News
Ndume Under Fire for Sharing Video of Nigerians Waiting for Palliatives at Tinubu’s Residence
A video shared by Senator Ali Ndume of Nigerians queuing for palliatives at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence has sparked widespread reactions. The footage, posted on December 25, 2024, highlights an issue that has become a point of contention: the persistent poverty faced by millions of Nigerians.
During a media chat on December 23, President Tinubu revealed that he has been distributing food palliatives from his Lagos residence for over 25 years. He emphasized that this long-standing tradition has always been orderly and without incidents of stampedes or fatalities.
This declaration came as a response to recent tragedies where palliative distributions in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states resulted in stampedes, causing multiple deaths. Tinubu blamed the lack of proper organization by the event planners in those states for the chaos.
On Christmas Eve, Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, shared a video on social media depicting a large queue of Nigerians at Tinubu’s house waiting for food handouts. Ndume wrote beside the video:
“Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality: Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions.”
While Ndume’s statement intended to draw attention to the realities of poverty, it was met with mixed reactions, sparking both criticism and support.
The video and Ndume’s accompanying remarks have triggered a wave of responses, particularly on social media. Supporters of Tinubu defended his actions, while others questioned Ndume’s motives.
One Twitter user, Segun, commented:
“He [Tinubu] has been feeding people for over two decades, even before becoming president. This is nothing new.”
In contrast, another commenter, Noik, criticized Ndume’s actions:
“You are a disappointment. Using this to target the president is disloyal and counterproductive.”
Others defended Tinubu’s charitable efforts, likening them to similar initiatives by influential figures across Nigeria. However, critics argued that the incident reflects a failure to address the root causes of poverty in the country.
Ndume’s post has reignited discussions about poverty and the inefficiencies in palliative distribution. While Tinubu’s generosity is commendable, the reliance on handouts underscores systemic challenges:
Worsening Poverty: Many Nigerians continue to struggle with basic necessities, relying on charitable efforts for survival.
Tragic Stampedes: Recent incidents in Abuja and other states highlight the urgent need for better planning and distribution systems.
Political Undertones: Ndume’s post has been interpreted by some as a politically motivated critique of Tinubu’s administration, further fueling partisan debates.
Senator Ndume’s video has drawn attention to the stark realities of poverty in Nigeria and sparked a heated debate about the effectiveness of palliative distributions.
While President Tinubu’s charitable efforts reflect his commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians, the incident highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address poverty at its root.
Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, the Chief of Staff to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, is dead.
He passed away on Saturday morning, December 28, 2024.
He will be buried today at his home on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, after the Asr prayer.
The governor and others have sent their sympathies to his family and loved ones.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye confirmed the development also confirmed in a statement.
The statement said: “In total submission to the will of Allaah, we regret to announce the passing of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe.
“He died this morning, December 28, 2024, as has been destined by Allaah.
“The late CoS will be buried today at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, after the Asr prayer.
His Excellency deeply mourns the death of Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant, and a statesman.
“The governor commiserates with the Emir of Ilorin, Alh. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the immediate family of Prince AbdulKadir; government establishments; and cabinet members.
“We ask for the understanding of everyone at this mournful period as the government and family mourn the quintessential public servant.
“We pray that Allaah accept his return, ease his accounts, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and uphold his family upon goodness
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced planned power outages in certain areas this weekend to allow for maintenance work on its transmission equipment.
According to a statement by the General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, the exercise is aimed at ensuring better service delivery.
On Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Gwagwalada and nearby communities will experience a temporary power outage. This is to allow engineers to perform maintenance on a 60MVA transformer and related switchgear at the Gwagwalada Transmission Substation.
Similarly, on Sunday, December 29, 2024, power will be interrupted in several areas, including Wuye, EFCC, Federal Medical Centre, Coca-Cola, Idu Railway Station, Citec, and Life Camp. The outage will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as engineers carry out work on another 60MVA transformer at the Kukwaba Transmission Substation.
In the statement, TCN apologized for the inconvenience caused by the outages and sought the understanding of affected customers. It emphasized the importance of the maintenance work to ensure the power equipment functions optimally. “TCN apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause, especially during the end-of-year season. However, it is important that maintenance is carried out as scheduled for optimal performance of power equipment,” the statement read.
* As train is delayed, NRC officials demand tickets
By Emmanuel Agaji
The much publicised tree train ride for passengers travelling to different destinations along the Itakpe/ Warri route may be a hoax as officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) at Itakpe, Kogi State, demand e-tickets and other evidence of payment for the trip.
Naojablitznews observed that upon arrival at the train station, travellers are accosted by the train operators to show their tickets to confirm their booking for the ride.
When a passenger shows his ticket, he is allowed to move into the Departure Lounge while those who had arrived on the assumption that the train ride was free are shoved aside , told to write down their names on a sheet of paper and stay under a canopy until those who paid for the trip have been allocated seats on the train.
The Federal Government had, a few days ago announced that Nigerians will enjoy free train rides during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The government also announced that transportation by road would be subsidised up to fifty per cent. However, these promises appear to have been mere propaganda.
The situation has left many travellers confused and stranded especially as
the train which ought to take off from Itakpe at t 2 pm on Saturday has not shown up at the station as at 3.16 pm.
Hundreds of passengers are currently stranded and waiting under the scorching heat of the sun as officials continue their discriminatory admission of passengers into the Departure Lounge.
There are fears that the train may not hit the station until about 4 pm and many passengers may not have space on it because of the perceived underhand dealings by the train officials.
While the officials of the Itakpe Train Station continue to plead for understanding over the delay of the train, their emphasis has been on how to cater for those who booked online for the trip and very little or no emphasis is made to reassure those who came for the free ride announced by the Federal Government that they were at the right place.
More details later
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