News

Reps Committee Theatens To Arrest Management Of Dangote Cement

Published

2 months ago

July 10, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on the Arbitrary Increase in the Price of Cement has threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at its next hearing.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the management of Dangote Cement has refused to honour the Committee’s invitation to address the problem of cement increase in the country.

The officials claim that there’s a suit restraining Dangote from appearing before the committee, instead they sent the Head od National Assembly Desk Dangote to represent them.

But the chairman of the Joint Committee, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi said: “We have written four letters, 3 to Dangote and Dangote has vehemently refused to honour the invitation of the House claiming that there is a substantiative suit against another committee, not this committee Challenging their right to appear before the parliament which is their parliament. We did not stop here, we equally sought legal counsel from the national assembly and other independent legal bodies who have expressly said that the position here by Dangote and other members of cement association is foul of the law.

“We ask, was there a substantiative court order restraining the House from inviting you? No! None of such an order was produced to the House. Are you saying that the House that created you because you are a creation of the corporate affairs commission which is the law created by the House and further more the elected representatives that was voted by you cannot equally invite you.

“You say the case is before the court. Which case? The case against the joint committee or is it a case against a separate committee, where there is no ruling that you should not appear before the national assembly. Considering the fact that this country was built on separation of powers where you have the executive, legislative and judiciary”.

The special panel while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, expressed worry over the increase in cement prices and the untold hardships it has brought upon many Nigerians.

“Dangote you have in one stroke implicated yourself because it is not for you to choose what you will come for or what you will not come for. This is the House of the people, you are obligated, it is not by choice when you are invited by this House you are obligated and it is mandatory that you cause appearance.

“It is unfortunate and I find it rather insensitive on the part of Dangote that in my opinion has been forenutured by the Nigerian people. I am very aware of tax incentives, tax breaks, tax holiday you enjoy even.under the pioneer status, oil pioneer status is supposed to on product, you enjoy pioneer status on line on project not product as against the intent of pioneer status.

“You have enjoyed Nigeria but at such a time when Nigerians are groaning under such hardship, you show a high level of insensitivity and you are sending this kind of document. What do we want to achieve by this, let Nigerians hear the true position. When you are in a debate and the debate is open, Nigerians are watching, but you have chosen fir whatever reasons or whatever intent to want to avoid coming to the House.

“The Federal competition and consumer protection commission invitation you are talking about was held after we had invited you after we invited consumer protection here, and we queried them that in our opinion they have slept on their responsibility. That’s when they woke up and invited you, and you thought it wise to attend their own invitation, attend the invitation of Public Accounts attend invitation from oil industries but you will not attend to a critical matter that goes to the nerves and the pain of the average Nigerian”, the committee chairman asserted.

The committee directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to cause appearances before the committee in the next two weeks, to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefits of the people.

“They want to over profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.

“On Dangote my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.

“Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, a warrant of arrest will be given for you to cause appearance before the National Assembly, no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly,” Jonathan said.

News

Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo

Published

34 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.

Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.

For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.

THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.

He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.

There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….

A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.

The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.

News

Guber poll :PDP govs storm Edo to support Ighodalo

Published

36 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Barely 24hours to governorship election in Edo State, no fewer than two governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday arrived Benin City.

The governors, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Kefas Agbu of Taraba, arrived the state to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Fintiri made this known in a post on his social media page on Friday evening.

He said : “Just touched down in Edo State alongside my brother, Gov. Agbu Kefas, ahead of the September 21st gubernatorial election. We stand united in support of our Official PDP Nigeria candidate, Asue ighodalo, for a brighter future.”

Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP leader in the state, had earlier cried out over alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress to rig the election.

As at the time of filling this report, it was unclear if other PDP governors would also hit the state for the election

News

Speed Darlington taunt Burna Boy about his grammy award (+Video)

Published

47 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Austin Ojomah

……. As Speed Darlington queries Afrobeats singer, Burna Boy over his Grammy win.

By Ojomah Austin.

Controversial Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington has sparked controversy with his claims that Burna Boy’s Grammy Award win can be attributed to the influential role of American rapper and entrepreneur, P. Diddy.

Amid allegations against US rapper, P.Diddy, resulting in his arrest, Speed Darlington suggested that Burna Boy had an intimate relationship with Diddy which paved the way for him to win the Grammy.

Speed Darlington’s bold and contentious assertion comes amidst recent allegations surrounding Diddy, who was reportedly arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges of human trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

In a provocative Instagram video, Speed Darlington credited Diddy for Burna Boy’s rapid ascent to international fame and Grammy success, highlighting the American rapper’s significant impact on Burna Boy’s music career.

Speed Darlington openly challenged Burna Boy to disclose the nature of his relationship with Diddy. Suggesting an amorous relationship between the duo, he blatantly asked Burna Boy to reveal how many bottles of oil Diddy used on his buttocks before he was able to win a Grammy.

In his words:

“It wasn’t long after Burna Boy posted a photo of him and Diddy that he won a Grammy Award. Burna Boy, don’t be offended, but how many oils did Diddy use on your nyash before they gave you the Grammy Award?”.

In response to Speed Darlington’s video, One @oluchukwu_____ wrote: “Akpis confidence need to be studied 😂😂.”

vibe_with_fiona wrote: “When burna comes for him,make una no say burna too do o?”

godson_allsom wrote: “If there is Grammy for comedians 😂 akpi for done win like 10.”

official_kahlan wrote: “Presido I don tire to defend you 😂 ga zu ike 🙄.”

asikosharon50 wrote: “Very anyhow talk, Burnaboy won Grammy for his hard work and talent . If na Diddy dey share Grammy why him own Artist for him label nor dey win the Grammy? Na him be say Tems dey and wizkid sef they nick people dem work with naa, useless talk …”

jaytee_yna wrote: “I’m a big fan of Akpi but this is so irrelevant and irresponsible. Burna’s hardwork & God’s grace gave him the Grammy. Okbye!”

lorah_irez wrote: “If person never bèat akpi he no go rest, wetin be this na 😂😂😂.”