News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sports federations and promoting its athletes, following a resounding victory in a volleyball match against the Adamawa State team. 

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated, “I was optimistic that we would win, and we did, taking all three sets. We need discipline, teamwork, strength, stability, and intelligence — qualities we need not just on the court but also in our everyday duties as Customs officers.” 

Adeniyi attributed the team’s success to disciplined teamwork and resilience, adding, “We succeed in reviving these virtues while playing various games, and today’s success is what we hoped for — that our players would give their best in matches like this.” 

The Customs boss stated the service’s commitment to supporting its athletes, saying, “This is why we find it necessary not only to encourage our athletes within Customs but also to extend our support and sponsorship to federations that seek our assistance, as long as it is within our capacity.” 

The NCS volleyball team triumphed with a scoreline of 22-11, winning all three sets, in the first phase of the 2024 National Volleyball Premier League held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have issued warnings that the recent increase in petrol prices by the Federal Government is pushing many Nigerians to a breaking point.

This comes as prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, calls on the government to complete the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries by September 2024 or take legal action against contractors for failing to meet project deadlines.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also urged President Bola Tinubu to order the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the price hike, labeling it as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

While the NLC advocated for public resistance to the fuel price increase, Atiku highlighted that the government’s plans to raise Value Added Tax (VAT) would further worsen the economic strain on citizens.

NLC President Joel Ajaero, represented by Prince Adewale Adeyanju at a Labour Writers Association of Nigeria workshop, decried the combination of fuel price hikes, naira devaluation, and rising electricity tariffs as policies that have deepened the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

Atiku also voiced concerns that the VAT increase, following the petrol price surge, would severely impact the country’s already fragile economy and the livelihoods of Nigerians, compounding the existing cost-of-living crisis.

By Uzair Adam

The highly anticipated face-off between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump is set to take place on Tuesday in Philadelphia.

This will be the first and potentially only televised debate ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested 2024 presidential election.

With President Joe Biden stepping down from the race, Harris has become the new face of the Democratic Party, uniting her supporters and narrowing Trump’s lead in the polls.

However, the race remains tight, and Harris acknowledges she is still the “underdog.”

Trump, now 78, has taken an aggressive approach after Harris’s candidacy disrupted his White House bid, making him the oldest candidate in U.S. history.

The former president, known for his controversial remarks, including racist and sexist taunts aimed at Harris, will look to dominate the debate in his signature style.Both candidates have a lot riding on the debate.

Harris, America’s first female, Black, and South Asian vice president, has been preparing intensely in Pittsburgh, aware that she must navigate a barrage of attacks while combating stereotypes.

Trump, on the other hand, will have to gauge how much of his brash rhetoric will resonate with undecided voters in a deeply polarized country.

The debate is set to take place in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state, adding to the tension.

Given the uncertainty surrounding future debates, this encounter could be pivotal for both campaigns as they look to sway voters in the final stretch before the November 5 election.

With millions of Americans expected to tune in, the outcome could significantly impact the direction of the race, especially in an election year marked by sharp divisions.

All eyes will be on the ABC moderators to manage the proceedings and potentially fact-check the candidates, especially given Trump’s previous debate performances.

This event promises to be a critical moment in what has already been a historic election season.

By Uzair Adam  

The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed optimism about winning the 2027 presidential election.  

Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made this assertion on Saturday during the inauguration of the NNPP Secretariat located along IBB Way, Katsina. 

Kwankwaso was in Katsina for a condolence visit to the Yar’adua family following the passing of their matriarch, Hajiya Dada.  

During his remarks, he stated that the NNPP is positioned to secure victory in the 2027 general elections, taking over the presidency and other key political positions across the country. 

According to him, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has lost relevance, prompting his departure from the party.  

He urged Nigerians, particularly women and youths, to avoid being swayed by superficial incentives like food or money in the upcoming elections. 

Kwankwaso called on party leaders to intensify their efforts to ensure the success of the NNPP at both the state and national levels.  

He also commended the stakeholders in the state for renovating the party’s secretariat, describing it as a vital step in the party’s preparations for the future. 

In addition, Kwankwaso pledged support for a young boy, Abubakar Ibrahim from Yammawa, who suffers from severe acute malnutrition. 

NNPP’s state chairman, Alhaji Armaya’u Abdulkadir, highlighted the importance of enlightening voters about the party’s new logo, which reiterated education for all, a core value of the Kwankwasiyya movement. 

He stressed the need for grassroots sensitisation to inform members of the significance of the new symbol.

By Uzair Adam

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take swift action in reversing the recent increase in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) outlets.

In an open letter dated September 7, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization deemed the price hike unlawful and a violation of constitutional and international human rights obligations.

SERAP also called for a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPC, specifically regarding the reported $300 million bailout funds received from the Federal Government in August 2024 and the company’s $6 billion debt to suppliers.

The letter highlighted concerns over NNPC’s failure to remit oil revenues to the treasury, despite the company’s significant financial issues.

The group expressed concerns that the petrol price increase, which has pushed prices up to N855 per liter at some outlets, is exacerbating the already severe economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

SERAP further noted that the price hike disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable citizens, jeopardizing their living conditions and undermining their basic human rights.

