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https://www.channelstv.com/2019/08/01/manufacturing-pmi-index-grows-to-57-6-points-in-july-cbn/ | The Manufacturing PMI in the month of July stood at 57.6 index points, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.
It made the disclosure in a report entitled “Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) July 2019 Report” published on Wednesday.
The apex bank said the growth indicated expansion in the manufacturing sector for the “28th consecutive month”.
It noted that the index grew at a faster rate when compared to the index in the previous month.
READ ALSO: 15 Killed In Niger Boat Accident
Of the 14 subsectors surveyed, the CBN said 13 reported growth in the review month, including the petroleum and coal products, transportation equipment, cement, printing and related support activities, and paper products.
Others are food, beverage and tobacco products; furniture and related products, fabricated metal products, non-metallic mineral products, plastics and rubber products, primary metal, chemical and pharmaceutical products, as well as electrical equipment.
However, the textile, apparel, leather and footwear subsector recorded a decline in the review period.
The financial regulator revealed that at 58.9 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the 29th consecutive month in July.
According to it, the index indicates a slower growth in the month, when compared to its level in the month of June.
“Twelve of the 14 manufacturing subsectors recorded increased production level, while two recorded decline,” it said.
Similarly, the employment level index of the sector stood at 57.3 points in July, indicating growth for the 27th consecutive month.
The report said, “Of the 14 subsectors, 10 reported increased employment level, one reported unchanged employment level while three reported decreased employment in the review month.”
The apex bank explained that the July 2019 PMI survey was conducted by the Statistics Department of the CBN between July 8 and 12.
It said the respondents were purchasing and supply executives of manufacturing and non-manufacturing organisations in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The bank said it made no representation regarding the individual companies, other than the information they have provided. | Manufacturing PMI Index Grows To 57.6 Points In July – CBN | politics | Advertisement The Manufacturing PMI in the month of July stood at 57.6 index points, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. It made … Continue reading Manufacturing PMI Index Grows To 57.6 Points In July – CBN |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/09/01/google-extends-remote-work-option/ | Google on Tuesday extended the option for its employees to work from home into next year due to the pandemic.
Returning to Google campuses will remain voluntary globally through January 10, with local offices given the discretion to decide when to require employees to return to their desks, according chief executive Sundar Pichai.
“I’m happy to say that a large number of offices globally are already open for business, and we are welcoming back tens of thousands of Googlers on a voluntary basis,” Pichai said.
“The road ahead may be a little longer and bumpier than we hoped, yet I remain optimistic that we will get through it together.”
READ ALSO: YouTube Says It Removed 1 Million ‘Dangerous’ Videos On COVID-19
Apple’s Tim Cook Gets $750 Million Bonus On 10th Anniversary
He promised Google workers 30 days’ notice before they would have to return to their offices, and announced they would be able to take off an extra day in October and December as “reset days” to “rest and recharge.”
Google, Facebook and other tech giants have delayed plans for workers to return to the campuses that were abandoned early in the pandemic in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19.
Tech firms have also instituted vaccine and mask requirements to make offices safer as the Delta variant surges in the US and other countries.
AFP | Google Extends Remote Work Option | technology | Google on Tuesday extended the option for its employees to work from home into next year due to the pandemic. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/10/25/coson-calls-for-more-investment-in-the-entertainment-industry/ | The president, Copyrights Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji has called on the government to invest properly into the entertainment industry, stating that it’s the fastest growing industry which cuts across the globe.
He said that the government is yet to have clear understanding on what the industry creates and its values which he said can generate massive revenues such as employment, tax revenues for the government; “oil will dry away but our creative energy will not run dry”
Speaking on Channels Television Programme, Business Morning, Mr. Okoroji explained that the average person making a music/movie today in Nigeria has little access to finance, so we need to change our idea and concept that this is an industry where huge revenue can be made.
Adding that most of today’s crimes committed by youth such as kidnapping, armed robbery amongst others can be reduced if they are given opportunity to show their talents or even invested upon, the government needs to create such atmosphere for the good of Nigeria.
An Entertainment Lawyer, Tosin Adefope, has said that most artistes don’t know the rights and privileges they have when their work is being registered with the Copyrights Society of Nigeria.
She stated that there are laws governing piracy, that its more about the lack of enforcement than the lack of laws governing piracy in Nigeria.
She explained the Copyright Act, which was established to protect intellectual property and creativity, but the problem is how it’s been enforced.
The lawyer advised Nigerian artistes who are not registered with the Copyright Society of Nigeria to do so to enable them get their benefits from the organization. | COSON Calls For More Investment In The Entertainment Industry | politics | The president, Copyrights Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji has called on the government to invest properly into the entertainment industry, stating that it’s the … Continue reading COSON Calls For More Investment In The Entertainment Industry |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/01/02/pdps-chances-are-brighter-if-bala-mohammed-emerges-presidential-candidate-wike/ | Governor Nyesom Wike on Saturday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands a better chance of winning the 2023 presidential election if his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, emerges as the party’s candidate for the polls.
Wike made this endorsement when he paid Governor Mohammed a special visit to Bauchi State.
The governor believes Nigeria made a mistake choosing President Muhammadu Buhari as their leader in 2015 but noted that the PDP must now take responsibility to provide the nation with the leadership it needs.
According to him, the PDP must return to power and save the country from misrule.
READ ALSO: Wike Condemns Bandits’ Attack In Sokoto
“One of my resolutions for the year 2022 is to make sure that Nigeria is better than what it was last year. It is also to make sure that the PDP is united because if the PDP makes the mistake of not listening to Nigerians, it will be very difficult for God to forgive the PDP.
“This is an opportunity to save Nigeria. We Christians know that when the Israelites were in problems, God had to bring Moses to lead them. Nigeria is in serious problems now and it is the PDP that will lead Nigeria out of these problems. So, we must take that responsibility. I’ll prefer that if God makes it that the ticket falls on him (Bala Mohammed), it means our chances are very, very bright.
“This insecurity, this is not the kind of Nigeria we want, it is not the Nigeria where every day you wake up in the morning, the newspaper says, ‘40 people have been killed…’ These deaths are caused by the inability of the so-called government to protect us.”
The Rivers State governor said Mr Mohammed is more than qualified to become the next President of Nigeria, adding that the antecedents and achievements of the Bauchi State governor in the last few years showed that he is capable of transforming the nation.
In the same vein, Wike faulted the signing of the 2022 budget of N17.127trillion into law, saying Nigerians made a mistake choosing Muhammadu Buhari as president in 2015.
According to him, Buhari had no business signing the budget when he was well aware that the bill was riddled with a plethora of unimplementable projects.
He said Buhari, who knew the importance of the document, should have returned it to the National Assembly for corrections to be effected before assenting to the bill.
Wike expressed worry over the state of leadership recruitment in the country and re-emphasized that the PDP must take responsibility to avail Nigerians a just and effective leadership that transcends all biases that bedevil the nation. | PDP’s Chances Are Brighter If Bala Mohammed Emerges Presidential Candidate – Wike | business | Governor Nyesom Wike on Saturday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands a better chance of winning the 2023 presidential election if his Bauchi … Continue reading PDP’s Chances Are Brighter If Bala Mohammed Emerges Presidential Candidate – Wike |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/08/14/apc-led-govt-has-failed-nigerians-wike/ | Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike says the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government has failed Nigeria.
Wike disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the newly inaugurated Executive Council members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
While charging the PDP members to focus on governance rather than playing politics, he said the move is necessary to demonstrate a commitment to the people.
According to him, the ruling APC has failed to deliver on its electoral promises, adding that Nigerians are hoping on the PDP.
“APC has failed Nigeria. Nigeria is hoping on PDP. There is nothing anybody can talk about again. This is no more time for politics.
READ ALSO: Insecurity: Nigeria Police Overstretched, Akeredolu Defends Inauguration Of Amotekun
“You have promised and you have failed, nothing to try you again. We have tried APC and it has not worked.
“Nigerians have realised that it is better they stay with PDP that has the future, that has the interest of Nigeria than the party that gives excuse every day.
“We are tired. You know there is a problem with Nigeria and you make promises that if you vote for me, I will do this. Now they have voted for you, yet you cannot solve the problem. The party cannot solve any problem,” he said.
Speaking further, the governor charged the party exco members to respect COVID-19 safety protocols.
He also asked them to run an inclusive party for all in order to maintain victory in future polls in the country. | APC-Led Govt Has Failed Nigerians – Wike | business | Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike says the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government has failed Nigeria. Advertisement Wike disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the … Continue reading APC-Led Govt Has Failed Nigerians – Wike |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/07/31/apc-holds-ward-congresses-nationwide/ | The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday held ward congresses across the country to choose party executives.
However, some states have been split into factions, while others adopted consensus candidates.
In the southwest, there were talks of a parallel congress in Osun State while members have agreed on a consensus option in Oyo and Ondo states.
In Lagos, a decision was yet to be made on a consensus candidate, as of the time of this reporting.
A Senator Magnus Abe faction in Rivers State said it would boycott the exercise.
Meanwhile, the party has postponed its congresses in Anambra and Zamfara states.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Is Hale And Hearty, Requires No Hospitalisation – Aide
The party’s leadership has also read the riot act on the conduct of the congresses.
APC in a notice to its chieftains by the Secretary, National Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John Akpan-Udoedehe, warned that the party would invoke necessary disciplinary measures on those who hold parallel congresses.
He reminded them of the National Executive Committee’s resolution, which directed members not to take the party to court unless it has exhausted “the internal mechanism for conflict resolution, as enshrined in the party’s constitution.”
Senator Akpan-Udoedehe insisted that the resolution still subsists and extends to the conduct of party members during the congresses. | APC Holds Ward Congresses Nationwide | business | The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday held ward congresses across the country to choose party executives, although not all state chapters are in the sink, with some split into factions and others adopting consensus candidates. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/08/03/tinubu-shettima-progressives-govs-attend-apc-nec-meeting-in-abuja/ | President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum have arrived the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, venue of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Members of the party in the National Assembly and APC chieftains were also on ground.
Addressing the 12th NEC of the party, the President said the APC has won the elections and it is now time to deliver the promises of good governance to the Nigerian people.
The President insisted that the 2023 elections was the best election in Nigeria’s history.
Visibly absent at the NEC meeting were ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The first National Chairman of the party, Bisi Akande, was, however, present.
The NEC meeting followed Wednesday’s session of the APC national caucus.
Mid-July, two members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) resigned. Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Senator Iyiola Omisore resigned as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively and Abubakar Kyari emerged as APC new National Chairman. | Tinubu, Shettima, Progressives Govs Attend APC NEC Meeting In Abuja | business | The NEC meeting followed Wednesday’s session of the APC national caucus on Wednesday. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/10/08/pdp-dismisses-apcs-vote-buying-allegations/ | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the party’s flag-bearer Atiku Abubakar, bought votes in the just concluded presidential primary.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Monday, the PDP said the allegation is a defeatist approach that shows that the party and the Buhari Presidency are afraid of the Atiku candidacy.
“The claims by APC, of vote buying at our national convention are, therefore, not only false but completely unfounded and symptomatic of a party that has totally lost bearing and now engaged in rumour mongering.
“However, for us as a party, such allegation from the APC is not unexpected given that it had tried everything possible to scuttle our national convention and presidential primary but woefully failed, hence the desperation to engage in attempts to discredit the process that has been acclaimed as the best in our political history”.
The PDP also criticized the APC for its national convention in which President Buhari emerged as the sole candidate for the party’s presidential ticket.
Read Also: Presidency Is Not For Sale, APC Tells Atiku
It described the process as a charade, stressing there was never a contest.
“Unlike the APC that has an unpopular Presidential candidate, who has failed in governance, foisted on it without an election, the whole world watched with excitement as 12 aspirants contested the PDP Presidential primary, where delegates drawn from respected Nigerians across the country, freely voted for a candidate of their choice.
“To the amusement of Nigerians, the APC conducted a non-contested convention in which it declared President Buhari as “winner” with over 14 million fictitious votes.
“In their desperation, they forgot that “winning” as a word connotes contest.
“Strangely, the APC declared a candidate as having won when there was never a contest – a charade by a deceptive party with duplicitous leaders!,” The PDP said.
Furthermore, the PDP said the APC was suffering from a pre-defeat trauma.
It, therefore, cautioned the ruling party to “steer clear” and “get ready for issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2019 elections”. | PDP Dismisses APC’s Vote Buying Allegations | business | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the party’s flag-bearer Atiku.. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/07/10/naira-firms-on-nnpc-dollar-sales/ | The naira firmed against the dollar on Wednesday as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) sold dollars, traders said.
The naira closed at N161.1 to the dollar on the interbank market, firmer from N161.8 at the previous day’s close.
“The market received a liquidity boost from the sales of about $350 million by the NNPC today (Wednesday) and this helped the naira to gain value,” one dealer said.
The naira had been under pressure since last month, when offshore investors began selling out of the local debt market and repatriating their proceeds after the U.S. Federal Reserve signalled an end to its monetary stimulus.
The Central Bank of Nigeria resumed sales of forward contracts on the dollar to support the naira at a forward foreign exchange auction, the first since June last year.
Results of the auction have yet to be announced but dealers said demand was low.
The central bank sold $300 million at 155.76 to the dollar at its regular twice-weekly auction, compared with $500 million sold at the same rate on Monday.
“We see the naira gradually depreciating in the market since the NNPC has sold its dollar and there is no major inflow expected for now,” another dealer said. | Naira Firms On NNPC Dollar Sales | politics | The naira firmed against the dollar on Wednesday as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) sold dollars, traders said. The naira closed at N161.1 to … Continue reading Naira Firms On NNPC Dollar Sales |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/06/10/buhari-congratulates-nass-on-second-anniversary/ | President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the 9th National Assembly on its second anniversary.
The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, saluted the vision, courage, and patriotism of the Assembly.
He appreciated the understanding and maturity of the lawmakers in speedily processing bills that directly impact the welfare of Nigerians, courageously finding common grounds to move the country forward, and passionately carrying out their oversight functions with justice and fairness.
“On behalf of Nigerians, and the Federal Executive Council, President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to the leadership and members of the 9th National Assembly on their second anniversary, extolling the sense of duty and diligence in handling issues related to the development of the country.
“The President commended the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, for using their wealth of experience, wisdom, and knowledge to ensure a peaceful working relationship among lawmakers, between both chambers, the Judiciary and the Executive, by always focusing on the larger picture of nation-building.
“As the 9th National Assembly commemorates the landmark, President Buhari believes the legislature has brought dignity and honour to the country, and looks forward to more years of harmonious working relationship, with a focus on improving the livelihood of citizens, and creating an enabling environment for a prosperous nation where both the young and old can fully realize their dreams”, the statement added. | Buhari Congratulates NASS On Second Anniversary | business | President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the 9th National Assembly on its second anniversary. Advertisement The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on … Continue reading Buhari Congratulates NASS On Second Anniversary |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/14/nissan-denies-reported-plans-to-split-with-renault/ | Nissan is “in no way” planning to end its partnership with Renault, the Japanese auto giant insisted on Tuesday after a report suggested a divorce was possible in the wake of the Carlos Ghosn scandal.
Britain’s Financial Times, citing “several people with knowledge of the matter”, said on Monday that senior executives at the scandal-hit firm were speeding up work on secret plans for a potential parting of ways with France’s Renault.
But in a statement, Nissan firmly denied the claims. “Nissan is in no way considering dissolving the alliance,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: Ghosn Accuses Nissan Executives Of ‘Backstabbing’ Plot
“The alliance is the source of Nissan’s competitiveness,” the firm said, adding that it will look to continue delivering “win-win results for all member companies”.
The partnership, which also includes Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors, has been troubled since the shock arrest of its former chief Ghosn on charges of financial misconduct.
Ghosn, who last month jumped bail in Japan and fled to Lebanon, claims the charges against him were cooked up by disgruntled Nissan executives hoping to block his plans to more closely integrate the automaker with Renault.
In a news conference in Lebanon, he claimed the alliance was now on the rocks and directionless.
The alliance’s new chief, Jean-Dominique Senard, earlier hit back at the reports of a planned split, telling Belgian daily L’Echo the claims had “no connection to the current situation of the alliance”.
“The Renault-Nissan alliance is not dead! Soon we will show you why,” he said in an interview published Tuesday.
“I ask myself, where does this sort of information come from? I am not sure it comes from a place of goodwill.”
Meanwhile in Paris, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire dismissed the report as “malicious information” in an interview on the French TV station CNEWS.
He said it aimed to “destabilise the group, cause trouble at a moment when, on the contrary, we are in the process of rehabilitating the alliance between Renault and Nissan, which had indeed gone through a rough patch”.
The 20-year partnership between Nissan and Renault, whose alliance is based on cross-shareholdings without a joint structure, has been badly shaken by the Ghosn scandal.
At the close on the Tokyo market, Nissan dropped 2.96 percent to 618 yen despite the firm company denial. Shares in Renault slumped 2.82 percent on Monday, but were stable in Tuesday morning trading.
Senard said the alliance was “nowhere near” the point of collapse and insisted its leaders were busy “recreating its original spirit” and planning future investments.
A source close to Nissan told AFP that the leaks probably came from “a few disgruntled souls” inside the company who wanted to “vent their frustration”, adding that rebuilding trust between the two firms “will take time”.
AFP | Nissan Denies Reported Plans To Split With Renault | politics | Nissan is “in no way” planning to end its partnership with Renault, the Japanese auto giant insisted on Tuesday after a report suggested a … Continue reading Nissan Denies Reported Plans To Split With Renault |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/04/16/european-equities-rebound-at-open/ | Europe’s stock markets rallied in opening deals on Thursday, despite losses elsewhere, as investors focused on plans to ease coronavirus lockdown restrictions in several nations.
In initial deals, London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index of major blue-chip companies was up 1.0 percent to 5,653.72 points.
In the eurozone, Frankfurt’s DAX added 1.3 percent to 10,411.56 points and the Paris CAC 40 advanced 1.4 percent to 4,412.62.
Milan’s FTSE Mib jumped 2.1 percent to 17,067.98 and Madrid’s IBEX 35 gained 1.3 percent to 6,927.10 points
“Investors are shrugging off the pessimism and (are) willing to focus on more positive things,” said AvaTrade analyst Naeem Aslam.
“Germany has drawn (up) a plan to ease off the lockdown restrictions and traders are optimistic about this development.
READ ALSO: IMF Cautions Renewed Social Unrest Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
“Having said this, European markets are not trading higher with bigger margins, we are only seeing some small gains, and it is likely that as trading resumes, these small gains may disappear because of the selling pressure on the energy sector.”
With oil prices at near-decade lows, the energy majors have suffered badly.
AFP | European Equities Rebound At Open | politics | Advertisement Europe’s stock markets rallied in opening deals on Thursday, despite losses elsewhere, as investors focused on plans to ease coronavirus lockdown restrictions in … Continue reading European Equities Rebound At Open |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/08/31/sec-to-investigate-ecobank-over-misstatement-of-results/ | Pan-African lender Ecobank is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over an alleged misstatement of its 2012 performance.
The Securities and Exchange Commission held meetings with Ecobank’s board directors on August 6th, to discuss the issue, which was raised by a suspended former head of finance at the bank.
Ecobank acknowledged that there was an investigation, giving no details, and said it was fully cooperating with the Commission.
Sources say the regulator had sent queries about Ecobank’s 2012 performance to all the directors, in line with the international finance corporation corporate governance code.
In March, Ecobank, which has operations in 32 African countries, said its 2012 pre-tax profit rose to its highest ever level of $348 million, up a quarter on the same period a year ago. | SEC To Investigate Ecobank Over Misstatement Of Results | politics | Pan-African lender Ecobank is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over an alleged misstatement of its 2012 performance. The Securities and Exchange … Continue reading SEC To Investigate Ecobank Over Misstatement Of Results |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/06/02/end-oyo-apc-crisis-or-lose-2023-election-tinubu-tells-delegates/ | Mr Bola Tinubu has asked delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to end the lingering crisis or lose the 2023 general elections to the opposition.
The APC chieftain issued the warning on Thursday while addressing delegates in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, four days to the commencement of the ruling party’s national convention where he is one of the frontline presidential aspirants.
READ ALSO: We’ll Continue To Defend Interests Of All Our Law-Abiding Citizens Abroad – Buhari
Tinubu and his supporters, who were in Pacesetter State to woo APC delegates ahead of the party’s presidential primary election, said he was aware that there are some aggrieved members of the party.
“I want to tell you this; those of you having bickering amongst you must all come together and ensure it all ends. Let the crisis end immediately or you all lose the election,” he said.
“Let it all end. I shall return to Oyo State because there’s no time for extensive discussion today. The crisis between the two factions must be sorted out.”
The ex-Lagos governor also urged the APC and one of its gubernatorial candidates, Teslim Folarin to make peace and beg the aggrieved members before the general elections in 2023.
He added, “Do you want governor? You should all speak up one more time. We have heard and accepted your choice, may God answer our prayers.
“I came here to advertise myself and the candidates; Folarin’s election is still ahead so I shall return to raise his hand.
“However before I return, Folarin must work seriously to mend the entire broken fence. He must seek out elders to help him implore those who contested the ticket with him so all factions could be brought together as one family.
“The party is divided into two; he must work to unite all aggrieved. We shall support him if he could be humble, pray and beg all concerned.”
Those present at the gathering were the governors of Lagos and Kano states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Abdullahi Ganduje respectively; former governor of Borno State, Senator Kasim Setthima; and Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Bosun Oladele, Rotimi Makinde, Senator Rilwan Soji Akanbi, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Hon. Bosun Oladele, and Wasiu Eshinlokun.
