TodayPrice

Category: Politics

  • Governor Fubara Didn’t Sack LG Chairmen, Aides, Says Commissioner

    Governor Fubara Didn’t Sack LG Chairmen, Aides, Says Commissioner

    Warisenibo Joe Johnson, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications have described as untrue allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sacked certain categories of his aides and local government chairmen

    Johnson who stated this in a press statement, said his principal has not given such directive as at October 31,

    He added that Fubara “is a technocrat, with robust civil service background, kind hearted and a very humane person who does things according to laid down rules and with the fear of God.

    “We therefore ask Rivers people and the general public to jettison such unconfirmed reports as the public will be properly informed of who may have been removed by His Excellency at the appropriate time.

    “It is pertinent to note that as the Commissioner for Information and Communication, I shall keep the public updated of events in due course” the statement read.

     

  • Senator Magnus Abe Condemns Political Crises in Rivers

    Senator Magnus Abe Condemns Political Crises in Rivers

    Former representative of the Rivers South East Senatorial District , Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has condemned the current political confusion in Rivers state.

    Spokesperson to Senator Magnus, Parry Benson revealed that the Senator in a press statement on his Facebook account on Monday titled: ‘I condemn the ongoing unrest in Rivers State’ insisted that there can only be one Governor of a state at a time according to the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria.

    According to Benson, the statement reads: “In as much as I have chosen to remain silent on the Political issues in Rivers State, let me make four simple statements”.

    “As seen in trending videos in the media space today , the direct gun shots and tear-gassing on the person of the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Simialayi Fubara, who is the Chief Security Officer of the state, was wrong. This is beyond politics, and I publicly condemn it”.

    ” As a former Minority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I am particularly saddened by the destruction of our beloved House of Parliament, and a valuable state asset: this is unacceptable”.

    “I believe that in the interest of the state, the Nigerian Police needs to have a deeper conversation with the Governor who is the current Chief Security Officer and the only Rivers man that currently enjoys constitutional immunity

    “whatever our political differences, we must look for ways to resolve them without jeopardising the peace and security of our fellow citizens”he said.

  • Vote Buying: EFCC Arrests 14 Suspects in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi State

    Vote Buying: EFCC Arrests 14 Suspects in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi State

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 (Fourteen) suspected vote buyers in Otueke, Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa State and at various polling units in Imo and Kogi States.

    They were arrested on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in intelligence-driven operations that commenced several days before the ongoing governorship elections in the three states

    Also, a total sum of N11,040,000 (Eleven Million, Forty Thousand Naira only) comprising N9,310,000 (Nine Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa and N1,730,000 (One Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) intercepted from electoral fraud suspects across Imo State, were also recovered from them

    Also, two vehicles were intercepted from the suspects.

    They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos-based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.
  • Shun Contesting 2027 Presidential Poll, Bode George tells Atiku

    Shun Contesting 2027 Presidential Poll, Bode George tells Atiku

    Aformer deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has advised the party’s presidential candidate in the last general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to drop his ambition to contest the presidential position in 2027.

    According to Bode George, neither age nor the party’s zoning arrangement favours the North to produce the next presidential candidate, hence Atiku should bury the thought of contesting the 2027 polls.

    Rather, Chief Bode George appealed to Alhaji Abubakar to focus more on things of national interest and not allow his personal interest to override national interest.

    Addressing journalists in his Ikoyi office Lagos, the elder statesman said what Alhaji Abubakar should concern himself more now is to play the role of the big uncle and concern himself with mentorship of the younger generation.

    “Our brother was 77 years last year and by 2027, he would be 81 years old. Atiku should be in a situation where he plays a role like the big uncle in the room, for the elders.

    “Let’s mentor the younger generation and let’s be consistent with our strong belief  on our party norms; otherwise it will be a shame, and I want to give credit to the founding fathers of our party, who met and established  the PDP.”

    Chief George said, going by the principle of zoning adopted by the founding fathers of the party, since Gen Muhammadu Buhari had spent eight years in office, it is then the turn of the South to produce the next president.

    George said failure to adhere to that principle in 2023, made the party to perform badly in the presidential poll.

    “The zoning concept which the founding fathers of the party put down has been the best solution for Nigeria as a country. 2027, I can’t tell you don’t contest; our party must be definitive and definitively state that the presidency must still be in the South.

    “Former President Muhammad Buhari spent eight years in office, he is from the North. Our party must produce its own presidential candidate from the South. I hope we have learnt from our mistakes.”

    On the plan by some politicians to form a mega party, he said some people don’t realise that it takes some time to form a strong party, he however, said the PDP shall remain and will not go into mega arrangement with any political party.

    “I heard somebody saying they want to form a mega party, all for what? Is it to win as president? Which mega party? You think you can just do a thing and you will deliver unto the party. Do you know how long it takes to have a solid party?” Bode George said.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

  • Rivers Govt Assures Of Cooperation With Technocrats, Professionals In Housing Projects Implementation

    Rivers Govt Assures Of Cooperation With Technocrats, Professionals In Housing Projects Implementation

    Rivers State Commissioner for Housing, Engr. Basoene Joshua Benibo, has assured that the state government will always listen to the advice and contributions of technocrats and professionals in planning and carrying out its projects, policies and programmes for effective delivery of the state’s housing needs.

