Business
Labour Party’s structure stronger than APC, PDP, says Utomi
- ‘Two ex-president backing Obi’
Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, has said two former heads of state are supporters of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
The PUNCH reported Utomi to have spoken in Abuja on Friday during a town hall meeting organised by the BIG-TENT, a coalition of political parties, social movements, and civil society organisations (CSOs), in support of Obi’s presidential ambition.
Utomi, who is the convener of the coalition, did not disclose the names of the ex-heads of the state.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) do not have a strong structure like the LP.
He said the group had developed “real structures” for the LP to take Nigeria back from those who had misruled the country.
“Money alone doesn’t win elections. Two former heads of state have said to me they are Obidients. A lot of people want to join the movement without joining the Labour Party to ensure that Obi and Baba-Ahmed win to capture our country back from those who have held us down,” he said.
Utomi also said, “The LP has better structures than the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. When people talk about structures, I kind of laugh because they don’t understand the meaning of structure.
“The structure is a criminal network of people who can fix elections, and we have to stop that; that’s not structure.
“We at the BIG-TENT have worked at developing real structures and they are going to be shocked at what they will see.
“Many of the Peter Obi support groups have structures on their own that can win these elections. At every poll during the election day, we will have 20 people who belong to these structures.
“When they get to the polling units, it won’t be business as usual. And when they try to mess things up by doctoring information technology from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), they will meet us there because we know they are planning things like that but they will meet us there with technology.”
Auto
Weststar unveils new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, sets Nigeria’s auto landscape aglow
Weststar unveils new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, sets Nigeria’s auto landscape aglow
Weststar Associates Limited, the authorized distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, has announced the arrival of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a development expected to set the nation’s auto landscape aglow again.
The iconic vehicle is said to set new standards in luxury and innovation, bringing the legend and renowned heritage of the Mercedes-Benz brand to car lovers and enthusiasts in Nigeria.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is described as the epitome of meticulous craftsmanship and technological prowess, with its harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, exquisite design and unparalleled performance.
Just like its predecessor, the new E-Class promises to redefine the automotive landscape in Nigeria and provide an unrivaled driving experience.
According to the auto firm, the new E-Class marks the advent of a new generation, introducing more technology and luxury.
Specifically, it says the powertrains are complemented by a fresh exterior design, creating a captivating presence on the road.
It says inside the car are new technology features permeating the cabin, providing a digital atmosphere that is both immersive and intelligent.
The new E-Class takes its digital experience to the next level with the all-new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Superscreen.This powerful central onboard computer processes information with remarkable speed, delivering near-instantaneous responsiveness.
It integrates a range of apps and games, including TikTok & Angry Birds, making it a versatile tool for both entertainment and productivity.
The Superscreen also introduces the Routines function, an intelligent feature that curates your driving experience based on various conditions and functions, automatically adjusting settings such as heating, cooling, ambient lighting, seat massage, and more.
The MBUX Superscreen also debuts video conferencing in the all-new E-Class, this is enabled by a built-in camera and applications like Webex& Zoom.
The standard Burmester® 4D surround sound system, complemented by Active Ambient Lighting, transforms music into a visual and auditory masterpiece. Coordinated colours and tones are illuminated on the instrument panel, elevating the music-listening experience.
The interior is designed to prioritize comfort and quality. The spacious passenger accommodation is graced with premium materials, including leather upholstery and metal trim, resulting in a rich and upscale ambiance.
The new E-Class remains a four-door layout, emphasizing passenger experience and convenience. It boasts of an aerodynamic design that not only enhances its appearance but also reduces wind noise. With the assistance of nearly 500 microphones, engineers have meticulously measured and minimized wind noise, ensuring a serene cabin environment even at high driving speeds.
The exterior design comes with a host of features such as light alloy wheels, chrome highlights, and a Mercedes-Benz pattern radiator grille.
Additionally, the new E-Class boasts flush-fitted doors and metallic paintwork.
