Category: Lead

The Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) yesterday cautioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against further increase in petrol price. 

Its National Vice-President Abubakar Maigadi warned that further increases would not favour the market especially now that the demand for the product has dropped.

He said: “We are waiting for the new consignment of petrol for July to come before we can know what NNPCL plans. 

“But it is not good for there to be a change of price in July. This is just our advice. It will not augur well when they change the price. We are advising NNPCL not to change the price.”

But IPMAN’s National Operations Controller, Mike Osatuyi, described the current petrol prices as transitional.

Osatuyi said the prices may rise to N700 in some parts of the country beginning tomorrow.

He said: “The petrol being sold now is old stock- the ones on the high sea, tanks and filling stations- they are all stocks ordered before the subsidy removal.

“Right now, nobody has imported petrol. People who want to import have to go and source for Forex on their own. We are trying to access funds and place orders for the product. Delivery cannot be earlier than 28 days after an order.”  

On why prices may hit N700 per litre, Osatuyi said: “With a current exchange rate standing at N770 to a dollar today, if you now configure that into the template of $70 a barrel of crude, what do you think that will translate to? A 45, 000-litre tanker of petrol now comes at N23 million.

“Based on a template we have worked, Lagos price will be about N610 a litre and in the farther parts of the country like Maiduguri, it will be like N700. This price will be the basic. Anybody with a superior argument should challenge me.

“The current price of petrol we are buying is a ‘’transition price’. We are not even talking about the VAT (Value Added Tax) that has been gazetted on all petroleum products. So, once that is affected, then it has to be added to the litre price. I don’t want to create panic that’s why I left it at N700.

“Even the NNPCL price per litre will still increase because of the new forex rate at which the firm will import petrol.

“Remember that NNPCL is now operating as a company; it won’t enjoy crude oil swap deals again; it will buy forex at the same price as us. There is no more arbitrage in the sector. It is now how each marketer is able to drive his efficiency that will bring down his cost and the quality of service rendered.”

President Bola Tinubu explained yesterday that petrol subsidy was removed to stop the bleeding of Nigeria’s economy. 

He added that it was expedient for the action to be taken to re-engineer the control and management of the nation’s resources.

Read Also: Petrol price increased by 54.52% in one year

He spoke at a reception for him at the State House in Marina, Lagos to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.

The President, at the reception hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Nigeria could no longer be neighbouring countries’ Father Christmas while its economy bleeds.   

His words: “We had no choice but to re-engineer the effectiveness of control and management of our resources to meet the obligation of our oath. I’m standing here, assuring you that I will not relent in working with available resources to cater for Nigerians.

“We can afford to be Father Christmas to the neighbouring countries, but we can’t just afford a petroleum subsidy and a sinking hole around the foreign exchange.

“Yes, I could have said I want a share of my benefits and participate in the habit, but God forbid. That is not why you elected me. You choose me to bring about necessary changes that will benefit not only you, but your grandchildren and our tomorrow.

“We have just started. We have to re-engineer the financial system of the country and see that economic planning and the budgetary process is transparent enough to cater for Nigerians.” 

Edo PDP chair lauds bold decisions

Also yesterday, Chairman of local chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, commended the President for taken bold decisions to stop subsidy payment and unify naira exchange rates.

He noted that the policies of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC)-led administration would soon give Nigeria more than N2 trillion.

Aziegbemi, an economist, told reporters in Benin that the steps taken by the President were the best way to go for the country.

The PDP chieftain however said that many Nigerians were worried about the nature of palliatives being planned by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of the policies.

He advised the President to shut the door of his government against people of questionable character, urging him to take a cue from the some PDP members who now throw mud at the party.

According to him, members of G-34 that formed the PDP in 1998 would be turning in their graves because of what some politicians do to the party.

He listed some of the founding members (now deceased) Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Dr. Alex Ekueme and Chief Tony Anenih, among others.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appealed to Nigerians to be patient as he works assiduously to find solutions to the many challenges facing the country. 

Tinubu said he is taking baby steps in his drive to fix the country, inviting all to join him in the baby steps to retooling Nigeria. 

