Buhari’s government has again been taken to court over the Naira redesign.
The Niger state government filed the case on February 10th against the Federal Government.
The state gov expressed concern over the hardship citizens are experiencing due to the new policy.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Niger State Government has dragged the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to the Supreme Court over the naira redesign policy introduced by the Godwin Emefiele-led Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This was made known in a statement on Saturday by Nasara Danmallam, the Niger State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, in Minna, the State capital.
He disclosed that the case, with suit number SC/CV/210/2023, was filed on February 10, with the Niger State Government as the plaintiff.
According to Danmallam, the state government was seeking an extension of the timeframe given by the CBN for the currency swap and withdrawal from circulation of old N200, N500, and N1,000, amongst other reliefs.
He noted that the three months given by the federal government for the withdrawal of old currency across the country was not reasonable and in violation of sections 13, 14 (2) (b), 17 (1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
In the affidavit in support of the originating summons, filed at the Supreme Court, the Niger government contended that the unavailability of the newly redesigned notes had caused untold hardships and sufferings on the inhabitants of the state, especially those living in rural dwellers across the state.
The statement expressed the state government’s concern about the inconveniences the redesigned Naira policy had brought on the people, saying that the government would continue everything within its constitutional limit to ameliorate their sufferings.
In this article on EKO HOT BLOG, we would be looking at some supplements that can aid smoother skin.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
These healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Omega-3s can also help to moisturize the skin and keep it looking smooth.
2. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in skin health. It helps to keep the skin clear and healthy, and can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin E: Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E is also an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage. It also helps to moisturize the skin and keep it looking smooth.
3. Collagen
Collagen is an essential component to keep our skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, ligaments, and teeth intact and young. As we age, our collagen production reduces, leading to ageing. Adding collagen to our diet improves our bone vitality and restores skin elasticity and hydration. It keeps the skin, nails, bones, and hair healthy, thus, improving your overall appearance and body performance.
4. Vitamin D
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, it is one of the most common vitamins people lack. It is also highly prescribed by doctors because the deficiency can create many issues. If you are in a place that doesn’t get enough sun or have pale or white patches, it is highly likely that you need vitamin D supplements.
Flavonoids are phytonutrients that plants produce to combat damage. For humans, flavonoids do much of the same thing: they’re antioxidant anti-inflammatories that help prevent skin ageing and promote radiance—voilà! They also prevent skin damage caused by too much tanning.
In conclusion, supplements can be a great addition to skincare routines for achieving and maintaining smooth and healthy skin.
Youths reportedly beat up a mentally disturbed man, for allegedly destroying ATMs.
The victim stormed the bank around 7 pm on Monday and destroyed the machines one after the other.
According to an eyewitness, the deranged man went to the banks one after the other and began to destroy the ATMs.
EKO HOT BLOGreports that a mentally challenged man was beaten up by angry youths in the Ore area, Odigbo council area of Ondo state, for reportedly destroying four Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in some old generational banks.
The victim stormed the bank around 7 pm on Monday and destroyed the machines one after the other.
An eyewitness told the aforementioned publication that the incident looked quite funny as the deranged man went to the banks one after the other and began to destroy the ATMs.
He said, ”the whole incident looked funny, the madman, just went to the banks, one after the other and destroyed them.
”The banks were located close to each other in Ondo town.
”Some youths who saw him destroying the machines, pounced on him and beat him to a pulp.
”Those who gathered to watch were afraid that the madman was dead as he bled profusely.
” The mob later took to their heels but the madman later recovered and took to his heels.”
When contacted, the state police image maker, Funmi Odunlami confirmed the incident.
Odunlami said that the victim ”destroyed four ATM machines, hence he was beaten but he was not dead.”
Two British nationals have gone missing in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, Ukrainian police have said.
Eko Hot Blog reports that The men, aged 28 and 48, were doing voluntary work, police said, and were last seen on Friday heading to the town of Soledar – where fighting has been intense in recent days.
A Foreign Office spokesman said it was “supporting the families of two British men who have gone missing in Ukraine”.
The police department in the city of Bakhmut said they received a missing person’s report at 17:15 local time on Saturday, and appealed for any information that could help locate the two men. The men had been in Kramatorsk, where there have been reports of strikes in recent days.
