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Post Date : March 28, 2022

Bakers ‘shutting down operations’ over hike in diesel price, FX scarcity

  Bakers under the aegis of the Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) say the hike in diesel price and exchange rate volatility has caused many of its members across the country to shut down their business operations. In a phone interview with TheCable on Monday, Emmanuel Onuorah, PBAN president, expressed concern that the challenges were affecting key sectors of the economy. “Things are not getting better. We are still where we are. Diesel price is still hovering between N650 and N700,” Onuorah said. “Even the price of the nylon that we put the bread in has just increased by about 20 percent. It’s not looking any better. Light is still comatose. “We don’t know what is happening with the DisCos. Whether system collapse or inadequate generation, there is no public light. “The diesel is expensive. People are trying to rightsize, scale down, drop workers to remain in business. The government doesn’t seem to be listening to anybody. It’s not even only the bakers, it’s an industry-wide thing. MAN is crying. Hospitals that are running diesel are also optimising. Asked about a possible increase in bread prices, the PBAN president said, “It will certainly go up. Because if you don’t pass on the cost, how do you remain in business? But on the other hand, are we not Nigerians? Do customers have the income to bear this? “You have to look at all these things and place everything in context. There is a human element to all these. “People are bending backwards to see what they can do. Things such as reducing the sizes of their bread or cutting down on the weight. This is so that we can just maintain what are we doing.” Onuorah said the association had commenced meetings with the federal ministry of trade, industry and investment, but efforts to get government intervention has proved abortive. “We expected that they would give us some lifeline or intervention or grant to be able to remain afloat. But nothing is forthcoming,” he explained. “Many of our members are shutting down. For every shutdown, there are job losses. It’s saturating the already-saturated employment market. It’s exacerbating insecurity because when people don’t have jobs, they result in criminality because they need to survive. “The further devaluation of the naira, the more it affects us because most of our inputs are imported. It affects nylon, margarine, groundnut oil.” Onuorah urged the government to tackle the persistent decline of the naira against the dollar to make life easier for importers. “Regarding energy, the government must look at these DisCos. Why are we not able to generate enough electricity?” he added. “Another thing is the issue of support for the (baking) industry. This would ensure that we remain afloat.”

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

Alleged kidnapping: Judge fumes as Evans, co-defendant’s absence stall trial

  The absence of the convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, on Monday stalled their trial over alleged kidnapping before an Ikeja Special Offences Court. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo had during the proceedings expressed displeasure over the absence of the defendants. She queried one of the warders from the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre who was present in court why the defendants were not brought to court for their trial. Responding to the query, the warder told the court that there was a mix up on the date, adding that the date on their record for the appearance of the defendants was April 28. The judge was, however not satisfied with the explanation. “Why are the defendants not in court? Somebody changed the date from March 28 to April 28. Do you know anything about this? I will follow up on this. “When there is no presence of defendants, we will have to adjourn the case because the defendants have to be properly represented. “Information reaching me just now is that a lawyer from Legal Aid Council of Nigeria just stepped out of the court immediately this case was mentioned. “In this case, the first defendant must represent himself if he cannot find any counsel to represent him,” Taiwo said. Also, the state prosecutor, Mr Yusuf Sule, informed the court that the prosecution witness, Chief Vincent Obianodo, whom the defendants allegedly kidnapped, was ready to testify virtually (via the Zoom app). “We have amended charges and our witness is in court virtually but the defendants are not in court My Lord. The first defendant (Evans) is not represented,” he said. NAN reports that at one of the co-defendants of Evans, Frank Udeme, was sentenced to five years in Kirikiri Correctional Centre on March 11 after he pleaded guilty to selling firearms to the convict. According to the prosecution, Evans and Emeka committed the offences on Aug. 27, 2013, at Third Avenue in Festac Town, Lagos. Evans and his accomplice are alleged to have killed one Ngozi Chijioke and attempted to kidnap and kill Obianodo, Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors. The defendants plead not guilty to a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sale and transfer of firearms over the attempted kidnap of Obianodo. NAN also reports that the sister case of Evans alongside his co-defendant, an ex-soldier, Victor Aduba, which was slated for adoption of final written address and date of judgment was also stalled. Evans was alleged to have the kidnapped businessman, Sylvanus Ahamonu and collected a $420,000 ransom from his family. Taiwo adjourned the two cases until May 6 for continuation of trial and adoption of final written address respectively.(NAN)

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

2023 Presidency: I Am Ready To Take Power From APC – Wike

  Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said that he is ready to take the seat of power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election. Governor Wike said this on Sunday in Makurdi, Benue State during a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in the state. “For you to remove APC from power, the party requires someone that will tell them enough is enough and I am that person. We must take this power. I am ready to take it for PDP. “I am going to take this power from APC back to PDP by the grace of God. That is why APC is making mistakes every day, that is how you know God is with you. Don’t go and sell your vote, give me. I am the only one that has the capacity. Let me return power to PDP,” he said. The governor declared that he will be running for the office of the President of Nigeria under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the aim of tackling insecurity and engendering rule of law. He also condemned the terrorist attack at the Kaduna International Airport over the weekend, adding that Nigerians urgently need a leader who can address the growing insecurity in the country. Wike assured that if elected, his administration will engender the rule of law in order to attract more direct foreign investment into the country.

