Featured

Buhari’s Medical Expenses Remain Secret – FG

Published

8 years ago

March 31, 2017

The Federal Government, yesterday, said it would not disclose to Nigerians the medical expenditure of President Muhammadu Buhari in London, saying the information was too sensitive.
It also set up a committee to interface with the National Assembly to mend the seemingly frosty relationship between the executive and the legislature.
Also, yesterday, Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved the establishment of the West African Tax Administration Forum and okayed the $500 million Eurobond and also N403 million to procure water supplying vehicles for the Federal Fire Service.
Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who disclosed these while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja said disclosing the cost of the President’s medical trip would undermine national security.
He also stated that the reconciliatory committee to mend fences with the National Assembly would be headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Mohammed, who was joined at the briefing by the Ministers of Interior, Abdularaam Dambazzua, and Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said membership of the committee would include all the ministers, who were former members of the National Assembly, presidential liaison officers as well as other friendly stakeholders.
The committee, he further explained, would take into consideration all outstanding issues such as the rejection of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu; the face-off arising from non-appearance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, and the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, among others.
On cost of President’s medical trip, he said: “This matter has come several times and our position on the matter is quite straight forward.
What are the President’s conditions of service? What are his entitlements in terms of his well-being and healthcare?
The state is supposed to take responsibility for these.
Also speaking, Minister of Interior, Abdulraam Danbazzua, disclosed that FEC approved N403 million from the ministry’s budget of N5.5 billion to purchase water supplying vehicles for Federal Fire Service. He said:
On her part, Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said the council gave its nod for the establishment of West African Tax Administration Forum to promote mutual tax benefits among the members.
She also stated that a directive had been given to the SGF and the Accountant-General of the Federation to sanction companies whose letter headed papers failed to give details of their directors.
Adesoun also said that yesterday’s FEC meeting formally gave approval for the $500 million eurobond.
This is really part of our tax reform efforts. “As you know Nigerians own properties in Ghana and other neigbouring countries.
Now, for tax purposes, they will be able to have access to that type of information. “ Linked to that is the directive of the FEC to the SGF to remind companies that there is an existing provision in the law that companies are supposed to have on their letter headed papers the names of their directors and their registered offices but what we have seen is that many bodies that are transacting business with government simply have the names of the company and no details of who the directors are.’’

Featured

RSG Set For Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Published

14 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government says all is now set to ensure a momentous Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Speaking to newmen, last Monday, at Isaac Boro Park, venue for the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured that the annual event would be memorable.

“January 15 is a day set aside all over the country to remember those who died in the course of military engagement and also appreciate those still serving in the Armed Forces.

“We had the Juma’at Prayers last Friday and Church Thanksgiving Service last Sunday, we are grateful for very successful events. Wednesday, 15th January, is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath -laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade here in Isaac Boro Park. We are ready and expecting a superlative parade ceremony by the Armed Forces and the State Legion,” he said.

The SSG stated that it was in the nature of Rivers State Government and her people to appreciate the Armed Forces, just as he encouraged well-meaning Nigerians resident in Rivers State to join in appreciating the efforts of the nation’s heroes and remember those who had paid the ultimate price.

The SSG stressed that the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on January 15 would be replicated across the 22 Local Governments Areas in the State, with the exception of the Mayor of Port Harcourt who would support the Governor.

“As a federation with three tiers of government, the ceremonies will be done simultaneously at the federal level with Mr President laying the wreath; at the State, with our Governor laying the wreath. It is also expected that the council chairmen will be replicating same thing because there are members of the Armed Forces and legionnaires in the local governments.

A representative of 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Col. S. I Fejoh, who is one of the co-ordinators of the parade, re-affirmed their readiness and promised to showcase the pride of Nigeria.

On his part, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, C.O. Promise noted that members were happy and ready to celebrate the day they referred to as their birthday.

The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Wendy Kalio, also expressed optimism for a gallant celebration in the state.

“We have been fully involved and ready to celebrate the sacrifices of those who served the country. Let us honour them and encourage their loved ones. The Governor is working hard to empower the veterans and widows, let us turn up to cheer our Governor,” she summed up.

Featured

Fubara Hails Mbata’s Emergence As President – General Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Published

16 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the emergence of a former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Azuta Mbata, as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Governor Fubara said that the frontline politician’s victory at the poll in Enugu, on Friday, is a testament to his wide acceptance across the aisle as an accomplished Nigerian, whose test of character and integrity is exemplary.

He said that the overwhelming votes of the delegates show the implicit confidence of members of the socio-cultural organisation in his ability to provide needed leadership to move the Ohanaeze Ndigbo forward at this time.

Governor Fubara, therefore, extended his best wishes to Senator Mbata, and expressed the hope that he will succeed as he discharges the lofty duties of furthering national cohesion, and fostering friendly cooperation based on mutual trust and respect within the Igbos and among non-Igbos.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, I once again congratulate you and assure you of our readiness to work with you towards maintaining and preserving national unity and cohesion”, Governor Fubara said.

Business

AfDB, Partners Boost Universal Electrification Efforts

Published

18 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, the World Bank Group, the African Union (AU), and the Tanzanian government have reaffirmed their commitment to advance Africa’s path toward universal electrification.

The AfDB announced in a statement, Saturday, that it would host a pivotal summit to support this objective.

“The Africa Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27 to 28 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will bring together Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, development partners, donors, experts, civil society organizations, and academics.

“The summit aims to secure the financial resources, partnerships, and political commitment necessary to achieve the ambitious Mission 300 plan and further progress toward universal electrification”, it stated.

Inaugurated in April 2024 by the AfDB and the World Bank, Mission 300 sought to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

It said the initiative would focus on a dual approach: increasing infrastructure investment and implementing policy reforms across the electricity supply chain.

According to the bank, with nearly 600 million Africans accounting for 83 per cent of the global energy deficit lacking access to electricity, the need for action has never been more urgent.

“The summit will serve as a platform to consolidate efforts and accelerate Africa’s electrification journey, aiming to transform lives, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth.

“Experts and stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to mobilise investments, expand energy access, and address challenges impeding progress, ensuring that Africa’s energy goals remain within reach”, AfDB stated.