Others were APC gubernatorial candidates in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, Akeem Adeyemi, Akin Alabi, former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, Dokun Odebunmi, Senator Fatai Buhari, Idris Adeoye, APC Chairman in the state, Isaac Omodewu, Dapo Adesina, Sunday Adepoju and Ibrahim Olaifa. | End Oyo APC Crisis Or Lose 2023 Election, Tinubu Tells Delegates | business | Mr Bola Tinubu has asked delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to end the lingering crisis or lose the 2023 general elections to the opposition. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/11/25/how-cbn-strayed-from-core-mandate-cardoso/ | The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, said the apex bank strayed from its core mandate under the previous administration of Godwin Emefiele.
Cardoso made this known on Friday night at the annual bankers’ dinner and 60th anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos State.
The former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos said the previous administration pumped N10trn into quasi-interventionist activities that were not the areas of strength of the apex bank.
He said events in the past few years have not portrayed the apex bank in good light.
He said, “I am aware that events over the past few years have also put the CBN in bad light. These issues can be attributed to various factors such as corporate governance failures, diminished institutional autonomy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, a deviation from the core mandate of the bank, unorthodox use of monetary tools and inefficient and opaque foreign exchange market that hindered clear access, a foray into fiscal activities under the cover of developmental finance activities and there was also a lack of clarity in the relationship between fiscal and monetary policies amongst other challenges.
“Hitherto, the CBN has strayed from its core mandate and engaged in quasi-fiscal activities that pumped over N10trn in the economy through different initiatives in sectors ranging from agriculture, power, and many others. These clearly, distracted the bank from achieving its own objectives and took it to areas where it had limited expertise.
“Under my leadership, the Central Bank of Nigeria will vigorously address these issues.”
Continuing he said, quasi-interventionist activities of the apex bank will be discontinued.
“The primary mandate of the CBN is to ensure price stability in addition to other objectives such as issuing legal currency, safe-guarding external reserves, promoting a sound financial system and providing economic and financial advice to the government.
“In line with our strategy to focus on its core mandate, the CBN will discontinue direct quasi-interventionist activities and instead utilise orthodox monetary policy tools for implementing monetary policies,” he said.
Bank Recapitalisation
Furthermore, the apex bank chief said commercial banks in the country will be directed to increase their capital base.
He said commercial banks currently don’t sufficient capital relative to the finance system needs in servicing a $1trn economy.
He said, “Considering the policy imperatives and the projected economic growth, it is crucial for us to evaluate the adequacy of our banking industry to serve the envisioned larger economy.
“It is not just about the stability of the financial system at the moment as we have already established at the current assessment to show stability.
“However, we need to ask ourselves: will Nigerian banks have sufficient capital relative to the finance system needs in servicing a $1trn economy in the near future? In my opinion, the answer is ‘No’ unless the we take action.
“Therefore, we must make difficult decisions regarding capital adequacy. As a first step, the Central Bank will be directing banks to increase their capital.”
The last time the CBN increased capital base for banks was in 2005 when current Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, was the apex bank chief. Capital base was raised from N2bn to N25bn.
‘New Regulation For Digital Services’
Cardoso, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on September 15, 2023 ad confirmed by the Senate on September 26, 2023, said a new regulatory and compliance framework will be developed under his administration.
He said, “Recent developments in the payment services landscape have raised concerns regarding the use of technology and the existing licensing and regulatory framework. We have observed that some licensees are operating outside their approved activities, breaching the boundaries set for them.
“Any intentional or non-intended non-compliance will be subjected to sanctions as operators have the responsibility to ensure that they are licensed for the activities they undertake.
“As we conduct a comprehensive review of licensing framework for payment services, we will engage in extensive consultation to develop a new regulatory and compliance framework that is suitable for the technology-driven payment services sector. ”
‘MPC Meetings Must Be Effective’
On the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the apex bank, Cardoso said the meeting must be useful and effective.
“For quite some time, the MPC meeting has not been effective,” he said, adding that the CBN Act 2007 requires that the MPC meeting holds four times a year and the bank has satisfied the requirement for 2023.
“Our focus is on ensuring that these meetings are useful and effective,” he stressed.
‘Challenges Surmountable’
The CBN chief was optimistic that micro-economic and social challenges facing the Nigerian economy were surmountable.
“It is evident that we are facing significant micro-economic and social challenges. These challenges stem from a variety of factors including unintended consequences of not setting necessary policies,” he said.
“I want to assure you that while it is a formidable challenge, it is not insurmountable.
“With corrective measures and the right policies, we can restore fundamental flaws.” | How CBN Strayed From Core Mandate — Cardoso | politics | The CBN chief said the Godwin Emefiele administration pumped N10trn into quasi-interventionist activities that were not the areas of strength of the apex bank. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/03/08/oil-marketers-call-for-dedollarisation-of-downstream-supply-chain/ | The major downstream marketers under the aegis of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, (MEMAN), have said that the country’s petroleum products distribution and supply chain may face more challenging complexities going by current foreign exchange market intricacies.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Clement Isong spoke at a media forum organised by the association on Thursday in Lagos.
Isong complained that the complexities of the forex market uncertainty have stopped members from embarking on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol.
He said that it is not easy to put together a correct mathematical calculation of the product’s landing cost to further determine the appropriate pump price.
The Executive Secretary while sharing his members’ position on the present industry value chain conundrum said their investment is not fully protected with dollarisation of certain charges.
According to him, “The market and consumers are not immune to government policy that allows Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, continuous charges in dollars, said Isong.
He also, informed that though marketers receive products from Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL Trading, ship-to-ship products offload is transacted in dollars all of which pushes up the cost of the pump price.
“We are presently concerned about sustainability, efficiencies, and affordability of energy for Nigerians and we are encouraging the shift to energy transition specifically into gas space.” the ES said.
Giving further analysis, Isong said though the Federal Government has been faithful in its avowed intervention process since it exited the petrol subsidy regime, the dollarisation policy is weakening the industry and discouraging investment.
He placed the blame mostly on fluctuating dollar movement and the unpredictability of the rate.
For instance, he said marketers pay Government Agencies (NPA, NIMASA, etc) about $10 per metric ton, and given the current exchange rate would translate to a higher pump price.
Analysing the forex market impact on the business, he said in 2023 when President Bola Tinubu removed the subsidy, and with exchange rate at that time the cost of a litre was about ₦4.85 and with the dollar at about ₦1,600 today it has added up to about ₦11.83 a litre, and for STS at $30 per metric ton which was ₦14.54 today with the dollar at ₦1,600 that has pushed it up to ₦28.44 which is adding up to the pump price.
On the transportation side, lsong said even with separate negotiations by marketers, transporters charge between an average of ₦5-₦8 per litre more.
He said with the unbearable rising cost, the Association’s ongoing advocacy is towards leveraging gas as an alternative source of energy.
Isong advised depot operators and filing stations to consider moving to use Compressed Natural Gas and other renewable energy sources like solar in other to break even and operate efficiently.
Clarifying the issues of return of subsidy, Isong, said the industry is witnessing consistent intervention initiatives by the government which perhaps the public may have misconstrued as subsidy payment.
He said President Tinubu, in July 2023 promised that the administration will continue monitoring the effects of the exchange rate and inflation on gasoline prices and when necessary, they will intervene.
“We have seen those interventions at different times and it provides a level of stability but our advocacy is to encourage a paradigm shift to reduce operating costs. Trucks are encouraged to move from diesel to CNG, depots and retail outlets to move from diesel to CNG and/or solar energy.” Isong explained.
Speaking on the transition shift to gas, Femi Fanoiki, a consultant on Liquified Petroleum Gas, LPG, said efforts are currently moving towards driving LPG application in both the industrial and automotive services.
Fanoiki explained that interventions by the government are encouraging investment in that space but said more infrastructure deployment will further boost the adoption process.
Speaking on the advantages of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Adelanke Dayo-Adepoju, Gas and Renewable Energies Specialist at MEMAN analysed the benefits of shifting focus on CNG as an alternative to petrol and diesel.
She said concerted efforts have been made to convert about 1 million vehicles to run on fuel by 2027 and the establishment of over 1,000 conversation workshops across the country. | Oil Marketers Call For Dedollarisation Of Downstream Supply Chain | politics | The Executive Secretary of the Association, Clement Isong spoke at a media forum organised by the association on Thursday in Lagos. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/01/26/german-software-giant-sap-to-cut-3000-jobs/ | German software giant SAP on Thursday said it planned to cut some 3,000 jobs this year, joining a wave of layoffs in the global tech sector.
The Walldorf-based group, which offers both traditional software and cloud-based computing services, said it planned to carry out a “targeted restructuring programme” to “strengthen its core business” and improve efficiency.
“The programme is expected to affect approximately 2.5 percent of SAP’s employees,” it said in an earnings report unveiling full-year results for 2022.
SAP has a workforce of around 120,000 employees worldwide, meaning it plans to shed some 3,000 jobs.
The move follows similar cuts announced by tech giants Meta, Amazon, Google, IBM and Microsoft as the once-unassailable sector girds for an economic downturn.
SAP said its jobs cull would cost the company between 250 and 300 million euros ($270-330 million), mainly in the first quarter of 2023.
The restructuring is expected to lead to annual savings of 300-350 million euros from 2024, “which will help to fuel investments into strategic growth areas”, SAP said.
SAP also said it would explore a sale of its Qualtrics subsidiary, which specialises in online market research software.
A sale would further allow SAP to focus more on its core cloud business, it said.
For the whole of 2022, SAP announced revenues of 30.9 billion euros, up 11 percent on a year earlier.
Operating profits came in at just over 8 billion euros, down two percent compared with 2021.
For 2023, SAP expects operating profits to increase by 10 to 13 percent.
AFP | German Software Giant SAP To Cut 3,000 Jobs | technology | SAP has a workforce of around 120,000 employees worldwide, meaning it plans to shed some 3,000 jobs. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/07/15/edo-election-pdp-confident-of-victory/ | The National Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo governorship election says the party is confident that its candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki will win the election.
The party was optimistic of its victory after the inaugural meeting of the council held behind closed doors in Port Harcourt which was presided over by the River State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
In attendance at the meeting are Governors of Adamawa State Umaru Fintri, Oyo State Seyi Makinde, and other members of the National Campaign Council, chairmen and secretaries of all the sub-committees of Edo 2020.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri said the meeting adopted the best strategies to retain what rightly belongs to PDP.
Governor Fintiri who is also the Deputy Chairman of the campaign council said they would leave no stone unturned in working with Edo people to deepen democracy.
“The election is already on the table for PDP. We have a sellable candidate, who is Governor Godwin Obaseki. Nigerians are moving forward with democracy and we have to deepen it together.
“Technically, Edo is a PDP state because, in the last election of 2019, we actually won all the elections. So, it is not coming as a surprise that Governor Obaseki has to shift his ground from APC to join us.
“Now, we are putting all the forces together, and there is nothing that’s left behind. So Edo is completely a PDP state and we are going in there to win the election,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Publicity Committee, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi said the Edo people are convinced that Governor Obaseki is the best candidate in the governorship race.
He explained that the national campaign council has given the state campaign council all the needed support that would ensure total victory for PDP.
” Those of us from Edo state are very clear in our minds that our candidate, Governor Obaseki is definitely the best candidate that can deliver and sustain the PDP ticket and also take the flag of the party to Osadebe House.
“For the South-South, it is a great challenge and honour to ensure that the six states in the zone belong to PDP. So, every support has been pledged by the leadership of the party; the governors, members of BOT, the national working committee. They are committed to ensuring that the flag of PDP will continue to fly in Government House,” he said.
Since the inauguration of the 77 member National Campaign Council by the National Working Committee of the PDP on the 7th of July, 2020
in Abuja, this is the first meeting of the council to work out strategies that will ensure victory on September 19th, 2020 in the Edo State governorship election. | Edo Election: PDP Confident Of Victory | business | The National Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo governorship election says the party is confident that its candidate, Governor … Continue reading Edo Election: PDP Confident Of Victory |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/06/21/peter-obi-will-be-better-suited-as-minister-of-economy-says-ned-nwoko/ | Business magnate Ned Nwoko has stated that the presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi lacks the structure required to lead the country
Speaking in a BBC interview on Tuesday, Mr Nwoko praised the former Anambra state governor’s demeanour in the business sphere
“Peter Obi is a good man and has impressed me. When he came to London he came alone. He’s a capitalist, a big-time player in the business world, and conservative in how he handles things, ‘ he said
“I will like him back in PDP, he will do well as Minister of Economy, and he will help us turn around Nigeria’s economy.
The former House of Representatives member also noted that certain factors in the Labour Party would hinderObi from unseating the ruling the party
“Labour Party does not have the structure to win but they have a support base. He’s a popular candidate but cannot become president because he does not have the structure.
As a president, you must have the majority of the Labour Party in the House of Representatives and Senate.
“Many things in Nigeria will work against the emergence of a president under the Labour party, It wouldn’t happen.” | Peter Obi Will Be Better Suited As Minister Of Economy, Says Ned Nwoko | business | Advertisement Business magnate Ned Nwoko has stated that the presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi lacks the structure required to … Continue reading Peter Obi Will Be Better Suited As Minister Of Economy, Says Ned Nwoko |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/01/25/just-in-cbn-committee-retains-benchmark-interest-rate-at-11-5/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee on Tuesday retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 11.5% and kept all other parameters unchanged.
CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele made the announcement while addressing journalists at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.
The MPR, which has remained unchanged for months, is a powerful tool for regulating interest rates in the economy.
Lowering the rate could have stimulated more borrowing while raising the rate could have signaled the CBN’s intention to reduce the economy’s money supply. | CBN Committee Retains Benchmark Interest Rate At 11.5% | politics | Advertisement The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee on Tuesday retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 11.5% and kept all other … Continue reading CBN Committee Retains Benchmark Interest Rate At 11.5% |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/11/17/court-dismisses-kutigis-suit-against-niger-pdp-guber-candidate/ | A Federal High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has dismissed a suit filed by Hon. Sani Idris Kutigi seeking the disqualification of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger State Isah Liman Kantigi.
Kutigi lost the poll but his suit was on Thursday dismissed for lacking in cause of action.
READ ALSO: [N20bn Suit] Kanu Discontinues Case Against Federal Government
The Presiding Judge Hon. Justice Zaynab Mohammed held that Kutigi has no cause of action and therefore dismissed the case against the plaintiff Kantigi who remains the PDP candidate for the 2023 general elections in Niger State.
It could be recalled that after the party’s primary election in the state, the complainant headed to court seeking the disqualification of the winner. | Court Dismisses Kutigi's Suit Against Niger PDP Guber Candidate | business | A Federal High Court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has dismissed a suit filed by Hon. Sani Idris Kutigi seeking the disqualification of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger State Isah Liman Kantigi. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/10/14/pdp-chairmanship-northern-leaders-pick-iyorchia-ayu-as-consensus-candidate/ | The northern leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have picked Senator Iyorchia Ayu as their consensus candidate for the party’s chairmanship position zoned to the region.
This comes after the PDP leaders held a consensus meeting in Bauchi on Wednesday ahead of the party’s national convention.
It suffered a setback as some stakeholders in the party were reported to have shunned the meeting.
Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, then adjourned the meeting to Thursday where the leaders chose Senator Iyorchia.
READ ALSO: Northern PDP Leaders Hold Consensus Meeting Ahead Of National Convention
The PDP leaders from the northern region had met to trim down the number of candidates contesting for the office of the national chairman of the PDP and other positions in the forthcoming convention.
Last Thursday, they agreed to set up a 20-man committee that would streamline the number of contestants from each of the zones in the region.
Party leaders in the north-central region had held a similar meeting on Tuesday where Professor Iyorchia Ayu emerged as a consensus candidate for the chairmanship position in the convention to be held later in October.
On September 9, the PDP leadership set up a national zoning committee to zone national offices to be contested by all PDP members.
But the mandate of the committee did not include zoning of the offices of the president, vice president, as well as other executive and legislative offices in the country. | PDP Chairmanship: Northern Leaders Pick Iyorchia Ayu As Consensus Candidate | business | The northern leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have picked Senator Iyorchia Ayu as their consensus candidate for the party’s chairmanship position zoned to the region. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/03/12/arms-fund-presidency-says-no-money-is-missing-explains-how-1bn-was-spent/ | The controversy trailing the allegation of missing arms fund under the leadership of the former service chiefs has continued to generate mixed reactions from different parts of the country.
Major General Babagana Monguno, who is the National Security Adviser (NSA), was said to have alleged during an interview with BBC Hausa Service that the funds meant for arms procurement were missing under the former security chiefs.
While his office stated that the NSA was quoted out of context and did not categorically make such a claim, the Presidency avowed that no such money was missing.
“I imagine that you are talking about the $1 billion taken from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) with the consent of state governors and was used for military procurement.
“I want to assure you that nothing of that money is missing,” Mr Garba Shehu said on Friday when he featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He added, “The reference by it in the interview with Hausa Service of the BBC by the National Security Adviser, I think, has been misconstrued and mistranslated.”
Held Up In UAE
Shehu, who is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, clarified the controversy triggered by the claim and went further to give an insight into the procurements made by the military since the funds were withdrawn.
He noted that the procurements made have not been fully delivered and about $536 million of the money was paid directly in a government-to-government transaction with the United States government.
“In August 2018, they (the US) allowed the Nigerian Government to buy 12 Super Tucano aircraft suitable for the kind of war we are fighting in the North East. In addition to that, other arms of the military have also made procurements.
“The Nigerian Navy has done nearly 100 per cent of their procurements equipment delivered; the Nigerian Air Force has bought a number of attack helicopters – 35 i-helicopters from Ukraine,” the presidential aide outlined.
He, however, said there have been problems with the procurements made by the Nigerian Army, stressing that the equipment have been coming in bits and in pieces.
Shehu disclosed that Nigeria’s biggest procurement was coming from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“As I speak to you, it is held up in a situation which only diplomacy will resolve. The Nigerian Minister of Defence actually had a meeting with the Ambassador of the UAE to Nigeria and the idea is to resolve this so that these equipment held up will be released.
“We need them here, all these procurements are ongoing; nothing can be bought on the shelf, they are bought on order. The NSA did not make accusations of misappropriation because there is none in dealing with this matter,” he insisted. | Arms Fund: Presidency Says No Money Is Missing, Explains How $1bn Was Spent | business | Advertisement The controversy trailing the allegation of missing arms fund under the leadership of the former service chiefs has continued to generate mixed … Continue reading Arms Fund: Presidency Says No Money Is Missing, Explains How $1bn Was Spent |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/01/04/nigerian-constitutional-review-process-will-be-fast-tracked-ihedioha/ | The Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, has assured Nigerians of better legislation in 2014, saying that the constitution review process will be fast-tracked.
Hon Ihedioha said that the conference committee, comprising the Upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly with the duty to harmonise the position of constitutional review process, would bring their findings to a reasonable conclusion in January.
The assurance comes as many Nigerians have continued to express optimism that the year 2014 would bring about positive changes and improvement in the socio-political wellbeing of the country.
At an event in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Hon Ihedioha told reporters that the constitutional review process was at the completion stage and would be given adequate attention once the lawmakers resumes plenary by January 14.
“We will remain steadfast and ensure that policies that will advance and strengthen the Nation’s democracy in the year 2014 are made. The National Assembly is responsible and ready to listen to the yearnings of the people. The country needs all the support we can put together now.
“As a people we must be patriotic to our responsibilities because the oneness, unity and prosperity of Nigerian are non-negotiable.
“2014 is a defining year and we enjoin politicians to play by the books and ensure that we bring about the positive sides of human being in what we do. We can only lead the people who wish and want you to lead them.
“Even as we advance to the 2015 elections, politicians in the country must play politics with moderation and love and ensure that the interest of Nigerians is utmost in their heart,” the deputy speaker stressed. | Nigerian Constitution Review Process Will Be Fast-Tracked -- Ihedioha | business | The Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, has assured Nigerians of better legislation in 2014, saying that the constitution review … Continue reading Nigerian Constitution Review Process Will Be Fast-Tracked — Ihedioha |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/11/24/tinubu-said-campaigning-in-south-east-waste-of-time-and-money-babachir-lawal/ | A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal on Thursday claimed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu said campainging in the South-East was a waste of time and resources during the party’s primaries.
“During the convention, he didn’t even allow us go the South-East,” Mr Lawal said on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“He said it was a waste of time and money.”
Mr Lawal made the comment while analysing Mr Tinubu’s chances in the imminent February presidential polls.
According to him, the APC candidate stands no chance of winning the election.
Mr Lawal has endorsed the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, although he is still a member of the APC.
He broke off with Mr Tinubu after the latter announced a Muslim as his running mate for the 2023 polls.
Mr Lawal and some other APC members had advocated for the appointment of a Northern Christian in order to balance the ticket. | Tinubu Said Campaigning In South-East 'Waste Of Time And Money' - Babachir Lawal | business | "During the convention, he didn't even allow us go the South-East," Mr Lawal said on Channels Television's Politics Today. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/07/04/pakistan-seeks-new-imf-bailout-loan/ | Pakistan asked for a new bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund in Islamabad, settling on an initial package of $5.3 billion following weeks of talks with a visiting IMF delegation.
The request marks a step forward for Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as he tries to find ways to fix the country’s finances and show his commitment to restructuring its economy.
But it also highlights a sense of urgency for Pakistan where the central bank has only about $6.25 billion left in reserves, enough to cover less than six weeks of imports.
