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https://www.channelstv.com/2024/06/13/remi-tinubus-initiative-donates-₦10m-to-rivers-state-female-farmers/ | The Renewed Hope Initiative of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has dolled out ₦10m to 20 female farmers in Rivers State to boost agriculture productivity in the state.
The initiative aims to ensure the availability of food items at cheaper rates to mitigate the high inflation rate in the country.
The cheques of ₦500, 000 was presented to each of the 20 women by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, on behalf of the wife of the president at an event at the government house in Port Harcourt.
Mrs. Fubara encouraged the women, to use the donation to expand their existing farms to meet the target of the nation’s first lady.
She reminded the beneficiaries that the money given to them now may not represent all they needed to boost their investments in the sector. Still, she added that it represented the efforts of a genuinely caring mother who did not want to sit back and allow her children to suffer.
She said, “It is a seed investment in your agricultural businesses that is backed by the prayers of the founder for you to succeed. So, I urge you to make the best use of it”.
Lady Fubara further said: “You owe it as a sacred duty to ensure that these investments lead to increased and improved harvests from our farms in the next few months.
“I urge you to be frugal in the use of this seed money, and see it as a call from the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to assist in building a strong support base for the agricultural revolution in Nigeria.”
Lady Fubara, noted that aside from the cheques presented to the first batch of 20 beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women in Agriculture Support Programme, 80 more beneficiaries will be accommodated in subsequent phases of the programme as directed by the board.
“In the recent past, the Renewed Hope Initiative, through its Rivers State Office, has flagged off its support for the elderly; presented exercise books to school children, through the Ministry of Education and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); and some measures of support to ease the burden of families.
“A son of the State has also benefited from the Belarus RHI International Scholarship. This gesture, no matter how little, has been greatly appreciated by the recipients, and I cannot thank Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, enough for her foresight and commitment to this vision.”
Speaking on the effort of the Rivers State Government to agriculture, the state first lady said the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has commenced the review of agricultural policies to mitigate the challenges experienced in the sector.
She emphasised that the state government is also committed to reviving State-owned agricultural intervention schemes such as the Songhai Integrated Farms, with encouragement to private investors to participate in the ongoing transformation in the sector.
The Women in Agriculture Support Program is the third empowerment program after the schemes for the elderly and students, since the inauguration of the pet project in the state earlier this year | Remi Tinubu’s Initiative Donates ₦10m To Rivers Female Farmers | business | The initiative aims to ensure the availability of food items at cheaper rates to mitigate the high inflation rate. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/11/10/cbn-organises-one-week-sensitisation-awareness-programme-imo/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its Consumer Protection Department has organised a one-week sensitisation and awareness programme in Owerri, Imo State capital, to educate and enlighten consumers on financial products and services as well as various developmental initiatives of the Central bank especially on Micro, Small and Medium enterprise
Speaking during a news conference in Owerri, the Director, Consumer Protection Department of the CBN, Mrs Umma Dutse, who was represented by the Head of Consumer Education Division of the CBN, Hajiya Khadija Kasim, said the one-week sensitisation programme is aimed at equipping consumers and the general public with the knowledge to be able to handle financial institutions not only with confidence but also from an informed perspective.
She added that the programme will also form as a platform for consultation and feedback on the various initiatives of the CBN such as the Cashless Policy, the Biometrics Verification Project, Consumer Protection and Financial Literacy amongst others.
She disclosed that the department has received about 4400 from aggrieved consumers and has refunded the sum of N17 billion as redress to consumers, since it was created two years ago.
The exercise, which she explained had already taken place in some states in the country, would be replicated across the entire federation to ensure deeper result is achieved.
Dutse also informed that part of the campaign would be to sensitize people on how to access loans from Micro finance banks and other financial institutions.
“We shall therefore create awareness and understanding on financial products and services, inform them about their rights and responsibilities, various developmental initiatives of the CBN such as the programme on Micro and Medium Enterprises and how to access the fund”, she stated. | CBN Organises One Week Sensitisation And Awareness Programme In Imo | politics | CBN has organised a one-week sensitisation and awareness programme in Owerri, Imo State capital, to educate and enlighten consumers on financial products. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/01/18/buhari-never-directed-removal-of-petrol-subsidy-says-lawan/ | The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan on Tuesday said that President Muhammadu Buhari has not directed anyone in his administration to implement the removal of petroleum subsidy.
He stated this after meeting with the President in his office, disclosing that he met Buhari to convey the concerns of his constituents on various issues including the proposed removal of subsidy.
Briefing State House correspondents in Abuja, the Senate President said that lawmakers are worried about the agitations and protests across the country on the matter, which prompted the discussion with the President.
READ ALSO: Work Ongoing On Review Of 1999 Constitution – Lawan
“He didn’t tell anybody that we should go remove petroleum subsidy. And those of us who represent the people know how people are already stressed over and again . . . it is going to be too much for them,” Lawan said.
Lawan further questioned the claim that Nigerians consume a hundred million litres of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily.
The Senate President explained that while it is impossible to consume that much within the boundaries of the country alone, there is a need to critically investigate to discover the truth.
Speaking further, he blamed the smuggling of petroleum products on the failure of the government to contain the menace, a situation that has pushed the burden of payment on the ordinary citizen.
He said, “I know and I agree that the subsidy is very heavy. But I think we must never transfer the burden to the citizens. I believe that we need to look at the quoted figure of maybe 100 million liters that people claim we’re consuming.
“Is it real? I mean is it either under-recoveries of subsidy? Is it really 100 million liters per day? How on earth are we consuming that? We need to look at this critically and see how we can find the truth.
“I am not convinced that within the boundaries of Nigeria we are consuming 100 million liters, probably neighbouring countries may be benefiting from this. Can’t we do something about it? It is a failure on us if we are not able to control it.” | Buhari Never Directed Removal Of Petrol Subsidy, Says Lawan | politics | The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan on Tuesday that President Muhammadu Buhari has not directed anyone in his administration to implement the removal of petroleum subsidy. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/12/01/mtn-nigeria-shares-to-go-for-n169-in-public-offer/ | MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) has announced that the public offer to retail investors for the sale of up to 575 million shares held in MTN Nigeria by MTN Group will be priced at N169.00 per share (the offer).
The offer will open at 8 am on 1 December and close at 5pm on 14 December 2021, said a statement signed on Tuesday by the Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah.
The minimum subscription is for 20 shares and lots of 20 shares thereafter, and the offer includes an incentive in the form of one free share for every 20 shares purchased, subject to a maximum of 250 free shares per investor.
The incentive is open to retail investors who buy and hold the shares allotted to them for at least 12 months, post the allotment date.
The Retail Offer, according to the statement, is the first in Nigeria to be delivered via a digital platform. By using the power of technology, it aims to facilitate the maximum possible participation by Nigerian investors.
“The success and growth of MTN Nigeria are intrinsically linked to that of Nigeria and Nigerians,” said MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, while commenting on the price announcement. “Therefore, we are very excited to offer Nigerians the opportunity to own shares in MTN Nigeria.
“Our journey to becoming the largest network in Nigeria has been humbling, but we still have a long way to go. There is much more to do to support the evolution of an inclusive digital economy, and we continue to invest as we evolve into a truly digital operator, capable of seamlessly integrating value across the evolving telecommunications, digital and fintech segments.”
MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, said the offer aligns with MTN Group’s strategic priority to create shared value.
“In the last 20 years, we have worked diligently to connect 68 million subscribers onto voice and data networks and ensure that we deliver the benefits of a modern connected life,” he said. “With this offer, we will contribute to the further deepening of Nigeria’s equity capital markets.
“It is the first in a series of transactions as the MTN Group implements its plans to ensure broad-based ownership by reducing its shareholding in MTN Nigeria to 65% over time. We thank the Nigerian authorities for the support we as MTN Group have received in the various approvals related to this offer, and remain committed to playing our humble role in driving digital and financial inclusion across the country over the medium-term.”
Investors will be able to submit applications through the Issuing Houses, Receiving Agents (authorised stockbrokers and Nigerian banks), and online via a unique digital application platform, PrimaryOffer, administered by the Nigerian Exchange Limited. | MTN Nigeria Shares To Go For N169 In Public Offer | politics | MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) has announced that the public offer to retail investors for the sale of up to 575 million shares … Continue reading MTN Nigeria Shares To Go For N169 In Public Offer |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/04/25/dollar-up-as-biden-confirms-re-election-bid/ | The dollar was largely higher Tuesday as Joe Biden confirmed his bid to run for re-election as US president next year.
The announcement comes with the US economy still battered by high inflation and interest-rate rises, triggering concerns of a possible recession.
Worries that the global economy could enter a downturn this year continued to weigh heavily on stock markets Tuesday, however.
“Equity markets are slightly under pressure on Tuesday following a wide array of earnings releases and as investors eye further US data later in the week,” said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA trading platform.
Wall Street opened lower, with the Dow dipping less than a tenth of a percentage point at the open. The broader S&P 500 shed 0.4 percent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite shed 0.6 percent.
Briefing.com analyst Patrick O’Hare said there was plenty of good earnings news among US firms but that it did not seem to be enough to persuade investors.
He said an earnings miss by UPS, which along with its rival parcel shipping companies are seen as a bellwether for the overall economy, “was piquing concerns about the broader economic outlook and earnings prospects”.
Shares of regional bank First Republic (FRC) fell 28 percent after the bank reported of a 40 drop in deposits, adding to worries about mid-size lenders in the US after three banks collapsed last month.
In Europe, London and Frankfurt were flat in afternoon trading, while Paris was lower.
Following recent shocks in the banking sector, UBS on Tuesday posted an underwhelming first quarter net profit of $1.0 billion but insisted it had seen strong client inflows as it prepared to integrate its stricken rival Credit Suisse.
Shares in UBS, Switzerland’s biggest bank, fell around four percent in early trading following the announcement, but recovered much of that loss.
Asian markets ended mostly lower, with Hong Kong falling sharply on the back of major losses in Chinese firms, as a lack of clear direction ahead of key announcements this week presented a challenge for global investors.
It was the third straight day of losses on the Hang Seng Index, with Alibaba Group Holdings down more than three percent, internet giant Baidu down nearly four and pharmaceutical maker Wuxi Biologics dropping almost seven.
“Investors seem to be having concerns about the sustainability of the recovery in China and the heightening of geopolitical tensions,” Redmond Wong, of Saxo Capital Markets HK, told Bloomberg.
No ‘clean read’
Traders have largely been treading water ahead of earnings results from US tech behemoths such as Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook owner Meta and Google parent Alphabet.
Alphabet and Microsoft report after the close of US trading.
Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a note that despite “a reasonably constructive picture on the economy front”, it was tough to get “a clean read on anything happening this week”.
“One of the most challenging things about navigating this bear market and the widely anticipated coming recession is that we’ve had to differentiate between real and nominal economic and market variables like nothing in recent decades,” he said.
Key figures around 1330 GMT
New York – Dow: DOWN less than 0.1 percent at 33,849.49 points
London – FTSE 100: DOWN less than 0.1 percent at 7,908.57
Frankfurt – DAX 40: UP less than 0.1 percent at 15,868.15
Paris – CAC 40: DOWN 0.6 percent at 7,531.52
EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.5 percent at 4,381.11
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 1.7 percent at 19,617.88 (close)
Shanghai – Composite: DOWN 0.3 percent at 3,264.87 (close)
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 percent at 28,620.07 (close)
Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1013 from $1.1050 on Monday
Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2414 from $1.2485
Dollar/yen: Down at 133.97 yen from 134.14 yen
Euro/pound: UP at 88.70 pence from 88.46 pence
West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 1.1 percent at $77.89 per barrel
Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 1.2 percent at $81.78 per barrel | Dollar Up As Biden Confirms Re-Election Bid | politics | Worries that the global economy could enter a downturn this year continued to weigh heavily on stock markets Tuesday. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/04/12/osun-election-oyetola-adeleke-to-face-off-again-as-inec-clears-15-candidates/ | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the Osun State Governorship election, following the close of nominations by political parties.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, announced this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
He explained that the unveiling of the final list was in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, following the personal particulars and list of candidates (Form EC9) published at the commission’s state and local government offices on March 25.
READ ALSO: INEC Releases Final List Of Ekiti Governorship Election Candidates
Okoye, however, said any party that observed the name of its candidate was missing from the list “shall notify the commission in writing, signed by its national chairman and secretary, supported with an affidavit not later than 90 days to the election”.
“Furthermore, the attention of parties is drawn to Section 32(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that failure to notify the commission ‘shall not be ground to invalidate the election,” he said.
“The final list is published in our state and local government offices in Osun State, as well as our website and social media platforms for public information as required by law.
“Political parties are enjoined to note the provision of the law for compliance.”
In the final list released by the electoral umpire, the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola, will face his old-time rival Senator Ademola Adeleke in the July 16 poll.
In 2018, Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a supplementary election held in seven polling units.
See the full list of candidates in the coming election below: | Osun Election: Oyetola, Adeleke To Face-Off Again As INEC Clears 15 Candidates | business | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the Osun State Governorship election, following the close of nominations … Continue reading Osun Election: Oyetola, Adeleke To Face-Off Again As INEC Clears 15 Candidates |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/06/16/wike-happy-with-conduct-of-rivers-lg-polls/ | Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says he is satisfied with the conduct of the local government elections conducted by the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The governor spoke to journalists after participating in the exercise. His reaction came after election observers adjudged the voting process across the 23 local government areas as free and fair.
Residents of the state had gone to the polls on Saturday to elect their leaders at the local government levels.
Channels Television observed that residents of the oil-rich state came out in large numbers to participate in the exercise. | Wike Happy With Conduct Of Rivers LG Polls | business | Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the local government elections conducted by the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/10/11/nigeria-should-make-its-youths-drivers-of-new-economy-afdbs-adesina/ | The President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina has advised Nigeria to make its youths drivers of the new economy through the creation of Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks.
He said that making Nigerian youths the drivers of the economy will put new financial ecosystems around them to fully unleash their potential.
Mr. Adesina stated this on Monday at the opening of a two-day Mid-Term Ministerial Performance Review Retreat organized to assess progress made towards the achievement of the nine key priorities of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“We must move away from so-called ‘youth empowerment programs.’ The youth do not need handouts. They need investments,” the former minister added.
“This is why the African Development Bank is currently working with central banks and countries to design and support the establishment of Youth entrepreneurship investment banks”.
He explained that 75% of youth in Nigeria are under the age of 35 and more decisive actions are needed to turn this demographic asset into an economic dividend.
“We must unleash the potential of the youth of Nigeria. Today, over 75% of the population is under the age of 35,” he explained.
“A young, productive, youthful population, with access to education, skills, social protection, affordable housing, and medical care, will power Nigeria’s economy, now and well into the future”.
He said the establishment of the new financial institutions, run by young, professional, and highly competent financial experts and bankers will develop and deploy new financial products and services for businesses and ventures of young people.
According to him, several African countries have already indicated their readiness to establish Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks, hence Nigeria should make its youth the drivers of the new economy.
“One of the industries that will dominate the future is the FinTech industry. By 2030, 650 million Africans will have smartphones, and 50 million will have 5G phone networks. Digital payments, mobile money accounts, savings, credit, and money transfers will revolutionize businesses.
“Nigeria’s FinTech is surging as one the leaders in Africa today. Google recently announced plans to invest $1 billion in Africa. That tells you something: they see the demographic and mobile tech growth and how this will rapidly change the future of e-commerce, trade, health, and finance.
“The African Development Bank will support the Federal Government efforts, being led by Vice President Osinbajo, on Digital Nigeria. The Bank is preparing investment in the Digital and Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) program, a $600 million investment to be co-financed with several partners, which will promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industries,” Adesina said.
He said Nigeria should take the FinTech industry as a major driver of the economy and invest heavily in digital infrastructure and as an economically resurgent country, Nigeria must be a more peaceful and secure nation.
“Today, more than ever, several African countries are spending a significant share of their budgets on security, displacing the resources needed for development.
“Increasingly, the investible space in many parts of Africa, including Nigeria, is shrinking due to insecurity and insurgencies. Yet, resources are not there to enable countries to cope with these rising challenges. We must recognize the strong linkages between security, investment, growth, and development,” the AfDB boss noted.
“This is why the African Development Bank is working on developing Security-Indexed Investment Bonds to help African countries and Regional Economic Communities to mobilize resources to tackle these challenges”.
The AfDB leader added that the Security-Indexed Investment Bonds will raise funds on the global capital markets to support countries to upgrade their security architecture, rebuild damaged infrastructure in conflict-affected areas, rebuild social infrastructure and protect zones where there are strategic investments. | Youths Need Investments And Not Handouts, Says Adesina | politics | Advertisement The President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina has advised Nigeria to make its youths drivers of the new economy through … Continue reading Youths Need Investments And Not Handouts, Says Adesina |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/12/30/nigerias-earnings-will-continue-to-service-n25-7trn-debt-lcci/ | The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said that Nigeria will continue to spend a large chunk of its earnings to service the total public debt stock of N25.7 trillion.
In its report on the 2019 Economic review and outlook for 2020 released to journalists on Monday, LCCI stressed that the debt stock jumped by 128 percent in the last eight years, without any impact on the economy.
“The Debt Management Office puts Nigeria’s total debt stock at N25.7 trillion as of June 30, 2019. This represents a three percent increase over N24.95 trillion owed as of March 31, 2019.
“Breakdown shows that N8.3 trillion or 32 percent of total debt stock is owed to external creditors while N17.4 trillion or 68 percent are domestic debt. Debt stock has jumped by 128 percent in the last eight years without a corresponding impact on the economy.”
READ ALSO: FG Puts Debt Stock At $83bn, Says Nigeria Not In Trouble
It added that the outlook for 2020 suggests that the country’s debt profile will trend upwards by 2020 based on three key factors: approval of $3 billion credit facility from World Bank for power sector reforms; possible ratification of $29.96 billion loan request for infrastructural development; ) wider fiscal deficit (2020: N2.7trn; 2019:N 2.1trn).
“However, the rising indebtedness of the economy calls for concern as increased debt stock failed to stimulate neither growth nor infrastructural development.
“Given Nigeria’s revenue challenges, the country will continue to spend a large chunk of its earnings to service debt.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Monday, stressed that despite the debt figure, Nigeria is not in debt trouble as being circulated, insisting that the nation is within a reasonable debt to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio.
He decried that the country’s debt stock was being misrepresented by those he described as scaremongers.
“The public debt stock is actually a cumulative figure of borrowings by successive governments over many years. It is, therefore, not appropriate to attribute the public debt stock to one administration.
“Nigeria’s total public debt stock in 2015 was $63.80 billion, comprising $10.31 billion of external debt and $53.49 billion domestic debt. By June 2019, the total debt stock was $83.883 billion, made up of $27.163 billion of external debt and $56.720 billion domestic debt.”
“It is, therefore, not correct to say that Nigeria’s external debt alone is $81.274 billion. There is yet no cause for alarm.” | Nigeria’s Earnings Will Continue To Service N25.7trn Debt - LCCI | politics | Advertisement The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said that Nigeria will continue to spend a large chunk of its earnings to … Continue reading Nigeria’s Earnings Will Continue To Service N25.7trn Debt – LCCI |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/09/05/breaking-shaibu-withdraws-suit-on-alleged-plot-against-obaseki/ | The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, has withdrawn the suit he filed at the Federal High Court to stop alleged plots by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, to remove him from office.
Shaibu, in a circular dated September 5, 2023, cited the case with Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023 which named the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, the Governor of Edo State, and the Chief Judge of Edo State as defendants.
The deputy governor stated that the decision to withdraw the suit came after a series of meetings involving himself, Obaseki, and well-meaning citizens of Edo and Nigerians, including party leaders, traditional rulers, and the Archbishop, Benin Archdiocese of the Catholic Church.
READ ALSO: NLC Begins Two-Day Warning Strike Over Effects Of Subsidy Removal
“With due respect to these eminent personalities and leaders whose persuasions and persons I cannot ignore, I, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu have authorized and instructed my Solicitors to withdraw the Suit forthwith,” Shaibu wrote.
“I wish to sincerely thank and appreciate these well-meaning Nigerians, Party Leaders, Traditional Rulers, and my Archbishop, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze for their kind words, advise and encouragement thus far in ensuring peace and unity in our dear State, Edo.
“I also wish to place on record my special thanks to Mr. Governor, my boss and senior brother for this path of peace.”
See the full circular below: | Shaibu Withdraws Suit Against 'Senior Brother' Obaseki After Interventions | business | Shaibu filed a case with Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023 which named the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, the Governor of Edo State, and the Chief Judge of Edo State as defendants. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/06/23/faac-distributes-305-1bn-naira-to-fg-states-lgs/ | A total of 305.12 billion Naira has been distributed to the federal, state and local governments for the month of May.
At the end of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting on Wednesday night, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, stated that the distributed amount was 23.62 billion Naira higher than what was doled out in April.
She explained that this was owing to a slight improvement in non-oil revenues.
Federal, State and Local government received N122.83bn, N57.22bn and N44.12bn respectively.
The Minster further explained that the revenue from companies’ income tax rose marginally despite the fact that the period when corporate organisations usually filed their tax returns was not due yet.
Mrs Adeosun added that an additional amount of N16.73bn was allocated to oil-producing states based on the 13% derivation principle.
The meeting, which was scheduled for Tuesday, held on Wednesday because of the protest by workers of the Ministry of Finance.
The Finance Minister refused to respond to journalists’ questions about her Ministry workers’ protest. | FAAC Distributes 305.1bn Naira To FG, States, LGs | politics | 305.12 billion Naira has been distributed to the federal, state and local governments for the month of May at the end of FAAC meeting on Wednesday |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/27/2023-elections-atiku-floors-tinubu-in-osun/ | The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has won the February 25 presidential election in Osun State.
The state’s collation officer for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Folashade Ogunsola, announced the development on Sunday.
The former Vice President defeated his closest rivals – Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Atiku polled 354,366, Tinubu 343,945, Obi 23,283 and Kwankwaso 713.
Ogunsola stated a total of 756,744 votes were cast for the presidential election in the state and added that a total of 733,203 votes were considered valid votes while 23,541 votes were rejected.
Atiku’s ally, and PDP chieftain, Ademola Adeleke, is Osun State’s governor.
Atiku has also won in Yobe, Katsina, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari. He also won in Gombe and is leading in his home state of Adamawa.
See full results from the 30 local government areas in Osun:
INEC OFFICIAL RESULTS OF 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN OSUN STATE
1. BOLUWADURO Local Government
APC 4566
LP 175
NNPP 3
PDP 6076
2. IFEDAYO Local Government
APC 3,610
LP 93
NNPP 3
PDP 5,744
3. ILESA WEST Local Government
APC 9803
LP 1651
NNPP 26
PDP 10841
4. ATAKUMOSA WEST Local Government
APC 5003
LP 355
NNPP 04
PDP 7078
5. IFE NORTH Local Government
APC 7915
LP 667
NNPP 12
PDP 9754
6. ILA Local Government
APC 9841
LP 230
NNPP 11
PDP 12334
7. IREPODUN Local Government
APC 10,437
LP 210
NNPP 13
PDP 14,541
8. ORIADE Local Government
APC 11,745
LP 677
NNPP 10
PDP 14,982
9. OBOKUN Local Government
APC 8,196
LP 316
NNPP 14
PDP 14,084
10. IFE EAST Local Government
APC 20,902
LP 2422
NNPP 88
PDP 12818
11. OLAOLUWA Local Government
APC 7355
LP 142
NNPP 39
PDP 8134
12. OROLU Local Government
APC 7,720
LP 197
NNPP 13
PDP 8,944
13. ATAKUMOSA EAST Local Government
APC 2,768
LP 100
NNPP 7
PDP 9,405
14. OSOGBO Local Government
APC 28,474
LP 2,937
NNPP 50
PDP 19,085
15. EDE SOUTH Local Government
APC 5,477
LP 537
NNPP 19
PDP 16142
16. ODO-OTIN Local Government
APC 10,825
LP 506
NNPP 13
PDP 14,098
17. EGBEDORE Local Government
APC 8,536
LP 1,469
NNPP 37
PDP 10,432
18. IFE SOUTH Local Government
APC 9,555
LP 554
NNPP 30
PDP 9,765
19. ILESA EAST Local Government
APC 9,580
LP 1,358
NNPP 24
PDP 10,089
20. BORIPE Local Government
APC 15,325
LP 294
NNPP 9
PDP 8,921
21. AYEDIRE Local Government
APC 7,714
LP 168
NNPP 2
PDP 8,015
22. IFE CENTRAL Local Government
APC 19,362
LP 3,374
NNPP 111
PDP 10,777
23. OLORUNDA Local Government
APC 21,482
LP 1,649
NNPP 42
PDP 14674
24. IFELODUN Local Government
APC 13,456
LP 403
NNPP 16
PDP 15,157
25. AYEDADE Local Government
APC 13,352
LP 397
NNPP 14
PDP 13,251
26. IREWOLE Local Government
APC 17,991
LP 333
NNPP 7
PDP 13,081
27. ISOKAN Local Government
APC 9,691
LP 172
NNPP 10
PDP 8,774
28. EJIGBO Local Government
APC 15,209
LP 499
NNPP 24
PDP 12801
29. Ede North
APC 9,194
LP 782
NNPP 50
PDP 18,908
30. Iwo LG
APC 18887
LP 616
NNPP 12
PDP 15661 | 2023 Elections: Atiku Floors Tinubu In Osun | business | Atiku polled 354,366, Tinubu 343,945, Obi 23,283 and Kwankwaso 713. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/03/14/breaking-merkel-elected-to-fourth-term-as-german-chancellor/ | German Chancellor Angela Merkel, bruised by half a year of post-election coalition haggling, was Wednesday narrowly confirmed by parliament to her fourth and likely final term at the helm of Europe’s biggest economy.