The President spoke at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, during a private visit to the Paramount and other traditional rulers in Ogun Central in appreciation of their support during the build up to the February 25 presidential election he won.

Read Also: VIDEO: President Tinubu arrives Alake’s palace for visit

At the Palace with Oba Adedotun to welcome Tinubu and his entourage were former Governor Aremo Segun Osoba; former Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Shuaib Salisu, Hon. Olumide Osoba, Hon. Tunji Akinosi; the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege; former Reps member, Adekunle Adeyemi, members of Egba traditional council of chiefs among others. 

 Tinubu assured he remained determined to deliver on all campaign promises, and called for prayers after achieving his ‘Emilokan’ prayer point.

“Let’s go through this baby steps of faith. I am taking baby steps as the President. Let’s not be in a hurry. Be ready for this. Maintain an open-door policy. Let the freedom flow. Let the confidence return. This country is the only country we have. I’ve been a refugee and I know what it means to be a refugee.

 “Having achieved the prayer point of ‘Emilokan’, what I ask for is prayer for this country. I am determined to help this our country, to steer the ship of the nation and to deliver on all promises that were made.

“I am here still making that pledge of the campaign promises. There’s no difference between us and any other member of the Nigerian public. I said it in France, that we are children of the same parents, living in the same house but we are only sleeping in different bedrooms. Just recognize that.

“Let’s be united, no distractions. We will arrive at a positive destination in the country. It’s all in our hands to make history and I will do that. By the grace of God, we shall reap the fruits of our labour. Nigeria will see positive changes.

“I was determined to be here to say thank you to a great leader, Oba Gbadebo and to all of us here present.

“Aremo ( Olusegun Osoba) well done; Dimeji Bankole, well done, (Ibikunle) Amosun, well done. Chairman of our party, I’m grateful, at least, we delivered despite the hardship of no money, no fuel; I credit you. 

“This visit, I didn’t know that it will be like this. I only wanted to sneak in and sneak out; Now I know exactly what it is to be a president. It is awesome.

“The hope is recharged right here. That hope will never fail. That hope will recharge your light…

“Please, we need your prayers, we need your supports, we need your interventions so that the economic prosperity of this nation being opened up will affect everyone of you positively,” he said. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday morning arrived Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. 

Tinubu was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser(NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, among others. 

He is in Ijebu – Ode to visit His Royal Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona and Ijebu Traditional Council of Chiefs.

Read Also: BREAKING: President Tinubu arrives Ogun

Tinubu, who arrived at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode few minutes to 11 am, was received by Governor Dapo Abiodun and inspected Military Guard of Honours before proceeding to Oba Adetona’s residence.

This is his first visit to Ogun State since his inauguration as President on May 29. 

 Details Shortly…

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

He is expected to visit the Alake of Egba Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Read Also: BREAKING: President Tinubu arrives Ogun

He was received on arrival by Governor Dapo Abiodun, his Deputy and other officials. 

Tinubu is accompanied by National Security Advisor Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamiala and others. 

Details Shortly…

• Peaceful Eid celebration in states, FCT

• Man held in explosives-laden car

As Nigerians joined billions of Muslims across the globe to mark Eid Adha yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoined citizens to shun ethnicity and religious division.

The President spoke at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground in Lagos after observing the two rakat prayers to mark the major Islamic celebration of sacrifice.

Reports from across the country indicated a peaceful celebration, except for minor incidents, including the interception of a man with a car laden with explosives on Tuesday by the police in Yobe State.

His planned terrorist activity was nipped in the bud.

With the President at the praying ground for his first Eid prayers were his son Yinka, Chief of Staff (CoS) Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Lagos Governor/ex-Minister Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner Alhaji Femi Okunu, and a host of other dignitaries.  

Tinubu said: “I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn into prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to.

“But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.

“No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace and stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the war front.”

The President also prayed for troops on the frontline in the battle against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious.

The Eid prayer, which started at 9 am, was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah, who later performed the obligatory slaughtering of a ram at the Praying Ground in memory of the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.