Lodging a loan request is the first step in a potentially long process that will involve Pakistan committing to reforms, particularly on broadening its narrow tax base and cutting subsidies, which lenders say benefit mainly the rich.
Pakistan had originally asked for a $7.2 billion programme but settled on $5.3 billion after the talks.
Franks said he expected Pakistan to reach a budget deficit target of 6 per cent of gross domestic product as part of the three-year bailout loan programme, down from 8.8 per cent of GDP in 2012-2013.
The country has already once averted a balance of payments crisis in 2008 after securing an $11 billion IMF loan package. But the IMF suspended the programme in 2011 after economic and reform targets were missed.
Again, chronic gas and electricity shortages, violent crime and a Taliban insurgency have all hampered growth and contributed to falling foreign investment. The $230 billion economy grew 3.6 per cent in the last fiscal year, below a target of 4.3 per cent and well below growth rates of around 9 per cent seen 10 years ago.
Renewed anxiety over the nuclear-armed nation’s struggling economy is one of the many challenges facing its new government.
With reserves shrinking by around $500 million a month and many Pakistanis angry over unemployment as well as high food prices and crippling power cuts, Sharif is keen to be seen as decisive and capable of overhauling the economy.
Unemployment is officially at 6.3 per cent.
The new government has already made some steps towards reforms and has set an ambitious deficit target of 6.3 per cent of GDP for its 2013/14 although some analysts say it might be hard to meet.
It also plans a new energy policy to tackle power cuts, which frequently last 12 hours a day and have devastated the economy and fuelled unrest in parts of the country.
Islamabad already has a punishing schedule of repayments to the IMF from its previous loan agreement, which have put pressure on the rupee and raised concerns of a full-scale balance of payments crisis.
Conditions attached to a new IMF reform package could also prove unpopular, adding to concerns over stability at a time when Pakistan is already under pressure to contain a growing Islamist insurgency.
As the IMF wrapped up its talks in Islamabad, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-ridden vehicle into a checkpoint in the volatile North Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border, wounding three members of Pakistan’s security forces. | Pakistan Seeks New IMF Bailout Loan | politics | Pakistan asked for a new bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund in Islamabad, settling on an initial package of $5.3 billion following weeks of … Continue reading Pakistan Seeks New IMF Bailout Loan |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/08/16/apc-will-win-ondo-election-by-landslide-says-sanwo-olu/ | The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Ondo State governorship election and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is optimistic that the party will win the October 10 election by a landslide.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said APC’s confidence in the governorship election is further buoyed by the giant strides of Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in different areas of human endeavours during his first term in the State.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 104 members of the APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship election by the party’s Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee headed by Governor Mai Mala Buni at APC’s Secretariat in Abuja on Saturday.
He assured President Muhammadu Buhari and APC leadership that Ondo will remain within the fold of the All Progressives Congress.
In his acceptance speech, he pledged the commitment, passion and dedication of the National Campaign Council members to deliver Ondo State to APC come October 10.
“Today, our great party the All Progressives Congress has begun a march to another victory in Ondo State. I have described this journey as a repeat performance of what we did less than four years ago when the people of Ondo State filed out in their numbers to elect my brother and friend, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (Aketi) as their sixth executive governor. The only difference in this year’s experience is that our victory will be a landslide.
“Four years ago, the residents of Ondo State affirmed their belief in progressive governance and today, that belief, the validation of our party, the APC as an assemblage of well-spirited Nigerians who are poised to serve the humanity has yielded positive results with several achievements recorded by the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration.
“The need for us to do more and because we know that we can do more for the people is the reason why our party is confident of victory at the polls. The party’s confidence is further buoyed by the giant strides of Governor Akeredolu in different areas of human endeavours”, he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that: “Since APC-led Government of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was sworn in on the 24th February 2017, Ondo has moved from her hitherto parlous state and has returned to a trajectory of growth and development. This is a major feature of our party. We pride ourselves as harbinger of peace, progress and purposeful leadership wherever we have our foothold.
“Mr Chairman, let me assure you that the tasks you have given us will be approached with the highest sense of responsibility. We know that the people of Ondo State cannot afford to return to retrogressive life after experiencing progressive governance offered by the All Progressives Congress. Therefore, all the 104 members will roll up our sleeves and work hard for the victory that we truly and genuinely deserve.
“On behalf of members of the National Campaign Council, I hereby pledge our commitment, passion and dedication as we take up this national assignment to deliver Ondo State to the All Progressives Congress.”
Speaking on the task given to him to head the campaign council, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he is deeply honoured to be appointed as Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for the October 10 Governorship election in Ondo State.
He said it is humbling to lead a team of very experienced women and men who would be working with his other colleagues and stakeholders for APC to retain Ondo State in the coming election.
“This is a moment of personal honour for me, but also of deep personal responsibility. I do not take this lightly and I believe every member of this high-level committee feels the same way.
“I will like to thank our great party, APC, for giving us this great opportunity to serve at the national level. It is a rare privilege and we will not take it for granted. We also thank the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led National Convention Committee for believing in us to retain Ondo State for our party.
“We wish to send a message of assurance to the President, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) that Ondo will remain within the fold of the All Progressives Congress.
“On this note, I wish to invite all party faithful to join the committee to achieve this task that has been placed before us by the leadership of the party. I will end by saying we are on the march to victory in Ondo State.” | APC Will Win Ondo Election By Landslide, Says Sanwo-Olu | business | The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Ondo State governorship election and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, … Continue reading APC Will Win Ondo Election By Landslide, Says Sanwo-Olu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/09/04/nigeria-south-africa-recession-survey/ | Two of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa are likely to experience significant improvement following the rise from a slump in the second quarter, according to a Bloomberg survey.
The second quarter GDP figures of both countries are expected to be released on Tuesday and the Bloomberg survey shows Nigeria’s GDP likely grew 1.6 per cent from a year earlier after contracting for five straight quarters.
This is on the back of a recovery in oil production, solid agriculture growth and an improvement in foreign-currency liquidity.
On the other hand, South Africa’s economy is also likely to have expanded 2.3 per cent in the three months through June from the previous quarter.
South Africa and Nigeria together account almost half of sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP and their recoveries may boost trade and production across the region. | Nigeria, South Africa Could Be Out Of Recession – Survey | politics | Two of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa are likely to experience significant improvement following the rise from a... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/02/25/nnpc-not-seeking-1-5bn-loan-petroleum-minister-debunks-reports/ | The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke on Monday denied reports that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) planned to take a loan of $1.5 billion.
The Minister made the denial when she appeared before the House Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), Aids, Loans and Debt Management and Justice of the House of Representatives probing the proposed loan.
Mrs Allison-Madueke and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Andrew Yakubu in separate statements before the House Joint Committee claimed that the money in question was not a loan but a forward sales agreement between the Corporation and its trading partners in lieu of the Corporation’s indebtedness to them.
Some of the lawmakers present, however, did not accept the position put forward by the minister, insisting that the explanation given by the executive showed that it was indeed a loan.
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal said the proposed loan was not reflected in the 2013 budget that was presented to the National Assembly and that it was omitted from the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
Mr. Tambuwal made the statement while declaring open the public hearing on the said loan by the House Joint Committee.
He added: “The public hearing was in line with the resolve of the Seventh House to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians and also ensure the entrenchment of a policy that the citizenry could be proud of.”
While encouraging the Joint Investigative Committee to do a thorough work on the matter, the Speaker, who was represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Ishiaka Bawa, expressed optimism that the findings and recommendations of the panel would influence the direction and decisions of the House. | NNPC Not Seeking $1.5Bn Loan, Petroleum Minister Debunks Reports | politics | The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezini Allison-Madueke on Monday denied reports that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) planned to take a loan of $1.5 billion. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/09/06/symantec-warns-against-hackers-targeting-u-s-european-energy-sector/ | Advanced hackers have targeted United States and European energy companies in a cyber espionage campaign that has in some cases successfully broken into the core systems that control the companies’ operations, according to researchers at the security firm Symantec.
Malicious email campaigns have been used to gain entry into organizations in the United States, Turkey and Switzerland, and likely other countries well, Symantec said in a report published on Wednesday.
The cyber attacks, which began in late 2015 but increased in frequency in April of this year, are probably the work of a foreign government and bear the hallmarks of a hacking group known as Dragonfly, Eric Chien, a cyber security researcher at Symantec, said in an interview.
The research adds to concerns that industrial firms, including power providers and other utilities, are susceptible to cyber attacks that could be leveraged for destructive purposes in the event of a major geopolitical conflict.
In June the U.S. government warned industrial firms about a hacking campaign targeting the nuclear and energy sectors, saying in an alert seen by Reuters that hackers sent phishing emails to harvest credentials in order to gain access to targeted networks.
Chien said he believed that alert likely referenced the same campaign Symantec has been tracking.
He said dozens of companies had been targeted and that a handful of them, including in the United States, had been compromised on the operational level. That level of access meant that motivation was “the only step left” preventing “sabotage of the power grid,” Chien said.
However, other researchers cast some doubt on the findings.
While concerning, the attacks were “far from the level of being able to turn off the lights, so there’s no alarmism needed,” said Robert M. Lee, founder of U.S. critical infrastructure security firm Dragos Inc, who read the report.
Lee called the connection to Dragonfly “loose.”
Dragonfly was previously active from around to 2011 to 2014, when it appeared to go dormant after several cyber firms published research exposing its attacks. The group, also known as Energetic Bear or Koala, was widely believed by security experts to be tied to the Russian government.
Symantec did not name Russia in its report but noted that the attackers used code strings that were in Russian. Other code used French, Symantec said, suggesting the attackers may be attempting to make it more difficult to identify them. | Symantec Warns Against Hackers Targeting U.S., European Energy Sector | technology | Advanced hackers have targeted United States and European energy companies in a cyber espionage campaign that has in some cases |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/12/27/2019-elections-ezekwesili-takes-campaign-to-streets-of-anambra/ | Former education minister and presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, on Thursday, took her campaign to the streets of Onitsha, Anambra State.
There on the streets of Onitsha, Ezekwesili interacted with residents and urged them to vote her for president come 2019.
In videos uploaded to social media by Ezekwesili and her Party, the presidential hopeful could be heard telling the people to vote for good governance.
Ezekwesili told newsmen in Anambra that hers is a campaign with a difference.
She said her campaign is a “disruptive” campaign intended to reach the people at the very point of their need.
“A vote for Oby Ezekwesili is a vote for good governance, I am the candidate to beat in the 2019 election because I am the candidate with the requisite attributes that can transform Nigeria,” She said.
Below are photos and videos shared by Ezekwesili and the ACPN as the street campaign tagged “Walk of Women” held in Anambra state.
Madam @obyezeks takes to the streets of Onitsha, Anambra state today for her Walk of Women movement. Interested in joining her movement? Click here for information https://t.co/eMdTof8yrg #Wow pic.twitter.com/L2oyRNAicC
— RunObyRun (@RunObyRun) December 27, 2018
READ ALSO: If Nigeria’s System Was Working, Atiku Should Be In Jail – Buhari Campaign Team
Madam @obyezeks takes to the streets of Onitsha, Anambra state today for her Walk of Women movement. Interested in joining her movement? Click here for information https://t.co/TOl6xYE3PI #Wow pic.twitter.com/6Qqdth6Guu
— ACPN (@acpnhope) December 27, 2018
Walk of Women https://t.co/13ChmqX32A
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 27, 2018
Walk of Women!! Live in onitsha, Anambra https://t.co/sC9cubmPhy
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 27, 2018
Walk of women, Onitsha https://t.co/IvJCm20mNy
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 27, 2018 | 2019 Elections: Ezekwesili Takes Campaign To Streets Of Anambra | business | Presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has taken her 2019 campaign to the streets of Anambra. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/06/26/shell-to-build-3-5-billion-gas-plant-in-imo-state/ | In a bid to enhance federal government’s plan of increasing power generation and also develop the local content policy, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has concluded plans to build a $3.5 billion gas plant in Imo state.
The managing director of SPDC, Mr Mutiu Summonu disclosed this during a courtesy visit by top executives of the Dutch Oil Company, to the government house in Owerri the Imo state capital.
According to Mr Summonu, the gas plant will serve as a major supplier of gas to domestic market and generate gas to various power plants across the country as well as provide job opportunities for the unemployed.
Mr Summonu also noted that the gas plant will be situated in Assa north in Ohaji Egbema local government area of the state which is known for its richness in gas resources.
In his response, the governor of Imo state,Mr Rochas Okorocha expressed joy at the plan, noting that the gas plant aligns with the development plan of the government and he pledged that the state government will play a major role to ensure immediate commencement of the project.
He also assured all stakeholders of adequate security and good working relationship between the host communities and the oil company. | Shell to build $3.5 billion gas plant in Imo state | politics | In a bid to enhance federal government’s plan of increasing power generation and also develop the local content policy, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has … Continue reading Shell to build $3.5 billion gas plant in Imo state |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/09/25/keyamo-unveils-tinubu-shettima-podcast-ahead-of-campaign-kick-off/ | The chief spokesperson for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, has announced the launch of a podcast.
Former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections, and he has since picked a former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had set September 28 for the commencement of campaigns by various political parties fielding candidates in the coming polls.
Just a few days before the kick-off of the exercise, the minister shared a video of the first edition of the podcast tagged ‘BAT moment with Festus Keyamo’.
In the one-minute-eleven-seconds clip, he explained that the podcast would be a useful tool to debunk fallacies and set the tone in the build-up to the coming polls.
“Hello! My name is Festus Keyamo – Senior Advocate of Nigeria, fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom), Minister of State (Labour and Employment) Federal Republic of Nigeria, presently Director of Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council,” Keyamo introduced himself in the clip shared via his verified Twitter handle.
“Welcome to the first edition of a weekly podcast that I will bring to you as the chief image maker of this campaign, highlighting the issues, debunking the fallacies, and setting the tone for this campaign on weekly basis.
“Remember, our candidate is an easy candidate to sell; All you need to do is to look at his records and the records are there for everyone to see. Next week, we shall look at some of those records and the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Remember, it is not over until it is over. God bless you.”
A podcast is a recording of an audio discussion – usually a programme made available in digital format – on a specific topic such as politics, business, travel, or inspiration talks, that one can listen to on-or-offline. | Keyamo Unveils Tinubu-Shettima Podcast Ahead Of Campaign Kick-Off | business | The chief spokesperson for the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, has announced the launch of a podcast. Advertisement Former Lagos State governor, Bola … Continue reading Keyamo Unveils Tinubu-Shettima Podcast Ahead Of Campaign Kick-Off |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/11/27/i-will-increase-funds-for-arts-liberalise-acquisition-process-atiku-promises-creatives/ | Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday promised to increase funds for the arts and liberalise the process of its acquisition once elected in the forthcoming elections.
Atiku made the promise during a special roundtable discussion with Nigeria’s creative cultural and innovative industry stakeholders in Lagos.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening the country’s booming entertainment space and cultivating more unifying support in championing Nigeria’s creative expression.
The presidential candidate acknowledged that the creative industry was a vital industry capable of immense wealth creation and generating huge employment opportunities.
READ ALSO: I Will Name, Shame Oil Thieves, Atiku Tells Business Leaders
He said such an industry should not be toyed with as it had been identified as the second most important sector after agriculture.
“I commend the presentations so far, I understand your challenges which I am also facing because I own a television and radio station, I face the same problem of access to water and electricity as well as bad roads, so I want you to regard me as one of you.
“The way forward is to increase funds for the arts and liberalise the process of acquiring that fund, if you give me the opportunity, I will do it because it is essential.
“I reject direct CBN intervention and encourage the private sector to be part of this, government cannot develop all the funds needed.
“I look forward to a close collaboration with you on how we can develop the sector and exploit the potential, it is a multi-billion income-creating sector.
“If we work together, we can make it, I look forward to another meeting before the elections to agree on some modalities on how things will be done,” he said.
Atiku commended the patriotic zeal of the private practitioners in the creative sector in the face of numerous obstacles trying to hinder their progress.
Also, Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP vice presidential candidate, said all requests made by the practitioners in the creative sector would be properly articulated just as promised by Abubakar.
Mr Okowa disclosed that the newly built Film Village in Asaba would be launched by December.
He said there were plans to ensure that practitioners in the creative industry ran it, as the government would not be in the best position to do that.
He urged Nigerians to turn out en mass to vote during the forthcoming elections in February.
“There would be a new Nigeria if we work together to defend our land and take pride in it.
“We can make Nigeria work again through collaboration with the aim to rebuild the foundation,” he said.
Earlier, Efe Omorogbe, a Talent Manager and Music Executive, said the major challenge confronting the music industry was piracy and Nigerians’ unwillingness to pay music royalties.
He said less than 10 per cent of music consumers paid royalties which is not encouraging.
Omorogbe noted that it was high time politics and governance were balanced while the right people were engaged in leadership positions in the creative space.
According to him, the Nigerian music industry remains so huge but is yet to be properly tapped.
Ayo Animashaun, the executive producer of Hip TV, noted that the enabling environment for the creative industry must be created for businesses to thrive.
“We do not have the enabling environment to perform at the best capacity; this makes it so difficult to carry out major projects,” he said.
Kenneth Gyang, a filmmaker, said that if the industry must function optimally, the incoming president needed to create a national endowment fund for practitioners in the creative space just as practised in other climes.
Gyang noted that Nigerian filmmakers were supposed to be given the opportunity by the government to engage in co-productions and sign treaties with other countries.
“If fund is created for filmmakers, it will enable us to tell our stories as a country in the most dignifying way,” he said.
Chioma Ude, Founder, Africa International Film Festival, said there was a need to have more film festivals to showcase Nigerian and African creative content.
She said training and capacity building should be prioritised and upscaled.
“We should have exhibition platforms beyond the likes of Netflix and Amazon, we should have more film festivals to also woo tourists,” she said.
According to Agatha Amata, the entertainment industry is still a goldmine waiting to be tapped. We need to go digital, a lot of resources go into digital development since 2015 but it is unfortunate, we are still where we are.
Also, Francis Onoche, a filmmaker, said that serious attention should be drawn to the cultural policy of Nigerian films, which he described as amazing.
Onoche said that endowment funds for the arts should be revisited and provided.
He commended the efforts of former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, for the support of training, distribution, production and capacity building for filmmakers.
“We need you to support the true emergence of the creative sector in Nigeria,” he said. | I Will Increase Funds For Arts, Liberalise Acquisition Process, Atiku Promises Creatives | business | Advertisement Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday promised to increase funds for the arts and liberalise the process of … Continue reading I Will Increase Funds For Arts, Liberalise Acquisition Process, Atiku Promises Creatives |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/03/08/ipac-advocates-amendment-electoral-act/ | The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has advocated the need for amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act ahead of the 2019 general elections.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Mr Mohammed Nalabo, said this on Wednesday while addressing a news conference at the end of the Council’s general assembly meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Mr Nalabo noted that an amendment of the act would reduce the spate of inconclusive elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“IPAC is working assiduously with INEC to strengthen the capacity of political parties through voter education, sensitisation of members and the general public, to completely minimise inconclusive elections and promote level playing ground for all political parties.
“We commend INEC in its recent step to discipline erring staff that were allegedly involved in corrupt electoral malpractices.
“IPAC is calling on the constitutional and electoral committee to work assiduously with the National Assembly to ensure effective and prompt amendments of 2010 Electoral Act before the 2019 general elections.
“IPAC urges political parties to imbibe internal democracy in carrying out their activities; we are worried about the increasing leadership disagreement in some political parties.
“We urge leaders of the affected political parties to embrace dialogue and political solution to resolve their differences,” said the IPAC Chairman. | IPAC Advocates Amendment Of Electoral Act | business | The Inter-Party Advisory Council has advocated the need for the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act ahead of the 2019 general elections. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/12/05/buhari-apc-governors-meet-in-abuja/ | President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with All Progressives Congress (APC) governors at the presidential villa in Abuja.
The agenda of the meeting was not disclosed.
However, the National Chairman of the party Adams Oshiomole and the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were in attendance.
Governors who are present include those of Nasarawa, Lagos, Osun, Edo, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kaduna, Niger, Gombe among others. Some other governors are represented by their deputies.
At the end of the meeting, the governors declined to speak with journalists.
See more photos from the meeting below… | Buhari, APC Governors Meet In Abuja | business | President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with All Progressives Congress (APC) governors at the presidential villa in Abuja. Advertisement The agenda of the meeting was … Continue reading Buhari, APC Governors Meet In Abuja |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/05/02/facebooks-mobile-business-expands-in-first-quarter/ | Facebook Inc’s mobile advertising revenue growth gained momentum in the first three months of the year as the social network sold more ads to users on smartphones and tablets, partially offsetting higher spending which weighed on profits.
New types of ads designed for smartphones, particularly ads aimed at enticing Facebook users to install mobile apps on their phones, helped lift revenue while traffic to the social network remained strong.
The results reassured Wall Street that the world’s largest social network was keeping up with consumers’ shift from PCs to smartphones, even if the company provided few big surprises during the first quarter.
Mobile ad revenue accounted for 30 percent of Facebook’s ad revenue in the first quarter, compared to roughly 23 percent in the fourth quarter. Sales of ads on mobile devices have been a key element in the recovery of Facebook’s overall ad revenue from a sharp slowdown early last year.
The first-quarter mobile ad revenue was at the higher end of expectations, said Macquarie Research analyst Ben Schachter. But he said it “needed to be higher for people to get really excited about trend lines”.
Shares of Facebook, which are down roughly 12 percent since the end of January, were up 7 cents at $27.50 in after-hours trading on Wednesday.