Earlier on Monday, Ukraine’s military said it was strengthening its forces in Soledar – a small town near Bakhmut in the eastern Donbas region – in an attempt to fight constant attacks there by Russian mercenary group Wagner.
The leader of the group has vowed to capture the area’s huge underground mines.
Ukraine’s military said in a statement: “The enemy again made a desperate attempt to storm the city of Soledar from different directions and threw the most professional units of the Wagnerites into battle.”
The British Foreign Office (FCDO) is warning against all travel to Ukraine due to attacks on a number of different cities currently taking place, as the war against Russia continues into its 11th month.
INEC has opened up on fate of the G-5 Governors, if they get expelled by PDP.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the candidacy of the G-5 governors will still remain intact even if they are expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The electoral body stated this in an interview while speaking with the People’s Gazette.
The spokesman of the commission, Festus Okoye explained that the candidacy of the aggrieved governors will not have an adverse effect in the 2023 election if they lose their place in the PDP.
“All the candidates that their names have been submitted will remain candidates until elections are over,” Okoye explained.
The INEC spokesperson also said that a political party lacks the power to replace any candidate, considering that the 2023 Elections are barely weeks away.
No political party can substitute any candidate,” Okoye stressed, adding that “they will remain the candidates of the political party that nominated them.”
The G-5 governors are Governors Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The governors revolted against the leadership of Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP national chairman. They asked him to resign over allegations of corruption and failure to honour his own words, where he reportedly promised to resign if the PDP’s presidential candidate emerged from the North.
Buhari has acknowledged that he will hand over the presidency on May 29, 2023.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that President Muhammadu Buhari restated his commitment to handing over the presidency to an elected president come May 29 next year.
He stated this while speaking to Shakib Ben Musa, the Minister of National Education, Pre-School and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco, who visited the State House, Abuja, as Special Envoy of King Mohammed the VI.
In a statement by his Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, Buhari said his second term in office would end on May 29, 2023, in line with the constitution.
He also said his term of office would end with the inauguration of a new president in May next year.
President Buhari, who said he would study the message sent and respond accordingly, gave assurances at the same time that he would continue to cherish and strengthen the very warm and cordial relations between the two countries.
On his part, the Special Envoy, who was accompanied by Mr. Moha Ou Ali Tagma, the resident representative of the Kingdom in Nigeria, restated to the President the friendship and solidarity of the King, the government, and the people of Morocco with Nigeria.
Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party are the major contenders to succeed Buhari next year.
Germany players covered their mouths during the team photograph before their World Cup opener against Japan amid the row with FIFA over the OneLove armband.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the gesture follows Fifa threatening players with a booking for wearing the OneLove armband during games in Qatar.
The captains of seven European nations were set to wear it to promote diversity and inclusion.
“It wasn’t about making a political statement,” said the Germany football federation (DFB) on Twitter.
“Human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.”
“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”
Germany were one of the teams that had planned to wear the OneLove armband, along with England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Fifa has brought forward its own ‘No Discrimination’ campaign, which had been due to start from the quarter-finals.
Captains will now be permitted to wear a No Discrimination armband for the duration of the tournament.
Germany captain Manuel Neuer wore the Fifa armband against Japan.
“We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect,” added the DFB.
“Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.”
The DFB says it is investigating whether Fifa’s threat to sanction players for wearing the armband is legal.
“Fifa has forbidden us from using a symbol of diversity and human rights,” said DFB media director Steffen Simon.
“They combined this with massive threats of sporting sanctions without specifying them.
“The DFB is checking whether this action by Fifa was legal.”
Simon told German media outlet Bild the DFB has contacted the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the issue and is hoping Neuer will be able to wear the OneLove armband for his side’s second Group E game against Spain on Sunday.
Danish football federation chief executive Jakob Jensen said the seven nations that had planned to wear the OneLove armband are “co-ordinating” discussions on their legal next steps.
However, he said it is “not possible” to go to Cas over the issue.
He added: “If you want to go through CAS you need to complain within the Fifa system first, you need to go to the appeals body, then you can go through CAS.”
Simon has said previously that the seven nations were faced with extreme blackmail from FIFA.