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

Thugs Flout Soludo’s Order, Collect Illegal Revenue From Traders, Motorists

  Despite the ban on Illegal revenue collection in Anambra State by Governor Charles Soludo,louts are still operating with ease. Soludo had proscribed illegal revenue collection beginning from March 18, a day after he was sworn in as governor. Daily Trust investigations revealed that in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, louts are still collecting money from traders, tricycle operators, motorists in public parks and customers who came for business transactions in the state . A widow, Mrs Janet Okonkwo ,who came from Agulu to sell mangoes in Awka, said she was forced by thugs to pay N200 on arrival and also paid other fees as she pushed her wares around in a wheelbarrow. Speaking with Daily Trust, she lamented that louts collect N600 from her every day in the market. “It terrible that some of us who are widows come to market to sell items are forced to pay this much. I sell mangoes to feed my children,” she said. A tricycle rider in Awka, Mr Ejike Ndu, stated that louts still operate in parts of Awka in disregard of the ban order by the new governor. “‘Touts’ are still collecting money from us since Gov. Soludo asked them to stop illegal revenue collection. They will threaten you with a fight when you told them that the state government has ordered them to stop illegal revenue collection and when you consider obvious implications of fighting with them, you will pay,” he said. According to Ndu, the thugs “always tells us that the governor should find out politicians given various revenue windows and tell them to withdraw these thugs.” “Otherwise the touts will continue to flout the directive,” he added. Mr Okey Adikibe, a trader at Main market Onitsha, said louts still harass customers who come to the area to buy goods. “They force customers to part with all forms of money in the name of levy such as ‘Ndi Agbaeze (indigenes’ levy), among others,” he said. Adikibe said the act had discouraged customers coming from different parts of the country. Mr Eugene Chukwu, a bus driver who shuttles Awka and Nnewi said louts are still present in parks in the town. “We are still paying money at parks in Nnewi and we hope to see the government enforce the new directive,” he said. Chukwu said transporters would be happy to to see government end the era of illegal revenue collection, adding “we are being ripped off through the method.” He said, “if the government sanitized revenue collection, it will even make drivers to charge less and reduce the incidence of attacks between them and ‘touts.’” Soludo had in a meeting with leaders of various markets and motor parks last Friday said his administration would soon come up with decent method of revenue collection.

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

‘Fighting inflation is my focus’ — Emefiele speaks on rumoured 2023 presidency bid

  Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigerians (CBN), says he is focused on fighting inflation and designing a robust monetary policy for the country. He said this in a series of posts made via his official Twittter handle on Monday. The CBN governor was reacting to reports regarding his rumoured bid for presidency in 2023. “My focus at this time is a robust monetary policy and fighting inflation which is now a global problem; building a strong financial system in an increasingly uncertain global economy,” the tweet reads. Development finance and supporting farmers & manufacturers in our self sufficiency and import substitution drive; raising N15 trillion for InfraCo infrastructure financing; “Building a world class International Financial Center in Lagos; as we support the @MBuhari Administration to finish strong.#NoDistractionsPlease.” Last month, Emefiele had denied purchasing aircraft to support a campaign for him to contest the presidency. At the time, online reports alleged that the CBN governor had bought “three airplanes” for his presidential campaign, and that he had also been asked to resign from his position. “Fake news,” he had tweeted in response to the report. TheCable had earlier reported that when a ‘group of his friends’, tagged ‘Friends of Godwin Emefiele’, visited him to discuss the controversy over his rumoured presidential ambition, the CBN governor was quoted as saying he would prefer to leave the matter in God’s hands. “Mr. Emefiele told us that he believes it’s the prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari to plan his succession in line with global best practices for good governance for the continuing peace and progress of the federal republic of Nigeria. As such, he will play his part to stabilise the economy for an orderly transition,” a statement signed by the group, reads. “And given that it’s God that anoints leaders, he will leave his faith (sic) firmly in the hands of God.”

