In line with the Senate’s amendment of Direct, Indirect and Consensus options for the selection of candidates, the House of Representatives will tomorrow amend the Electoral Act Bill.
Recall that there has been disparity between the two chambers on the amendment after the earlier version which only allowed for direct primary was rejected by President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.
While the Senate amended the controversial clause 84 to now allow for direct, indirect and consensus, the House of Representatives adopted the direct and indirect options but expunged the consensus.
The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has Intervened in the crisis rocking the Ekiti state chapter of the party.
This is just as the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorcha Ayu warned members to be focus as the real fight, is for the party to win the Ekiti state governorship election.
He made this known during the meeting of PDP leaders with Ekiti stakeholders, amidst persisting protests at the party’s national secretariat against perceived attempts to manipulate the state primary election.
According to Ayu, “the real fight is ahead of us and at the end of the election in June, we want to congratulate the PDP for having won Ekiti.
“We should be able to say we now have a PDP government in Ekiti, that is one singular desire that we have. We don’t have any other desire.
“So, I appeal to all of you from Ekiti not to lose track of that key goal, any other thing is a distraction. You must keep in focus the goal we have; first to win Ekiti, and if possible to win every possible state and then ultimately to win the presidential election.”
While the meeting of the PDP national leadership with Ekiti stakeholders was ongoing, several placards carrying protesters stormed the party, condemning what they alleged as manipulation of the ward and local government congresses of the party in the State.
During the meeting before going into closed door, Ayu further charged the Ekiti members of the party not to lose track of the goal of winning the state, urging them to avoid anything that will make winning the state difficult.
He said: “So I appeal to all of you from a Ekiti not to lose track of that key goal. Any other thing is a distraction. You must keep in focus the goal we have; first to win Ekiti, and if possible to win every possible state and then ultimately to win the presidential election.”
Pointing out that agitation in Ekiti PDP is for the good of the party, Ayu said, “there is excitement and a little agitation here and there in Ekiti. It’s not a negative thing, it is a positive and it is a sign that our party is strong.
“It is a sign that our party members are passionate. Therefore, all of you who have expressed passion, none of us is holding anything against those expression of your desire to win. If you went outside the normal constitutional provisions of our Constitution, like if you went violent, we’ll worry about that but so far, whatever process have been peaceful. We’re very happy with all our members from Ekiti. We only hope that at the end of this exercise we will work together as one happy united family.
“It doesn’t matter whether one group or the other won. Even if you emerged as a candidate and we don’t win the election, it doesn’t have any meaning for the party. But if you emerged as a candidate, and we win election, all of us have won, because there will be something for everybody and for every community and for all our members.
“Everybody will know that PDP means business and we have taken the first step to the villa”, he said.
The governors, PDP leaders and the stakeholders, however, failed to address journalists after the meeting that lasted for several hours.
A total of 17 aspirants, including former Governor Segun Oni; former deputy governor, Biodun Olujimi; former deputy governor, Kolapo Eleka and Bisi Kolawole are jostling for the PDP governorship ticket in Ekiti state.
Present at the Monday’s meeting were the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, former Ekiti State Govenor, Ayo Fayose, Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and some members of the PDP National Working Committee including Ayu.
The Senate President , Ahmad Lawan, has waded in to avert a shut down of the country’s economy by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over plans by the federal government to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
While describing the impending strike as “totally unnecessary,” the Senate President faulted the timing for the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products.
Lawan made the appeal today when he met with the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva over the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the Federal Government.
According to him, in as much as the administration and management of subsidy on petroleum products are flawed, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government believes that sufficient planning must be carried out before its eventual removal.
Lawan also called on Labour unions such as the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union to shelve the planned protest rallies, adding that the Federal Government has no plan of removing the petroleum subsidy now.
His words; “The position of everyone in government today is that admittedly, subsidy administration and management are flawed because of so many reasons.
“Admittedly, the burden is huge and massive and there is need at one point to do away with the subsidy.
“Even though our economy is growing, we still have the challenge of getting things to be better for our people.
“A lot of us in this administration believe that the issue of removal of subsidy should be handled with utmost care, especially that sufficient planning needs to be done.
“Significant arrangements for absorbing the shocks that will come with the removal should be done, that the timing should be such that the impact and consequences will not add to hardship. We all believe in this and Mr. President leads us in this feeling.