German supermarket chain Rewe has suspended its advertising deal with the DFB in a bid to distance itself from Fifa.
Harry Kane wore the Fifa armband as England began their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 win against Iran on Monday, with Three Lions players also taking the knee before kick-off.
It was announced in September that the captains of 10 European nations – England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands – would wear a OneLove armband at Nations League games and the World Cup.
Norway and Sweden did not qualify for the World Cup while France captain Hugo Lloris said he would not wear the armband because he wanted to “show respect” to Qatar.
The Netherlands began the OneLove campaign before Euro 2020 to promote diversity and inclusion, and as a message against discrimination.
Same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are criminalised in Qatar, because they are considered immoral under Islamic Sharia law.
Meanwhile, former England winger Andros Townsend has said he is “a bit uneasy” about protests against Qatar’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights in the country, given its basis in Islamic Sharia law.
Speaking on TalkSport, the Everton forward said Muslim players respect campaigns such as rainbow laces in the UK, but they “can’t promote it because they fear they are going against their religion.”
He added: “It’s difficult – when they are in our country, they respect our beliefs. We’re coming to their country, we don’t agree with it, but it’s still their religious belief.
Americans who got the updated COVID-19 booster shots are better protected against symptomatic infection than those who haven’t — at least for now, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.
Eko Hot Blog reports that updated boosters rolled out by Pfizer and rival Moderna in September have been a hard sell for vaccine-weary Americans. Only about 13% of U.S. adults have gotten a “bivalent” shot targeting the omicron strain and the original coronavirus. On Tuesday, White House officials announced a renewed push for more Americans to get the latest shots.
The first look at the new shots’ real-world effectiveness shows they work, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert.
Speaking at a White House briefing expected to be his last before he retires from the government at the end of the year, Fauci said what “may be the final message I give you from this podium is that please, for your safety, for that of your family, get your updated COVID-19 shot as soon as you’re eligible.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed about 360,000 COVID-19 tests given to people with coronavirus-like symptoms at drugstores around the country between September, when the new boosters rolled out, and early November. Researchers compared the vaccination status of those who wound up having COVID-19 with those who didn’t.
The new omicron-targeting booster added 30% to 56% protection against symptomatic infection, depending on how many prior vaccinations someone had, how long ago, and their age, the CDC concluded.
People getting the greatest benefit are those who’d never had a prior booster, just two doses of the original COVID-19 vaccine at least eight months earlier, said CDC’s Dr. Ruth Link-Gelles, who led the study.
But even people who got a summertime booster of the original vaccine before seeking the new fall formula were 30% to 40% more protected than if they’d skipped this latest shot, she said.
“We think about it as the additional benefit or incremental benefit of getting one more dose, and in this case that one more dose is a bivalent,” Link-Gelles said.
The updated boosters target the BA.5 omicron strain that until recently was the most common type, an effort to build on the original COVID-19 vaccines’ protection as the virus continues to mutate.
The original shots have offered strong protection against severe disease and death no matter the variant, but protection against mild infection wanes. CDC’s analysis tracked only the first few months of the new boosters’ use so it’s too early to know how long added protection against symptomatic infection lasts.
But “certainly as we enter the holiday season, I would want the most possible protection if I’m seeing my parents and grandparents,” Link-Gelles said. “Protection against infection there is going to be helpful because you potentially would stop yourself from getting a grandparent or other loved one sick.”
Even protection against severe illness slipped some when BA.5 surged, the reason health authorities have strongly urged older adults and others at high risk not to skip the new booster.
To that end, the Biden administration announced a six-week campaign urging people — especially seniors — to get the boosters, saying the shots could save lives as Americans gather for the holidays.
The campaign echoes a call earlier this week from the American Medical Association and nearly a dozen other health groups for people to hurry up and get both the COVID-19 booster and their yearly flu vaccination. The flu has hit unusually strong and early this year. Combined with COVID-19 cases and other problematic respiratory viruses, hospitals, and doctors’ offices are packed.
Some people may be reluctant to get vaccinated or boosted because of a torrent of misinformation about the shots despite evidence that they’re safe and have saved millions of lives.
“You can decide to trust America’s physicians or you can trust some random dude on Twitter,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 coordinator.
