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Tag: President Bola Tinubu

  • Tinubu Pays Tribute to Late Chief Akintola Williams, Champion of Integrity

    Tinubu Pays Tribute to Late Chief Akintola Williams, Champion of Integrity

    By Daniel Edu

    The passing of Nigeria’s first chartered accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, also known as the doyen of accounting, has drawn a heartfelt response from President Bola Tinubu.

    Chief Akintola Williams passed away at the age of 104 at his residence in Lagos on Monday.

    In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late elder statesman.

    President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the governments of Lagos and Ogun States, the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and other financial institutions founded by the centenarian. He praised Akintola Williams for living a life marked by charity and leaving an enduring impact on future generations.

    Tinubu highlighted Williams’ embodiment of integrity, resilience, and resourcefulness. He emphasized how Williams established the first African-owned accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co (Deloitte & Touche), in 1952, which inspired confidence in a generation of professionals committed to enhancing transparency and competence in the accounting profession.

    The President acknowledged the numerous honors and awards received by Chief Akintola Williams during his lifetime, such as the OFR and NNOM awards. He noted that these accolades only scratched the surface of Williams’ significant contributions to the nation and humanity, particularly in his support for education and healthcare institutions aimed at lifting the most vulnerable citizens out of poverty.

    President Tinubu also praised Akintola Williams’ historic role as the first indigenous chartered accountant in the public service, citing his service as Chairman of the Federal Income Tax Appeal Commissioners, Member of the Coker Commission of Inquiry into the Statutory Corporations of the former Western Region of Nigeria, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Commonwealth Foundation, and Chairman of the Public Service Review Panel tasked with rectifying issues within the Udoji Salary Review Commission.

    Tinubu fondly recalled sending warm birthday wishes to the centenarian on his 104th birthday on August 9th and celebrated his significant role in shaping African institutions that have influenced the continent’s economy throughout his lifetime.

    In conclusion, President Tinubu offered prayers for the departed soul of Oloye Williams and extended his condolences to his grieving family.

  • Tinubu Suspends N8,000 Cash Transfer Palliative Following Public Backlash

    Tinubu Suspends N8,000 Cash Transfer Palliative Following Public Backlash

    President Bola Tinubu has decided to halt his proposed plan to provide a cash transfer of N8,000 to 12 million impoverished households for a duration of six months. The initiative aimed to serve as a government palliative to alleviate the impact of the recent removal of petrol subsidies in the country.

    The proposal faced significant opposition from Nigerians who considered it unnecessary and a waste of funds. Many argued that the amount was too small to make a substantial difference, and there were concerns about the accountability in ensuring that the funds reached the poorest households.

    In a statement released by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, on Tuesday evening, it was announced that the proposal would be “reviewed” in response to the rejection it received from the public.

    Alake emphasized that “a lot of misconceptions have been attached to the program by a few critics,” while stating that the Tinubu administration firmly believed in the principle of “prohibition requires provision.”

    Consequently, Tinubu instructed that “the N8,000 conditional cash transfer program, intended to provide relief to the most vulnerable households, be immediately reconsidered in deference to the concerns expressed by Nigerians.”

    Alake further revealed that Tinubu had directed for the unveiling of the complete range of government palliative measures to the Nigerian public.

    The full statement issued by Alake reads: “It is evident that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consistently engages in dialogue with the Nigerian people who entrusted him with their votes.

    “The President made a commitment to prioritize the welfare and security of Nigerians within the framework of his government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “In recent days, both traditional and digital media platforms have been flooded with reports of the government’s plan to implement a conditional cash transfer program for vulnerable households, particularly those affected by the difficult but necessary decision to remove petrol subsidies.

    “The reports have widely circulated that the Federal Government intends to provide a monthly sum of N8,000 to 12 million households from the most impoverished segments of society as a government palliative to alleviate the discomfort experienced by Nigerians due to the subsidy removal.

    “Various misconceptions have been spread by a handful of critics regarding this program. The administration firmly believes in the principle that when something is prohibited, there must be a provision.

