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Nigerians shun bread, pastries as prices continue to soar

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By Francesca Hangeior

Some consumers of confectionaries in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, have stopped buying bread, meat pies and other pastries, due to continuous hike in price of the commodities.

According to the consumers, the increasing cost of food commodities had forced them to seek alternatives for breakfast.

Mrs Ada Christopher, a mother of four, said the price of bread had persistently increased and was almost unaffordable for the average Nigerian.

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She said that although her children loved to eat bread with tea for breakfast but could not afford it any longer as a big loaf costs between N1,700 and N2,000.

Christopher said a medium size loaf costs between N1,200 and N1,500 at a popular bakery in the area.

“I have four children and we buy two loaves of bread every day before now, but I had to reduce to buying thrice a week when it became N1,000 per loaf.

“With the latest price, I don’t think it is sustainable and we have to look for something else as an alternative for breakfast.”

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Christopher added that pastries such as egg/fish rolls and meat pies, which could serve as fast foods have also become out of reach as such cost more than N500.

Christopher attributed the cost on the constant rise of flour and other baking essentials in the market, which she added, must be the reason bakers kept increasing the price.

Similarly, another consumer, Mrs Patricia Amos, said that she had tagged bread, cakes and other pastries as luxuries because they cost too much to afford.

Amos, who said that she had a large family, added that buying bread for her family every day would cost her a fortune because she would buy two or more loaves.

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She added that although foodstuff had increased in price, she would rather look for alternative foods to serve as breakfast for her family.

“I now go for alternatives like pap, moi-moi, bambara nut commonly called ‘okpa’ and sweet potatoes to replace bread with tea for my family.

However, Mr Shadrach Ayani, a baker, told NAN that the hike in price was not deliberate as it was done according to the price of flour, sugar and other major ingredients of baking.

He attributed the unstable price change to economic inflation and other constraints toward getting the products at a favourable price.

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“You know most baking ingredients are imported and it is usually affected by the global wheat price increase, transportation and logistics challenges within Nigeria.

“The rise in exchange rate is further straining both small and larger bakeries and no consumer wants to buy and eat bread that is not rich or nutritious.

“Everyone wants soft, sweet and fresh bread and to get this preference, it is difficult to find cheaper ways to produce a good bread or pastry that can sell well, so the ingredients are quite essential,” he said.

Ayani said that although his bakery had reduced the quantity of bread it produced weekly because of a drop in patronage.

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He, however, added that it was not so much that the bakery would stop production.

“Some days, you bake and bread remains for three-four days on the shelf and we are forced to take them off because they may get spoilt.

“So, we just reduce the quantity we produce so we don’t run at a loss, but we will continue to produce for our retail partners and few consumers.”

He prayed that the situation would come to an end soonest while advising consumers to ensure they patronise good and hygienic confectionaries and desist from patronising cheap and substandard foods

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Just in: Shettima jets out to attend Senegal’s independence

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal for official assignment.

The VP is expected to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the West African nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Senegal marks its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960.

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The annual celebration is a significant event featuring national parades, cultural displays, and ceremonies highlighting the country’s achievements and unity.

A statement issued on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s participation followed an official invitation from Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This underscored the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Senegal.

The two nations share longstanding relations, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering cooperation on regional security, trade, and development initiatives.

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The event is expected to reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.

Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the one-day celebrations, continuing his engagements in national development and diplomatic outreach.

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Just in: “Ignore rumour mongers, there was no time I collapsed “-Wike asserts

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Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike on Thursday dismissed social media reports that he collapsed last week, describing the reports as the handiwork of rumour mongers trying to score cheap political points.

Wike spoke after he inspected four ongoing projects in the territory, including the International Conference Centre ICC.

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CJ transfers Natasha’s case to Justice Nyako

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The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others to Justice Binta Nyako.

The case, which was initially handled by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, will now be heard afresh by Justice Nyako following Egwuatu’s withdrawal from the matter. His decision came after allegations of bias were reportedly raised by Akpabio, the third defendant in the suit.

Justice Egwuatu withdrew from the case on March 25, citing concerns over judicial integrity.

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“Justice is rooted in confidence in the court. Once a litigant expresses his belief that there is bias or likelihood of bias on the part of the judge, it will not be in the interest of justice for the judge to continue,” he stated.

He forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had filed the lawsuit to halt an investigation into her alleged misconduct by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. She had sought an interim injunction to prevent the committee from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her.

Justice Egwuatu previously issued an order on March 4 declaring Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate null and void. However, on March 19, he set aside a portion of his ruling after hearing arguments from both sides. The Senate had filed a motion urging the court to vacate the order, arguing that it interfered with its legislative duties and could lead to a constitutional crisis.

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During legal proceedings, the Senate’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, argued that the court’s order restrained the Senate from fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa, opposed the motion, describing it as a disregard for the court’s authority. He urged the court to dismiss the Senate’s application and take disciplinary action against the defendants for contempt.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also filed a contempt charge, asserting that her suspension was a deliberate violation of the court’s interim injunction. She maintained that the court’s directive was duly served on the defendants, but they proceeded with actions in defiance of the ruling.

Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants the National Assembly the authority to manage its internal affairs, including disciplining its members. However, this power is not unlimited. It must be exercised in accordance with constitutional provisions, due process, and the rule of law.

The principle of separation of powers, outlined in Section 4 for the legislature, Section 6 for the judiciary, and Section 5 for the executive, ensures that each arm of government functions independently without interference. However, courts have the authority to review legislative actions if they infringe on fundamental rights or violate existing laws.

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Judicial rulings have established that while legislatures hold disciplinary authority, their actions must align with the principles of natural justice, particularly the right to a fair hearing, as outlined in Section 36 of the Constitution. The outcome of this case could clarify the extent of legislative immunity and determine whether courts can override Senate disciplinary actions when due process is at stake.

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