Fauci said “as a physician, it pains me” that the country’s harsh political division has some people refusing vaccination for non-health reasons.
And he noted that while it’s important for people to get the new booster, those most at risk, if there’s another winter surge will be people who never got the primary vaccine series.
Adding to the uncertainty, relatives of BA.5 are now the most common coronavirus subtypes. Lab testing from Pfizer and Moderna shows the updated booster revs up people’s levels of virus-fighting antibodies, particularly against BA.5. The companies point to preliminary antibody evidence that the new shots also may offer at least some protection against the even newer omicron subtypes, despite not being an exact match.
Tunde, 51, died on October 21, 2022, in a London hospital after battling cancer for over a year.
The funeral rites commenced on November 9, with the service of songs held in Abuja.
Tunde’s body was accompanied by family and friends to Otukpo for a wake on November 10.
Governor Samuel Ortom, his deputy Benson Abonu, Senate Minority Leader Philip Aduda, and Senator Abba Moro attended the burial.
Others were ex-Kogi governor Idris Wada, ex-Senators Suleman Adokwe and Lekan Mustapha, Bishop Michael Apochi of Otukpo Catholic Diocese, and Rev Innocent Jooji, among others.
In his sermon, Most Rev. Fr. Sylvester Onmonke told the family to have faith in God as only he can give and take life.
With one week to go until the final day of voting in the midterm elections, Joe Biden is headed to Florida to campaign with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, who is fighting an uphill battle to unseat Governor Ron DeSantis.
Eko Hot Blog reports that former President Barack Obama is continuing his late-in-the-game tour of crucial states as the Democrats try and drive up voter enthusiasm and turnout among their base. He will be campaigning together with Mr Biden this weekend.
Control of the US Senate still hangs in the balance as new polls show Democrats narrowly ahead or tied in key states.
According to one survey from The New York Times and Siena College, Arizona’s Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania ’s John Fetterman and Georgia’s Rapheal Warnock are all ahead by 3-6 points. Were all three to win, that would represent a net pickup of one seat for the Democrats.
Ortom has given the Federal Government a one-month deadline to approve AK-47 license for BSCVG.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has given a one-month deadline to the federal government to approve his letter to procure AK-47 riffles for the newly established Benue State Community Volunteer Guards or he will seek the advice of his people on the way to go.
Ortom stated this on Thursday during the passing out parade of the second batch of the State Volunteer Community Guards held at IBB Square, Makurdi.
Ortom said that he had applied for approval of AK 47 riffles license but regretted that over three months after, he was yet to get a response from the federal government.
According to him, “I have on behalf of the Benue State Government applied to the responsible Federal Government Agency for approval to procure automatic weapons, particularly AK47 assault riffles to further strengthen your logistic support base and your defense capability.
“I am still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to deal accordingly,” Ortom said, adding, ”If there is no reply in the next one month, I will revert to my people to give advice on what to do because the federal government is complicit on the issue of herders’ attacks on the state.”
While stating that state governments and federal government were working towards moving from community policing to State Police, the governor said that when this happens, the personnel will automatically transit to the state police.
Ortom admonished the personnel to remain apolitical, conscientious, courteous, vigilant and strong to stand firm and protect the people.
To effectively combat crime, the governor said his administration had procured motor vehicles and motorcycles as well as other tools to ease their operation.
One thousand, five hundred personnel have so far been trained under the State Volunteer Community Guards while the governor promised to up the figure to 10,000 before he leaves office in 2023.
Unknown gunmen disarmed police officers and killed a Chinese worker in Ebonyi.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that some yet-to-be-identified gunmen reportedly confronted some operatives of the Nigeria Police Force at a mining site in Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State over the weekend.
The attack resulted in the killing of a Chinese expatriate at the mining site.
Confirming the incident to journalists, the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area of the state, Steve Emenike, said the assailants stormed the site and disarmed police operatives on guard.
He described the attack and killing of the foreigner as an embarrassment. Emenike told journalists that gunmen came on motorbikes.
He said the council had reconstituted the formidable Vigilante Group and banned motorbikes operation between 7 p.m, and 6 a.m. in the area.