    “Since the subsidy, an economic menace that posed a significant threat, has been eliminated, the government has implemented a comprehensive range of relief measures to assist Nigerians.”
    President Bola Tinubu has decided to halt his proposed plan to provide a cash transfer of N8,000 to 12 million impoverished households for a duration of six months. The initiative aimed to serve as a government palliative to alleviate the impact of the recent removal of petrol subsidies in the country.

    The proposal faced significant opposition from Nigerians who considered it unnecessary and a waste of funds. Many argued that the amount was too small to make a substantial difference, and there were concerns about the accountability in ensuring that the funds reached the poorest households.

    In a statement released by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, on Tuesday evening, it was announced that the proposal would be “reviewed” in response to the rejection it received from the public.

    Alake emphasized that “a lot of misconceptions have been attached to the program by a few critics,” while stating that the Tinubu administration firmly believed in the principle of “prohibition requires provision.”

    Consequently, Tinubu instructed that “the N8,000 conditional cash transfer program, intended to provide relief to the most vulnerable households, be immediately reconsidered in deference to the concerns expressed by Nigerians.”

    Alake further revealed that Tinubu had directed for the unveiling of the complete range of government palliative measures to the Nigerian public.

    The full statement issued by Alake reads: “It is evident that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consistently engages in dialogue with the Nigerian people who entrusted him with their votes.

    “The President made a commitment to prioritize the welfare and security of Nigerians within the framework of his government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “In recent days, both traditional and digital media platforms have been flooded with reports of the government’s plan to implement a conditional cash transfer program for vulnerable households, particularly those affected by the difficult but necessary decision to remove petrol subsidies.

    “The reports have widely circulated that the Federal Government intends to provide a monthly sum of N8,000 to 12 million households from the most impoverished segments of society as a government palliative to alleviate the discomfort experienced by Nigerians due to the subsidy removal.

    “Various misconceptions have been spread by a handful of critics regarding this program. The administration firmly believes in the principle that when something is prohibited, there must be a provision.

    “Since the subsidy, an economic menace that posed a significant threat, has been eliminated, the government has implemented a comprehensive range of relief measures to assist Nigerians.”

  • Adamu Succumbs to Pressure and Resigns as Chairman of the APC.

    Adamu Succumbs to Pressure and Resigns as Chairman of the APC.

    LAGOS – The ongoing developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, may not come as a surprise to those closely following its internal affairs.

    It is well-known that there has been a growing rift between the APC’s national chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and President Bola Tinubu. This discord stems from the chairman’s controversial involvement in the party’s presidential primary election. Despite the party’s initial agreement to zone the position to the south, Adamu, against all odds, presented the former senate president as the consensus candidate.

    On Monday, the fate of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who had been facing numerous challenges as the National Chairman of the APC, was finally sealed. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) officially announced his resignation.
    The announcement came at the conclusion of today’s NWC meeting held in Abuja (Monday). Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari, confirmed Adamu’s resignation and also revealed that the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has stepped down.

    Kyari further stated that he has assumed the role of acting chairman, while Barrister Festus Fuanter, the Deputy National Secretary, will serve as the acting Secretary.

    It is worth noting Adamu’s previous reaction to the selection of principal officers in the National Assembly. During a meeting with party governors, Adamu expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the party had no involvement in the selection process of the lawmakers.
    He expressed, “The Senate President and Deputy Senate President have already conducted the election for the principal officers of the Senate. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have also been elected and their roles have been announced.”

    “The remaining positions are yet to be determined by the respective chambers. On Saturday, I had a courtesy visit from the Senate President and his Deputy, and on Sunday, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker paid me a Sallah visit.”

    “However, I have just learned through online media rumors that there have been certain announcements made in both the Senate and House of Representatives.””The party’s national headquarters and the NWC have not provided any such information or official communication regarding the selection of offices,” Adamu clarified. “We follow established norms and practices, which require us to resolve and communicate in writing. We have no intention of deviating from these traditions.”

    Adamu emphasized that any announcements made by the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, or Deputy Speaker are not endorsed by the secretariat of the party.

    Furthermore, apart from causing significant displeasure among some of Tinubu’s supporters, the national chairman went a step further by unilaterally rejecting the principal officers of the National Assembly. These officers were reported to have the full backing of the President.
    So, with the humongous power at his disposal as the President, Tinubu feels it is time to cut Adamu to size.

