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…Call for Patience while problems are addressed

Group under aegis of Coalition for Civil Society Organisations, said it has confirmed the availability of products at Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and called for patience while the National oil company address the problem.

Recalled that on Thursday many filling stations were closed in Abuja and some other states on Wednesday as the scarcity of PMS caused heavy queues at the few outlets that dispensed the product.

But the Coalition of the CSOs in its reaction over the development, said it has confirmed availability of products from the NNPCL management,which attributed the development to logistics issues, which have been resolved.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations which disclosed this in a press statement made available to journalist in Kaduna said the fact that NNPC gave reasons of logistics problem as the major cause of the queues, should be enough to calm nerves over issue of panic buying.

The statement signed by Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim Gimba, the CSOs appealed to motorists to avoid panic buying, because NNPCL as sole importer of petrol had enough products, it commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mal Mele Kyari for the swift efforts to address the problem and the measures taken so far to revive the national oil company and resume full production .

It however described as unfortunate ,the situation, where the black marketers capitalised on the glitch to exploit motorists and other residents that jostled to buy at prices ranging between N1000 and N1200 per litre.

While stating that it is unhealthy that this happened when many Nigerians are anticipating a crash in prices of PMS, the Coalition frowned at the idea of increase in cost of the product to an average of N700/litre at stations owned by independent marketers.

The statement further reads: “We read the reaction of NNPCL on fuel scarcity problem via the Press Statement issued by Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC, Olufemi Soneye,who also confirmed that the scarcity was due to issues around logistics that have been resolved.

” We strongly the clarifications made on the tightness in the supply of petrol currently being experienced in some areas across the country shouldn’t stir up tension that will take us back to the days of recurring long queues at filling stations.

” We are not unaware that the queues for petrol grew worse in Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa and Niger states recently,but the good news according to NNPCL has now been resolved.

” We are ready to draft our Monitoring and evaluation unit to help the federal government to bring sanity to the oil sector.”

Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu for spare heading efforts to tackle terrorism across Africa.

According to the group, it’s worthy of note that the two-day high level counter-terrorism summit held at Abuja is a well attended conference by African leaders ; United Nations Officials and several stakeholders across the world .

In a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna today, the Forum said ,in the face of rising insecurity in the country and africa , the summit will no doubt be more comprehensive in finding solutions.

In the statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, the summit organised by the federal government with the support of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) with the theme: ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism’ will enhancing multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and reshape the international community’s collective response to terrorism in Africa.

While aligning with President Tinubu on his position about illegal mining activities as a source for terrorism funding, the group in the statement expressed satisfaction that the summit has served as a formidable avenue for African leaders for the first to converge to review the threat of terrorism on the continent.

“We are happy to see African leaders discuss regional cooperation in addressing terrorism with a Frontline solutions and the urgent need to have an Integra security strategies to combat terrorism in Africa .Stating further, This is of paramount importance , especially with the increasing diverse threats posed by terrorist groups .

“We strongly backed the idea of President Tinubu’s,who is the chair of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to establish and strengthen a regional standby military force.Noting that it will be the beginning of end of terrorism in our dear continent .

“At this point, we are left with no option than to join other Nigerians to commend President Tinubu and his NSA for putting the security of lives of the citizens as a priority in line with the constitution.

“It is evidence in the manner the security challenges,such as: banditry and insurgency are being handled by this government that there will an end to problems . As we pray for better days , we also express hope the there will a day Nigerians can go to bed with their two eyes closed “.

In a counter prayer session against the group that recently organized pray session to curse the INEC Chairman , Professor Mahmood Yakubu,Northern based Muslim Clerics under aegis of Pray for Nigeria Forum (PNF) today organised a prayer session to reverse the curse and commended the him for over fair conduct and credible general elections

A group , Nigeria Youths National Prayer Day recently organized a prayer session with titled: “Curse be unto Prof Mahmood Yakubu” .

But in a counter reaction, the Muslim Clerics held that it will amount to great disserve to the nation for any group to lay curse on the same election umpire that presided over an relatively rated elections considered as the first successful and credible elections in Nigeria.

