Nation

Angry APC Senators Declare Buhari’s Govt Incompetent

Published

4 years ago

February 19, 2021

The kidnap of the students of Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, Niger State, has pushed some senators into uncontrollable anger against the Federal Government.

Senators Mohammed Enagi (APC-Niger South), Sani Musa (APC-Niger East), and Aliu Sabi Aliu (APC-Niger North) described as unacceptable, the worsening state of insecurity in Niger State and Nigeria in general.

In a brief debate on a motion sponsored by Musa, the lawmakers expressed worry that the state had become unsafe for education, agriculture, and other socio-economic engagements.

Musa, in defending his motion, informed his colleagues that the number of students in that school was more than 1,000, adding that the actual number of those kidnapped was yet to be known.

But a spokesman for Niger State Government, Muhammad Sani Idris, said that about 650 students were in the school when it was attacked.

Before the debate began, the Senate leadership had warned lawmakers against resorting to politics and political gimmicks during deliberations.

Consequently, all lawmakers who participated in the debate were from the APC as none from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spoke.

Use of hostile words and languages got to its peak when Enagi lamented that none of the resolutions that had been adopted by the Senate and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari was executed.

According to him, the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari was grossly incompetent.

The visibly angry lawmaker further noted that the government had been evasive on issues that ought to be given attention.

Enagi observed that it was unfortunate that the Federal Government was too incompetent to handle in such a way as to guarantee full employment for the nation’s teeming youths.

Enagi suggested the amendment of laws that would allow governors who are chief security officers of their respective states to take charge, insisting that the government at the centre has failed woefully.

He added that citizens might need to be allowed to bear arms through the amendment of laws if the situation persists.

“I’m sorry to say this, the government is grossly incompetent in the handling of security challenges in this country,” Enagi said.

“In my own zone, few days ago, terrorists went to two local governments, but fortunately, my people were able to repel and killed nine of them and in short everybody that is here has a story to tell about security challenges in this country.

“What else are we supposed to do that we are not doing? Are supposed to amend laws in this country to give every citizen the opportunity to carry arms? What else are supposed to do?

“Shouldn’t we amend Nigeria Constitution to give more powers to the governors who are the Chief Security Officers of their various states because; our government at the centre is so incompetent in the handling of security issues”, Enagi queried.

According to the senator, the situation with the parents of the kidnapped students is best imagined “if it is one of us that his or her daughter and son were kidnapped. I expect everyone in government to think like that.”

He lamented that “For over two years, our police and other security agents have been trying and for over two years, we discuss security challenges that we are facing, yet nothing has improved.

“We have a lot of youths who are undergraduates that are not employed or under-employed. What are we doing, the government is busy distributing palliative instead of creating economic activities that will engage the unemployed that will generate employment; that will improve the welfare of our people.

“Mr. President, my highly respected distinguished colleagues, the situation in this country is disheartening and something needs to be done”, Enagi submitted.

The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, halted the debate after Enagi declared that the kidnap of the students was unfortunate.

Lawan said the security agencies had challenges with personnel and funds.

“Abduction of students from school happen in the northern part of Nigeria,” the Senate president said, adding that ”With incidences like this, parents would be scared to take their wards to school and the efforts of the past as present leaders at providing education would be defeated.”

Also, Aliu, expressed dissatisfaction that the Federal Government has been unable to ensure the release of some 57 travellers kidnapped last Sunday within Niger State.

He called for more decisive action from security agencies to get the kidnapped persons released.

Sabi cautioned Federal Government to take extraordinary measures to halt the spate of insecurity which he feared could spread to the Federal Capital Territory.

The Senate urged the President to as a matter of urgency declare the state of emergency on insecurity in Nigeria.

It also urged Buhari to consider and implement “the recommendations of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Nigeria’s Security Challenges dated March 17, 2020, and Senate Resolutions therefrom, as a holistic response to the mounting security challenges across the country”

The Senate sought a massive and combined operation to identify and destroy the camps and hideouts of these criminals wherever they may be situated.

Nation

Ogoni Dialogue Committee Assures Tai Communities

Published

2 days ago

March 3, 2025

The Tide

The Ogoni Dialogue Committee has assured the people of Tai communities in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State that their opinions and concerns will be articulated in the effort to present a unified demand from the Ogoni people to the Federal Government.

Co-Chairman of the Committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Rtd), made the assurance on Saturday during a meeting with Tai LGA communities at the Council Secretariat in Saakpenwa.

He revealed that the dialogue offers Ogonis an opportunity to ensure their voices are heard, urging Tai Communities members to participate actively in the process.

Archbishop Kattey announced plans for the committee to engage with all stakeholders including youth and women of Ogoniland.

He stated that the Federal Government has commenced the confidence-building process requested by the Ogoni delegation by signing the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai stressed that the university has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the Ogoni people, representing a beacon of hope and progress for the area.

“As we move forward, I encourage every community within Tai LGA to submit their positions on the resumption of oil activities in Ogoni.

“Your voices are vital, and I assure you that all collated views will be integral to our demands as we negotiate with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

” This is our chance to ensure that our collective concerns are heard and addressed, so I urge you to seize this opportunity.

“Additionally, we plan to meet with critical stakeholders, including our Ogoni youth and women, in line with the Dialogue Committee’s workplan.

“Your participation and insights are essential as we work together for a brighter future” Kattey stated.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary initiative in engaging in dialogue with the Ogoni people, calling it a crucial turning point in the quest for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.

He also thanked National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his diligent facilitation of the dialogue process.

The Co-Chairman further thanked Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara for his involvement and commitment, particularly for the prompt release of the Kira campus of the Rivers State University to enable the immediate establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology.