    The most important thing in his mind according to close watchers is to do away with Adamu as the national chairman of the party, so that he can position the party to suit him (Tinubu)

    To achieve that, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State was said to be recruited for the job.

    According to reports Adamu’s resignation as APC National Chairman was done on the orders of President Tinubu.

    He was said to have written his resignation letter and handed the same to Governor Uzodimma who had the President’s mandate to ensure that happened.

    It was earlier reported that the embattled APC National Chairman resigned from his position on Sunday night following an ultimatum given him by President Bola Tinubu.

    But what is not yet in the public domain is the role played by Governor Uzodimma, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, the umbrella body of governors of the ruling APC.

    A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who confirmed Adamu’s resignation story last night said President Tinubu gave Uzodimma the charge to secure the chairman’s resignation.

    He said, “It is true that Adamu has resigned as the national chairman of APC though he didn’t tell any of us, members of the NWC. What we heard was that the President gave Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, the charge to ensure that Abdullahi Adamu resigns,” the APC NWC member who spoke on condition of anonymity said. “The party’s national headquarters and the NWC have not provided any such information or official communication regarding the selection of offices,” Adamu clarified. “We follow established norms and practices, which require us to resolve and communicate in writing. We have no intention of deviating from these traditions.”

    Adamu emphasized that any announcements made by the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, or Deputy Speaker are not endorsed by the secretariat of the party.

    Furthermore, apart from causing significant displeasure among some of Tinubu’s supporters, the national chairman went a step further by unilaterally rejecting the principal officers of the National Assembly. These officers were reported to have the full backing of the President.

  • Ohanaeze advises Tinubu on silencing Simon Ekpa in South-Eastern region

    Ohanaeze advises Tinubu on silencing Simon Ekpa in South-Eastern region

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Provides Solution to Simon Ekpa’s Activities in South-East, Urges Tinubu to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    In response to the activities of Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has advised President Bola Tinubu on a potential solution in the South-East region.

    According to Alex Ogbonnia, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze, the key to silencing Ekpa is the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. Ogbonnia argued that Kanu’s release would help alleviate the tension in the South-East, as Ekpa and others would no longer have a basis for their statements. He stated, “Once Kanu is released, individuals like Simon Ekpa would have nothing more to say. No one can exploit Nnamdi Kanu as a justification for instigating chaos in the country.”

    Ogbonnia emphasized that Kanu’s arrest, along with social inequality in the region, has fueled the agitation in the South-East. He further asserted that if Kanu is set free, Ekpa would lose his justification for causing unrest in the region.

    “We have consistently advocated for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. We believe that the issues surrounding his arrest have contributed to the ongoing agitation. The current situation in the South-East is a consequence of the social injustices suffered by the region,” Ogbonnia explained.

    He also emphasized that resolving the Nnamdi Kanu issue requires a diplomatic and political approach, rather than merely subjecting him to legal proceedings, imprisonment, or further confinement. Such actions, Ogbonnia cautioned, would only intensify the clamor and exacerbate the situation.

  • Tinubu’s defence to commence on June 30, while Atiku and Obi’s case nears conclusion on Friday.

    Tinubu’s defence to commence on June 30, while Atiku and Obi’s case nears conclusion on Friday.

    ABUJA— President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to begin his defence on June 30 against the petitions aiming to remove him from office. The Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, in Abuja, has announced that all three petitioners will conclude their case on Friday.Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, along with former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as well as the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), are challenging the declaration of Bola Tinubu from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the presidential election held on February 25. Atiku and Obi assert that they were the rightful winners of the presidential contest, while the APM is requesting the court to invalidate all votes received by Tinubu due to his alleged disqualification.The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has put forward the argument that Bola Tinubu’s candidacy should be invalidated based on Section 131(c) and 142 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, due to the withdrawal of Mr. Ibrahim Masari, who was initially nominated as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The petitioners, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and the APM, are collectively seeking the revocation of the Certificate of Return issued to Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).A total of 151 witnesses are expected to be called upon in the ongoing legal proceedings. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, represented by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, plans to present 100 witnesses to support his case, while Mr. Peter Obi intends to call upon 50 witnesses. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), relying on documentary evidence, will present only one witness to substantiate their case.