“Everyone was focused on two things, one was mobile and how big it could be, and the other thing was engagement,” said Ronald Josey, an analyst with Jefferies & Co.
Facebook delivered solid results on both fronts, Josey said, noting that consumers’ use of Facebook does not appear to have declined despite a growing array of popular social networking and mobile messaging alternative services, such as Pinterest and WhatsApp.
Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s 28-year-old co-founder and chief executive, told investors on a conference call on Wednesday that there was room for Facebook and rival services to thrive. He said mobile photo-sharing service Instagram, which Facebook acquired last year, was now growing faster than Facebook did at a similar stage in its history.
Facebook said it now counted 1.11 billion monthly active users and about 665 million daily active users.
The company said the number of monthly users who logged on solely through mobile devices more than doubled to 189 million users from a year ago.
Graphic: link.reuters.com/ryp77t
NEW AD PRODUCTS
Created in a Harvard dorm room in 2004, Facebook, along with other established Internet companies such as Google Inc and Yahoo Inc, are moving to reposition their businesses for a world in which consumers’ primary Internet access occurs on small-screened smartphones rather than PCs.
Facebook has rolled out a string of big product launches and revamps in recent months, including an overhaul of its newsfeed and search feature, as well an app for Android smartphones that puts Facebook features front and center on phone homescreens.
The various initiatives have contributed to rising spending, with Facebook’s 60 percent year-on-year increase in costs and expenses outpacing the 38 percent revenue increase.
Facebook said it earned $219 million, or 9 cents a share, in the first three months of the year, compared to $205 million, or 9 cents a share, in the year-ago period.
Excluding certain items, Facebook said it earned 12 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S were looking for adjusted EPS of 13 cents.
Facebook executives reiterated previous guidance that spending would be up in 2013 as the company invests in new products and in improving the efficacy of its ads.
One nascent type of mobile advertising pioneered by Facebook — ads that encourage users to install third-party apps — could grow meaningfully, Zuckerberg said.
“We’re starting to see real revenue from mobile app installs,” Zuckerberg said, without giving details. “It’s one of our most important new ad products.”
Facebook’s revenue in the first quarter totaled $1.46 billion, versus $1.06 billion in the year-ago period, and roughly in line with analyst expectations. Advertising revenue was up 43 percent in the first quarter, the fastest growth rate since the end of 2011.
“You are seeing pretty strong revenue growth right now,” said Raymond James analyst Aaron Kessler. But he warned that the revenue growth could slow in coming quarters as Facebook faces tougher year-on-year comparisons. | Facebook's Mobile Business Expands In First Quarter | technology | Facebook Inc’s mobile advertising revenue growth gained momentum in the first three months of the year as the social network sold more ads to users … Continue reading Facebook’s Mobile Business Expands In First Quarter |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/12/28/2019-elections-apc-picks-tinubu-as-co-chairman-of-presidential-campaign-council/ | The All Progressives Congress, APC has selected Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to serve as Co-Chairman in its Presidential Campaign Council.
Tinubu is to join President Muhammadu Buhari who is the chairman, while the business tycoons, are to serve on the special advisory committee.
This latest development is according to a statement by the party released on Friday, December 28.
The APC in its statement, released the names of members of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections.
Below is the full list as published by the ruling party.
CHAIRMAN
President Muhammadu Buhari
CO-CHAIRMAN
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
DEPUTY CHAIRMEN
1. The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
2. The APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole
VICE CHAIRMAN NORTH
Senator George Akume
VICE CHAIRMAN SOUTH
Senator Ken Nnamani
DIRECTOR GENERAL
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (OPERATIONS)
Senator A.O. Mamora
DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (COORDINATION)
Arch. Waziri Bulama
SECRETARY
1. Adamu Adamu
2. Dele Alake
ZONAL DIRECTORS
a. North West: Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko
b. North East: Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume
c. North Central: Senator Abdullahi Adamu
d. South West: Sola Oke, SAN
e. South East: Sharon Ikeazor
f. South South: Senator Godswill Akpabio
DIRECTORATES
a. Director, Buhari Support Groups – Dr. Mahmoud Mohammed
b. Director, Strategic Communications – Festus Keyamo, SAN
a. Deputy Director- Abike Dabiri- Erewa
c. Director, Contact & Mobilization – Hadiza Bala Usman
a. Deputy Director South -Victor Eboigre
b. Deputy Director North- Senator Bashir Nalado
d. Director, Election Planning & Monitoring – Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
a. Deputy Director I- Baba Kura Abba Jato
b. Deputy Director II-Chief Emani Ayiri
e. Director, Logistics – Dr. Pius Odubu
a. Deputy Director- Senator Umanah Umanah
b. Deputy Director II- Nasiru Danu
f. Director, Policy Research & Strategy- Prof Abdulrahman Oba
a. Deputy Director- Prof. A.K. Usman
g. Director, Youth Mobilization- Hon. Tony Nwoye assisted by the APC Youth Leader sadiq
a. Deputy Director North- Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed
b. Deputy Director South – Jasper Azuatalam
h. Director, Admin- Onari Brown
a. Deputy Director I- Chris Hassan
b. Deputy Director II- Abubakar Magaji Gasau
i. Director, Women Mobilization- Woman Leader Salamatu Baiwa
a. Deputy Director North – Binta Mu’azu
b. Deputy Director South – Adejoke Orelope Adefulire
j. Director Security – Gen. A. . Dambazzau
a. Deputy Directors – Brigadier General Gambo and Mr. U. Ukoma
k. Director Legal – Emeka Ngige, SAN
a. Deputy Director- Prof. Maman Lawan Yusufari
l. Director Field Opertaions- Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
M. Director Finance – Wale Edun
Deputy Director ….Alhaji Adamu Fadan
SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MR. PRESIDENT
1. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
2. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
3. Senator Ahmed Lawan (Senate Leader)
4. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ( Leader of the House )
5. APC Party National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole
6. Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
7. Mr. Femi Otedola
COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Chief Bisi Akande
2. Chief John Oyegun
3. Senator Ita Enang
4. All APC serving Senators
5. All APC serving and former Governors
6. All APC Members of the House of Representatives
7. All members of the National Working Committee of the APC
8. All Zonal Women Leaders
STATE COORDINATORS
1. Governors are to serve as State Coordinators in their respective states
2. Gubernatorial Candidates in non- APC States will serve as State Coordinators in their respective states | APC Picks Tinubu As Co-Chair Of Buhari's Presidential Campaign Council | business | The All Progressives Congress has chosen Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be the co-chair of its Presidential Campaign Council. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/06/05/apc-to-screen-obaseki-ize-iyamu-four-others-for-edo-gov-primaries/ | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced six governorship aspirants to be screened for the party’s primary election to elect its governorship candidate in Edo State.
APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu disclosed this in a statement on Friday ahead of the June 22 party exercise.
He noted that the six aspirants have bought, completed, and submitted the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms.
They include Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Dr Pius Odubu, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Osaro Obazee, and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.
According to Issa-Onilu, the APC is committed to ensuring due diligence and transparency in the screening exercise and learning from its recent shocking experiences.
In a bid to avoid any lapses in the process, he said the party has made the submitted information and documents of the governorship aspirants available to its members and the public for verification of claims.
READ ALSO: Edo Politics: Court Adjourns Sitting On Suit Against Ize-Iyamu, Others
The party spokesman explained that this was also necessary to support the screening panel with information or any objection to the claims contained in the submission by the aspirants.
“Consequently, the various submissions will be displayed at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja and in Benin City, the Edo State capital from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June 2020 for claims and objections.
“We are inviting party members and indeed members of the public to assist the screening committee by scrutinising the information, credentials and documents provided by the governorship aspirants and availing the Screening Committee of counter and correct information, if applicable,” the statement read.
Issa-Onilu said the APC had released its timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2020 governorship primary elections in Edo State, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
He added that sales of nomination and expression of interest forms had taken place at the APC National Secretariat between May 20 and June 2, 2020.
The APC spokesman stated that the last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents was June 3, and publication of claims and objections would end on Tuesday next week before the screening of the aspirants on Wednesday and Thursday next week.
He noted that this would be followed by Screening Appeal on June 12 before the primary election and election appeal scheduled for June 22 and 24, respectively. | APC To Screen Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu, Four Others For Edo Gov. Primary Election | business | Advertisement The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced six governorship aspirants to be screened for the party’s primary election to elect its governorship … Continue reading APC To Screen Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu, Four Others For Edo Gov. Primary Election |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/05/31/melaye-tells-buhari-to-apologise-for-criticising-nass/ | The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to apologise for allegedly making disparaging statements against the integrity of the Parliament where he said some lawmakers have been in the National Assembly for 10 years without doing anything.
Senator Melaye during plenary on Thursday drew the attention of the Senate to the comments which he described as uncomplimentary language and has asked President Buhari to tender an apology to the National Assembly.
Senator Melaye also presented video evidence to the Senate showing where President Buhari made the statement when he met with members of his campaign organisation led by Comptroller of Nigerian Customs, Hameed Ali at the Aso Rock Villa.
Senator Melaye also questioned why the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali should be at the head of the campaign organisation of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He says the Nigeria Customs is a paramilitary organisation and argues that the position of Comptroller General is a rank which should be separated from politics.
The lawmaker said this was part of why he moved the motion earlier that the Comptroller of Customs should wear his uniform. | Melaye Asks Buhari To Apologise For 'Criticising' NASS | business | The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to apologise for allegedly making disparaging statements against the integrity of the Parliament when he said some lawmakers have been in the National Assembly for 10 years without doing anything. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/09/16/oil-prices-shoot-after-saudi-attack/ | Crude prices shoot higher, Wall Street sank into the red on Monday, after weekend drone attacks knocked out much of Saudi Arabia’s oil production.
The lower open threatened to break an eight-day winning streak for the benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average, with the major US stock indices just below fresh record highs.
Markets were also digesting a batch of poor economic data out of China and awaiting Wednesday’s Federal Reserve announcement on monetary policy.
READ ALSO: Border Closure To Remain Till Objectives Are Achieved – NSA
Ten minutes into the day’s trading, the Dow and broader S&P 500 were both down 0.4 percent at 27,112.32 and 2,996.52 respectively.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq was 0.5 percent lower at 8,139.64.
While the spike in oil prices — WTI benchmark crude was up a towering $5.32 at $60.17 per barrel — sent oil stocks higher, investors may fear more expensive oil could further slow an already waning global economy.
Oil supermajors Exxon Mobil and Chevron were up 2.6 percent and 2.7 percent respectively.
Fresh economic data on Monday showed activity in China slowed last month across the board, with the pace of industrial production, retail sales and investment in fixed assets all lower.
In the United States, automaker General Motors was down 2.9 percent after unionized autoworkers began a nationwide strike over disagreements on wages, health care benefits and job security.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to announced an interest rate cut on Wednesday, the second of the year, as the American economy slows with the rest of the world and President Donald Trump’s trade conflicts drag on.
AFP | Oil Prices Shoot After Saudi Drone Attack | politics | Advertisement Crude prices shoot higher, Wall Street sank into the red on Monday, after weekend drone attacks knocked out much of Saudi Arabia’s oil … Continue reading Oil Prices Shoot After Saudi Drone Attack |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/02/04/jonathan-pledges-support-to-new-kaduna-governor/ | The Federal Government has pledged to give all necessary support to the administration of Mukhtar Yero to enable him succeed in the administration of Kaduna state.
President Jonathan made the pledge today while playing host to the delegation of Kaduna state indigenes who were in the Presidential Villa to condole with him on the sad helicopter crash of the 15th of December which claimed the lives governor Patrick Yakowa and the former National Security Adviser, Andrew Azazi.
The president prayed that God will give the new governor the wisdom to govern the state.
He described Kaduna as the fulcrum of northern politics calling on the new governor to go beyond provision of democracy dividends to stabilising the politics of northern Nigeria. | Jonathan Pledges Support To New Kaduna Governor | business | The Federal Government has pledged to give all necessary support to the administration of Mukhtar Yero to enable him succeed in the administration of Kaduna state. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/13/yobe-govt-constitutes-minimum-wage-implementation-committee/ | Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has constituted a committee for the implementation of the N30, 000 new minimum wage for workers in the state.
The committee chaired by the Acting Head of Service, Muhammad B. Nura will work out modalities for the new salary increment.
READ ALSO: It’s Official! Nigerians To Pay 7.5 Percent Value Added Tax
Other members of the committee include representatives drawn from Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, and some ministries.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary Establishment in the office of the Head of Service will serve as the Secretary. | Yobe Govt Constitutes Minimum Wage Implementation Committee | politics | Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has constituted a committee for the implementation of the N30, 000 new minimum wage for workers in the … Continue reading Yobe Govt Constitutes Minimum Wage Implementation Committee |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/13/obis-visit-to-alaba-market-wasnt-planned-labour-party-chieftain/ | The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of Labour Party on Monday defended the recent campaign visit of its candidate Peter Obi to Alaba International Market in Lagos State.
“A day before this election [campaign rally in Lagos], there were [questions]: ‘are we going to shift it?’” Obi’s Special Adviser on Strategic Alliances, Valentine Ozigbo, said during a live appearance on The 2023 Verdict, a Channels Television programme.
“And landing, maybe the planning hadn’t been concluded. Alaba wasn’t even planned. Nobody was informed that he was coming and you saw that crowd. Imagine if they got a few days’ notice, a day’s notice that His Excellency was gonna come; he wouldn’t walk that street at all.”
In Ozigbo’s view, the important thing for Obi was seizing every opportunity to engage and reach out to Nigerians.
Asked if the prevalence of an Igbo community, the candidate’s kin, at the popular market formed part of the rationale for Obi’s visit, the campaign strategist argued otherwise.
“The reality is that what Peter Obi has demonstrated is total detribalisation in everything he has done,” he said. “He’s the only candidate that would go to even Igboland and say to everyone, ‘Do not vote for me because I’m an Igbo man.’”
Ozigbo challenged other prominent candidates to make similar declarations.
“I wish Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu [of All Progressives Congress] can go to the Yoruba and say, ‘Don’t vote for me because I’m Yoruba,'” he said.
“I wish Atiku Abubakar [of Peoples Democratic Party] can go to the North and say, ‘Don’t vote for me because I’m a northerner.’ The important thing here is to see the personality of Peter Obi.”
READ ALSO: 2023: INEC Has No Candidate, Says Yakubu
According to Ozigbo, the Labour Party presidential campaign is far from over. The campaign strategist explained that there are other stops ahead of the February 25 poll.
“[There are] a couple of Obas within Lagos he’s still going to see,” he said. “For Peter Obi, he goes everywhere; anywhere he has a crowd he can speak to and convince more people.” | Peter Obi's Visit To Alaba Market Wasn't Planned, Says Labour Party Chieftain | business | According to Ozigbo, the Labour Party presidential campaign is far from over. The campaign strategist explained that there are other stops ahead of the February 25 poll. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/12/06/imf-wrong-on-nigerias-economic-projections-budget-office/ | The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been wrong in its projections of the Nigerian economy in the last four years.
“In the last four years, IMF has got it wrong about our projections,” Akabueze said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday. “Our actual growth have always beat their projections.”
Akabueze spoke on the economic projections of the President Bola Tinubu government for 2024.
On November 29, 2023, the President presented his maiden budget estimates of N27.5trn for the year 2024 to the National Assembly (NASS).
According to the President, the economy is expected to grow by 3.76%, while “inflation is expected to moderate to 21.4 percent in 2024”.
“Budget deficit is projected at 18 trillion naira in 2024 or 3.88 percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” the President had added.
The President’s projection was at variance and “ambitious” to the prediction of IMF earlier in October. The Washington-based lender had projected that the country’s economy would grow at 3.1% in 2024.
However, the Budget Office boss said IMF’s projections “do not represent the holy grail on economic growth”, adding that the organisation “can’t get it right better than the people who have direct responsibility for managing their individual economies”.
Akabueze said the growth rate projected by the Tinubu government in its maiden budget “doesn’t even yet reflect the ambition of the government”, adding that the incumbent administration “wants to double the GDP before the end of the first term”.
He said the 2024 budget estimates awaiting approval at the National Assembly was “way too small” to Nigeria’s need but the government had to cut its coat according to its cloth.
The Budget Office director general insisted that despite the criticisms against the 2024 budget estimates, the appropriation bill caters for the poor in terms of healthcare, security, education and the economy. | IMF Wrong On Nigeria’s Economic Projections – Budget Office | politics | Ben Akabueze said projections by the Washington-based lender “do not represent the holy grail on economic growth”. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/06/02/atiku-receives-wike-at-his-abuja-residence/ | Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar has received Rivers State Governor at his residence in Abuja.
Mr Atiku had earlier met Wike in Abuja at the latter’s Abuja residence, hours after Atiku beat him to the party’s presidential ticket.
Mr Wike, after the initial meeting, proceeded to Rivers State, where he was greeted by his supporters.
READ ALSO: Atiku Gets Certificate Of Return, Says PDP Will Rescue Nigeria From APC ‘Misrule’
It appears Mr Wike then travelled to Abuja for the second meeting on Wednesday.
“It was a pleasure to receive His Excellency Nyesom Wike in the company of notable leaders and officials of our great party, the PDP, at my residence today,” Atiku said in a statement on Facebook.
“I am proud of the promises that this spirit of camaraderie holds for our party as a united front that guarantees victory in the next election to rescue the country.”
The PDP is currently shopping for a Vice Presidential candidate for Atiku and Mr Wike has been rumoured to be one of the favourites to fill the post. | Atiku Receives Wike At His Abuja Residence | business | Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar has received Rivers State Governor at his residence in Abuja. … Continue reading Atiku Receives Wike At His Abuja Residence |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/11/19/border-closure-inflation-to-moderate-in-three-months-says-emefiele/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele has said that the rise in inflation is temporary and will go down aggressively in another three to four months.
A report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showed inflation figures at a 17-month high, rise to 11.61% in October.
READ ALSO: FG To Regulate Internet Broadcast Content
Mr. Emefiele in an exclusive interview with Channels Television said that the attribution of the rise to border closure cannot be totally ruled out, but the benefits are more.
“Inflation goes up from 11.22 to 11.61 between September and October, and mainly it’s because of the border closure.
“I am not going to entirely disagree that yes, because of border closure that has resulted in some supply shortages because of goods that are being dumped into the country.
“Who are those benefitting, in as much as I don’t like the fact that prices went up momentarily from September and October, the beneficiaries are Nigerians and companies where we have seen a situation where people have jobs, farmers who produce poultry and those benefitting from import of cars legitimately.”
The CBN Governor expressed his displeasure at the inflationary pressure but was quick to assure that the trend will witness an immediate turnaround.
“In as much as I do not like the fact that the inflationary pressures are coming up right now, I’m also saying that it will moderate and very quickly, maximum of another 3 to 4 months aggressively downwards.” | Border Closure: Inflation To Moderate In Three Months, Says Emefiele | politics | Advertisement The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele has said that the rise in inflation is temporary and will go down aggressively … Continue reading Border Closure: Inflation To Moderate In Three Months, Says Emefiele |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/01/26/tech-trends-securing-your-bank-verification-number-bvn/ | This edition of Tech Trends shares a few tips on how to keep your BVN safe and secure.
This remains an important issue because experts have often said that each problem solved with a technology marks the beginning of a new challenge.
This new BVN challenge requires that regulators, security agents and individuals stay vigilant.
The video reveals one of the tricks used by fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting bank customers and how to avoid falling prey to their antics. | Tech Trends: Securing Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) | technology | This edition of Tech Trends shares a few tips on how to keep your BVN safe and secure. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/10/04/lagos-election-tribunal-declares-obanikoro-winner-of-ikoyiobalende-lcda/ | The Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal on Thursday declared the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in last year’s local council polls, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, as the duly elected Chairman of the Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The state Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal nullified the declaration of the candidate of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Adewale Adeniji, as winner of the election in the LCDA where the party’s national leader and former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, resides and declared Mr Obanikoro the duly elected chairman for the area.
The five-man tribunal held that Mr Obanikoro, son of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro won with 3,780 votes as against Mr Adeniji who scored 3,248 votes.
Justice Ojo, who read the judgment on behalf of the other members of the panel said that the respondents, the ACN and Mr Adeniji, “failed to rebut the burden of proof that was shifted on them by the quantum of evidence provided by the petitioners.”
He said: “Section 11(2) of the Local Government Elections Petitions Tribunal Law 2011 empowers this tribunal to nullify any election that does not comply with the laid down regulations.
“The petitioners have been able to discharge the burden of proof vested on them as regards to the collation of the results.
“It transferred the onus to the respondents who did not tender any LASIEC Form 9A, which is the first stage of any election.
“The petitioners have shown that the non-collation of the results at the units and ward levels substantially affected the outcome of the result declared by LASIEC.”
“We order LASIEC to issue a certificate of return to the petitioner with immediate effect having won the disputed election.
“We are also awarding N100, 000 as cost in favour of the petitioner,” the tribunal ordered.
According to the judge, the petitioner’s case was that there was no collation of results after elections had been held and this was undisputed by the Respondents.
The tribunal therefore concluded that it had the power to collate the results via the valid votes as entered into the appropriate LASIEC FORM 9A which is the only form acceptable for chairmanship results for local government elections in Lagos and the petitioners had brought same before the tribunal.