SERAP warned that if no action is taken within 48 hours of the receipt of the letter, it will consider taking legal measures to compel the government to address the situation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The EFCC has promised to continue its investigation into alleged stealing of N70bn by Nigeria’s state defence minister, Bello Matawalle.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle appears to be in deeper mess as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday promised to continue with his investigation over alleged stealing of N70 billion between 2019 and 2023.

The commission said it does not close cases once it opens an investigation.

The Acting Director of Public Affairs in EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, gave the assurance during a protest by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State under the aegis of APC Akida Forum at the commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, demanding the reopening of the pending case against Matawalle.

He told the protesters led by Musa Mahmud that the commission will look into their demands and see to the end of it.

“I want to commend members of the APC Akida Forum for this peaceful protest. It is within your rights to protest. The constitution guarantees the right of free expression and you have done that today.

“I want to assure you all that EFCC does not close cases. Once we open investigation into a case, we.do not close such matter. So I assure you that this petition will be look into. Thank you very much”, he said.

While presenting a copy of their petition to EFCC, Mahmud requested the commission to reopen the investigation into the corruption allegations against Matawalle.

According to him, the demand comes amidst growing concerns about corruption in Nigeria and the bold steps taken by the APC administration in recent decisions regarding government officials suspected of embezzlement, including a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

He said, “Recall that on the May 18 2023, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), through its then Director, Media and Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah Nwajah, said that the EFCC is investigating Matawalle over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts and diversion of over N70 billion.

“According to the EFCC, the money, which was sourced as a loan from an old-generation bank, purportedly for the execution of projects across the local government areas of the state, was allegedly diverted by the governor through proxies and contractors who received payment for contracts that were not executed.

“The commission’s investigations revealed that over 100 companies had received payments from the funds, with no evidence of service rendered to the state. Some of the contractors who had been invited and quizzed by the commission made startling revelations on how the governor allegedly compelled them to return the funds received from the state coffers back to him through his aides after converting the same to United States Dollars (hard currency).

“The companies confirmed that they did not render any service to Zamfara State. Still, they were allegedly directed to convert the monies paid to them into United States Dollars (hard currency) and return them to the state governor through some of his commissioners, notably those in charge of Finance and Local Government Affairs.”

Mahmud also called on the EFCC to investigate the $2.1 billion arms deal, which included Matawalle among the few Nigerians and companies that benefited from the former National Security Adviser’s scandal.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has delayed the resumption of both primary and secondary schools for the 2024/2025 academic session, initially set for September 8th and 9th.

The postponement was confirmed in a statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, on Saturday.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, cited urgent reasons for the decision, emphasizing that it was made to improve the learning environment for students.

Doguwa said, “I wish to inform pupils, students, and parents that the previously announced resumption dates are now postponed.

“This decision will help create a more conducive learning atmosphere for our children.

“A new resumption date will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.

The ministry urged students and parents to bear with any inconvenience caused by the delay, assuring them that it was in the best interest of improving educational conditions in the state.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disputed claims made by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and its impact on the Dangote Refinery.

MURIC had asserted that recent adjustments to petrol prices would prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices and that NNPCL had become the exclusive offtaker of all products from the refinery.

In a statement released by NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company clarified that petroleum product pricing, including that from the Dangote Refinery, is dictated by global market forces.

The recent changes in PMS pricing, it noted, do not affect the refinery’s access to the Nigerian market.

NNPCL noted that the refinery could sell its products at lower prices if the current market rates are perceived as high, and reiterated that domestic refining does not guarantee lower prices when compared to global parity pricing.

Furthermore, NNPCL stated that it would only become a full offtaker from the Dangote Refinery if PMS market prices exceeded local pump prices.

It also made clear that both the Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries are free to sell directly to any marketers on a willing buyer, willing seller basis.

NNPCL denied any intention of becoming the sole distributor for the refinery’s products and underscored its billion-dollar investment in the business, urging MURIC to verify facts before making public statements that could incite the public.

By Uzair Adam

The Edo State Government has indefinitely postponed the resumption of all schools in the state in response to the recent hike in fuel prices.

This decision was conveyed through a memo from Ojo Akin-Longe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, in Benin on Saturday.

According to the memo, schools, which were set to reopen on Monday, September 9, 2024, will remain closed until further notice.

“The Edo State Government announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools, originally scheduled for September 9, 2024, until further notice,” stated Akin-Longe.

The statement explained that the rising tension stemming from the increase in fuel prices and the financial strain on parents and guardians prompted the government’s decision.

In light of this, the government urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor their children during this period of uncertainty.

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at equipping communities with the necessary skills and support to defend themselves against criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, while speaking on the program, noted that the government is ready to train and support communities willing to take proactive measures to secure their areas before the arrival of security personnel.

He stated, “We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to depend on itself, we will give them the necessary support and training to engage criminals before the security agents arrive.

“The governor recounted a recent visit to Tsamiyar-jino village, where it took him over two hours to reach the settlement from the main road. He pointed out that in such remote locations, the response time of security agents is significantly delayed, leaving the residents vulnerable to attacks.

“If bandits strike in such areas, by the time security forces arrive, the damage would have already been done,” Radda said, stressing the need for immediate community action in the face of insecurity.