    In May, the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel consolidated all the petitions and provided a three-week period for the litigants to present their arguments. Initially, the petitioners were expected to conclude their case on Tuesday, as per the pre-hearing report issued by the panel. However, the court granted a two-day extension to the litigants.Up to this point, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has presented 25 witnesses in court, while Mr. Peter Obi has called seven witnesses and submitted several documentary exhibits as evidence.

    During the recent court session, Atiku’s lawyer, Uche, SAN, informed the court that his client may summon an additional five witnesses, bringing the total number to 30 witnesses. Uche emphasized that the remaining days would be used to present documents that would account for the evidence of the remaining 70 witnesses.

    However, Uche expressed his concern regarding the difficulties they faced in obtaining Certified True Copies (CTC) of the requested documents from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite the court’s appeal for cooperation.According to Uche, obtaining documents from INEC was akin to requesting weapons from an opponent in a war. He expressed his frustration, stating that his client had requested Form EC8A series, which comprises polling unit results for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, they had only received 14 batches of the requested forms thus far, and even those were not properly sorted.

    After initially standing down the proceedings for 10 minutes to organize the documents, the court reconvened. Atiku’s lawyer then requested an adjournment until Wednesday, explaining that his team needed time to prepare a schedule for the documents to be tendered as evidence, ensuring ease of identification.

    In response, a panel member admonished Uche, stating that sentiments should not guide the proceedings, and that evidence of the application made to the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) was lacking.

    Furthermore, Mr. Lawrence Bayode, a Deputy Director of INEC’s ICT Department, appeared before the court based on a subpoena issued to the INEC Chairman. He stated that out of the five documents requested by the petitioners, he had only brought two of them.The Justice Tsammani-led panel has adjourned further hearings on the petitions until today, Wednesday. The filename for the related document is “Presidential petition 20-6-2023.”

  • Top 10 Advantages of the 2023 Electricity Act Bill Signed by President Tinubu

    Top 10 Advantages of the 2023 Electricity Act Bill Signed by President Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has given his approval to the new Electricity Act, which replaces the 2005 Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act.

    The Electricity Act was initially passed in July 2022 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The newly signed bill aims to encourage private sector investments in Nigeria’s power sector and promote the decentralization of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution at the national level.

    Here are the ten key benefits of the recently assented 2023 Electricity Act:

    1. Exemption from License: The Act allows individuals to construct, own, or operate electricity generation projects with a capacity not exceeding one megawatt or distribution projects with a capacity not exceeding 100 kilowatts without requiring a license.

    2. Renewable Generation Obligations: Electricity generation license holders are required to fulfill renewable generation obligations as determined by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    3. Promotion of Renewable Energy: Electricity generating companies will be obligated to generate power from renewable energy sources, purchase renewable energy-generated power, or procure instruments representing renewable energy generation.

    4. Legislative Oversight: The Act empowers lawmakers to exercise oversight functions and responsibilities over the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) through their respective Committees on Power in the Senate and House of Representatives.

    5. Empowerment of States, Companies, and Individuals: The Act grants the authority to states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.

    6. State Electricity Market Regulation: States have the ability to regulate their own electricity markets by issuing licenses to private investors for operating mini-grids and power plants within their jurisdictions. However, interstate and transnational electricity distribution is excluded.

    7. Strengthened Regulatory Role: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is empowered to effectively regulate the electricity sector within Nigeria.

    8. Transition of Regulatory Responsibilities: NERC has the authority to transition regulatory responsibilities to state regulators once they are established.

    9. Continued NERC Regulation: Until states have enacted their electricity market laws, NERC will continue to regulate electricity businesses in those states.

    10. State-Specific Regulation: Currently, only Lagos, Edo, and Kaduna have enacted electricity market laws and can begin regulating their respective markets. In states without such laws, NERC will regulate electricity generation and transmission activities.

    The implementation of the 2023 Electricity Act is expected to bring about significant changes in the Nigerian power sector, fostering private sector participation, renewable energy development, and improved regulatory efficiency.