“What we are saying is that this is not the time. All of us are of the same opinion and, therefore, there is nothing like confusion or lack of understanding within the government circle.
“We all agree that the subsidy is abused and, therefore, it is a challenge to us as an administration to deal with the abuse, to find appropriate means of stopping it.
“After this meeting, there will be other ones, all in search of ways and means of ensuring that the ordinary Nigerian does not suffer any hardship, that when the subsidy will be removed eventually, it would be at such a point that the hardship will be very minimal and taken care of by several programmes.
He continued; “It is not about NLC, we are talking about every Nigerian. We are concerned beyond the Nigerian Labour Congress.
“I am taking this opportunity to appeal to the TUC and NLC to shelve this plan to go on strike or demonstration, it is totally unnecessary.
“There is not going to be removal of subsidy, so there is no need for this. Please, let’s not create unnecessary tension where there should be none.
“I appeal to them using this medium, to please forget about this January 27, 2022, deadline because there is no need for any deadline.
“We are supposed to come together and work assiduously to ensure that our country is stable, and our people enjoy the benefits of government programmes and projects, and that whatever decision would be taken will be in the best interest of our people and protecting the most vulnerable amongst us.”
Earlier, the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Zainab, in her remarks, said that the Federal Government made provisions for subsidy in the 2022 budget from January to June this year.
According to her, all payments on fuel subsidy ordinarily would cease as from July, 2022.
She observed that in view of the timing which is “problematic”, the Federal decided to suspend its plan to go ahead with the removal of subsidy on petroleum products in July, particularly against the backdrop of outcomes from ongoing consultations.
She added that the Federal Government is presently exploring alternatives to premium motor spirit as well as pushing to step-up the country’s crude oil refining capacity.
Ahmed disclosed that efforts are also underway by the Executive arm of government to forward a request to the National Assembly to make additional provision for fuel subsidy from July this year till a time deemed appropriate for its eventual removal.
“Let me start by stating the fact that we did make a provision in the 2022 budget for fuel subsidy from January to June. And that suggests that from July there would be no fuel subsidy.
“This provision was made sequel to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act that has made a provision that all products will be deregulated.
“Subsequent to the passage of the Act, we went back an amended the Fiscal Framework that was submitted to the National Assembly to incorporate this demand, but after the budget was passed we have had consultations with a number of stakeholders.
“It became clear that the timing is problematic, that practically there is still heightened inflation, and also removal of subsidy will further worsen the situation, thereby, imposing more difficulties on the citizens, and Mr. President clearly does not want to do that.
“What we have to do now is to continue with the discussions we are making, in terms of putting in place a number of measures, one of which is the deployment of an alternative to the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and also the roll out of enhanced refining capacity in the country, including the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery and also the rehabilitation of the four national refineries that have a combined capacity of 450,000 barrels per day.
“The increased refining capacity in the country means we will need to import less products. But also as we are discussing right now within the Executive the possibility of amending the budget, we may need to come back to the National Assembly by way of amendment to make additional provision for fuel subsidy from July, 2022, going forward, or to whatever period that is agreed as the right time.
“Also, while we are exploring ways and means through discussion with various stakeholders in the executive as well as the Civil Societies and Labour Unions to explore ways by which we can address this removal in a manner that is graduated and will have as minimal impact on the citizens as possible.
“So, we will come back to make further amendments on the fiscal framework as well as in the 2022 budget.”
Those at the meeting include the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi and the Deputy Whip, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for emphasizing civilian welfare when implementing government policies and programs.
The party was reacting to the Federal Government’s decision to postpone the planned fuel subsidy withdrawal.
The party’s secretary, John James Akpanudedehe, argued that any increase in fuel subsidies at this time would cause people undue difficulty.
Saying,any increase in fuel subsidies at this time would create unnecessary hardship to the people.
According to him, “Commendably, the Federal Government took into consideration the fact that the removal of subsidy at this time will heighten inflation and cause undue hardship on the citizenry.
“Programmes and policies of government are meant to benefit the people. So if the timing of the planned subsidy removal would cause hardship on citizens, then a review was necessary. We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for always putting the welfare and well being of Nigerians first as he has serially displayed in the implementation of programmes and policies of this administration.