Vice President Kashim Shettima observed the prayers at the National Eid ground in Abuja, in company with House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Before travelling to his hometown Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Shettima said: “This sacred day is an occasion to reflect on the mercy of Allah, as revealed through the gracious blessings bestowed upon Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Isma’il.

“These timeless lessons serve as a guiding light to humanity across generations, reminding us of the limitless trials our Creator presents to us in our path to redemption. 

“In embracing these teachings, we find the moral inspiration to be the best versions of ourselves.

“May Allah accept our prayers and sacrifices and forgive our shortcomings. May Allah heal us from whatever afflicts us in our private lives and as a nation, and may this day bring forth enduring unity and progress to our beloved country. Ameen. Happy Eid-ul-Adha.”

Shettima later paid Sallah homage to the Shehu of Borno Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri, where he assured Nigerians that the country would survive all its challenges.

He said: “I am here to assure him (the Shehu) of the maximum support of President Tinubu. All the challenges confronting us, we will survive them as a people.”

Shettima told the monarch that all the infrastructural challenges would be addressed, including the Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa and as well as Damboa roads in Borno State.

Sultan

In Sokoto, the head of Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, emphasised the need for a secured Nigeria for the economy to improve.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims, Sultan Abubakar also urged Nigerians to pray more for the leaders to succeed.

He said: “Our prayers are always keys toward the success of the leaders. We should sustain the tempo for them to succeed in the tasks ahead. Government should be more committed to strengthening security.

“Security remains the bedrock of any societal development. As such, strengthening it will enable us to excel.”

Sultan Abubakar congratulated Muslims for celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir in good health, urging them to embrace peaceful coexistence.

The attempt by suspected terrorists to wreak havoc in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, was thwarted by the police.

A suspect in the explosives-laden car was arrested on his way to the state capital.

Police said although the suspect was arrested, security agencies kept the information away from the public to avoid tension during the celebrations.

A police source said: “We arrested a man with several explosives on his way to Damaturu on the eve of Sallah, but we decided to keep it low so that we don’t cause panic during the Sallah celebrations and also to allow us to get some other members of the syndicate.

“But to our greatest surprise, a senior officer leaked the video. He is under detention and investigation as we speak.”

The Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, who confirmed the story, refused to speak further on the matter.

Despite the threat, a large crowd came out at various Eid grounds in Damaturu and across the state to observe the traditional prayers.

Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana, Speaker Chiroma Buba Mashio, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Baba Malam Wali, Head of the State Civil Service Garba Bilal, APC Chairman Mohammed Gadaka and other state and federal lawmakers from the state worshipped at the Central Mosque in Damaturu.

Governor Mai Mala Buni in his Sallah message through his spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, expressed gratitude to Allah for the continued peace in the state.

He assured the people that his second term will “promote self-reliance and employment opportunities for economic growth of our people, especially the youth”.

The governor promised an open door policy for all to participate and contribute to the development of the state irrespective of socio-cultural and political differences, noting that every citizen was a stakeholder.

Buni also congratulated the state contingent performing this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and urged them to pray for the state.

He charged traditional, religious and opinion leaders to preach peace and peaceful coexistence among their subjects.

“Let me call on our youth to please celebrate the Sallah peacefully, especially with strict observation of traffic laws. The security agencies are to ensure adherence to law and order for a peaceful and successful Sallah celebration,” Buni said.

Niger Police: we are

on guard

Ahead of the celebration, the Niger State Police Command raided blackspots across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, said the state has been peaceful, adding that the Police were on the lookout for troublemakers.

He said: “The Commissioner of Police has directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and DPOs to adopt proactiveness through effective intelligence gathering and raids of blackspots within their areas of responsibility, towards ensuring a seamless and peaceful Sallah celebration.

“The commissioner further directs the mobilisation of operational assets such as anti-riot water canon, gun-trucks, patrol vehicles and adequate deployment of Police personnel for visibility policing, the show of force and stop and search operations at all entry and exit of the state for water-tight security arrangements before, during and after the festivity.

