Wike Challenges PDP Leaders to Call Him a Mole on National TV

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has boldly dared any Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor or leader to publicly call him a mole. During an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Wike asserted that he had formally notified the PDP at both the state and national levels before accepting his ministerial appointment, and challenged his critics to name those accusing him of being a mole.

Wike further defended his actions during the 2023 elections, stating that his opposition to the PDP presidential candidate was based on fairness and equity. He boasted about the PDP’s electoral success in his state and claimed that strong leadership was behind their victories.

PDP Denies Suspension of Dino Melaye, Calls Suspension Letter a Forgery

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, has dismissed claims that Senator Dino Melaye has been suspended from the party. In a statement issued on Friday by Ijumu LGA PDP Chairman, Olorunmaiye Olabode, the party declared that the suspension letter was forged and part of a plot by external enemies of the party.

The statement emphasized that those behind the letter had no authority to suspend Melaye, labeling the move a “malicious and mischievous plan” to destabilize the party and remove Melaye, who is regarded as a key leader in Kogi State.

The PDP further called on its members to disregard the alleged suspension and reaffirmed their support for Melaye, citing his contributions to the party both at the state and national levels.

Mercy Johnson Faces Backlash for Endorsing APC’s Okpebholo in Edo 2024

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie is facing criticism after endorsing Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election.

In a video that has gone viral, Johnson-Okojie is seen campaigning for Okpebholo at a rally, urging attendees to support the APC candidate. She highlighted the need for change in Edo State, pointing out issues such as inadequate electricity, water, healthcare, and security.

“Are you not tired? No light, water, healthcare, security, and good roads. If you will vote for Senator Monday, raise your hand,” Johnson-Okojie said in the video. She continued, “So when you get to that field early in the morning, vote for Monday, vote for APC, vote for the broom.”

The actress’s endorsement has sparked considerable backlash on social media, with many critics accusing her of supporting the ruling party despite widespread economic challenges in the country.

@masurge commented, “Mercy Johnson is just a cheap opportunistic agbero with zero class and zero morality in my opinion. Imagine supporting blabbing Tinubu and now also supporting Illiterate Monday Okpebholo of all people. Talent is really not enough.”

@f0944366 added, “Mercy Johnson no try, how can she be campaigning for APC, it’s her right una go talk, right to make foolish and greedy decision…”

@ehiogs4life expressed frustration, saying, “My point is, how do people just gather the courage to still come out and campaign for APC and The Edo people still dey listen. I dey shame for all of una. Tufiakwa.”

@ONYEZIAA lamented, “This is so sad… When they think the lives of Nigerians is now Nollywood… How do people throw away the relevance they’ve gathered over the years in less than 2 minutes for just how much?”

Okpebholo is running against Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), among others, in the September 21 election.

FG Clarifies Maiduguri Flood Cause: No Dam Collapse

The Federal Government has clarified that the recent devastating flood in Maiduguri was not caused by a dam collapse, as initially speculated. Instead, the flood resulted from the overflow of the Ngadda River, not the failure of the Alau Dam.

Engineer Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, addressed the media on Friday in Abuja to dispel rumors about the Alau Dam’s involvement. He confirmed that the dam, located about 10 kilometers from Maiduguri city center, remains intact.

“We did not anticipate that this year’s water levels would reach such extremes,” Utsev said. “Due to climate change, the rainfall was excessive, and the rivers were unable to contain the surplus water. This led to an overflow from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram, which spilled into the Alau Dam and overpowered its dyke.”

The minister emphasized that the Alau Dam itself did not collapse; rather, it was the dam’s dyke that could not handle the overwhelming volume of water from the tributaries.

In light of the Maiduguri flood, Utsev also issued a warning about potential severe flooding in the Niger Delta and other southern states. He urged both the government and residents to activate emergency measures to mitigate the impact.

“The flow levels in rivers Niger and Benue are approaching critical levels, indicating a heightened risk of flooding in the southern regions,” Utsev warned. “We need to enhance our vigilance and take proactive steps to address any forthcoming flood events.”

Kaduna Government Warns Residents of Fraudulent Tax Collectors

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has issued a warning to residents about fraudulent tax collectors operating throughout the state. This alert was announced by Mr. Jery Adams, the Executive Chairman of KADIRS, during a press conference on Friday in Kaduna.

