News
Senate suspends budget defence over arson, looting
Senate Committee on Interior has suspended its budget defence over the violent attacks, massive destruction and looting by hoodlums across the country.
The Federal Fire Service and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had appeared before the committee to present their expenditure on the ongoing 2020 budget and defend their proposal for the 2021 budget.
But shortly after the meeting started, Senator George Sekibo (PDP) Rivers East raised a point of order and informed the Senate that the two agencies are critical to restoring law and order in the territory and other parts of the country.
He, therefore, said that they should be excused from the meeting and allowed to go and carry out their constitutional mandate in order to restore peace and order.
This view was supported by other members of the committee and the Chairman of the committee, Senator Kashim Shetimma, ruled in favour of the motion and directed that the two agencies should return to their jobs.
“This budget defence is hereby stepped down,” Shetimma ruled.
Sekibo had argued that like other public property, the offices of the agencies had come under attack by hoodlums.
He stressed the need for the agencies to have the full complement of its entire manpower to be able to handle the situation.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Kashim Shetimma, who spoke with journalists later, said the attention of the paramilitary personnel was needed to stop the breakdown of law and order in the country.
He said, “Those paramilitary organizations such as the Federal Fire Service and the civil defence submitted their budgets containing details of expenditure; we have received them and will subject them to public scrutiny and when the need arises, we will call them back to shed more light.
“In the light of the growing challenges and the issue of the pandemic, we felt compelled not to dissipate their useful time and energy answering a lot of questions from us.
“If there is a need for them to appear before us as we said earlier, we will call them back and subject them to scrutiny.
“We have the budget and there are explanations on how the funds are expended. If we want additional information, we will inquire from them but right now, some of their organisations are being attacked; some of their offices were burnt down. So how do you expect us to hold them to ransom here while there are needs for them to attend to outside.
“There are no compelling issues to hold them here.”
News
NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, marketers deny allegations
NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, marketers deny allegations
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has attributed the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country to panic buying and sharp practices by some petroleum marketers. However, petroleum marketers have refuted these claims, asserting that inadequate supply is the primary reason for the persistent scarcity.
The NNPC has assured the public that fuel queues across the country will dissipate by next week, affirming that it possesses sufficient fuel reserves to resolve the scarcity issue. This statement comes in response to concerns raised by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other stakeholders regarding the scarcity of petroleum products.
Earlier assurances from the NNPC spokesperson, Femi Soneye, indicated that the corporation had over 1.5 billion litres of petroleum products available, enough to last for at least 30 days. However, some individuals were allegedly exploiting the situation for profit.
Despite these assurances, petroleum marketers argue that they are not responsible for the persistent fuel scarcity, as they are not the importers of petrol. According to the National Vice President of IPMAN, Hammed Fashola, blaming marketers for hoarding petrol is unfounded, as they can only divert the product if it is available.
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Furthermore, Chinedu Ukadike, the National Public Relations Officer of IPMAN, emphasized that independent marketers operate their businesses to maximize profit and return on investment. He highlighted the challenges faced by marketers in ensuring product availability and dismissed allegations of sharp practices.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, acknowledged the existence of sharp practices within the oil sector but argued that it is too simplistic to attribute the fuel scarcity solely to such practices.
To address the fuel scarcity effectively, stakeholders emphasize the need for increased distribution of petroleum products by regulatory authorities. They also call for the involvement of security agencies to deter profiteering and ensure fair distribution to consumers across the country.
NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, marketers deny allegations
News
Lagos issues 48hr quit notice to Ikoyi Towers’ illegal squatters
Lagos issues 48hr quit notice to Ikoyi Towers’ illegal squatters
Lagos State Government has issued a 48 hours ultimatum to illegal squatters at abandoned Ikoyi Towers, Lagos Island to evacuate.
The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the notice on Saturday, during an inspection of some identified sites, including the abandoned Federal Government property, Ikoyi Towers.
The Ikoyi Towers, located behind the abandoned Federal Secretariat, Ikoyi, comprise of three blocks of 12 floors, tagged: A, B and C.
Wahab said the quit notice has become necessary to protect lives which is the primary function of any responsible and responsive government.
According to him, “Apart from constituting an environmental nuisance, they are security risk to the state which can be used as hideouts for criminal elements to perpetrate their nefarious acts.
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“Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is passionate about the well-being and safety of all citizens and would spare nothing to ensure these ate achieved.”
The occupants of the building, who are largely security personnel, appealed to the commissioner to give more time inorder to make proper arrangement for relocation as they have no place to go immediately.
One of the occupants, who simply identified himself as Mallam Abubakar, from Ilorin, Kwara State, said he is a Police Spy, and moved into the building in November 2023.
According to Abubakar,”The agent collected N200, 000, one off rent from each of the occupant, numbering hundreds of us.
“We have our families here. Our children are in schools. Where do we go from here? Government should have compassion on us this harsh economy.”
Lagos issues 48hr quit notice to Ikoyi Towers’ illegal squatters
News
Give Nigerians affordable, quality vehicles, Tinubu challenges auto manufacturers
Give Nigerians affordable, quality vehicles, Tinubu challenges auto manufacturers
President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association to devise ways of producing vehicles that would be affordable for all categories of Nigerians.
He said this is necessary as the government rolls out consumer credit for millions of Nigerians to purchase vehicles and other important goods and services.
He also urged the delegation to ensure that locally manufactured vehicles are of the highest standard that would stand the test of time, and complement the government’s efforts in revitalising the automotive industry.
Tinubu said this when he received a delegation of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association in Aso Rock presidential villa on Friday, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale.
The President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, met the members led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Friday in Abuja.
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The delegation had earlier notified the President of their efforts to start manufacturing vehicle and spare parts in Nigeria.
He said that a legislative bill to drive the automotive industry was being drafted and reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
They emphasised the need to develop the industry, which would create massive employment for youths and ease the burden on the much-needed foreign exchange.
The delegation consisted of the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Oluwemimo Osanipin.
Others are the representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), as well as Executive Directors of Stallion Group, Toyota/CEAO and NISSAN.
Give Nigerians affordable, quality vehicles, Tinubu challenges auto manufacturers
(NAN)
NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, marketers deny allegations
FG threatens to stop funding tertiary institutions with poor performance
Don’t impose assistants on Finidi — Udeze warns NFF
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