“This will be in addition to sufficient deployment of Police personnel and other tactical teams such as the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological & Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), Tactical Support Team (TST) and Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command to Eid grounds, recreation centres, parks and other strategic public places in the State,” he said.

He further said that the Police have provided some phone numbers that would enable people to call in the case of any crisis.

‘No hitch in Bauchi,

Gombe’ 

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, AIG Abiodun Alabi, said the zone was peaceful and secured.

Alabi, who spoke with The Nation on the security situation during the Sallah holidays, said since his assumption of duty as AIG, there has been relative peace, adding that crime has been reduced to the nearest minimum.

According to him, the major threat in both Bauchi and Gombe states was the attack by armed robbers on traders going to the markets during market days.

Alabi said: “When I resumed duty, I noticed that the main issue here was the attack on people going to markets during market days. The criminals usually seized such opportunities to kidnap victims and demand ransom.

“So, as the supervising AIG, I advised the Commissioners of Police to review their crime-fighting strategy and ensure visibility policing not just during market days but every other day.

“Since that was done, the issue has been contained and traders are no longer afraid of being attacked. So, the Sallah here was peaceful just like every other day has been in the last two months.”

Plateau calm, say police 

Plateau State was calm and peaceful, contrary to insinuations of a breakdown of law and order, following the spate of killings in some local communities.

The spokesman of Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, said the Commissioner of Police, Batholomew Onyeka, made deployments to trouble spots and communities to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.

Alabo, however, appealed to residents to volunteer useful information that would aid police operations.

The unified exchange policy is already yielding positive investment results.

Norfund – the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries — is set to invest $12 million in the agricultural sector.

West Africa Regional Director, Naana Winful Fynn, said more capital should be expected with the fear of naira devaluation gone and complexities around multiple exchange rates resolved.

She spoke yesterday during a virtual media parley in Lagos. 

Fynn said through an investment of $12 million in OH Ecosystems Ltd, Norfund aims to create jobs and contribute towards addressing some of the challenges in the cocoa value chain.

She said the cocoa sector is very important for Nigeria and West Africa and could be key in the push to diversify Nigeria’s revenue sources. 

Fynn said foreign investors held back by macroeconomic challenges, including multiple exchange rates, no longer see naira devaluation fear as a challenge in investing in the economy.

She said currency risks in the calculation of foreign investors have been removed by ongoing reforms in the forex market, including the collapse of multiple exchange rates into the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

After the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a series of bold reforms many considered long overdue, including subsidy removal, “housecleaning” at critical institutions and exchange rate unification, are being implemented.

Fynn said implementation of these reforms will continue to build investors’ confidence and attract more capital to the economy.

On the investment, she said: “By partnering with this management team, which has deep sector experience in West Africa, a strong technical partner, local investors and current owners, we aim to contribute positively to this effort. 

“This investment also presents us the opportunity to partner with these stakeholders to increase local processing of cocoa beans and thus capture more of the value chain dollars at origin, to create jobs and to positively impact the fight against child and forced labour and deforestation in this important value chain.”

Norfund’s investment will upgrade FTN’s operating facilities and extend its reach to produce and sell additional products into the cocoa supply chain. 

Eco is supported by established leaders in the global cocoa chain, including Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd – Africa’s largest indigenous cocoa processor, who will serve as a technical partner.

Investment Manager at Norfund, Obafemi Awobokun, said: “Increasing the share of raw materials that are processed locally can create a large number of jobs that give the fast-growing population of Nigeria the opportunity to work their way out of poverty.

“We are confident that this investment can contribute to this.”

Norfund’s investment is expected to help create both technical and non-technical employment directly for 600 people and indirectly for more than 1,500 across the cocoa value chain. 

The investment also contributes towards the government’s efforts to diversify export revenues by reducing its reliance on oil and gas.

The cocoa sector faces challenges related to working conditions and the use of child labour, as well as environmental concerns. 

Norfund said it is committed to supporting companies that seek to operate in a sustainable manner, in sectors with challenging dynamics. 

As part of the partnership, Norfund will support Eco’s efforts in establishing a sustainable supply chain through its farmer empowerment programme dubbed ‘EcoWise’. 