The Clerics during the prayer session held at Tafawa Balewa Guest Inn , Kaduna today prayed against the curse and urged God to grant Prof . Yakubu the wisdom and knowledge to conduct more credible and acceptable elections.

The clerics ,who recited various verses of Quran, also passed a vote of confidence on the INEC Chairman for his unwavering efforts and invaluable contributions to ensure a United Nigeria, despite threats and predictions of break-up.

While kicking against the claim that INEC allegedly sold the 2023 election to the highest bidder, President of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the clerics appealed to Christian Clerics across Nigeria to preach messages of peace and unity always.

In chat with journalists shortly after the event ,Imam Mohammed Awal Adam, the Coordinator of the Prayer session, said ,”It will be unfair not to acknowledge the record of performance of INEC during the concluded 2023 general elections and subsequent staggered elections across the country.

He further said ,”For a man that organized an election,where opposition parties won seats and states that were originally strong holds of the ruling party is enough reasons to commend Prof. Yakubu instead of the subjective condemnations in some quarters.

“Before we arrived this venue for the prayer , we did a review of the 2023 general elections and observed that the electoral process has improved tremendously compared to what was obtainable in past.” He added .

While noting that no religion permits anyone to curse a leader, but rather pray for leaders always for directions and guidance, he said , “It is the responsibility of religious leaders , irrespective faith and ethic backgrounds to ensure the messages they preach at our various worship places are such that promote love and unity amongst adherents .

He therefore urged Nigerians to shun the divisive tendencies and engage government via constructive criticism that could help to identify gray areas that require adjustments.We are appealing to Nigerians to look beyond 2023 elections and jettison of idea of retrogressive growth and development .

“In our view, Prof Yakubu has conducted most peaceful election in Nigeria, especially on the account of rancour free process and people not killed during the elections with considerations that opposition parties won some critical states,thus our decision to pray for him . ” Imam Adam stated .

Leadtimes Africa Magazine in collaboration with Highstone Global University,Texas, USA will hold its Good Governance summit in Lagos next week at the University of Lagos.

At the summit,prominent Nigerian businessmen and professionals will be honored by Highstone Global University,Texas,USA during the ceremony. The Theme of this year’s Leadership Summit is titled:Promoting Good Governance Through Capacity Building and Entrepreneurship -antidote to to sustainable peace and Poverty Reduction in Africa.At this epic ceremony, Chief Mike A. A. Ozekhome, a renowned constitutional lawyer, human Rights Activist, pro-democracy crusader and Senior Advocate of Nigeria and his wife,Lady Chief Barr.Mrs Josephine Mike Ozekhome will be recognized with the conferment of professorial Chair in International Law and Diplomacy and Doctor of International Law and Diplomacy(honoris causa) respectively by the institution.

According to a press statement credited to Professor Maurice Azubuike, president of Highstone Global University,Texas,”Chief Mike Ozekhome will be decorated with honor as a professorial chair in International Law and Diplomacy of the institution;as Lady Chief Barr.Mrs Josephine Mike Ozekhome will bag a honorary degree in International Law & Diplomacy.This makes the ceremony thick and unique”,the university don stated.

“Chief Ozekhome’s nomination for professorial chair by the institution is in recognition of his outstanding leadership role in Africa as one of most renowned constitutional lawyers, human rights activists and pro-democracy crusaders in Africa today,”the statement further added.

Other outstanding Nigerian businessmen and professionals that are nominated for this global honor are the President of Nigerian Institute of Architect,Arc.Mobolaji Adeniyi;the GMD/CEO of Felak Group,Dr.Mrs Aisha Sulaiman Achiumugu; and Ms Omoh Aisenokhai of National Library of Nigeria.Others include the Managing Director/CEO of Northwest Petroleum and Gas/Chairman of Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN),Dame Winifred Akpani;Accountant General of Niger State, Alhaji Saidu Abdullahi (Danmasanin kontagora);the Managing Director/CEO of Bilamasad Global Ventures,Biliamini Omotayo Opawuyi who is nominated for honorary degree in Business Administration; Osun State Corps Commander of Amotekun, Brigadier Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi(rtd);the Managing Director/ CEO of Expidale Logistics, Mr. Oluyemi Owolabi and the Chairman/CEO of Freightliner Logistics Services Limited,Atu Christopher Iyennoman, will all be decorated with doctorate degrees in Business Administration(honoris causa) respectively. Other Nigerian professionals listed for this prestigious award are the Chairman/CEO of Wellstocked Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Olapoju Oladunni and Prince Nurudeen Segun Adegboye, Managing Director/CEO of Trust pile Builders Limited, among others.

