continuous process to undermine the will of the people and seize their land for obnoxious reasons.

On his part, Dr Franklin Adejuwon, a former Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said those behind the proposed bill have an ulterior motive.

Speaking with Vanguard, Adejuwon called on the proponents of the bill to take into consideration the political, moral, economic, constitutional sensitivity and implications to the entire country especially to the south-west and south-east of the nation

Nothing bad with Bill — Ugolor, Welson 

However, Executive Director, African Network for the Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, said: “It will be wrong for people to continue to give tribal and religious colouration to every attempt by the Nigerian elite to continue to look for ways to sustain their access to rent collection. Once you introduce tribal or religious or regional sentiments, you undermine the whole debate.

“What has happened with the water bill thing is not about the north or south or east or west. It is about elite that have poor background, that live on rent and Nigerian elite that live on oil wealth know that the amount of rent coming from oil is increasingly decreasing and there is need to explore other options and water provides another opportunity to sustain their rent collection. It is not just the north, it is the Nigerian elite.”

Also, Executive Director, Centre for Democracy and Development of Bayelsa, CDDB, Dr Konrad Welson, said: “If you are running a federalism, there are certain things that have to be collectively managed, one of them is natural resource like water. Water is a natural resource that has to be managed properly in such a way that it is to the benefit of the entire country.”

Vanguard

The Nigerian Police

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested 140 suspected rapists in the state.

Mr Sanisi Buba, the state Commissioner of Police (CP), made this disclosure on Thursday during a press briefing.

He said that the suspects were arrested in 87 reported cases across the 34 local government areas of the state.

The commissioner revealed that the cases were recorded during the second quarter of the year.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Police nab domestic staff behind kidnap of University lecturer in Calabar

Buba said that all the suspects were charged to courts for the prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.

According to him, the police were collaborating with religious and traditional rulers, as well as parents and other relevant stakeholders on how to bring an end to the menace.

He also urged the media and human rights groups to continue to join hands with the police in the fight against rape and other forms of sexual abuse.

Buba commended other security agencies for collaboration in the fight against criminal acts.

The commissioner, therefore, urged the public to continue to provide police with intelligence information on the activities of criminals with a view to secure lives and property.

…6 killed in Kagara, Rafi LGA, 17 others cut down at Dukku, Magama LGA

…Commercial bank raided, unspecified cash carted away

…6 bandits killed, says CP

…Niger govt sues for calm over attacks

…Amotekun men arrest three kidnappers in Ondo

…We’ve  spent billions on Security — el-Rufai

…10 soldiers killed in Borno ambush

By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South-West & Wole Mosadomi

No fewer than 23 persons have been killed by bandits in communities in Rafi and Magama Local Government Areas of Niger State.

A commercial bank was also attacked by the bandits who made away with an unspecified amount of cash.

While six were killed in Kagara town, headquarters of Rafi Local Government Area, 17 others were cut down at Dukku village in Magama Local Government Area.

Several others, were injured in the attacks as some were abducted, while many fled into the bushes to escape the onslaught.

This came as three members of a kidnap syndicate were arrested on Wednesday in Ondo State by personnel of the security outfit, Amotekun corps.

In the Kagara town attack, Vanguard gathered that the over one hundred bandits who stormed the town in scores of motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons, around 6pm on Wednesday, opened fire on anything in sight.

It was learned that while some of the bandits held Kagara town hostage, others operated in surrounding villages, moving from house to house, abducting residents and carting away cash and other valuables.

The six persons reportedly killed in the attack included a Vigilante operative.

It was also reliably gathered that a commercial bank located in Kagara was raided and cash yet to be quantified carted away by the bandits.

The bandits were said to have operated freely for close to 12 hours, between 6pm Wednesday to about 4am yesterday, without corresponding response from security agencies in the state before they eventually withdrew to their hideouts in adjoining forests.

At press time, yesterday, many residents in the affected communities were said to still be hiding in bushes and are yet to return back home, while those in Kagara town, headquarters of the local government area, are hiding in their houses, afraid to come out.

One of the residents in Kagara, who spoke with our correspondent on phone, confirmed that most residents were indoors and afraid to come out.