The programme seeks to address farmer poverty, which is one of the root causes of child and forced labour in the cocoa value chain. 

There was uproar at Osogbo Eid prayer ground on Wednesday when Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke and ex-senate spokesperson Ajibola Basiru clashed over sitting arrangement. 

The Nation observed Basiru arrived the Eid praying ground located at Oke-Baale around 9:35am with Muslim and community leaders in a car belonging to the Asiwaju of Muslim in Yoruba Land Chief Badmus for Turakat congregational prayer. 

Basiru sat on the front row of the ground with other leaders but a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Muniru Raji confronted the ex-lawmaker he was sitting on a seat reserved for Governor Adeleke. 

Though Basiru moved from the seat to the extreme edge of the front row, the chieftain objected and ordered that Basiru should move to the second row, which he refused. 

Chief Badmus was outside the Eid prayer ground to welcome Adeleke while the alteration was ongoing.

When the Governor arrived at the front row, he witnessed the altercation and returned to his car for a few minutes.

He returned to notice the rumpus was yet.to die down and left without observing Turakat prayer. However, Basiru observed the prayer. 

After Adeleke left, security operatives shut the gate of the praying ground. They claimed they had the directive of the Governor to arrest Basiru. 

Chief Badmus however intervened before the gate was reopened, making Basiru to leave with community leaders.

Reacting to the incident, Basiru explained there was no indication any seat was reserved for the Governor, claiming he didn’t see Adeleke or his protocol team.

According to him: “Muniru Raji insulted me and in the process worshippers surrounded me to prevent him from assaulting me at the praying ground. I don’t know whether the Governor came to the the Eid at all because I was surrounded by people. I later stood up and did my prayers.

“After the prayer one of the security, the policemen said the Commissioner of Police wanted to see me and I told him that I will see him together with the Muslim community leaders that I went with in same vehicle. 

“But they insisted that they must pull me out of the car which we all resisted. We queried if they had any warrant of arrest. We explained the situation to them, that it was some overzealous supporters of the Governor that caused the embarrassing situation.

“I don’t have problem with the Governor of Osun State and there were no indications that where I sat was reserved for the Governor. But overzealous supporter caused it maybe they have personal issues to grind with me but the people in the mosques resisted the attempt to embarrass me.”

But Adeleke alleged that the incident was attempted assassination by thugs of All Progressives Congress(APC). 

Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed appealed for calm saying he has directed immediate arrest of those involved in the scenario of the event at Osogbo Eid. 

He said “My good people of Osun, I appeal for calm and urge us to continue to celebrate the Sallah festival in peace. I am safe by the special grace of God.

“I have directed security agencies to arrest those behind the incident and get them to face the wrath of the law. The Commissioner of Police has been directed to arrest those involved no matter how highly placed.

Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke storms out of Eid praying ground after clash with ex-Senate spokesman

“The State Government had meanwhile condemned the orchestrated attacks on the Governor by stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress at the praying ground. Members of the public will recall an earlier security alert on an evil plot to destabilize the peace and stability of Osun state.

“The government particularly notes with shock and surprise the role played by former Senator Ajibola Bashiru who took over the space reserved for the Governor at the prayer ground. All efforts to get the former Senator to vacate the space proved abortive.”

He alleged “PDP members who agitated for respect for the office of the Governor were beaten up. It was a scene of chaos by the time the Governor arrived for the prayer. 

“The Government was even more shocked that thugs armed to the teeth were spotted all over the praying ground with security information that they were imported to eliminate the  Governor and key government functionaries.

“The Governor who arrived at the venue hoping to observe the Eid prayers was practically surrounded by armed thugs, prompting security men to ferry the Governor into his jeep.

“For the second time, the Governor attempted to enter the praying field but the encirclement by armed thugs was already visible. It was at that point that the Governor had to leave the praying ground. The Governor is now safely at home receiving guests and leaders from all walks of life.” 