“We are working hard to find the causes of the matter and we’re working with security agencies, including the Police and DSS to investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
“We can no longer accept or tolerate this spare of insecurity. Our people are peaceful and we cannot allow evil to germinate,” Emenike told reporters.
Other eyewitnesses who affirmed Emenike’s claim said the hoodlums overpowered the policemen who were guarding the Chinese during the attack.
“The corpse of the victim has been deposited at a mortuary in Abakaliki,” the sources confirmed.
However, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Chris Anyanwu, when contacted told journalists that the incident was yet to be confirmed by the command.
He assured the reporters to brief them of his findings later.
Speaking further on the incident, Emenike who assured that the council has rejigged its security said: “We are working hard to find the causes of the matter and we’re working with security agencies, including the Police and DSS to investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
US court has postponed Hushpuppi’s sentencing till November
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the United States District Court for the Central District of California has again postponed the sentencing of embattled internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi, to November 3, 2022, after he scored an unexpected relief in the ongoing trial.
The Nigerian Instagram celebrity and alleged internet fraudster was billed to be sentenced on Monday afternoon, September 19.
Judge Otis D. Wright in Los Angeles said Mr Abbas will now be sentenced on the new date based on the court’s own motion.
Prosecutors had opposed delaying the sentencing any further than September 19, arguing that Mr Abbas and his lawyers had prior knowledge of all related matters in the case and were only out to delay and frustrate the judicial process.
But Mr Abbas’ lawyers, led by criminal defence attorney Louis Shapiro, said the prosecutors were trying to railroad the judge into sentencing their client even as some issues were still outstanding.
The lawyers also accused the prosecution in Central California of lacking human compassion and using underhand tactics to make their case for at least 11 years in jail for their client.
The judge had last week Thursday rejected Mr Abbas’ plea for a continuance, agreeing with the prosecutors that final sentencing should hold on September 19 at 1:30 p.m.
But less than an hour to the scheduled sentencing, the judge ordered a postponement to November 3, which was the date Mr Abbas’ lawyers had requested.
Recall that Hushpuppi was arrested in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June 2020, and subsequently flown to the U.S.
He pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2021 and was ordered to remain in custody pending sentencing.
He would be buried according to Islamic rites this afternoon within the family compound.
It was gathered that one of his daughters, Badira, was married to the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
The Oyo East local government has announced the passing away of the kingmaker in a statement.
“Inahilahi wahinahilai rojibuna! With a heavy heart, andp submission to the will of Allah, the Management of Oyo East L.G regrets to announce the passing of the High Chief, the Alapinni of Oyo Land, Alh Abdul-Rasheed Shehu early this morning Sunday 18th Sept. 2022.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Hazel Oyeze Onou aka Whitemoney, the winner of BBNaija Season 6, has named four possible winners of this year’s “Level Up” show.
He made prediction in a tweet posted on his verified page, saying he supports Phyna, Bryann, Hermes, and Bella to win the grand prize.
The tweet read; ”Been watching #BBNaijaSeason7 for a while now, and in no order, these are the housemates I am stanning, Phyna, Bryann, Hermes and Bella.”
The winner of the ‘Level up’ edition will walk away with a total of N100 million worth of prizes from sponsors of the show.
Hermes, Adekunle, Bella, Dotun, Allyson, Sheggz, and Rachel were nominated for eviction on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Bella, Phyna and Sheggs engaged in a heated argument over food on Tuesday.
The shouting match broke out after Phyna, who is the Head of House, HOH convened a general meeting to discuss their weekly wager task.
While the meeting was ongoing, Bella brought up the issue of food, to which Phyna responded that there should be no other discussion in the meeting aside from the wager task.
But Bella responded that no one can tell her what to talk about in the house, not even the HoH.
She said, “HoH my foot”. This got Phyna upset and called her ‘stupid’.
Tinubu Camp Reacts As PDP Seeks To Disqualify Tinubu From Presidential Race
It was earlier reported that the PDP filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop Tinubu from selecting Kashim Shettima as his running mate
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Head, Legal Directorate, Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), has reacted to the suit seeking the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, from the 2023 presidential race.
It was earlier reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop Tinubu from selecting Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
The PDP also asked the court to rule that Tinubu cannot run for office unless he do so with his former running mate, Kabiru Masari.
