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Attempts to legalise power rotation suffered setback

Published

2 years ago

September 28, 2022

Attempts to legalise power rotation in the country, specifically across the six geo-political zones, yesterday, suffered a setback in Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Patrick Abba Moro, was to pass second reading after his lead debate, but was vehemently opposed by many of the senators who contributed.

Moro had, in his lead debate on the piece of legislation entitled: “A bill for an Act to Provide for the Rotation of Power and for other related matters there in 2022,” said there was need for a law to legalise rotation of power across the various geographical divides in the country.

He posited that such a legislation, if passed into law, would not only promote the principles of equity, fairness and justice among the various geographical divides, but also ensure sense of belonging required for nationhood of a heterogeneous country like Nigeria.

He said: “If there is a law on power rotation in Nigeria, it will help to ameliorate the squabble for power, particularly the presidency across the various six geo-political zones and also promote unity in the country.”

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However, in their contributions, senators, one after the other, kicked against the bill on the grounds that it was running against the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Bala Ibn Na’ Allah from Kebbi State, who released the first salvo, said the bill should have been presented as one seeking for amendment of relevant provisions of the constitution and not just one seeking for legislation from the Senate or by extension, the National Assembly.

He said: “In as much as it is good for power to rotate across the various divides in the country, none of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, gives room for that because it throws such privilege open to all Nigerians at all times.

“Without legislation or law on power rotation, a minority like former president Goodluck Jonathan became president of this country few years back just as we have a minority in person of our revered president of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, leading the 9th Senate.

“So, I don’t think there is any need for a specific law to be put in place for power rotation and even if any move is to be made in that direction, it has to be through constitution amendment.”

Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege also kicked against the bill by making similar submissions like Na’Allah. This prompted Moro to hurriedly withdraw the bill through Order 42 of the Senate standing rules.

Sun

News

Updated: NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, hoarding, marketers disagree

Published

8 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Trends Admin

Updated: NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, hoarding, marketers disagree

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country to panic buying and sharp practices by some petroleum marketers. But the marketers have refuted the claim, asserting that inadequate supply is the primary cause of the persistent scarcity.

The NNPCL assured the public that the fuel queues across the country would disappear by next week.

It stressed that it had sufficient fuel reserves to resolve the scarcity issue. This statement came in response to concerns raised by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other stakeholders regarding the scarcity.

The NNPC spokesperson, Femi Soneye, had earlier indicated that the corporation had over 1.5 billion litres of petroleum products, enough to last for at least 30 days.

But some individuals were allegedly exploiting the situation for profit.

Petroleum marketers maintained they were not responsible for the fuel scarcity, as they are not importers of petrol. According to the National Vice President of IPMAN, Hammed Fashola, blaming marketers for hoarding petrol was unfounded as they could only divert the product if 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.

Updated: NNPC blames fuel scarcity on panic buying, hoarding, marketers disagree

News

Lagos issues 48hr quit notice to Ikoyi Towers’ illegal squatters

Published

9 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Trends Admin

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

Published

12 hours ago

May 4, 2024

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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.