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Folarin Kehinde

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Flooding: 200,000 displaced, children missing in Maiduguri – NEMA

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said that over 200,000 people have been displaced after the Alau Dam broke down on Tuesday, September 10.

According to the agency, several children cannot be accounted for as houses have been submerged in the flood that hit Maiduguri, the Borno State’s capital city.

Many properties worth millions are also said to have been destroyed including farmlands, markets and businesses.

Hospitals like the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital were also ravaged with patients and staff of the hospital sacked from the premises.

In addition, the Palace of the Shehu of Borno was also flooded leaving the monarch and other residents displaced from the location.

While many climate experts have said that the situation which is occurring after 30 years could have been averted, President Bola Tinubu had ordered the vice President to visit Maiduguri and ascertain the level of damage to the city.

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Kano polls: 20 chairmanship aspirants test positive for drug abuse

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

At least 20 chairmanship aspirants for the Local Government elections in Kano State have tested positive for drugs including Cannabis.

This was disclosed by the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday, September 10.

According to the agency’s Kano State commander, Abubakar Ahmed, the candidates tested positive for multiple drugs during the screening for the LG elections in the state.

Ahmed the aspirants, mostly those presented. H the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) tested positive for prohibited substances including nicotine, hemp benzodiazepines and opioids.

While none of the female aspirants tested positive for any of the drugs, the NDLEA assured that the screening process would continue.

He also said that during this process more aspirants would be tested by the agency to ensure that those vying for positions are clean from any form of substance use and abuse.

Ahmed added that once the process is completed, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) will go ahead with its final verification exercise for aspirants.

KANSIEC had earlier said that the LG elections in the state will be held on October 26, 2024.

According to the commission, a total of 44 chairmanships and 484 councillor positions will be contested by different parties across the state.

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Tinubu introduces fuel at N230 per litre with CNG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In a strategic move to reduce fuel costs and provide Nigerians with an affordable alternative to petrol and diesel, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) available for vehicles at N230 per litre.

This initiative offers a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol, which currently sells for over N900 per litre, reflecting the President’s commitment to lowering the cost of living and alleviating the pressures of fuel subsidy removal.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), launched under President Tinubu’s directive, aims to deliver wide-reaching benefits by significantly cutting fuel costs.

The introduction of CNG as a fuel source aligns with the government’s drive towards energy diversification and is designed to bring immediate relief to Nigerians, especially those who depend on transport for their livelihoods.

As part of this initiative, President Tinubu has ordered the distribution of one million free CNG conversion kits to commercial vehicles involved in transporting people, food, and goods.

These kits, along with free installation, will be rolled out over the next 18 months, helping the transport sector transition to CNG and benefit from significantly lower fuel prices. The distribution of these kits will be conducted in collaboration with key partners, ensuring nationwide accessibility.

In the first phase of the initiative, PCNGi will begin the immediate distribution of 10,000 free conversion kits this week.

These kits will be provided at no cost to transport operators through key national transport associations, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Moove, Uber, and the Kaduna State Transport Authority (KSTA).

This will enable commercial drivers to switch their vehicles to run on CNG, easing the cost burdens for both transporters and the public.

The distribution process is supported by PCNGi in partnership with NIPCO Gas, which will manage the conversion process through a network of authorized conversion centers across Nigeria. These centers will provide the necessary infrastructure and services to ensure a smooth transition for vehicles switching to CNG.

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BREAKING: #FearlessInOctober Protests Against Hardship Under Tinubu’s Government Announced

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Another nationwide protest pressing for an end to the rising hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s government has been announced for October 1.

The anticipated protests are dubbed #FearlessInOctober.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy group, has called on citizens to unite and fight against the economic oppression and corruption which the group said is symbolized by Tinubu’s policies.

The movement described Tinubu’s administration as a symbol of hardship and corruption, criticizing the skyrocketing cost of living in Nigeria.

The statement read: “Nigerians, brace yourselves: General Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a symbol of hardship and corruption, has taken the helm. Mark your calendars for October 1 and join the #FearlessInOctober #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria2.0 protest to fight for our nation’s future and end the oppressive rule.”

The protest comes as Nigerians struggle with unprecedented fuel price hikes following the removal of petrol subsidies in May 2023.

Petrol prices have more than tripled, worsening the economic challenges faced by citizens who rely heavily on fuel for transportation and electricity generation.

Recall that Nigerians between 1 August to 10 August 2024, took to the streets in protest of the rising cost of living in the country.

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BREAKING: Prison Break Confirmed in Borno as Flood Takes Over Facility [VIDEO]

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Prisoners have escaped from the custodial facility in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, due to severe flooding that has ravaged the city.

The facility, which houses some of the state’s most dangerous inmates, has been damaged, allowing an unconfirmed number of prisoners to escape.

It can be recalled that residents of the state woke up to an early morning flooding on Tuesday. Widespread destruction across the city was also reported.

Authorities have confirmed that some of the escapees are considered highly dangerous and may be armed.

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Ondo NULGE chairman dies after slumping at filling station amid fuel scarcity

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The fuel scarcity crisis in Nigeria has taken a tragic turn, as the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for Akure South Local Government, Oluwatuyi Olasoji, has passed away.

Olasoji collapsed while waiting to purchase fuel at a filling station in Akure, Ondo State.

Local reports indicate that the incident occurred last week when Olasoji was attempting to buy Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

After slumping, he was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Center in Owo, where he underwent surgery. Despite efforts to save him, he passed away on Monday, September 9.

Fuel scarcity has worsened nationwide, leading to long queues at petrol stations and increased transport fares. As traffic conditions deteriorate, many commuters have been left stranded.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently addressed the issue, stating that the situation would improve in the coming days.