In the originating summons with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1016/2022, the PDP is seeking an order barring the Independent National Electoral Commission from replacing the running mate of Tinubu.
The PDP has asked the court to determine if by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the constitution, Section 29(1), 31, and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s timetable, Tinubu is are bound by the submission of Masari as his running mate.
The party further urged the court to decide whether the first defendant (INEC) can validly accept any change or substitution of the 4th (Masari) as the running mate of the 3rd (APC) defendants by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022.
Marketers Plan Strike As Fuel Sells 175/litre, Queues Worsen
Some outlets in Lagos that sold the commodity at N169/litre last week had to adjust their pumps on Wednesday, as they dispensed PMS to motorists at N175/litre
EKO HOT BLOG reports that some filling stations on Wednesday dispensed Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, at over N175/litre, higher than the government-approved N165/litre price, as oil marketers insisted to embark on strike from next week if the government fails to pay them (marketers).
It was gathered that some outlets in Lagos that sold the commodity at N169/litre last week had to adjust their pumps on Wednesday, as they dispensed PMS to motorists at N175/litre.
Also, queues by motorists at filling stations, which had persisted in Abuja and environs since February this year, gradually resurfaced in parts of Lagos on Wednesday.
It was observed that many filling stations, particularly those belonging to members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, were shut due to a lack of products to sell to customers.
Gegu Oil, Eterna and Oando filling stations at the Dutse end of the Kubwa-Zuba Expressway in Abuja, for instance, had remained shut for days for lack of products to sell, despite the heavy queues of motorists in a nearby NNPC retail outlet.
Amidst these concerns, oil marketers under the aegis of Abuja-Suleja IPMAN, stated on Wednesday that their proposed strike would go ahead next week if the government fails to substantially clear the bridging claims for transportation of petrol being owed marketers.
Last week, oil marketers warned that Nigeria could witness “the mother of all queues” soon if the Federal Government fails to pay the 12 months bridging claims being owed operators in the downstream oil sector.
They had also denied being paid N74bn by the Federal Government as bridging claims for the transportation of petroleum products.
The Federal Government through its Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had said last week that it paid N74bn as bridging claims to oil marketers for the transportation of petroleum products across the country in seven months.
But the Secretary, Abuja-Suleja IPMAN, Mohammed Shuaibu, whose unit covers Abuja, Kogi, Niger and parts of Nasarawa and Kaduna, told a correspondent from Punch Newspapers on Wednesday that though some members had confirmed the receipt of payments, a host of others had yet to receive theirs.
“Few of our members have confirmed receiving alerts, but the majority have not been paid and so the decision to embark on the mother of all strike still stands, except we get our payments,” he stated.
Shuaibu added, “Many independent marketers are closing shop and because of these debts. We cannot continue to fold our hands. We are sorry about the hardship, but the government has to pay us, otherwise we will withdraw our services.”
Reacting to the concerns, the spokesperson, NMDPRA, Kimchi Apollo said that the petrol price had not changed from the approved N165/litre price, as he also stated that efforts were on to settle to bridging claims being owed the marketers.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the two persons were confirmed dead on Tuesday after a truck crashed into a running vehicle near a military checkpoint at Mista-Ali on the Jos-Zaria road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A witness said the accident, which occurred around 3pm, claimed the lives of the truck driver and one person inside the other vehicle.
The witness, who identified himself as Dauda Barje Wundu, said the accident was caused by personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who were chasing the truck driver, adding that the FRSC personnel fled the area when the accident occurred.
Wundu further noted that other victims of the accident sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
The owner of the trailer, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, has demanded justice from relevant authorities for families of the deceased, as well as those that sustained injuries.
When contacted on phone, Mr Longsan, the FRSC spokesman in Jos, he said he was not in the office and therefore could not immediately comment on the incident.
Spanish Star’s Agent To Travel To Manchester To Discuss Old Trafford Move.
Torres was an instrumental part of the Villarreal team that made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League this term, beating teams like Bayern Munich and Juventus along the way.
EKO HOT BLOGreports that the agents of Villarreal defender Pau Torres will this week travel to Manchester in order to discuss a potential move to Manchester United.