“In line with the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Federal Government is already putting in place measures, particulary boosting our local refining capacities to reduce the country’s reliance on expensive import of refined petroleum products. This will in due course usher in the eventual and full deregulation of the country’s petroleum sector.
“Finally, the APC commends the cordial and healthy relations between the Executive and the 9th National Assembly which has ensured good governance. Nigerians have been the ultimate beneficiaries as displayed in the positive outcomes of the meeting between Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on the suspension of the planned subsidy removal”.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has taken it’s fight against market fires to the Kugbo Furniture Market located along the Abuja Keffi road.
Declaring open the joint assessment, inspection and sensitization programme at the market, the Director General of FEMA, Alhaji Abbas Idriss said the essnccess was to unravel the causes of the yearly fire incidents at the market and proffer solutions.
The Director General who was represent by the Acting Director, Forecasting Response and Mitigation, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, decried the absence of fire hydrant and inadequate fire fighting equipment at the market.
The DG in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by Nkechi Isa Head, Head of Public Relation also hinted that the programme would also inspect sources of power supply to the market and electrical connections .
The FEMA boss, however, appealed to traders in the market to cooperate with the Agency and also equip the market with fire defense gadgets .
Speaking also at the event, the Area Commander, FCT Fire Service, Mr. Gringory Eze traced the yearly fire incidents to power surge, ” a single transformer cannot serve this market as they use heavy equipment with high voltage ” He said.
He also condemned wiring within the market, noting that it was capable of igniting a spark.
On his part. the Chairman Kugbo Building Materials Association, Mr Iheanacho Afamefuna stated that the market was usually gutted by fire every January, noting that this year’s incident was quickly contained before it escalated. Afamefuna said that the market management had reached out to FEMA last year for sensitization on tackling fires at the market.
Blaming fire outbreaks in the market on electric spark, Afamefuna appealed to the FCDA to provide adequate infrastructure at the market,” we have fire extinguishers, but we need water tanker, road, we need government presence in the market like yesterday “. He said.
Representatives of the Federal Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency attended the programme.
Highlight of the event was a fire drill to sensitize traders on how to use fire defense equipment.
As the world celebrated the International Day of Education today, UNICEF has commended the government’s pledge to increase Nigeria’s annual domestic education expenditure by 50 per cent over the next two years, and by 100 per cent by 2025.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said in Nigeria’s N17 trillion 2022 budget signed into law at the end of 2021, 7.2 per cent is allocated to the education sector. This is a step forward – an increase from 5.7 per cent allocated for 2021 – though there is still a long way to go to reach the internationally recommended benchmark that countries spend 15-20 per cent of their national budgets on education.
“The Nigerian Government has committed to increasing funding for education, which is a very important step – far too many Nigerian children today are not in the classroom – and for those who are, far too many are not getting a solid education that can translate into good prospects for their futures.”
“At least 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria – the highest rate in the world. A full one-third of Nigerian children are not in school, and one in five out-of-school children in the world is Nigerian.
“While the education crisis in Nigeria is affecting children across the country, some children are more likely to be affected than others: girls, children with disabilities, children from the poorest households, in street situations, or affected by displacement or emergencies, and children in geographically distant areas are all disproportionately affected by the education crisis, according to UNICEF.
“Millions of Nigerian children have never set foot in a classroom – and this is a travesty,” said Peter Hawkins. “Perhaps equally tragic is the high number of children who make it into a classroom, but never make the transition from primary school to secondary school – thereby cutting off their chances for a secure future.”
He continued , “It is estimated that 35 per cent of Nigerian children who attend primary school do not go on to attend secondary school. Half of all Nigerian children did not attend secondary school in 2021.
“As we celebrate the International Day of Education today amid concerns in much of the world about the impact of COVID-19 on education, we must take a close look at what is happening to our children in Nigeria, and the opportunities they are missing out on when they lack education. We need to look towards communities – leaders, parents, teachers and caregivers – and together, find the best strategies to get ensure that all children enroll into school, have access to continuous learning and ensure they emerge with a quality skills that equip them for a prosperous future.”
“We need to especially ensure that girls have access to learning – so they can receive an education that will begin to address issues of gender inequality. All girls have much to offer to find solutions to Nigeria’s challenges – and we have to nurture their creativity and innovation.”