Adams revealed that some individuals and groups have been fraudulently presenting themselves as authorized tax collectors for KADIRS, targeting various strategic locations across the state. These impostors are deceiving residents by claiming to collect taxes, levies, and fines on behalf of KADIRS.

“These individuals and groups are not affiliated with KADIRS and have no authorization to represent us,” Adams stated, describing them as criminals who have organized into a cartel to exploit unsuspecting members of the public.

KADIRS is actively working to address the issue and has already begun apprehending some of the fraudsters. Adams urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with anyone claiming to be a KADIRS representative without proper identification and authorization.

The service has also identified issues with fake number plates and tax clearance certificates being circulated, which involve complicity from some of its own staff members. This not only defrauds the state but also undermines public trust in the institution.

Adams emphasized that all payments should be made exclusively through approved KADIRS channels, such as designated banks or official digital platforms. He assured the public that any staff or individuals found aiding these fraudulent activities would face legal consequences.

“KADIRS is committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability,” Adams concluded, urging all taxpayers to ensure their transactions are conducted through the proper channels.

FG Expands CNG Conversion Kit Distribution Amid Fuel Price Hike

In response to rising fuel costs, the Federal Government has ramped up efforts to distribute auto gas conversion kits nationwide through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi). The initiative aims to facilitate a transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more affordable alternative to petrol.

On Friday, a representative from P-CNGi, Mr. Moses Onate, announced that approximately 10,000 conversion kits are being dispatched to key states including Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, and Ogun. This move is part of a broader strategy to support both commercial and private vehicle owners in switching to CNG.

“The distribution of these kits from the NIPCO warehouse in Ibafo to various states is designed to offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel option,” Onate explained at the NIPCO-CNG facility in Ogun State.

The initiative, launched under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, is part of the government’s energy diversification efforts. By providing CNG conversion kits, the program seeks to ease fuel expenses and offer immediate benefits to Nigerians reliant on transportation.

NIPCO’s Engineer Nwaodu Austin Chinedu confirmed that the distribution process is progressing smoothly and the company’s warehouses are well-stocked to meet the demand. The partnership between NIPCO and P-CNGi is set to facilitate the conversion of up to one million commercial vehicles to CNG by 2027.

Additionally, the government has approved a new price of N230 per litre for CNG. The program includes collaborations with several partners such as Portland Gas Ltd., Fix It 45, ABG Oil, and the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT).

The P-CNGi aims to identify and equip 2,000 workshops nationwide, with 123 already selected. Unionized commercial operators, including RTEAN, NATO, and NURTW, will begin conversions at five workshops in the FCT, with plans to expand nationwide.

Ride-sharing drivers, including those from Bolt and Uber, will benefit from a 50 percent discount on conversion equipment and free installation, with the government covering the remaining costs and offering installment payment options.

Federal Government Alerts Southern States to Rising Flood Risks; Clarifies Maiduguri Flood Cause

The Federal Government has issued an urgent alert to the Niger Delta and other southern states about the potential for severe flooding. This warning comes as authorities provide clarity on the recent flood in Maiduguri, attributing it to an overflow from the Ngadda River rather than a failure of the Alau Dam.

During a press conference, Engineer Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, stated that the Alau Dam, located in Maiduguri, Borno State, had not collapsed. Instead, the flooding was due to excessive inflows from the Ngadda River, a key tributary of the River Yedzaram, which overwhelmed the dam’s dyke.

Minister Utsev and Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, visited the affected areas to evaluate the damage and offer their condolences to Borno State. Utsev committed to a comprehensive upgrade of the Alau Dam and emphasized that any lapses by contractors or officials would be addressed firmly.

He assured that sanitation kits and water treatment facilities would be provided to those displaced, though the arrival of these supplies had been delayed due to earlier inspections in the southwest. The Alau Dam remains a top priority for intervention.

Utsev explained that the unprecedented rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, led to the overflow, which was beyond the dam’s capacity to manage. He emphasized that the dam’s dyke, not the structure itself, failed to contain the excess water.

