Home Blog Page 143

Defections: Nigerians Won’t Buy One-party Agenda In 2027– Lagos PDP

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Defections: Nigerians Won’t Buy One-party Agenda In 2027– Lagos PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State says Nigeria cannot become a one-party state, even with recent gale of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

A number of governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and state houses of assembly elected on the platform of PDP and other parties have dumped their parties for APC

PDP’s Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa recently joined the growing number with federal and state lawmakers in their respective states.

The Akwa Ibom Gov. Umo Eno formally left the PDP and joined the APC in early June while Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and many members of the PDP in Delta defected to the APC.

Reacting, the State PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, told NAN that that party would never be broken by the wave of defections, saying PDP remained in the hearts of Nigerians.

According to him, the defectors dumped PDP for selfish reasons and that the gale will not determine the outcome of the 2027 elections.

“I can tell anyone that cares to hear that PDP will still stand strong after our convention in November.

“I am very confident that Nigerians are not ready for a one-party state because it will bring authoritarianism and dictatorship. Nigerians want a multi-party democratic system.

“The good people of Nigeria will not buy that (one party) from them. APC government has not impressed the people in the country. Nigerians will demonstrate this at that polls,” Olalemi said.

The PDP chieftain, however, said that people moving from one party to another was not a new thing.

He added: “People move from one party to another,but what are their reasons for moving from PDP to APC?

“Is it the crisis is PDP? If that is true, it means they (defectors) are not men enough to stay and fix the crisis in the interest of Nigerians, who are looking up to the opposition party for rescue.

“If there are crises in the family or home where we were born ,should we then leave for another person’s house?

“What is expected is to wait and resolve the crises. If by running away from PDP is what makes them men, we shall see what happens in 2027

Security: COAS Tasks Army Personnel On Operations Effectiveness

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Security: COAS Tasks Army Personnel On Operations Effectiveness

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has tasked junior and middle cadre army personnel on operational effectiveness for success of Nigerian Army operations and the nation’s security.

Oluyede gave the charge while declaring open a serminar on Transformational Leadership organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, Nigerian Army Headquarters, on Thursday in Ibadan.

The seminar organised for junior and middle cadre personnel of the Nigerian Army has as its theme “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.

Oluyede, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. O.S. Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), said that the junior and middle cadre personnel form the tactical backbone of Army operations, and directly shape operation outcomes and was the foundation on which strategic objectives were achieved.

The COAS said that the Nigerian Army had been in the forefront in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and had been ensuring peace and securing the nation.

He, however, said that the dynamic and current envolving security threat in Nigeria demanded holistic approach to leadership and conduct of army operations.

According to him, there must be continous learning not only from seminars like this, but also from real life experiences on the job.

The COAS said that organising the serminar for junior and middle cadre army personnel and as well focusing on leadership and followership was apt at this critical time.

“I must remind you, the participants, that your role as junior and mid-level commanders is central to the success of all Nigerian Army operations and ultimately our nation security.

“Most of your formations and units are positioned at forefront of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in your respective areas of operation.

“Honing your leadership capabilities is therefore of utmost importance, the current operational landscape requires leaders with character, commitment and capacity for quick mental appreciation and ability to translate available intelligence into action,” he said.

The COAS urged the participants to maximise and make judicious use of the knowledge gained at the seminar to improve operations and enhance Nigeria’s security.

Oluyede said that the seminar would also touch on issue of drug substance abuse, post traumatic stress disorder and some other impediments to combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.

Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Abai said that the seminar was designed to enhance leadership efforts towards repositioning the Nigerian Army to effectively address regimentation, discipline and professional standard among personnel.

Abai, represented by Brig.-Gen. I.E. Apkaumantia, Deputy Director Operation, Analysis, Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, said that the seminar also aimed at institutionalising mentorship as framework for raising future leaders in the Nigerian Army.

Abai said that leadership remains a crucial element of combat power and effective military functionality depend on this critical component.

NHIA Surpasses 2025 Enrolment Target, Says D-G

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
NHIA Surpasses 2025 Enrolment Target, Says D-G

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says it has surpassed its 2025 target with more than 21 million Nigerians now enroled in the health insurance schemes nationwide.

Dr Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of NHIA, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during a stakeholder engagement meeting with self-financing government agencies.

The meeting, which brought together desk officers and focal persons from self-paying Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), aimed to strengthen collaboration and deepen understanding of the health insurance system.

Ohiri, who was represented by Mr Nuhu Ajodi, the Director of Formal Sector Department in the agency, said that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the agency has achieved significant progress in expanding coverage and improving access to quality healthcare.

“We have moved from below 12 million enrolees to over 21 million, surpassing the presidential target for 2025,” she said.