“We also need to ensure that children are safe when they are in school – no child should be afraid to enter a classroom – afraid their school might be attacked or that they will be kidnapped. And no parent should fear sending their children to school.
“In 2021, there were 25 attacks on schools. 1,440 children were abducted, and 16 children killed”.
In March 2021, no fewer than 618 schools were closed in six northern states (Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Niger, and Yobe) over the fear of attack and abduction of pupils and members of staff. The closure of schools in these states significantly contributed to learning losses for over two months.
UNICEF said that Nigeria’s education system can be transformed through adequate funding to ensure schools are safe; the application of gender-responsive policies, including recruitment of female teachers and improved facilities for girls; the creation of multiple and flexible learning pathways for students, such as digital and transferable skills learning; the integration of foundational numeracy and literacy in Qur’anic schools; and teacher training in the latest methodologies.
“All Nigerian children deserve a fighting chance – no matter who they are or where they are. And this must include an education. It is not only their right – it is the smartest and best way to secure the future of Nigeria as a whole,” Hawkins further added.
In an effort to reduce availability and curb abuse of alcohol in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stopped the registration of alcohol in Sachet and Small volume PET and Glass bottles below 200ml amidst other stringent regulatory measures.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye made this known in Abuja.
She said registration of new alcoholic drinks in Sachet and Small volume PET and Glass bottles above 30% ABV (alcohol by volume) has been banned by NAFDAC following the recommendation of a high powered Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC on one hand, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Industry represented by Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in December, 2018.
Adeyeye also hinted that the Agency will ensure that validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category will not exceed year 2024.
She , however, explained that Manufacturers of low volume alcohol beverages (200ml) with satisfactory Laboratory reports, which were already submitted to NAFDAC for registration before this decision, have been directed to reformulate their products to stipulated standards free of charge.
According to her, DIBAN was also given a matching order to embark on intensive nation-wide sensitization campaigns against underage consumption of alcohol by adolescents below the age of 18 years in the bid to stem the tide of alcohol abuse in the country.
She explained that the Producers of Alcohol in Sachets and Small volume agreed to reduce production by 50% with effect from January 31st 2020 while ensuring the products are completely phased out in the country by 31st January, 2024.
Even as we grapple with the containment of COVID-19 pandemic, NAFDAC is resolutely committed to the strict implementation of the regulations and regulatory measures towards safeguarding the Health of Nigerians particularly the vulnerable youths against the dangers of reckless consumption of Alcohol, Prof. Adeyeye reiterated.
The Trade Union Congress has threatened to embarked on strike if the Federal Government fails to fulfil some conditions it earlier presented before stopping the policy.
This is coming based on the decision of the Federal Government to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol with effect from June.
In a communiqué issued and read by the TUC President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, after the National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the union had said the government must revitalize the refineries, establish new ones, including modular refineries, ensure effective policing of the nation’s borders to stem the smuggling of petroleum products, among other things.
He said the proposal by the National Economic Council on subsidy removal should take into consideration the attendant economic impact on the masses.
Quadri added that, the Trade Union Congress has directed its state councils and affiliates to commence mobilisation for industrial actions against subsidy removal.
Reading the communiqué issued after the meeting, the TUC President, Quadri Olaleye, said the proposal by the National Economic Council on subsidy removal should take into consideration the attendant economic impact on the masses.
According to him, there must be assurances that refineries would be fully overhauled and establishment of modular refineries encouraged.
He stated, “NEC-in-Session enjoined Congress members nationwide to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and ensure active participation in the democratic process ahead of 2023 general elections.
“Members are also urged to support the Political Commission of the Congress in creating groundswell awareness for providing leadership alternatives that deliver on democratic dividends and transformative governance to the people” he added.
“NEC-in-Session insists that Federal Government must ensure that the conditions precedent put forward by the TUC on the deregulation of the downstream such as the revitalization of existing refineries, establishment of new ones including modular refineries, effective policing of borders to stem the rate of petroleum products smuggling, etc are implemented
“Finally, NEC-in-Session has mandated the Congress led by the President to take all necessary steps to ensure that these conditions are met before subsidy is removed. Consequently, NEC-in-Session directs state councils and affiliates to commence mobilisation of members for industrial actions against subsidy removal without government fulfilling conditions precedent’.’
He however acknowledged the giant stride recorded in rice production by the present administration through various interventions, but admonished the government to ensure that the price of rice becomes affordable to Nigerians in order to justify the rice revolution policy of the administration.
