News
Buhari to blame for nation’s woes, he set booby trap for Tinubu – Afenifere
The Pan-Yoruba Socio-political group, Afenifere on Friday said former President Muhammadu Buhari set booby trap for President Bola Tinubu by not removing fuel subsidy.
The organisation said Tinubu is never to be blamed for the economic hardship in the country, saying he only summoned up courage by removing fuel subsidy, instead of postponing the evil days.
Afenifere said this in a statement issued by Otunba Kole Omololu, National Organising secretary and Comrade Jare Ajayi, Publicity Secretary, titled: “What Sins Did President Tinubu Commit?”
The statement said Afenifere had watched with significant disbelief the sudden reawakening of voices across the federation over the worsening economic situation in Nigeria, saying many forgot that the economic downturn was caused by the Buhari Administration on a platform of hope and defective federalism, as promises were made, most of which were not fulfilled.
“Under Buhari’s watch, terrorists and banditry were operating effortlessly. Law and order broke down. Many innocent citizens including the daughter of our leader were killed and or kidnapped. President Buhari could not rein in on his critical officials like the then Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who was printing money rather than facing the reality of taking the difficult decisions, which were postponed till the evil day.
“A probe panel was reported to have accused Godwin Emefiele and his team of printing N22.7 trillion through ways and means. We remembered that we were borrowing to pay salaries and pensions during the years of the Buhari administration.
“We recall that some ministers suggested the removal of subsidies, among other economic decisions. But President Buhari would not agree until his last year in office to lay a booby trap for the incoming administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It was, therefore, obvious that we were simply postponing the evil day. The CBN Governor denied leaks flying around that the books were being doctored. He reassured the federation that all was well. He even wanted to contest the presidential election! There were no penalties for his infractions by President Buhari. These inactions and false lives continued till May 29, 2023, when the new helmsman, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn in as President,” Afenifere said.
The organisation said Tinubu wasted no time amending his inauguration address and declared the subsidy regime over, saying this was obvious as there was no appropriation for subsidy from June 2023.
“He quickly followed up with the deregulation of the forex regime, which resulted in the free fall of the Naira. A man who is not shy about making difficult decisions, he probably underestimated the capability and capacity of the beneficiaries of the old order to make things ungovernable for his administration.
“Those sleeping and snoring during the eight years of Buhari suddenly woke up. They forgot that these remedial actions should have been taken many years back. The major sins of PBAT reside in his daring to contest and win the presidential election and make these decisions, which will hurt in the short term but bring us back to reality in the long run,” the body said.
According to Afenifere, what was needed right now is vibrant Ministry of Information to regularly stay in touch with the people, as current economic challenges are worldwide in scope and not peculiar to Nigeria.
It also suggested regular town hall meetings across the country where ministers would go back to their constituencies to engage with the people, as well as realignment of the National Assembly budget and launch of operation go back to the people by the legislators, with each National Assembly member taken palliatives back to the constituency.
Afenifere added that governors receiving almost double allocations due to the removal of subsidies and readjustment of the exchange rates should deliver to their people, saying that the allocations of each state of the federation should be published on a monthly basis
The organisation stated that there should be implementation of operation ‘grow what we eat and eat what we grow policy.’
Afenifere added that the government should make banditry, kidnapping and terrorism a capital offence punishable by death as well as return to true and fiscal federalism with state police, for which “we commend the President and Governors’ endorsement, and state ownership of mineral resources.”
News
Many hospitalised as thugs attack PDP supporters in Ondo
At least six persons were attacked when suspected armed thugs attacked the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The violent attack on the opposition party members is coming two days before the weekend governorship election.
A chieftain of the party in the state, Adeyemi Fasoranti, named one of the victims, Olowoniyi Akinleminu, as a popular politician in the town.
Mr Fasoranti said other victims were taken to the intensive care unit of the State Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
Explaining the attack, Mr Olowoniyi said the thugs unleashed terror on the people because of the success of the party’s rally in the local government.
Another PDP chieftain, Bosede Salami, revealed that many of the opposition party members had been threatened by the suspected political thugs and cultists invited by political gladiators.
Confirming the incident, the state commissioner of police, Oladipo Abayomi, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Mr Abayomi, in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said a peace meeting of the leaders of the major political parties in the town had been convened.
“The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.
“The CP has made it clear that the command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.
“He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behaviour during this period,” the statement.
News
JUST IN: Govt Declares Friday As Public Holiday
The Ondo State Government has declared Friday as public holiday to enable civil servants and others to travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday evening signed by O.F Ayodele, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of service.
The statement reads, “The 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State has been scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold on Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
“To this end, the Ondo State Government has declared Friday, 15th November, 2024 as Work-Free Day for Public Servants in the State to enable them travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities.
“All Accounting Officers are to note the content of this Circular and disseminate same to all staff of their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”
News
NNPC Carries Out Leadership Shakeup, Appoints Adedapo Segun As New CFO
The Board of Directors at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a leadership shakeup, appointing key executives to strengthen corporate governance and operational efficiency.
This was made known in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.
In the series of new appointments, Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been named as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding his prior role as Executive Vice President of the Downstream sector, where he contributed significantly to NNPC’s downstream operations.
Segun replaced the outgoing CFO, Umar Ajiya.
Joining him in newly appointed roles, Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream.
Udobong Ntia has also been appointed as the Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream, replacing the outgoing EVP Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.
The statement read, “These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organisation’s strategic objectives.
“The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.
NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritising the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.”
-
News24 hours ago
Zenith Bank Congratulates New Clerk To The National Assembly
-
News19 hours ago
Happening Now! Part of Abuja Model City on fire
-
News16 hours ago
APC Youth Disown Group Over Protest Against Matawale
-
Opinion18 hours ago
PDP NAT’L CHAIRMANSHIP & THE DELUGE OF ENGR UTAAN’S ENDORSEMENTS
-
Entertainment24 hours ago
MultiChoice Nigeria Loses 243,000 DStv, Gotv, Subscribers In Six Months Over Increase In Price
-
News19 hours ago
Reps Urge Polytechnics to Introduce Innovative Courses
-
Metro23 hours ago
Protesters clash with LASTMA, Police over death of motorist
-
News16 hours ago
Nigerian born billionaire Ogunlesi proposes to fiancée with $500K diamond ring