The judgment is coming about 11 months after the PDP and Mr Ibrahim Obanikoro filed the petition. | Tribunal affirms PDP's Obanikoro winner of Tinubu's LGA | business | The Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal has declared the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last local council polls, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, as the winner of the Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA elections of October 22, 2011. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/09/19/cbn-seeks-cooperation-of-state-governors-in-revamping-economy/ | The Central Bank is seeking the cooperation of state governors in revamping the nations economy which has been described as fragile owing to the increasing numbers of unemployment and growing population.
speaking at a meeting with some state governors in Abuja,the governor of the apex bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele explains that addressing the twin problem of unemployment and population explosion can only be achieved through more investment in the nation’s agricultural sector.
READ ALSO: Lawmakers Ask CBN To Suspend New Charges On Transaction
Mr Emefiele appealed to the governors to key into CBN’s policy which is aimed at revamping the agricultural sector through the ten commodities of rice,maize, tomatoes, cotton,cassava,cocoa,palm oil,sorghum,millet yam rubber and the diary sector.
On their part, the governors pledged their support towards making the policy a reality. | CBN Seeks Cooperation Of State Governors In Revamping Economy | politics | The Central Bank is seeking the cooperation of state governors in revamping the nations economy which has been described as fragile owing to the … Continue reading CBN Seeks Cooperation Of State Governors In Revamping Economy |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/04/15/congolese-mining-taxes-short-of-88m-transparency-intl/ | [highlight]Tax authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo have failed to account for $88 million in revenue from the booming mining sector, according to a representative of a global anti-corruption campaign.[/highlight]
Congo has attracted international firms including Freeport-McMoRan, Glencore and Randgold to mine its rich copper, cobalt and gold deposits, but remains one of the most corrupt countries on earth.
The missing funds date from 2010 and tax bodies should have paid them into the central bank, said Mack Dumba Jeremy, national coordinator in Congo for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
But he said the DGRAD tax agency had been unable to prove that the payment was made. Attempts to find the money had been going on since January, said Jeremy, who stopped short of accusing the authorities of corruption.
“DGRAD must prove that the money actually arrived in the public treasury in 2010. If they can’t then the executive committee of EITI will go to the courts in order to launch an inquiry into the whereabouts of this $88 million,” Jeremy said.
EITI is an international initiative which aims to improve transparency in resource-rich countries by tallying up the amount paid by companies and how much governments say they receive.
Congo is currently a candidate to become a full member of EITI although it is unclear whether it will meet the standards required.
No one from DGRAD or the government was immediately available for comment. Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo has repeatedly promised to tackle corruption.
Matata Ponyo survived a challenge to his authority on Monday after more than 40 legislators who had previously signed a motion of censure against him withdrew their signatures.
Attempts were made by the scuppered opposition to force a vote of no confidence in the government for various alleged failings, including mismanagement of government funds.
Watchdog Transparency International ranks Congo 160th out of 176 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2012, with a score of just 21 out of 100. | Congolese Mining Taxes Short Of $88M-- Transparency Int'l | politics | [highlight]Tax authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo have failed to account for $88 million in revenue from the booming mining sector, according to a representative … Continue reading Congolese Mining Taxes Short Of $88M– Transparency Int’l |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/01/25/niger-delta-will-benefit-from-our-resource-control-agenda-atiku/ | Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday said if voted into office, his administration would change the security architecture in the country and grow the economy.
He gave the assurance at the party’s Presidential Campaign in Delta held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Atiku said that between 1999 and 2015, PDP grew Nigeria’s economy and made it the largest in Africa, but that the All Progressives Congress (APC) destroyed it with its inept leadership.
He said that with adequate security and right economic policies, a PDP administration led by him would attract Foreign Direct Investment that would grow the nation’s economy, adding that the security of the country was paramount because no nation could develop without security.
The PDP flagbearer told Deltans that the team was not in the state to campaign, saying “we are here to show our gratitude and appreciation to say that we are with you in all respects because of the support we have received from you from 1999 to date.
READ ALSO: How Atiku Will Beat Obi, Tinubu To Become President Of Nigeria – Dele Momodu
“All through my political journey, Delta state has always supported me and I want to promise you that I shall not betray the trust of Delta and the entire Niger Delta.
“That is why in my modest appreciation, I chose one of you as my vice presidential candidate and you know that a running mate is always a stepping stone.
“Therefore it is up to you to show your support by giving Governor Okowa the massive support to enable us to rescue and rebuild our dear country.”
On his policy document, the PDP Presidential flag bearer stated that his administration would pay attention to developing the education sector, and promised that under his watch, strikes by members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would be eradicated.
“The Niger Delta and other parts of the country will benefit from our resource control and restructuring agenda because it is our intention to devolve more powers to the states and local governments to tackle peculiar challenges facing the people.
“The APC government has disunited Nigeria in all aspects and it is our commitment to restore the unity of this country by ensuring that every part of this country has a sense of belonging.
“You must believe in PDP because as a party we built the biggest economy in Africa until the APC came and destroyed it in 2015.
“Why vote for the same party that has suffered us in the last seven years plus? Let us vote them out to unite and rebuild our country again,” he said.
The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the party and Governor of Delta, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, said that Atiku knew how to address the socio-economic challenges bedeviling the country and urged the people to vote for the party.
According to him, we all know that the APC-led Federal Government brought poverty to the nation; they destroyed our economy to the extent that Nigerians are now hungry, without food to eat.
“How can a bag of rice be sold for almost N50, 000? It is only Atiku that can solve the problems in the country because when the PDP took over the reins of power in 1999, Atiku and Obasanjo were able to restore the nation’s lost glory.
“Atiku has assured Nigerians that he will revive the economy of the country and reposition it for optimum productivity in all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“For over 20 years, Atiku has been advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria where states and local governments will get more money that will stimulate growth and development and this is what we want in the Niger Delta.
“Atiku has also promised that his administration, if elected, will put in place a constitutional framework that will enable states to have State Police so as to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.
“Atiku is an experienced politician that has the capacity and pedigree to reset the country and I call on all eligible voters in the state to ensure that they have their PVCs to enable them vote in the forthcoming general elections,” Okowa stated.
National Chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, on his part, congratulated Deltans for the choice of Okowa as Vice-Presidential Candidate and lauded previous governors of the state for their contributions to the growth and development of the state.
He called on sons and daughters of the state to vote massively for all PDP candidates in the general elections.
The rally was attended by former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki; Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa.
Earlier, Atiku Abubakar had held a meeting with traditional rulers in Delta, at their Secretariat in Asaba, and assured that if elected, he would ensure that clear constitutional roles were given to monarchs in the country. | Niger Delta Will Benefit From Our Resource Control Agenda – Atiku | business | Atiku assured those present that his government will attract a lot of foreign investors. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/11/15/name-achievements-in-the-north-pdp-challenges-apc/ | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress (APC) to name any key development project their administration has initiated and completed in any part of the country, especially in the north.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated this while receiving coalition of youth groups from Katsina, at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, in a bid to show their support to the opposition party.
“President Buhari cannot boast of any development project initiated and implemented by his administration.
“At the time the PDP handed over power to President Buhari, our economy was one of the fastest growing in the world; Nigerians had access to the basic economic empowerment, the private sector thrived; businesses were booming, foreign investors flooded our country, public servants were given a sense of belonging and purchasing power of citizens was high.
“Today, under Buhari’s anti-people administration, all the gains achieved by the PDP have been reversed. Over 30 million Nigerians have lost their jobs and there is serious stress on families.
“The question you must ask President Buhari is, what value has his administration added to the life of Nigerians, who voted for him in 2015.
The party, therefore, urged all Nigerians to remain steadfast in rallying behind its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the collective quest to rescue the nation.
Speaking, the leader of the group, Abubakar Shehu, said Nigerian youths are completely disenchanted with President Buhari, calling on the PDP and Atiku Abubakar to find a solution.
He assured the party of the support of youths in Katsina state come 2019 Presidential election. | Name Achievements In The North, PDP Challenges APC | business | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the All Progressive Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari to name any key development project their administration has initiated and completed in any part of the country, especially in the north. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/04/08/analysts-forecast-march-inflation-at-16-4/ | Nigeria’s headline inflation for the month of March is expected to fall for the second time in 2017, to 16.4 per cent.
This is according to Lagos-based financial and economic research firm, Financial Derivatives Company.
Earlier in the week, the purchasing manager’s index of the Central Bank, and FBN quest, revealed a modest increase in domestic manufacturing in March, indicating that Nigeria is gradually climbing out of recession.
The National Bureau of Statistics is expected to release the official March inflation data next week. | Analysts Forecast March Inflation At 16.4% | politics | Nigeria’s headline inflation for the month of March is expected to fall for the second time in 2017, to 16.4 per cent. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/10/21/ngige-obiano-engage-in-unscheduled-popularity-contest/ | A dramatic scenario played out on Sunday between the governorship flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, senator Chris Ngige and his opponent, Mr Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
Both had attended a church service in Onitsha, where cheers from the congregation later turned out to be what could be described as a test of popularity for both candidates.
The Onitsha prison was the first place of call for Senator Ngige, whose arrival was greeted with loud cheers from inmates. On his part, Governor Obi had arrived earlier for the mass to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of the Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, the archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese.
As the programme proceeded, Senator Ngige stepped out to receive the priest’s blessings, which attracted more cheers from the congregation.
On leaving the prison, Ngige visited Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Nkpor Agu, where he was bestowed with the title, honour of light bearer.
However, the big test of popularity was witnessed at the Pastoral visit of the Archbishop of Onitsha to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish, Fegge.
The APGA governorship flag bearer, his wife, the wife of governor Obi and the national chairman of the party, were seated at one end of the auditorium while APC’s candidate, Ngige and his supporters were at another end.
At a point, the offertory song turned into political chants and Ngige was said to have received more cheers from residents and church members outside the auditorium.
Both Ngige and Obiano are contesting in the Anambra governorship election, which is to hold on November 16. | Ngige, Obiano Engage In Unscheduled Popularity Contest | business | A dramatic scenario played out on Sunday between the governorship flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, senator Chris Ngige and his opponent, Mr Willie … Continue reading Ngige, Obiano Engage In Unscheduled Popularity Contest |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/04/08/obaseki-picks-38-year-old-omobayo-as-deputy-inauguration-set-for-today/ | Governor Godwin of Edo State has picked 37-year-old Omobayo Godwins as his deputy, hours after the impeachment of Philip Shaibu.
Omobayo’s inauguration is also set to take place on Monday at the Edo State Government House in Benin City.
Already, friends and well-wishers have gathered at the inauguration venue for the swearing-in ceremony.
Born July 19, 1986, Omobayo hails from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state.
Guests arrive at the festival hall of the Edo government house for the swearing-in ceremony of the New Deputy Governor, 38-year-old Omobayo Marvellous Godwins pic.twitter.com/1322C3i4uO
— Channels Television (@channelstv) April 8, 2024
READ ALSO: Edo House Of Assembly Impeaches Philip Shaibu
Omobayo Godwin’s Profile
The 37-year-old has a B.Eng Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and an MSc in Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), preparing for the role of a professional and an expert in public administration.
He is a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
Before his new appointment, he served as a Senior Maintenance Engineer at Dresser Wayne West Africa Limited, cutting his professional teeth in the operations in the South-South area, providing top-notch services and growing the business in the region.
He has also been active in politics in his local government, building bridges of trust with the people and mobilising them for common causes, and breaking political barriers to the chagrin of his opponents. | Obaseki Picks 37-Year-Old Omobayo As Deputy, Inauguration Set For Today | business | His nomination comes hours after Philip Shaibu's impeachment by the House of Assembly as the Edo State deputy governor. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/11/04/nigerian-democracy-most-expensive-in-the-world-babanawa/ | Nigerian democracy has been described as the most expensive in the world, in view of the overhead cost of governance and its lack of corresponding development in the country.
Former Gubernatorial Candidate of Movement for Restoration of Democracy and Development (MRDD), Retired Colonel Suleiman Babanawa said this at the commemoration of the 10th year anniversary of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Kogi State Chapter in Lokoja the state capital.
He was the Guest Speaker at the event where he presented a paper on Nigerian Democracy to an audience that had members of the CNPP from the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) executives, commissioners and special advisers, as well as the traditional head of Lokoja.
In his paper, he reiterated that democracy still remained the best form of government for Nigeria while a military system of government is an aberration. He however advised that the legislative arms of government should be made less attractive and should be on part time basis, adding that the huge amount used for salary of the legislators could be used for other developmental projects.
The CNPP Chairman, Mr Abubakar Aliu stated that the CNPP in the last ten years in the state has fared well on his role as umbrella body for political parties, adding that it has provided peace in the state for a touted fledgling democracy. He also stated that at critical moments they have subjected the government to listening to dispassionate and unbiased analyses.
The Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada who was represented by the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Abdulmumuni Usman was later honoured with the Grand Patron of the CNPP. Also honoured was a traffic controller whom the CNPP said has been very dedicated to his work.
In a separate interview, Retired Colonel Babanawa pointed out that there was no basis talking about National Conference; rather the country should be speaking about a National Conference on corruption and how to develop the country. He stressed that insecurity and insurgency are the major threats to democracy, advising that Nigerians should emphasize the ideology of leadership and not the ideology of politics. | Nigerian Democracy Most Expensive In The World - Babanawa | business | Nigerian democracy has been described as the most expensive in the world, in view of the overhead cost of governance and its lack of corresponding … Continue reading Nigerian Democracy Most Expensive In The World – Babanawa |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/11/11/ondo-elections-akeredolu-promises-to-focus-on-road-rehabilitation/ | The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, has promised to focus on rehabilitating roads in rural areas, if he is elected.
While visiting some communities including Ajegunle, Laje, Orisumbare, Satiday, Ajebambo in Ondo West one and two, on the second day of his campaign, Mr Akeredolu assured the people of better living conditions.
He also promised to create more local government areas to bring development closer to the people.
Akeredolu has in previous times expressed confidence that irrespective of the current challenges of the party, the APC would form the next government in the state.
The APC governorship candidate had also made a mockery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying he would defeat the party’s factional candidates if put together in the polls.
Also, the National Chairman of the APC, Mr John Oyegun, had asked members of his party in Ondo State to mobilise for the governorship candidate of the party, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in the November 26 election in Ondo State.
He had opined that wrestling power out of the hand of the current government was not an easy task.
He then urged supporters saying: “for the APC to win the poll, dedication and hard work are major requirements needed from its members”. | Ondo Elections: Akeredolu Promises To Focus On Road Rehabilitation | business | The APC governorship candidate in Ondo state Rotimi Akeredolu, is promising to focus on rehabilitating roads in rural areas, if elected. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/12/27/fg-to-offer-124bn-treasury-bills/ | The federal government plans to issue 124.84 billion naira worth of treasury bills on Thursday, January 5, 2017.
The bills will have maturities ranging from three months to one year.
The Central Bank of Nigeria will offer 28 billion naira in the 91 day bill, 42 billion naira in the 182 day bill and 55.84 billion naira in the 364 day bill, using the Dutch auction system.
In a notice to dealers, the CBN expects all market dealers to submit bids on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. | FG To Offer 124bn Treasury Bills | politics | The federal government plans to issue 124.84 billion naira worth of treasury bills on Thursday, January 5, 2017. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/03/26/nigeria-signs-10-billion-mou-with-general-electric-for-power-generation/ | A $10 billion agreement was signed by the federal government and General Electric (GE) in London over the weekend which will provide for the construction of series of power plants in the country. The federal government was represented by the Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji.
Professor Nnaji explained that under the MoU the American foremost energy company will now be an equity participant in the nation’s power generation rather than just supply of materials that obtain before.
According to him, “in the past, GE only supplies the equipment but now, they will be investing 10 to 15 percent in equity for every single project and the government will match them in such investment while the private sector will bring the balance.”
The Minister also says the government would tap a small percentage of the national pension fund to finance some of the power projects.
Nnaji explained further that infrastructure, including road tolls and transmission lines, were guaranteed income earners, because charges accruing from them can fund the borrowed money from the pension fund.
He however added that there are not many projects that are more secure than the power plants, saying “investment in the power sector is constant because people must buy electricity, while government provides the guarantee.”
Nigeria signed a similar MoU with GE in 2009, but the Minister noted that the new arrangement is more detailed and more specific. | Nigeria signs $10 billion MoU with General Electric for power generation | politics | A $10 billion agreement was signed by the federal government and General Electric (GE) in London over the weekend which will provide for the construction … Continue reading Nigeria signs $10 billion MoU with General Electric for power generation |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/03/03/2023-elections-atiku-obi-seek-courts-permission-to-inspect-electoral-materials/ | The presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi have asked the Presidential Election Court (PEC) in Abuja to allow them to inspect materials used for the February 25 election.
Their request is contained in two ex-parte motions they filed at the PEC secretariat at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
Both motions, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and two others as respondents, have been listed for hearing on Friday.
While Atiku filed his own on March 1, Obi’s motion was filed the next day.
READ ALSO: We Are Prepared To Meet Your Challenge, Tinubu Campaign Tells Atiku | 2023 Elections: Atiku, Obi Seek Court’s Permission To Inspect Electoral Materials | business | While Atiku filed his own on March 1, Obi’s motion was filed the next day. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/01/14/northern-elders-forum-backs-buhari-says-will-eliminate-boko-haram/ | Ahead of next month’s presidential election in Nigeria, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has pledged its support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, on grounds that he possesses a better credentials to tackle the current security challenges in the country than his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent and the incumbent President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
The forum led by former Nigeria’s permanent representative in the United Nations, Mr Maitama Sule, appealed to Nigerians to vote for Buhari in the presidential election.
Addressing a news conference in Kaduna on Wednesday, spokesman for the forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, said the forum’s support for Buhari as well as the huge support the former Head of State enjoyed from millions of Nigerians were based on the belief that “he has the capacity to eliminate corruption and transform the nation’s economy”.
The forum also raised alarm over an alleged move by a group of politicians to install an Interim National Government in order to stop the forthcoming elections, and therefore warned that Nigerians from all works of life will reject such moves.
The Northern Elders while requesting that President Jonathan provides the necessary enabling environment for the conduct of credible polls, also expressed worries with the mode of campaign of blackmail and violence being adopted by politicians and their parties. The also condemned the rising cases of deadly attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the north-east, and however called on the military to intensify efforts in recapturing areas lost to the sect members in order to ensure that indigenes of those places would be adequately protected during and after the election.
Other issues raised by the forum include poor distribution of Permanent Voters Cards by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the likelihood that Internally Displaced Persons in the north-east may not vote in the election. The group, however, urged the electoral body to ensure that the voting rights of the displaced persons were upheld. | Northern Elders Forum Backs Buhari, Says He Will Eliminate Boko Haram | business | Ahead of next month's presidential election, the Northern Elders Forum(NEF) has thrown its support to presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress(APC) General Muhammadu Buhari, on grounds that he possesses a better credentials to tackle the current security challenges in the country than his Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) opponent, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/05/27/inec-challenges-parties-to-conduct-proper-primaries/ | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged political parties to conduct credible primaries for the nomination of candidates in a bid to strengthen the electoral jurisprudence in the country.
This is according to the electoral umpire’s Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the presentation of certificate of return to Governor-elect, deputy Governor-elect, Senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect from Zamfara state on Monday.
He added that a total of 64 certificates of return had been withdrawn and issued to persons declared winners by courts of law, and the commission is still studying nine more judgments.
Below is a statement by the INEC Chairman at the event:
REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), PROFESSOR MAHMOOD YAKUBU, ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF RETURN TO GOVERNOR-ELECT, DEPUTY GOVERNOR-ELECT, SENATORS-ELECT AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-ELECT FROM ZAMFARA STATE HELD AT INEC ELECTORAL INSTITUTE, ABUJA, ON MONDAY 27TH MAY 2019
- I welcome you all on behalf of the Commission to this occasion. The presentation of certificates of return to winners of any election conducted by INEC is a statutory responsibility required of the Commission under Sec. 75 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). In compliance with the judgement of the Supreme Court, twelve certificates of return will be presented at this occasion to the Governor-elect, Deputy Governor-elect, three Senators-elect and seven Members of the House of Representatives-elect. On Friday this week, twenty-four certificates will be presented in Gusau to winners of the State Assembly elections.
- I want to reiterate the importance of conducting proper primaries before elections in order to reduce the spate of litigation associated with them. At the moment, there are 809 pre-election cases pending in various courts across the country challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties for the 2019 general elections. This is clearly more than the total number of petitions currently before the various election petition tribunals nationwide challenging the outcome of the main elections. In our last update, the Commission reported that 25 certificates of return had been withdrawn and issued to persons declared winners by courts of law. Since then, three more certificates have been withdrawn by court order. With the Zamfara case, the figure has now risen to 64. In addition, the Commission is studying nine more judgements we were served in the last one week in which primary elections conducted by different political parties were upturned by the courts.
- The Zamfara example is not the first pre-election case determined by the Supreme Court arising from the recent party primaries. Earlier, the apex court had determined the case of Lere Federal Constituency in Kaduna State which the Commission had already complied with and issued the certificate of return to the winner. It is therefore important to continue to emphasise to our political parties their obligation to conduct credible primaries for the nomination of candidates. Our democracy in particular and electoral process in general can never be virile unless political parties rise to the challenge of internal party democracy. It is in this context that the latest judgements of the Supreme Court are crucial steps in strengthening our electoral jurisprudence. Going forward, we will not accept the submission of names of candidates by political parties under Sec. 31of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) unless there is evidence, monitored by the Commission, of compliance with the provision of Sec. 87 of the Act. Party members interested in contesting elections start as aspirants before they emerge as candidates through the democratic process of direct or indirect primaries enshrined in Sec. 87 of the Electoral Act. It is only after they comply with this requirement of the law can their names be submitted to INEC under Sec. 31. We shall continue to work with the political parties to ensure strict compliance.