He said: “I am even afraid as I speak with you because I cannot speak out loud. Many people are inside their houses, unable to come out. The raid started around 6pm on Wednesday and overnight till about 4am Thursday (yesterday).

Vanguard, however, gathered that a combined security team, including Army, Police, Air Force, and Civil Defence had been deployed to the area to keep vigil and restore peace.

17 persons feared killed in another attack in Niger State

In the attack on Dukku Village in Magama Local Government Area, no fewer than seventeen persons were feared massacred by bandits.

Those already confirmed dead are said to be members of the Vigilante in the area, who were said to have been ambushed while on their way   to rescue those abducted by the bandits at Rafi Local Government Area.

An eye witness told Vanguard on telephone that the over one hundred bandits stormed the village in over 40 motorcycles, shooting sporadically.

Niger State Police Command spokesman, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for confirmation but the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Muhammmad   Sani Idris, confirmed the incident but could not give the exact figure of those killed.

He assured that the state government had taken steps towards providing adequate security for the people of the area.

“The governor is worried over the security challenges in the state, especially in the past few days and steps have been taken to give protection to the people of the affected areas in particular and to the state in general.

“We will not be announcing the strategy adopted to rid Niger State of criminal elements but very soon, the insecurity will be over as we will have a breakthrough on the issue,” the commissioner assured.

Meanwhile, the bandits have reportedly vowed not to release the corpses of the Vigilante members killed for burial in retaliation for two of their colleagues also killed by the Vigilante.

6 bandits killed, says CP

However, giving an update on the attacks last night, Mr Adamu Usman,  Commissioner of Police in Niger, said  while on assessment visit to Kagara yesterday that six of the attackers were killed by policemen during the encounter on Wednesday.

The police commissioner said a policeman, a private security guard, a local vigilante and one resident were gunned down by the bandits, while a boy died as a result of shock.

Usman said the incident occurred at about 6.30 pm on Wednesday, adding that the attackers were forced to abandon four motorcycles as they fled.

He added that the gunmen were unable to gain entrance into the bank during the Kagara attack and had to abort their mission, following superior fire power of policemen.

“I salute the officers and men of Kagara division for demonstrating high level  of courage in confronting the armed gunmen.

READ ALSO: Police nab 3 suspected bank robbers in Oyo

“The command will continue to provide required support to the officers deployed to fight criminal elements with basic working tools to perform optimally,” he said.

The police commissioner had earlier visited Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, Emir of Kagara, who commended the police for confronting the gunmen.

“If not because of the intervention of armed policemen yesterday, it would have been a disaster as the gunmen had surrounded the entire Kagara town with various form of weapons,” Salihu said.

He called on government at all levels to provide more facilities for the police force, to enable them tackle menace of armed banditry and other criminal elements.

Also reacting, Alhaji Samaila Modibo, Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, commended the efforts of the police personnel for repelling the attack.

Modibo said the local administration will continue to mobilize residents to support the police with required intelligence information that would aid in apprehending bad elements in the society.

Abdullahi Babayo, Director-General, Nomadic and Conflict Resolution Centre, said that already, the centre had reached out to members on the need to report any person or group of people with questionable character to the nearest security outfit.

Babayo commended the police for confronting the bandits and called for more support from residents in the ongoing fight against criminals in the state.

Niger govt sues for calm

Reacting to the attacks yesterday, Niger State Government appealed to residents of Kagara town in Rafi local government Area of the State to remain calm over the invasion of bandits on the town and surrounding communities between Wednesday and yesterday.

A statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello,  Mary Noel-Berge, said government was shocked to see video clips showing residents of the area running “helter skelter in panic, fleeing from the attack and called for intervention of the army.”

The governor in a condolence message to people of the local government, said immediate steps will be taken to restore lasting peace to the area, adding that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow law abiding and innocent citizens to be mauled down.

He acknowledged the enormity of the security challenges facing the state but assured the people that the state, in active collaboration with President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies, would restore peace back to the affected communities in the local government areas across the state.

Governor Bello commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, and prayed for speedy recovery for the injured victims.

He solicited the cooperation of the people for their useful information to the security agencies just as he   assured them that their identity will be made confidential.

Amotekun men arrest 3 kidnappers in Ondo

Meanwhile, Amotekun Corps on Wednesday arrested three members of a kidnap gang in Ondo State and subsequently handed them over to the state police command for further investigation and prosecution.