The new E-Class comes with upgraded standard equipment that includes KEYLESS-GO, and the AVANTGARDE equipment line for the interior and exterior.
The new E-Class offers two remarkable powertrains to cater to diverse driving preferences. The E 200 model boasts an advanced 4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid and 48-volt on-board electrical system, delivering a combined power output of 204 horsepower with a torque of 320nm.
While the E 300 model features tremendous pulling power even at low engine speeds, with its advanced 4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid and 48-volt on-board electrical system, it delivers an even more powerful output to 258 horsepower and 400nm of torque.
The E-Class is also equipped with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, which ensures seamless power delivery, and its suspension system includes Airmatic air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping and rear-axle steering.
The rear-axle steering comes with up to 4.5 degrees of articulation.
At high speeds, this noticeably improves driving stability. While at low and medium speeds, the driver negotiates bends with more agility and benefits from a smaller turning circle when parking and maneuvering.
The firm says at Mercedes-Benz, safety always comes first. This is greatly emphasized in the new E-Class which is equipped with an array of new and extended driving assistance systems; including Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.
This enhances driver safety and reduces workload, making driving more comfortable and secure for Nigerian road users.
According to the statement, the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now available nationwide at Weststar’s authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships such as Barbedos Cars Limited, MB Automobile Services Limited, Skymit Motors Limited, Sunny Motors Limited, and Tetralog Nigeria Limited.
Business
Naira recovers against dollar, euro, pound closes below N1,600/$1 at official market
Naira recovers against dollar, euro, pound closes below N1,600/$1 at official market
The official market observed a modest increase in the value of the Naira against the dollar, concluding at N1,597.24 to $1, marking a 0.34% enhancement from the prior closing figure of N1,602.75 to $1 from the preceding week’s end.
This recent closing figure of N1,597.24 to the dollar signifies the first instance of a rate ending beneath the N1,600/$1 mark since March 5th, 2024.
Additionally, data from NAFEM disclosed a slight rise of 2.20% in forex dealings, reaching $140.45 million as opposed to the $137.43 million noted earlier.
On Monday, within the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window, the naira saw mixed results against major global currencies.
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The I&E FX window recorded a high of N1640/$1 and a low of N1,400.00, indicating a fluctuation of N240/$1.
In the parallel market, the naira appreciated by 0.78% against the US dollar, trading at N1,608 compared to the previous figure of N1,614 per dollar.
Against the pound sterling, the naira modestly gained by 0.74%, ending at N2,030/£1 from the earlier rate of N2,045/£1.
It also made gains against the euro by 0.58%, closing at N1,725/€1 up from last week’s Friday rate of N1,735/€1.
The country’s foreign reserves saw a slight increase of $2.71 million as of March 14, 2024, amounting to $34.416 billion—a 0.008% rise from the previous day’s reserves of $34.413 billion.
Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been on an upward trajectory for 20 days (approximately 3 weeks), starting from February 13, 2024.
Naira recovers against dollar, euro, pound closes below N1,600/$1 at official market
Railway
Vandals destroy rail track in Kaduna community
Vandals destroy rail track in Kaduna community
Vandals have destroyed a rail track at Chidunu village in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The hoodlums taking advantage of high rate of insecurity in the area stormed the village and reportedly loaded their three trucks with track materials forcefully removed from the rail.
Public Relations Officer for the Northern District of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Alhaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Monday, said two of the truck were stopped and impounded by security agents.
However, a Canter truck driver absconded with a portion of the stolen materials.
Some of the vandals were also apprehended by security operatives around the community.
Abdullahi highlighted the logistical challenges with the urgency to act before nightfall and the volatile nature of the area.
“It was difficult to arrange for logistics to evacuate track rails and sleepers before it got dark,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with local vigilantes and hunters to bolster surveillance along the affected railway stretch.
“We received a report on Sunday that the vandals were arrested during their illicit operation with two long trucks loaded with rail track materials,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the case has been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation.
“The case is at present with the NSCDC, O.C. Anti-Vandal for further investigation,” Abdullahi stated.
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