Peace Osayuwamen Saleh, Creative Lead/CEO of Parallax Consulting Limitd and a
renowned philanthropist and CEO of Maiyamco Investment Nig. Ltd, Kano, Alhaji Abdullahi Yakubu and the Chairman/CEO of GMC Logistics Ltd Mazi Sonny Allison;CEO of Lubell Nigeria Ltd, Arc. Yakubu Yunusa;Managing Director/CEO of FEMEB Nigeria Ltd, Carol Ebunoluwa Ayodele; the GMD/CEO of Red Star Express, Babura Badamasi Auwalu and; the Managing Director and CEO of Lagos Building Investment Co. Ltd, Babatunde Jinadu are all listed for various honorary doctorates degrees by the institution.

The president & Chairman of the Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Olusegun Mojeed;CEO of UACN Property Development Company PLC, Uduayo Ojo and the CEO of Poleis Reality, Eskor-Brown Odiongenyi among others are all billed for honor during the ceremony.Dr.Ifeanyi Madu,CEO of Enmal Orthopedic will be inducted as fellow of Chartered Institute of Arts Professional(FCIAP)by the Chartered Institute of Arts Professional.

According to a press statement credited to Professor Buba Mshelia, Advisory Board chairman of Leadtimes Africa Magazine,”the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Innime Righteous and his team are expected at the ceremony.’ According to Mshelia,’those selected for honor in this edition are men and women of integrity who have distinguished themselves in the service of humanity and those with outstanding leadership records including high level integrity,accountabilty and transparency in quality service delivery over the year”.

“These icons are given global recognition in view of their track records in business and professionalism; the selection process was very strict and transparent,purely on merit”, Mshelia further states. Leadtimes Africa Magazine will present Grand African Leadership Prize to few distinguished Nigerians during the ceremony including the Bursar of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State and Amb. Dr. Ezekiel Isidahomen,CEO of THEMS security Systems Ltd, among others.” Vincent Ezima, a veteran media consultant and public speaker will serve as guest lecturer at the occasion.

Special guests at ceremony will include Professor Steve Mahonwu, chairman of chartered Institute of Aviation Technology, Badagry, Lagos and Dr. Medupin Abiodun Augustine, managing Director and CEO of Dupine Properties Nigeria Ltd and Hajiya Dr Aishat Ngulde, former Executive Secretary of Borno State Education Endowment Funds, among others.

In one of the events last year,Arc.Alaba Abiodun Oduniyi of Silhouette Design and Build Ltd; Barr.Olusola Johnson Jegede and the Group Managing Director/CEO of Trade and Tech, Engr. Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Mustapha were all honoured with different honorary degrees respectively.

Commends Tinubu, Ribadu , Security Chiefs for Relentless Efforts

Survey carried out recently has showed that the security situation has tremendously improved in northern Nigeria compared to what used to be obtained in the past, says Coalition for Peace and National Unity.

According to the coalition, from the researched conducted across the 19 Northerns , it discovered in states like Kaduna; Sokoto , Zamfara, Katsina even though the nefarious activities and attacks by bandits have continued, it’s gradually abatting,with most roads safer.

It added , ” Can we imagine that on Kaduna-Abuja road, only one incident of bandits attack was recorded in seven months of the coming of this administration.”

The Coalition for Peace and National Unity which stated this in a statement made available to Kaduna journalists today, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,the National Security Adviser,Mal Nuhu Ribadu and the service chiefs deserve commendation .

While noting that in states like Kaduna , Kebbi and Sokoto farmers have returned to their farms, It also said the incidents on attacks on schools have been drastically checkmated .

