News

Oronsaye report implementation not abandoned — FG

Published

11 months ago

June 3, 2024

The Federal Government, on Sunday, restated its commitment to the implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye report aimed at reducing the cost of governance through merging, scrapping and relocating departments and agencies.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke to The PUNCH on Sunday, said work was still in progress on the report.

Idris said, “There is a progress on it. You recall it (the report) was handed to a special committee to review. That committee is still working on it. Once it is ready, it will be presented to the government.”

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the committee was working within the 12-week deadline, which had not lapsed.

“It is still in progress. I believe you are aware that Akume’s committee was directed by the president to look into the report. They have not reported back to the FEC.

“The Federal Government has not put it on hold. It is something that is still on the table. Let us just wait for the Akume panel to finish working on the report,” Onanuga said.

The 800-page Oronsaye report recommended that of the 541 statutory and non-statutory Federal Government parastatals, agencies, and commissions, 263 statutory agencies should be reduced to 161, 38 agencies abolished, 52 agencies merged, and 14 other ones should revert to departments in ministries.

Though the report was submitted to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan by the then Head of the Civil Service, Oronsaye in 2014, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, rejected most of the recommendations.

In 2021, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari came up with a different approach by establishing two committees to review the report and the government’s white paper. While the second committee was to review MDAs established between 2014 and 2022, the former was headed by former Head of Service, Bukar Aji, and the latter by Ama Pepple.

In 2022, another white paper committee was created by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Boss Mustapha, to examine the report of the Ama Pepple-led committee headed by Ebele Okeke. At the end of the drama, there was nothing to show that the Buhari administration was determined to implement until it left office.

In February 2024, the administration of President Bola Tinubu launched interest in the report and by March 8, the president set up an eight-member committee to look at the report, the White Paper and recommend its implementation and report back in 12 weeks.

The committee has the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume as chairman; Head of the Civil Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; and Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi; Director-General of Bureau of Public Service Reform, Dasuki Arabi; among others as members.

News

Osun PDP Reps Dismiss Defection Claims, Pledge Support for Adeleke

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Eight out of the nine Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members representing Osun State in the House of Representatives have firmly restated their loyalty to the party and Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, distancing themselves from recent defection claims.

Their stance follows public comments by Rep. Busayo Oluwole Oke, who recently exited the PDP and hinted that other members of the Osun caucus were poised to follow his lead.

In a joint statement released in Abuja on Friday, the lawmakers which include Reps Bamidele Salam, Ajilesoro Abimbola Taofeek, Mudashiru Lukman Alani, Akanni Clement Ademola, Omirin Emmanuel Olusanya, Adewale Moruf Adebayo, Adetunji Abidemi Olusoji, and Oladebo Lanre Omoleye—made it clear they remain committed to the PDP and its leadership in the state.

They described Oke’s exit as unsurprising, pointing to what they called his long-standing pattern of defiance, public criticism of the party, and antagonism towards the Adeleke-led government.

The lawmakers labelled his defection as an act of ingratitude, given the political opportunities the PDP had afforded him over the years, and cautioned him against spreading misleading narratives aimed at courting favour within his new political camp.

“The defection of our colleague, Hon. Wole Oke, is a personal decision that holds no bearing on the stability or cohesion of the PDP in Osun.

“The remaining eight members of the caucus remain fully committed to the ideals and leadership of the party,” the statement read.

The caucus further praised Governor Adeleke for his “forthright, competent, and equitable” leadership since assuming office, stating that his administration has ensured the fair distribution of democratic dividends across all parts of Osun State.

“The achievements of Governor Adeleke are visible across all sectors — education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.

“His governance style continues to inspire confidence within the party and among the people of Osun,” the lawmakers added.

They lawmakers acknowledged the Governor’s role as the undisputed leader of the party in the state, and credited his inclusive approach for the ongoing unity and strength of the PDP in Osun.

They further pledged their continued support for his administration at both state and federal levels.

The PDP lawmakers assured constituents that their collective mandate remains intact and that they remain undeterred in their commitment to delivering on their legislative responsibilities and party obligations.

The caucus also called on party faithful across the state to remain steadfast and focused, urging them not to be swayed by political distractions.

They affirmed that the PDP remains the most viable platform for sustainable development in Osun.

As the political landscape continues to evolve in anticipation of future elections, the Osun PDP Caucus reiterated its readiness to defend the party’s legacy and ensure that the people of Osun continue to benefit from democratic governance under PDP leadership.

News

Kalu Rallies South East to Embrace Centre for Greater National Gains

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…as he unveils Renewed Hope Partners in Umuahia

…seek federal projects to boost regional economy

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has urged the South East to forge stronger political alignment with the federal government, stressing that such synergy is key to unlocking greater development opportunities for the region.

Kalu made this call on Thursday in Umuahia, Abia State, during the formal launch of Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a political and development-oriented platform tailored to advance the second-term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Describing the RHP as a strategic tool, Kalu explained that it would serve to bridge national policies with regional priorities, ensuring that the South East fully benefits from the federal government’s agenda.

Speaking to a crowd of stakeholders and supporters, the Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, cited various achievements under the current administration, particularly in the South East, and reassured the people of the government’s continued commitment to infrastructure, economic inclusion, and stability.