According to Villarreal’s local newspaper Deportes de Periodico Mediterraneo (h/t Express), Manchester United could be close to signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres, as his agents are willing to travel to Manchester to discuss a potential summer move.
Torres was an instrumental part of the Villarreal team that made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League this term, beating teams like Bayern Munich and Juventus along the way.
They eventually lost out to Liverpool, with the English side preparing to meet Real Madrid in the final in a few days.
The 25-year-old has played for the La Liga side his entire life, coming through the ranks at the club’s academy and establishing himself in the first team.
His performances for the Yellow Submarines have caught the attention of United, who are in the market for a new central defender.
The Red Devils are familiar with the Spaniard and have seen him perform well up close when they faced off against Unai Emery’s men last year in the UEFA Europa League final. Torres’ side would triumph over the Premier League giants, beating them in a long-drawn penalty shootout.
Although the Spanish international has a release clause valued at £50m, Villarreal are open to letting go of their academy product for around £45m.
The club are struggling financially, and are therefore prepared to sell him for slightly lower than his price tag.
Aside from United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have also indicated a keen interest in making a summer move for the defender.
However, it is said that the Old Trafford outfit is more likely to make an approach for the player, given that his agents Tarraga and Fores are willing to travel to Manchester this week to discuss a potential contract.
Hon. Owolabi Ajenifuja during his birthday and Ramadan lecture celebration organized for the indigenes of Lagos Island publicly declared his intention to run for Lagos State House of Assembly
He described his aspiration as the collective aspiration of the people of Lagos Island as he reeled out his activities in the field of politics over the years
EKO HOT BLOG reports that a senior special assistant on wealth creation to the Lagos Island Local government, Hon Owolabi Ajenifujah has made public his intention to vie for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat for Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the forthcoming 2023 election.
This online media platform recalls that Owolabi, an astute politician and a volunteer, is a marketer, and a skilled entrepreneur.
Owolabi Ajenifuja is also a human resources management professional and a project implementation expert with a stellar public service record.
HON OWOLABI AJENIFUJA, Senior Special Assistant On Wealth Creation To The Lagos Island Local Government,
He made this declaration during his birthday and Ramadan lecture celebration organised for the indigenes of Lagos Island on the 24th of April 2022 at the Idanganran club of Lagos, in Lagos Island.
The event, which had in attendance different Muslim clerics and members of the Islamic community from different parts of the constituent, was flagged off with a special prayer session to usher in a new year and season for the celebrant as he declared his political aspiration.
Speaking with EKO HOT BLOG at the event, the Owolabi Ajenifuja described his aspiration as the collective aspiration of the people of Lagos Island as he recounted his activities in the field of politics over the years.
“To God be the glory! I’ve been actively involved in politics, and my coming into politics was borne out of the quest of rendering services to Humanity. I have been a member of different voluntary organisations that believe in rendering services to humankind.
“After I left school, I joined politics during the era that was a little bit difficult for people to desire politics. It was that time when people come together for the survival of our nation – during the annulment of June 12.
“I was one of the youths who came in and believed in the principles of mankind, and other organisations that believed in one Nigeria and that democracy must come to stay in Nigeria, and to God be the Glory we had Democracy in 1999.
“After democracy was actualised in 1999, I came into active politics in Lagos Island, being a resident of Lagos Island. This was during the second term of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a research officer in the independent campaign group at Arumere, Ikeja, I was part of those who contributed to the successful re-election of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu.
“I aspired severally to become an honourable member of the local government, that is Councilor of ward A1 axis of Lagos Island, this is how I have been playing my Politics. To the Glory of God, this has allowed me to be involved in governance at the local level. I had my first opportunity in governance under the administration of Hon Wasiu Eshilokun. I was a member of the market board.
“Market Board simply means people coordinating the activities of the conventional market in Lagos Island. In Lagos Island, we have seven conventional markets, and these markets are under the Market Board. We must visit them to make sure that they comply with rate payment and to ensure the local government can carry out the project they have promised the masses. This we were able to do without any violence, but with proper coordination of the people, things started looking up.
” After successfully running the Market Board under the tenure of Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun, in 2016 the next chairman, Hon Adetoyinshe Olusi, made me an executive secretary to the local government when he came on board.