Lawmakers in Berlin’s glass-domed Reichstag voted 364-315 with nine abstentions for Merkel, who was then formally appointed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before taking the oath of office.
The outcome of the secret ballot suggested 35 lawmakers of her new right-left coalition bloc voted against Merkel, giving her a thin nine-vote margin that opposition parties were quick to label a “rocky start” for a spent and joyless governing alliance.
Merkel, wearing a necklace in the national colours black-red-gold, nevertheless beamed with joy and relief as applause filled the Bundestag chamber, where her scientist husband Joachim Sauer and her 89-year-old mother Herlind Kasner were among the well-wishers.
For the veteran leader, the ceremony marked the end of a painful stretch of post-election paralysis, the deepest crisis of her 12-year career.
A right-wing populist rise in September elections weakened all mainstream parties and deprived Merkel of a majority, forcing her into another unhappy alliance with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The grand coalition, mockingly dubbed a “GroKo” in German, didn’t start as a “love marriage”, her designated vice chancellor and finance minister, the SPD’s Olaf Scholz, drily observed this week.
All coalition partners have nonetheless sought to allay fears that their marriage of convenience could break up mid-term, insisting they plan to jointly govern until 2021.
– Trip to Paris –
From 1600 GMT, Merkel sits down with her new cabinet, in which the SPD has wrested both the trophy posts of finance and foreign affairs to the dismay of a growing band of critics within her Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
To quieten the dissent, Merkel has named a sometimes outspoken critic, Jens Spahn, 37, as her new health minister and recently tapped a potential successor, new CDU general secretary Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.
“The chancellor was, from time to time, written off in the past six months,” Marianne Kneuer of Hildesheim University told Phoenix TV.
“Many in the party started thinking about the future after Angela Merkel… but at the same time Merkel has strengthened her position again.”
On Friday Merkel will head to Paris to discuss EU reform plans with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a March 22-23 summit, after a lengthy stretch in which Berlin was hamstrung on the European and world stage.
Macron warned in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung daily that, without Germany on board, “part of my project would be doomed to failure”.
“We are completely dependent on each other. I do not believe for one second that a European project without or against Germany could succeed.”
Merkel’s incoming coalition has broadly welcomed Macron’s bold reform plans, meant to reinvigorate the bloc and counter extremists and populists who have made major gains in Western democracies.
She has argued that the EU must increasingly look after its own interests in the era of US President Donald Trump, who has questioned long-standing transatlantic defence ties and threatened a trade war.
Berlin advocates closer EU cooperation on defence, immigration and plans for a European Monetary Fund. But it is lukewarm on the idea of a joint eurozone finance minister and rejects any pooling of debt.
– ‘Zero tolerance’ –
The rise of populist fringe parties is also the central domestic threat for Merkel’s new coalition, which faces the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the biggest opposition party.
The AfD scored almost 13 percent in the election, capitalising on public fears over a mass influx of more than one million refugees and migrants since 2015 and angrily demanding that “Merkel must go”.
The shock rise of the AfD has come at the expense of the CDU, its Bavarian CSU allies and especially the SPD, all of which suffered their worst results in decades in September.
While Merkel’s last GroKo had a crushing 80 percent parliamentary majority, the margin has shrunk to 56 percent.
To answer the new right-wing threat, designated interior minister Horst Seehofer has pledged a “zero tolerance” law-and-order drive and faster deportations of failed asylum-seekers.
His new interior super-ministry also covers “Heimat” or homeland affairs, a term much derided for evoking Alpine vistas, beer and bratwurst but intended to recapture claims to patriotism from the AfD.
Scholz has meanwhile promised to tackle another fear exploited by populists, of vanishing jobs in the age of globalisation and rapid technological change.
“When we look at the Trump election, Brexit and the success of right-wing populist parties in many European countries,” Scholz said, “we see there is a clear need to find new answers to the challenges of the 21st century.”
AFP | Merkel Elected To Fourth Term As German Chancellor | business | German Chancellor Angela Merkel, bruised by half a year of post-election coalition haggling, was Wednesday narrowly confirmed by parliament to her fourth and likely final term at the helm of Europe's biggest economy... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/11/06/pdp-crisis-injustice-will-not-stand-mimiko-insists/ | Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has vowed that the substitution of the name of the PDP governorship flag bearer in Ondo State, Barrister Eyitayo Jegede will not stand.
Governor Mimiko, who was speaking at the government house with journalists in Akure said what happened with that substitution was a contrived conspiracy because the decision of INEC cannot find comfort in justice, in principle, in law and in morality.
He said redress has been sought by the candidate Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP and major stakeholders, with the assurance that justice will be done because the impunity will not stand.
Dr. Mimiko observed that the contraption remains a bizarre development in the politics of Nigeria and particularly in the polity of Ondo State, noting that it is something without precedence in polity.
The Governor, however thanked the people of the state for their matured action and attitude of not resulting to self-help and violence even in the face of the unwarranted provocation unleashed through the back door.
“You have comported yourself in very commendable way, your peaceful but rugged and persistent resistance in the last three and half weeks would go down in record as the new Ondo State.
“Ordinarily, in many climes there could have been violence, uprising but in this state the people made it clear that the peace which had been enjoyed in the last seven and half years will not be truncated,” he said.
The Governor again appealed that the people must keep the peace which God has enabled his administration to emplace.
Governor Mimiko debunked insinuations that he went to see President Buhari as a prelude to crossing over to the APC or any other political party.
According to him, “I had to see the President in my capacity as the Chief Security Officer in Ondo State briefing the Chief Security Officer of the country on the need to allow justice to prevail,” he said, pointing out that Mr President gave his commitment to ensure that justice is done.
“I have no course to doubt him,” he said.
The Governor took time to assure the people that he would continue to lubricate the oil of governance more vigorously by working for the people till his last day in office.
He appealed for continued support assuring that Mr Eyitayo Jegede will certainly emerge as the next Governor.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on October 27 replaced the name of Eyitayo Jegede of the Makarfi faction of the PDP with that of Jimoh ibrahim who belongs to the Sheriff faction, acting on the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered by Justice Okon Abang. | PDP Crisis: Injustice Will Not Stand, Mimiko Insists | business | Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has vowed that the substitution of the name of the PDP governorship flag bearer in Ondo State, Barrister Eyitayo … Continue reading PDP Crisis: Injustice Will Not Stand, Mimiko Insists |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/05/25/cbn-sells-n126-billion-in-treasury-bills/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sold a total of N126.32 billion in treasury bills ranging from three months to one year at its bi-monthly auction, with higher yields on the paper than at the previous auction.
The apex bank on Thursday sold N30.64 billion worth of the 91-day paper at a return of 13.50 percent, up from 13.19 percent at the previous auction.
The N45 billion worth of the 182-day paper was issued at 14.14 percent, compared with 13.87 percent at the previous auction, while the bank issued N50.68 billion worth of 1-year paper at a return of 13.30 percent, lower than the 13.94 percent at an auction on April 10.
Total subscriptions stood at N307.28 billion, a sharp drop from N513.42 billion demanded at the last auction, reflecting declining interest by offshore investors in short-dated debt instruments, traders said.
High inflation and the declining value of the local currency is leading offshore investors to sell down their local debt holdings and repatriate the funds, putting further pressure on the local currency, dealers told Reuters. | CBN sells N126 billion in Treasury bills | politics | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sold a total of N126.32 billion in treasury bills ranging from three months to one year at its bi-monthly auction, with higher yields on the paper than at the previous auction. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/03/25/eu-probes-apple-google-meta-under-new-digital-law/ | The EU on Monday hit Apple, Google parent Alphabet and Meta with the first-ever probes under a mammoth digital law, which could lead to big fines against the US giants.
Among six firms named as market “gatekeepers” under the EU’s landmark Digital Markets Act — along with Amazon, TikTok owner ByteDance, and Microsoft — the companies have been obliged to comply with the new law since March 7.
“We are not convinced that the solutions by Alphabet, Apple, and Meta respect their obligations for a fairer and more open digital space for European citizens and businesses,” said the EU’s internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton.
In a statement announcing the probes, the European Commission, the EU’s antitrust regulator, said it suspects the measures the firms have put in place so far “fall short of effective compliance.”
One of the main tech lobbying groups, CCIA, whose members include the three giants targeted, lambasted the probes, accusing the EU of “jumping the gun” and acting too hastily.
The EU’s competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, insisted regulators had “definitely” not rushed to probe the companies.
Senior officials have acknowledged that changes are already taking place, but suggest they do not go far enough.
Under the new rules, the commission can impose fines of up to 10 percent of a company’s total global turnover. This can rise to up to 20 percent for repeat offenders.
In extreme circumstances, the EU can order the break up of companies.
Unlike the traditional rules that saw probes last for years, the DMA demands regulators complete any investigation within 12 months of its start.
READ ALSO: US Sues Apple For Running iPhone Monopoly In Wide-Ranging Lawsuit
Restriction fears
Monday’s probes are focused on whether Alphabet’s Google Play and Apple’s App Store are allowing app developers to show consumers offers, free of charge, outside of those app marketplaces.
The commission fears that the measures the two companies have taken may not be fully compliant since they impose “various restrictions and limitations”.
Alphabet is also under suspicion over whether Google search results favour its own services — for example, Google Shopping or Google Flights — over rivals.
The EU slapped a whopping 2.4-billion-euro ($2.6 billion) fine on Google in 2017 over similar claims of self-preferencing.
Google’s director of competition, Oliver Bethell, said Google had made “significant changes to the way our services operate in Europe”, adding: “We will continue to defend our approach in the coming months.”
Apple said it was “confident” its plan complied with the DMA.
Concerns over consent
Apple is also under the spotlight over whether it allows users to easily uninstall apps on its iOS operating system, and the design of the web browser choice screen.
Under the DMA, the gatekeepers must offer choice screens for web browsers and search engines to ensure users have more options.
Meta also faces problems over its ad-free subscriptions model, which has already been targeted by three complaints since it launched in November.
European users can pay to avoid being tracked for advertising but officials were not convinced.
“We have serious doubts that this consent is really free when you are confronted with a binary choice,” Breton told reporters.
Meta has faced an avalanche of legal problems in the EU over its data processing, including a 1.2 billion-euro fine last year for data privacy breaches.
Meta defended its scheme. “We designed Subscription for No Ads to address several overlapping regulatory obligations, including the DMA,” a spokesperson said.
Turning sour on Apple
In an additional move, EU regulators will also explore whether Amazon may be favouring its own brand products on the Amazon Store and whether Apple’s new fee structure for alternative app stores “may be defeating the purpose” of its DMA obligations.
An Amazon spokesperson said it was “compliant” with the DMA.
Monday’s announcement is one more problem for Apple, which faces a glut of legal challenges on both sides of the Atlantic.
Last week, the US Department of Justice sued Apple, accusing the company of operating a monopoly in the smartphone market.
That was just weeks after the EU slapped a 1.8-billion-euro fine on the iPhone maker for preventing consumers from accessing cheaper music streaming subscriptions.
Apple said it would appeal the EU fine.
AFP | EU Probes Apple, Google, Meta Under New Digital Law | technology | The EU's competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, insisted regulators had "definitely" not rushed to probe the companies. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/11/07/twitter-shares-soar-92-percent-in-ny-stock-exchange-debut88215/ | Twitter Inc soared as much as 92 percent in its first day of trading on Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange as investors snapped up shares in the popular microblogging site in a frenzy that recalled the days of the dot-com bubble.
The shares opened at $45.10 a share, up from the initial public offering price of $26 set on Wednesday, then added to those gains, hitting a high of $50. They were up 73.7 percent to $45.15 at midday.
Sources said the flotation drew strong demand, with investors asking for 30 times the number of shares on offer as they bet on potential growth at the money-losing social media company.
The opening price valued the shares at about 22 times forecast 2014 sales, nearly double that multiple at social media rivals Facebook Inc and LinkedIn Corp.
The shares opened 75 percent above the $26 initial public offering price set on Wednesday, making it the biggest in a series of huge opening day “pops” for IPOs.
Including restricted share units and other securities that could be exercised in the coming months, the company’s market value was over $28 billion.
Twitter executives including Chief Executive Dick Costolo and the company’s three co-founders – Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Jack Dorsey – went to the floor of the NYSE to witness the IPO. The Big Board, which marked the occasion with an enormous banner with Twitter’s bird logo along its Broad Street facade, snatched the offering away from Nasdaq after the normally tech-focused Nasdaq stumbled with the larger Facebook flotation last year.
POSTER BOY
“Facebook was so overhyped people felt like they couldn’t miss out,” said Kenneth Polcari, a senior floor official at O’Neil Securities Inc. “Twitter isn’t like that, though you can feel the excitement.”
British actor Patrick Stewart rang the opening bell at the exchange together with 9-year-old Vivienne Harr, who started a charity to end childhood slavery using the microblogging site.
“I guess I represent the poster boy for Twitter,” Stewart said, adding that he had only been tweeting for about a year and wasn’t buying Twitter stock today.
Twitter’s building staff opened its offices in San Francisco extra early, at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday. By 7:30 a.m., hundreds of employees had flocked to their 9th floor cafeteria to watch Stewart ring the opening bell on TV while eating “cronuts,” a croissant-donut hybrid, made by Twitter’s resident chef, Lance Holton.
The microblogging network priced its 70 million shares at above the targeted range of $23 to $25, which had been raised once before. The IPO values Twitter at $14.1 billion, with the potential to reach $14.4 billion if underwriters exercise an overallotment option.
If the full overallotment is exercised, as expected, Twitter could raise $2.1 billion, making it the second largest Internet offering in the United States behind Facebook Inc’s $16 billion IPO last year and ahead of Google Inc’s 2004 IPO, according to Thomson Reuters data.
The apparently glitch-free opening capped off what was a textbook IPO for Goldman Sachs Group Inc, which beat archrival Morgan Stanley to the lead position on the deal. Goldman tops the list of U.S. technology bookrunners so far this year, with an 18.3 percent market share, up from 11 percent a year ago when it ranked fifth, according to Thomson Reuters data.
Twitter’s other underwriters included JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America.
Twitter boasts 230 million global users, including heads of state and celebrities, but it lost $65 million in its most recent quarter and questions remained about long-term prospects.
It also lacks the ubiquity of Facebook or the “stickiness” factor that keeps people checking the No. 1 social network on a daily basis.
A Reuters-Ipsos poll last month showed that 36 percent of people who signed up for a Twitter account say they do not use it.
Fund managers who got small allocations at the IPO were hopeful the stock would trade down after Thursday’s pop.
“We have a target of $40 and we won’t buy more as long as it is trading above that,” said Mark Hawtin, portfolio manager of the GAM Star Technology Strategy.
Jerry Jordan, manager of the $48.6 million Jordan Opportunity Fund, who got a small allocation, said he would buy more of Twitter if it trades down around $30-$35.
“A lot of these sexy IPOs have a big pop on the first day and then they grind sideways,” Jordan said | Twitter Shares Soar 92 Percent In NY Stock Exchange Debut | politics | Twitter Inc soared as much as 92 percent in its first day of trading on Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange as investors snapped … Continue reading Twitter Shares Soar 92 Percent In NY Stock Exchange Debut |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/07/05/cashless-policy-live-service-charges-postponed-till-year-fatokun/ | The Director, Banking and Payment System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dipo Fatokun, has said that the Cashless Policy which went live on July 1 in 30 states, came with some amendments that made the apex bank postpone certain charges till a year.
He stated that the CBN had not started implementing charges for withdrawals above the thresholds because a major point in the policy was introduced which is called “Service Charges”.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Saturday breakfast programme, Sunrise, Mr Fatokun explained that Service Charges would only be implemented on withdrawals above certain thresholds when it becomes operational.
Explaining the thresholds, he said: “If individuals withdraw cumulatively in a day more than 500, 000 Naira, the charge is 3%. For corporate organisation if more than three million Naira is withdrawn in a day the charge is 5%”.
He pointed out that the policy had gone live but the Service Charges were postponed for a year.
Another official of the apex bank, the Head of Shared Services, Chidi Umeano, stated that before the Cashless Policy became operational, charges were on both deposit and withdrawal, but charges on deposit were removed on June 5 to encourage customers to bring in their money. | Cashless Policy Live But Service Charges Postponed Till A year - Fatokun | politics | The Director, Banking and Payment System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dipo Fatokun, has said that the Cashless Policy which went live on July … Continue reading Cashless Policy Live But Service Charges Postponed Till A year – Fatokun |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/11/09/inec-publishes-name-of-imo-apc-governorship-candidate/ | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the name of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.
The electoral body made the disclosure on Friday following a court order obtained by the APC candidate from a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.
Senator Hope had approached the court for an order to override Thursday’s ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri.
Twenty aspirants on the platform of the APC had obtained the previous order which restrained INEC from publishing the name of the party’s candidate.
Meanwhile, the APC leadership in the state has distanced itself from the name published by the electoral umpire.
The Publicity Secretary of the party in Imo, Mr Jones Onwuasoanya, explained in a statement that INEC closes work at 4pm, except on election days when it may continue collation of results till very late in the night.
He noted that the electoral body had published the particulars of governorship candidates in the state earlier in the day, stressing that there was no fresh court order compelling INEC to publish any name for Imo APC.
According to the Imo APC spokesman, Senator Uzodimma’s running mate is from the same Federal Constituency with him.
“This can hardly be possible, given Nigeria’s political culture,” he said, adding, “The only authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Imo State is Ugwumba Uche Nwosu and this will be proven with time.”
Onwuasoanya accused Uzodimma of taking extreme measure to ensure that his name was published in order to keep his supporters happy and hopeful. | INEC Publishes Name Of Imo APC Governorship Candidate | business | INEC has published the name of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/07/08/ekiti-poll-igp-deploys-30000-police-personnel-assures-residents-of-safety/ | The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has deployed 30,000 police personnel in Ekiti ahead of the governorship election scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 14.
Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Moshood, revealed this in a statement on Sunday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He said the police boss has directed that a robust and elaborate security arrangement be implemented in Ekiti to ensure peaceful, credible, free and fair election.
According to Moshood, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Department of Operations has been deployed to the state and would be assisted by an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), four Commissioners of Police (CPs), eight Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), and 18 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), while each senatorial district would be manned by a CP.
The DIG would implement and coordinate the security operations, as well as supervise the deployment of security personnel for the elections throughout the 2451 polling units/voting points, 177 Wards and the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Force spokesman disclosed that those deployed include personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Anti-Bomb Squad (EOD), Conventional Policemen, Armament Unit, FCIID, and the sniffer dogs section.
He noted that four policemen and two security operatives from other agencies would be on duty at each polling unit throughout the state while the PMF to be headed by a very senior officer would provide security at the RAC, Super RAC and collation centres.
The statement read, “Two (2) Patrol Surveillance Helicopters, Five (5) additional Armoured Personnel Carriers, Ten (10) Armoured Personnel Vehicles and Two Hundred and Fifty (250) Police patrol vehicles are deployed throughout the state, including difficult terrains.
“Other security and safety agencies who are members of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in the state are also deployed to complement the Nigeria Police Force during the election.
“As part of additional measures to guarantee a peaceful and credible election, the IGP will on 9th July, 2018 attend a stakeholder’s and peace accord meeting of all the Thirty Five (35) political parties participating in the election and their flag bearers, INEC officials, election observers and other accredited stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State,”.
Moshood noted that while the police officers and other security operatives deployed for the elections are under strict Instructions to be polite and civil, they would be firm in the discharge of their duties and other responsibilities.
He said they would provide adequate security for the electorates, INEC officials, movement of election materials, accredited election observers, and other individuals and bodies that have statutory roles in the conduct of the election at various locations throughout the period of the election.
The police spokesman added that special security identification tags would be worn by all security personnel deployed for the election and no personnel of any security agency would be allowed to move to any other location other than where they have been deployed throughout the election period.
He also warned security personnel attached to politicians to desist from escorting their principals to polling units and collation centres during the election, saying any deviant security detail would be apprehended and dealt with accordingly.
Moshood revealed that the IGP has directed the Police Commissioners in Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Edo and Oyo states to be on red-alert with their personnel.
The CPs were directed to deploy personnel massively within areas neighbouring to Ekiti, to prevent crimes, hoodlums and miscreants and other unwanted elements or groups from infiltrating from their states to Ekiti to disrupt the poll.
Similarly, the police have announced that the restriction of vehicular movement in and out of Ekiti would commence from 12-midnight of Friday, July 13, till the end of the election.
They also advised travellers and other road users to make use of alternative routes while those on essential duties on a genuine course would be granted passage.
The statement added, “All the Thirty-Five (35) participating political parties and their leadership and supporters, traditional rulers, community leaders, parents and guardians, are advised to warn and prevail on their members, supporters, subjects, children and wards to be law abiding and not allow themselves to be used to cause disturbance of the peace or disruption of the election/electoral process anywhere in the State.
“The full weight of the law will be applied on any person or group of persons found violating the electoral act or indulging in any criminal conduct capable of causing violence before, during and after the election.
“Threat assessments have been carried out by the police in Ekiti State and all identified flashpoints and troubled prone areas have been addressed. However, the Force will not hesitate to deal decisively in accordance with the electoral act and other enabling laws with any individual(s) or group(s), no matter how highly placed, whose utterances or conduct is contrary to the electoral act or that can incite disturbance of public peace, law, and order before, during or after the election.
“The electorates and the general public in Ekiti State who observe any untoward incident or crime can reach the Joint Operation Room for the election through the following phone numbers; 08062335577, 08035925554, 08081761702.
“The Inspector General of Police wishes to assure the electorates, the contestants and all law-abiding citizens in Ekiti State of adequate security throughout the election. They are hereby enjoined to feel free to go out and cast their votes without any fear or apprehension. The IGP implores them to cooperate with the police personnel in the discharge of their duties.” | Ekiti Poll: IGP Deploys 30,000 Police Personnel, Assures Residents Of Safety | business | The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has deployed 30,000 police personnel in Ekiti ahead of the governorship election scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 14... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/09/04/tpb-co-founder-warg-to-be-deported-by-cambodian-authorities-report/ | The Pirate Bay’s co-founder Gottfrid Svartholm Warg will be deported from Cambodia.
A police official today announced that Warg will be deported “based on our immigration law.” Reuters, which was first to report on the story, said that the spokesperson, Kirth Chantharith, claimed the decision was made after holding discussions with Sweden officials.
Warg was arrested on Thursday by Cambodian police in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital. The arrest is believed to relate to his trouble with Sweden courts, which found him, along with his three Pirate Bay cohorts, guilty in 2009 of creating 33 copyright-protected files for downloading on Piratebay.org. After failing to show up at a hearing on the matter, he went missing — until now.
According to Reuters, Cambodia is not saying where it’ll send Warg. However, the country and Sweden do not have an extradition agreement, which means he can’t be sent there. Chantharith reportedly said, however, that Sweden will decide where he’ll go next.
If Warg eventually finds his way back to Sweden, he’ll likely face time in jail. In 2009, after being found guilty of pirating, the four Pirate Bay co-founders were sentenced to a year in prison.
Per Gottfrid Svartholm Warg alias anakata, is a Swedish computer specialist, who was the former co-owner of the web hosting company PRQ and co-founder of the BitTorrent site The Pirate Bay together with Fredrik Neij and Peter Sunde.
Warg has also created the tracker software Hypercube, an open source software which was used to run The Pirate Bay web site and tracker.
On 31 January 2008, The Pirate Bay operators — Peter Sunde, Fredrik Neij, Gottfrid Svartholm and Carl Lundström (CEO of The Pirate Bay’s former ISP) — were charged with “promoting other people’s infringements of copyright laws”.
The trial began on 16 February 2009. On 17 April 2009, Sunde and his co-defendants were found to be guilty of “assisting in making copyright content available” in the Stockholm district court (tingsrätten). | TPB co-founder Warg to be deported by Cambodian authorities - report | technology | The Pirate Bay's co-founder Gottfrid Svartholm Warg will be deported from Cambodia, a new report claims. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/04/17/kogi-govs-aide-blames-pdp-for-inability-to-pay-workers-salaries/ | Spokesman to Yahaya Bello, Kingsley Fanwo has blamed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the government’s inability to pay workers’ salaries and pension in Kogi State.
He said that the last PDP administration embarked on failed projects through bonds, which indebted the state.
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello Declares Intention For Second Term
Fanwo who was a guest on a Channels Television programme Politics Today, on Wednesday said the government of Yahaya Bello has only been able to access N20bn bailout funds which have made them unable to pay salaries.
“On the issue of salaries, PDP caused most of the problems we face. They took bonds and they were expending it on white elephant projects. We did not collect N30bn bailout, we took N20bn.
“What we needed to pay salaries and pensions projected N50.8bn which was approved by president Buhari. From the N50.8bn, we have accessed only N20bn, remaining N30.8bn, that is the reason why we are still owing salaries.” | Kogi Gov’s Aide Blames PDP For Inability To Pay Workers’ Salaries | business | Advertisement Spokesman to Yahaya Bello, Kingsley Fanwo has blamed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the government’s inability to pay workers’ salaries and … Continue reading Kogi Gov’s Aide Blames PDP For Inability To Pay Workers’ Salaries |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/03/21/1-5bn-refinery-project-nigerians-should-hold-me-accountable-for-every-cent-sylva/ | The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has promised to ensure that every cent of the $1.5 billion proposed for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery is accounted for.