Vanguard gathered that the kidnappers were arrested after abducting a business man, Mr Kunle Agbayewa, in a popular sawmill at Idoani in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

Agbayewa’s abduction on Wednesday came barely 24 hours after the Medical Director of the General Hospital, Idoani, Olufemi Adeogun, and two other health workers, were abducted in the area on Monday.

It was gathered that the kidnappers stormed his sawmill and abducted the victim at gunpoint.

Vanguard learned that the personnel of Amotekun were informed and they swiftly rushed to the scene to rescue the victim and arrest the suspects

An eyewitness, Comfort Ilesanmi, confirmed that the kidnappers were herdsmen.

Ilesanmi said: “The herdsmen entered the sawmill and kidnapped him immediately but people around quickly raised the alarm and the Amotekun personnel were invited to the scene.”

Commander of Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, said the victim was rescued by his personnel after he was abducted by the suspects.

Adeleye said: “Our men (Amotekun Corps) led the police and soldiers to rescue the victim shortly after we heard the news of his kidnap.

“After foiling the kidnap plot, we arrested the three men before handing them over to the police. They have begun giving confessional statements.”

The police image maker, Tee Leo lkoro, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

He said six suspected kidnappers were eventually arrested in the forest, adding that police detectives were still in the forest combing it for the the medical doctor and two other health workers abducted on Monday.

Vanguard

Gbajabiamila

…Seeks bilateral trade law between the two countries

…Advocates application of ECOWAS protocols

…At least for now, let Nigerian traders respect the law —Ghana Trade minister

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has made some far-reaching proposals that would bring an end to the attacks on Nigerian traders doing business in Ghana, asking his host to review the law on $1 million business capital.

Gbajabiamila, who spoke during a ‘Legislative Diplomacy’ bilateral meeting with Ghanaian lawmakers and some top government officials, as part of his on-going visit to Ghana to resolve the crisis, advocated an amicable settlement of trade disputes through arbitration and fair judicial processes.

But Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyeremateng, said until the law was reviewed, Nigerian traders in his country must obey it as their Ghanaian counterparts.

The speaker called on Ghanaian authorities to revisit the component of the law that required a capital base of $1 million for businesses to start, saying as Africans, Ghana should encourage brotherliness.

He said: “First, amicable settlement of trade disputes through arbitration and fair judicial processes. In this context, we do believe that while it is the sovereign right of the government of Ghana to pass and implement the GIPC Act, we would implore you to explore alternative and less aggressive options of engaging, sanctioning and relating with our traders and business people who operate in your country, pay taxes and contribute to the development of both our nations.

‘Review N1m business capital’

“Second, we would encourage you to revisit the component of the law that requires a capital base of $1 million.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Ghanaian Police harass Nigerian traders, demand $1m tax

‘’The prospect of our traders being able to raise a capital base of $1,000,000 before they can trade in goods that may be worth less than $1,000, clearly is a major challenge.  Third, one of the things we are all proud about and the common surname that we all bear is ‘ECOWAS’.

‘’As you know, by virtue of being ECOWAS countries, our nations and our citizens should be able to live, work and thrive in any of our nations without any form of hindrance or discrimination.  It is in this light we would encourage that we explore how the principles and the application of ECOWAS protocols – which we are both signatories to – may perhaps conflict with the application of the GIPC Act, especially vis-à-vis the recent adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, AfCFTA, by African nations; and also the movement towards a single currency in the West African sub-region.

“Fourth, is the importance of strengthening legislative diplomacy and collaboration. Legislative diplomacy is a tool that has been used across the world – both in developing and developed nations – to negotiate, to arbitrate and to find peaceful resolution to disputes between nations.

‘Nigeria, Ghana are siblings’

“Fifth, like I said right from the beginning, Nigeria and Ghana are siblings from the same family. I, for one, would be willing to champion a law that helps to improve the bilateral trade relations and reciprocal legislation between our two countries and in this regard, we would like to explore the possibility of jointly passing what we could potentially call a Nigeria-Ghana Friendship Act – or something in that line, which will help to cement into law the good relations between our countries and also create a legal framework for further camaraderie that will enable us to ensure that, when it comes to Nigeria and Ghana, our laws will support efforts to improve relations, trade and positive and friendly interactions between our citizens, institutions and our governments.