“The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices,” the NNPCL said.

The nation awaits the anticipated commencement of fuel lifting from the Dangote Refinery, scheduled for mid-September.

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DSS releases NLC president, Ajaero, on bail

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Department of State Services has granted administrative bail to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.

Pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, announced his release in a tweet on Monday night.

“BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released the @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail,” he wrote on X.com.

Ajaero was arrested Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom for an official engagement.

Numerous organisations, civil society groups, activists and prominent individuals denounced Ajaero’s arrest and demanded his immediate release.

The NLC condemned the arrest and called for his prompt and unconditional release.

In a statement issued on Monday evening, the NLC’s National Administrative Council, led by Deputy President, Adeyanju Adewale, described Ajaero’s detention as “brazen and illegal” and a clear violation of workers’ rights and democratic values.

The council issued an ultimatum, calling for Ajaero’s release by midnight on Monday.

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BREAKING: Details of NLC’s meeting after Ajaero’s arrest emerge

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government an ultimatum to release its President, Joe Ajaero, unconditionally by Monday midnight or face severe consequences.

The demands were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on Monday.

According to the NLC, Ajaero’s arrest and detention is “brazen and illegal”.

The NLC has summoned an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) for Tuesday at 9:00 AM to take action against what it called the government’s “forces of retrogression”.

Additionally, the NLC demands the reversal of the current petrol price hike to N617/Litre and the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage, which has been signed into law.

The communique said, “The National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened an emergency meeting today to address the alarming and unlawful arrest and detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, by agents of the Nigerian Government. Comrade Ajaero was arrested and detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en-route to the United Kingdom, where he was scheduled to attend and address the Congress of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain, representing Nigerian workers in critical discussions on workers’ rights and social justice.

“After extensive deliberation, the NAC resolved as follows: The Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian State without any legal warrant or justification. The NLC notes with grave concern that Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense warranting such action. His detention is an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.

“The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today. The Council reiterates that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive or a criminal, and his detention is an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stifling the labour movement’s voice in Nigeria. NAC also demands the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to N617/Litre. State of Alert: The Congress places all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert. The detention of Comrade Ajaero is an attack not just on the NLC leadership but on the rights of all workers and citizens to organize, protest, and express themselves freely.

“The NLC will not stand by while these rights are trampled upon. This provocation is another attempt by the State to scuttle the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.

“The NLC reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens. The Congress will not relent in its efforts to oppose all forms of oppression. NAC – in – session therefore summons an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) by 9:00 AM tomorrow, the 10th day of September, 2024 to take compelling action to engage the current forces of retrogression.

“The NAC urges the Nigerian Government to reverse this dangerous trend of authoritarianism and lawlessness, which threatens the country’s democratic fabric. NAC in session demands the immediate implementation of the New National Minimum Wage which has been signed into Law. The Nigeria Labour Congress will not waver in its duty to protect the rights of workers and the freedom of all Nigerians.

It can be recalled that Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en-route to the United Kingdom to attend a conference on workers’ rights and social justice.

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Bauchi Governor Sacks Health Commissioner

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has dismissed Dr. Adamu Sambo from his role as Commissioner for Health.

The announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of three new commissioners and the Chief Security Adviser.

Governor Mohammed also revealed that his administration will no longer assign a commissioner to the Ministry of Local Government, following the death of the former commissioner, and the implementation of new local government legislation.

Recall that the former Commissioner for Local Government, Ahmed Jalam, passed away in a car accident in June this year.

Additionally, two other commissioners resigned to pursue local government chairmanship positions, and the Chief Security Adviser was dismissed.

During the brief ceremony, which coincided with the state executive council meeting, Governor Mohammed stated:

“We are also here to fill the vacancy created as a result of the voluntary retirement of three commissioners so that at least every local government will be given parity and representation in the cabinet as required by the constitution. We have dropped one of the commissioners, the former Commissioner of Health, because we have to reposition ourselves, thus reducing the cost of governance and shrinking the establishment for the government as well as implementing the Supreme Court judgment on local government. Henceforth, we will no longer have a Commissioner for Local Government.”

Governor Mohammed announced Dr. Sani Dambam as the new Commissioner for Health, replacing Dr. Sambo.

“We had to drop the former Commissioner of Health not because he was found wanting but because we had to make a leadership decision. We wish him the best and will find a place for him in the government.”

Mrs. Zainab Babbatanka is now the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Engineer Mohammed Abdulkadir has been assigned to the Ministry of Commerce, and Dr. Ahmed Abdurrahman will take on the role of Chief Security Adviser.

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EFCC Arrests Fake NNPCL Director Over ₦100m Fraud

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arraigned one Ibrahim Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State for fraud.

Shuaibu is being prosecuted on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, impersonation and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of ₦100 million.

Count one of his charges reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak) (M) and lIya Garba (now deceased) sometime in 2017 in Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court did conspire between yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: obtaining money under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Another reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak)(M) sometime in 2018 at Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of N47,050,000.00 (Forty-Seven Million and Fifty Thousand Naira) from one Faisal Safiyanu, when you claimed to supply him petroleum products, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal to urge the court to fix a trial date. His counsel, AbdulKareem Audu failed to file a bail application.

Justice Khobo afterwards ordered the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the EFCC. Shuaibu’s journey to prosecution started sometime in 2017 when he presented himself to his victim as NNPCL’s Group Executive Director and promised to assist him procure over 2000 litres of petroleum products for which the victim transferred the agreed cost to his bank accounts in tranches.

Shuaibu failed to fulfil his own part of the bargain after receiving payment and failed to refund his victim his money.

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