He made the pledge during an interview aired on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics where he boldly looked at the camera and asked Nigerians to hold him responsible in the event of anything otherwise.
“I can look at the camera; they (Nigerians) can hold me accountable and hold this government accountable for every dollar, every cent on this project and ensure that we deliver a refinery that works,” the minister said.
The decision of the Federal Government to rehabilitate the refinery in Rivers State with the sum has triggered debates in the country.
While the government’s critics accused it of corruption, others were concerned that adding such an amount of money to the country’s debt burden would be dangerous.
Sylva, however, stated that there was no cause for alarm as the government does not intend to borrow all the funds to rehabilitate the refinery.
He noted that a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) – Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Ltd (NPDC) – and others would contribute the money to be used for the project.
According to the minister, part of the money will come from NNPC’s internally generated revenue and the Federal appropriation, while a little fraction will come from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
He also explained how the repayment plan was designed, saying the operations of the refinery would pay back the funds to be used.
“The NNPC is going to spend about $200 million from its internally generating revenue sources, while the Federal appropriation will put in about $800 million and it is already broken down into three parts,” he disclosed.
Sylva added, “The 2020 appropriation will give $350 million, 2021 appropriation will give another $350 million, and 2022 appropriation will give another $100 million, making it all $800 million from appropriation, and then the rest of it will now come from Afreximbank.” | $1.5bn Refinery Project: Nigerians Should Hold Me Accountable For Every Cent – Sylva | business | Advertisement The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has promised to ensure that every cent of the $1.5 billion proposed for … Continue reading $1.5bn Refinery Project: Nigerians Should Hold Me Accountable For Every Cent – Sylva |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/06/30/buhari-to-flag-off-akk-pipeline-project-in-kogi/ | President Muhammadu Buhari will today inaugurate the construction of the 614km-long Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline Project – the single largest gas pipeline project in Nigeria’s history.
The $2.8 billion natural gas project is a joint venture project between Oilserv Limited, an indigenous oil and gas pipelines and facilities company, and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
It forms the first phase of the Trans-Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP) project which is part of the 4,401km-long Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) to export natural gas to countries in Europe.
The AKK pipeline is slated to originate from Ajaokuta and pass through Abuja and Kaduna, before ending at a terminal gas station in Kano.
Its flag-off will mark the beginning of the implementation of the plan to create a steady and guaranteed gas supply network between the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, by utilising the country’s widely available gas resources.
It is also expected to reduce the large volume of gas flared annually in Nigeria, as well as the subsequent environmental impact it causes.
The gas pipeline project is also expected to promote and increase the local usage of domestic gas while increasing the nation’s revenue generation through the export of natural gas.
It is to be executed in three phases, with phase one covering the construction of a 200km-long segment between Ajaokuta and Abuja Terminal Gas Station at a cost of $855 million.
On the other hand, phase two will comprise a 193km-long section to be built between Abuja and Kaduna at a cost of approximately $835 million, while the third phase will involve the construction of a 221km-long section between the Kaduna Terminal Gas Station (TGS) and Kano TGS at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.
Other infrastructure planned for the development includes various associated valve stations, as well as intermediate and terminal facilities.
Ahead of the flag-off by President Buhari at the project site in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, Oilserv officials noted that the company was 100 percent ready to execute the contract which would also boost gas distribution by establishing a connecting pipeline network between the Eastern, Western, and Northern regions of the country.
They added that the company has pooled the expertise of highly qualified and experienced engineers, technicians, and other support personnel to provide Total Quality Services (TQS) that would ensure the timely and successful completion of the project.
According to them, Oilserv Limited was chosen for the project because of its performance on various key projects relating to platforms, production facilities, and installation of Bulklines, all of which involve engineering, project management, and construction services.
They added that the company was the first and only Nigerian indigenous company to fabricate, install, and commission the largest oil manifold station for Shell Petroleum Development Co. Ltd. (S.P.D.C.).
It has also successfully designed and constructed the largest Gas Transmission Pipeline System in Nigeria and Africa – the Obiafu/Obrikom to Oben Node Gas Transmission Pipeline System, which forms a part of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan.
Among other challenging projects, Oilserv is also a major company executing pipeline repairs and rehabilitation work for S.P.D.C and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in the Niger Delta region of the country. | Buhari To Flag-Off AKK Pipeline Project In Kogi | politics | Advertisement President Muhammadu Buhari will today inaugurate the construction of the 614km-long Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline Project – the single largest gas pipeline project in … Continue reading Buhari To Flag-Off AKK Pipeline Project In Kogi |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/02/25/as-far-as-apc-is-concerned-saraki-others-have-defected-sen-omoworare/ | Senator Babjide Omoworare from Osun State on Sunday said that as far as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is concerned, Senator Bukola Saraki and eleven other senators have defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“As far as APC members are concerned, just like we have people defecting into PDP, the 11 senators plus one now, have defected; they have registered in their respective constituencies, their respective senatorial districts and it has not affected the work of the senate” he said, as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He also noted that the whole issue had taken a political dimension any time it arose in the legislative chamber, citing the interpretation of the 1979 Constitution. He, however, warned that it should not degenerate to a level where governance would be affected.
He applauded the decision taken by the PDP lawmakers, as it is the first time lawmakers from the majority party defected to the minority party in the house.
The defecting senators led by Bukola Saraki announced their defection on the floor of the Senate but was instantly ruled out of order by Senate President David Mark, citing a case instituted by them against him in court.
He informed the Senate President that 11 senators, including him, had written a letter of defection which had not been read on the floor.
He listed those on the list to include Senators Adamu Abdulahi, Shaba Lafiagi, Ibrahim Gobir, Aisha Al-Hassan, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, Jibrilla Bindowo, Danjuma Goje, Ali Ndume, Umar Dahiru and himself.
Saraki explained that all the affected senators had formally defected to the APC by participating in its ongoing registration alongside their supporters in their various senatorial districts. | As Far As APC Is Concerned, Saraki, Others Have Defected- Sen Omoworare | business | Senator Babjide Omoworare from Osun State on Sunday said that as far as the All Progressives Congress (APC) is concerned, Senator Bukola Saraki and eleven … Continue reading As Far As APC Is Concerned, Saraki, Others Have Defected- Sen Omoworare |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/05/25/oil-prices-fall-as-saudis-see-likely-supply-boost/ | Global oil prices fell Friday after top producer Saudi Arabia signalled a likely boost in supply as soon as the third quarter, and world stock markets were mixed over the sudden US move to cancel the summit with North Korea.
Saudi oil minister Khaled al-Faleh said at an economic conference in Russia that a gradual output increase could happen in the second half of the year to prevent any supply shocks, according to the RIA Novosti agency.
OPEC and 10 other oil producers agreed at the end of 2016 to cut output by 1.8 million barrels per day to clear a glut that had led to a collapse in prices in 2014.
The deal, which has been extended until the end of 2018, has led to that glut disappearing and prices have recovered from around $30 per barrel to around $80.
The Saudi comments sent oil prices tumbling by over three percent. Brent Crude fell to $76.43 per barrel and WTI Crude to $68.03 around 1545 GMT.
Russia’s oil tsar Alexander Novak said ministers from the OPEC cartel and other members of the production pact would discuss how much to increase production next month.
“If we come to a common opinion that it is necessary” to increase supply it “should probably take place from the third quarter,” Novak said, according to RIA Novosti.
Uncertainties about supplies from Iran and Venezuela have led prices to spike higher in recent weeks, with industry players warning they could jump to $100 per barrel.
In stocks, London and Frankfurt indices finished the week slightly higher, while Paris was essentially flat at the close as investors hesitated amid the confusing series of reports on geopolitics.
In New York, the Dow slipped 0.4 percent in mid-day trading Friday as falling crude prices dragged energy stocks lower and investors continued to digest the US-North Korea situation and US-China trade.
Shortly after the open, President Donald Trump had said the summit with North Korea that he had called off just 24 hours before could go ahead after all as talks with Pyongyang were continuing.
But investors were contending with the possibility that the summit’s cancellation could cause Trump to be more aggressive in trade talks with China.
Asia down on Trump move
Asian markets mostly fell Friday after the news that Trump had abruptly axed next month’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
For its part North Korea declared that it is willing to talk to the United States “at any time”, while China urged both sides to show restraint.
“The focus has been firmly centred upon Donald Trump, with his decision to cancel the June meeting with Kim Jong Un bringing about a return to the risk-off sentiment,” said analyst Joshua Mahony at trading firm IG.
Markets have been jittery this week as the US president had warned in recent days that he could cancel the summit, while also voicing his displeasure at a deal to avert a trade war with China and threatening tariffs on car imports.
Thursday’s summit cancellation took many by surprise — including North and South Korean officials — and fuelled concerns about the future of a rapprochement that has had many hoping for peace on the divided peninsula.
“It looks like we are back to fire and fury as the modus operandi for the White House again after President Trump (threatened) a new 25 percent car import tariff and cancelled the summit with North Korea,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.
Key figures around 15:45 GMT
New York – Dow: DOWN 0.4 percent at 24,725.08
London – FTSE 100: UP 0.18 percent at 7,730.28 points (close)
Paris – CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 percent at 5,542.55 (close)
Frankfurt – DAX 30: UP 0.65 percent at 12,938.01 (close)
EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.18 percent at 3,515.36
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 percent at 22,450.79 (close)
Hong Kong – Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6 percent at 30,588.04 (close)
Shanghai – Composite: DOWN 0.4 percent at 3,141.30 (close)
Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1662 from $1.1720 at 2100 GMT
Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3318 from $1.3381
Dollar/yen: UP at 109.32 yen from 109.26 yen
Oil – Brent North Sea: DOWN $2.36 at $76.43 per barrel
Oil – West Texas Intermediate: DOWN $2.68 at $68.03
AFP | Oil Prices Fall As Saudis See Likely Supply Boost | politics | Advertisement Global oil prices fell Friday after top producer Saudi Arabia signalled a likely boost in supply as soon as the third quarter, … Continue reading Oil Prices Fall As Saudis See Likely Supply Boost |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/09/15/just-in-kaduna-assembly-members-impeach-majority-leader/ | The Kaduna State House of Assembly has impeached its Majority Leader, Hon. Haruna Inuwa.
Mr Inuwa, who represents Doka/Gabasawa Constituency, was impeached on Wednesday following a vote of no confidence passed on him and an impeachment letter signed by 17 members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the parliament.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Tanimu Musa (representing Kachia Constituency) confirmed the development to Channels Television shortly after the plenary session.
He said the House unanimously approved the impeachment of the lawmaker better known as “Mabo” due to issues about his handling of the legislative procedures.
According to him, Inuwa’s handling of the procedures did not go down well with the members
Musa, however, said that the House will soon announce a new Majority Leader. | Kaduna Assembly Members Impeach Majority Leader | business | The Kaduna State House of Assembly has impeached its Majority Leader, Hon. Haruna Inuwa. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/03/29/ecowas-au-election-observers-commend-nigerians-inec-security-agencies/ | Election observers from the Economic Community Of West African States – ECOWAS and the African Union – AU, have described Nigeria’s presidential and parliamentary elections held on Saturday as transparent, successful and credible.
Both groups led by former presidents of Ghana and Liberia, Mr John Kufuor and Mr Amos Sawyer, said that the process so far meets basic criteria and standards for democratic elections in the region and around the world, despite the initial hiccups encountered.
They said that the commendable performance of the electoral officials, the impartial and exemplary coordination of security agencies and the high turnout and commitment of the voters far outweighed the challenges with election materials and security in some places.
Head of the African Union Observer Mission, Mr Amos Sawyer of Liberia, said that despite the initial problems with elections materials, isolated cases of violence in Bayelsa and Enugu states and extended elections in 350 polling units, the mission considers the process a success.
With 250 observers deployed through five regions excluding the north east, the head of the ECOWAS mission, former Ghanaian President, Mr John Kuffor, said Nigerian citizens, the electoral commission and the security agencies have done a good job so far.
He, however, said that they hoped the use of soldiers would be a one-off incidence.
The presidential and parliamentary elections of March 28 in Nigeria were marked by challenges of late arrival of election materials, as well as the failure of newly introduced card readers in many polling units across the country but these did not discourage Nigerians from exercising their franchise.
The perseverance and peaceful conduct of Nigerian voters has become one of the positive highlights of the elections. | ECOWAS, AU Election Observers Commend Nigerians, INEC, Security Agencies | business | ECOWAS and the African Union election observers have described Nigeria's presidential and parliamentary elections as transparent, successful and credible. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/06/18/arise-welcomes-flooding-of-ekiti-with-security-ahead-of-ekiti-election/ | A former member of upper legislative chamber representing EKiti North Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Arise on Wednesday applauded the flooding of Ekiti State with security operatives ahead of the June 21 governorship election taking place in the state.
“The security men are just there to maintain law and order and ensure that people express their willingness to choose a leader” he said on Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily.
He noted that “we have had experience with isolated elections like this in the past and people flooded the state with all manner of thugs, miscreants and the electoral process was actually hijacked by those miscreants and we couldn’t have peaceful elections.
“That’s why we appealed to Mr President (Goodluck Jonathan) that we want a one man, one vote situation and we do not want people taking over the electoral process”, he said.
To have a violence free and rancour free election, the former federal legislator advocated for the constitution to “make political office(s) less attractive” insisting that “the way it is now, everybody wants to be a politician because it is a gateway to prosperity somehow”.
He urged Nigerians to begin to “channel their energies towards other avenues of attaining recognition in the society” so as to reduce the urge to make elections in Nigeria a desperate affair.
Fayose Has Done More Than Fayemi
Senator Arise noted that despite holding the power of incumbency, Governor Kayode Fayemi remains an unpopular candidate in the forthcoming elections because of the candidacy of Mr Ayo Fayose whom he claimed has provided more infrastructures in the state capital and other local governments than Governor Fayemi during his time as governor of the state.
Though Mr Fayose was impeached during his term, Mr Arise noted that it is not a prerequisite for the disqualification of a candidate, insisting that “Section 137 of the Constitution is very explicit on who can become a president or a governor.
“He has committed nothing that will disqualify him on the grounds the fact that he was impeached” he boasted.
However, joining the conversation via the telephone, the Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Oladapo Karounwi rejected the comments made by the former senator, insisting that “he has dished out a lot of lies that I will quickly inform Nigerians on the correct situation of things”.
He noted that “the level of infrastructural development in Ekiti State for the last three years is unprecedented” and insisted that “the achievement is very feasible, touchable, memorable and even the blind can see.
“I am happy that the Senator did not deny that Dr Kayode Fayemi has touched every facet of life in Ekiti State”, he said.
He further noted that it is very strange for the Senator to say that the developments in the state under Fayemi are centred in the state capital alone because he is aware of a number of local government roads that have been constructed, outside of other facilities that have been put there in Oye Township, where he (senator Arise) is from.
He continued, adding that “all the schools in Oye have been upgraded, reconstructed, remodelled; health facilities have been upgraded.
“So we virtually have touched every facet of the state” boasting that there is no village that will not count up to five projects that this government has done for them”.
Debunking the claim of the Senator that Mr Fayose is corrupt –free, Karounwi argued that “the issue of Mr Fayose is still before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)”.
Lies From The Pit Of Hell
A representative from the Labour Party, Mrs Babatunde Olatunde-Bruce, also via the telephone, debunked rumors that the Labour Party had joined forces with the People’s Democratic Party ahead of the June 21 election.
“There is no pact with the Ayo Fayose Organistion, we are not having any pact with the APC either” she said, accusing the camp of the PDP of sharing false text messages to that effect, insisting that “it is a lie from the pit of hell.
“We have asked our people and the entirety of Ekiti people to disregard that message” she said
She said the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele is “the best candidate among the three of them. He is untainted, he is the most experienced and he has spent 12 years in the executive arm of government and three and a half years so far in the legislative arm of government”.
She further noted that as a lawyer, Opeyemi has spent over twenty years and has wide network within the judiciary; therefore he is most experienced.
The Media and Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party in the state also noted that “we have a pact with the good people of Ekiti” revealing that “our pact is to mend this broken heart through our manifesto of change, which we have launched and have given out to the people of Ekiti, to hold onto and to also hold us accountable when we get to government”.
At least 18 parties have presented candidates for the election. However, the contest is realistically between the APC, PDP and LP. | Arise Welcomes Flooding Of Ekiti With Security Ahead Of Ekiti Election | business | A former member of upper legislative chamber representing EKiti North Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Arise on Wednesday applauded the flooding of Ekiti State with security … Continue reading Arise Welcomes Flooding Of Ekiti With Security Ahead Of Ekiti Election |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/04/26/kogi-apc-gov-primary-a-sham-fresh-election-must-be-conducted-audu/ | One of the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Shuaibu Audu, has described as a “sham”, the primary that produced Governor Yahaya Bello’s ally, Usman Ododo, as the APC candidate for the November 11, 2023 governorship poll in the state.
He, therefore, demanded that a fresh primary be conducted.
He said he does not have personal issues with the the governor but have issues with the way he handled the process through which Ododo emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Kogi.
“What I want is for the election to be cancelled and another primary election be held in accordance with the constitution of our great party, the All Progressives Congress. It is very important for thing to be done properly and things should be done accordingly,” Audu said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
“I don’t have issues with the governor on a personal note but I have an issue with the way he went about the nomination for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress because there was no election.”
READ ALSO: Court Adjourns Ex-Reps Member ‘Certificate Forgery’ Suit
The son of a former governor of Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, who has now approached the court to seek cancellation of the primary, said that the primary was not held according to the provisions of the party.
He lamented that the governor who has ruled the state for eight years is trying to pass the baton to his cousin who he said is from the same ward and polling unit with the governor.
On April 15, Ododo was declared winner of the APC primary which was conducted via direct mode of election in the 239 wards across the 21 local government areas of Kogi.
Ododo polled 78,704 votes to defeat the six other contestants including Abubakar Audu.
Announcing the outcome of the primary at the State Secretariat of the APC, the Secretary of the National APC Governorship Primary Committee, Patrick Obahiagbon announced 93,729 as total numbers of registered voters while 83,419 represented numbers of accredited voters.
He said Shaibu Audu scored 763 votes; a former Minister of State, Stephen Ochen; polled 552 votes, a former Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Sanusi Ohiare scored 424 votes while the current Senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Smart Adeyemi scored 311 votes. | Kogi APC Gov Primary A Sham, Fresh Election Must Be Conducted — Audu | business | Shuaibu Audu has approached the court to seek the cancellation of the primary. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/02/03/cross-river-govt-to-commission-garment-factory-in-april/ | The Cross River State Government has scheduled April 2016 for the commissioning of the proposed garment factory, which is expected to generate hundreds of employment to the unemployed youths in the state with widows inclusive.
The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade stated this at the site of the project when he went on an assessment tour to have a first-hand knowledge on the level of the work done at the site.
Some of the residents say it will be a dream come true if the governor sticks to the new date he has promised for the commissioning.
The project which is located along the Goodluck Jonathan Byepass in Calabar, is one of the signature projects embarked upon by the state government and when functional, will provide fabrics for the production of Uniforms of all kinds in the state.
This, according to the governor will encourage the entrepreneur skills and discourage importation which will translate to an increase in the states revenue.
The governor’s counterpart from Abia State while on a visit sued for the cooperation of the Federal Government towards encouraging signature projects that has direct positive influence on the youths.
For him, Cross River State remains a role model in terms of tourism, security and all which other states should copy from.
Speaking to a cross section of traders into garment related businesses, the establishment of the factory in the state capital, will make business more lucrative for them and also save them cost of travelling to other states to procure materials for their businesses. | Cross River Govt. To Commission Garment Factory In April | politics | The Cross River State Government has scheduled April 2016 for the commissioning of the proposed garment factory which is expected to generate hundreds of |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/03/19/federal-states-lgs-shared-₦10tn-in-2023-neiti/ | The three tiers of government- the federal, state and local governments shared the total sum of ₦10.1tn from the Federation Account as statutory revenue allocations in 2023.
Contained in the latest report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on the Federation Account revenue allocations for the year 2023, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya, who announced the release of the report at the NEITI House in Abuja, said a breakdown of the revenue receipts showed that the Federal Government received about ₦4trn, representing about 39 per cent of the total allocation.
The 36 states got about ₦3.6trn representing 35 per cent while the 774 local government councils of the federation shared ₦2.6trn equivalent to 25 per cent.
Further analysis of the ₦10.143tn disbursements in 2023, showed an increase of about ₦2trn or 23 per cent when compared to the disbursement of ₦8.2trn shared in the corresponding year 2022.
The Review attributed the increase to improved revenue remittances to the federation account due to the removal of the petrol subsidy, and the floating of the exchange rate by the new administration.
The report highlighted that, while total revenues distributed from the federation account recorded an overall increase of 23 per cent in 2023, the increase accruing to each tier of government varied, largely due to the type of revenue streams contributing to the inflows into the federation account.
The NEITI Quarterly Review of 2023 FAAC allocations disclosed that the federal, state and local governments cumulatively received ₦1.9trin more than the amount shared in 2022. The first quarter of 2023 increased by about ₦580bn (33 per cent) when compared to the first quarter of 2022. The second quarter increased by about 10 per cent, third quarter by 27 per cent, and the fourth quarter had an increase of 23 per cent respectively.
The federal government’s share increased by about ₦574bn (17 per cent) from the ₦3.4trn it received in 2022 to about ₦4trn in 2023.
State governments shared ₦3.6trn in 2023 compared to the ₦2.8trn they got in 2022, showing an increase of about 30 per cent.
Similarly, local government councils’ share of federation allocation was about ₦3trn in 2023 compared to ₦2trn in 2023 which amounts to a 26 per cent increase.
While total distributed revenue from the federation account recorded an overall increase of about 24 per cent in 2023, the increase accruing to each tier of government varied, largely due to the type of revenue item contributing to the inflows into the account. In the same period (2023), states and local governments recorded increases in their allocations of 30 per cent and 26 per cent respectively. The increase in allocation to the federal government however was about 17 per cent.
State-by-state share of the allocations showed that Delta State received the largest share of ₦402bn (gross). The figure is inclusive of the state’s share of oil and gas derivation revenue.
Delta was followed by Rivers State which received ₦398bn. Akwa-Ibom State received the third largest allocation of ₦293bn. Nasarawa State received the least amount of ₦73bn, while Ebonyi and Ekiti states received ₦74.3bn and ₦74bn respectively.
According to Orji, the agency embarked on the NEITI FAAC quarterly review to enhance public understanding of federation account allocations, and disbursements as published by the government.
He explained that “The ultimate objective of this disclosure is to strengthen knowledge, awareness and promote public accountability of all institutions in public finance management”.
The review observed that the first five states that topped the allocation during the period under review are amongst the major oil-producing states in the country.
On the share of 13 per cent derivation revenue, nine states received the 13 per cent allocated to mineral-producing states from the proceeds from mineral revenue.
The derivation revenue remains a significant portion of revenue for states like Delta, Akwa Ibom, Anambra and Rivers states. Also, the derivation revenues of states such as Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, which were about 161 per cent, 141 per cent and about 128 per cent respectively, eclipsed their statutory revenues. Rivers State‘s derivation revenue was about 74 per cent during the period.
Notably, the other five oil-producing states recorded lesser derivation revenue compared to the four above. For example, Ondo State had about 28 per cent, Edo had 30 per cent, while Abia, Anambra and Imo recorded a derivation revenue of about 20 per cent or less.
The NEITI report noted that solid minerals producing states did not receive derivation revenues during the last quarter of last year, because of the need to allow the revenues to accumulate over a while before sharing can occur.
On direct deductions from the state, Delta State recorded by far the largest debt deductions in 2023. With a total deduction of about ₦13bn, Delta’s debt deduction was more than the deductions for Bauchi State, the second largest in 2023 by ₦282m, Lagos State recorded the least cumulative debt deductions amounting to ₦370m.
The report maintained that the reduced debt burden is attributable more to the increase in the size of federation account allocations than a reduction in the size of debt. The stark similarity in the debt size and sustainability charts indicated that states’ borrowing decisions are being determined by the size of their federation account allocations, and expected future earnings. While this pattern indicated good fiscal decisions by the states, it may also cause states to increase their current borrowing as revenues from the federation account allocations are beginning to increase.
Other key findings of the report showed that revenue remittances to the account fluctuated significantly every month due to corresponding fluctuations in oil and gas revenue. Oil and gas revenues reflected crude oil prices and Nigeria’s output which in turn is significantly affected by crude oil theft and acts of sabotage.
The Report pointed out that the main sources of revenue inflows to the account in 2023 were the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through earnings from the different revenue stream. This included oil, gas royalties, petroleum profit tax, company income tax, value-added tax, and import and excise duties.
The report also revealed that revenue from the solid minerals sector is very negligible, and reflected the under-performance of the sector.
The NEITI Review proffered key recommendations for enhanced performance of the federation account, including that; government (the National Assembly and the Executive), should adopt more conservative estimates for crude oil prices and output to enhance budgetary performance, reduce budget deficits and borrowing, and strengthen fiscal stabilisation.
NEITI renewed its earlier recommendations for the federal government to highly prioritise the ongoing efforts at economic diversification, and investment to improve power generation to encourage small, medium and large businesses to promote local production and reduce import and dependence on oil revenues.