In his statement, Utsev also warned of potential flooding in the Niger Delta and southern states, urging both government and citizens to prepare for possible impacts. He noted the increased flow levels in rivers Niger and Benue, which are approaching critical thresholds.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with flooding in various states, the Federal Government calls for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate future disasters.

NBET Seeks Licence Renewal as Trading Hits $2bn

The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) is in the process of seeking a licence renewal from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enhance its efficiency and operational capacity within the electricity sector. This move comes as NBET’s trading volume has reached an impressive $2 billion annually.

Key Developments:

  • Licence Renewal: NBET’s current licence is set to expire on November 21st. The acting Managing Director, John Akinnawo, emphasized the importance of the renewal to continue the company’s operational drive and maintain its role as a key player in the sector.
  • Operational Achievements:
  • Trading Volume: NBET has achieved $2 billion in annual trading.
  • Private Sector Investment: The company has facilitated and executed numerous power purchase agreements, incentivized greenfield power projects worth $1 billion, and managed the privatization of PHCN and AFAM power assets.
  • Financial Contributions: NBET’s efforts have generated about N105 billion for the federal government and attracted an additional $350 million in investments.
  • Public Hearing: The licence renewal process involves a public hearing organized by NERC to gather input from stakeholders. This hearing is essential to determine if NBET’s role remains relevant and effective in the electricity sector.
  • Stakeholder Input:
  • Dafe Akpeneye, Commissioner at NERC: Highlighted that public input is crucial for decision-making regarding NBET’s licence renewal.
  • Edu Okeke, MD of Azura Energy: Advocated for an indefinite licence renewal, suggesting that a long-term renewal would enhance investor confidence and stability in the sector.

This process underscores NBET’s critical role in the Nigerian electricity market and its contributions to facilitating investment and managing key power assets. The outcome of the licence renewal will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Fix Ajaokuta Steel to Create Jobs for Youth, Council Urges FG

The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council has called on the federal government to prioritize the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company to generate employment opportunities for Nigeria’s youth.

Key Points:

  • Council’s Request: The Council, led by President-General Comrade Terry Obieh, has urged the federal government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to focus on the longstanding issues at Ajaokuta Steel Company.
  • Concerns: The statement highlights concerns about persistent neglect, corruption, financial mismanagement, and lack of accountability at the steel plant. The Ajaokuta Steel project, intended to drive industrialization and economic growth, has been marred by cost overruns, misappropriation of funds, and delays.
  • Financial Issues: The project’s costs have reportedly exceeded $8 billion with minimal progress. There have been issues with transparency regarding spending and contract details, along with allegations of job racketeering, inflated contracts, and diversion of funds.
  • Call to Action: The Council demands the federal government to bypass international arbitration and take legal action against Global Steel Holdings Ltd. They also urge the government to investigate and hold accountable those involved in mismanaging the Ajaokuta project, including officials from the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and other related bodies.
  • Employment Focus: Reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company is seen as crucial for creating job opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, addressing unemployment, and contributing to the country’s industrial and economic development.

The call emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in handling the Ajaokuta Steel project to ensure it fulfills its intended purpose and benefits the Nigerian economy.

FG Dispatches CNG Conversion Kits to States, Boosts Autogas Initiative

The federal government of Nigeria, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), has begun distributing auto gas conversion kits to various states. This initiative aims to provide a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol.

Key Details:

  • Distribution: The kits were dispatched from a NIPCO warehouse in Ibafo and are being delivered to states including Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, and Ogun.
  • Cost and Savings: The government has set the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at N230 per litre, compared to the current petrol price of up to N900 per litre. This move is intended to ease the financial burden on Nigerians, especially those in the transport sector.
  • Objective: The initiative targets the conversion of 1 million vehicles over the next 18 months. The program will offer free conversion kits and installation to commercial vehicles involved in transporting people, food, and goods.
  • Environmental Benefits: CNG is noted for being a cleaner fuel compared to petrol, which not only helps reduce emissions but also extends the lifespan of vehicles.
  • Implementation: The rollout is part of a broader energy diversification strategy, aiming to offer immediate relief to Nigerians and support the transition to more sustainable fuel options.

This initiative, launched under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the high cost of fuel and promoting cleaner energy solutions.