“The development of the agricultural value chain can create mass employment and put the country on the path of economic recovery and prosperity,’’ it noted.
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.
…Says It’s A Huge Loss To Progressive Fold
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State on Thursday sent her heartfelt condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari, over the death of the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Danladi Pasali.
Aliyu in her condolences message described the death of the All Progressives Party stalwart which occurred on January 18, 2022, as shocking and a huge loss to the progressive fold, thus too deep to Mr. President.
She said the late patriot was committed to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, adding that he built his ideas of nationhood on true sustaining democratic principles.
The condolence message reads in bit: “the death of the National Coordinator Buhari Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Danladi Pasali, an ally of our Leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, in submission to the will of Almighty Allah is indeed shocking.
“The demise of the National Coordinator at this critical time of our development is a huge loss to the progressive fold and one too deep to Mr President.
“The late patriot was one that was committed to the peace, unity and progress of our nation. He was the one that built his ideas of nationhood on true sustaining democratic principles”.
The Minister, therefore, comiserates with members of Buhari Campaign Orgnisation nationwide on this great loss, while noting that his death has also thrown dark clouds over the APC family in Plateau State.
She further enjoins all to put his family in prayers at these critical times while praying Allah to grant him Aljannah.
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), in partnership with the Abuja Traders Union, are working to cleans the city of counterfeit and substandard products.
This was the agreement reached at a meeting between the AMMC, SON and representatives of Abuja market traders on Thursday in Abuja.
The Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Umar Shuaibu told newsmen in Abuja that the meeting becomes imperative after an attack on officials of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) during one of their operations to check the proliferation of expired tyres in Apo market.
While adding that the meeting was like a normal ritual to strengthen their bond and ensure that no organisation is prevented from carrying out it’s statutory functions.
According to him, “We had a situation whereby Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), went for enforcement in a Apo market to check the activities of proliferation of illegal tyres.
“SON is the body that charged statutorily, to check all fake and substandard products in Nigeria. So they went to Apo market for that type of activity. Unfortunately, they were attacked. In fact, their vehicle was vandalised.
“They resorted to us as the city managers because nobody can stop any government agency from performing his constitutional functions. So we have to collaborate with SON and the market traders, in particular, the Tire Dealers of Association of Nigeria, to ensure that the unfortunate situation never happens again.
“Anybody that is operating his business legally, doesn’t have anything to fear. It is only those people that have things to hide, have skeletons in the cupboard that should afraid of enforcement or monitoring.
“They have all agreed to collaborate and make sure that this issue never repeats.”
He also cautioned all the traders against selling substandard products in Abuja, even as he warned that the AMMC being the city manager will not condone any act that will pose a threat to the development of the city.
Saying, “There are other dealers, not only tyre dealers, we have those that sell rods, those that sell cement, those whatever it is, that is required for daily activities. Is it building materials? Is this a technical and mechanical matter? Is it food? Whatever you can go to the market and buy. It has to be of a good standard for you to sell in Abuja.
“So, SON’s function is not only limited to tires, it covers every product in the country and other traders were also here as invitations were also extended to them, so they could hear the message.”
He expressed optimism that in the coming days, with the renewed commitment for collaboration, significant improvements will be noticed in the fight against fake and substandard products in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Comrade Ikaro Attah decried the rate of substandard products in Abuja market.
He said this products are injurious to the health of residents, saying, buying tyres in the market , you have to shine your eyes or buy from a reliable seller.
According to him, “I have seen you do enforcement, with your team to some persons that you believe are not living up to standard. What we from the FCTA expect strongly going forward is to get the traders and the managers of the market to do all they can to collaborate with SON. We believe that if the market can purge itself of the there will be no need for meetings like this. We strongly believe that the traders can work with With SON to achieve this”.
On his part, the Director of Operations, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dauda Yakubu, said that the organisation is open to working with any traders’ association to rid Abuja of fake and substandard products.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Chairman, Apo Tyre Dealers Association, Chimezie Ife, said that whereas there are both good and bad people in the market, the Association is doing everything possible to purge itself of the bad elements within her members.
He reassured the government of his commitment to giving every support necessary to sanitize the market and ensure that the proliferation of fake and expired products is reduced to its barest minimum.