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

Nigeria becoming safer everyday – FG

  The Federal Government says the country is becoming safer everyday with the string of successes being recorded in the fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits and other criminal elements. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this at a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.   He said the security forces had taken the battle to the bandits and put them on the run and their ranks are being decimated by the day. “I am proud of our security forces, our men and women in uniform. Despite a myriad of security challenges, they are living up to the billing. ”As the terrorists and their camps are being decimated, thousands of terrorists and their families are surrendering in droves. “The effectiveness of the security forces has been enhanced by the leadership provided by President Muhammadu Buhari and the unwavering commitment of the armed forces and its leadership,’’ he said. The minister also attributed the successes to the procurement of modern platforms for the armed forces. He said the modern platforms had gone a long way in raising the level of their operational readiness and efficiency, in addition to boosting their capabilities. “Among others, the Nigerian Army has procured 160 MRAPS, 150 trucks and 60 APCs to improve its equipment holding. “This is in addition to the provision of accommodation for troops and the recruitment of over 10,000 personnel into the Army. “The Nigerian Navy (NN), for its part, commissioned the FALCON EYE Maritime Domain Awareness Capability, the third locally-built Seaward Defense Boat, one helicopter, 4 inshore patrol boats and 90 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats,’’ he said. Mohammed said over 1,500 personnel were recruited into the Navy during the year while the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) took delivery of 12 Super Tucanos and 3 JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft and other platforms. He said the Air Force used the platforms to conduct several air interdictions, provide close air support to ground troops and destroy several illegal structures and equipment belonging to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements. The minister also commended the implementation of the community policing initiative which he said led to the training of 25,000 constabularies in several police colleges across the country. He said the administration approved the review and upgrade of police personnel salaries by 20 per cent and enhanced duty tour allowance of police officers to boost their morale. (NAN)

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

2023: Anyone above 70yrs should abstain from contesting presidency — Ortom

  Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has urged anyone above 70 years to abstain from running for the presidency of Nigeria and allow the younger ones who are capable and knowledgeable in modern trends to take over leadership of the country. The Governor made the call Monday when he hosted the trio of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed of Sokoto and Bauchi states respectively who were in the state to consult with him on the consensus arrangement they initiated to trim down the number of presidential aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He commended them for the initiative describing the leaders as well knowledgeable men who served the country contentiously and still serving in various capacities. The Governor said, “Nigerians can testify that during their time at the federal level they did very well and delivered on their mandate. And today they are eminently qualified to lead this country. “They are doing the right thing because divided we fall, united we stand. And I want to encourage them to continue this advocacy and understanding and not just within themselves but with other people. They have said they are visiting the other people including our southern brothers who have indicated interest to be president of this country. Let us work together. As PDP, even as the opposition, we have set standards for the ruling party. “That is why PDP is willing and ready to rescue Nigeria and then rebuild it. Truly, look at these three gentlemen, yesterday, we had another gentleman from Rivers State, Governor Wike who declared here in Benue State that he was going to seek the presidency. “Look at these young men and compare them to the ancestors in APC that are seeking to be president of this country in a digital world. We should allow the young to grow. If I may quote one of my brother Governors, anybody who is above 70 years and is looking for president is an evil person who wants to ruin this country, he should desist.” Earlier, speaking for the delegation, former Senate President, Saraki said the team was in the state to consult with the Benue State Governor on their resolve to ensure seamless consensus in the nomination of the party’s presidential candidate. He said: “We are here today as part of the ongoing consultation of the three of us who have shown indication to aspire for the presidency under our great party; and who also on our own, about a couple of weeks ago felt that the in the interest of our party as well the interest of our great party that we should be able to come together and find a consensus among us. Our interest is very little compared to our country at this time which is at a very defining moment. “All of us are eminently qualified to lead this country; it’s about us ensuring that we put the country first and that is why we are here. What we are doing is in the best interest of our party and for our country.”

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

Why PDP wants to distort Buhari’s achievements, misinform Nigerians – Lai Mohammed

