An explosion occurred at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Rivers State early Saturday morning, just hours before the local government elections. The blast, suspected to be an act of arson, has heightened tensions in the area. The APC is the main opposition party in the state, and the incident has raised concerns about election security.
Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate and Petrol Imports Decline: Key Updates for October 5, 2024
Today’s Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the black market, also known as the parallel market, is detailed below for 4th October 2024. As of Friday, 4th October, the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) exchange rates are:
- Buying rate: N1660 per dollar
- Selling rate: N1670 per dollar
These rates, sourced from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, do not align with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which urges individuals to engage with their respective banks for foreign exchange.
CBN Exchange Rate
The official CBN rate is marginally lower, with:
- Buying rate: N1656 per dollar
- Selling rate: N1657 per dollar
It’s important to note that actual exchange rates may vary slightly depending on the location and service provider.
Petrol Imports Drop by 3.58 Billion Litres in One Year
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a significant decrease in petrol imports between 2022 and 2023. The total importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) dropped by 13.77%, from 23.54 billion litres in 2022 to 20.30 billion litres in 2023.
The decline was especially pronounced in the second half of 2023, which saw a 29.99% drop in imports compared to the first half of the year.
Rivers Governor Fubara Accuses Police of Attempted Electoral Material Theft
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock and disappointment over an alleged attempt by the Nigerian police to interfere in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. During a press conference held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara detailed how officers stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises in an apparent effort to steal sensitive electoral materials.
Fubara revealed that early on Friday morning, he received a security report that the police had withdrawn from guarding the RSIEC premises. Concerned, he personally visited the site and discovered police officers attempting to break into the commission’s office.
The governor claimed that the officers, acting under directives from the Rivers State Command and Abuja headquarters, were deliberately trying to disrupt the election. However, their actions were thwarted. Fubara voiced concerns over the police’s involvement, accusing them of becoming adversaries to the state’s lawful processes.
Fubara questioned why the RSIEC, a state-controlled body, was being targeted and if any court ruling justified such actions. He emphasized that legal and security preparations for the election were completed, with citizens fully informed, and accused the police of acting on behalf of political interests.
The incident has sparked concerns about the integrity of the upcoming election in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara Vows to Ensure Local Government Elections Go Ahead Despite Police Interference
Rivers State Governor Condemns Police Attempts to Disrupt Electoral Process
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed strong discontent over multiple attempts to obstruct the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for October 5, asserting emphatically that the elections will proceed as planned.
His comments followed an incident early Friday morning when individuals dressed in police uniforms allegedly attempted to seize control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, aiming to access sensitive electoral materials necessary for the elections.
Speaking to reporters outside the RSIEC office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Fubara stated, “We came here this morning upon hearing reports that individuals claiming to be from the Nigeria Police were trying to take over this premises. I felt compelled to investigate such a serious allegation.”
He revealed that a Deputy Commissioner of Police had reportedly orchestrated the attempted takeover to replace the officers currently securing the location with new personnel. “We have tolerated enough nonsense from this institution. Everyone knows the court’s judgment; did it specify that elections should not take place? It merely stated not to provide a voters’ register. What’s the issue?” he questioned.
Fubara further criticized the relationship between the Inspector-General of Police and certain individuals in the state, suggesting that it has strayed from professional norms. “The government sent a letter regarding the court ruling, yet the actions being taken stem from a judgment the Federal High Court issued. But did that judgment ban elections?” he asked.
He reiterated that the Federal High Court ruling only stated that the Nigeria Police should not provide security during the election and that the voters’ register should not be distributed.
In a passionate defense of the electoral process, Fubara declared, “The judge who issued that questionable ruling did not say no elections; rather, he stated to withhold security. We will manage our own security. This election will take place, regardless of any actions taken to prevent it. Results will be announced, and elected officials will be inaugurated.”
Fubara’s remarks reflect a resolve to proceed with the elections despite any interference. He warned, “If I hear of any further attempts to disrupt the process, I will be back here. This is our space, and no one can prevent me from accessing it. Enough is enough!”
He assured the citizens of Rivers State that the elections would happen as planned, stating, “We are prepared for any challenges. This is our final stand, and we will see it through.”
Efforts to contact the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Kogi Governor Distributes N100,000 Livelihood Grants to 8,000 Women and Youths
Empowerment Initiative Aims to Boost Local Businesses and Support Vulnerable Groups
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has officially launched a cash grant initiative aimed at empowering 8,000 women and youths across the state. Each beneficiary will receive N100,000 to support their existing and new businesses. The program was inaugurated on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo, represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo, described the cash distribution as a significant milestone for the state, promoting equitable and prosperous livelihoods among the beneficiaries, who come from all 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The cash grants are part of a collaboration with the World Bank under the Kogi State Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus program. The governor emphasized that the support is designed to provide essential resources for vulnerable individuals and households, enabling them to meet their basic needs, invest in education and healthcare, and participate more actively in the local economy.