The reviews also underlined the need for states, to join hands with the federal government to deal with insecurity in rural communities where agro-based businesses thrive, and pay attention to internally generated revenues through innovations and leadership that are citizen-centered. | Federal, States, LGs Shared ₦10tn in 2023 - NEITI | business | Further analysis of the ₦10.143tn disbursements in 2023, showed an increase of about ₦2trn or 23 per cent when compared to the disbursement of ₦8.2trn shared in the corresponding year 2022. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/10/18/reps-ask-ports-authority-reinstate-intels-contract/ | The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to reinstate the contract of Integrated Logistic Facilities and Services, also known as Intels Nigeria Limited.
NPA had terminated its boats pilotage monitoring and supervision contract with Intels on October 10, following the company’s alleged non-compliance with government’s policy on the Treasury Single Account (TSA)
According to the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Usman, the decision was taken on the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Intels management had, however, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the agency to reverse the termination of the contract or get ready for legal actions.
But lawmakers at the lower chambers, after debating a motion at Wednesday’s plenary, resolved to investigate the circumstances around the contract termination and ascertain if due process was followed.
They further asked the NPA and the Attorney General of the Federation to reinstate the company’s contract, pending when the investigation was concluded. | Reps Ask Ports Authority To Reinstate Intels' Contract | politics | The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to reinstate the contract of Intels Nigeria Limited... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/09/26/twitter-tests-expanding-tweet-limit-to-280-characters/ | Twitter announced Tuesday a test project allowing tweets to be expanded to 280 characters — double the existing limit — in the latest effort to boost flagging growth at the social network.
San Francisco-based Twitter said the new system, a major shift for the messaging platform known for its 140-character tweets, aims to address “a major cause of frustration” for many users.
A “small group” of users will see the new limits before Twitter decides on rolling out the changes more broadly.
“Trying to cram your thoughts into a tweet — we’ve all been there, and it’s a pain,” product manager Aliza Rosen and software engineer Ikuhiro Ihara said in a blog post.
“We’re doing something new: we’re going to try out a longer limit, 280 characters, in languages impacted by cramming.”
Twitter planned to leave the old limit in place for tweets in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean because internal data showed written characters in those languages packed plenty into the allotted space.
“Our research shows us that the character limit is a major cause of frustration for people tweeting in English, but it is not for those tweeting in Japanese,” Rosen and Ihara said.
“Also, in all markets, when people don’t have to cram their thoughts into 140 characters and actually have some to spare, we see more people tweeting.”
Twitter, which became a public company in 2013, has never reported a profit even though it has built a loyal base of celebrities, journalists and political figures, including prolific tweeter US President Donald Trump.
In its most recent quarter, Twitter reported its base of monthly active users was unchanged at 328 million compared to the first three months of the year and up just five percent from a year earlier.
Its growth has failed to keep pace with the social network leader Facebook, which has some two billion users, and Facebook-owned Instagram, with 800 million.
“We’re hoping fewer tweets run into the character limit, which should make it easier for everyone to tweet,” Rosen and Ihara said in the blog post.
“We understand since many of you have been Tweeting for years, there may be an emotional attachment to 140 characters… But we tried this, saw the power of what it will do, and fell in love with this new, still brief, constraint.”
Twitter has been seeking to draw in users by offering more video including live streaming of sporting events, aiming to broaden its appeal.
The messaging platform reported a net loss of $116 million in the second quarter, slightly wider than its $107 million loss a year ago.
AFP | Twitter Tests Expanding Tweet Limit To 280 Characters | technology | Twitter announced Tuesday a test project allowing tweets to be expanded to 280 characters -- double the existing limit -- in the latest... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/07/11/electronic-voting-without-transmission-of-result-counterproductive-says-jega/ | The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commended the National Assembly for taking steps to review the Electoral Amendment Act (2010) as amended but faulted the exclusion of electronic transfer of results.
Jega who spoke as a guest during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics lamented that the decision of the 9th Assembly to allow INEC to use electronic voting without the electronic transmission of results is counterproductive.
“You can’t permit INEC on one hand to use electronic voting and not use electronic transmission of results because usually, they go as a package,” he said.
“Once there is a robust software and hardware for doing so, it now brings efficiency, transparency and real time ability to see the result as they are transmitted from the polling unit to a National Collation Centre.”
When asked if politicians feel uncomfortable over the electronic transmission of results, Jega replied in the affirmative.
The former INEC boss however explained that “not all politicians are fraudulent and want to win by hook or by crook.”
Jega asked the National Assembly to diligently work to ensure that the Electoral Amendment Bill (2021) is appropriately amended before being passed.
On whether Nigeria is ready for a fully digitised electoral system, he replied saying: “I will urge that we make haste slowly. There is no doubt that if electronic voting is done appropriately, it will go a long way in improving the integrity of our elections.
“There are so many challenges in our country. For one to be able to do effective, thorough electronic voting, you need the infrastructure, software and associated support infrastructure. For example, stability of electricity, extensive network coverage and robust internet facilities.”
Reacting to the appointment of the presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie as INEC National Commissioner, Jega said the controversy trailing her nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari should have been avoided.
He called on the lawmakers to apply the laws regarding the issue, in order to avoid a situation whereby elections she participate in may be viewed as being biased. | Electronic Voting Without Transmission Of Result Counterproductive, Says Jega | business | The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commended the National Assembly for taking steps to review the Electoral Amendment Act (2010) as amended but faulted the exclusion of electronic transfer of results. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/03/21/wike-blames-inec-security-operatives-chaos/ | The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is blaming Nigerian Army personnel and INEC for the chaos in most of the local government areas where results of the re-run elections have been cancelled.
He said while INEC failed to print a uniform form with federal government seal for all the council areas, the soldiers according to him acted beyond their brief by attempting to stop party agents from accompanying electoral materials.
“As early as 9AM yesterday morning I was getting calls from local governments. I got a call from Bonny Local Government that ‘look the results they brought to us, we don’t think its original’.
“I asked ‘how do you know the original result?’ They said the one they had seen for the Senate was different as they could see the coat of arms and the one for the House of Assembly also had the coast of arms but the one for the House of Reps had nothing and was not even signed.
“I got to the REC on phone and told him about the complaints, he said that the problem was that he told the electoral officers (EO) to counter-sign those ones that don’t have codes so that that would form as original but most of them did not sign,” Governor Wike said.
He also berated the security operatives for allegedly failing to play their expected role during the election.
He said that he had suggested that the military should not be involved in the election but play strictly the role of providing security and manning strategic positions. | Wike Blames INEC, Security Operatives For Chaos | business | The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is blaming Nigerian Army personnel and INEC for the chaos in most of the local government areas where results … Continue reading Wike Blames INEC, Security Operatives For Chaos |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/11/30/hungary-eyes-nigerian-crude-oil-lng/ | The Hungarian Government has indicated interest to purchase crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Nigeria.
The Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Professor Gabor Ternak, disclosed this on Tuesday during a visit to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the NNPC’s Group General Manager Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, Ternak said the decision to import crude oil and LNG from Nigeria was informed by the need to bridge the current supply gap being experienced in Hungary.
This comes at a time when the international crude oil market is getting more competitive.
“Hungary depends on oil importation to serve its energy needs as the country is non-oil producing. We want to diversify our sources of crude oil and LNG import and we are considering purchasing these products from Nigeria,” Ambassador Ternak stated.
He said the Nigerian crude oil would be of great help to Hungarian Refineries involved in large-scale commercial refining.
The Hungarian envoy stated that Nigeria could also leverage on the bilateral relationship with his country by engaging the services of Hungarian firms that specialize in repairs, maintenance, and building of refineries as well as medical services.
He said that Hungarian universities with many years of oil and gas engineering expertise could assist Nigeria in the areas of capacity building of oil workers.
In his remarks, the NNPC GMD, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated that the Corporation had commenced tendering process for the selection of the 2018 crude oil off-takers, adding that Hungarian companies could utilize the opportunity by participating in the exercise to maximize value from direct purchase, rather than going through a third party.
“If you don’t participate in the tendering process, you would have to buy the products from one of the traders. However, if you participate with companies and refineries that meet our requirements, they could be shortlisted as off-takers,” The GMD averred.
He explained that Hungary could purchase LNG through “spot cargo,” an arrangement in which excess production is given to registered off-takers with the Nigerian Liquefied Natuaral Gas Limited (LNNG).
“Normally, gas business is a long-term business and NLNG is not different, we already have existing 20-year contract that will expire by 2022. Nevertheless, we have what is called “spot cargoes”, when there is excess production, and the current contractors have gotten there share as enshrined in the contract, the excess production will be given to registered off-takers in the system,” Dr. Baru averred.
He said Hungarian companies could submit their profile to NLNG for possible engagement as off-takers of spot-cargoes after meeting the standard requirements.
The NNPC GMD stated that works on the refurbishment of the Corporation’s refineries through original builders of the plants had commenced and that the Hungarian firms with requisite expertise could be considered through subcontracting by the main contractors.
He said that NNPC through its subsidiary institution, the Nigerian Leadership Academy (NLA), would look into possible areas of collaboration with the Hungarian Universities for an in-country capacity building of oil and gas workers.
As part of the Corporation’s diversification plans, Dr. Baru said the NNPC, which has the largest medical facilities in the country from a single entity, was trying to put its 52 clinics across the country into commercial use, starting with its clinic in Abuja.
He said NNPC would collaborate with Hungarian and other reputable companies that have proven capabilities to set-up world-class medical facilities for heart, spinal and brain surgeries as well as physiotherapy and specialized laboratories services that can compete globally and save Nigerians the burden of traveling abroad for treatment. | Hungary Eyes Nigerian Crude Oil, LNG | politics | The Hungarian Government has indicated interest to purchase crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Nigeria. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/07/08/north-will-support-whoever-wins-2015-presidential-elections/ | Ahead of the 2015 general elections, chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors Forum, and Governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu, says the north is ready to negotiate the presidency to protect the interest of the region.
He made the remark during the inauguration of the office complex for federal workers in Enagi, headquarters of Edati Local Government in Niger State, stressing that the North was prepared to follow whoever was elected president in 2015.
“Some people, very few of them, are holding nocturnal meetings, that they are telling President Goodluck Jonathan that they are only supporters of Jonathan. We are the supporters of the constitution of Nigeria. Whosoever gets the power, we are in support of him but we are saying this time around in 2015, we will negotiate” he said.
“We will support whoever gets this power, but we will ask for the fulfillment of the promises to our people; that is all we are saying and some people want to cash in on this.”
The Governor denied advocating that only northern candidates should clinch the presidency, but stressed that the need for the promises made to the region were fulfilled.
He also denied advocating that only northern candidates should contest the highest position in the land come 2015, explained that the north is prepared to support anyone who emerges as president.
He, however, stressed that such support must be based on a negotiated settlement aimed at ensuring that the north is not shortchanged in the unfolding political realities in the country. | North Will Support Whoever Wins 2015 Presidential Elections | business | Ahead of the 2015 general elections, chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors Forum, and Governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu, says the north is ready … Continue reading North Will Support Whoever Wins 2015 Presidential Elections |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/12/29/reviewing-2013-how-online-business-can-help-young-nigerians-in-2014/ | A Business Analyst, Tobenna Okoli has stated that the rapid growth of e-commerce in Nigeria is due to the growth of the middle class in Nigeria.
Appearing on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds to do a post-mortem of the year 2013, with a focus on the rapid increase in the rate at which Nigerians do business on the internet, Okoli said that one of the major characteristics of the middle class is that they want more options to choose from, before spending their money and they also usually seek better convenience, all of which the internet offers.
Claiming that statistics show that globally, Africa has experienced the highest annual e-commerce growth rate in the past year (25.8% according to Medessy); he cited the development of the telecom industry in many of Africa’s developing countries as the reason behind this increase.
According to Okoli, among all mobile phone users in Nigeria, about 55 million use smartphones that enable them to access internet on the go, and consequently enhancing the rate at which they get to find goods and make payments online.
Looking ahead into 2014, Okoli believes that the future of e-commerce in Nigeria is bright, considering that computer and IT literacy is constantly improving in the country.
Worthy of note is that e-commerce in Nigeria used to be retail based in the past, but now, even services can be purchased online with hotels and airlines freely using the online platform to offer their customers convenience; and this explains why the Nigerian e-commerce industry has been rated to be worth about 255 billion Naira (about $1.4billion) according to Medessy Enterprises Limited, owner of online retailer, gidimall.com.
He cited the rapid growth of online shops like Konga.com and Jumia as proofs of how much investment has gone into the sector in 2013, and he believes their successes would inspire even more of such businesses to spring up, with more local businesses also spreading their reach online.
He however warned that doing business online is not just about the presence of goods and services on a website. Therefore, business owners planning to embrace the system should be aware of how much work goes into it.
Although he agreed that e-commerce is a good option for young or new business owners who may not be able to afford the cost of renting shops and offices that customers would want to visit, he however noted that getting customers to see goods and services online is just the “e” part of the commerce.
He stressed that getting the eyes to see what you have to offer is not enough, but the logistics side of the business, which is in the backend is more critical. He said: “if you do not have the structure you may only attract people and there will be no means to satisfy them.”
So, getting the goods and services to the consumers after they have liked and purchased them must be well figured out and planned for, before any business owner should launch an online business. | Reviewing 2013: How Online Business Can Help Young Nigerians In 2014 | politics | A Business Analyst, Tobenna Okoli has stated that the rapid growth of e-commerce in Nigeria is due to the growth of the middle class in … Continue reading Reviewing 2013: How Online Business Can Help Young Nigerians In 2014 |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/10/24/violence-we-have-no-other-country-than-nigeria-apc-calls-for-peace/ | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Nigerians irrespective of their political, religious, and ethnic background to embrace peace following the recent violence recorded in various parts of the country.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who doubles as the Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Committee, made the call in a statement on Saturday.
He said the party was saddened by the unfortunate tragedy that had enveloped the country in the last few days.
The governor blamed the incidents on hoodlums who he said took over what was supposed to be a peaceful protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.
He stated that the people have no other country than Nigeria and pleaded with the youths to halt the #ENDSARS protests for the collective corporate interest of the nation.
Governor Buni advised Nigerians to reflect and embrace peace, especially at a time of national tragedy such as this.
He stressed that it was not a time to play politics or dance to the gallery to score cheap political points.
Rather, the APC caretaker chairman stressed the need for the people to put Nigeria first and come together to rally around the government to build sanity and strengthen peace and unity in the country.
He specifically assured the youths that their message has been “heard loud, clear, and well understood”.
On the way forward, Governor Buni urged the youths to take on the needed engagement with all the structures of government to address all the concerns around the protest and effectiveness of the government in general.
He appealed to them to disengage themselves from the activities of criminal elements who he insisted have taken over the protests and were perpetrating violence such as destruction of property and attack on innocent Nigerians.
As a party, the governor promised that the APC would take every step to support the government to bring the unwholesome situation to an immediate end.
He added that all those found culpable in the violence would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Read the full statement below:
Appeal For Peace And Normalcy In Nigeria
The All Progressives Congress is saddened by the unfortunate tragedy that had enveloped some parts of the country in the last few days by hoodlums who took over what was supposed to be a peaceful protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police and therefore plead with Nigerians to halt the #ENDSARS protests for the collective corporate interest of our dear country. We have no other country than Nigeria.
We are committed to the ideals of democracy and we recognize the inalienable rights of our citizens to demand for changes in conditions which trample on their liberties, freedom of association, freedom of speech and wellbeing through peaceful means and rule of law.
We acknowledge the peaceful commencement of the protests until it became violent, destructive and disorderly as hoodlums regrettably seized the opportunity in the protests and virtually took over.
On behalf of the leadership and membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), we solemnly condole with the families of our countrymen and the families of policemen who lost their loved ones and pray that Almighty God will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
We also extend our empathy to all those whose properties were torched and pray that Almighty God will replenish it. We pray we never experience such avoidable and unnecessary horrendous carnage in our dear fatherland.
It is gladdening that President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, had quickly responded and disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police (SARS) as demanded by the protesting youth.
The party also welcomed the decision for comprehensive reforms, including the review of salaries of the Nigeria Policemen as announced by Mr President.
Our dear Compatriots, let us reflect and embrace peace; at a time of national tragedy such as this, it should not be a time for playing politics, it is no time to dance to the gallery to score cheap political points.
It is a time for introspection and Nigeria first. Let’s come together irrespective of our political, religious and ethnic differences we should rally around the government to build sanity and strengthen peace and unity to ensure the corporate existence of our country.
To our youth, your message has been heard loud, clear, and well understood. The next stage that must follow is the needed engagement with all the structures of government to address all the concerns around the protest and effectiveness of government in general.
It is imperative for the youths to extricate themselves from the activities of the criminal elements who have taken over the protests and perpetrating violence, destruction of property and attacking innocent Nigerians.
As a party, we will take every step to support the government to bring this unwholesome situation to an immediate end. We will make sure that all those found culpable will face the wrath of the law. For it is the desire of all Nigerians that a peaceful atmosphere returns to the country for the good of the greatest number of our dear countrymen.
The party, therefore, join President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR in appealing to our youths to call off the protests for peace and normalcy to return to our dear country.
The more united we are as a people, the more peace we have and the more secured we are in our country; the more progressive we all become and the more abundant shared prosperity for our children. | Violence: ‘We Have No Other Country Than Nigeria’, APC Calls For Peace | business | "The more united we are as a people, the more peace we have, and the more secured we are in our country." |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/02/11/obasanjo-ibb-cant-show-us-the-roadmap-keyamo/ | A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Festus Keyamo, has reacted to the recent statements credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military President Ibrahim Babangida.
The lawyer, who appeared on Channels Television’s flagship political programme, Sunday Politics noted that both leaders cannot recommend a roadmap for Nigerians.
“These two leaders cannot show us the roadmap – because they had opportunities in the past and bungled them,” he said.
READ ALSO: My Counsel To The Nation By Ibrahim Babangida (FULL STATEMENT)
In a statement issued on January 23, Obasanjo had criticised President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and asked the President not to seek re-election.
On his part, Babangida had has called on President Buhari in a statement on February 4, to step down in 2019 to allow for a generational shift.
A drama, however, ensued as the former military President denied any connection to the statement while his spokesman, Mr Kassim Afegbua, insisted that he issued the statement on the directive of his boss.
The Way Out: A Clarion Call For Coalition For Nigerian Movement By Olusegun Obasanjo (FULL STATEMENT)
In his reaction, Mr Keyamo believes both statements attributed to the leaders have similar content and can be split into two parts in, saying he agrees with one part and disagrees with the other.
He stressed the need for the Federal Government to acknowledge the concerns raised in the statements which include the herdsmen attacks and economic challenges among others.
The senior advocate noted further that the leaders have the right to highlight the issues they feel should be addressed, saying “you cannot throw away the message and the messenger; that part of the message is absolutely necessary.”
He is, however, of the opinion that the part where Nigerians should “reject the message and the messenger” is where both leaders are trying to recommend the way to go.
“Babangida spent N40billion on a transition programme to nowhere; eight years to nowhere. They have a sense of entitlement.
“These are people who have been involved in the past in selection process, military coups, and all of that; so they don’t still believe in democracy,” said Keyamo.
He pointed out that former President Obasanjo was trying to amend the constitution to go for a third term and cited a situation where bags of monies were discovered in both houses of the national assembly.
The statements from both leaders have triggered blames in the country, as well as among the supporters and critics of President Buhari’s administration. | Obasanjo, IBB Can't Show Us The Roadmap – Keyamo | business | A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Festus Keyamo, has reacted to the recent statements credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military President Ibrahim Babangida... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/12/08/edo-election-petition-tribunal-continues-sitting/ | The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has continued its sitting at the State High Court in Benin City.
The pre-hearing session commenced yesterday with five petitions filed against the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the September 19 governorship election.
However, in the third petition filed by the Action Alliance and another against Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the counsel to the second respondent, Onyechi Ikpeazu raised the concern that the petitioner had abandoned the petition had failed to apply for a mandatory application.
READ ALSO: Edo Election: Tribunal Hears Five Petitions Against Obaseki’s Victory
He submitted that the Tribunal did not have the jurisdiction to go further with the petition.
The counsel to the petitioner, Steven Osaigbovo also urged the tribunal to disapprove of the application as it was made orally.
The tribunal thereafter fixed ruling on the application for Friday, December 11. | Edo Election: Petition Tribunal Continues Sitting | business | The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has continued its sitting at the State High Court in Benin City. Advertisement The pre-hearing session commenced yesterday … Continue reading Edo Election: Petition Tribunal Continues Sitting |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/01/13/2023-it-is-nobodys-turn-peter-obi-tells-unn-students/ | Ahead of the February 25 presidential election, the candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has said it is nobody’s turn to govern Nigeria.
Obi is challenging Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) among others for the nation’s top job.
Speaking on Thursday during an interactive session with students and stakeholders at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Business School in Enugu, Obi faulted candidates who have been absent from presidential debates.
READ ALSO: We Need ‘Stingy Man’ Like Peter Obi To Run Nigeria – Pat Utomi
According to him, character and competence should be used to evaluate whoever will be voted as president.
“Everybody is suffering, let nobody tell you it is his turn. It is the turn of Nigerians to take back their country.
“If we are going to do it by turn, I am one of those who will claim it is my turn. I am not running as my turn. I am running as a proud Nigerian who is qualified to be President,” Obi said.
The LP flag bearer described the 2023 general elections as one that is based on characters Nigerians can trust.
He challenged politicians to be transparent on details about them, including academic qualifications, age among others.
“Here in Nigeria, somebody wants to contest election, we don’t know his real age; we don’t know his name; we don’t know the schools he attended. Nobody knows his real identity and he is pushing to lead everybody.
“My name is Peter Obi. I can say I went to CKC, went to University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Both the VC today, the DVC today, these are my school mates. We came into university the same year and left the same year.
“The people I went to school [with], I can see them here today — my seniors and my juniors. How come we now have people who do not have classmates? This is very important,” he added. | 2023: It Is Nobody’s Turn, Peter Obi Tells UNN Students | business | According to Obi, character and competence should be used to evaluate whoever will be voted as president. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/02/21/just-in-apc-postpones-national-convention-to-march-26/ | The All Progressives Congress has fixed its National Convention for March 26.
It will also begin activities leading to the convention, including conduct of zonal congresses from February 24.
The convention was earlier billed for February 26.
READ ALSO: It Is Obvious Nigerians Have Rejected APC – Wike
In a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, the party had set its zonal congresses for March 26.
The letter was signed by the party’s National Secretary Sen. John Akpanudoedehe and Caretaker Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni.
“This notice supersedes our earlier notice for National Convention referenced APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/22/14 this is predicated on the evaluation of our Party Constitution,” the letter partly read.
The party’s National Convention had been a subject of debate for weeks as usual pre-convention activities failed to hold.
Delay in conducting its convention may not be unrelated to internal party wrangling and factions in several states.
The APC party leadership has been quiet about the processes leading up to the convention and reasons why such processes have failed to happen.
Dates of purchase and submission of forms by aspirants and their screening have also elapsed without any formal communication by the party
Last week, some governors of the APC were slated to meet President Muhammadu Buhari over some party issues, but the meeting couldn’t hold as the president had to travel to Belgium on an official assignment.
Delayed Convention
The National Executive Council of the APC had appointed the committee led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State to take over the affairs of the party pending when a national convention would be conducted.
This followed the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in June 2020 amid an internal crisis and a series of litigations.
Months after it assumed the leadership of the party, the tenure of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) was extended to better plan a national convention.
But this did not go well with some party faithful who called for the removal of members of the CECPC. Some of them went further to test the legality of a serving governor to act as the national chairman of a political party.
Last year, APC Governors proposed that the national convention be conducted in February to elect a new set of NWC members.
The proposal of the governors was later approved by the President, which led to the emergence of the initial February 26 date.
Barely a week to the scheduled date, the caretaker committee informed INEC that it had fixed March 26 to conduct its zonal congresses, but kept mum on the national convention.
Amid reports over the uncertainty of conducting the national convention on Saturday, the party affirmed that it had postponed the exercise by one month. | APC Postpones National Convention To March 26 | business | Advertisement The All Progressives Congress has fixed its National Convention for March 26. It will also begin activities leading to the convention, including … Continue reading APC Postpones National Convention To March 26 |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/02/25/dino-melaye-thanks-nigerians-constituents-for-victory/ | Senator Dino Melaye has thanked Nigerians and his constituents for re-electing him into the Senate.
The Senator who represents the Kogi West Senatorial district took to his social media handle Twitter to show his appreciation.
He said, “To God alone be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
“I have just been declared the winner of the Kogi West Senatorial District Election.
READ ALSO: Dino Melaye Wins Kogi West Senatorial District
“God only You would have done this. Kogi West I thank you all. I love you all. What a mighty God we serve”.
Senator Melaye beat his arch-rival Senator Smart Adeyemi of the APC.
He polled 85, 395 votes to defeat Sen. Smart Adeyemi who scored 66, 901 votes.
The Kogi West Senatorial District comprises of seven LGAs namely: Lokoja, Kogi/Koton Karfe, Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopa -Muro.
To God alone be the glory forever and ever. Amen. I have just been declared winner of the Kogi West Senatorial District Election. God only You would have done this. Kogi West I thank you all. I love you all. What a mighty God we serve.
— Senator Dino Melaye (@dino_melaye) February 25, 2019 | Dino Melaye Thanks Nigerians, Constituents For Victory | business | Senator Dino Melaye has thanked Nigerians and his constituents for re-electing him into the Senate. Advertisement The Senator who represents the Kogi West Senatorial … Continue reading Dino Melaye Thanks Nigerians, Constituents For Victory |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/07/13/tribunal-dismisses-apms-petition-against-makinde/ | The Election Petition Tribunal for the 2023 Governorship Election in Oyo State has dismissed a petition filed by the Allied People’s Movement (APM) challenging the victory of Governor Seyi Makinde in the March 18 poll for being frivolous and lacking merit.