Strengthening relations

“We do not have an exact title for such a law as at now, but agreeing on reciprocal legislation that cements the friendship between our nations; and ensures that it continues to thrive and benefit all our citizens – no matter where they live – would go a long way in strengthening our relations on all levels.’’

He said it was in a bid to improve the bilateral relationships among African countries that he had been championing the creation of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments,  CoSAP, aimed at identifying, discussing and resolving issues and challenges that affect growth, stability and development within different regions and across the continent.

Breach of law

In his remarks, the Ghanaian Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyeremateng, said there were many Ghanaians and Nigerians going about their lawful duties without difficulties.

“The incidence that has occurred where some shops were locked up must have risen out of situations where there were clear abuses of the application of the laws.

“I was happy that the Nigerian Speaker of the House of Representatives mentioned that if they are doing legitimate business, please allow them as brothers and sisters to continue to do so. I want to give you that assurance that that will be the case. Anybody engaged in business, trading, doing the rightful things, they must have no difficulties.

“Even in cases where we found that in some instances the laws were not being followed, I, in my capacity as the Minister of Trade, had ordered that they shut the office and those who are being seen as offending the law be given an opportunity to regularize their documentation.

“I say this, being the Minister of Trade and Industry, this is not something that is new, I have always, since the time I’ve been a minister, found a way of going along, so that those who needed to regularize their businesses would do so.

“As long as the laws remain on our statute books, I will like to request that you send a strong signal to our brothers and sisters, who are engaged in retail trading, that, at least for now, until further considerations are made on our statute books, they should just respect the law, because Ghanaian traders themselves are required to respect the laws of our country. ”

Vanguard

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has opposed the upward review of electricity tariff in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari approved the implementation of the cost-reflective electricity tariff for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, in August.

The new tariff regime, which kicked off on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, has drawn the ire of Nigerians who see the development as exploitative.

The regime proposes an upwardly adjusted tariff for customers who are not averse to paying more to enjoy longer hours of electricity supply, standard voltage profile and faster fault clearance timeliness.

Atiku, in his reaction on his Twitter, described the increment as “impetuous disregard for the challenges” faced by Nigerians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the new tariff was “ill-timed and ill-advised”, adding that instead of an increment, Nigerians deserved a “stimulus”, especially in the face of COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging economies across the world.

READ ALSO: ASUU vows not to resume duties over FG’s inability to address demands

“I reject the increased electricity tariffs. Coming out of the lockdown, Nigerians need a stimulus, not an impetuous disregard for the challenges they face.

“Many Nigerians have not earned an income for months, due to no fault of theirs. This increase is ill-timed and ill-advised,’’ he said.

Vanguard

A fuel pump (stock photo).

…Current realities support N200/litre — Iledare

…No govt has ‘raped Nigeria’ like Buhari’s—TUC

…Fuel price hike shocking — ActionAid

…FG currently not financially able to pay subsidy — Sylva

By Michael Eboh, Boluwaji Obahopo, Rotimi Ojomoyela

Petrol stations across the country, yesterday, adjusted their pumps to reflect the hike in the ex-depot price of the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, by the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, PPMC, with some of the stations raising the price to as high as N161 per litre.

In Abuja, it was also observed that all the stations were opened and were seen dispensing the commodity to motorists without any hitch.

Specifically, at  Oando petrol station in Dutse, along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, only a few cars were seen inside, while the station was dispensing the product to motorists at N161 per litre; while Eterna Petrol station and Gegu petrol station, few blocks apart, were selling at N159 per litre and N158.1 per litre respectively.

In addition, the NNPC retail station at Katampe was selling at N160 per litre; Total retail outlet at Tipper Garage, N148.8 per litre, while Bozimo petrol station at Karu is selling at N160 per litre.

In Lagos, the situation was same as petrol stations adjusted their pumps to sell fuel for as much as N161:50.

Speaking on the price hike, Uche Uwaleke, Professor of Finance and Capital Markets of Nasarawa State University, Keffi and former Commissioner of Finance of Imo State, however, warned that the hike would heighten inflationary pressure and worsen the living standards of Nigerians.

