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Subsidy removal: Despite growing frustration, APC Governors back Tinubu
..NNPCL adopts average price of N500/litre
…Transportation costs hiked by over 50% in Lagos
…Increase in fuel price will accelerate inflation — NECA
…NLC rejects pricing template
By Ibiyemi Mathew
Governors under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind the decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy.
This is without recourse to the call by many Nigerians for the policy to be rolled out in stages in order to mitigate the effects.
Chairman of the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma made the declaration on Wednesday after meeting with the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
According to the new Chairman of the Progressives Governors forum, the main opposition presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and Peter Obi of Labour Party LP also made promises to remove the subsidy because it had generally become unsustainable.
Uzodinma noted that, “As a Forum, we are committed to the ideals of the government that is also our party. Because the Federal Government belongs to APC. It is an APC-led government and everything that is contained in the manifesto of our great party during our campaigns is meant to be done and carried out.
“On the issue of fuel subsidy, all the presidential candidates during the campaigns promised that they will remove fuel subsidy.
“The Buhari Government before they left, made us know that fuel subsidy was no longer sustainable. What we are talking about now is the implementation process. How to implement the programme in a manner that it will not be too hard on the people and I think the government is working on it.
“I have confidence in the ability of the current president to navigate through the waters and take decisions that will be to the best interest of our people and the country as a nation,” he said.
…As NNPCL adjusts petrol pump price
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed the adjustment of the market price for PMS.
NNPCL in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garba Deen Muhammad on Wednesday, said, “NNPC Limited wishes to inform our esteemed customers that we have adjusted our pump price of PMS across our retail outlets, in line with the current market realities.
“As we strive to provide you the quality service we are known for, it is pertinent to note that prices will continue to fluctuate to reflect market dynamics.
“We assure you that NNPC Ltd. is committed to ensuring ceaseless supply of products. The Company sincerely regrets any inconvenience this development might have caused.
“We greatly appreciate your continued patronage, support and understanding through this time of change and growth,”the statement read.
Based on the new price template, Nigerians will now be purchasing petrol at an average cost of 500/litre depending on the location they reside with Lagos State having the least price of N488 per litre while Maiduguri and Damaturu have the highest pump prices of N577 per litre.
The new NNPCL price template is applicable only to NNPCL retail outlets.
Transportation costs hiked by over 50% in Lagos
Meanwhile, commercial drivers in Lagos have increased the cost of transport fares due to the increase in petrol prices.
A commercial driver who spoke to journalists noted that a trip from the busy Eko Hotel roundabout in Victoria Island to CMS which would normally cost N200 will now go for N400.
Our reporters also gathered drivers now charge N800 – N1000 from Ogba to CMS/Eko which used to be N600.
Increase in fuel price will accelerate inflation — NECA
In response to the price hike of petroleum products, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has said that increase in pump price of fuel would further accelerate inflation, which would distort and destabilise economic activities.
Director General of NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, in a statement on Wednesday said that the increase would shrink private sector business capital and lower the real disposal income of the people.
‘’The inaugural address of the President on fuel subsidy has generated heated reaction, with fuel queues returning to the petrol station and the prices of goods and services increasing astronomically.
‘’The increase, if not well managed, could lead to an increase in the prices of goods and services with consequential effects on the purchasing power of the already impoverished Nigerian.
“No doubt therefore, the economy would contract in terms of growth; business activities will face serious backlash; and aggregate consumption will fall due to inflationary pressure,” he said.
The NECA boss said that, while it was desirable to remove the fuel subsidy, it was also important that the removal was systematically and strategically done.
As NLC rejects pricing template
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately instruct the Nigerian Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) to withdraw the just released pricing template to allow free flow of discussions by the parties.
The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made the call in a statement signed by him and made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ajaero said that the new pricing template is vexatious, an ambush and may scuttle its ongoing dialogue with the federal government.
According to Ajaero, government cannot in one breath be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of petroleum products.
“We are worried that the Government through the NNPC despite the ongoing meeting of stakeholders in the Oil and Gas sector to manage the unilateral.
“But unfortunate announcement by the President to withdraw subsidy on petroleum products, went ahead this morning to announce a new regime of prices under a new pricing template.