In her ruling, Hon Justice Ejiro Emudainohwo who led the three-man election petition tribunal panel awarded a cost of one million naira each against the petitioner in favour of the 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively with the 2nd respondent being Makinde and the 3rd being the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking after the ruling, counsel for the petitioner, Henry Bello, agreed with the ruling of the tribunal as justifiable, explaining that since the structure of the party in Oyo State had displayed apathy in the petition, it was only proper to dismiss the petition in the interest of peace and orderliness.
In his reaction, lead counsel for the governor, Kunle Kalejaiye (SAN), berated the petitioner for approaching the tribunal with weak and baseless petition, thereby wasting the time of the tribunal.
Kalejaiye that the Electoral Act 2022 should be amended such that petitioners with reasonable votes cast could approach the tribunal to prevent unnecessary waste of judicial time and taxpayers’ money.
With this ruling, the Oyo State Election Petition Tribunal has concluded its sitting for the March 18, 2023 Governorship Election in the state. | Tribunal Dismisses APM's Petition Against Makinde | business | Lead counsel for the governor, Kunle Kalejaiye (SAN), berated the petitioner for approaching the tribunal with weak and baseless petition. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/08/02/crude-oil-production-increases-to-2-7-million-barrels-per-day-nnpc/ | The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engineer Andrew Yakubu has revealed that crude oil production in Nigeria has risen to 2.7 million barrels per day from 2.4 Million barrels.
Engineer Yakubu made the revelation when a delegation from Benue state, led by the state Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam visited him in his office.
The GMD explained that the security measures put in place by the Federal Government in the Niger Delta region was responsible for the positive results as shown in the increased crude oil production.
He appealed to all the state governments, local governments, communities leaders and other partners to work in partnership with the corporation to safeguard the pipelines and other strategic national assets in order to reduce wastage.
The NNPC boss also expressed the corporation’s readiness to collaborate with the Benue State government to restore the NNPC depot in Makurdi, the state capital.
Governor Suswam had earlier raised his concern over the neglect of the Makurdi depot and he also declared the desire to partner with NNPC in the resuscitation and expansion of the depot. | Crude oil production increases to 2.7 million barrels per day-NNPC | politics | The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, Engineer Andrew Yakubu has revealed that crude oil production in Nigeria has risen to 2.7 million barrels per day from 2.4 Million barrels. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/09/03/pdp-chieftain-iwuanyanwu-discredits-baraje-led-faction/ | A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in the South East and party’s board of trustees, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has discredited the Baraje-led faction of the party maintaining that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur remains the only recognised chairman of the party.
Speaking in his country home in Atta, Ikeduru local government area of Imo state, he said the action of the Baraje-Led faction is a calculated attempt by opposition and enemies of the ruling party to destroy the organisation, and cause chaos in the country.
He added that the scenario playing out is a political gimmick meant to damage the image of the party.
Chief Iwuanyanwu said what is more important to Nigerians now, is the unity of the country which should be properly addressed. | PDP Chieftain, Iwuanyanwu Discredits Baraje-Led Faction | business | A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in the South East and party’s board of trustees, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has discredited the Baraje-led faction of the party … Continue reading PDP Chieftain, Iwuanyanwu Discredits Baraje-Led Faction |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/05/30/we-dont-need-marking-scheme-to-assess-your-performace-acn-tells-jonathan/ | The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said Nigerians need no ‘marking scheme’ to assess the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration or any administration at all, noting that the people know when a government has impacted positively on their lives.
The party made this known in a reaction to the call by President Jonathan on Thursday that Nigerians, opposition parties and critics of his administration should develop a marking scheme to grade his performance.
The ACN in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, reminded President Jonathan that it is not the business of the opposition to spoon-feed his Administration on how to govern, even though the party has, time and again, gone out of its way to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems facing the nation, out of sheer patriotism.
”Needless to say that such suggestion from us and other well-meaning groups and individuals have been so arrogantly ignored by the administration,” it said.
Inferring that Nigerians would score the President high on performance, the opposition party wondered why the President is suddenly irritated that Nigerians have not given his administration a pass mark, after about three years in the saddle and two years since he was elected.
”Mr. President, Nigerians need no marking scheme to know that the rate of unemployment went up, under your watch, to an unprecedented 23.9% by December 2011, according to figures given by the National Bureau of Statistics. Today, the figure must be hovering above the 50% mark!”
”Mr. President, Nigerians need no marking scheme to know that under your watch, security of lives and property, as well as the welfare of the citizens – the raison d’etre of any government – are at the lowest ebb. A day before you demanded a marking scheme from Nigerians instead of giving them better life, a popular musician was attacked by a nine-man gang that snatched his car and deprived him of his money in the country’s economic capital city – the fate being suffered daily by millions of your compatriots!”
”Mr. President, what marking scheme does one need to know that despite the seemingly impressive economic figures being reeled out by your administration, the average Nigerian is worse off today than he or she was before you assumed office? What we are seeing is growth without development” the statement adds.
Economic Growth?
Taking on the much acclaimed sustained economic growth recorded by the country in the last few years, Action Congress of Nigeria noted that the so-called 6.5 percent economic growth announced by your Finance Minister is meaningful only on paper.
“How does that help the thousands of university graduates who are scrambling to work as truck drivers? How does it make Lagos-Ibadan expressway or the East-West road safer for Nigerians?” the party asked.
It further asked the President that ”what has been the impact for Nigerians of the high foreign reserves figure and the stable exchange rates for the Naira reeled out by your Finance Minister? Is it not a cruel irony that as Mr. President was luxuriating in phantom economic indices on the second anniversary of his administration, Nigerians across the land could not even watch him on television because the power situation has been exceptionally poor in recent times?”
”And in case Mr. President thinks it is only the opposition and the media – his administration’s favourite whipping boys – that are scoring his administration low, the Washington-based global advocacy and campaigning organization, ONE, was listing Nigeria – under President Jonathan’s watch – and DR Congo among ”laggard countries” pulling Africa back from reaching the MDG goals by 2015? Surely, this global body did not use any ‘Jonathan-style marking scheme’ to name Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Ghana and Ethiopia as the top performing countries in Africa (on the MDGs), even when they are less endowed than Nigeria?” ACN queried.
The party said it would not have wasted its energy on commenting on the mid-term performance record of the Jonathan Administration, had the President not disingenuously decided to blame imaginary enemies of his administration for his token achievements in the face of mounting challenges facing the country.
It urged President Jonathan to shut his ears to praise-singers, especially those of the pig-at-the-trough hue from across the Atlantic who have never seen an African government, no matter its governance record, that is unworthy of their association, as they hunt for cheap funds from despotic governments across the continent to rehabilitate themselves back home.
”Mr. President, it is never too late for you to put your shoulder to the wheel, shun the political jobbers around you, reinvigorate your cabinet by chasing away the deadwood there – though some of them come highly recommended on paper – and giving Nigerians a more purposeful governance.
”When that happens, Mr. President, you will not need to waste valuable time on lecturing your much-sapped compatriots on how to assess your administration, and you would have succeeded in rending those seemingly implacable critics of yours in the media and the opposition jobless,” ACN said. | We Don't Need 'Marking Scheme' To Assess Your Performace, ACN Tells Jonathan | business | The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said Nigerians need no ‘marking scheme’ to assess the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration or any administration at all, … Continue reading We Don’t Need ‘Marking Scheme’ To Assess Your Performace, ACN Tells Jonathan |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/09/09/tribunal-upholds-ekweremadu-as-senator-representing-enugu-west-senatorial-district/ | The election petition tribunal sitting in Enugu on Monday upheld the victory of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District, Ike Ekweremadu, in the 2019 National Assembly election.
In a unanimous judgement, the panel held that the appellant and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs Juliet Ibekaju-Nwagwu, who challenged the return of Ekweremadu, failed to prove that there was substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act in the conduct of the election.
The three-man panel comprising Justice Haruna Kereng, Justice Yusuf Isa, and Justice Sedoten Ogunsoya, affirmed that Ekweremadu was duly elected and also awarded N250,000 cost against the petitioner in favour of Ekweremadu, PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
READ ALSO: Tribunal Upholds El-Rufai’s Election As Kaduna Governor
On the contention by the petitioners that the dating of the result sheets on February 23 and 24, 2019 meant that collation was still ongoing when INEC declared the results of the election, and thus amounted to non-compliance, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Kereng, who delivered the judgment, held that evidence on all sides showed that the election was held on February 23, but the collation of results, which started on that same day extended to February 24.
Referring to the INEC Guidelines, the Tribunal held said that the election was a process, and ended when the final result was declared on February 24.
The panel also addressed the issue of alleged over-voting, tendered by the petitioners, stressing that the documents issued remained in their envelopes after they were tendered and no reference was made to them by any of the petitioners’ witnesses.
Meanwhile, Justice Kereng held that evidence relating to the issue of accreditation, showed that the exercise was done with both the card reader and the voters’ register, noting that the law was now trite that card reader was not conclusive proof of total number of accredited voters.
The Tribunal further observed that the petitioners did not plead any facts or figures about alleged miscalculation or error in votes.
The panel also noted that whereas the petition relied so much on allegations of crime levelled against unnamed persons, those persons were not joined in the petition and were not disclosed throughout the trial. It also added that assuming any such crimes were committed, Ibeakaku-Nwagwu and APC did not prove that alleged suspects were agents of Ekweremadu or the PDP, hence failed to satisfy the principle of the law on this issue or prove such beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Kereng therefore said that in view of the evidences before it, it had no other option than to dismiss the petition and affirm the election and return of the Ekweremadu as Senator for Enugu West Senatorial District. | Tribunal Upholds Ekweremadu As Senator Representing Enugu West Senatorial District | business | Advertisement The election petition tribunal sitting in Enugu on Monday upheld the victory of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for Enugu … Continue reading Tribunal Upholds Ekweremadu As Senator Representing Enugu West Senatorial District |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/09/15/fayemi-names-19-member-transition-committee/ | The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has named a 19-member transition committee saddled with the responsibility of organising a hitch-free handing over and inauguration of a new government come October16, 2014.
The 19-member transition committee comprises of top functionaries of the present administration in the state and nominees of the Governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, the inaugural meeting of the committee holds in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Ganiyu Owolabi, is the Chairman of the committee, while the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economy Department, Barrister Bamidele Agbede, is the Secretary.
The Committee’s terms of reference include organisation of the handing over and swearing–in ceremony; preparation of a comprehensive list of all government assets and liabilities. It will also interface with key MDAs on the programmes and projects of government.
Other members of the transition committee are the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Kolawole; Head of Service, Mr Bunmi Famosaya; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Fapounda; Special Adviser, Legislative and Allied Matters, Dapo Karounwi; Commissioner for Environment, Dr Eniola Ajayi; Special Adviser , Establishment Matters, Dayo Fadipe; Permanent Secretary, General Administration Department, Mr Alfred Ologuntoye; PS Government House and Protocol, Mr Akin Oso; PS, Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ayodeji Ajayi.
Others are the Director General of the Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation, Dipo Anisulowo; former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Owoseni Ajayi; Dr (Mrs) Modupe Alade, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, Mr Kayode Oso, Mr wale Akomolafe, Mr Biodun Alasoluyi and Mr. Alade Sunday Olaseye.
Governor Fayemi had, while receiving the Governor-Elect, Mr Fayose, in his office on June 23, given assurances that he would announce the composition of the transition committee after due consultation with the Governor-elect. | Fayemi Names 19-Member Transition Committee | business | Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has named a 19-member transition committee saddled with the responsibility of organising a hitch-free handing over and inauguration of a new government come October16, 2014. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/04/02/why-south-east-deserves-an-extra-state-ekweremadu/ | The South East deserves an extra state to match up with other regions in the country, especially in the areas of governance and distribution of resources, among others.
Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, made the demand during a programme ‘Open Square’ which aired on Channels Television on Saturday.
He decried the ratio of lawmakers from the region to those from other geopolitical zones, saying the situation was affecting the South East representation in the National Assembly.
“The number is lopsided because of the way the states were created,” the lawmaker said. “Right now, South East has just five states when others have seven and six. With the Senate of three senators per state, we have just 15, some have 18 and some have 21.
“When it comes to voting, even in terms of resources distribution, we are short-changed. If you go to the House of Representatives, it is a similar thing. I believe that the fair thing to do is for the country to agree for us to have an extra state for the South East, so that it will enable us to match with the rest of the country in terms of opportunity at the National Assembly.”
READ ALSO: Lawan, Gbajabiamila Ask Nigerians To Pray For Security As Ramadan Fast Begins
As of when it gained independence in 1960, Nigeria was a Federal State with three regions – northern, western, and eastern, before an additional mid-western region was created in 1963.
These regions were replaced by 12 states in 1967 as a result of military decree while seven more states were created nine years later, making a total of 19.
By 1991, the nation already has 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the number had increased to 30 states and the FCT by 1996, before another development which resulted in the present number of 36 states and the FCT.
While the South East and North West have five and seven states respectively, the North East, North Central, South West, and South South all have six states each.
Call For Equity
Ekweremadu also called for fairness and equity for the region in terms of developing its infrastructure just like other parts of the country.
According to him, his first call is to take side with the people who elected him into office when the issue of conflict of interest arises.
“For you to return to the Assembly, you need to ensure that you will take seriously matters that concern them (the constituents),” the lawmaker said. “Most times, they don’t conflict (national and constituency interests).
“If they do conflict, definitely you have to side the people who you are representing because without the you won’t be where you are. Say you want to construct a rail line from Lagos to Kano which is of national interest anyway because that is a good corridor, but you are not seeing anything happening in the eastern corridor – between Port Harcourt and Maiduguri, there is a conflict.”
“Naturally, I will speak for my people and say if you are spending money for the western corridor, you should also spend for the eastern corridor; if you don’t have money for both of them, then you have to wait.
“Those are very rare times when we have those kinds of issues and that is why we need equity, we need justice, we need fairness for you to have a country that you can say is democratic,” he added. | Why South East Deserves An Extra State – Ekweremadu | business | Advertisement The South East deserves an extra state to match up with other regions in the country, especially in the areas of governance … Continue reading Why South East Deserves An Extra State – Ekweremadu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/07/31/investors-to-take-over-electricity-plants-by-september/ | The Federal Government on Wednesday said investors will soon take over for Kaduna Distribution Company and Afam Power Plant after the financial bids for the companies was concluded.
The announcement for the winners of the 11 distribution companies unbundled from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is expected in a few days.
The Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprise, Mr. Benjamin Dikki says new owners should be ready to take over by September this year.
Six companies have placed bid for the Kaduna Distribution Company while two for the Afam Power Plant.
The federal government is in the process of breaking up the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria into 17 private generation and distribution companies and selling them for about $2.5 billion as part of efforts to increase electricity output over the next seven years.
After the presentation of grounds rules, confirmation of submitted bids and eventual opening of the bids, Northwest Power Limited ranked highest for the Kaduna Distribution Company while Taleveras Group put in a bid of $260 million for the Afam Power Plant.
The result of the preferred bidders is expected in a few days.
The conclusion of negotiations with the preferred bidders is expected to lead to the handover of The Power Holding Company Of Nigeria (PHCN) successor Generation Companies (GENCOS) and Successor Distribution Companies (DISCOS) by the federal government. | Investors To Take Over Electricity Plants By September | politics | The Federal Government on Wednesday said investors will soon take over for Kaduna Distribution Company and Afam Power Plant after the financial bids for the … Continue reading Investors To Take Over Electricity Plants By September |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/11/17/former-president-jonathan-says-anambra-is-pdp-state/ | Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Anambra State since the beginning of democracy in Nigeria has remained a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State.
Jonathan said this on Thursday in Onitsha at the grand finale campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Anambra, Oseloka Obaze.
“Today, we are here because of one unique thing that is the elections that is coming up on Saturday. Anambra State, from the beginning of this democracy, 1999, 1999, when we were inaugurated till date, Anambra State remains a PDP state.”
Recalling the efforts of founding fathers of the party, Jonathan said founding fathers party like Alex Ekweme is an indigene of Anambra. He also said 80% of the people of Anambra are supporters of the PDP.
READ ALSO: Anambra Election: Police Declare Restriction Of Movement In Abia
“80% of people from this state are PDP. The founding fathers of PDP that was mentioned by the state Chairman, Chief Dr Alex Ekwueme, the pioneer Chairman, the founding Chairman of PDP and he is from Anambra.
“Aside the pioneering role played by people like Ekwueme and other leaders from this state. This state has a population that is clearly PDP and the other population that are friends to PDP.”
The former President also said he had huge support from Anambra during the previous elections and his political activities urging the citizens to support the PDP candidate for their business to flourish.
“All my elections and all our activities, the spirit of Anambra has been with the PDP. PDP government headed by Obaze will bring development to Anambra State. In a PDP government, your business will flourish,” he said. | Former President, Jonathan Says Anambra Is PDP State | business | Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Anambra State since the beginning of democracy in Nigeria has remained a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State. Jonathan … Continue reading Former President, Jonathan Says Anambra Is PDP State |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/05/24/apc-approves-revised-timetable-for-2023-primary-elections/ | The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday approved a revised Timetable/Schedule of Activities for the Governorship, State House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives Primary Elections.
In a statement signed by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party noted that its Special Convention for the Presidential primary will be held as scheduled between Sunday and Monday.
READ ALSO: Ishaku, Deputy Win PDP Senatorial Tickets
According to the revised timetable, Governorship and State House of Assembly primaries will now hold on Thursday.
House of Representatives primaries will hold on Friday, while Senate primaries have been scheduled for Saturday. | APC Approves Revised Timetable For 2023 Primary Elections | business | The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday approved a revised Timetable/Schedule of Activities for the Governorship, State House … Continue reading APC Approves Revised Timetable For 2023 Primary Elections |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/04/16/el-rufai-gives-political-appointees-till-april-30-to-resign/ | The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has given political appointees till April 30, 2019, to resign from office.
A statement issued by the spokesman for the governor, Samuel Aruwan, says this to enable the governor to commence the selection of his new cabinet team for his second term in the office which commences on May 29.
According to the directive, each notice of resignation must be submitted along with a handover note, signed by the political appointee on behalf of the MDA or office to which he or she had been appointed, and should be addressed to the Principal Private Secretary to the governor.
Those affected by the directive include Commissioners in the State Executive Council, All Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, Directors-General, Executive Secretaries, Managing Directors, General Managers and other Heads of Agencies, others are Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and Technical Assistants to the Governor, other than the Kashim Ibrahim Fellows.
Excluded from compliance with the directive are full-time Commissioners of certain State Executive bodies who retain their tenured appointments in the following agencies: Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Assembly Service Commission, the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM), the Peace Commission, public Procurement Authority and Water Regulatory Authority.
READ ALSO: NEMA Repatriates 136 Stranded Nigerians From Libya
El-Rufai thanked all political appointees for their contributions and service to the state during his first term and as he constitutes the team that will assist him in his second term,
He said he expects the process to be enriched by the handover notes from the political appointees, and the report of the Transition Committee headed by the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.
The statement added that the governor will exercise his constitutional prerogative to decide on re-appointments while giving the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance adequate time to compute severance payments and reconcile any liabilities.
“Due to recent adjustments in roles within the government, the occupants of and recent appointees into the following offices are also exempted from the directive to resign, Commissioner of Finance, Principal Private Secretary, Accountant-General, Special Adviser, Intergovernmental Relations, Managing Director, Kaduna Markets Development Company, Managing Director, Kaduna Investment and Finance Company, and Any other political appointee sworn-in or appointed to their current role within the last six months”. | El-Rufai Gives Political Appointees Till April 30 To Resign | business | The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has given political appointees till April 30, 2019, to resign from office. Advertisement A statement issued by the … Continue reading El-Rufai Gives Political Appointees Till April 30 To Resign |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/01/05/govt-has-to-be-transparent-on-how-much-subsidy-is-being-paid-bismarck-rewane/ | Economist, Mr Bismarck Rewane, has asked the government to come clean on the details of how it has managed the subsidy situation and stop hiding from the truth.
Mr Rewane believes the reality of the situation demands some very creative measures which the subsidy regime might help to resolve, but says the government needs to handle it with transparency.
Read Also: FG Not Increasing Fuel Price From N145 – Kachikwu
“It is quite interesting that after two years of seamless supply, all of a sudden there is a shortage. Some say the shortage is contrived some say it is sabotaged, some say its ineptitude of logistics and planning but what is clear is that the parameters that were used on May 15, 2016 when the price of 145 was arrived at, were that the exchange rate was 285.
“The price of oil at that time was about $42 a barrel and the landing cost was at about the same range about 145, now circumstances have changed.
“The exchange rate has been devalued significantly, the price of oil is at $68 a barrel today and therefore, the landing cost cannot be the same.”
He said this when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s political program, Politics Today.
Speaking further, Mr Rewane explained that there won’t be any imminent price hike because it would be suicidal.
He said: “The minimum wage was determined in 2019 at N18,000 which was $200 at that time – it is barely $40 today. If you increase the price of petrol which is a subsidized price today, you will be imposing a lot more hardship on the people.
“It is not politically expedient, it is economically intolerable, So what the government has to do is come out clean and say this is the amount of subsidy we are paying – this is how we have to do it because the people have to be carried along, it is not possible at this point in time to have a subsidy-less petrol price because it is so critical – we have to come out clean,” he added. | Govt Has To Be Transparent On How Much Subsidy Is Being Paid - Bismarck Rewane | business | Economist, Mr Bismarck Rewane, has asked the government to come clean on the details of how it has managed the subsidy situation and... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/09/02/soludo-seeks-return-of-winning-streak-as-apga-launches-imo-gov-campaign/ | As the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State flags off its governorship campaign ahead of the November 11 election, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has urged all indigenes in the neighbouring southeastern state to return the party’s winning streak.
Soludo, who was represented by his deputy, Onyekachi Ibezim, at the flag-off ceremony held in Owerri on Friday, enjoined the people of Imo to reclaim the governorship seat in the state.
The APGA governorship candidate, Tony Ejiogu, in his remarks, said his vision was to build a state where everyone, especially the youths, would be the major stakeholders.
He promised inclusivity in decision-making processes in the state and to build a new Imo with a conducive business environment and policies for a private sector-driven economy, where factories and ancillary business services will blossom to tackle joblessness and poverty.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Recalls Nigeria’s High Commissioner To UK Two Years After Buhari Appointment
Also in attendance were the party’s National Chairman and other party chieftains.
Soliciting support for the candidate, the party leaders insisted that what happened in Anambra during the 2022 governorship election must be replicated in Imo State in November.
Supporters of APGA and indigenes of Imo State gathered at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral field in Egbu community, Owerri North Local Government Area (LGA) to show solidarity to the governorship candidate.
With the flag-off ceremony, the party said it was ready to take its campaigns to all the wards and communities across the 27 local government areas of the state with the sole aim of clinching the governorship seat come November. | Soludo Seeks Return Of Winning Streak As APGA Launches Imo Gov Campaign | business | The candidate promised inclusivity in decision-making processes in the state and to build a new Imo with a conducive business environment and policies for a private sector-driven economy. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/07/08/osun-bye-election-motorists-stranded-as-observers-laud-process/ | As voting continues in the Osun West Senatorial bye-election, motorists travelling through Osun State were left stranded as a result of the vehicular movement restriction.
Security operatives blocked the Akoda-Ede axis of the busy Gbongan-Osogbo, resulting in traffic gridlock for several hours on some of the major roads in the state.
Some unsuspecting motorists passing through the state to other parts of the country, Yusuf Dele and Taju Fawole decried poor notice from relevant authorities on movement restriction during the election.
Meanwhile, an election observer, Dr. Nwanbu Gabriel commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the peaceful conduct of the polls so far.
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salam also lauded the security agencies for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in Saturday’s Osun West Senatorial bye-election. | Osun Bye-Election: Motorists Stranded As Observers Laud Process | business | As voting continues in the Osun West Senatorial bye-election, some motorists were stranded as a result of the vehicular movement restriction. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/05/31/denmark-pm-delivers-speech-partly-written-by-ai/ | Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Wednesday delivered a speech to parliament partly written using artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT to highlight the revolutionary aspects and risks of AI.
The head of the Danish government was giving a traditional speech as parliament gets ready to close for the summer.
“What I have just read here is not from me. Or any other human for that matter”, Frederiksen suddenly said part-way into her speech to legislators, explaining it was written by ChatGPT.
“Even if it didn’t always hit the nail on the head, both in terms of the details of the government’s work programme and punctuation… it is both fascinating and terrifying what it is capable of”, the leader added.
READ ALSO: Japan Allows Nuclear Plants To Operate Beyond 60 Years
ChatGPT burst into the spotlight late last year, demonstrating an ability to generate essays, poems and conversations from the briefest of prompts.
The programme’s wild success sparked a gold rush with billions of dollars of investment into the field, but critics and insiders have raised the alarm.
Common worries include the possibility that chatbots could flood the web with disinformation, that biased algorithms will churn out racist material, or that AI-powered automation could lay waste to entire industries.
The subject is on the agenda of a high-level meeting on trade between the United States and the European Union this Wednesday in Lulea, Sweden.
A group of industry chiefs and experts, including Sam Altman whose firm OpenAI created the ChatGPT bot, warned Tuesday about the potential threat of “extinction” posed by the technology.
The part of Frederiksen’s speech drafted by ChatGPT included sentences like the following: “It has been an honour and a challenge to lead a broad government in the last parliamentary year.”