In his remarks,the Senator representing Rivers South East at the National Assembly, Senator Barry Mpigi noted that the Tai people are not opposed to the resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland .

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the would-be operator and the communities for smooth operations.

“Tai people are not opposed to oil resumption in Ogoniland , but we want to see how it will be implemented.

” This is why we have submitted our memorandum to you.

“If the would-be operator listens to the terms of the Tai people, we can work together” Senator Mpigi stated.

Mpigi also thanked the Federal Government for assenting to the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Tai, promising that the university will operate smoothly.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Community Development Committee (CDC), of Korokoro Community in Tai LGA Mr Young Kigbara presented resolution on behalf of the oil-bearing community, while other communities made submissions through the King of Tai Kingdom, HRM King Samuel Nnee

Kiadum Edookor

Nation

Ekpeye People Urge TotalEnergies To Site Gas Treatment Plant In Their Domain

Published

7 days ago

February 26, 2025

The Tide

The people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, have declared that the Ubeta Gas Project being proposed by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, must be located in their domain.
The company had proposed that gas from Ekpeye land would be piped to a treatment plant that would be located at Obite in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The declaration was contained in a communique signed by His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Dr) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III; Akalaka XII, His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Chigemerem David, Eze Emene Echi Ubie I, Secretary, Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs; and Dr. Michael U Nyemenim, President General, Uzugbani Ekpeye, on behalf of themselves and the entire Ekpeye people, after a meeting held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the palace of Eze Ekpeye Logbo III in Ula Upata Community.
The communique, which anchored on six points stated that, “The Ubeta Gas Project shall be built at Ubeta Community or elsewhere in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.
“That Ekpeye people will not allow TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited in conjunction with few persons in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation to pipe the gas to Obite Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Ekpeye people have proscribed all groups or individuals discussing or dialoguing with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited as regards to the Ubeta Gas Project.
All discussions on the Ubeta Gas Project shall be discussed by the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.Igbu Ubie is a part in Ekpeye and all companies operating in Igbu Ubie, or any other parts of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation shall be answerable to the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation. TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited shall meet with the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation to discuss the issue bordering on the exploration of the gas in Ubeta Community.”
The declaration, according to the communique, was not foisted on the people but was taken after much deliberations that followed democratic process, in the presence of some Kings of the Kingdom , heads of important traditional, socio-cultural organs, women groups and youths from all the seven Kingdoms that make up the ethnic nation.
Some notable individuals that were present were the Eze Igbus such as HRM Eze Joshua Eyiba, Eze Igbu Igbuduya II, HRM Eze(Dr) Felix Enene Otuwarikpo; Eze Igbu Upata III, represented by HRH Nye Udu Nnodi Micheal; HRM Eze Anderson Egbuluka, Eze Igbu Ugbobi II; HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, Eze Igbu Orlukwor II.
Others were Uzugbani Ekpeye President General, Dr. Michael U. Nyemenim; Ekpeye Youth President, Senior Comrade Justice Ewoh; the National Chairman, Ekpeye Oil and Gas Pipelines Host Families Association (EOG), Comrade Dogini Chidi; Vice Chairman, Ekpeye Oil and Gas Contact Committee, High Chief (Engr.) Samuel Ekiye; and Ada Ekpeye, High Chief (Mrs) Patricia W. Ogbonnaya.
The statement acknowledged the indivisibility of the people, anchored on filial cultural heritage and further declared that; “Ekpeye Ethnic Nation is one and all parts of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation are what constitutes the people and the place known as Ekpeye! Ethnic Nation. All the stakeholders spoke for the unity of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.”

Nation

Humanitarian Affairs Minister Calls For Inclusive Tax Reforms For PWDs

Published

7 days ago

February 26, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for a more inclusive approach to tax reforms in Nigeria.
Yilwatda made the call in Abuja, yesterday at an Inclusive Tax Reform town hall meeting with leaders in the disability community.
The meeting was organised by The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Yilwatda emphasised the importance of providing better support for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, there should be specific tax relief measures that will address the unique challenges faced by them.
The minister proposed that tax relief be introduced for disability-related expenses such as medical care, assistive devices, and accessibility modifications to existing structures.
He also suggested reviewing Value Added Tax (VAT) policies to reduce or exempt taxes on assistive technologies, mobility aids, and specialised healthcare services.
These measures, he said, would help ease the financial burdens often faced by PWDs, allowing them to live more independently and participate fully in society.
“We need to explore the possibility of tax reductions for disability-related expenses.
“Assistive devices and healthcare services can be very costly, and these tax exemptions or reductions will significantly reduce the financial strain on PWDs,” Yilwatda said.
The minister also emphasised the need for corporate incentives to encourage businesses to employ PWDs.
He proposed offering tax breaks or holidays for companies that exceeded a certain threshold of employees with disabilities, encouraging inclusive hiring practices and improving the economic standing of PWDs.
Yilwatda further called for a portion of tax revenues to be allocated to a National Disability Fund, which could provide long-term financial support for social protection programmes aimed at PWDs.
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, highlighted the importance of tax reforms in strengthening the rights and social protection of PWDs.
He also mentioned the potential role of the Vulnerable Trust Fund in supporting PWDs in the future.
Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a fair and inclusive tax system.
He stated that the ongoing tax reforms aimed to reduce economic burdens on vulnerable groups.
Additionally, the Founder of TAF Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, expressed support for the reforms and commended the government’s efforts to ensure accessible engagement platforms for PWDs.
The Tide source reports that the meeting aims to produce practical suggestions that will guarantee social justice, equity, and fairness in Nigeria’s tax policies.