She said the reforms under the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 have made health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians and have repositioned the Authority to deliver on its mandate more effectively.

Ohiri added that the engagement with self-paying agencies was part of efforts to familiarise focal persons with NHIA’s processes, ensure transparency in premium computation, and strengthen operational efficiency.

“Our desk officers are NHIA ambassadors in their organisations. They are the first point of contact when enrollees face challenges and must be well equipped to respond,” she said.

According to her, the Authority’s week-long stakeholder engagements will also cover Treasury-funded agencies and the organised private sector to further expand health coverage nationwide.

She said that NHIA is strengthening its collaboration with self-paying government agencies to enhance transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder understanding of Nigeria’s health insurance system.

The director-general said the meeting aimed to familiarise NHIA desk officers and focal persons across self-paying agencies with the Authority’s operations, appreciate their roles in the health insurance ecosystem, and improve collaboration.

“Today’s meeting is to help us know one another, the NHIA team, the focal persons, and desk officers in different agencies, and to understand how the roles we each play contribute to the broader health insurance system,” she said.

According to him, participants were also expected to gain insight into how premiums are determined, including the rates and criteria used in computing contributions based on staff strength and salary levels.

“This will promote transparency and help agencies plan and project their yearly budgets for remittance to NHIA to sustain coverage,”.

She said the meeting also seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of the Authority’s mandate, legal framework, and ongoing reforms under the NHIA Act 2022, which makes health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians.

She explained that the reforms are designed to improve efficiency, ensure wider coverage, and enhance the quality of care provided to enrollees.

“Our desk officers are NHIA ambassadors in their respective organisations. They are the first point of contact when issues arise regarding staff healthcare. So, they must be well equipped to handle and escalate challenges effectively,” she said.

She said the engagement will help strengthen the relationship between NHIA and self-paying agencies by improving communication, operational efficiency, and knowledge-sharing.

“The overall goal is to build stronger partnerships and ensure that every eligible Nigerian under self-paying agencies has uninterrupted access to quality healthcare,” she said.

The meeting is part of a week-long stakeholder engagement series that will also feature sessions with Treasury-funded agencies and the organised private sector, as part of efforts to deepen national health insurance coverage.

Troops Neutralise Dozens Of Terrorists, Nab 62 Suspects, Rescue 30 Victims — DHQ

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Troops Neutralise Dozens Of Terrorists, Nab 62 Suspects, Rescue 30 Victims — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces have neutralised dozens of insurgents, apprehended 62 suspects and rescued 30 kidnapped victims within the past two weeks across theatres.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on ongoing military operations across all theatres.

Kangye said the troops had sustained tempo of operation against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major successes between Oct. 8 and 16 through coordinated land and air offensives in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

“During the encounters, several terrorists were neutralised, 16 collaborators and informants arrested, and seven kidnapped victims rescued.

“Troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition, vehicles, fuel, and ₦5.14 million cash, while terrorists’ hideouts were destroyed,” he said.

In the North West, Kangye said the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI killed several bandits, apprehended 14 suspects, and rescued six kidnapped victims.

He added that troops also apprehended a suspected gunrunner and two members of a drug cartel in Kaduna and Zamfara States, recovering 1,307 rounds of ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cannabis, and ₦227,000 cash.

In the North Central zone, Kangye said the troops of Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke foiled terror attacks and intensified patrols in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

“Troops arrested 11 suspects and recovered weapons and motorcycles, while four others earlier apprehended were convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment each for conspiracy and theft,” he said.

Kangye added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised several armed criminals, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued 17 kidnapped victims during offensive patrols in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi States.

“In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander identified as Gentle and eight of his associates in Imo and Ebonyi States.

“Troops also apprehended a female logistics supplier in Abia and three minors linked to a wanted IPOB leader, Maduabuchi Uwankwo, alias Emergency.

“Recovered items include arms, ammunition and vehicles, while investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Kangye commended the troops for their professionalism and courage, assuring that the Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.

NANS Gives FG, ASUU 7 Days to End Rift or Face Nationwide Protests

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
NANS Gives FG, ASUU 7 Days to End Rift or Face Nationwide Protests

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their ongoing disputes or face nationwide protests.

In a statement on Wednesday, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, expressed concern over the lingering crisis, warning that continued disagreements could disrupt academic activities and destabilize the nation’s education calendar.

Oladoja noted that the education sector has enjoyed relative stability under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration, a feat he described as unprecedented since the return to democracy in 1999. He cautioned that the current impasse between the federal government and ASUU threatens this progress.

“We call on both parties to return to the negotiation table and find a lasting solution within seven days. Students who rely on academic loans cannot afford disruptions to their studies or prolonged years on campus,” Oladoja said.