“We have worked hard to co-operate across parties and ensure a strong and sustainable future for Denmark,” and “We have taken steps to combat climate change and ensure a fairer and more inclusive society where all citizens have equal opportunities,” ChatGPT also wrote.
“Although we have faced challenges and resistance along the way, I am proud of what we have achieved together in the last parliamentary year.”
Frederiksen’s regular speechwriters have yet to comment on the quality of the writing.
AFP | Denmark PM Delivers Speech Partly Written By AI | technology | The head of the Danish government was giving a traditional speech as parliament gets ready to close for the summer. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/02/29/why-abia-geometric-power-project-took-20-years-gov-otti/ | Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has explained that a number of things contributed to the delay of the 181-megawatt geometric power plant in the Aba area of the state.
“This is a project that was started in 2004” during the administration of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, Otti of the Labour Party said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.
The $800 million project including the building 27km natural gas pipeline, championed by Geometrics Power Limited, has the capacity to generate and distribute 181 megawatts of power.
A new electricity distribution company, the Aba Power Limited Electric, has started taking electricity from the plant and supplying it to about nine of the 17 local government areas in the South-East state.
On Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the geometric power plant in Aba, the industrial hub of the state.
The power plant which was described as the first integrated electricity facility in Nigeria is located in the Osisioma industrial hub of Aba in Abia.
Giving a background to the delay in the project, Otti, a former bank chief, said sometimes in 2010, the founder of Geometrics Power Limited and ex-Minister for Science and Technology, Bart Nnaji approached him as an Executive Director of First Bank to appeal that the former bank that was funding the project had stopped it mid-way owing to the global economic crisis.
He said, “We processed an $85m facility for him (Nnaji) but unfortunately, he couldn’t draw down on that facility because the board of the bank felt that because I was proceeding to Diamond Bank as CEO, it won’t make any sense to allow the country to withdraw the facility when the person that was going to manage it was not there.
“I headed to Diamond Bank which actually was the bank that was initially funding the project. On getting to Diamond Bank, we restructured the facility and saw it to completion by October 2014, the time I left Diamond Bank.
“But a lot of things happened thereafter that made it impossible for the project to take off. There was the unfortunate sale and resale of the Aba Invest Island and that took a life of its own.
“When that was resolves, Shell which owned the major oil block that was supposed to supply gas to Geometric has sold it to another company whose focus was not gas for domestic use but export
“By the time we took over on the 29th of May, we sat down with Geometric a few times and engaged with NNPC and NNPC deployed their partners and gas was made available.”
The governor said the plant currently supply 141 megawatts power, the capacity at this time, is expandable to 181 megawatts when the final turbine is delivered.
According to him, the third turbine of the plant has been fired and all the three turbines are operational and “power outage will the exception rather than the rule which is the situation at this time”.
Otti said it would be difficult to say that his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu played a role in the project, adding that there was no evidence that the Abia State Government has an equity in the plant. “I have set up a team to dig into the facts,” he said. | Why Abia Geometric Power Project Took 20 Years – Gov Otti | politics | The power plant which was described as the first integrated electricity facility in Nigeria is located in the Osisioma industrial hub of Aba in Abia. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/02/05/state-council-meeting-ends-february-elections-to-hold-as-scheduled/ | The National Council of State meeting has ended in Abuja with members insisting that the February elections must proceed as scheduled.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also given the assurance that the presidential election will hold on February 14 as scheduled.
INEC told the National Council of State that it was ready to conduct the February elections.
The Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, confirmed to State House correspondents that INEC assured the council of its readiness to conduct the February elections and that the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards was going well.
Mr. Okorocha said that the nation’s security chiefs also said that they were ready for the elections but raised concern about the possibility of elections holding in areas under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.
INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who had earlier been sighted on the premises of the State House, was said to have made a presentation at the meeting.
Nigeria’s security chiefs were also said to have made presentations which might have given the council some confidence that the elections can indeed hold.
In attendance were Nigeria’s past Heads of State, including the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.
Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, had used his twitter account to announce that he would “attend the Council of State meeting” and “oppose any agenda to postpone the elections”.
Also present were 28 governors of PDP and APC governed states as well as the deputy governors of Oyo, Borno and Abia states. The acting Governor of Taraba was also in attendance.
The security chiefs, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, were also present as well as former Chief Justices, Dahiru Mustapha and Alpha Belgore.
Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was expected to attend was, however, absent. | State Council Meeting Ends, February Elections To Hold As Scheduled | business | Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given the assurance to the National Council of State that it is ready to conduct the February elections |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/10/09/akwa-ibom-governorship-election-tribunal-reserves-judgement/ | The Akwa Ibom Governorship Election Tribunal has reserved judgment in the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Mr. Umana Umana, challenging the victory of Governor Emmanuel Udom at the April 11 election in the state.
The tribunal resumed hearing after a 2-week recess to adopt the final arguments of the parties.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Sadiq Umar, reserved ruling following the conclusion of hearing on the petition.
Lawyer to the petitioners, Mr. Wole Olanipekun (SAN), asked the tribunal to nullify the election on the ground that the petitioner had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the governorship election was not properly conducted.
But the Governor, through his lawyer, Paul Osoro, argued that the petitioner failed to establish his fact. He said that the petitioner gave evidence in less than 50 polling units out of over 2,000 polling units in the state.
Meanwhile, Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), claimed that the electoral body has complied with all court orders, which should enable the tribunal do justice to the case.
No date was fixed by the tribunal for the judgment. However, following the conclusion of their arguments, both parties would know where the pendulum swings, not later than October 29. | Akwa Ibom Governorship Election: Tribunal Reserves Judgement | business | Akwa Ibom Tribunal has reserved judgment in the petition filed by the APC ,challenging the victory of Governor Emmanuel Udom as governor. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/07/13/tribunal-dismisses-labour-partys-petition-against-ogun-governor/ | The Ogun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has dismissed the petition of the Labour Party challenging the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the March 9 election held in the state.
This comes two months after the party had filed the suit at the Tribunal.
Joined as respondents in the suit, EPT/OG/GOV/03/2019 BTW MRS MODUPE SANYAOLU LABOUR PARTY VS DAPO ABIODUN, APC & INEC’ in June, were the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
But the Tribunal, led by Justice Yusuf Halidu, dismissed the suit on Saturday.
READ ALSO: APP Drops Suit Seeking To Sack Zamfara Governor
According to the Tribunal, the case stands dismissed on the ground that the Tribunal had dismissed the petition pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 46(3) of the Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.
Justice Halilu held that the petitioners had failed to attend the hearing of the petition initially filed.
He, therefore, ruled that the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to reverse itself by re-listing the petition. | Tribunal Dismisses Labour Party's Petition Against Ogun Governor | business | The Ogun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has dismissed the petition of the Labour Party challenging the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the … Continue reading Tribunal Dismisses Labour Party’s Petition Against Ogun Governor |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/10/us-stocks-end-at-records-as-iran-worries-ease/ | Wall Street stocks jumped to fresh records on Thursday following a buoyant session for global equities as investors took heart that a US-Iran conflict is not escalating and a trade deal with China is likely to be signed.
All three major US indices finished at all-time highs, with the broad-based S&P 500 winning 0.7 percent as haven investments such as gold and the yen faltered.
The gains in New York marked a second straight session of advances on rising confidence about the US-Iran clash following statements Wednesday by US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials.
“Assuming Iran-US tensions continue to simmer rather than boil, markets are likely to refocus on the global growth outlook and on trade, with the interim US-China trade deal expected to be signed on 15 January,” said National Australia Bank’s Tapas Strickland.
Further boosting sentiment, China said that Vice Premier Liu He will travel to Washington next week to sign the “phase one” deal with the United States that has lowered trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.
The advance in the United States was broad-based, with the technology, financial and energy sectors registering especially large gains.
“Markets have learned not to overreact to developments in the Middle East,” Gregori Volokhine of Meeschaert Financial Services told AFP.
“What animates investors is fear of missing out on a higher stock market. Nobody wants to be the first sell or take profits.”
Frankfurt led European gains as the DAX closed up 1.3 percent — Lufthansa flying high with a four percent gain — as London and Paris, which at one time brushed a 13-year high, limited gains to around a quarter of one percent.
Tokyo and Hong Kong had earlier added around two percent and Shanghai 0.9 percent.
But the rush to riskier investments saw gold, seen as a haven in times of unrest, pull back, having earlier broken $1,600 per ounce for the first time in seven years.
The lowering of tensions will allow traders to turn their attention to the release on Friday of US jobs data, which will provide the latest snapshot of the world’s number one economy, with recent figures indicating it remains robust.
Also in focus is the upcoming earnings season, which kicks off this month.
Pound falls
In London meanwhile, the pound slid after Bank of England governor Mark Carney said Britain’s economic recovery was “not assured” despite a drop in Brexit uncertainties.
“Although the risk of a semi-hard Brexit at the end of 2020 will continue to hang over the UK, the sweeping 12 December election win for (Prime Minister Boris) Johnson and his Conservative Party has brought much of the damaging uncertainty of recent years to an end,” said Kallum Pickering, senior economist with Berenberg.
He forecast a real growth pickup from 1.3 percent in 2019 to 1.8 this year and 2.1 in 2021.
Key figures at 2220 GMT
New York – Dow: UP 0.7 percent at 28,956.90 (close)
New York – S&P 500: UP 0.7 percent at 3,274.70 (close)
New York – Nasdaq: UP 0.8 percent at 9,203.43 (close)
London – FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 7,598.12 (close)
Frankfurt – DAX 30: UP 1.3 percent at 13,495.06 (close)
Paris – CAC 40: UP 0.2 percent at 6,042.55 (close)
EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.6 percent at 3,795.88 (close)
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 2.3 percent at 23,739.87 (close)
Hong Kong – Hang Seng: 1.7 percent at 28,561.00 (close)
Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.9 percent at 3,094.88 (close)
Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3064 from $1.3097 at 2200 GMT
Euro/pound: UP at 84.98 pence from 84.80 pence
Euro/dollar: FLAT at $1.1105
Dollar/yen: UP at 109.51 from 109.12 yen
Brent Crude: DOWN 0.1 percent at $65.37 per barrel
West Texas Intermediate: FLAT at $59.56 per barrel | US Stocks End At Records As Iran Worries Ease | politics | Advertisement Wall Street stocks jumped to fresh records on Thursday following a buoyant session for global equities as investors took heart that a … Continue reading US Stocks End At Records As Iran Worries Ease |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/03/16/s-africa-stock-market-tumbles-as-coronavirus-restrictions-intensify/ | The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) plunged 12 percent on Monday as South Africa imposed tough restrictions after declaring a national state of disaster in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Africa’s most developed nation would close its borders from Wednesday to all foreigners from countries highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schools are closing down and gatherings of more than 100 people have been prohibited.
The JSE fell below 38,784 points on Monday, its lowest level since August 2013, following a downward trend in markets around the world sparked by concerns about the economic fallout of Covid-19.
The JSE Africa All-Share Index tumbled as much as 12 percent, while the rand currency lost 2.2 percent against the US dollar to trade at 16.64 rand.
Nedbank economist Nicky Weimar said South Africa’s economy and markets were being hit on multiple fronts by “weak demand (both locally and abroad), contained inflation, the volatile rand and an uncertain global environment due to the coronavirus.”
Shares in the industrial metals, food producers and mining industries also fell.
To date 62 people in South Africa have tested positive for the virus — the second-highest number of cases in Africa after Egypt, which has reported at least 110 cases.
South Africa’s economy has already been battered by internal factors such as power outages and weak business confidence.
It slumped into recession in the last quarter of 2019.
Economists forecast that the central bank will cut interest rates by at least 50 basis points.
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni on Monday said despite having funds available through the National Disaster fund, the country may need to set aside further funding to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
The impact of the virus on an already struggling economy has piled pressure on Ramaphosa who took over from graft-tainted Jacob Zuma two years ago promising a new start.
“We are going through a period which we have never gone through since (end of apartheid in 1994),” he told reporters on Monday. “It is going to be a testing period on all of us”.
“It is going to have a negative impact on our economy, our economy which is already in technical recession”.
AFP | S.Africa Stock Market Tumbles As Coronavirus Restrictions Intensify | politics | Advertisement The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) plunged 12 percent on Monday as South Africa imposed tough restrictions after declaring a national state of … Continue reading S.Africa Stock Market Tumbles As Coronavirus Restrictions Intensify |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/12/26/kukahs-message-buhari-has-achieved-certain-things-says-faskari/ | A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kabir Faskari, on Monday defended the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Faskari, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the President required some understanding from Nigerians and has achieved some things in office.
READ ALSO: Corruption Under Buhari Is ‘Historic’, Says Bwala
“Sympathetically, we can say that there are problems in Nigeria. The problems are overwhelming the current administration. The President is crying about it but it doesn’t mean we cannot get out of it,” he said.
“He has achieved certain things in certain areas. The typical Nigerian now is looking inwards to be able to do something in Nigeria.”
Faskari was reacting to the Christmas message of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Mathew Kukah. Bishop Kukah had criticised President Buhari for failing in his promises.
Bishop Kukah who has repeatedly criticised the President over the state of the nation decried the situation in the country after more than seven years of the Buhari administration.
He accused the administration of nepotism, failing in tackling insecurity, and watching the country’s image plummet.
He added, “If they accuse me of stating inconvenient facts/truths, then, they can at least give the facts interpretations. For example, who will quarrel with the fact that our glory has departed as a country? Where is our voice respected today even within the African continent which looks up to us for leadership?
“Is being the poverty capital of the world and one of the most violent states in the world an achievement? And our suffocating internal and international debts? And you do not think our glory has departed?”.
Faskari, however, believes that contrary to the Bishop’s criticism, Nigeria’s challenges didn’t begin with the Buhari government.
“We have had insecurity. It didn’t start with Buhari. It is probably exacerbated by the action of some people. One tree does not make a forest. There are many people involved in governance,” he said.
On the multi-dimensional poverty index, Faskari doesn’t believe Nigeria is extremely poor as has been reported.
He said, “For us in Nigeria, we have to look at the issue sympathetically. If anybody from anywhere accesses your country as very poor, it is up to you to believe that or work towards getting yourself out of that.
“The way you do it is by really looking at the issues and bringing solutions and not always talking about the problems.” | Kukah’s Message: Buhari Has Achieved Certain Things, Says Faskari | business | Advertisement A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kabir Faskari, on Monday defended the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Faskari, … Continue reading Kukah’s Message: Buhari Has Achieved Certain Things, Says Faskari |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/08/27/q2-report-fg-regrets-slight-drop-in-gdp-growth/ | The Nigeria Ministry of Budget and National Planning have reacted to the recently released second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, in a statement on Monday, regretted that there was a ‘slight drop’ in real GDP growth rate for the second quarter.
He, however, added that Federal Government is encouraged by the growth recorded in the non-oil sector.
“The Minister regretted that there was a slight drop in real GDP growth rate for Q2, principally as a result of the contraction in the oil sector. The Oil and Gas sector contracted by -3.95% in Q2 2018 compared to a growth rate of 14.77% recorded in Q1 2018 and 3.53% in Q1 2017.
“FG is encouraged by the continuing growth recorded in the non-oil sector, which grew by 2.05% in Q2 of 2018,” he said.
The Minister said he is happy to see that the Nigerian economy registered positive growth in the first and second quarters of the year in spite of the security and other challenges faced by the country.
He said the weaker growth in the Agriculture sector which slowed to 1.19% in the second quarter of 2018 compared to 3.0% in the first quarter of 2018 is another area of concern for Federal Government.
This he partly blamed on security challenges mainly in the North East and North Central zones.
“These security challenges affected activities of farmers with impact on commodity output,” he said.
Udoma said the various measures being taken by the government to tackle the situation is already reducing incidents of violent conflicts and other disruptions to farming activity.
He said the 2.05% growth in the non-oil sector represents the strongest growth in the non-oil GDP since the fourth quarter of 2015. This he noted was evident that the implementation of the targeted policies and programs of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) is yielding positive results.
According to the NBS report, the non-oil growth was driven by transportation –road, rail, water and air.
The Minister stressed that the focus of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) is on diversifying the economy away from dependence on the oil and gas sector and was encouraged that efforts are yielding fruits by the continuing growth in the non-oil sector. | Q2 Report: FG Regrets 'Slight Drop' In GDP Growth | politics | The Nigeria Ministry of Budget and National Planning have reacted to the recently released second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/10/28/apple-reports-solid-profits-but-sees-greater-hit-from-strong-dollar/ | Apple reported solid profits on rising revenues Thursday, but the tech giant’s iPhone sales missed estimates as executives signaled a rising financial toll from the strong dollar.
Shares of Apple edged higher in after-hours trading, as the tech titan avoided a stumble akin to those experienced by Facebook parent Meta and Amazon, both of which have been punished by investors.
Profits edged up one percent to $20.7 billion, on an eight percent rise in revenues to $90.1 billion in Apple’s fiscal fourth quarter ending September 24.
Results for the latest quarter “continue to demonstrate our ability to execute effectively in spite of a challenging and volatile macroeconomic backdrop,” said Apple Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri.
Apple notched growth in most operating regions and product categories and released an earnings statement that contained no obvious red flags and showed the company still able to notch broad-based revenue growth.
Still, Apple’s smartphone revenues came in at $42.6 billion, up about 10 percent from the year-ago period, but a bit below the $43 billion projected by analysts.
The company also reported services revenue growth of just 5.0 percent compared with the year-ago period — much below the 12 percent jump in the prior quarter.
Some of the weakness in services stemmed from the impact of the strong dollar on overseas consumers, but executives also cited weakness in digital advertising and gaming, Maestri said.
While Apple avoided a specific forecast, Maestri cautioned analysts to expect revenue growth to “decelerate” in the fourth quarter, due in part to a foreign exchange hit of 10 percentage points.
Analysts described Apple’s results as respectable, but warned that the worsening consumer environment will pose challenges.
“Overall, we view the (September quarter) as a solid beat and see a good holiday selling season ahead, but do think conditions get more challenging as the iPhone 14 cycle extends given the uncertain economic conditions,” said CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino.
“That said, we believe Apple’s prestige brand is allowing it to successfully increase prices to consumers across all devices and services.”
Heading into earnings season, investors had expressed worries about the headwinds from the weakening global economy as central banks enact aggressive interest rate hikes to counter grinding inflation.
This week’s tech results have shown that the sector, which enjoyed outsized growth during the peak period of Covid-19, is not immune to these factors.
Shares of Apple rose 0.7 percent to $145.87 in after-hours trading. | Apple Reports Solid Profits, But Sees Greater Hit From Strong Dollar | politics | Advertisement Apple reported solid profits on rising revenues Thursday, but the tech giant’s iPhone sales missed estimates as executives signaled a rising financial … Continue reading Apple Reports Solid Profits, But Sees Greater Hit From Strong Dollar |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/11/27/fg-says-border-closure-is-reason-for-rising-food-inflation/ | Nigeria’s recent border closure drill has been linked to the recent rise in headline inflation which is currently at 11.61 per cent as of October 2019.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, briefed State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, that recent figures from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) were noticed since September.
She explained that the increase in food inflation witnessed in September and October is linked to the increase in prices of food, propelled by the border closure.
“Headline inflation declined for several months before we noticed an uptake in the last two months and now headline inflation is at 11.61 percent as at the end of October.
“The slight increase between September and October is due to increases in food inflation ascribed to increase in prices of cereals, rice, and fish.
“Part of the reason is the border closure; the closure is very short and temporary and the increase is just by 2 basis points,” she explained.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Imports $600m Cassava Products Annually – CBN
Mrs. Ahmed pointed out that discussions with neighbouring countries on the border closure have advanced and the Federal Government is expecting every party to respect the protocols they are all committed to.
She stressed that the government is making sure that the economy does not suffer once the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) comes into effect.
“The border closure is temporary; we have really advanced on the discussion between ourselves and our neighbours and we expect that the outcomes of those discussions and agreement are that each party will respect the protocols that we all committed to and then the borders will be open again.
“What we are doing is important for our economy as we signed on to the AfCFTA, we have to make sure that we put in place, checks to make sure that our economy is not overrun as a result of the coming into effect of the AfCFTA and that’s why we have this border closure to return to the discipline of respecting the protocols that we are all committed to.” | FG Says Border Closure Is Reason For Rising Food Inflation | politics | Advertisement Nigeria’s recent border closure drill has been linked to the recent rise in headline inflation which is currently at 11.61 per cent as … Continue reading FG Says Border Closure Is Reason For Rising Food Inflation |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/06/27/microsoft-releases-refined-windows/ | Microsoft Corp released a test version of its Windows 8.1 software on Wednesday, bringing back the “start” button and adding a host of features it hopes will appeal to users, while spurring developers into writing more applications for it.
The updated Windows, which was signaled at the end of May, is aimed chiefly at soothing traditional computer users, many of whom were unsettled by Microsoft’s shift towards a new “tile”-based interface that works best on touch-enabled devices, but left fans of the old-style desktop confused.
“Since we announced and shipped Windows 8, suffice it to say, we pushed boldly and yet what we found was we got a lot of feedback from users of those millions of desktop applications,” said Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, opening the company’s annual developer conference in San Francisco.
“If I was to put it in coffee terms, ‘Why don’t you go and refine the blend here?’ Let’s remix the desktop and your modern application experience. Let’s balance them better,” said Ballmer, summing up user feedback.
The result is the reinstatement of the ‘start’ button, and easier ways to find and access applications, along with a highly improved search function, some of which was announced last month.
Microsoft shares closed up 2 percent at $34.35 on Nasdaq, outpacing generally higher markets.
Ballmer also promised a “rapid release cycle” for Windows in future, abandoning its previous policy of making new versions of Windows every three years, in an effort to match Apple Inc and Google Inc.
THUMBS-UP FROM WINDOWS FANS
The response from the thousands of developers at the conference in San Francisco was broadly positive, although attendees tend to be Windows die-hards.
“Of course, they’re playing some catch up (with Apple and Google). They have been lagging behind for years now,” said Jorgen Nilsson, a manager at UK-based Aveva AB, a firm that makes computer-aided design software applications. “But this release is driving it forward instead of catching up and making it work for business and personal use. This is looking really good now.”
Part of Microsoft’s problem has been persuading developers to create apps for Windows 8 and the little-used Windows Phone, given that almost all smartphone and tablet owners are using Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android system.
Microsoft also said Wednesday that Facebook Inc had finally agreed to work on an app especially for Windows, which should be available this autumn. That is one factor that attract the more than 1 billion Facebook users to Windows-based tablets.
“I feel like Microsoft can actually seriously compete in the mobile ecosystem now,” said Manav Mishra, director of engineering at the Barnes & Noble Inc unit that makes apps for its Nook e-reader. “Windows 8.1 finishes the journey Windows 8 started and I think it evens the playing field for Microsoft quite a bit, which wasn’t the case before.”
MORE EVANGELISM NEEDED
But not all developers are convinced that Windows or Windows Phone are worth the trouble, given the massive built-in audience using iPhones, iPads and Android devices.
“I haven’t really considered it, No,” said Sam Redfern of Psychic Software, maker of the ‘Let’s Break Stuff!’ game, available on Android, iOS and even the BlackBerry PlayBook, when asked about developing for Windows. “It never seemed like a particularly worthwhile undertaking, in terms of potential revenue.”
Markus Persson, developer at Mojang, whose ‘Minecraft – Pocket Edition’ is a top-seller on both iOS and Android, agreed, saying Microsoft’s market was too “tiny. Both Symbian and Blackberry have more users than Windows Phone.”
Neither man attended Microsoft’s developer conference.
Ballmer said on Wednesday that the Windows Store was approaching 100,000 apps. Meanwhile, Apple is nearing 1 million, with Android not far behind. | Microsoft Releases 'Refined' Windows | technology | Microsoft Corp released a test version of its Windows 8.1 software on Wednesday, bringing back the “start” button and adding a host of features it … Continue reading Microsoft Releases ‘Refined’ Windows |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/02/26/regulate-cryptocurrency-dont-kill-it-osinbajo-tells-cbn/ | Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday said cryptocurrencies should be regulated in Nigeria instead of “killing” it.
He made the remarks during a keynote at the CBN/Bankers Committee’s Initiative for Economic Growth.
The CBN had recently reaffirmed its oppositional stance towards cryptocurrencies, placing huge restrictions on its trade within Nigeria.
According to the CBN, cryptocurrencies are “issued by unknown and unregulated entities” and are increasingly being used to conduct ” many illegal activities including money laundering, terrorism financing, purchase of small arms and light weapons, and tax evasion.”
READ ALSO: Use Of Cryptocurrency Illegal In Nigeria, Says CBN
However, Osinbajo believes the CBN and other oversight agencies should consider regulating the financial technology rather than totally shut it down.
“It is clear to the government that we must find a way of moving the Nigerian digital economy into overdrive,” he said.
“First is that there is no question that blockchain technology generally and cryptocurrencies, in particular, will in the coming years challenge traditional banking, including reserve banking, in ways that we cannot yet imagine so we need to be prepared for that seismic shift.
“Clearly the future of money and finance, especially for traditional banking, must be as exciting as it is frightening. But as we have seen in many other sectors disruption makes room for efficiency and progress.
“Secondly, I fully appreciate the strong position of the CBN, SEC, and some of the anti-corruption agencies on the possible abuses of cryptocurrencies and their other well-articulated concerns, but I believe that their position should be the subject of further reflection.