“This transfer cannot be equated by the amount, but by the various value possibilities that it would add to the beneficiaries, enabling them to meet their basic needs, invest in their education, and health, and participate more fully in the economic vibrancy of the state,” Ododo stated.
He expressed hope that the initiative would have a transformative impact on communities, improving school enrollment, health conditions, reducing child labor, and empowering women and small-scale businesses. The governor urged beneficiaries to utilize the support wisely and view it as a critical step toward enhancing their quality of life and that of their families.
In her remarks, Mrs. Aishat Omade, the State Coordinator/CEO of the Kogi State Social Investment Program Agency, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the empowerment initiative, noting her commitment to ensuring all 21 LGs are represented in the program.
Mr. Kehinde Olorunmosunle, Head of Delivery Platform State Cash Transfer Unit, added that the empowerment initiative would lay the groundwork for a brighter future, providing Kogi youths and women with the skills and knowledge necessary for a more promising future.
ATACA Workshop: Government has no business selling train tickets – Expert
Responding to concerns on the increasing cases of racketeering of passenger train tickets in Nigeria railway system, the Executive Director of Aulic Group, Prof. Nick Ezeh, who is also an expert in the transportation industry has said the government has no business selling train tickets.
Prof. Ezeh who was speaking Thursday at the 4th edition of Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) Annual Workshop, in Abuja. stressed that such should be left for the private sector to handle.
The workshop had the theme: Harnessing the Aviation, Railway, Marine and Blue Economy Sectors for Sustainable Transportation in Nigeria.
The expert said what the government needs to do is to create a transport system and ensure the system is working.
Meanwhile the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, disclosed that the Ministry has constituted a committee to investigate the irregularities.
This, Sen. Alkali said was a response to reports of some officials of the Abuja-Kaduna railway station exploiting passengers’ difficulties with the online booking platform to engage in ticket racketeering.
The Minister who was represented at the event by his Special Assistant, Technical Shuaib Damoaka, said the station manager has been redeployed, and another manager directed to take over with immediate effect to enable the committee to investigate the irregularities with high sense of objectivity and transparency.
“About three or four days ago, in response to the increasing complaints of irregularities and malpractice associated with e-ticketing in the railway stations, particularly Abuja-Kaduna route, the Minister has set up a committee to critically investigate the matter with very comprehensive terms of reference.
“He directed the committee to investigate and report within a period of two weeks and also urged the committee to make appropriate recommendations for administrative and quality measures that will be taken against any defaulter,” he said.
The Minister earlier, while delivering his keynote address called for effective media reportage that would market the essential services carried out by the transportation sector in supporting the economy.
He urged the media to remain committed, diligent and professional in discharging its role and to carry Nigerians along in appreciating the dynamics of the present administration’s transformative agenda of prioritising transportation as its governance strategy.
Delivering a lecture, President, Nigeria Bangladesh Business Technology Forum, Arc. Bob Achanya, who spoke on the ‘Nexus of Multimodal Transportation Systems’, noted that its strategic integration within Nigeria’s emerging blue economy framework offers unparalleled opportunities.
While noting that the aviation, railway, and marine sectors, when interconnected efficiently, will create a seamless and resilient transportation network, which will enhance connectivity, reduce transportation costs, and boosts the overall efficiency of the country’s logistics and supply chain systems.
Speaking on some ongoing projects within the sectors, Achanya said in the Aviation sector, we have the expansion of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the new terminals at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja; in the marine sector, we have the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, valued at $1.5 billion, which is a game-changer, poised to become the largest deep-sea port in West Africa; also, on the Blue economy, he noted that initiatives like the Nigeria-Kenya Integrated Blue Economy Strategy Forum and the proposed Nigeria-Kenya Blue Economy Transition Strategy Summit are all steps in the right direction.
In his welcome address, Chairman of ATACA, Leonard Oru called for more security measures to ensure the safety of the transportation system and business in Nigeria.
“For our transportation system and businesses, whether Air, Land or Sea to thrive, Security and Safety is key. Therefore, we implore Security agents, regulators and enforcers of the relevant laws to step up their game.