    Benito gave the assurance when the leadership and representatives of Coalition of Rivers State Professionals visited him in his office in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

    He pointed out that although the efforts of the professional body did not receive the needed result and recognition during the immediate past administration in the state, he expressed confidence that the current government under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is a thoroughbred professional, will give the coalition the needed impetus and opportunity to contribute to the success of the government.

    Benibo, who counted himself as one of the first beneficiaries of the group, in terms of appointments, assured the group that the governor would be willing to tap from their knowledge and support.

    Speaking further, the commissioner charged the professionals and technocrats to be patient and be willing to contribute positively towards the development and growth of the state, saying Governor Fubara believes in handling issues meticulously and professionally.

    He also assured the body that its members will always be contacted from time to time to share their knowledge, experiences and expertise in moving Rivers State to greater heights.

    Responding, Director-General of the group, Architect Ipalibo West restated that the group visited the commissioner to congratulate on his appointment and rejoice with him as a foundation member of the group, as well as to highlight their plans and programs with him, especially on its avowed interest in supporting the incumbent government to succeed.

    West, who maintained that the body does not support anarchy and any form of violence in the state, stressed that the group, whose membership is drawn from different works of life, is readily available to assist the government of the day to succeed in its plans and programs.

    He solicited Benibo’s assistance in introducing the group to the Fubara-led administration with a view to supporting the government’s mandate of delivering quality and affordable housing to the people of Rivers State.

    A highlight of the visit was the presentation of the group’s souvenir to the commissioner.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos-based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills make him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

  • Benibo Seeks Support of all Stakeholders to Move Rivers State Forward

    Benibo Seeks Support of all Stakeholders to Move Rivers State Forward

    Rivers State Commissioner of Housing, Engr. Basoene Joshua Benibo has urged all stakeholders, past and present political office holders to support the incumbent government in moving the state forward.

    He restated that the people troubling the state are those who want to continue controlling its affairs even after the expiration of their tenure in office rather than allowing their successors to do their bit in ensuring that peace prevails and moves the state forward towards greater development.

    Benibo, who made the clarification in his office when some immediate past councilors of Asari Toru Local Government Area of the state visited him in his office in Port Harcourt, commended the councilors for their courage and bold step in publicly acknowledging that Governor Siminialayi Fubara was bent on providing good governance in the state.

    He also applauded the former councilors for indicating their willingness to contribute their quota to support the incumbent government to succeed in giving their best to the people of Rivers State at all levels.

    The Commissioner, who promised that he would deliver the message of the councilors to the governor appropriately, pledged that all members of the “Simplified Family in the local government area and beyond would continue to work with them in moving the state forward, as well as putting an end to the marginalization and injustice perpetrated by those promoting godfather syndrome in the state.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation and immediate past councilor of Ward 7, Hon. Soibibo Tams Horsfall, said although the eight councilors have been working with the Simplified Family, especially in Asari Toru and the CTC Chairman of the local government area, they visited the Commissioner to formally declare their support due to the positive steps Governor Siminialayi Fubara has taken to provide responsible, accountable and responsive governance in the state.

    They congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment to the state executive council and also appreciated Governor Fubara for finding their brother suitable for the office, saying they are really and fully “Simplified.”

    Restating their stance, Deacon  Martins Kombo  Obene, who said following and supporting Governor Fubara remains a just and right decision that would lead to the rapid development of the state,  pledged to contribute their quota at all times they were called upon to do so.

    The past councilors who visited to pledge their loyalty are councilors of Ward 1, Hon. Telema George, Hon. Prince Batubo (Ward 2), Hon. Soiibibo Tams Horsfall (Ward 7), Hon. Tamunomiete Atkinson Jackrich (Ward 8), Hon. Deacon Martins Kombo Obene (Ward 11) and Hon. Obufiya M. Sokubo of Ward 13.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos-based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills make him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

  • Elections : Ribadu Urges Edo, Ondo Voters to be Law Abiding

    Elections : Ribadu Urges Edo, Ondo Voters to be Law Abiding

    The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu says that the security agencies will work professionally to protect both men and material during the governorship election in Edo and Ondo States.

    The NSA stated this in Abuja during Inter-Agency Consultative Committee meeting on Election Security (ICCES) with INEC in Abuja.

    Represented by the Director Internal Security, Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, the National Security Adviser warned the electorates to abide by the laws of the land as anyone found wanting would face the full wrath of the law.

    The NSA who doubles as Co-chair of ICCES noted that given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the State, “any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values”.

    He urged security personnel and election officials to ensure that every ballot was protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election was upheld.

    INEC Chairman Professor Mahmoud Yakubu who also doubles as Chairman of ICCES urged Political Party leaders, Candidates and their supporters in the two States not to heat up the polity as campaigns are on going.

    Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, while that of Ondo is scheduled for November 16.

     

  • Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities

    Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has announced the suspension of former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over allegations of anti-party activities.

    The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the state’s party leadership.

    The decision followed a request from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which petitioned the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, to take action against Aregbesola, citing his alleged involvement in actions that undermined the APC.