“There is a role for regulation here. And it is in the place of both our monetary authorities and SEC to provide a robust regulatory regime that addresses these serious concerns without killing the goose that might lay the golden eggs.” | Regulate Cryptocurrency Don't Kill It, Osinbajo Tells CBN | politics | Advertisement Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday said cryptocurrencies should be regulated in Nigeria instead of “killing” it. He made the remarks during a … Continue reading Regulate Cryptocurrency Don’t Kill It, Osinbajo Tells CBN |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/10/09/twitter-admits-phone-numbers-meant-for-security-used-for-adverts/ | Twitter on Tuesday apologized after “inadvertently” using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security.
Twitter users’ phone numbers and email addresses — submitted to allow for account authentication — were matched with advertisers’ own data to enable targeted ads.
“When you provided an email address or phone number for safety or security purposes this data may have inadvertently been used for advertising purposes,” Twitter said in an online post.
“This was an error and we apologize.”
None of the user data was shared with partners outside the company, and it was unclear how many people were affected,the San Francisco-based company said.
The issue was fixed in mid-September, Twitter said.
“We’re very sorry this happened and are taking steps to make sure we don’t make a mistake like this again,” Twitter said.
Privacy and internet data are hot political topics worldwide, with tech giants such as Twitter and Facebook in the crosshairs of regulators.
AFP | Twitter Admits Phone Numbers Meant For Security Used For Adverts | technology | Twitter on Tuesday apologized after “inadvertently” using phone numbers and email addresses for advertising even though the personal data was provided for account security. Advertisement … Continue reading Twitter Admits Phone Numbers Meant For Security Used For Adverts |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/09/28/bayelsa-kogi-polls-over-200000-pvcs-yet-to-be-claimed-inec/ | A total of 201,143 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have yet to be collected in Kogi and Bayelsa States as of September 20.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced this in a progress report on PVC collection.
It noted in the infographic report released on Thursday that the exercise started on September 2 ahead of the governorship elections scheduled to hold on November 16 in the two states.
According to the electoral body, 163,856 PVCs are yet to be collected in Kogi while another 37,287 cards are still in its possession in Bayelsa State.
However, a total of 17,250 PVCs have been claimed in both states – Bayelsa (10,206_ and Kogi (7,044).
The collection of PVCs will continue until September 30 in the two states.
See the report of PVCs collected according to the local government areas in the two states below: | Bayelsa, Kogi Polls: Over 200,000 PVCs Yet To Be Claimed – INEC | business | Advertisement A total of 201,143 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have yet to be collected in Kogi and Bayelsa States as of September 20. The … Continue reading Bayelsa, Kogi Polls: Over 200,000 PVCs Yet To Be Claimed – INEC |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/08/13/why-yahaya-bello-missed-apc-governors-meeting-with-buhari-garba-shehu/ | Mr Garba Shehu has explained why Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, missed the meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Progressives Governors.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity gave the explanation in a statement on Tuesday, shortly after the governors paid homage to his principal in Daura, Katsina State.
He noted that Governor Bello was absent at the meeting because of the burial of his stepmother who died recently.
“President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, expressed sorrow on the death of Madam Rekiya Momoh Bello, the stepmother of Yahaya Bello, the governor of Kogi State.
“The governor’s absence at the meeting of Progressive Governors with the President in Daura, Katsina State earlier in the day got the attention of President Buhari and was informed of the death of Madam Rekiya, whose burial made Governor Bello to stay back in his state,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: APC Governors, Others Pay Sallah Homage To Buhari In Daura
The President, according to Shehu, expressed condolences to the family, the government and people of Kogi State over the irreparable loss.
He also wished peace for the departed soul and prayed to Allah to grant her bereaved families the strength to bear the loss.
Earlier, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and other governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s platform paid homage to the President.
Among the visiting governors were Babajide Sanwoolu (Lagos), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Godwin Obaseki (Edo).
Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has also commiserated with Governor Bello on the death of his stepmother.
“My heartfelt sympathy goes to the governor, his family, the State Government and people of Kogi,” the Senate President was quoted as saying in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi.
The Senate President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for Allah to comfort the family. | Why Yahaya Bello Missed APC Governor's Meeting With Buhari – Garba Shehu | business | Advertisement Mr Garba Shehu has explained why Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, missed the meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Progressives Governors. … Continue reading Why Yahaya Bello Missed APC Governor’s Meeting With Buhari – Garba Shehu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/07/10/prohibition-list-lcci-wants-review-of-cbn-forex-policy/ | The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it hopes the Central Bank of Nigeria will review its policy restricting access to interbank foreign exchange by importers of certain items.
This is the chamber’s position at its dialogue session with the CBN on Nigeria’s forex policy in Lagos.
Business leaders at the event were of the opinion that the policy decision impacts negatively on their ventures.
However, the Director of Monetary Policy at the Central Bank, Mr Moses Tule said that the apex bank is not going to review the prohibition list.
Mr Tule notes that the decision is in the interest of the economy. | Prohibition List: LCCI Wants Review Of CBN Forex Policy | politics | Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry hopes Central Bank of Nigeria will review policy restricting access to interbank forex by importers of certain items |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/06/25/naira-rises-against-dollar-to-n162-87/ | The Naira traded flat against the U.S. dollar at the interbank market on Monday as oil firms’ greenback sales boosted liquidity in the market.
The Naira recovered to N162.87 against the dollar at 1244 GMT on Monday, after it touched N163.20 in early trade. It closed at N162.82 to the dollar on Friday.
Dealers said liquidity from last week’s dollar sales by oil firms, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), of around $500 million was currently in market, which was helping support the Naira.
At the auction, the Central Bank of Nigerian sold $350 million at N155.91 to the dollar, compared with $350 million it auctioned last Wednesday at N155.90.
“The market is pretty liquid this week, but rates may gradually trend back upwards if the liquidity dries up,” one dealer told Reuters. | Naira rises against dollar to N162.87 | politics | The Naira traded flat against the U.S. dollar at the interbank market on Monday as oil firms’ greenback sales boosted liquidity in the market. The … Continue reading Naira rises against dollar to N162.87 |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/04/12/osinbajo-to-host-apc-senators-to-iftar-dinner-on-tuesday/ | Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will host Senators of the All Progressives Congress to an iftar dinner on Tuesday by 6:30pm.
Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
The notice of invitation was conveyed in a letter read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, at the start of plenary, a spokesman said via a statement.
The letter was signed by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, the statement added.
READ ALSO: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Declares His Intention To Run For President In 2023
The venue of the iftar dinner is Aguda House, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The dinner comes one day after the Vice President declared his intention to run for President in 2023. | Osinbajo To Host APC Senators To Ramadan Dinner On Tuesday | business | Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will host Senators of the All Progressives Congress to an iftar dinner on Tuesday by 6:30pm. Advertisement Iftar is the … Continue reading Osinbajo To Host APC Senators To Ramadan Dinner On Tuesday |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/07/17/netflix-shares-dive-on-profit-miss-despite-user-growth/ | Netflix shares dived on Thursday after the leading streaming entertainment service reported relatively flat quarterly profits despite rising subscriber numbers.
Netflix reported a profit of $720 million on revenue of $6.1 billion in the recently ended quarter, compared with $709 million profit on $5.8 billion in revenue during the first three months of the year.
Wall Street analysts had expected stronger profit, especially as people who are hunkered down at home due to the coronavirus pandemic turn to the service for entertainment.
Ranks of paid memberships grew by 10.1 million to about 193 million total, but Netflix warned growth could cool since sheltering-in-place likely meant people rushed to join in the early months of the pandemic as lockdowns began, instead of spreading out over the year.
Shares quickly dove more than 10 percent in after-market trades that followed release of the earnings figures but regained a bit of the loss.
Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives described the share stumble as a “near-term speed bump” due to overly exuberant expectations.
“Streaming growth is seeing a bonanza in this COVID environment,” Ives said.
Pandemic-related restrictions have sped up a lifestyle shift from traditional television to streaming shows online, according to eMarketer forecasting analyst Eric Haggstrom.
“Looking forward, even as lockdowns are relaxed and new competitors begin to scale their services, Netflix will extend its lead as the first stop for entertainment,” Haggstrom predicted.
Netflix said in a letter to shareholders that while its slate of original shows for this year is on track, it is focused on safely getting production back up and running.
“As the world slowly re-opens, our main business priority is to restart our productions safely and in a manner consistent with local health and safety standards to ensure that our members can enjoy a diverse range of high quality new content,” executives said in the letter.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and we’re adapting to local circumstances. Today, we’re slowly resuming productions in many parts of the world.”
– Two chiefs –
Netflix is facing increased competition from tech giants such as Apple and Amazon, along with entertainment titans including Disney, NBCUniversal and WarnerMedia.
Social media is also a threat. “TikTok’s growth is astounding, showing the fluidity of internet entertainment,” Netflix said in the letter.
“Instead of worrying about all these competitors, we continue to stick to our strategy of trying to improve our service and content every quarter faster than our peers.”
Netflix also announced some executive changes as part of a long-term succession plan.
Chief content officer Ted Sarandos was appointed a co-chief executive and elected to a seat on the Netflix board, while Greg Peters will be chief operating officer as well as chief product officer.
“In terms of the day-to-day running of Netflix, I do not expect much to change,” chief executive Reed Hastings said in a release detailing the executive changes.
“So think of Ted’s well deserved promotion formalizing how we already run the business today.”
Hastings added that while the moves were part of a “long process of succession planning,” he is committed to Netflix for the long term.
“To be totally clear, I’m in for a decade. As co-CEOs it is two of us full time; it is not a part-time deal,” Hastings said during an earnings presentation.
Peters said in a video interview Thursday he foresees future growth coming from outside the United States.
“Think of more and more employees outside the United States, more productions, more operations happening outside the US and hopefully many, many more members outside the US,” he said.
Netflix has invested billions of dollars in original content, as has streaming television rival Amazon, to win and keep subscribers in the increasingly competitive online entertainment market.
The service has found success with series such as “Umbrella Academy” as well as game shows such as “Too Hot To Handle,” along with its own films and reality television.
“We want to have so many hits that you just come to Netflix and go hit-to-hit and never have to think of those other services,” Hastings said. | Netflix Shares Dive On Profit Miss Despite User Growth | politics | Netflix shares dived on Thursday after the leading streaming entertainment service reported relatively flat quarterly profits despite rising subscriber numbers. Advertisement Netflix reported a … Continue reading Netflix Shares Dive On Profit Miss Despite User Growth |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/11/22/nigerias-gdp-grows-by-2-28-in-third-quater-of-2019/ | Data made available by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.28% in the third quarter of 2019.
This is 0.17% percentage points higher than the 2.12% revised GDP growth recorded in the second quarter.
The GDP report which was released on Friday shows that the average daily oil production in the quarter was 2.04 million barrels per day (mbpd).
READ ALSO: Inflation Rate Rises To 11.61% In October
According to the NBS, the growth rate in Q3 of 2019 represents the second-highest quarterly rate recorded since 2016.
The non-oil sector grew by 1.85% during the third quarter. The sector was driven mainly by the Information and Communication sector. Other drivers were agriculture, mining and quarrying, transportation and storage, and manufacturing. In real terms, the non-oil sector contributed 90.23% to the nation’s GDP.
The mining and quarrying sector grew by 5.98% in Q3 2019. Quarrying and other minerals exhibited the highest growth rate of all the sub-activities at 58.03%, followed by coal at 43.68%.
The agricultural sector grew by 14.88% in Q3 2019, showing a decline of –3.44% points from the same quarter of 2018.
The manufacturing sector in the third quarter of 2019 was recorded at 39.69% | Nigeria's GDP Grows By 2.28% In Third Quater Of 2019 | politics | Data made available by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.28% in the third quarter … Continue reading Nigeria’s GDP Grows By 2.28% In Third Quater Of 2019 |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/02/24/wike-accuses-nddc-of-spending-n10bn-to-remove-him-as-rivers-governor/ | Nyesom Wike has accused the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of plotting to oust him from his position as Rivers State Governor.
While addressing the Senate Committee on Niger Delta when they visited him in Port Harcourt, Wike said it is sad that the NDDC has been hijacked by political actors using the commission for their selfish interest.
He said the Commission is failing to perform because they have placed politics above the interest of the people.
“What NDDC does through the supervision of their party is to make sure they vote out some money to ensure certain governors do not return.
“You can imagine NDDC wasting ten billion to remove me here, is the money not wasted now?….. NDDC wasted ten billion naira to remove just one governor,” Wike stated.
The governor further alleged that the NDDC is poorly performing because the presidency and the National Assembly will not allow the commission to carry out its duties judiciously.
He also noted that people from the Southsouth have not helped in making the NDDC do the work for which it was created, in that the Niger Delta people have become enemies to themselves.
As at the time of publishing this report, the NDDC had not responded to Wike’s accusation.
READ ALSO: Abdulrasheed Bawa Promises To Represent Youths As EFCC Boss
In a similar vein, the Rivers State governor said the Senate has disappointed Nigerians by confirming the immediate past service chiefs as ambassadors.
The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors, despite criticisms in some quarters.
Those confirmed include former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai; and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
Others are former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and the former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman.
Reacting to the development, Governor Wike said Nigerians are not happy that the same lawmakers, who called for the sack of the former service chiefs following their handling of security, confirmed their nomination due to party sentiments and bias.
He urged the legislators to always carry out their duties bearing in mind that their service is not to their parties but to Nigerians. | Wike Accuses NDDC Of Spending N10bn To Remove Him As Rivers Governor | business | Advertisement Nyesom Wike has accused the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of plotting to oust him from his position as Rivers State Governor. … Continue reading Wike Accuses NDDC Of Spending N10bn To Remove Him As Rivers Governor |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/05/09/port-harcourt-warri-refineries-fully-operational-in-2024-senate/ | The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Ifeanyi Ubah, has assured that the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries will be fully operational by the end of 2024.
He gave the assurance at the ongoing 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas.
According to him, plans have already been put in place to achieve the target, adding that the Kaduna Refinery would also be operational before the end of next year.
He said: “My mandate is to ensure that the refineries in Nigeria are up and functional. By my involvement, before the end of this year, two refineries will be up and running.
“Also, before the end of next year, the Kaduna refinery will come on stream. Also, the production of jet oil and lubricant will be produced by mid-next year.
“I can assure Nigerians that I will tirelessly pursue and ensure that these refineries are up and running before the end of the year. We have set up a technical team to visit the refineries every two weeks to meet the set target.”
He explained that the completion of the plants and the addition of supply from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery would enable the nation to meet its domestic fuel demand.
The Senator also urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to work toward establishing modular refineries to expand further the nation’s domestic capacity to refine crude oil.
Ubah’s assurance comes after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) quoting the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, revealed in October that the Kaduna refinery would be back on stream by the end of 2024.
The 110,000 bpd-capacity Kaduna Refinery is one of Nigeria’s four dysfunctional refineries that have produced no fuel for years, leaving the country to rely on imported petroleum products.
In August 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of Warri and Kaduna Refineries at the combined total sum of $1.5bn. | Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries Fully Operational In 2024 — Senate | politics | In August 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the contract for the rehabilitation of Warri and Kaduna Refineries at the combined total sum of $1.5bn. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/07/24/opec-asks-nigeria-libya-maintain-current-oil-output/ | Nigeria and Libya have been asked to keep their current oil output levels, and they remain exempted from current cut-back agreement among Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC producers.
This was decided at an emergency meeting of oil ministers from the OPEC and non-OPEC frontline producers like Russia today in St Petersburg, Russia aimed at discussing the state of the market and compliance with existing arrangements.
The meeting disclosed that compliance among members is currently around 95 percent with the agreed 1.8 million barrels per day in a deal already extended till March 2018.
Nigeria and Libya were exempted from the December 2016 cut back, which took effect in January, because of their struggles to restore production due to internal problems of damage to oil facilities. | OPEC Asks Nigeria, Libya To Maintain Current Oil Output | politics | Nigeria and Libya have been asked to keep their current oil output levels, but remain exempted from current cut-back agreement among OPEC... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/07/15/osun-csos-raise-concern-over-security-vote-buying-ahead-of-polls/ | Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the security situation and vote buying ahead of the July 16 governorship election in Osun State.
YIAGA Africa said it has received a report that cult groups were assembling small arms and light weapons ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday in Osogbo, YIAGA Board member, Ezenwa Nwagwu, asked the authorities to tackle voter inducement.
He said that based on their report, voter inducements were recorded in Egbedore, Iwo, Orolu, Ifedayo, Irepodun and Ede North Local Government Areas of the state.
READ ALSO: Atiku, Okowa, Davido Woo Osun Voters For Adeleke
Nwagwu also accused political parties of wooing Osun voters with the distribution of food items across the state.
“Voter inducement remains a recurring feature throughout YIAGA Africa’s pre-election reporting from April to this July 2022,” he said.
“In our fifth pre-election reporting period, voter inducement was reported by long-term observers in Egbedore, Iwo, Orolu, Ifedayo, Irepodun and Ede North Local Government Areas.
“Specifically, food items and livestock were distributed to people as campaign strategy employed by political parties.”
Also reacting, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) lamented the rising cases of cultism and street gang in the state capital.
CDD Political Analyst, Professor Adeyemi Isumonah, who spoke during a press conference are concerned that the election may be marred by massive vote buying and therefore asked Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to collaborate with security agencies to arrest offenders.
“The CDD is worried about the lack of an issue-based campaign by the major candidates. The CDD also expresses worry about the recent instances of violence such as the report that gunmen attacked the home of the Labour Party’s candidate, Yusuff Lasun,” he said.
“Fire outbreak was recorded at the home of the Accord Party candidate, Akin Ogunbiyi and the PDP reported that police officers arrested some of their members. The rising cases of cultism and street gangs in the state could be appropriated to electoral violence.
“With the current security reality, the Osun State governorship election will require an efficient deployment of security personnel. It is hoped that the recent signing of the Peace Accord by the governorship candidates will ensure that their supporters refrain from violent activities regardless of the result of the polls.”
The police authorities also reacted to vote-buying, saying efforts by relevant security agencies are in place to tackle the issue during the election.
Johnson Kokumo, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, said the Force is aware of the proliferation of light weapons in the state.
According to him, security agencies will arrest the vote buyer and vote seller in its efforts to complement the efforts of INEC in guaranteeing a free and fair election.
“All services are adequately represented here. Specific duties have been reeled out to agencies and the very important thing is for us to achieve success in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections,” he said. | Osun: CSOs Raise Concern Over Security, Vote Buying Ahead Of Polls | business | Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the security situation and vote buying in the July 16 governorship election in Osun State. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/05/14/cbn-appoints-11-pre-shipment-agents-for-oil-gas-exports/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has appointed 11 pre-shipment monitoring, and evaluation agents for oil and gas exports in Nigeria.
The appointment was contained in a circular: TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/OO1/014, dated May 13, 2024, and the apex bank’s Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, Dr Hassan Mahmud. revealed the appointments take effect immediately.
The circular obtained by Channels Television, divided the appointments to include 9 pre-shipment inspection agents and two monitoring and evaluation agents.
The circular listed the 9 Pre-Shipment Inspection Agents as follows:
1- Neroli Technologies Limited: Qua Iboe, Forcados, and Bonny
2- Holborn Oil and Gas Inter Ltd: Usman, Egina, and Yoho
3- Swede Control Intertek Ltd: Ima (Otakikpo), Erha, and Ajapa
4- Fel Tov Energy & Investment Ltd: Tulja, Antan and Odudu
5- JBIS Inter; Resources Ltd: Agbami, Bonga, Okoro and Akpo
6- Patibon Services Ltd: Ebok, Oyo, Peninton, E.A, and Okwori
7- Offshores Bulk Inspection Co Ltd: Escravos, Brass and Anyyala-Madu
8- Candid Oil Services Ltd: Okono, Ugo-Cha, Abo and Aje
9- Dakee Engineering and Construction Limited: LNG, Escravos and Bonny River Terminal (BRT).
Monitoring and Evaluation Agents:
1- Arlington Securities Nigeria Limited: JBIS, Offshore Bulk Inspection Co.Ltd, Neroli Holborn Oil Gas, Dakee Engineering & Construction Ltd (Gas), and DV Howells Nigeria Limited
2- DV Howells Nigeria Limited: Feltov Energy, Swede Control, Patibon Services, and Candid Oil Services Ltd.
The CBN also said that the directive has been communicated to authorised dealers listed as, the Nigerian Customs Services, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), all terminal operators, and all oil and gas companies. | CBN Appoints 11 Pre-shipment Agents For Oil, Gas Exports | politics | According to the circular, the appointment takes effect immediately. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/09/13/the-rise-of-microtransactions-how-1-payment-methods-are-transforming-the-digital-economy/ | Microtransactions bring the highest revenue to numerous online companies, which is why there’s a real boom around them. Businesses have a convenient way of monetizing their content, while users don’t need to invest a lot to get the desired service. Have you ever thought of why many apps are free? It’s a way to engage users and motivate them to download the software.
At the same time, they often include in-built purchases; clients can get full access to all features for only $1. This business model was named “Freemium”: it implies the app is free, but users can receive additional services for a small payment. Microtransactions are convenient and don’t significantly affect people’s budgets, but bring notable revenue to businesses.
It’s a win-win situation for both, so this method is quickly gaining popularity. The digital economy experiences changes daily, and some are more successful than others. Micropayments are undeniably a development driver for many industries globally, so let’s take a closer look at the most widespread options.
Visa, The Global Payment Leader
There’s hardly anything more popular than Visa: according to statistics, it’s the world digital payments leader, as over 4.2 billion people own cards worldwide. It’s used in multiple industries, and online gambling is no exception. $1 deposits via Visa are in great demand among online casinos. Such payments with no extra fees are possible in 200+ countries.
There’s nothing simpler than replenishing the balance of an online casino account via Visa, therefore operators accepting 1 dollar top-up requirements are extremely popular among gamblers. The payment system guarantees a secure environment for its users: Visa’s zero-liability policy protects members from unauthorized use of their debit and credit cards.
Skrill, Top Digital Wallet for Money Transfers
E-wallets are currently experiencing a real boom, creating ground for strong competition with Visa. Skrill is a widespread method that makes money transfers quick, accessible, and even more protected. Another significant advantage of Skrill for instant digital payments is that email and password are everything you need to use the system. Security is the key priority, even if you want to transfer as little as $1.
Mastercard, Highly Rated Payment Processing Tool
This payment shares the palm with Visa – as the world population seems divided into two parts. However, statistics indicate that Mastercard is still less popular, with around 1.5 billion users globally. This payment method was introduced in 1996 – even though Visa was a pioneer established in 1958, Mastercard disrupted the market with the innovative possibility of reducing cash usage.
The system has been evolving for several decades, and now it’s one of the best solutions for micropayments. You will hardly find a business that doesn’t accept Mastercard money transfers.
POLi, Top Payment Service for Kiwis & Aussies
The NZ-based banking system was created to target more customers: according to the research, the number of credit card users reduced by 33% from 2019 to 2022. Therefore, people search for alternative methods for fast and safe digital payments.
POLi has become a solution for many, as it offers reliable services with no additional fees. The possibility of making small money transfers attracts gamblers and other users: it’s enough to make several clicks for a $1 transaction to proceed.
The Rising Trend – Cryptocurrencies
The introduction of Bitcoin in 2008 stirred up the public, but cryptocurrencies gained real popularity only in the last couple of years. The decentralized financial system boasts anonymity, which was lacking for users before the crypto inception. Moreover, Bitcoin and other coins have a unique characteristic: the ability to be divided into microparticles. This feature allows making $1 or even fewer payments.
The attitude towards crypto platforms differs from one country to another. The legal framework of crypto platforms in Nigeria compared to New Zealand, for instance, shows that Nigeria is open to this digital trend and has its own digital currency – eNaira. This makes it a perfect solution for gamblers and other users desiring to proceed with microtransactions.
Moreover, increased security and high speed of money transfers are other benefits Bitcoin users can explore.
Final Insight
The gaming sector was among the first to adopt the freemium model, implying the possibility of downloading the app for free and enjoying low-cost in-built purchases. Other industries also supported the quickly evolving micropayments trend.
It’s beneficial for businesses: it might be surprising, but $1 transactions generate significant revenue, changing the digital economy once and forever. Undeniably, it’s an advantage for users, too, since they can receive the desired service for $1 or even less via various payment options: Visa, Mastercard, Cryptocurrency or digital wallets.
Micropayments were the missing link for both parties and now their popularity is growing day by day. We are confident that even more companies will accept them, providing more micropayment opportunities for clients and generating higher revenues. | The Rise of Microtransactions: How $1 Payment Methods are Transforming the Digital Economy | politics | Microtransactions are convenient and don’t significantly affect people’s budgets, but bring notable revenue to businesses. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/01/31/just-in-fbn-holdings-appoints-otedola-as-chairman/ | First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc has appointed the 20th richest man in Africa, Femi Otedola, as its new Chairman.
FBN Holdings, in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public, said the decision was made at the meeting of the Board of Directors odf the company held on Wednesday.
Otedola, also the Chairman of Geregu Power, succeeds the outgoing Chairman of the FBN Board, Ahmad Abdullahi.
Otedola was recently ranked by American business magazine, Forbes, as the 20th richest African with a fortune of $1.1bn.
Otedola was appointed to the Board of FBN Holdings Plc on August 15, 2023 as a Non-Executive Director, the company said.
“He is a visionary entrepreneur with a track record of pioneering businesses, growing and transforming corporations.
“His first foray Into the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry began with Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited thus disrupting and redefining standards in the industry. He thereafter initiated the purchase of majority shareholding In the then African Petroleum Plc in May 2007 and became the Chairman of the Board on 25 May 2007.