“This is an ambush and runs against the spirit and principles of Social Dialogue which remains the best platform available for the resolution of all the issues arising out of the petroleum Down-stream sector.
“This negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market unless the government has, as usual, usurped, captured or become market forces. It is therefore unacceptable and we seriously condemn it. Good faith negotiation is key to reaching agreement,” he said.
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Daura meeting: Mixed reactions trail Atiku, El-Rufai, Ali Modu Sheriff’s visit to Buhari’s residence
…Visit, an attempt to build northern alliance, unseat Tinubu in 2027 — Shehu Sani
…Nigerians must shine their eyes, reject regrouping of criminals, those who caused us pain — Ex-CAN boss, Hayab
…Meeting unfortunate if it has any connection with 2027 — Activist Abdul Bako
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the visit of Northern politicians to Former President, Muhammadu Buhari at his Daura residence in Katsina state.
President Buhari received the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Alh. Atiku Abubakar, accompanied by the former Governor of Sokoto state, Alh. Aminu Tambuwal, former National Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Tsauri, party stakeholders and his supporters on Saturday.
Also, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai and former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff visited Buhari on Sunday and Monday respectively in Daura.
The visit according to the politicians was a Sallah homage and to congratulate the statesman for successful celebration of the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir festivity, a meeting that observers said has connection with synergy for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development amongst many Nigerians, the Senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani alleged that Northern politicians are trying to build a strong alliance using Buhari as a rallying point to challenge and evict President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Sani said that the recent visit only appears to be the usual Eid homage, meanwhile it is a platform to resurrect Buhari’s political charm, fanaticism, stock up and light up the Arewa sentiment and thereafter mobilise the gullible to another hollow without considering the inferno it would eventually generate.
The Lawmaker who condemned Northern politicians on what he tagged ‘obsession to power’ accused the Buhari’s administration of gross incompetence, stressing that the former president, though a Northerner left the region worse than he met it, adding that poverty and insecurity was at its peak than anytime in Nigeria’s history while he was in power.
“The recent visits by some prominent Northern politicians to Daura appears to be the Usual Eid homage. But looking deeper and beyond the facade, it’s surreptitiously a new attempt to build a strong northern alliance using ex President Buhari as a rallying point to challenge and evict President Tinubu’s Government in 2027. It is a regrouping of Northern political forces for the next general election. A project that will eventually kiss the dust.
“They want to resurrect Buhari’s political charm, fanaticism and mobilise the gullible to another hollow and bewildering end. They want to stock up and light up the Arewa sentiment without considering the inferno it would eventually generate. Thesame Buhari that led Nigeria for eight years and left the North worse than he met it.
“It’s too early to forget. By the time he left power, poverty and insecurity was at its peak than at anytime in Nigeria’s history. They had power and wasted it; what do they want to do with it again?
“A Southerner is in power just for one year. It’s too early for the desperate and power hungry northern elite to start plotting. The south never did that to Buhari. Their intended action has the capacity of ruining the democratic process and wrecking the fragile unity of the country when the south is awakened to this reality.
“Their obsession with power is condemnable.Opposition to Tinubu from the point of policies, promises and programs of his administration is a democratic right of any Nigerian. People have the right to speak and criticise the Government.
“But attempts to whip up Northern sentiments to achieve their political ends is a dangerous political experiment and expedition at this material time. No serious southerner challenged Buhari for eight years; these power drunk Northern politicians are dragging the region to a new political journey through a land mine.
“Buhari’s reign ensured nepotistical placement, installation and dominance of Northerners at strategic positions of authority and power for eight years. Results had shown that they only enriched themselves, pillaged the economy of the country and pauperized our country.
“The Daura homage of the disgruntled and the obsessed will fail. Our people in the North should reject these faces and their plots.They have nothing to offer. From the abandoned Baro Port, Ajaokuta, Lake Chad basin refiling and Mambilla hydro power, they failed. They came to power when the North was in the hands of terrorists and left it in the joint hands of terrorists and Bandits. The Northern Talakawa should reject their antics,” Shehu Sani said.
Speaking with our Kaduna Correspondent on Monday in Kaduna, the immediate past chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Kaduna state Chapter, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab opined that there is nothing wrong with paying Sallah homage, meanwhile he stated that everything is wrong if it has a political undertone.