“During his time I became the protocol officer. My sole responsibility was to relate with all politicians seeking to contribute their quota to the success of the government, this allows me to interface with the government and the political class on Lagos Island. After this, we went into a break and then had another election.
“Hon Adetoyinshe Olusi was re-elected as the Executive Chairman of the local government and I came back as the protocol officer which gave me another opportunity to serve as the Revenue Committee Chairman.
“During this time, we were able to introduce an electric print bill. We were formerly using the black and white processes on a computer, but this time we introduced the E-Billing, which brought about the E-Billing system. Before this time, the rates were at N500 naira per conventional market making a total of N6, 000 per annum. After several consultations with the market men and women, we were able to make them see that things can’t continue that way, as the need to generate more funds became glaring.
“The Lagos Island is a local government and among the 20 local governments in the state. We were classified under A Plus and as A Plus we have to be able to fund ourselves, which was the reason we went back to the drawing board to factor out how to raise the local government revenue generation to about 50%, which we successfully achieved.
“Following my achievement as the Revenue Committee Chairman, I was drafted a second time as Hon Adetoyinshe Olusi Special Assistant on Wealth Creation when he was returned in office.
“Sincerely this also allowed me to interface with influential people. Creating wealth is not all about sharing money, it’s not about doing poverty alleviation, it’s about ensuring people are adequately equipped to become skilful. We take people on skill acquisition training after which we introduce small scale entrepreneurs to develop them.
Hon Owolabi Ajenifuja
“This is done to generate ideas, business plans and how they will put into practice the training they have acquired. So what we introduce during this time as wealth creator is for us to train people to become skilful. We now tell them how to use their skill and turn them into a business that was lifting people out of poverty.
“It’s not by just giving them 20,000 for them to start a business, we train them to become skilful so that whatever equipment we give to them they will know how to manage and use it effectively.
“Having done all these in this local government where I reside, I can say that it has given me the needed experience, as I can boast that I know my people and can tell where the shoe is aching the people in my constituency.
“I live with them, I wine with them and so I can say this is what they need. And because l am currently handling the Wealth Creation, the new thing I want to bring in if allowed to serve at the chamber is wealth creation. I want to focus on youths who are the most important member of every nation.
“We have three different categories of youth; we have the teenagers, we have those within 18 to 20 years age bracket, and we have those that are mature. Considering this classification, we must then know how to integrate them into society, seeing they are Y2K compliant. With this, we have a task of ensuring the grassroots and by extension, our youths acquire skills that can sustain them.
“This is the reason I have come out to say that if I am given that opportunity my primary objective is for oversight function at the legislation
“The primary objective of any legislation is an oversight function. Ensuring the things that can better your consistency is brought to your constituent. Not by going there to throw chairs at each other or by engaging in violence but to dialogue and lobby other colleagues at the chamber to make life meaningful to my people here.
“Alhamdulillah, today is a three in one programme, I do this every year to celebrate my birthday, especially if it falls in the holy month of Ramadan. To the glory of God, my birthday has been coinciding with this period. I am celebrating my birthday today and I am organising a Ramadan lecture at the same time, as well as using that opportunity to flag off the campaign.
“After due consultations with the leadership and the youth of my constituents – without the youth, we cannot say the leadership are more powerful than them. We know that in the political party we find ourselves we must honour our leaders, they are the DE-Factor.
“So having discussed with the leadership of the party and having reached out to the people of my constituents, I have received notes some gave and some gave advice on how to go about it.
“With these notes and advice from the people of my constituents and my faith in God who is the only one that can ensure we are successful in what we do – by his Grace will take me there, he recounted.”
Hon. Owolabi thanked all those who took out time to celebrate with him and further promised to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people as he had always done in times past
“For those who came from far and near – Lagos is a cosmopolitan state where you must bring all forces together, those from my belief who came specially for the Ramadan lectures, my political associates who also came because they know I want to flag off my campaign and also some elderly people in our midst who have come to give their blessings.
I also have my business partners too who are my associates in the profession and field, my colleagues and those from my Alma mater, who have been supportive and have trust in me, who want me to represent the good people of Lagos Island Constituency 1 at the House Of Assembly come 2023.
“Inshallah! I want to say thank you to everybody that attended my program, I wish you a safe trip back home”