He said: “This is clearly a downside risk to inflation.  In the coming months, I expect inflationary pressure to heighten as crude oil price recovery in the International market necessitates a hike in domestic pump price of imported fuel. This situation will be compounded by naira devaluation.

“The alternative is petrol subsidy, which the government cannot afford now as this may not have been provided for in the 2020 budget. Again, expecting a government already saddled with huge debt to borrow to subsidize price of petrol does not make economic sense.

‘’With all the economic headwinds, there is no question about a spike in cost of living in the coming months.”

He, however, stated that the solution remained passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, into law to pave way for investors in the oil refining sector.

Current realities support N200/litre — Iledare

Also speaking, Professor Wumi Iledare, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation’s Chair of Petroleum Economics at Institute of Oil and Gas Studies, IOGS, in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, said with the current economic reality, the price of PMS should be selling at N200 per litre.

READ ALSO: Petrol stations in Abuja adjust pump price to N161 per litre

He said: “The reality on ground is not pretty at all with respect to what the price ought to be. At the current official exchange rate of $1 to N385, N200 is about right because of the level of demand driven by population and quality of life. Keep in mind that any attempt to invoke subsidising petroleum has unintended consequences.

“We all need to adjust and perhaps pump more money to the economy. Invoke patriotism, if the government has to, with carrot and stick to those owing government money.

“If Ghana is surviving, Nigeria’s exchange rates call for at least N200 per litre in Nigeria. In Ghana, a litre is about N325-N350 equivalent. Like Nigeria, PMS consumed are imported. Lessons can be learned from Ghana.

No govt has ‘raped Nigeria’ like Buhari’s —TUC

Also reacting, Trade Union Congress, TUC, in a statement by the president, Quadri Olaleye, and Secretary-General, Musa-Lawal Ozigi, said no government has “raped” the country like the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

They described the increment of petrol price and electricity tariff as “wicked,” adding that it was coming at a time people were losing jobs because of the effects of COVID-19.

The statement read:  “They have developed a thick skin that our pleas and cries no longer mean anything to them. No government has raped this country like the present one; ironically it has enjoyed our understanding the most

“They beat us and when we cry, they send security operatives after us or force us to pay a fine of N5 million for ‘hate speech.’ Our patience has run out.

“It is difficult to cope in this circumstance. Do we still wonder why unemployment and insecurity have increased? This is disgustingly shameful.

Fuel price hike shocking — ActionAid

Also reacting, yesterday, ActionAid Nigeria condemned the new hike in fuel prices, saying the development would leave more Nigerians poorer.

Country Director, ActionAid, Ene Obi, said in a statement that with the effects of COVID-19 putting Nigerians out of job, increase in the fuel price becomes an additional burden on average Nigerians.

He said:  “We are not out of COVID-19. A lot of citizens are losing their jobs, people are getting poorer, more responsibility with school closure, young people roaming the streets unemployed and fuel hike at this time is shocking.

“Governance is about easing the pain and burden of the common man, but it seems the Nigerian government is not in touch with the reality on ground.

“We are dealing with too many increases at the same time and this is introducing so much inflation into our lives. Governance is about the people.

“Instead of dealing with insecurity, we are taking actions that will further heighten insecurity because as inflation goes up and more people are plunged into poverty, there will be more conflict in our society.”

FG currently not financially able to pay subsidy— Sylva

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,  Timipre Sylva, yesterday, disclosed that the Federal Government was not currently in a position, financially, to pay subsidy, as the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted negatively on the country’s finances.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Sylva also disclosed that since the introduction of the deregulation policy in March 2020, the country had saved about N1 trillion.

He further stated that the Federal Government had concluded plans to merge the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, and the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, PEF, into one agency called ‘The Authority’.

Sylva noted that the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector and the removal of subsidy was not a political decision, but had become inevitable, especially with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the low crude oil prices and curtailing of Nigeria’s production output by OPEC, which had constrained government’s revenue.

Sylva also added that  PPPRA and PEF would still be relevant to serve as a regulator on the industry, noting that without PPPRA and PEF, it would be difficult to deal with profiteers.

However, he disclosed that the PPPRA and PEF would not exist as they currently are, stating that with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, the two organisations would be merged into one and called ‘The Authority,’ to help monitor the downstream sector.

Vanguard