  The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Monday, alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party’s desperation to return to power in 2023 was responsible for its plan “to sabotage” the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)’s regime. The minister, who stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja, noted that the plan of the main opposition party was to overheat the polity, distort Buhari’s achievement, and misinform Nigerians. He said, “As you know, the folks on the other side have been doing everything in recent times to overheat the polity, distort the achievements of our administration, and spread misinformation. ”Yes, it is very cold out there for the hungry and desperate opposition, but every indication is that they don’t even want to wait for the 2023 elections before testing their popularity or acceptability at the polls. ”How else does one explain their court case seeking the declaration of our convention as illegal? How do you explain their threat of another EndSARS that pushed Nigerians to the brink? How do you explain their glaring misinformation regarding the nation’s state of affairs? “Gentlemen, there is nothing wrong in having a fiery and viable opposition in a democracy. We were there before and we remain the ones to beat in terms of determined, viable, and relentless opposition. But, in our time, not once did we advocate the destruction of Nigeria just because we couldn’t have our way. “Not once did we seek to gain power via a desperate court action. If you destroy the country you are seeking to govern, what country will you govern? Must you cut your nose to spite your face?” ‘Where do kidnappers rescue their victims’? Lai Mohammed asks PDP over 2023 return plan The minister also questioned the rationale behind the opposition party’s moves to return to power in 2023 ”In their most recent act of desperation, they sought to erase seven years of unprecedented achievements by the Buhari Administration. In the most egregious show of shamelessness and a blatant refusal to be remorseful, they even had the audacity to express righteous indignation that the damage they inflicted on the country in their 16 years of misrule has not been totally undone in just seven years. “In other words, those who brought the country to its knees are now accusing those working hard to repair things of non-performance. They said they are ready to rescue Nigeria. Pray, where do kidnappers rescue their victims? These same guys who kidnapped the fortunes of their country are suddenly posing as rescuers. Caveat Emptor. Buyers beware! Nigerians Beware!” “We are not under any illusion that they will stop their misrepresentation. “No, because in their desperation to return to complete their demolition work on Nigeria, these folks will stop at nothing to paint us bad. “But the good news is that Nigerians remain traumatized by their 16-year misrule, and will not return to ‘Egypt’ by allowing the ‘demolition gang’ back to office. In the meantime, let them present their 16-year stewardship in all the areas we have listed above and let Nigerians judge!”

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

BREAKING: Opposition planning another #ENDSARS protest – FG

  The Federal Government has accused the opposition of plans to sabotage the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and overheat the polity. It claimed that the opposition was trying to trigger another EndSARS protest in the country. It also faulted attempt by the opposition to declare the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) illegal. It queried why the opposition cannot wait till 2023 poll to test its popularity. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed, who raised the alarm at a briefing in Abuja, asked the opposition not to promote anarchy. Mohammed said: “As you know, the folks on the other side have been doing everything in recent times to overheat the polity, distort the achievements of our Administration and spread misinformation. ” Yes, it is very cold out there for the hungry and desperate opposition, but every indication is that they don’t even want to wait for the 2023 elections before testing their popularity or acceptability at the polls. ” How else does one explain their court case seeking the declaration of our convention as illegal? How do you explain their threat of another EndSARS that pushed Nigerians to the brink? How do you explain their glaring misinformation regarding the nation’s state of affairs? “Gentlemen, there is nothing wrong in having a fiery and viable opposition in a democracy. We were there before and we remain the ones to beat in terms of determined, viable and relentless opposition. But, in our time, not once did we advocate the destruction of Nigeria just because we couldn’t have our way. “Not once did we seek to gain power via a desperate court action. If you destroy the country you are seeking to govern, what country will you govern? Must you cut your nose to spite your face? ” In their most recent act of desperation, they sought to erase seven years of unprecedented achievements by the Buhari Administration. In the most egregious show of shamelessness and a blatant refusal to be remorseful, they even had the audacity to express righteous indignation that the damage they inflicted on the country in their 16 years of misrule has not been totally undone in just seven years. “In other words, those who brought the country to its knees are now accusing those working hard to repair things of non-performance. They said they are ready to rescue Nigeria. Pray, where do kidnappers rescue their victims? These same guys who kidnapped the fortunes of their country are suddenly posing as rescuers. Caveat Emptor. Buyers beware! Nigerians Beware!” “We are not under any illusion that they will stop their misrepresentation. “No, because in their desperation to return to complete their demolition work on Nigeria, these folks will stop at nothing to paint us bad. “But the good news is that Nigerians remain traumatized by their 16-year misrule, and will not return to ‘Egypt’ by allowing the ‘demolition gang’ back to office. In the meantime, let them present their 16-year stewardship in all the areas we have listed above and let Nigerians judge!”

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Post Date : March 28, 2022

Sit-at-home: Skeletal activities resume in Anambra

Sit-at-home: Skeletal activities resume in Anambra Skeletal activities have resumed on Monday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as workers are beginning to comply with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive for workers to start resuming at their duty post every Monday, just like any other day. The governor had through the Head of Service, Mr Theodora Igwegbe, issued a statement on Friday, directing workers to start resuming normal activities every Monday. When our correspondent visited the Secretariat complex, Awka, the workers who had resumed duty as of 9:00 am, expressed delight and urged the State Government to provide adequate security and transportation to enable full compliance. However, in Onitsha, Nnewi, and environs, the level of compliance was very low as markets, motor parks, banks, offices, and schools remained shut. Onitsha is a commercial area and the governor had already directed market leaders and motor parks operators to ensure they open for operations from April 4, 2022. Although the Monday sit-at-home, which was introduced by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra had been suspended by the group, the people are still complying due to fear of being attacked by hoodlums.

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