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Food Insecurity: Reps Allege No Grains In Public Silos Accros Nigeria

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…say President Tinubu is been misguided, misinformed
By Gloria Ikibah

Former Speaker of Gombe State Assembly and  member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe state in the House of Representatives, Rep. Inuwa Garba has alleged that there are no grains in the silos owned by the Federal Government in Nigeria.

Rep. Garba, who sponsored a motion on the “Need to investigate the privatisation/concession of Federal Government Silos in Nigeria,” on Tuesday at plenary, said President Bola Tinubu may have been misinformed or misguided on his directives to distribute grains to Nigeria who are in no doubt suffering from the current economic hardship.
Naijablitznews.com reports that as a temporary response to the nation’s growing food crisis and the rising price of commodities, President Bola Tinubu, recently ordered the immediate release of more than 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House Correspondents after the final leg of three meetings of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Rep Garba addressing the media said there was the need to investigate the concession of 22 Silos in Nigeria, if possible reverse the concession and make refunds to the new operators of the consmcessioned silos.
According to the lawmaker, in a country of more than 200m people where petroleum subsidy has been removed, there must be subsidy for agriculture to help cushion the effects of food insecurity currently faced by the nation.
“That is why I said it is very timely to investigate why government, how government, took decision to privatize the silos or services that is meant for the government.
“I feel it is very wrong to privatize the silos or services that is meant for the government to have food security by having food storage in order to support and alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians over a period of time, where there is not only scarcity of food but very high cost of food and scarcity of funds.
“Members of the press, that is why I raised on the floor of the House, to investigate this action of governmentin.
“That is why I said the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency or as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize its economy and ensure food security in Nigeria”, Rep Inuwas stated.
Debating the motion on the floor of the House at plenary, Rep. Garba, noted that in September, 2017, the Federal Government commenced the process of concessioning 22 out of it 33 silo complexes across the country to the private sector to ensure availability of affordable grains across the country;
The motion reads: “Cognizant of the need to scrutinize circumstances surrounding the privatization or concession of Government Silos for Grains Storage in the country considering the vital role these silos play in ensuring food security across the country;
“Also cognizant of the need to investigate the entire process of privatization or concession, including the criteria used for the selection of private entities, transparency in the bidding process to ensure accountability in public administration, and upholding the principles of fairness and equity”.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize the economy and improve food security in Nigeria.
The House also mandated the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Privatization and Commercialization, Public Assets, to investigate the privatization/concession of 22 out of 33 Government Silos for grain storage and other critical national assets in Nigeria and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
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LET THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE BE*

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The hurriedly written press statement by the embattled Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU recently impeached as Exco of the FCT Council of the NUJ is really sad, appalling and completely unwarranted.
It is a brazen attempt by them to usurp the powers of the National Secretariat of the Union.

Article 5(9c, d) of the NUJ Constitution is so unambiguous that does not need any interpretation.

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Article 5 sub section 9(C) states inter alia; “The Credentials Committee at the National level shall act independently of the President, National Secretary and any other National Officers, while the Credentials Committee at the State Council level shall be independent of State officers of the Union but shall be responsible and answerable to the National Secretariat.

5 (9d) The Credentials Committee at the State Council level shall be nominated by the State Congress subject to the approval of the National Secretariat.”

From the constitutional provisions, it is clear that the Committee is not in any materia particula answerable to any ‘Executive’ Committee member of the Council but the National Secretariat. And not to the already impeached Patrick-led Exco.

It is more worrisome that this so-called cut and join chairman is oblivious of the constitution he swore to defend. What do you expect of a place -holder chairman?

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More importantly, since the National Secretariat has communicated with the Committee to go ahead with its mandate, the outgoing ‘Executive’ Committee has no locus standi in the matter whatsoever.

It is also an irony to note that the outgoing Chairman and Secretary could shamelessly claim that our respected former Chairman of Council, Mr AMOS DUNIA took over proceedings of the Extraordinary Congress. Both officers are obviously having selective amnesia. It’s appears they forgot how they came cap-in-hand to beg former leaders to come to their rescue. What can be farther than the truth. Whereas, members were told at the beginning of the Monday Extraordinary Congress that the Committee of elders and former Chairmen of Council, mandated MR. DUNIA to conduct the affairs of the Congress following the VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE passed on the Patrick Osadebamwen-led Executive by the Congress the preceding Saturday.

It is really shameful that an Executive that was saved from being disgraced and booted out of office can still have the temerity to openly and outrightly dish out tissues of lies to the public. What a shame!

The question to ask remains, if Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU who has indicated interest in contesting the election, now want to act and take decisions on behalf of the National Secretariat.

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Members are aware of the antics and game being played to cover up shady deals perpetrated these past six years and we are watching.

We say NO to the attempt to usurp the constitutional role of the National Secretariat by Patrick Osadebamwen and OCHIAKA UGWU.

Enough is enough!

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#EndBadGovernance Protest: Reps Minority Caucus Demands Justice, Compensation for Victims Arrested

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…commend President Tinubu for swift intervention
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt intervention in securing the release of 76 young people who were arrested and charged with terrorism, treason, and arson after participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The Caucus praised the President’s directive, which led the Attorney-General of the Federation to take control of the case and ultimately withdraw the charges. The detained individuals, who were reportedly held for 95 days, have now been freed.
In a statement signed by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa and Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi, they expressed satisfaction with the President Tinubu’s responsiveness to public outcry and international pressure; the caucus however, stressed on the need for further actions to ensure accountability.
“We strongly call for an investigation, prosecution, and discipline of individuals and agencies involved in this despicable and inhuman act that has brought shame to our nation. Those responsible for the unjust detention of these children, keeping them away from school, work, and their families, must face the law,” the statement said.
The Minority Caucus also drew attention to the psychological and health impacts the children may have suffered during their detention, and urged the federal government to provide reformatory therapy and medical support for the victims as they reunite with their families.
In addition they called for compensation for the children and their families to address the emotional and financial hardships caused by their unlawful detention.
The Caucus hopes these measures will serve as a deterrent and ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
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NNPCL Debunks Video Claiming Sale Of Adulterated At Keffi Flyover Outlet

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed claims made in a viral video giving the idea that adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was been sold at one of its retail outlets.
The video reveals a person pouring a dark liquid, claimed to be PMS, and allegedly purchased from the NNPC Retail station at the Keffi Flyover.
In a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer,
NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, on Thursday in Abuja, he described the claim as false and clarified that its outlets do not dispense petroleum products into bottles or jerrycans, as depicted in the video.
Soneye reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining strict quality control measures and adherence to high standards to ensure safe and reliable products.
The statement reads: “We have carried out spot checks at all our outlets and found this claim to be false. The product was not, and could not have been bought from any NNPC Retail outlet as the company does not dispense petroleum products into bottles or jerrycans as displayed in the video.
“NNPC Retail Ltd does not deal in adulterated products as it adheres to rigorous standards and quality control measures at every stage in its operations,” said Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer for NNPCL”.
The NNPCL further urged the public to disregard the video and be cautious of individuals spreading false information.
“Members of the public should discountenance the spurious claims made in the video and be wary of selfish and unpatriotic elements pushing such narrative as they do not mean well for the country,” the statement added.
The Company reassured customers of its commitment to quality, and highlighted its dedication to ensuring accurate pump integrity through regular inspections and calibrations across all its stations nationwide.
This according to the CCO this underscores NNPCL’s commitment to delivering safe and high-quality petroleum products while upholding its reputation as a trusted supplier.
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