“His vision transformed African Petroleum Plc into Forte Oil Plc (FO Plc). The company grew in leaps and bounds to become a model of the possibilities inherent in Nigeria, winning numerous accolades in recognition of the successful business turnaround, diversified portfolio, prompt financial reporting, strong corporate governance, and investment of choice within the oil and gas industry.
“In December 2018, he divested from the company by selling his shareholdings to the Ignite Consortium led by Prudent Energy Services Limited and handed over In June 2019 after completing the transaction.
“The divestment from Forte Oil Plc and his acquisition of FO Plc shares in Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, the SPV for the acquisition of controlling shares in Geregu Power Plc, provided the ample opportunity to focus on the Power Sector as the Company’s Executive Chairman.” | FBN Holdings Appoints Otedola As Chairman | politics | Otedola, also the Chairman of Geregu Power, succeeds the outgoing Chairman of the FBN Board, Ahmad Abdullahi. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/08/14/apc-has-no-senatorial-candidate-in-akpabio-lawans-district-says-inec/ | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no candidate for Yobe North and Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial Districts.
Senate President Ahmed Lawan, who represents Yobe North is battling to get the party’s ticket after losing the APC presidential primary. On the other hand, a former Akwa Ibom governor Godswill Akpabio is also in a tussle to get the ruling party’s ticket to run for the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial seat. Akpabio also vied for the APC presidential race.
But INEC’s National Commissioner, Festus Okoye said the electoral body does not recognise any APC candidate for both senatorial zones.
READ ALSO: SERAP Asks INEC To Allow Seven Million Nigerians Complete Voter Registration
“In these two constituencies, two names were forwarded and the commission made a determination that the names were not persons who emerged from a validly conducted party primaries and we did not publish their names. That is where we are,” Okoye said during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
“Their (Lawan and Akpabio) names were uploaded by the APC to our candidates’ nomination portal but the Commission made a determination that they were not the candidates that emerged from valid party primaries,” he added.
“The commission did not publish their names and their particulars in their constituencies. So, the implication is that as of today, the APC does not have candidates in those two constituencies.”
Last week, INEC denied doctoring and backdating documents to accommodate the nominations of Lawan and Akpabio as senatorial candidates for the 2023 general elections.
“The Forms of the two personalities in question were not published by the Commission,” INEC said.
“The decision of the Commission triggered legal action which is still ongoing.
“It, therefore, defies logic and common sense to go around and submit doctored documents purportedly recognising the duo as candidates when the matter is clearly sub-judice.” | APC Has No Senatorial Candidate In Yobe North, Akwa Ibom North - INEC | business | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no candidate for Yobe North and Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial Districts. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/06/23/china-launches-final-satellite-to-complete-rival-to-gps/ | China on Tuesday launched the final satellite in its homegrown geolocation system, completing a network designed to rival American GPS as it jostles for market share in the lucrative sector.
Footage broadcast live on television showed a rocket blasting off with the satellite from a mountainous region of southwest China, which state media hailed as another milestone in the country’s space programme.
The Beidou system — named after the Chinese term for the Big Dipper constellation –- works on a network of about 30 satellites and competes with the US’s Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia’s GLONASS and the European Union’s Galileo.
“I think the Beidou-3 system being operational is a big event,” Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said.
“This is a big investment from China and makes China independent of US and European systems.”
The final satellite, the Beidou-3GEO3, will help improve the network’s accuracy.
China started building the system in the early 1990s to help cars, fishing boats and military tankers navigate using mapping data from the country’s own satellites.
READ ALSO: Global Trade Set To Shrink 18.5% In Q2, Defying Worst Fears – WTO
Now the service can be used on millions of mobile phones to find nearby restaurants, petrol stations or cinemas, and to guide taxis.
In 2012, Beidou’s coverage entered commercial use in the Asia-Pacific region, becoming available worldwide in 2018.
Around 120 countries, including Pakistan and Thailand, use the services for port traffic monitoring, guiding post-disaster rescue operations and other uses, according to Chinese state media.
Beijing is counting on its trillion-dollar Belt and Road global infrastructure project to convince other countries to use its technology as it attempts to grab market share from GPS.
China’s geolocation services market is expected to be worth 400 billion yuan ($56.4 billion) in this year, a senior official told state media.
The global geolocation services market will be worth $146.4 billion by 2025, according to San Francisco-based Grand View Research.
– Accuracy –
Analysts said Beidou was already outperforming GPS in terms of accuracy, but it still had a long way to go before overtaking its American rival as the world’s dominant geolocation system.
McDowell said he did not think Beidou would be able to “supplant GPS in the next 10 or even 20 years”
Carter Palmer, a space systems analyst at US-based consultancy Forecast International, said there were still questions over Beidou’s reliability but its accuracy was a big selling point.
“What I do see is (users) using multiple systems, including Beidou, to have more accurate satellite navigation,” he said.
The completion of the Beidou network will also be of benefit to China’s military.
China has poured about $10 billion into the Beidou system, to keep the communication networks of the country’s military secure and avoid the risk of disruption.
“Technically, Beidou is capable of replacing GPS, for example in wartime if the United States cuts off access to GPS in China,” said Chen Lan, an analyst specialising in the Chinese space programme.
China’s military also uses it to guide missiles and fly drones.
AFP | China Launches Final Satellite To Complete Rival To GPS | technology | China on Tuesday launched the final satellite in its homegrown geolocation system, completing a network designed to rival American GPS as it jostles for … Continue reading China Launches Final Satellite To Complete Rival To GPS |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/07/21/party-disqualification-peter-obi-asks-court-to-dismiss-pdps-suit/ | The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking his disqualification for nominating his campaign manager, Doyin Okupe, as his placeholder.
Last week, the Peoples Democratic Party had asked the court to bar Obi from replacing Okupe as his running mate.
READ ALSO: Alleged N109bn Fraud: EFCC To Arraign Ex-Accountant General Idris On July 22
The PDP had also prayed the court to prevent the All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, from replacing Kabiru Masari as his running mate.
In the suit, the PDP also asked the court to disqualify both Obi and Tinubu if they replace Okupe and Masari as their running mates.
But both candidates have replaced the placeholders. Obi picked Yusuf Baba-Ahmed as his running mate, while Tinubu went for Kashim Shettima.
Responding to the originating motion, via a notice of preliminary objection, dated July 18, Obi’s counsel, Mr Alex Ejesieme (SAN), is seeking an order of the court striking out or dismissing PDP’s suit “for want of requisite jurisdiction”. The objection by Obi to the PDP’s prayers is based on four grounds.
“The plaintiff’s suit is speculative, conjectural in nature and devoid of hard facts, thereby divesting this court of jurisdiction to adjudicate over same,” read the first ground.
Next, Obi’s counsel said that the PDP “has not disclosed any reasonable cause of action to activate the jurisdiction” of the court.
Obi’s counsel added that the PDP’s suit “is not situated within the jurisdictional confines of the Federal High Court”.
“The plaintiff’s suit is a gross abuse of court process,” Obi’s counsel added.
— PDP’s suit —
The PDP had sued INEC, APC, Tinubu, Masari, Labour Party, Obi and Okupe last week over the use of placeholders and choice of running mate.
The PDP had held that the term ‘placeholder’ is unknown to the Electoral Act and that Okupe had admitted publicly that he was a mere placeholder.
In the suit (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1016/2022), the PDP is asking 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 and Obi are bound by the submission of Masari and Okupe as their running mates.
The party also wants the court to determine if “by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the first defendant (INEC) can validly accept any change or substitution of the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants as running mates of the 3rd (APC) and 6th (Labour Party) defendants.”
In all, the PDP is seeking five reliefs from the court, including a declaration that 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, both Tinubu and Obi must be bound by their submission.
The party asked the court to rule that both Tinubu and Obi will be disqualified the moment they substitute the names of their running mates.
One of the reliefs reads, “A declaration that by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the 1st defendant’s (INEC’s) election timetable, the 3rd (Tinubu) and 6th (Obi) cannot validly contest the 2023 Presidential election without the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Obi) respondents as their respective running mates.” | Party Disqualification: Peter Obi Asks Court To Dismiss PDP’s Suit | business | The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking his disqualification for nominating his campaign manager, Doyin Okupe, as his placeholder. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/02/11/edo-govt-welcomes-reconstituted-apc-national-reconciliation-committee/ | The Edo State Government has applauded the reconstitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Reconciliation Committee, expressing confidence that the committee will deliver on its mandate to restore peace and unity in the party.
In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the state government is “grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for putting together a committee of persons with proven integrity and the forthrightness needed to deliver on this very sensitive national assignment.”
He added, “With the person of the renowned statesman and leader of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, heading this committee, and other very worthy leaders of our party as members, we have no doubt that justice will not only be done but seen to be done in the execution of the mandate of this committee.
“We hereby restate our full commitment to peace in the APC both in our state and across the country.
“Despite the many challenges, APC has remained strong in Edo State and in Nigeria, but we are certain that at the end of this exercise, the party will become even stronger and continue to lead our great country with its progressive ideals for many years to come.”
READ ALSO: Supreme Court Upholds Lyon’s Victory, Dismisses Appeal By Senator Lokpobiri
Earlier, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Issa-Onilu, said President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reviewed the membership of the party’s National Reconciliation Committee.
The 12-member committee, according to him, has Chief Bisi Akande as Chairman and Sen. John Enoh as Secretary.
Other members of the committee include Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello; Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola; Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Sen. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Sen. Kashim Shettima; Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor; Alh. Nasiru Aliko Koki; Sen. Khairat Gwadabe-Abdulrazak and Sen. Binta Garba.
“The Committee is empowered to address grievances of party members across the country and resolve existing conflicts, all with a view to fostering oneness, strengthen the party for better governance and ensure unity of purpose within the party,” he added. | Edo Govt Welcomes Reconstituted APC National Reconciliation Committee | business | Advertisement The Edo State Government has applauded the reconstitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Reconciliation Committee, expressing confidence that the committee will … Continue reading Edo Govt Welcomes Reconstituted APC National Reconciliation Committee |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/02/07/2015-elections-police-ig-reveals-plans-to-ensure-security/ | The latest redeployment in the Nigerian Police is a step to reposition the service for a smooth electoral process come 2015.
These were the words of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar on Friday in Lagos at the pull-out parade of five senior medical officers.
Mr Abubakar pledged the readiness of the Police to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
“You will see a lot of things, first of all, we are doing training and retraining programme. As I’m talking to you we have a very large number of officers of units of Mobile Policemen in Gaza, Pakistan, Israel and in India for training.
“We have intelligence courses being run in the country and outside the country with the FBI on the assistance of the United States Government and the Embassy of America in Nigeria.
“So, so many things will unfold, since it is something to do with safety and security, it is better left on the chest but you will see them unfolding one after the other.” He said.
Speaking on the redeployment, he said, “You can see that we tried to reposition the force with the posting of 25 Commissioners of Police, 25 Deputy Commissioners of Police and probably about 29 Assistant Commissioners of Police all over the country, and this is just the beginning of it.” | 2015 Elections: Police IG Reveals Plans To Ensure Security | business | The latest redeployment in the Nigerian Police is a step to reposition the service for a smooth electoral process come 2015. These were the words … Continue reading 2015 Elections: Police IG Reveals Plans To Ensure Security |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/08/12/pdp-sues-buni-asks-court-to-remove-him-as-yobe-governor/ | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to effect the removal of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the governor of Yobe State.
Lawyer to the main opposition party, Emeka Etiaba, made the request in a four-page originating summons filed at the court on Thursday.
The party prayed the court to make the governor appear before it and defend whether or not he ceased to be governor by accepting to be the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It stated that Governor Buni has breached the provision of Section 183 of the Constitution when as a governor, he also serves as the ruling party’s caretaker chairman.
Also joined as plaintiffs in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/885/2021 were the Yobe State PDP Governorship Candidate in 2019, Umar Iliya Damagum, and his running mate, Baba Abba Aji.
Listed as defendants were Governor Buni, his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Controversy
The suit filed by the main opposition party comes on the heels of the Supreme Court judgement in the case between the Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and Mr Eyitayo Jegede – the PDP candidate in the Ondo Governorship election of 2020.
Before approaching the apex court, Jegede and his party had asked the Court of Appeal in Akure to sack Akeredolu on the ground that his nomination form was signed by Buni – a sitting governor who doubled as the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman.
They argued that constitutional provision forbade sitting governors from occupying executive offices outside their statutory position.
The appellate court had, however, struck out the appeal for lack of merit. This made the appellants seek redress at the Supreme Court.
In a majority judgement of four against three delivered on July 28, a seven-man panel of justices of the apex court upheld the re-election of Governor Akeredolu.
But the other three justices disagreed with the majority judgement, saying the appeal filed by the appellants had merit and ought not to be struck out by the appellate court.
Since the judgement, the verdict of the Supreme Court has become a subject of debate on whether a sitting governor can take up a role such as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC.
The suit filed by the PDP on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja is the latest among many other reactions triggered by the decision of the apex court. | PDP Sues APC And Buni, Asks Court To Remove Him As Yobe Governor | business | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to effect the removal of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the … Continue reading PDP Sues APC And Buni, Asks Court To Remove Him As Yobe Governor |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/12/03/tambuwals-suit-stalled-federal-constituency/ | Hearing in the suit filed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, seeking to commit the Inspector-General of Police to prison for alleged contempt of court was Thursday, stalled by the people of Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State who filed an application for stay of proceedings.
The Speaker had filed the suit at a Federal High Court following alleged attempts to declare his seat vacant and the withdrawal of his security details following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, the party on whose platform he was elected as the Speaker of the House.
The proceedings was, however, stalled after the Speaker’s constituent, through their lawyers, informed the court that they had filed two separate applications for stay of proceedings in the suit.
Their applications for stay of proceedings were hinged on the notices of appeal filed against the ruling of the court which on Monday disallowed them to be joined as defendants in the suit.
Tambuwal’s lawyer, however, asked the court to adjourn the matter to enable him respond to the applications for stay of proceedings filed by the parties seeking to be joined.
Lawyers to defendants opposed the application for adjournment.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed adjourned the case to December 9 for hearing of applications seeking leave to appeal, stay of proceedings and the one seeking an order compelling the Inspector-General of Police to appear in court. | Tambuwal's Suit Stalled By His Federal Constituency | business | Hearing in the suit filed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal seeking to commit the Inspector General of Police to prison |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/04/23/ondo-gov-primary-aggrieved-aspirants-petition-apc-demand-cancellation/ | Three of the sixteen aspirants in the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election have petitioned the party over the outcome of the poll, demanding a cancellation of the exercise.
The aspirants who filed their appeals to the appeal committee of the party are: ‘Wale Akinterinwa, Olugebenga Edema, and Jimi Odimayo.
The election committee, led by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, had in the early hours of Monday, declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the winner of the primary election, with a total of 48,569 votes.
Days after the declaration, the leader of the five-man appeal committee and a former governor of Bauchi State Mohammed Abubakar confirmed that the three of the aspirants have petitioned the party over the exercise.
“We have received three petitions from these three aspirants: Gbenga Edema, Jimi Odimayo, and Wale Akinterinwa,” Abubakar said.
READ ALSO: INEC Announces Final List Of Candidates For Edo State Governorship Election
In his appeal, Akinterinwa said: “It is clear that the Committee did not distribute materials to any local government in Ondo State for the election.
“That the purported election should be cancelled and a new date should be picked and a new election conducted.
“That the Usman Ododo-committee has compromised itself because of not obeying its own rules and so should not be allowed to conduct the new election.”
Edema in his petition declared: “We have brought this to your notice that no election ever held in Ondo State APC. The committee is invited to order that a proper election be held without delay”.
The third appellant, Odimayo called for the outright cancellation of the APC primary election, and the disbandment of the seven-man committee with immediate effect.
“Kindly note that our party is the cynosure of all eyes and it is expected of us to do what is right at all times,” he said.
“As part of the party’s guidelines, nobody is allowed to be a Returning Officer in his or her ward of origin.
“This provision of the guidelines was flagrantly abused by the people saddled with the responsibilities of conducting a credible, free, and fair primary election. The Returning Officers were assigned the election duties of their wards of origin. Such impunity would lead to a clash of interest,” he added.
In his speech, Abubakar, assured members of the party that the committee – which has Obiocha Israel, Secretary; Jamilu Gwamna, Patrick Obahiagbo, and Onyeka Okafor as members – would be thorough and transparent in treating any complaint that was received.
“I can assure you that within a few days, we will consider the total number of petitions we receive and render a report to the national headquarters before the party takes a final decision on the issue.
“So, I am calling on all the aspirants who have complaint(s) to please, feel free to forward them to us. We have since established our office at the headquarters of the party for collection of the appeals,” Abubakar noted. | Ondo Gov Primary: Aggrieved Aspirants Petition APC, Demand Cancellation | business | The election committee, led by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, had in the early hours of Monday, declared Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the winner of the primary election, with a total of 48,569 votes. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/09/01/google-to-appeal-500m-euro-french-fine-in-copyright-row/ | Google on Wednesday said it is appealing a decision by France’s competition watchdog to hand it a 500-million-euro ($590 million) fine in a row with news outlets over the use of their content under EU copyright rules.
“We disagree with some of the legal elements, and consider the amount of the fine to be disproportionate compared to the efforts we have put in place to reach a deal and respect the new law,” Sebastien Missoffe, head of Google France, said in a statement.
The fine, issued by the French Competition Authority in July, was the biggest in the agency’s history for a failure to comply with one of its rulings.
The watchdog said Google had failed to negotiate “in good faith” with media companies in a long-running legal battle over the internet giant’s use of snippets of articles, photos and videos in search results.
The row has centred on claims that Google has used this content in its search results without adequate compensation, despite the seismic shift of global advertising revenues towards the search giant over the past two decades.
In April last year, the French competition authority ordered Google to negotiate “in good faith” with media groups after it refused to comply with a 2019 European Union law governing digital copyright.
The so-called “neighbouring rights” aim to ensure that news publishers are compensated when their work is shown on websites, search engines and social media platforms.
READ ALSO: YouTube Says It Removed 1 Million ‘Dangerous’ Videos On COVID-19
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Last September, French news publishers including Agence France-Presse (AFP) filed a complaint with regulators, saying Google was refusing to move forward on paying to display content in web searches.
While Google insists it has made progress, the French regulator said the company’s behaviour “indicates a deliberate, elaborate and systematic lack of respect” for its order to negotiate in good faith.
The Competition Authority rebuked Google for failing to “have a specific discussion” with media companies about neighbouring rights during negotiations over its Google Showcase news service, which launched late last year.
Missoffe insisted Wednesday that Google “recognises neighbouring rights, and we remain committed to signing agreements in France”.
“We have extended our offers to nearly 1,200 publishers and modified aspects of our contracts,” he said, adding that the company has “shared data demanded of us in order to conform to the Competition Authority’s decision”.
AFP | Google To Appeal 500m Euro French Fine In Copyright Row | technology | Google on Wednesday said it is appealing a decision by France's competition watchdog to hand it a 500-million-euro ($590 million) fine in a row with news outlets over the use of their content under EU copyright rules. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/05/25/chibok-abduction-pdp-chairman-berates-state-governments-approach/ | The National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu, believes that the Borno State Governor as the Chief Security Officer of his state should do more in the search for the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television and his first major interview since becoming the Chairman of the PDP, Mr Muazu feels that the Chibok situation has been used as a political tool.
The PDP Chairman spoke with our correspondent, Betty Dibia in South Africa.
He made reference to the warnings that preceded the Chibok incident which should have prevented the State Governor from allowing the school to host exams but which he refused to heed.
Muazu cited warnings by the Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council, WAEC, expressing their fears and the view that the school was not suitable but which the State Government met with assurances of adequate security, only for the attack to be successfully carried out by the insurgents.
He, therefore, condemned the idea of the Governor traveling abroad and speaking to foreign media organizations and divulging what he saw as issues of Nigeria’s governance. | Chibok Abduction: PDP Chairman Berates State Government’s Approach | business | The National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu, believes that the Borno State Governor as the Chief Security Officer of his state should do more … Continue reading Chibok Abduction: PDP Chairman Berates State Government’s Approach |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/11/19/facebook-moderators-press-for-pandemic-safety-protections/ | More than 200 Facebook content moderators demanded better health and safety protections Wednesday as the social media giant called the workers back to the office during the pandemic.
A petition signed by the contract workers living in various countries said Facebook should guarantee better conditions or allow the workers to continue their jobs from home.
“After months of allowing content moderators to work from home, faced with intense pressure to keep Facebook free of hate and disinformation, you have forced us back to the office,” said the open letter released by the British-based legal activist firm Foxglove.
The letter called on Facebook to “keep moderators and their families safe” by maintaining remote work as much as possible and offering “hazard pay” to those who do come into the office.
When the pandemic hit, Facebook sent home most of its content moderators — those responsible for filtering violent and hateful images as well as other content which violates platform rules.
But the social platform discovered limits on what remote employees could do and turned to automated systems using artificial intelligence, which had other shortcomings.
“We appreciate the valuable work content reviewers do and we prioritize their health and safety,” a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement to AFP.
“The majority of these 15,000 global content reviewers have been working from home and will continue to do so for the duration of the pandemic,” the spokesperson said.
The workers’ letter said the current environment highlights the need for human moderators.
“The AI wasn’t up to the job. Important speech got swept into the maw of the Facebook filter — and risky content, like self-harm, stayed up,” the letter said.
“The lesson is clear. Facebook’s algorithms are years away from achieving the necessary level of sophistication to moderate content automatically. They may never get there.”
The petition said Facebook should consider making the moderators full employees — who in most cases may continue working remotely through mid-2021.
“By outsourcing our jobs, Facebook implies that the 35,000 of us who work in moderation are somehow peripheral to social media,” the letter said, referring to a broader group of moderators that includes the 15,000 content reviewers.
“Yet we are so integral to Facebook’s viability that we must risk our lives to come into work.” | Facebook Moderators Press For Pandemic Safety Protections | technology | More than 200 Facebook content moderators demanded better health and safety protections Wednesday as the social media giant called the workers back to the … Continue reading Facebook Moderators Press For Pandemic Safety Protections |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/02/23/sanusis-suspension-ploy-to-sweep-missing-oil-funds-under-the-carpet-apc/ | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the presidency of seeking to use its illegal suspension of MrLamido Sanusi Lamido as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to divert attention from the allegation of missing $20 billion in oil funds.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the way the presidency has been campaigning to malign Sanusi, using the report of the obscure Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, shows that it is working hard to sweep the issue of the missing funds under the carpet and punish Sanusi for daring to expose the fraud.
It said if the federal government had used half the energy it has been deploying to discredit Sanusi toward the investigation of the missing oil funds, the monumental corruption case would have been solved by now.
”Irrespective of the tepid and unconvincing denial by the presidency, it is clear that the main reason the presidency moved against Sanusi is because he blew the lid on the $20 billion fund which the NNPC allegedly failed to remit to the Federation Account.
”Fortunately, discerning Nigerians are not hoodwinked by the Presidency’s choreographed mudslinging against a whistle blower, and the sponsored campaign that amounts to shooting the messenger just because his message is not palatable.
”While the presidency has chosen to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians over the missing oil funds, we call on the National Assembly to get to the bottom of Sanusi’s allegation and save Nigerians from a rapacious and a rampaging cabal that is hell bent on bringing Nigeria to its knees through runaway corruption,” APC said.
The party said the questions that are begging for answers include: What happened to the missing $20 billion? If indeed a part of the funds has been used for kerosene subsidy, who authorized the spending of money that was not appropriated, in violation of the nation’s constitution? Who reinstated the subsidy that had been removed by a presidential directive? If $8.76 billion of the missing money was used for kerosene subsidy, who and who are the beneficiaries, since it is clear that Nigerians are not enjoying any subsidy on kerosene for which they are shelling out at least N150 per litre?
It re-stated its earlier stand that Sanusi’s suspension is unlawful and that it is another dangerous turn in the Jonathan administration’s journey of impunity, lawlessness and double standard.
APC said the drop in the value of the Naira and the fact that the banking sector and other stocks spiralled into the negative, in the aftermath of the ego-driven and illegal suspension of Sanusi, have shown the dangers inherent in politicizing an office that should be insulated from political pressure
”There are just short-term repercussions. The long-term fallout may be the scaring off of foreign investors by the perception of instability in the financial sector and the erosion of the CBN’s autonomy. If and when that happens, a President who has so far failed to uplift his nation’s economy would have succeeded in sabotaging it,” the party said. | Sanusi's Suspension: Ploy To Sweep Missing Oil Funds Under The Carpet - APC | business | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the presidency of seeking to use its illegal suspension of MrLamido Sanusi Lamido as Governor of the Central … Continue reading Sanusi’s Suspension: Ploy To Sweep Missing Oil Funds Under The Carpet – APC |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/07/04/pdp-nwc-summons-elumelu-ikpeazu-others-over-house-leadership/ | The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon Lynda Ikpeazu and some other party members to a crucial meeting at its national secretariat over the House leadership.
Other members are Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwadi, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Abdul-Majid.
READ ALSO: CUPP Sues FG, Demands Declaration Of Presidential Aides Illegal
In a statement by the spokesman of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the decision to was taken during the 473rd meeting of the PDP on Thursday.
“The summon is in line with the provisions of Chapter 10 (57)(3) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.
He further noted that the summoned members are to appear before the National Working Committee on Friday at 10 am. | PDP NWC Summons Elumelu, Ikpeazu, Others Over House Leadership | business | Advertisement The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon Lynda Ikpeazu and some other party members … Continue reading PDP NWC Summons Elumelu, Ikpeazu, Others Over House Leadership |