- Let me once again remind political parties that we have exactly 171 days to the Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections scheduled for 16 November 2019. Party primaries are scheduled to be conducted between 2ndand 29thAugust 2019. Let us make the two elections shining examples of internal democracy by the way the political parties conduct their primary elections. This will no doubt have a positive impact on the conduct of the proper elections.
- Once again, I welcome you all to this occasion and remind the winners that there is a lot of work ahead of us in order to consolidate our democracy and serve Nigerians better.
- Thank you and God bless. | INEC Challenges Parties To Conduct Proper Primaries | business | Advertisement The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged political parties to conduct credible primaries for the nomination of candidates in a bid to … Continue reading INEC Challenges Parties To Conduct Proper Primaries |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/09/29/breaking-tribunal-upholds-sheriffs-election-as-delta-gov-dismisses-omo-ageges-petition/ | The Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 election.
The three-member tribunal headed by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu dismissed the petition filed by former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The tribunal held that the petition contained unsubstantiated allegations, noting that it was devoid of merit and speculative.
READ ALSO: Ebonyi Gov Was Our Member, Paid March Dues While Contesting Under APC – PDP Chieftain
Omo-Agege who came second in the March 18 election challenged the declaration of Oborevwori as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The delivery of judgments was ongoing in the cases between Labour Party (LP) vs PDP and Social Democratic Party (SDP) vs PDP, as of the time of filing this report. | Tribunal Upholds Oborevwori's Election As Delta Gov, Dismisses Omo-Agege's Petition | business | Omo-Agege challenged the declaration of Oborevwori as winner of the March 18 election by INEC after coming second. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/11/07/senate-approves-nddc-n315-8b-2013-budget/ | The Senate has approved the sum N315.8 billion as the 2013 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The law makers approved N14.9 billion for personnel expenditure and N9.04 billion for overhead cost while the total estimated capital expenditure is put at N2.4 billion and N289.5 billion is for project development expenditure.
The budget estimate is to take effect from April 1st to March 31st, 2014.
However, the Deputy Senate President, who presided over the session warned against late submission of budget by government agencies. | Senate Approves NDDC N315.8b 2013 Budget | politics | The Senate has approved the sum N315.8 billion as the 2013 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The law makers approved N14.9 billion … Continue reading Senate Approves NDDC N315.8b 2013 Budget |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/01/09/security-patches-slowing-down-pcs-servers-microsoft/ | Microsoft Corp said on Tuesday the patches released to guard against Meltdown and Spectre security threats slowed down some personal computers and servers, with systems running on older Intel Corp processors seeing a noticeable decrease in performance.
The security updates also froze some computers running AMD chipsets, Microsoft said in a blog post, citing customer complaints.
“We (and others in the industry) had learned of this vulnerability under nondisclosure agreement several months ago and immediately began developing engineering mitigations and updating our cloud infrastructure,” Microsoft executive Terry Myerson wrote in a blog. (bit.ly/2mj6f3Q)
Meltdown and Spectre are two memory corruption flaws that could allow hackers to bypass operating systems and other security software to steal passwords or encryption keys on most types of computers, phones and cloud-based servers.
Intel said last week that fixes for security issues in its microchips would not slow down computers, rebuffing concerns that the flaws would significantly reduce performance.
Rival AMD had also played down the threat, saying its products were at “zero risk” from the Meltdown flaw, but that one variant of the Spectre bug could be resolved by software updates from vendors such as Microsoft. | Security Patches Slowing Down Pcs, Servers - Microsoft | technology | Microsoft Corp said on Tuesday the patches released to guard against Meltdown and Spectre security threats slowed down some personal computers |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/06/01/no-third-term-agenda-elections-will-hold-buhari/ | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday suggested his administration has no third term agenda and will do its best to ensure elections hold across the country despite increasing violence.
The President made the comment after receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu and other electoral commissioners at the State House in Abuja.
INEC facilities across the country have recently come under attack.
In the last four weeks, 11 offices of the commission have been either set ablaze or vandalized, according to INEC chief, Professor Yakubu.
I receive daily security reports on the attacks on critical national infrastructure, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail. Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We’ve given them enough time.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) June 1, 2021
“I received a briefing today from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on the series of attacks on their facilities nationwide,” Buhari said.
“These attacks are totally unacceptable, and we will not allow those behind them to achieve their evil objectives.
“I have assured INEC that we will make available to them everything they need to operate efficiently, so that no one will say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We will meet all of INEC’s demands.” | No Third Term Agenda, Elections Will Hold - Buhari | business | President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday suggested his administration has no third term agenda and will do its best to ensure elections hold across the … Continue reading No Third Term Agenda, Elections Will Hold – Buhari |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/03/26/rivers-rep-member-declares-support-for-fubara/ | A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Boniface Emerengwa, has declared support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, denouncing his long-standing political alliance with former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Emerengwa who represents Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency made the declaration during a visit to Governor Fubara in Port Harcourt on Monday evening.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the federal lawmaker condemned the struggle by some politicians to be recognised as leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the political leaders of the state instead of the governor even when the party and the nation’s constitution explicitly bestowed such roles on elected governors.
Emerengwa who was first elected in 2015 also commended the achievements of Governor Fubara in the state, saying that he deserves the support of the people to grow the state.
Governor Fubara, while accepting the pledge of loyalty from the federal lawmaker, said that his government will never be distracted from delivering on its promises to Rivers people.
READ ALSO: More Wike Supporters Collapse Structure For Fubara
His decision brings to five the number of House of Representatives members openly supporting Governor Fubara out of the 13 members in the green chambers from the state.
Other lawmakers in the House of Representatives who identify with Governor Fubara are Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP-Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro), Boma Goodhead (PDP-Asari Toru/Akuku Toru), Anderson Allison (APC-Okrika/Ogu/Bolo) and Umezuruike (Labour Party-Port Harcourt Constituency 1).
This new pledge of allegiance is coming on the heels of other resignations by politicians across the local government areas including that of the Leader of Obio/Akpor Legislative Council and the councillor representing Wike’s Ward, Achor Nna.
Although President Bola Tinubu has reached a truce between Governor Fubara and his predecessor Wike who is also the Minister of FCT, both camps seem not to be losing sleep over their political structures.
On Sunday, Wike boasted of his political strength to continue to defeat his opponents in Rivers State. | Rivers Reps Member Declares Support For Fubara | business | His decision brings to five the number of House of Representatives members openly supporting Governor Fubara out of the 13 members. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/12/24/christmas-be-steadfast-hopeful-regardless-of-hard-times-akpabio-tells-nigerians/ | As Christians celebrate Christmas, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful regardless of the hard times they are experiencing.
He expressed optimism that, the pains Nigerians are going through, occasioned by a series of socio-economic upheavals shall manifest in positive outcomes through the visionary development architecture of the current national leadership in the country.
Akpabio, who made the call in a Christmas message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh admonished the Christian faithfuls to “pray and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is our symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu Taking Measures Against Reform Challenges, Says Presidency
According to Akpabio, Christmas calls for deep reflection on the teachings of Jesus Christ, which were anchored on love for neighbour, peaceful coexistence and loyalty to constituted authorities.
“On behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed the entire National Assembly, I wish to sincerely congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of the feast of Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
“As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry but also, to continue to pray for our dear country Nigeria and our leaders. Show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority. Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time,” he stated.
Akpabio also urged Nigerians not to give up on their leaders, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Akpabio is confident that with the support of all Nigerians, the current administration will wipe away the citizens’ tears in no distant time.
He said, “In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth resonate within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May His hope re-ignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.
“Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the reason for this season – the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.” | Christmas: Be Steadfast, Hopeful Regardless Of Hard Times – Akpabio Tells Nigerians | business | The Senate President also urged Nigerians not to give up on their leaders, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s administration. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/09/25/nokia-unveils-two-new-mid-range-cellphones-asha-308-and-asha-309/ | Troubled cellphone maker Nokia unveiled two new affordable touch-screen cellphone models on Tuesday to defend its mass market position while it struggles to compete in high-end smartphones.
Basic cellphones have generated most of Nokia’s sales, holding up much better than smartphones, where it has rapidly lost share to rivals like Samsung and Apple.
With a profit margin of over 20 percent, these phones are still the company’s bread and butter even though consumers are increasingly switching over to smartphones.
“Although they don’t get as much attention as its smartphones, mobile phones play a key part in Nokia’s future. Mobile phones account for the majority of Nokia’s revenue today and they are also vital for building loyalty with potential smartphone users in the future,” said Ovum analyst Nick Dillon.
Nokia said on Tuesday it expects the Nokia Asha 308 and the Nokia Asha 309 to retail for about $99, excluding taxes and subsidies, with deliveries to start in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Analysts have said offering phones around or under $100 is crucial for the company if it wants to compete with cheaper smartphones using Google’s Android software.
Nokia still sells almost 1 million basic phones a day but it has reported operating losses of 3 billion euros ($3.9 billion) in the last 18 months, all while closing sites and cutting tens of thousands of jobs.
Analysts say the new phones will buy it time but that its new Windows smartphones must succeed to secure its turnaround.
“The new Asha devices are essential to defend Nokia from a raft of low-cost Android alternatives,” CCS Insight analyst Geoff Blaber said.
“The continued strength of the mobile phone business is testament to Nokia’s scale and distribution advantages. Defending that business is critical if Nokia’s smartphone business is to weather the storm.”
The new phones use Nokia’s low-end Series 40 software platform and hence most analysts do not count them as smartphones, even though Nokia itself sells them as smart devices in emerging markets.
“The smartphone-feature phone distinction is largely irrelevant in emerging markets. The Asha devices provide all the features most users need, including apps, web browsing and Facebook access,” said Blaber.
Nokia has to use its low-end software for the new $100 phones as Windows Phone requirements for hardware are too high for such cheap phones. Nokia’s cheapest Windows Phone retails for around $200.
Shares in Nokia were up 1.8 percent at 2.14 euros, outperforming 0.5 percent rise in STOXX 600 European technology index.
Separately on Tuesday, Nokia said it would cut 725 jobs at its South Korean factory as part of its global cost savings programme unveiled in June. | Nokia unveils two new mid-range cellphones-Asha 308 and Asha 309 | technology | Troubled cellphone maker Nokia unveiled two new affordable touch-screen cellphone models on Tuesday to defend its mass market position while it struggles to compete in … Continue reading Nokia unveils two new mid-range cellphones-Asha 308 and Asha 309 |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/07/14/2023-kwankwaso-picks-idahosa-as-running-mate/ | The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has picked Pastor Isaac Idahosa as his running mate for the 2023 general elections
NNPP disclosed this in a post on its Twitter handle on Thursday.
READ ALSO: APC Postpones Official Unveiling Of Vice Presidential Candidate
Bishop Idahosa is the Senior Pastor of God First Ministry, a.k.a Illumination Assembly, with its headquarters in Lekki, Lagos State.
Our VP Pastor Bishop Isaac Idahosa from Edo State. pic.twitter.com/11A8t8OAK7
— Official NNPP (@0fficialNNPPng) July 14, 2022
The announcement comes a day after the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the NNPP and the African Action Congress (AAC) have not submitted nominations to the portal.
He said, “So far, the Commission has processed 6,995 nomination forms (EC9) uploaded by 16 out of 18 political parties for the constituencies where they intend to sponsor candidates. However, two political parties, the African Action Congress (AAC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), are yet to upload a single nomination to the portal.
“The Commission hereby reminds all political parties that they have three days left to upload their list of candidates to the ICNP. The deadline is Friday 15th July 2022. The portal will automatically shut down at 6.00 pm on that date.”
Prior to being named as the NNPP vice presidential candidate, Bishop Idahosa, has shared several posts about Kwankwaso and was in Kano over the weekend to celebrate Sallah with the former Kano State Governor.
Bishop Idahosa started his ministry more than two decades ago in Minna, Niger State, before moving to Lagos.
— Official NNPP (@0fficialNNPPng) July 14, 2022 | 2023: Kwankwaso Picks Idahosa As Running Mate | business | The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso has picked Pastor Isaac Idahosa as his running mate for the 2023 general elections |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/02/17/kennedy-iyere-wins-accord-gov-ticket-for-edo/ | Kennedy Iyere has emerged as the candidate of the Accord party for the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.
He became the bearer of the party’s ticket after five other contestants stepped down for him a day before the primary election.
Iyere was then invested as the man to lead the Accord party in the September 2024 election.
After he picked the ticket, Iyere says he believes his comrades stepped down for him purely on merit. He promises to win the governorship election.
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Emerges As Edo APC Gov Candidate
Edo Gov: Senator Okpebholo Declared Winner In Parallel APC Primary
APC Produces Two Candidates
Meanwhile, two candidates have emerged in parallel primaries conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Edo governorship candidate.
A member of the House of Representatives Dennis Idahosa was declared the winner by the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led Edo State Governorship Primary Election Committee.
“This is so therefore to satisfy that Honorable Dennis Idaho having scored the highest number of votes cast is hereby declared the winner of the primaries and is returned as the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) for the coming election,” Uzodimma said.
But the APC State Returning Officer Ogbuaja Stanley Uzoamaka declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as the APC flagbearer.
The group condemned Uzodimma’s declaration, claiming his office as chairman of the election committee is only ceremonial.
However, the APC national leadership says it only recognises the candidature of Idahosa.
“We wish to state categorically that only the Governor Hope Uzodinma-Led Edo State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee is duly authorised to undertake the final collation and announcement of results of the Primary Election in the State,” the party said in a statement. | Kennedy Iyere Wins Accord Gov Ticket For Edo | business | He became the bearer of the party's ticket after five other contestants stepped down for him a day before the primary election. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/11/we-have-materials-to-print-more-new-notes-cbn/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has the capacity and materials to print new currency notes amid a shortage of cash in the country.
Multiple reports quoted the apex bank’s Governor Godwin Emefiele as admitting that the CBN does not have enough materials to print the new naira notes.
But the Bank has debunked the claims, assuring Nigerians that the CBN will meet the country’s cash demands in the wake of the currency redesign policy.
“For the records, what Mr. Emefiele told the meeting was that the NSPMC was working on printing all denominations of the Naira to meet the transaction needs of Nigerians,” the Bank’s Director of Corporate Communications Osita Nwanisobi, said in a Saturday statement.
“While the CBN appreciates the concerns shown by all stakeholders about the distribution of the Naira, we are alarmed at the extent to which vested interests are attempting to manipulate facts and pitch the public against the Bank. For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN remains committed to performing its monetary policy functions, as stipulated in the CBN Act, 2007, as amended. We also wish to restate that the NSPMC has the capacity and enough materials to produce the required indent of the Naira.”
READ ALSO: Uncertainty As Cash, Fuel Shortages Bite Ahead Of Elections
No Bank Shutdown
The CBN also dispelled reports that it wants to shut down some banks in the country.
“We wish to state unequivocally that there is no such plan and that the claims are illogical and do not comply with the workings of the Nigerian banking system,” the statement further read.
“The public is therefore advised to ignore such recordings as they do not represent the policy thrust of the CBN and are only the desperate attempts of persons bent on inciting the public against the Bank.” | CBN Assures Of Capacity To Print More New Notes | politics | Multiple reports quoted the apex bank's Governor Godwin Emefiele as admitting that the CBN does not have enough materials to print the new naira notes. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/04/05/al-makura-maku-agabi-solicit-for-votes-at-mada-festival/ | The three leading governorship candidates in Nasarawa State, north central region of Nigeria, made a surprise campaign appearance at the Mada Cultural Festival in Akwanga, where they all canvased for votes ahead of the polls.
Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, of the All Progressive Congress (APC) asked the people of Mada to re-elect him based on his performance during his first term.
While the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Yusuf Agabi and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labaran Maku, both sought the people’s mandate for the forthcoming April 11 governorship election. | Al-Makura, Maku, Agabi Solicit For Votes At Mada Festival | business | The three leading governorship candidates in Nasarawa State, made a surprise campaign appearance at the Mada cultural festival in Akwanga, where they all canvased for votes ahead of the polls. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/12/19/rivers-apc-suspends-magnus-abe-others/ | The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has suspended Senator Magnus Abe along with three other ex-members.
The quartet – including Rt. Hon. Igo Aguma, Livingstone Weche and Hon. Worgu Boms – were suspended for disobedience to the Constitution of the party and Anti-Party activities.
Chairman of the party’s State Executive Caretaker Committee, Barr. Isaac Abbot Ogbobula, confirmed the news on Saturday.
Ogbobula said that the action became necessary following the suspension of the listed names from their wards and local government.
He also recommended to the national APC body to expel them.
The State Caretaker Committee also expelled all those that were inaugurated as Local Government and Ward party executives across the state for making themselves available to be inaugurated by Hon. Igo Aguma. | Rivers APC Suspends Magnus Abe, Others | business | The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has suspended Senator Magnus Abe along with three other ex-members. The quartet – including Rt. Hon. Igo Aguma, … Continue reading Rivers APC Suspends Magnus Abe, Others |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/03/07/fuel-subsidy-agency-says-states-will-earn-more-than-federal-govt/ | Fitch Ratings on Tuesday said that the partial removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria in January will likely result in extra resources of about N150 billion for distribution among the Nigerian state governments.
According to Fitch’s calculations, the lower deductions at source will result in an increase for states of about 5%-10% of their oil-related revenues.
Despite the higher proceeds, growing staff costs following the phase in of the N18, 000 monthly minimum wage, in tandem with rising energy costs will most likely offset this benefit. Therefore, in Fitch’s opinion, the extra resources are likely to be spent on growing operating costs, unlike the national governments’ share, which is ring-fenced for capital projects such as power and roads.
As higher revenues are not likely to translate into stronger budgetary performances, the agency said it expects the five Nigerian states it rates to continue to perform in line with its expectations. | FUEL SUBSIDY: agency says states will earn more than Federal govt | politics | Fitch Ratings on Tuesday said that the partial removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria in January will likely result in extra resources of ... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/07/21/top-rice-supplier-india-bans-some-exports/ | The world’s biggest rice exporter India has banned some overseas sales of the grain “with immediate effect”, the government said, in a move that could drive international prices even higher.
Rice is a major world food staple and prices on international markets have soared to decade highs as the world grappled with the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon on production levels.
India would ban exports of non-basmati white rice — which accounts for around a quarter of its total — the consumer affairs and food ministry said.
The move would “ensure adequate availability” and “allay the rise in prices in the domestic market”, it said in a statement late Thursday.
India accounts for more than 40 percent of all global rice shipments, so the decision could “risk exacerbating food insecurity in countries highly dependent on rice imports”, data analytics firm Gro Intelligence said in a note.
Countries expected to be hit by the ban include African nations, Turkey, Syria, and Pakistan — all of them already struggling with high food-price inflation — the firm added.
Global demand saw Indian exports of non-basmati white rice jump 35 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, the ministry said.
READ ALSO: FG, States, LGAs Share N907.054bn In June – FAAC
The increase came even after the government banned broken rice shipments and imposed a 20 percent export tax on white rice in September.
India exported 10.3 million tonnes of non-basmati white rice last year and Rabobank senior analyst Oscar Tjakra said alternative suppliers did not have spare capacity to fill the gap.
“Typically the major exporters are Thailand, Vietnam, and to some extent Pakistan and the US,” he told AFP. “They won’t have enough supply of rice to replace these.”
Moscow’s cancellation of the Black Sea grain deal that protected Ukrainian exports has already led to wheat prices creeping up, he pointed out.
“Obviously this will add into inflation around the world because rice can be used as a substitute for wheat.”
Rice prices in India rose 14-15 percent in the year to March and the government “clearly viewed these as red lines from a domestic food security and inflation point of view”, ratings agency Crisil’s research director Pushan Sharma said in a note.
India had already curbed exports of wheat and sugar last year to rein in prices.
AFP | Top Rice Supplier India Bans Some Exports | politics | Global demand saw Indian exports of non-basmati white rice jump 35 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, the ministry said. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/02/09/makinde-denies-dumping-pdp/ | Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has denied dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another party.
The governor, in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesman, Taiwo Adisa, described reports of his defection as “a concocted falsehood from purveyors of fake news, who are bent on maligning the governor at all cost.”
“There is a concocted lie doing the rounds about Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State planning to dump the PDP,” he said.
“This is the latest in the rounds of false reports and fake news, weapons which some individuals have employed to wage needless war against the governor.
“It becomes imperative to attack the hydra-headed monster of fake news and false reports and this particular report raised all the red flags of fake news, as it was based on alleged hints from an individual who claimed not to want his name in print.”
READ ALSO: Despite Challenges, APC Remains Party To Beat In 2023 – Sylva
The governor clarified his position on the rumour, saying he had no plan to defect to another party.
Makinde explained that he has remained a strong pillar of the PDP for many years and is already leading the mission for its resurgence in the South-West.
While denying moves to join the Advanced Democratic Congress (ADC), the Oyo governor vowed not to be distracted by the ridiculous lies being circulated by those he described as enemies within and without. | Makinde Denies Dumping PDP | business | Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has denied dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another party. Advertisement The governor, in a statement issued on … Continue reading Makinde Denies Dumping PDP |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/02/10/oyo-govt-mandates-contractors-to-patronize-440000-artisans-tradesmen/ | The Oyo state government has said that contractors handling various projects in the state would be mandated to patronize about 440,000 tradesmen and artisans in executing government projects.
The State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, who made the annoucement at the flag – off of the tradesmen and artisans bio-metrics data capture and identification card project in Ibadan, explained that the bio-metrics and data capturing will serve as the database for providing commercial incentives and welfare packages for the various groups of artisans and tradesmen in the state.