According to the statement signed by the Secretary General of the group,Dr. Abdullahi Musa Ringim the information gathered within Maiduguri;Yobe and Bauchi states , the problem of insurgency is equally abatting .

It however, expressed gladness that the survey conducted around the flash points and some northern states revealed that security situation has improved by 75 percent, with security agencies working tirelessly to ensure the challenges are nipped in the bud.

The further stated, ” In our considered opinion ,we deemed it necessary to encourage the federal government ,thus our decision to commend the efforts of the the security agencies , National Security Adviser ,Mal.Nuhu Ribadu, especially President Tinubu for the unrelenting efforts to restore sanity in the security architecture.

While making reference to those raising security issues now, who according to group kept quiet during the Buhari ‘s tenure when over a hundred persons were killed; school students kidnapped almost every week and several security breaches , it said criticism is good for growth of democracy, but it should be constructive.

“They forgot that in the past Nigerians, especially our Northern can’t sleep with their two eyes closed.

“There is no doubt that as a country ,we have witnessed unprecedented security challenges such as Boko Haram Terrorists attacks, militancy, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, Fulani-Herders farmers clashes, cultism among other social vices, but now that federal government t working hard to ensure that Nigerians have peace of mind in their homes, we should support it to conquer the problems.

“Even President Tinubu recently confirmed that security situation in the country did improve since May 2023 after he was sworn as president, though he acknowledged that his administration has not solved all security challenges in the country.

“We are therefore urging Nigerians to be patient as the government in power has demonstrated a high sense of commitment to tackling the prolonged security challenges facing the country . “

The Northern Coalition of Socio Politcal Group has condemned the alleged moves by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to investigate former governor of kogi State Yahaya Bello.

The group, in a press statement issued to newsmen in Abuja to react to media reports in which Yahaya Bello was accused of embezzling public funds while serving as governor of kogi State between 2015 and 2023.

The statement said, “It is necessary to state this because if you denigrate Yahaya Bello, it means that you are against Kogi people who are the beneficiaries of his deliveries in the past years.”

“We hereby categorically condemned alleged moves by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to investigate former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

“Enough is enough, the ongoing allegetions is intimidation and harassment of His Excellency Governor Bello, we wouldn’t any longer tolerate such moves and actions.

Our findings revealed that the original charge against Yahaya Bello alleged his involvement in a conspiracy to convert funds belonging to the Kogi State Government, which are not true, the offense was said to have occurred in September 2015, before Bello even assumed office as Governor.

“We therefore, advised the economic and financial crime Commission (EFCC), to leave Yahaya Bello alone”.

” It’s all campaign of calumny against Yahaya Bello, nothing like missing funds.” 

“The former governor achievements and his open door policy, transparency and accountability 

has been recognized all over”.

“t’s I an attempts to denigrate his reputation”, the group added.

The Northern Coalition Of Socio Politcal Group, has responded to allegations against Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani which published on an online newspaper “WORLDWIDE NEWS, THE WATCHDOG NEWS”, and some other online newspapers, which said that, Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani engineered and masterminds the politcal thuggery that led the death of Mansur, and the deceased was killed by Yusuf Zailani political thugs in his efforts to prevent ballot box snatching’.

In the lengthy statement distributed to the media on Monday in kaduna, through the President of the coalition Comrade Musa Mohammed, refuted the allegations.

“We are compelled to make this public statement to address the allegations against Hon. Yusuf Zailani”.

The group has said that, “The allegations of thuggery during the recent by-election in Igabi local government against Zailani are baseless, therefore the information is totally incorrect.

“We want to state categorically that there is no truth in the reported allegation. Anyone who is interested can come to Rigachikun where the incident happened and make Confirmation.

“It is unworthy, for our some politcal leaders in Igabi local government area to sponsored media campaign in other to dent and tarnish the image of Yusuf Zailani.
“It’s on-call for to use political elements to make him culprit in the unfortunate tragedy”.

“We hereby refutes the allegations as frivolous, mischievous and totally false”.