 Raji said: “It has been Jibola’s (Basiru) plan to disrupt Eid prayer. He once did similar thing for Tuns (Dr Tunde Badmus) when he was a Commissioner. The sitting arrangement that we adopt at Eid praying ground has been on in the last 40 years and I am in charge of it. We have two sections. There is a section where government’s leaders will seat, while the second section is usually occupied by the religious  and community leaders. 

“The Governor will usually seat to the right of Ataoja of Osogbo, then Asiwaju Musulumi will seat next to him and other important personalities in Osogbo will seat with them.”

APC, in a statement by its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, alleged that PDP thugs in company of security operatives caused the crisis at Eid prayer ground. 

 PDP in a statement by its chairman, Sunday Bisi berated APC cautioning Senator Ajibola Basiru to watch his conducts.

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke left the Osogbo Eid praying ground angrily after a clash with ex-senate spokesperson Ajibola Basiru over the sitting arrangement.

The Nation observed Basiru arrived the ground with Asiwaju of Osogbo Chief Tunde Badmus and other prominent sons of Osogbo to observe Turakat congregational prayer. 

Basiru sat on the reserved front-row seat but one of Adeleke’s protocol officers approached the ex-lawmaker the seat was kept for the Governor. 

Our correspondent observed Basiru moved to another seat on the front row but the protocol officer kicked against the change.

Read Also: OAU student murder: No plan to grant Adedoyin state pardon, says Adeleke

Few minutes later, Adeleke arrived the Eid prayer ground and Chief Badmus left his seat to welcome the Governor from the gate. 

When he arrived, it was noticed the protocol officer insisted that Basiru should leave the front row but some indigenes resisted, arguing Basiru is one of their prominent sons. 

The scene led to an uproar, making Adeleke return to his car. After some minutes, he returned and noticed that Basiru was still sitting on the front row. He then left angrily without praying. 

Shortly after the Governor left, Police operatives shut the gate, telling worshippers they had orders to arrest Basiru. 

The worshippers resisted and forced the gate open. Basiru and other prominent indigenes of Osogbo observed the prayers and left the ground. 

Attempt to get reactions from Basiru and Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed proved abortive. 

They did not respond to calls or texts as of the time of filing this report. 

Details Shortly…

The Federal Government has stopped funding professional bodies from the annual budget.

The Director General, Budget Office of Federation (BoF) Ben Akabueze announced this in a circular to heads of all professional bodies in the country.

The circular dated June 26, 2023 said the decision was taken after the 13 meeting the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS).

Read Also: World Bank projects N2tr saving for Fed Govt in six months from subsidy removal

Akabueze said the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) “approved the discontinuation of budgetary allocation to Professional Bodies/Councils effective 1st January, 2024”.

Parts of the letter read: “The purpose of this letter therefore is to inform you that, in compliance with PCs’s directive, this Office will no longer make budgetary provisions to your Institution, which means that you will be regarded henceforth as a self-funded organisation.”

He added from January 1, 2024 “all affected professional bodies wil be required to be fully responsible for your personnel, overhead and capital expenditures”.

Captured in 2023 budget as subscription to professional bodies, the office of the Auditor General Office proposed to spend N1,840,612 on professional bodies.

The Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy proposed N268,979; Ministry of Petroleum N2,376,747; Ministry of Justice N1,500,000 and Ministry of Information and Culture N3,707,633

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Lagos urged Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability and prosperity. 

Speaking to reporters after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground, the President stressed the need for unity and cooperation, appealing to Nigerians to eschew ethnic and religious rivalries. 

While noting that Allah would not burden the country with what it cannot bear, the President said no religious or ethnic identity should be allowed to deter Nigeria’s prosperity.

Read Also: We must all make sacrifices for Nigeria’s progress – Tinubu

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake, the President said: “I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to. 

”But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation. 

”No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace, stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the warfront.”

The President also used the occasion to pray for Nigerian troops in the frontline in the fight against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious. 

The Eid prayer, which started at 9 am, was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah.   

The Chief Imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of ram at the Eid prayer ground in celebration of the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.  

Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and in the state for the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind President Tinubu in his determination to make the country better. 

“It is our duty to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him.” 

The prayer was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other notable government officials and top politicians.