Connect with us

Featured

Sign Electoral Act Amendment Bill Now, PDP Govs Urge Buhari …Seeks Probe To End Duplicity, Fictitious Subsidy On Fuel Consumption

Published

on

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law immediately.
This appeal is one of the 9-point communique issued by the governors who met under the aegis of PDP Governors’ Forum, last Monday, at the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa.
Reading the communique to journalists after the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the forum, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said the meeting reviewed the state of the nation and the readiness of the PDP to rescue the nation from All Progressives Congress (APC) misrule.
The PDP governors said that by not signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill immediately, Buhari would be demonstrating that he was unwilling to give to Nigerians a reformed electoral framework.
“Waiting to run out the 30 days is yet another sign of unwillingness by Mr President to give Nigeria a reformed Electoral framework.
“If there are still misgivings on any aspect of the Bill Amendments may be introduced at a later stage.”
Again, the governors expressed displeasure on the issue of contaminated fuel that has been supplied to Nigerians.
They urged the Federal Government to bring the perpetrators to account.
“The governors frowned at the duplicity, inconsistency, insincerity of the APC-led Federal Government on the fuel subsidy regime, which has been badly and corruptly administered.
“The figures of consumption and ascribed to Nigerians appear fictitious and bloated. They called for proper investigation to be conducted on this matter.”
Also in the communique, the forum welcomed the court decision on Police Trust Fund deductions from the Federation Account.
They noted it as a suit at the instance of Rivers State, and urged the Federal Government to stop similar unconstitutional deductions from the Federation Account.
“In the same vein, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission should expedite action on the new Revenue Allocation formula in such a way as to increase allocation to states and local government.”
The forum deplored the way and manner the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was being run as an alternate government, which they described as a government within a government.
They said it was time to streamline the functions and processes of the CBN in order to make it become constitutionally compliant.
Again, the forum once again decried the opaque nature of NNPC operations.
They called for accountability and reconciliation of NNPC remittances into the federation account.
About the current phase of the Constitution Review exercise at the National Assembly, the forum urged the national lawmakers to revisit the issue of devolution of more powers to the states and local governments.
“This opportunity to rejig the framework for policing and securing Nigeria should not be missed. To this end, the forum would set up a panel of consultants to have a thorough look at the security architecture of Nigeria and make recommendations.
“The governors also urged the National Assembly to transfer some items from the Exclusive Legislative List to Concurrent List.”
The PDP governors were particularly delighted over the victory of their party winning 43 out of 62 councillorship positions in the Abuja Area Council election.
“In spite of improvements in the conduct of elections, the Gwagwalada and Abuja Area Council results show that manipulations are still possible.
“They urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tighten all observed loopholes and further improve on the functioning of the BIVAS Machine for future elections.”
The PDP governors congratulated their colleague, Governor Douye Diri on his second anniversary in office.
They noted that he has made a positive difference for the people of Bayelsa State, and also thanked him for being such a gracious and wonderful host.
In attendance at the meeting were the Abia State Governor and Vice Chairman of the forum, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike; Adamawa State Governor, Hon Ahmadu Fintiri; and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.
Others were Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa; and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Also in attendance were Enugu State Governor, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Oyo State Governor, Engr OluseyiMakinde; and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Featured

FG To Seize Retirees’ Property Over Unpaid Housing Loans

Published

on

The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.

Continue Reading

Featured

FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General

Published

on

The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.

Continue Reading

Featured

NNPCL To Undergo Forensic Audit Soon -FG

Published

on

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.

Continue Reading

Trending