The workshop attracted various experts as well as journalists covering the Transportation and Aviation sectors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Senator Ireti Kingibe Discusses Challenges Faced by Women in the National Assembly
FCT Senator Addresses Criticism and Advocates for Empowerment at VOW Conference
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has shared her experiences as a woman in the National Assembly, highlighting the significant challenges she faces in advocating for progress on various issues. Despite these obstacles, Kingibe has made notable strides in her role.
Her remarks come in the wake of criticism from rural women and female farmers in the FCT, who feel neglected after supporting her during the elections. Speaking anonymously at the 8th edition of the Voice of Women (VOW) conference and awards in Abuja, one woman expressed disappointment, stating that there has been a lack of follow-up engagement, training, or empowerment initiatives for local women who campaigned for Kingibe.
The woman lamented, “Last year, during the political campaign, we mobilized our communities to support female candidates, but since then, there has been no avenue for communication, no town hall meetings, and no acknowledgment of our support.”
She further noted that local women, who were enthusiastic about voting for a woman in the FCT, feel abandoned after the elections. “We were looking for a way to engage and support those who campaigned for us, but we have received nothing in return,” she said.
In response, Kingibe expressed her frustration with misconceptions surrounding governance, emphasizing that she is the only woman elected in the FCT. “There is a misunderstanding of what governance means. For me, it’s about bringing the most benefits to the people,” she asserted.
Kingibe acknowledged that while she may not have personally reached out to every voter, her focus has been on broad initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents in the FCT. She also addressed the difficulties women face in the National Assembly, stating that she must continuously lobby ministers to secure funding for essential projects.
Despite the challenges, Kingibe remains committed to advocating for her constituents and ensuring that the voices of women in her region are heard.
Ugochinyere Accuses Wike of Manipulating PDP Leadership
Rep Ugochinyere Claims Umar Damagum is Politically Bound by Wike
Imo State Representative Imo Ugochinyere has alleged that the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, is under the control of Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State.
Ugochinyere, a prominent member of the PDP, criticized Wike for exacerbating the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and suggested that Damagum should take a stand against him if he were genuinely committed to resolving the issues facing the party.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ugochinyere emphasized that Damagum appears indifferent to the turmoil engulfing Rivers, suggesting that he prioritizes Wike’s interests over the party’s welfare.
“The Big Umbrella is now struggling to break free from the grip of a mere political errand man who is aligned with APC interests due to the silence of PDP leaders,” he stated. “Damagum, posing as the PDP chairman, has gone quiet while pro-Wike APC agents undermine the party’s efforts in Rivers State.”
He urged the PDP to take decisive action against what he termed “jokers” within the party and called for an emergency meeting to address the leadership issues, asserting that it is time for the party to reclaim its autonomy.
“Let PDP stop pampering these jokers… Take back your party and stop behaving like captured souls,” Ugochinyere declared, vowing to pursue legal action if necessary.
Pastor Adeboye Apologizes for Incorrect Teaching on Tithing
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has publicly apologized for an earlier statement he made about tithing, admitting it was a mistake. The influential cleric had previously claimed that any Christian who did not pay tithes would not make it to heaven, a declaration he now acknowledges is not biblically accurate.
Addressing the congregation at RCCG’s ongoing annual national youth convention, Pastor Adeboye clarified, “I made an error by saying those who don’t pay tithes won’t enter heaven. That statement is not in the Bible.” He further explained that the scripture emphasizes peace and holiness as prerequisites for seeing God, not tithing.
Adeboye’s correction marks an important moment, as he is one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious figures. He used the opportunity to stress the significance of giving and the blessings that come from it, sharing a story of a man whose commitment to giving led to significant financial success. The man, inspired by a ministry project in the U.S., promised to give more than all other contributors combined, a decision that he believed led to a business turnover of $50 million within five years.
Pastor Adeboye also encouraged his followers to be generous and energetic in their worship, drawing lessons from King David’s fervent praise of God, which helped him rise to power.
Protesters Demand Elections Proceed in Rivers State Despite Heavy Rainfall
A group of determined protesters gathered at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office on Friday, chanting and demanding that the scheduled elections proceed as planned. Despite heavy rainfall, the demonstrators remained undeterred, setting up canopies and blocking part of the road while drumming and chanting, “Election must hold.”
The protest follows an early morning intervention by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who arrived at the RSIEC office around 1 AM to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from taking over the premises.
Tensions have risen as the Nigeria Police Force, following a Federal High Court ruling, instructed its commanders to enforce a judgment barring local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, in the state. According to Grace Iringe-Koko, Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, the court order issued on July 19, 2024, prohibited the police and other security agencies from providing security for the election.
The police stated that their Force Legal Department had advised them to comply with the court’s ruling, leading to the current standoff between protesters and law enforcement.