    The committee, in a letter, accused Aregbesola of promoting factionalism and colluding with opposition parties, among other allegations.

    Responding to the request, the Osun State APC Executive Committee notified the party’s national leadership, represented by APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, of its decision to suspend Aregbesola and to establish a disciplinary panel to investigate the charges.

    The resolution, dated October 22, titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee,” was signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi.

    The document, obtained on Tuesday in Osogbo, outlined the allegations and Aregbesola’s suspension based on Article 21 of the APC Constitution.

    “Following complaints of anti-party activities leveled against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, the State Executive Committee (SEC), after reviewing the allegations and in accordance with the powers vested in it by Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, hereby suspends Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the party pending the outcome of an investigation,” the statement partly read.

    The charges against Aregbesola include, factionalizing the APC by forming the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group; allegedly collaborating with opposition parties to destabilize the APC in Osun State; publicly criticizing party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola; refusing to participate in or support APC activities within the state; and refusing to vote for the party since the 2019 general elections.

    The committee will deliver its findings and recommendations to the state executive within 14 days.

    It also issued a formal notice to Aregbesola, inviting him to appear and defend himself against the allegations.

    Reaffirming its commitment to party discipline, the Osun APC urged members to avoid actions that could harm the party’s unity and electoral prospects.

    “The party will not hesitate to enforce disciplinary measures on any member found violating the party’s constitution or engaging in anti-party conduct,” the committee said.

    In a follow-up letter dated October 24 and signed by Osun APC Disciplinary Committee Secretary, Waheed Adediran, the former governor was given 48 hours to respond to the allegations in writing.

    His response, the committee noted, would be essential for its investigation into the six charges levelled against him.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    President Bola Tinubu is currently receiving a briefing from the Implementation Committee on Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Local Currency at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, who chairs the committee, is leading the small delegation comprising the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari.

    Our correspondent spotted the committee members arriving at the Council Chamber at minutes last 02:00 pm.

    In early October, the Federal Government began implementing a policy to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira rather than U.S. dollars.

    This followed the Federal Executive Council’s approval which, the FG says, will stabilize fuel prices domestically and strengthen Nigeria’s currency by cutting down on the need for dollars in crude oil transactions.

    The move also allows the NNPC to supply crude oil in local currency, with Dangote’s refinery as the pilot for this strategy.

    By trading in naira, the government aims to improve the availability of petroleum products and decrease import-related costs.

    The Dangote Refinery, which requires significant crude supplies annually, is expected to reciprocate by providing petrol and diesel in naira, simplifying currency transactions and lessening the economic strain of fuel imports.

    The FG said the approach will reduce FOREX demands by up to 40 per cent as key institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and AfreximBank, support the transition.

    However, in September, the NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery were embroiled in pricing disputes.

    The NNPCL claimed it bought petrol from Dangote at a high price of N898 per litre, a rate that Dangote’s representatives called “misleading,” stating that official pricing terms were yet to be finalised.

    At Tuesday’s meeting, President May likely intervene in the simmering dispute between the two companies.

  • Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has promised to extend an invitation to two authors, Dr Tombari Sibe and Prof. Christian Kaunert, to join the Federal Government’s Committee on National Policing Policy.

    The duo of Sibe and Kaunert recently launched a book titled ‘Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria’.

    Sibe, who is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at Rivers State University, is a cybersecurity/digital forensic expert with over two decades of professional experience in Information Technology consulting, while Kaunert is a professor of International Security in the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Ireland.

    The minister insisted that experts like Sibe and Kaunert were needed in the committee, which he said was under formation.

    He said the authors would provide inputs on cybersecurity frameworks for the Nigeria Police Force.

    The minister, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mike Imafidor, during the book launch, said the ministry was focused on driving police reforms through the integration of advanced technologies.

    The minister said, “Another significant element is the development of a national policing policy, with the committee currently being formed.

    “The aim is to establish a framework for technology integration, avoiding isolated systems that are difficult to connect and ensuring smooth interoperability. The goal is to create a policy that guarantees the sustainability of these technological efforts.”

    Sibe, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to newsmen, confirmed the development, saying the book addressed the country’s unique challenges and presented a comprehensive plan for forensic readiness to fill a gap in the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

    He said, “Most often, we look at human forensic capabilities only from a budgetary perspective—how much do we have in the budget? How much can we plan for building this registry? But we often don’t take a long-term view in terms of building financial readiness, operational readiness, or any other kind of readiness we need.

    “A key outcome of this study is to establish a clear, articulated roadmap for building forensic readiness. Another important contribution is identifying knowledge, skill gaps, and training needs.”

    “We spoke to some of the top cybercrime investigators in this country, and special thanks go to the agencies that contributed. This allowed us to pinpoint the specific gaps that need to be filled.”

    He said that the book further discussed cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and blockchain and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of such technologies.

    Providing more insights on why they authored the book, Sibe added, “Nigeria has witnessed a surge in cybercrime incidents, and this has been quite disturbing.

    “Apart from the financial loss suffered by victims of cybercrime, Nigeria as a nation also suffers from reputational damage.”