Nigeria Times

President Bola Tinubu has addressed the nation for the second time in a week, acknowledging the current economic hardships, particularly those resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies. In his August 7, 2024, statement, Tinubu admitted that there was an “avoidable lag” between the subsidy removal and the implementation of his administration’s plans, which compounded the difficulties faced by Nigerians.

Tinubu urged citizens to remain patient and confident in his government’s ability to navigate the economic challenges. He highlighted upcoming measures, including making education more affordable and providing student loans, to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians. The President reassured the public that the government’s initiatives are aimed at improving the nation’s future and promised continued efforts to address the current turbulence.

On August 7, 2024, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, NNPC CEO Mele Kyari, and Minister of Petroleum Heineken Lokpobiri testified before a Senate Adhoc committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Senate Chairman Senator Opeyemi Bamidele warned that the investigation would scrutinize all involved parties, focusing on compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act and the transparency of NNPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase arrangements.

In related news, Cardoso addressed concerns about Nigeria’s high interest rates, currently at 30%. He clarified that the rates are set by the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) based on data, not individual decisions. Despite criticisms from figures like Aliko Dangote and Peter Obi, Cardoso assured that interest rates would eventually decrease as economic conditions improve.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command has detained 12 individuals suspected of vandalizing public infrastructure in Abuja amid the ongoing nationwide hunger protests.

NSCDC Spokesman, CSC Samuel Idoko, reported on Wednesday that three suspects were apprehended while attempting to vandalize the Moshood Abiola Stadium after scaling its fence. In Jabi, four individuals were arrested for attempting to damage street lights, and a scavenger was picked up on the newly commissioned Wuye bridge for suspicious behavior in the early morning hours.

FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, warned against vandalism and urged the public to report any suspicious activity. He emphasized that vandalism undermines societal progress and promised strict action against offenders. Dr. Odumosu also encouraged peaceful dialogue as a means to address grievances, assuring residents of their safety during the protests.

On August 7, 2024, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State approved the hiring of 31 medical doctors, 22 pharmacists, and 153 nurses to address a critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced this decision in Calabar, highlighting it as a key initiative to improve healthcare services in the state. The move comes in response to the high demand for health services and a notable deficit in medical personnel, with only 20 doctors and 938 nurses currently serving Cross River’s approximately 3.4 million residents.

Dr. Ayuk emphasized that this recruitment will significantly enhance the capacity of public health facilities and better meet the healthcare needs of Cross Riverians.

On August 7, 2024, both Plateau and Bauchi State governors announced the relaxation of curfews previously imposed due to security concerns.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has lifted the 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru, allowing residents to move freely from 2 pm to 6 pm daily. This decision follows an improvement in the security situation and consultations with security agencies.

In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed reduced the curfew in Katagum Local Government Area from 24 hours to 12 hours, from 6 pm to 6 am daily. This change reflects improvements in the area’s security conditions after the initial curfew was imposed due to looting and unrest.

Both governors emphasized the need for continued vigilance and cooperation with security personnel to maintain order and ensure public safety.

From Lateef Taiwo

A lawmaker representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has debunked allegations that he gave $1.7 million to the House leadership to secure the committee Chairman position.

Ugochinyere is currently the Chairman House of Representative Committee on Downstream Petroleum.

The federal lawmaker in a statement issued on Wednesday, by his Chief of Staff Ernest Njesi, which was made available to Journalists in Abuja explained that It’s only a stupid and childish mind that can believe that he gave the Speaker 1.7m dollars to get his current position.

According to the statement: it’s a false and nonsensical belated attempts by individuals with vested interests who wants to provoke and divert attention from endemic corruption in the oil and gas industry”.

Ugochinyere further informed that any attempt to drag the Speaker and his name into a Hollywood fiction story is dead on arrival threatening that those who aided the stories will face the wrath of the law.

The lawmaker equally used the opportunity to pass vote of confidence on the decision of the House leadership to dissolve the joint committee investigating challenges in the oil sector, maintaining that he trusts the Speaker’s decision on the matter.

Ugochinyere stated:, “The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aide some criminal elements who are long over due for prison to think they can escape justice which is impossible as the demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed.

According to him: “Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s all-inclusive administration style has kept the 10th House stable in the last one year. Their approach to governance has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusivity within the parliament. They embraced a collaborative approach that transcends party lines, fostering an environment where all voices are not only heard but also valued.

“So we are not bothered by the disjointed attacks and smear campaign against our Hon. Speaker, and the House leadership. These are efforts of unprofessional corrupt elements pollute the media space in a desperate bid to seek cover from the inevitable that is coming. I remain focused in my fight for good governance.”