He called on the federal government to prioritize key developmental projects in the region, including the construction of a gas pipeline to support industrial growth, the dredging of the Onitsha River to revive inland water transport and trade, and the expansion of the Onne port to ease logistics and boost economic activities across the South.

Kalu urged the region to leverage its collective strength and re-engage with the centre for long-term relevance and impact, noting that the time had come for strategic partnership over political isolation.

He said: “As we approach the midpoint of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, the South East must align decisively with the centre. The Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) is a formidable vehicle that is demonstrating our seriousness for this cause by translating the national achievements of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration into regional gains, and by delivering the majority of votes in the South East geopolitical zone for our dear President in 2027.

“My dear Ndi Igbo, the time for token support has passed. The President’s leadership has fundamentally improved our economy, empowered our youth, and begun to bridge the development gap in our zone. Now, RHP must channel these achievements into electoral victories, ensuring the South East sits at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed hope, as we expect more from the current administration. By embedding these structures, strategies, and ambassadors into every household conversation, Renewed Hope Partners will transform policy wins into popular mandate, guaranteeing that the South East not only benefits from but also drives the continuity of this administration.”

To ultimately achieve the mission, Kalu explained that RHP will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to South East Development Commission (SEDC) outreach teams to turn policy wins into grassroots programs.

“We will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to SEDC outreach teams, turning policy wins into grassroots programs. Align each of the seven pillars with local town-hall campaigns, ensuring every citizen sees the direct benefits of President Tinubu’s agenda,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted several milestones recorded under President Tinubu’s administration, including proposed investments totalling $50.8 billion, a rise in national revenues to over ₦9.1 trillion within the first half of 2024, and a GDP growth rate pegged at 3.4% for the year.

He also pointed to a sharp rise in foreign remittances, which reportedly hit $23.4 billion—marking a 61.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Referencing the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, Kalu noted that the shift is expected to reduce the country’s petrol import bill by over ₦2 trillion monthly.

He said: “In 2024, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received. This substantial growth, exceeding $4.22 billion through International Money Transfer Operators between January and October, represents a 61.1% year-on-year increase.

“President Bola Tinubu has so far attracted proposed investments worth $50.8 billion into the country, according to ongoing compilation by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment—evidence that investors trust President Tinubu’s vision.

“The Compressed Natural Gas initiative will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports. One million low-cost conversion kits are currently being distributed.”

Kalu emphasized that the re-commencement of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor, will ultimately link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput.

He also underscored the importance of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), established in July 2024, with a constituted board and executive management team.

“President Tinubu has recommitted to finishing the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor. Once operational, it will link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput.

“The SEDC’s “Triple-R” mandate (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Reintegration) is already off to a great start with steps taken under the able leadership of the commission’s board with its recent MOU signing with the UNDP for a South East Integrated Development Masterplan”, Kalu said.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted several other initiatives, including the construction of housing units, fertilizer distribution, and mechanized equipment for farmers.

“The first 3,112 housing units in Karsana will soon be completed. Six geopolitical-zone cities and 36 state-level estates will deliver over 100,000 homes, generating tens of thousands of construction jobs across Nigeria”, he added.

Kalu appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize several high-impact interventions, including constructing key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East, supporting capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, and dredging and rehabilitating the Onitsha River.

“To leverage the South East’s comparative strengths and fast-track President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government can seize the following high-impact interventions to accelerate the construction of key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East to spur industrialization in Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, ensuring affordable compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and industrial feedstock reach transport hubs, agro-processors, and SMEs.

“Support further capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, reinforcing the zone’s energy security and creating thousands of construction and operations jobs.

“Green-light urgent dredging and wharf rehabilitation, linking the Niger inland waterway to regional and international trade routes. Fast-track the Onne container-terminal upgrade under the Port Harcourt corridor plan, integrating South East logistics with South-South hubs.

“Identify and develop sea-ports at Bonny/Opobo and Bakassi to relieve Lagos congestion and unlock export pathways for South East agricultural and manufactured goods”, Kalu said.

News

Spanish police arrest mother over sale of newborn baby for $2,300

Published

5 hours ago

April 25, 2025

ADMIN

Spanish police said Friday they had nabbed a woman who allegedly sold her newborn baby girl to a couple undergoing fertility treatments for 2,000 euros ($2,300).

Officers arrested the 37-year-old last month in Mostoles, a southern suburb of Madrid, a police statement said. The couple suspected of buying the baby and two of their relatives were detained in the southern city of Cordoba.

A preliminary investigation concluded the woman “reached an economic deal” to give her newborn baby for 2,000 euros to the couple, but then “regretted selling her daughter” and asked to get her back.

The couple refused to return the baby unless the woman returned the money they had paid, plus another 1,000 euros to cover various expenses the woman said she had incurred during the month she spent with them in Cordoba before giving birth.

Police said they began investigating after the woman filed a complaint alleging that a family in Cordoba had “kidnapped” her newborn baby.

The baby was turned over to a child protection centre in Cordoba. The authorities had in 2022 removed the woman’s six other children from her custody, accusing her of neglect, police said.