The NANS president commended President Tinubu’s educational reforms, citing initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, removal of tertiary staff unions from IPPIS, reversal of the 40% IGR remittance policy, and special TETFund interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to education and student welfare.

However, Oladoja criticized the poor communication and delay in implementing previous agreements with ASUU, describing them as the root causes of recurring tensions.

“The recent threat of industrial action by ASUU is a major concern to Nigerian students nationwide. Despite the progress made, miscommunication and poor crisis management are now creating avoidable tension that threatens the peace and progress of the education sector,” he added.

Oladoja revealed that both parties had earlier declined to attend a government meeting due to procedural disagreements but assured that they are willing to reconvene once due process is followed.

“We urge the Federal Government to immediately reconvene the meeting to close the communication gap,” he stated.

Calling on President Tinubu to personally intervene, Oladoja warned that failure to act swiftly could erode the goodwill and stability achieved so far in the education sector.

“Nigerian students remain grateful and supportive of President Tinubu’s commitment to education. However, if this impasse continues beyond seven days, it will undermine the progress recorded under his administration. Now is the time for dialogue, understanding, and decisive action — the future of millions of Nigerian students depends on it,” he said.

Meanwhile, ASUU commenced a warning strike on Monday following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to address its long-standing demands.

The lecturers’ demands include the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, revitalization of public universities, and sustainable funding for tertiary institutions. Additional grievances involve settlement of 25–35% salary arrears, four years of promotion arrears, and the release of withheld cooperative deductions.

In response, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, directed university vice-chancellors to enforce the government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy for lecturers participating in the strike — a move that has stirred fresh controversy among university staff.

The ongoing strike has already halted examinations across several universities, leaving students and parents anxious about the future of academic activities in the country.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi

C’ River Lawmakers Move To Curb Excessive Rent Charges

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
C’ River Lawmakers Move To Curb Excessive Rent Charges

The Cross River State House of Assembly on Wednesday moved to provide legislation to regulate property rental and leasing in the state.

The motion, which was sponsored by Mr Davies Etta, member representing Abi constituency, is titled “Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the Unreasonable Hike in House Rents in Calabar Metropolis”.

Presenting the motion during plenary on Wednesday, Etta noted that residents of the state had been lamenting the unreasonable increments in the price of rents.

”As we speak, a single self-contained room on Marian Road now goes for N1.5 million per annum in Calabar South, while a one-bedroom apartment costs between N800,000 and N1 million.

“In Parliamentary Extension, State Housing and Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) areas, tenants are being asked to pay N2 million and above for a one-bedroom or two-bedroom flats.

“This unregulated rental inflation is not only heartless; it is economically destabilising, socially dangerous and breeds homelessness, desperation and urban inequality contradicting the principle of fairness,” he noted.

Mr Stanley Nsemo, member representing Calabar Municipality, in his contribution to the debate, emphasised the urgent need to regulate rents as well as the activities of housing agents in Calabar Metropolis.

Other lawmakers who contributed to the motion were unanimous in their support, noting that, housing was not a luxury but a basic human right which the 10th Assembly would strive to protect.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Elvert Ayambem, while restating the 10th Assembly’s commitment to making laws that would make life easier for the citizens, commended the sponsor and members for their concern towards the well-being of residents.

Ayambem noted that the incessant increase in house rent was putting untold hardship on residents of the state.

He said that in view of this, the house would soon commence the legislative procedures for a law to regulate house rents across the state.

Bayelsa Gov, EXCO, Assembly Members Dump PDP

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Bayelsa Gov, EXCO, Assembly Members Dump PDP

Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa has announced his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Diri made this known at the State Executive Council Meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

Similarly, all 19 members of the State House of Assembly from the PDP alongside the Speaker, Mr Abraham Ingobere, as well as members of the state executive council, have also resigned membership of the party.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, also confirmed the development in a post on his verified social media handle.

Following the development, residents are expecting the governor and his followers to move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Tuesday, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu announced his resignation from the PDP to the

Mbah, shortly after his defection, had said that he decided to leave the PDP for the ruling APC because the PDP did not recognise the voice of his people.

The governor had dismissed suggestions that his action amounted to a betrayal of the PDP, under which he was elected.

”This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandonment. It is more about understanding that I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a responsibility on me to carry that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people,” he said.

He had explained that his decision followed consultations and was rooted in the belief that the PDP platform could no longer ”serve the people optimally”.

”We have people who, under a particular platform, gave me their mandate to lead them.

”But it became clear to us that the platform on which that mandate was given may not serve us optimally, and then, in consultation with them, we decided that we’re now going to migrate to a stronger platform that will best serve them. So, I don’t see that as a betrayal,” he added.