“This is a project that has been on the front burner of government attention. We commend the tradesmen and artisans for recognising as well as appreciating continuous government’s efforts to better the lot of all and sundry. We want you to do more in adding to the socio-economic development of our State.
“The government will patronize you and we will mandate contractors handling various projects in the state to make use of your members in executing the government projects.
“We will not relent in doing more to encourage creativity and social empowerment by giving timely and frequent inputs in the form of financial power like revolving loans and other incentives to artisans and tradesmen in the state,” Ajimobi stressed.
He also added that the bio-metrics and identification card project would eradicate impersonation of members, provide opportunities to benefit from government social services and encourage special recognition to outstanding artisans and traders.
“It is important we enumerate the advantages inherent in this project for our people to know its values which include: easy access to government loans, recognition and identification of members of various artisans and tradesmen’s union as well as special rewards for outstanding artisans and tradesmen among others, because we will be able to ascertain true members,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the President, Oyo State Tradesmen and Artisans, Mr Yisau Kolayode, has praised the Ajimobi-led administration for always coming up with novel ideas to bring succor to the teeming masses of the state.
He said the bio-metric registration would reduce the rate at which his members were impersonated while the data gathered, would be useful for future engagements and programmes.
“Our figure of 440,000 tradesmen and artisans is a projection which may likely be more, but with the data collected in a standard form by government, it will show clearly, the number of tradesmen and artisans in Oyo State.”
“This data capturing would help flush out some bad eggs among artisans who engage in negative activities and we will surely know how many are true members as well as positioning legitimate members for benefits from government and corporate bodies,” Kolayode noted.
Also speaking of its benefits, Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Co-operatives, Princess Taibat Adeyemi-Agaba, said that the project will enhance the local content initiative of the present administration in the state.
She added that it will also bridge the gap between the government and governed as the initiative is capable of opening seamless opportunities within the informal sector. | Oyo Govt. Mandates Contractors To Patronize 440,000 Artisans, Tradesmen | politics | Oyo Govt. to mandate contractors in the state to patronize about 440,000 tradesmen and artisans in executing government projects. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/03/20/leaving-presidency-open-without-zoning-is-explosive-bode-george-warns-pdp/ | A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has warned the party against leaving its 2023 presidential ticket open for all members to contest.
He believes while it is necessary to ensure the right candidate is fielded to vie for the highest office in the land in the coming elections, it is equally important to ensure such a position is zoned to a particular region.
“Yes, it is important to look at the characters of those who want to be president, but it is mandatory, it is legitimate for the party to say yes, this is zoned to the South or to the North; but to leave it wide open is combustible,” George said during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
His remark came against the backdrop of the controversy trailing the zoning of the PDP’s presidential ticket as activities build up ahead of next year’s polls.
While aspirants from the North seek to fly the party’s flag, their southern counterparts have continued to demand that the PDP’s presidential candidate emerge from the region.
[READ ALSO] Fuel Crisis: APC Is Kneeling On The Necks Of Nigerians – PDP
The Spinal Cord
Amid the debate that the PDP has produced a southern president for 14 years of its 16-year reign, George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), insisted that the party should zone its ticket to the South.
He said, “Whatever has been in the North after eight years must come to the South; whatever has been in the South for the last eight years must go to the North. It guarantees that commitment, it guarantees that oneness, it guarantees that you have a sense of belonging to this country called Nigeria.
“I am looking at now as an engineer, there is a political equation; when they conceptualise this idea, nobody in their wildest dream thought there could be another political party that could produce the president.”
According to the PDP chieftain, it is standard that zoning and rotation will be the heart of the party, and like its spinal cord that can lead to its death or make it cripple if broken.
“When you now say you want to throw it (zoning) away, are you telling Nigerians that it is only in certain parts of the country that you have people who have the competence or the courage to rule Nigeria? How can there be peace?” he questioned.
“My best friend is still a Fulani man and I have no qualms about that, but justice, fairness, and equity must be the dictating norms for our party going forward.
“Are you saying we don’t have anybody in the southern part? What we are telling people (is that) we have no right as a party to tell any individual (that) you cannot contest, because it will be illegal.” | Leaving Presidency Open Without Zoning Is Explosive, Bode George Warns PDP | business | Advertisement A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has warned the party against leaving its 2023 presidential ticket open for … Continue reading Leaving Presidency Open Without Zoning Is Explosive, Bode George Warns PDP |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/10/my-government-has-demonstrated-its-commitment-to-convert-it-potentials-to-reality-buhari/ | President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to use technology for enhanced public service delivery.
Receiving the leadership of Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPCN) and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) led by its president, Prof. Charles Uwadia, President Buhari said ‘‘technology in public service delivery is no longer a luxury, but a pressing necessity.’’
Noting that Information Technology is the driving force for social and economic change, the President told the IT professionals that his Government, through its actions, has demonstrated its commitment to convert these potentials to reality.
READ ALSO: Education Will Be A Top Priority In Development Goals Henceforth – Buhari
‘‘The future belongs to IT. What was unimaginable 20 years ago is a reality today. Accordingly, we have introduced numerous policies and have made substantial investments to ensure the benefits of this technology-driven age is felt by 200 million Nigerians.
‘‘Indeed, our strategy for inclusive economic growth can only be achieved by leveraging the technology tools available to us,’’ he said.
President Buhari used the occasion of the courtesy visit by representatives of the computing and IT professionals in Nigeria to enumerate some benefits of using technological tools to implement government policies.
‘‘Already, we have seen the benefits of using technological tools for lending to farmers as well as monitoring crop performance especially in some of the more remote locations.
‘‘We also leveraged technology to fight corruption and reduce leakages and inefficiencies in public service delivery. You are all aware of the significant investments we made to upgrade our policy and military platforms as we battle pockets of insecurity in parts of the country.
‘‘Furthermore, our social investment programs are built on technological platforms that allow us to positively impact the lives of some of poorest members of our society,’’ he said.
The President, therefore, requested the computer body to continue to partner with Government at all levels to ensure the benefits of this tool are realised and at the same time its threats are eliminated.
In his remarks, Prof. Uwadia commended the President for demonstrating the political will to accelerate national IT development with his physical presence at the e-Nigeria conference and awards, on four consecutive occasions, over the years.
On behalf of IT professionals in the country, Uwadia expressed gratitude to President Buhari for appointing two seasoned professionals, Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami and Kashifu Abdullahi as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), respectively.
‘‘Your Excellency, we the IT professionals, commend you for the immense and giant strides that your administration has made and is still making in nation-building. Within the space of the past four years, you have achieved a lot, using the instrumentality of ICT,’’ he said.
The president of CPCN listed some outstanding achievements of the current administration in the sector to include: issuance of Executive Order (EO1) on the promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in the Business Environment, Executive Order (EO3) on Support for Local Content in Public Procurement by the Federal Government and Executive Order (EO5) on Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Local Content in Contracts and Science, Engineering and Technology.
Others are unveiling of the National Digital Economy Policy at the 2019 e-Nigeria conference, exhibition and awards; implementation and enforcement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information (IPPIS) which saved the Federal Government of Nigeria billions of naira by eliminating thousands of ghost workers.
Further, the Buhari administration was commended for the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and increasing government revenue by over N3 trillion as well as entrenching transparency and accountability, among others. | My Government Has Demonstrated Its Commitment To Convert IT Potentials To Reality – Buhari | business | Advertisement President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to use technology for enhanced public service delivery. Receiving the leadership … Continue reading My Government Has Demonstrated Its Commitment To Convert IT Potentials To Reality – Buhari |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/02/11/ekiti-guber-pdp-inaugurates-lgs-reconciliation-committees-harps-on-winning-together/ | Two weeks after the Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) primary election that produced Hon. Bisi Kolawole as the governorship candidate of the party in the Ekiti State June 18 election, committees to reconcile members of the party in the 16 local governments in the State have been inaugurated.
This is according to a statement signed by Kolawole’s spokesperson Lere Olayinka.
State Chairman of the PDP, Hon Lanre Omolase, who alongside the Director General of the Bisi Kolawole Campaign Organization (BKCO), Otunba Yinka Akerele; the Governorship candidate, Hon Kolawole; State Secretary, Hon Funmi Ogun among others, inaugurated the committees, urged the members to reach out to all aggrieved members of the party with a view to bringing them under the same umbrella.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Defect From APC Or Sue Party, Says Sen Bamidele After Ekiti Primary ‘Charade’
He appreciated the party’s National Working Committee for setting up the Senator David Mark led National Reconciliation Committee, adding that reconciliation of members at the Wards and local governments levels were necessary because the grassroot is the bedrock of politics.
Chairmen of the committees were Alhaji Lateef Ajijola (Ado), Hon Akin Awodumila (Gbonyin), Mr Abe Toyin (Ido/Osi), Mr Akeju (Ikole), Mr Ojo
Ayeni (Oye), Hon. Ojo Oke (Irepodun/Ifelodun), Pastor R. O. Ajayi (Efon), Chief Bayo Adeosun (Ekiti West), Mr. Lawrence Omotoso (Ikere), Chief Falade Alaanu (Ise-Orun), Engr Alaba Agboola (Ijero), Mr Ojo Oloogun (Emure), Mr Idowu Akinbode (Ekiti South-West), Mr Akinlapa (Moba), Chief Adenigba (Ekiti East) and Hon Oladipo Ebenezer (Ilejemeje).
Addressing the chairmen, the campaign Director General reiterated his assurance that no member of the party will be discriminated against on
the account of their position before the emergence of the party’s candidate.
Otunba Yinka Akerele said if himself, who was a governorship aspirant and a staunch leader in the Repositioning Group is now the Director General of the Bisi Kolawole Campaign Organization, others who supported one aspirant or the other do not have any reason not to join the train.
He said, “Our main target is to win this State for our party and it is your job to bring everyone together in your respective Local Governments so that we can win together.
“If there is anyone you are finding it difficult to appease, let us know, we will look for the person. To us, no one will be left unreached.”
Also speaking, Kolawole said he was just a product of grace and that he will not abuse the privilege to fly the flag of the PDP in the June 18 election and take the party back to power in Ekiti State.
“When we all work together and win, it is not for our leader, Ayo Fayose, it is not for Bisi Kolawole and not for Akerele. Rather, it is for our party, PDP, it is for all us and most importantly, it is for the entire people of Ekiti who are yearning for good and responsible governance,” Kolawole said. | Ekiti Guber: PDP Inaugurates LGs Reconciliation Committees, Harps On 'Winning Together' | business | Two weeks after the Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) primary election that produced Hon. Bisi Kolawole as the governorship candidate of the party in the … Continue reading Ekiti Guber: PDP Inaugurates LGs Reconciliation Committees, Harps On ‘Winning Together’ |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/05/08/el-rufai-is-one-of-those-who-have-misled-president-buhari-ortom/ | Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on Saturday took a swipe at his Kaduna counterpart, describing him as “one of the real enemies” of Nigeria.
Mr. Ortom was responding to a statement credited to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, where the latter reportedly accused the Benue Governor of attacking the federal government to cover for his failure to secure Benue state.
“Nasir el-Rufai is a sycophant, ethnic champion and religious bigot who hates anyone who does not share the same faith with him,” a statement signed by Ortom’s spokesman, Terver Akase, said.
READ ALSO: Benue Seeks To Recruit Community Volunteer Guards Over Insecurity
“He is among the very few persons who have misled President Muhammadu Buhari.
“El-Rufai is one of the real enemies of this country who do not hide their divisive tendencies by elevating nepotism and ethnicity above the good values that have held Nigeria together over the decades.”
Communities in Benue have recently come under attack from suspected herdsmen prompting Ortom to accuse President Buhari of working with Fulani to take over Nigeria.
The Presidency, in response to Ortom’s comment, has expressed disappointment in the Governor.
Read Ortom’s full statement on El-Rufai:
EL-RUFAI IS ONE OF THOSE WHO HAVE MISLED PRESIDENT BUHARI
We read the statement credited to Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai in which he accused Governor Samuel Ortom of using the insecurity in his state to attack the Federal Government in order to cover up what he termed as the Benue State Governor’s failure.
We want to believe that El-Rufai was wrongly quoted. A man who has failed in several aspects as Governor of Kaduna has no moral justification to accuse another Governor.
A Governor who has divided the good people of Kaduna against one another by not hiding his hatred of indigenes of the state on account of religion and ethnicity is not qualified to judge another Governor on any issue whatsoever. A Governor who chose a Muslim deputy in a state where Christians have a huge population is certainly not one to preach unity and peaceful co-existence.
El-Rufai’s attack on Governor Ortom is merely to make him look good before the Presidency. He has apparently fallen out of favour at the Villa and wants to use Governor Ortom as a launch pad back to reckoning. How has he handled his own problems in Kaduna? This is a man who has insulted almost every prominent Nigerian including the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Olusegun Obasanjo; a man who is his former boss and one who brought him to limelight.
Nigerians have not forgotten the unprintable things El-Rufai said during Goodluck Jonathan’s time as President. He insulted the then President and publicly supported terrorists attacking parts of the country. His statements on the abduction of Chibok girls and several other acts of terrorism are still fresh in our minds. El-Rufai is on record to have said repeatedly that Fulani people must retaliate any wrong done to them no matter how long it takes.
Is Governor Ortom responsible for El-Rufai’s inability to ensure peace in Kaduna State where bandits have taken over some communities while kidnappings and killings occur on daily basis?
El-Rufai admitted to paying Fulani herdsmen whom he invited from other West African countries in the name of stopping attacks in Southern Kaduna. Since he made the confessional statement, attacks on the people of Southern Kaduna have escalated. This is why he wants men of good conscience like Governor Ortom to be silent to pave way for the conquest and expansion agenda to succeed.
Kidnapping has become a common crime in Kaduna State under Nasir el-Rufai.
Aside the much celebrated cases, it has been estimated that at every given time, not less that 300 persons are abducted in Kaduna by kidnappers who are always identified as El-Rufai’s kinsmen. He pays them billions to embolden them. He has turned the state into one of the most unsafe places to live in Nigeria today.Talking about taking someone seriously, if other Nigerians take El-Rufai seriously, we in Benue do not do same. A man who has no regard for humanity does not deserve our attention.
Nasir el-Rufai is a sycophant, ethnic champion and religious bigot who hates anyone who does not share the same faith with him. He is among the very few persons who have misled President Muhammadu Buhari. El-Rufai is one of the real enemies of this country who do not hide their divisive tendencies by elevating nepotism and ethnicity above the good values that have held Nigeria together over the decades.
Nasir el-Rufai doesn’t possess the credentials to counsel anyone on payment of salaries and the welfare of workers. This is a Governor who recently sacked 4,000 workers for no just cause. He ought to be ashamed of himself. What happened to the lofty promises he made to Kaduna people in 2015?
The Kaduna Governor should know that only two days ago, the people of Benue State met at a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi and unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ortom in recognition of his performance. That meeting was attended across party lines with leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC also present.
El-Rufai and his conspirators must note that Benue State will not repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, no matter the amount of blackmail, hatred and threats they wage against Governor Ortom.
We advise the Kaduna State Governor to focus on addressing the numerous problems he has created in his state and leave Governor Ortom to lead Benue in peace.
Terver Akase
Chief Press Secretary
May 08, 2021. | El-Rufai Is One Of Those Who Have Misled President Buhari - Ortom | business | Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on Saturday took a swipe at his Kaduna counterpart, describing him as “one of the real enemies” of Nigeria. … Continue reading El-Rufai Is One Of Those Who Have Misled President Buhari – Ortom |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/03/06/nigerias-forex-reserves-down-by-9-pct/ | Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves fell 9.04 percent to $30.87 billion by March 4, from $33.94 billion a month earlier, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed on Friday.
The CBN has used the reserves to support the ailing naira, which has been hammered by falling global oil prices and uncertainty over the delayed presidential elections due on March 28. | Nigeria's Forex Reserves Down By 9 Pct | politics | Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves fell 9.04 percent to $30.87 billion by March 4, from $33.94 billion a month earlier |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/12/13/no-out-of-country-voting-in-2019-says-inec/ | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) there is no provision made for any Nigerian outside the country to vote in the general elections in 2019.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, made the clarification in a statement on Thursday.
He said, “The commission wishes to state unequivocally that there will be no Diaspora or Out-of-Country voting for any Nigerian, in accordance extant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1979 (as amended).”
“Only duly registered Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within Nigerians will be allowed to vote.”
Mr Okoye issued the statement in reaction to reports that the electoral umpire has made special provisions for IDPs in the diaspora to vote in the forthcoming polls.
With 64 days to the elections, the INEC National Commissioner asked Nigerians to disregard the report, saying it was capable of misinforming the public.
He, however, explained that the framework and regulations for IDP voting were presented and validated by stakeholders at a conference held in Abuja on November 12 this year.
Okoye stated that there was no reference in the remarks made by the INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, that at the meeting that special provisions would be made for those outside the country to vote in the elections.
Read the full statement below; | No Diaspora Or Out-Of-Country Voting, Says INEC | business | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says there is no provision for IDPs living outside the country to vote in... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/10/tecnos-trailblazing-phantom-x2-pro-5g-wins-gold-at-the-international-design-awards-2022/ | TECNO, an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets globally, continues to rack up more accolades as the 16th annual International Design Awards (IDA for short) recently unveiled its full list of winners, where among those celebrated is the impeccable design team behind TECNO’s newest flagship product under its premium sub-brand, the PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G Eco-Friendly Edition, winning the Gold Award in Media And Home Electronics-Phone and Other Communications Technology, and the Bronze Award in Design for Society-Eco-Sustainable-Design.
Founded in 2007, the IDA was created to appreciate, celebrate and promote the work of visionaries in design. As one of the world’s most prestigious and authoritative design awards, this award means that the TECNO PHANTOM X2 Pro Eco-friendly edition has been recognized by international professional judges and the industry in terms of sustainability, technological and innovative aspects of the design concept. It is the world’s first smartphone to feature a retractable portrait lens comparable to a professional camera to create “studio-like” portrait photography. With a 65mm focal length and 2.5x optical zoom retractable portrait lens, the PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G revolutionizes smartphone image-making. The trailblazing smartphone also packs a powerful flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9000 5G chip, delivering outstanding performance and advanced power efficiency.
On top of its exceptional processing power, the PHANTOM X2 Series also has a unibody curved-screen design that softens the phone’s appearance and feels. At the same time, its 3.5D lunar crater back cover reduces the impact of the camera module, eliminating sharp corners and giving it a beautiful, slimmer look.
Aimed to celebrate sustainable and smart designs from various disciplines, the IDA serves as an important spotlight for the winning designers and the environmental impact their products have on the world. Committed to the cause, the PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G Eco-Friendly Edition was built with sustainability, featuring an ultra-thin eco-friendly back cover constructed using recycled materials recovered from oceans. Each back cover contains 14.4% recycled material, which can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 38%, with each cover producing an estimated 2.4g fewer emissions on average. This significant reduction in carbon emissions has just been why it won the IDA Award in Sustainable Design at the first attempt. However, the work isn’t done yet. The PHANTOM X2 design team hopes to encourage consumers worldwide to embrace sustainable lifestyles.
TECNO has always been committed to bringing outstanding products with technology and design to consumers through innovation that constantly breaks boundaries. From winning the Sustainable Product Design award at the Loop Design Awards in September 2022, to now winning gold at the IDA, TECNO has more certainly proven itself to be an impeccable force in the premium smartphone market. With the “Stop At Nothing” brand essence, TECNO will continue designing the best contemporary technologies for global users, giving them stylishly designed intelligent products that inspire them never to stop pursuing their best selves and best futures.
For more information about TECNO PHANTOM X2 Pro wins, please visit:
PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G Eco-Friendly Edition | Gold Award in Media and Home Electronics-Phone and Other Communications Technology
PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G Eco-Friendly Edition | Bronze Award in Design for Society-Eco-Sustainable-Design
About PHANTOM
PHANTOM is a premium technology sub-brand of TECNO. Born in response to the growing global demand for high-end smart products, PHANTOM creates premium, stylish, bold devices that stand at the vanguard of innovation. As a pioneering international technology brand, PHANTOM empowers consumers to become pioneers and creators, enhances business and entertainment, and encourages new ways of thinking and doing with a spirit of modern individuality. Infused with the brand’s signature flare, PHANTOM’s products are a source of inspiration for its audiences to be the leaders of change, to seek the extraordinary in their everyday lives and to elevate every experience to an unforgettable moment. To learn more about PHANTOM, please visit www.mobile-phantom.com.
About TECNO
TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 countries and regions across five continents. Since its launch, TECNO has been revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging global markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies. Today, TECNO has developed into a recognized leader in its target markets, delivering state-of-the-art innovation through a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals. By creating stylish, intelligent products, TECNO inspires consumers worldwide to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com | TECNO’s Trailblazing PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G Wins Gold at the International Design Awards 2022 | technology | The recently showcased flagship product of TECNO PHANTOM X2 Pro 5G, astonished at the International Design Awards 2022, winning a Gold and a Bronze for its sustainable design. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/07/07/asset-declaration-celebration-in-ilorin-after-supreme-courts-judgment/ | Hundreds of supporters of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, are jubilating over the Supreme Court judgment freeing him of the false asset declaration charges against him.
The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the appeal of the Senate President and discharged him of the remaining three false assets declaration charges he was facing.
Following the Supreme Court’s judgement, the people of his senatorial district came out to celebrate.
At the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the supporters rode to the palace in motorcycles and tricycles as they were received by the traditional ruler in his palace.