“It’s the work of Mischief makers, detractors and Zailani political enemies, and they must realize that their campaign of calumny against his political ambition has failed. ‘Zailani’ political achievements remains a spectacular success story and nothing can change all the evidence of dramatic progress and development in the past and present”.

“We knew the sponsors and those that are behind the frivolous and mischievous news” the statement added.

“

Stakeholders at Arewa New Agenda interactive conference, under the leadership of the former SGF Malam Mahmud Yayele Ahmed, has called out the legislative and executive arms of government to “engage in better and more viable skills development and SMEs instead of soap and detergent businesses.

The conference stressed the need to apply alternative businesses, the type that have been developed to suit global demands.

The conference insisted on changing the culture of skills training and acquisition, bigger than the less-viable soaps and detergent variant.

Arewa Agenda has held a series of life-changing conferences that evolved blueprint for turning around Nigeria’s fortunes across the geopolitical zones of the country.

By Comrade Musa Mohammed

Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, is a Leader with the ability to lead, inspire and guide to transform other individuals, and society for a good cause.

Uba Sani is displaying three broad sets of qualities that citizens might expect politicians to display, which are competence, integrity and authenticity. 

The political leader and public servant who works for the betterment of the society.

 He has the integrity and willingness to stand up for what is right, even if it means resigning a position in government or losing an election.

The right leader who creates transformation.

He has the ability and capability to make a difference and add value to the society.  

Uba Sani’s determination is to work for the betterment, has the willingness to manage and rectify issues and importantly stand up for what is right. 

Is a leader who always work for the growth of the society and value his citizens. 

A successful politcal leader, who have five major virtues: Discipline, Trustworthiness, Courage, Humaneness, Intelligence.

 Also, he has  the leadership qualities such as accountability, transparency, availability and integrity. 

We are seeing some positive changes in Kaduna politics, which is welcoming.

Sen. Uba Sani, is a leader who is honest, accountable and takes responsibility for his own decisions and actions, that’s why he has been described as a politician with quality to become a great leader.

Uba Sani is humble and down to earth. He always said that he is just a leader and not owner of the people he governed.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen an account belonging to Abubakar Ahmad Sirika, brother of immediate-past minister Hadi Sirika, over an alleged N8.06 billion contract fraud in the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

The anti-graft agency made this known after the arrest of Abubakar Sirika over contract fraud of about N3.2 billion that was traced to his private company, Engirios Nigeria Limited, the Nation reports.

Abubakar Sirika is also a Level-16 officer and a deputy director in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

It was gathered that four big contracts were awarded to Abubakar’s Engirios Nigeria Limited when his brother was in charge of the ministry.

According to EFCC investigators, Abubakar Ahmad Sirika is listed as the company’s MD/CEO and the sole signatory to the two accounts linked to the firm with two banks.

The four contracts the ex-minister awarded to his brother which were not executed are: Construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport (N1.3 billion); Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre in Katsina Airport (N3.8 billion); Procurement and installation of elevators, air conditioners and power generator house in Aviation House, Abuja (N615 million); Procurement of Magnus Aircraft and simulator for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (N2.3 billion).

Investigators revealed a payment of N3.2 billion out of the total contract sum to Engirios Nigeria Limited. Upon receipt of the payment, he allegedly transferred it to different companies and individuals.

The investigators also alleged that no trace of work had been done on any of the contract items to date.

Hadi Sirika was the substantive Minister of Aviation for Nigeria after former President Buhari Muhammadu was re-elected in 2019 but was minister of State in 2015.

Sirika was also associated with the now infamous Nigeria Air scandal.

While some critics alleged that N85 billion was expended on it, Sirika claimed that N5 billion was approved but N3 billion was released.

He said his administration did not spend the N3 billion before he left office.

Sirika said: “In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, all of the monies voted and budgeted for the national carrier was N5 billion.

“But all that was released is in the neighbourhood of about N3billion, not N85billion and all of the N3billion had not been expended as of the time I left office.

“What was done with the money was nothing but transaction advisory services, the AOC process, salaries, consultancy services and the offices in Abuja.

“No contract was given by Hadi Sirika or the administration at the time. These are the things that the money was used for.”