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Govs Reject N162m Monthly Repayment Plan For FG Loan …As Buhari Seeks Senate’s Confirmation For New NDDC Board …Names Tsoho, CJ, Federal High Court, Kanyip, NICN President, Appoints Three RECs
The 36 state governors, yesterday, rejected the proposed plan by the Federal Government to extend the repayment period of its budget support loan to state governments from 22 years to 30 years.
Based on the extension, state governments’ monthly repayment would reduce from N252million monthly to N162million monthly.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, briefed State House correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.
She was with Anambra State Governor, Chief Willy Obiano, Ogun State Governor, Engineer Dapo Abiodun, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.
According to her, the Federal Government has made the first and second months’ N252million monthly deductions in September and October, based on the 22 years repayment plan.
Following the outcry of the state governors, another repayment schedule plan extending the year to 30 years and a monthly repayment of N162million was presented to NEC, yesterday.
But she said that the state governors were still not satisfied with the repayment extension to 30 years.
She said, “The budget support facility was initially for 22 years repayment period. And when we made the first deduction in September, the states had complained that the amount deducted, which was N252million, was too harsh.
“So, since then, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who is the lender, has revised the condition to make the repayment period longer. And so the new repayment period is 30years. And this means that the states will be paying monthly N162million. But again today, the states still were not satisfied with the condition.
“So, we are expecting that the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, CBN and the states will engage again with the view of having the CBN further revise the condition to reduce the monthly repayment burden”, she stated
Meanwhile, the 36 governors, yesterday, met with state commissioners of finance and heads of authorities in Abuja to discuss how to jerk up tax collection in states.
The meeting came a day after the governors signed a memorandum of understanding with the Joint Tax Board.
The Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ekiti Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who spoke at the opening of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) peer learning meeting said, the platform was to share reform experiences and consolidate actions.
“As commissioners of finance and heads of tax authorities, you are responsible for both tax policy and administration in your states.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a letter to the Senate, requesting the screening and subsequent confirmation of a former deputy governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board.
In a letter read on at yesterday’s plenary by the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan, Buhari has also requested the confirmation of 15 other members of the board.
Other members of the board are – Bernard Okumagba (Delta), who will serve as managing director and Otobong Ndem (Akwa Ibom), who was appointed the executive director, Projects.
Also listed are – Maxwell Okoh (Bayelsa), Jones Erue (Delta), Victor Ekhatar (Edo), Joy Nunieh (Rivers), Nwogu Nwogu (Abia), Theodore Allison (Bayelsa), Victor Antai (Akwa Ibom), Maurice Effiwatt (Cross River), Olugbenga Elema (Ondo), Uchegbu Kyrian (Imo) and Aisha Muhammed (Kano), who is representing North-West on the board, while Ardo Zubairu (Adamawa) represents North-East on the NDDC board.
Lawan later referred the names to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Peter Nwaoboshi, to conduct the screening and report back to the Senate in one week.
Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, forwarded the name of Justice John Tsoho to the Senate for confirmation as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC).
The President also forwarded the name of Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip as the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
The Senate also received three nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The nominees include Umar Mukhtar Gajiram (Borno), Dr. Alalibo Sinikiem Johnson (Bayelsa) and Raheem Muideen Olalekan (Osun).
In his letter nominating the three state Resident Electoral Commissioners, Buhari said, “Pursuant to Paragraph 14(3) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) I hereby write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following three nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): Umar Mukhtar Gajiram (Borno), commissioner; Dr. Alalibo Sinikiem Johnson (Bayelsa), commissioner; and Raheem Muideen Olalekan (Osun), commissioner.”
On the appointment of the Judge of the Federal High Court, Buhari said: “Pursuant to Section 250(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Honourable Justice J.T. Tsoho as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
“While I trust that the Senate will consider this request in the usual expeditious manner, Please, accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
On the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Buhari said, “Pursuant to Section 250(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Honourable Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip as the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
“While trusting that the Senate will consider this request in the usual expeditious manner, Please accept, Distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration”, the president wrote.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.