Many Escape Death as Train Crashes into Vehicles in Port Harcourt

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Many Escape Death as Train Crashes into Vehicles in Port Harcourt

Over a hundred people narrowly escaped death on Tuesday evening when a moving train hit several vehicles stuck in traffic at a railway crossing in the Woji area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Although no deaths were reported at the time of this report, many vehicles were badly damaged, and several people were left shaken after the incident.

The traditional ruler of Evo Kingdom and Chairman of the Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, King Leslie Eze, expressed sadness over the accident and sent his sympathy to the victims.

He said, “We are deeply saddened by this avoidable incident that could have claimed many lives. It is by God’s mercy that we are not mourning today.

I sympathize with everyone affected and call on the authorities to take this as a serious warning.”

King Eze criticized the poor safety measures at the railway crossing and the lack of warning systems or proper traffic control.

He urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Rivers State Government, and the Federal Ministry of Transportation to improve safety at all railway crossings in the state.

He added, “This is about the lives of Nigerians. We must make sure railway crossings have working barriers, warning signals, and quick emergency responses. What happened in Woji must never happen again.”

The monarch also advised drivers to be careful and patient, especially when stuck in traffic near railway lines.

By: Wokoma Emmanuel

Reps To Investigate $35 million Investment In Non-existent Modular Refinery

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Reps To Investigate $35 million Investment In Non-existent Modular Refinery

The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to launch an investigation to unravel why the $35 million Brass Modular Refinery project in Bayelsa State was abandoned despite the huge financial commitments made about four years ago.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), alleging that despite the investment, there is nothing on the ground to suggest that the government has made such an investment.

Leading the debate on a motion titled “Need to Investigate the Abandoned $35 Million Modular Refinery Project in Brass, Bayelsa State, Four Years After Financial Commitments,” Osawaru expressed concern that the project, funded by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has recorded no tangible progress since inception.

He recalled that in 2020, the NCDMB invested $35 million (over N50 billion) in the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, proposed to be sited in Brass, as part of efforts to boost indigenous refining capacity and reduce pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange.

He expressed concern that despite this huge investment of $35 million dollars which is more than N50 billion and enough to fund fundamental components of the national budget, the proposed modular refinery was never set up, adding that there is nothing on the ground to show that such a huge financial commitment had been made.

“Despite this substantial investment, the proposed modular refinery was never established, and there is little evidence of progress on the project,” Osawaru stated.

He maintained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, indigenous refining has been identified as a key driver of energy independence, job creation, and industrial revitalization.

He said the key objective of the present administration is to ensure energy security through improved oil production output in order to increase the Nation’s revenue base, and that every available opportunity has been geared towards this objective.

The lawmaker noted that the House had previously directed its relevant committees to look into the matter, while a petition was also submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in May 2024 to probe NCDMB’s multi-million dollar investments, including the Brass refinery project.
He said till date, no updates have been received.

According to him, the continued inactivity of this Brass modular refinery project raises significant questions about the management of public funds and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in Nigeria.

Following deliberations, the House resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the $35 million investment and report back within four weeks.

Nigeria To Face Gabon In Play-off, As Tinubu Rallies Super Eagles To Soar Into 2026 World Cup

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Nigeria To Face Gabon In Play-off, As Tinubu Rallies Super Eagles To Soar Into 2026 World Cup

Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-finals of the African section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, following the conclusion of the qualifying group matches on Tuesday.

‎ President Bola Tinubu has already congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4–0 thrashing of the Cheetahs Benin Republic, applauding their determination in keeping Nigeria’s World Cup dreams alive.

‎A rampaging Victor Osimhen netted a stunning hat-trick as Nigeria cruised to victory in Uyo, booking a spot in the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‎In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, Tinubu hailed the Super Eagles for reigniting hope among millions of football-loving Nigerians for the mundial.

‎”While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs.”

‎”The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.”

‎”As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.”

‎”We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.

‎The playoffs will feature a semifinal-final format, with winners advancing to a FIFA interconfederation playoff for a potential tenth African World Cup spot.

‎The decisive second round of CAF qualifying will take place in MorMorocin November.

DR Congo also sealed their qualification with a narrow 1–0 win over Sudan to finish runners-up in Group B behind Senegal, with Cameroon joining them after placing second in Group D behind Cape Verde.

The play-offs, which will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups.

Nigeria, expected to remain the highest-ranked African side among the four when FIFA releases its updated rankings on October 23, will face the lowest-ranked team among the four, Gabon.

Cameroon and DR Congo will contest the other semi-final.

1...142143144...189Page 143 of 189