The Senate President had filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of the Court of Appeal which asked the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to try him on three of the 18 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ruling in favour of Dr Saraki’s appeal, the Supreme court dismissed the entire 18 charges brought against him by the Federal Government and consequently discharged and acquitted him accordingly.
The judgement according to an aide of the Senate President is a triumph for rule of law. | Celebration In Ilorin As Supreme Court Frees Saraki Of False Asset Declaration Charges | business | Hundreds of supporters of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, are jubilating over the Supreme Court judgment affirming his victory over the alleged false asset declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/11/12/osun-election-group-gives-aspirants-condition-for-support/ | Ahead of the general elections that is less than two years away, a group of artisans in Ijesa federal constituencies of Osun state has said that before throwing its weight behind any aspirants, certain conditions must be met.
Meeting under the aegis of League of Ijesaland Artisans (LIA), the group said it would only support candidates that have added value to them previously.
A member of the group, Mr John Adeyemo, said members of the league are not politicians. He, however, described them as core election deciders in Ijesaland.
He said artisans in Ijesaland are closely monitoring the initiative introduced by the Abia State Governor, Mr Okezie Ikpeazu, reportedly said to be projecting to the global community, the locally made goods in the state.
“We are not politicians. We have our jobs. But whatever will add value to our trade, we don’t joke about it. It is in the news how Abia governor has practically turned himself to marketing manager to artisans in Abia state, helping them to market their wares across the globe.
“We want a man with such capacity too as Senator come 2019. By that time, governorship seat will be leaving our senatorial district. Because of this, we must look well before we choose, who will be our senator,” Adeyemo added.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Africa Area of Osogbo, Osun state capital during the weekend, when two men fell into in a well.
It was gathered that the victims, whose ages were put at 25 and 26 years died shortly after.
The incident happened when both deceased were trying to fix a pumping machine into a well in a car wash centre.
Investigations also revealed that the deceased was plumbing apprentices and had followed their master to the site of the work when the incident happened.
Sources say that one of the two victims lost his balance while trying to fix the machine into the well. | Osun Election: Group Gives Aspirants Condition For Support | business | Ahead of the general elections that is less than two years away, a group of artisans in Ijesa federal constituencies of Osun state has |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/26/call-tinubu-to-order-dele-momodu-tells-buhari/ | The Director of Strategic Communications for the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Chief Dele Momodu, has President Buhari to call Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu with regards to perceived desperations of the APC candidate to win the polls at all cost.
Reacting to recent reports on the elections, Mr Momodu said he has come across recklessly dangerous publication unilaterally awarding an impossible victory to the APC presidential candidate.
According to him, the said newspaper is owned by Tinubu.
READ ALSO: Instruct Collation Officers To Upload Results Immediately, Atiku Tells INEC Chairman
“Only yesterday, we all saw how thugs of the APC Chieftains and his allies took over the streets of Lagos burning ballot boxes and documents and generally misbehaving in other to disenfranchise the determined electorates.
“Despite all of these ugly attempts at stealing victory, the APC suffered its worst cataclysmic loss in most of the polling centers in Lagos. The same happened in Kano. Incapable of ever being sobered by the crushing humiliation in its traditional territories, we woke up this morning to read about the pathetic and illegal lies cooked up by the Tinubu media goons.
“Tinubu remains the only mainstream candidate whose homebase of South West was decimated by opposition parties in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti. Most of the Northern Governors he also expected to help him garner votes in the Northern regions failed spectacularly to deliver the badly needed votes.
“He failed in the South East and South South.
“The only candidate with the national spread is the PDP Presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. But as a responsible citizen and respected statesman, he will never rush to the media to claim his well deserved victory and glory after a long and torturous journey,” Mr Momodu asserted.
He on behalf of the PDP called on INEC and the Federal Government to “cage these troublesome APC Chieftains”.
“We have all been witnesses to their unruly behaviour as they did everything to bully and blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari in order to chicken out of the currency swap policy.
“We also witnessed how they practically intimidated the President to the extent of forcing him to publicly display who he voted for in yesterday’s elections. It was quite a bizarre, unfortunate and unprecedented scene to watch,” he said.
The PDP chieftain advised the president to find the courage to call the bluff of desperate politicians who feel they can buy the whole of Nigeria. | Call Tinubu To Order, Dele Momodu Tells Buhari | business | Mr Momodu advised the president to find the courage to call the bluff of desperate politicians. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/11/29/2024-budget-parameters-oil-price-pegged-at-77-96-naira-at-750-per-dollar/ | President Bola Tinubu during his presentation of the 2024 ‘Budget of Renewed Hope’ on Wednesday pegged oil price at $77.96 and the naira at N750/$1.
The President presented the 2024 budget proposal of N27.5trn before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said, “Distinguished members of the National Assembly, the revised 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) sets out the parameters for the 2024 Budget.
“After a careful review of developments in the world oil market and domestic conditions, we have adopted a conservative oil price benchmark of 77.96 US Dollars per barrel and daily oil production estimate of 1.78 million barrels per day. We have also adopted a Naira to US Dollar exchange rate of 750 naira per US Dollar for 2024.
“Accordingly, an aggregate expenditure of 27.5 trillion naira is proposed for the Federal Government in 2024, of which the non-debt recurrent expenditure is 9.92 trillion naira while debt service is projected to be 8.25 trillion naira and capital expenditure is 8.7 trillion naira.”
The President said Nigeria remained committed to meeting its debt obligations and projected debt service at 45% of the expected total revenue.
“Budget deficit is projected at 9.18 trillion naira in 2024 or 3.88 percent of GDP. This is lower than the 13.78 trillion naira deficit recorded in 2023 which represents 6.11 percent of GDP.
“The deficit will be financed by new borrowings totaling 7.83 trillion naira, 298.49 billion naira from Privatization Proceeds and 1.05 trillion naira drawdown on multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific development projects.” | 2024 Budget Parameters: Oil Price Pegged At $77.96, Naira At 750 Per Dollar | politics | The President presented the 2024 budget proposal of N27.5trn before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/10/12/tribunal-upholds-dino-melayes-election/ | The National Assembly and State Houses Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State on Monday affirmed the election of the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaiye.
The tribunal in its judgment, that lasted two hours, dismissed the petition brought by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Smart Adeyemi against the declaration of Melaiye as the winner of the election.
According to Justice Akon Ikepeme-led tribunal, the four issues formulated for determination were resolved in favour of the respondents.
The court said the petitioner did not prove the allegation of corrupt practices made against the respondents as he did not justify the claim that votes were allotted to the first respondents indiscriminately.
It also said since the onus of proof lies on the petitioner, he had failed to show the ward by ward, polling unit by unit malpractices that were alleged to have been perpetrated during the March 28 election.
The tribunal also held that Adeyemi was unable to prove the case of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, maintaining that though there were cases of malpractices but such did not substantially affect the result of the election.
It stated that it could not uphold the petition as the petitioner failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he scored the highest number of lawful votes cast in the election.
On the allegation of non-qualification of Melaiye to contest the election over failure to participate in party primary election, the court said two reports were tendered on the conduct of the primary election.
The tribunal noted that while one originated from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja claiming there was no primary, another one was tendered by the respondents, which was said to have emanated from INEC headquarters affirming the conduct of the primary election.
Justice Ikpeme however said the tribunal had no reason to doubt the authenticity of the reports brought by the witnesses as the results attached to them were the same.
The tribunal therefore said it found and held that Melaiye was validly returned as the candidate of the party, who polled the majority of the lawful votes cast, refusing all the five reliefs sought by Adeyemi.
More Details Soon…. | Tribunal Upholds Dino Melaye's Election | business | The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State has affirmed the election of Dino Melaiye as senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/05/28/kaduna-apc-governorship-aspirant-shaaban-rejects-primary-election-result/ | A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna state, Alhaji Sani Mohammed Sha’aban has rejected the primary election result held on Thursday, alleging that the poll was fraught with irregularities.
The gubernatorial primary in the state was won by Senator Uba Sani who scored 1,149 votes, while Bashir Abubakar came second with 37 votes and Sha’aban was third with 10 votes.
Speaking during a press conference on Saturday in Kaduna State, Sha’aban dismissed the process.
He alleged that the election was a ‘charade’, as most of the delegates from the 23 local governments were locked out of the voting venue and denied the right to vote for candidates of their choice.
READ ALSO: ‘Nigerians Are Waiting For Us:’ Bode George Optimistic Of Hitch-Free PDP Convention
“We followed the due process by complaining, we wrote letters, we made telephone calls, we made physical visitations hoping that the party leadership will stand to our calls, but as I am talking to you today, there wasn’t any response,” he said.
“APC in Kaduna is behaving as if it is the only party today in Kaduna State, as if there are other parties that are not even participating. We all know that one of the fundamental requirements by any party is to have a congress that is going to be free and fair.
“That congress will produce delegates that will elect candidates for various offices. Kaduna State never had that opportunity, privilege. Kaduna State has a ruling party in APC. If there is anything that has to be done, we should be able to be laying a good example – a good leadership.”
However, the returning officer from the APC headquarters, Anachuna Izu, said Senator Sani scored the highest number of votes to emerge as the winner of the election.
Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which monitored the primary, described the exercise as free, fair and transparent. | Kaduna APC Governorship Aspirant Sha’aban Rejects Primary Election Result | business | A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna state, Alhaji Sani Mohammed Sha’aban has rejected the primary election result held on … Continue reading Kaduna APC Governorship Aspirant Sha’aban Rejects Primary Election Result |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/09/25/osun-election-eu-uk-us-call-for-credible-violence-free-rerun/ | The Missions of the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States has called for a credible, violence-free exercise ahead of Thursday’s rerun for the Osun State governorship election.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the EU, US, and the UK commended the people of Osun for voting peacefully in the election conducted on September 22.
They also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the improved organisation of the election, as well as the security agencies for their conduct, despite INEC’s declaration that the result was inconclusive.
The statement read in part, “We commend the people of Osun for voting peacefully, the Independent National Electoral Commission for the improved organisation of the election, and security services for their conduct.
“We urge that all continue to support a peaceful, free, fair, and credible completion of the process as INEC re-runs the election in seven polling units where – through no fault of their own – voters were not able to cast their votes and have them counted last Saturday.
“We stress the importance that the re-run should take place without any violence, intimidation, or vote buying.
“Whoever wins the election after Thursday’s vote should be magnanimous in victory, and whoever loses should be gracious in defeat”. | Osun Election: EU, UK, US Call For Credible, Violence-Free Rerun | business | Advertisement The Missions of the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States has called for a credible, violence-free exercise ahead of Thursday’s … Continue reading Osun Election: EU, UK, US Call For Credible, Violence-Free Rerun |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/04/15/procedures-govt-should-follow-to-remove-petrol-subsidy-moghalu/ | There are a number of procedures to be followed by the Federal Government before removing the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
One of such critical steps to be taken is the provision of an effective public transportation system in the country, Professor Kingsley Moghalu suggested on Friday.
Moghalu, a deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 2009 and 2014, made the recommendation during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“If you spent N1 trillion; you don’t even have to do that,” he said. “If you spend N500 billion, you could have a very effective public transportation system across this whole country and the people, therefore, who can afford petrol when you remove the subsidy – the middle class and wealthy people; they can carry on and poor people who can’t afford the commercial price of petrol which is being subsidised today can use public transport to move around.
“That is what we should be going for but that is not where we are at this point.”
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Hits 15.92% As Food, Gas Prices Rise
The political economist and former presidential candidate is also in support of removing the subsidy on petrol in the country.
But he wants the removal to be implemented only when the government has made adequate preparations to cater to the needs of the poor people in the society.
According to Moghalu, the current price of petrol in Nigeria is ridiculously cheap compared to other African nations and this is a major factor fuelling the smuggling of the product in parts of the country
“I think subsidy is really like a bone in our throat … it is a very difficult problem but as to whether it should continue, let me tell you the answer is no; but you cannot remove it precipitately,” he stated.
“There should be a proper plan of investments in public transportation before you can remove petroleum subsidy. I want you to note that the only hydrocarbon product that is subsidised now in Nigeria is Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – petrol; diesel, kerosine, all those other things are selling at commercial prices.
“So, there is nothing impossible about removing the petroleum subsidy, although some people may want to make it look as if it is an entitlement we have because we produce petrol.”
On the way forward, the former CBN deputy governor said, “We need to get a refinery in this country functioning at capacity, and that is likely going to be the Dangote refinery.
“We have to get our refineries working and one of the reasons the state refineries have collapsed is just because of the inefficiency and the incompetence of economic management in the Nigerian state.” | Procedures Govt Should Follow To Remove Petrol Subsidy – Moghalu | politics | Advertisement There are a number of procedures to be followed by the Federal Government before removing the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), … Continue reading Procedures Govt Should Follow To Remove Petrol Subsidy – Moghalu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/06/03/online-voting-a-project-we-are-working-on-inec/ | Nigeria’s electoral umpire – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – is already working on a project to allow the electorate to cast their votes online and decongest crowds at polling stations across the country.
Mr Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this on Thursday.
He, however, did not give a specific timeframe as to when online voting would be implemented when he made the disclosure on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily.
“Going forward, this commission is determined to improve on its use of technology in the electoral process … we have gone very far in terms of our resolve to introduce electronic voting machines in the electoral process,” the INEC official said.
He added, “People voting online or using the internet to vote is a project that the commission is working on and at the appropriate time, the commission will unveil what it is doing.
“But the immediate task we have now, our immediate responsibility is to introduce the use of electronic voting machines in the electoral process and we are confident that in the next few months, the National Assembly and the Presidency will finish work on the legal framework.”
Okoye stated that the electoral umpire has to a large extent tapped into the use of technology in the electoral process.
According to him, one of the other things INEC intends to do relating to the continuous voters’ registration is to create an online portal where eligible persons who do not suffer any legal liability or disability can register online to decongest the registration centres.
The INEC national commissioner decried the recent attacks on the commission’s offices in parts of the country, especially in the southern region.
He noted that the electoral umpire has been taken proactive steps to prevent a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents.
In terms of security, Okoye disclosed that INEC has met with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for advice and information in order to protect its assets more professionally and appropriately.
“We have also liaise with them and called for more and better coordination among the security agencies in terms of sharing information and in terms of making information available to the commission anytime they are in possession of any information that will be critical in terms of protecting our infrastructure and other assets,” he said. | Online Voting, A Project We Are Working On – INEC | business | Advertisement Nigeria’s electoral umpire – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – is already working on a project to allow the electorate to cast … Continue reading Online Voting, A Project We Are Working On – INEC |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/05/19/atikus-counsel-accuses-inec-as-being-proxy-in-petition-against-tinubu/ | The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP in the last election, Abubakar Atiku on told the Presidential Election Petition Court that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC is a meddlesome interloper in its defence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the qualifications for the election.
Atiku’s Counsel accused the electoral body of being a proxy in its petition against Tinubu.
INEC through its counsel had moved a motion on notice praying the Court to strike out some of the allegations made against Tinubu by Atiku in his petition.
Election: Obi Faults Blinken’s Call To Tinubu, Asks US To Wait For The Courts
The electoral body pleaded with the Court to strike out 32 allegations made against Tinubu by Atiku in the petition challenging the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 Presidential election.
INEC said that the allegations which formed 32 paragraphs in the Atiku’s petition should be discontenced by the Court for various reasons comprising lack of jurisdiction.
But Atiku through his lead counsel, Chris Uche, filed counter affidavit in opposition to INEC’S request and asked the Court to dismiss the electoral body’s position.
Uche argued in the counter affidavit that it was not the duty of INEC to do the battle or argue the case of Tinubu who is 2nd defendant in the petition.
Specifically, Atiku’s lead counsel insisted that INEC ought to be neutral but turning to a meddlesome interloper by taking up the defense of Tinubu against the provisions of the law.
He therefore asked the Court to dismiss INEC’S motion for being gross abuse of court process, lacking in merit and grossly incompetent. | Atiku's Counsel Accuses INEC As Being Proxy In Petition Against Tinubu | business | The PDP flagbearer's lead counsel insisted that INEC ought to be neutral but is turning into a meddlesome interloper by taking up the defense of Tinubu against the provisions of the law. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/10/12/labour-party-unveils-1234-member-campaign-council-for-peter-obi/ | The Labour Party on Wednesday unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council, consisting of 1,234 members.
The Director General of the Council, Doyin Okupe, also said those who think that the party has only social media supporters will be in for a surprise at the polls in 2023.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Okupe explained that over 80% of all new voters in the forthcoming general elections are supporters of the Labour Party.
Okupe retained his position as the DG of the Council while a retired assistant Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Zarewa is the chairman of the council.
The National Organising Secretary of Labour Party, Clement Ojukwu read the names of the party’s campaign council for the 2023 presidential election.
READ ALSO: Crowd As Kwankwaso Opens NNPP’s Campaign Office In Lagos
According to him, the 1,234 member-campaign council is an all inclusive organisation.
In his remarks, Okupe highlighted the party’s campaign strategy, insisting that the support base is beyond social media. | Labour Party Unveils 1,234-Member Campaign Council For Peter Obi | business | The Labour Party on Wednesday unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council, consisting of 1,234 members. Advertisement The Director General of the Council, Doyin Okupe, … Continue reading Labour Party Unveils 1,234-Member Campaign Council For Peter Obi |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/08/30/saraki-describes-a-p-c-as-necessary-national-opposition-party/ | The chairman of the senate committee on environment, Senator Bukola Saraki has described the newly registered All Progressive Congress [APC] as ‘necessary national opposition party’ for the growth of democratic structure in the country.
In an interview with Channels Television, the former Kwara governor-turned Senator, who represents Kwara central in the National Assembly, said that that no serious politician would leave a strong party like the People’s Democratic Party to an uncertain one.
He added that APC poses no threat to the ruling party.
He urged the new party to brace up for the challenges ahead, adding that transforming from regional parties to a national party requires much sacrifice on the part of the leaders. | Saraki Describes A.P.C As Necessary National Opposition Party | business | The chairman of the senate committee on environment, Senator Bukola Saraki has described the newly registered All Progressive Congress [APC] as ‘necessary national opposition party’ … Continue reading Saraki Describes A.P.C As Necessary National Opposition Party |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/03/28/court-refuses-to-stop-imo-deputy-governors-impeachment/ | A state High Court sitting in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, has struck out a motion brought before it by the embattled Imo State Deputy Governor, Jude Agbaso, to stop his impeachment by the Imo State House of Assembly.
Delivering the Judgement, Presiding Judge, Justice Florence Duruohaigwe said the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the case after the Deputy Governor had been given a fair hearing by the Imo State House of Assembly earlier on.
She also said that it would be unnecessary to grant the motion, since the applicant was not challenging the impeachment by the House of Assembly.
Mr Agbaso had earlier approached the court praying it to restrain the state house of assembly from proceeding with the impeachment process which began three weeks ago.
He also prayed the court to restrain the Nigerian Police Force from harassing him or acting upon the recommendations of the House of Assembly against him.
The Counsel to the applicant, Patrick Ikweto, told the court that the respondent infringed on the fundamental human rights of the Deputy Governor by investigating and indicting him in its report.
He further argued that the House of Assembly ought not to have dabbled into the investigation of the alleged N458 million contract scam, because that was a role of the security agencies.
He said that his client was not challenging the power of the State Assembly on impeachment, but that the process of Impeachment so far was faulty.
In response to the ruling, Counsel to the respondent, Akintola Adeniyi, argued that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter in the first place.
He said the matter was primarily a case of impeachment, which the House of Assembly is constitutionally empowered to handle.
Meanwhile, the embattled Deputy Governor is expected to appear today before the 7-man Panel of Enquiry set-up by the Chief Judge of Imo State to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office by the State House of Assembly. | Court Refuses To Stop Imo Deputy Governor’s Impeachment | business | A state High Court sitting in Owerri the Imo State Capital has struck out a motion brought before it by the embattled Imo State Deputy Governor, Jude Agbaso, to stop his impeachment by the Imo State House of Assembly. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/01/14/over-n400m-raised-for-the-construction-of-katsina-apc-secretariat/ | The sum of N470 million has been raised by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the construction of the party’s permanent secretariat complex in Katsina State.
These contributions were made on Saturday during the launch of the appeal fund for the construction of the complex sited at the Hassan Usman Katsina Road, Batagarawa Local Government Area of the state.
The Chief Launcher Architect Kabir Ibrahim Faskari popularly known as “Kebram” donated the largest share in the sum of fifty million Naira (₦50,000,000) while Katsina business mogul Dahiru Bara’u Mangal donated thirty million Naira (₦30,000000).
READ ALSO: Atiku Campaigns In Kogi, Promises Reactivation Of Ajaokuta Steel Company
Other donators include the Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari; his Deputy Mannir Yakubu; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Hon Tasi’u Maigari Zango as well as the governor of Zamfara State Bello Matawalle who donated the sum of three million, two million, five million and one million Naira respectively.
Several chieftains from Lagos and Katsina State including commissioners as well as special advisers to governor Aminu Masari also made their donations ranging from twenty million, seventeen million, ten million, five million, two million, one million, five hundred thousand Naira, one hundred thousand Naira, and fifty thousand Naira.
Governor Aminu Masari speaking shortly after the donation said the building is expected to be completed in the next four months.
He expressed hope that when completed, the structure will be launched for the swearing-in of the new APC governorship candidate come May 29, 2023.
“There are several donations made by so many personalities including President Muhammadu Buhari among others who don’t want their names or identity disclosed for political reasons.
“From the look of things, the money generated so far will be enough for us to make some progress or complete the whole project,” Masari noted. | Over N400m Raised For The Construction Of Katsina APC Secretariat | business | Chieftains of the party were part of the donors. |