Hayab who also doubles as the Country Director for Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, (GPFN) likened politicians as friends in the time of interest who only try to confuse Nigerians as though they are enemies when they do not have anything in common to share.
The cleric who urged Nigerians to shine their eyes against regrouping criminals and those who had caused the nation pains, explained that Nigeria belongs to everybody and not a few who always want to hold her to ransom.
He said, “People who have caused us pain always gang up when it comes to politics. The same gang of criminals who have no interest in the Nation at heart. They only disagree when they are looking for what they want to get for themselves.
“As a nation, we must try to shine our eyes and differentiate between those who love us and those who do not love us. They do not even love Buhari but they want to ride on his name for their selfish interest.
“It is not wrong to pay Sallah visit but wrong when there is a political undertone. Nigerians have suffered in the hands of few people who gang up when they want something to share. We must not give them the opportunity again,” Hayab added.
Meanwhile, the National President, Campaign for Democracy, a Rights Activist and Social Crusader, Comrade Abdul Bako Usman stated that if the meeting is for the actualisation of 2027 then the gesture is rather unfortunate.
Speaking with our Kaduna Correspondent via phone conversation, Abdul reiterated that North has been in jeopardy for years without the politicians meeting with the likes of Former Heads of state: Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida among other Northern elites for synergy to proffer lasting solution to the issues of insecurity and multidimensional poverty bedevilling the region for decades.
Bako said, “It is very important for leaders to meet and strategise on ways to move their region forward, but if it at all the meeting has anything to do with 2027 then it is very unfortunate.
“Because it will be good if that alliance has to do with tackling insecurity, multidimensional poverty in the north. But if they are coming together in working with synergy to the actualisation of 2027 or for political reasons then it’s quite unfortunate because the north has been in jeopardy for long but none of them have gone to meet former presidents like, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“So, going to see Buhari if it’s for political reasons then it’s rather unfortunate.”
It is important to note that northern elites over time accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of marginalisation, saying that they will prioritise someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country.
One of those critics are the Northern Elders Forum, (NEF) who said that they regretted voting for president Tinubu’s emergence in the 2023 general elections and will not support his reelection in 2027.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has been unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, following a meeting of the 16 governors in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The position became vacant after the passing of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in 2023.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced the decision, citing the forum’s confidence in Abiodun’s leadership abilities. Abiodun expressed gratitude for the opportunity, promising to lead with inclusiveness and efficiency.
He also pledged to work closely with his Vice, Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, to address regional interests and drive development in the southern region.
The emergence of Abiodun as Chairman marks a new chapter for the Southern Governors’ Forum, as the region seeks to tackle pressing issues and promote collective growth.
According to him, “This is indeed a significant honour bestowed on me by my esteemed colleagues, and I deeply appreciate their confidence in my leadership. Together, we will strive to ensure quality governance across our states and collectively engender exceptional regional development throughout Southern Nigeria.
“I also extend my congratulations to my colleague, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, who has been elected as the Vice Chairman.”
Among those present were Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Alex Otti of Abia State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Also in attendance were Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, the deputy governor of Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, and the deputy governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami.
The meeting was convened to discuss crucial matters affecting their respective states and the nation at large.
By Omobolaji Adekunle, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government has confirmed 25 suspected cases of cholera, with one death, across seven local government areas.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, stated this at a press conference in Abeokuta the state capital urging the public to report suspected cases to the Ministry.
The affected LGAs are Ado Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode. Nine cases have been confirmed, with one death recorded.
The State Community Health unit is on red alert, and the Ministry is coordinating the outbreak response with other stakeholders.
Treatment for Cholera is free in all public health facilities, and rapid response teams are prepared to respond to calls on short notice.
The Commissioner advised the public to be vigilant, especially in border areas with Lagos State, the epicentre of the cholera outbreak.
The Environment Commissioner, Mr. Ola Oresanya, announced that the State government has constructed over 60 public toilets and improved waste management collection.
The Education Commissioner, represented by Mr. Oluwole Majekodunmi, urged school administrators to ensure hygienic food and proper handwashing practices.
Contact lines for suspected cases: 08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881.
Court adjourns Emefiele’s trial till October 21
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