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Petrol Subsidy Return Could Intensify Poverty: NOA Chief’s Warning

Petrol Subsidy Return Could Intensify Poverty: NOA Chief’s Warning

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Petrol Subsidy Return Could Intensify Poverty: NOA Chief's Warning
Petrol Subsidy Return Could Intensify Poverty: NOA Chief's Warning

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, warns that reinstating the petrol subsidy might worsen poverty. On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Issa-Onilu advised Nigerians to focus on survival strategies amidst the economic impacts of removing the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Issa-Onilu, a former spokesman for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), argued that calls to reinstate the petrol subsidy are driven by emotional rather than economic reasons. He stressed that bringing back the subsidy would not resolve poverty issues but could exacerbate them. “Those advocating for the return of the subsidy are not considering its long-term effects on poverty. Instead, we should focus on how to adapt and thrive without it,” he stated.

He acknowledged the deepening trust deficit between the Nigerian government and its citizens due to repeated unfulfilled promises. Issa-Onilu highlighted the necessity of demonstrating that the current administration is committed to keeping its promises.

Subsidy Debate Intensifies

President Bola Tinubu recently ruled out the possibility of reinstating the petrol subsidy, despite widespread #EndBadGovernance protests and economic hardships faced by Nigerians. In a broadcast, Tinubu described the removal of the subsidy as a painful but essential step for economic reform.

The protests have been fueled by economic difficulties, with demands for the return of petrol and electricity subsidies. Nigeria faces significant energy challenges, including non-operational state-owned refineries and a heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products. Fuel prices have surged since the subsidy was removed in May 2023, from approximately N200 per liter to around N700 per liter, worsening the economic plight of citizens.

Economic Strain and Subsidy Debate

The removal of the subsidy has coincided with a severe forex crisis, leading to a dramatic depreciation of the naira and rising costs for food and other essentials. Oil marketers report that the landing cost of imported petrol exceeds N1,000 per liter, yet the government sells it for around N700, indicating a subsidy cover.

Recently, labor leader Joe Ajaero rejected a proposed increase in minimum wage linked to a hike in fuel prices, hinting at a possible return to the subsidy regime. Meanwhile, the World Bank and Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited’s CEO, Robert Dickerman, suggest that the federal government may still be subsidizing petrol. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for transparency regarding fuel imports and subsidy payments.

Despite these controversies, the state-run NNPC has consistently affirmed that the petrol subsidy has been fully removed.

Source: ChannelsTv

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall Plot: Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Scheme

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall Plot: Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged Scheme

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall Plot
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Recall Plot

A civil rights group, Action Collective, has exposed an alleged scheme to fabricate a list of fictitious individuals calling for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate.

According to a report by DAILY POST, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently under a six-month suspension following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Group Condemns Alleged Recall Strategy

In a statement released on Wednesday, the group’s Coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, condemned the reported recall attempt. He described it as a calculated effort to silence the senator and block her from seeking justice.

“We have obtained credible intelligence that a former governor of Kogi State has been approached to execute this devious plan,” Ibrahim stated.

“This operation involves mobilizing anonymous individuals across Kogi’s local government areas and paying them to forge signatures on a fabricated recall petition,” he added.

Call for Public Vigilance

Action Collective stressed the urgency of exposing the alleged plot, urging civil society organizations, human rights advocates, the media, and security agencies to scrutinize any recall-related documents thoroughly.

“The public must remain alert to prevent the success of this unlawful scheme. If left unchecked, it could undermine democratic integrity,” the statement warned.

The group emphasized that transparency is crucial in preserving Nigeria’s democratic process, calling on relevant authorities to take decisive action.

Growing Controversy Surrounding the Suspension

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked significant debate, with many viewing it as a politically motivated move. Her supporters argue that she is being targeted for speaking out against powerful figures within the government.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders await further developments regarding both the alleged recall attempt and her ongoing suspension.

Reference: DAILY POST

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by news

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Lawyers Challenge President Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers State

Lawyers Challenge President Tinubu

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Lawyers Challenge President Tinubu
Lawyers Challenge President Tinubu

The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has demanded that President Bola Tinubu immediately revoke the recently declared state of emergency in Rivers State. The group threatens legal action if the President fails to comply.

President Tinubu, in a nationwide address on Tuesday night, announced the state of emergency, citing concerns over political instability and alleged acts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including the demolition of the State House of Assembly building. Consequently, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator during this period.

ALDRAP, representing legislative lawyers, argues that the President’s declaration violates several sections of the 1999 Constitution. In a letter dated March 19, 2025, addressed to President Tinubu, the association highlighted the absence of a National Assembly resolution supporting the emergency declaration, as required by Section 305 of the Constitution. They also noted a lack of evidence indicating a governance vacuum in Rivers State.

The letter further contends that appointing a sole administrator contravenes Section 1(2) of the Constitution, which prohibits any person or group from taking control of any part of Nigeria’s government except as provided by the Constitution. ALDRAP emphasizes that the suspension of elected officials infringes on their rights to gainful employment, impacting their livelihoods.

In a separate correspondence, also dated March 19, 2025, ALDRAP urged the President to order the immediate withdrawal of military personnel allegedly detaining Governor Fubara and his family at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The association asserts that such actions constitute illegal imprisonment and violate constitutional provisions.

The Nigerian Bar Association has criticized the emergency declaration as illegal, stating that such measures do not dissolve elected governments.

As tensions escalate, stakeholders await the federal government’s response to these legal challenges. The situation underscores the delicate balance between national security measures and adherence to constitutional protocols in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

Reference:

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by news

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Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Potential Return to Real Madrid in the Future

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Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Potential Return to Real Madrid in the Future

 

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr forward, has subtly suggested that he could potentially return to Real Madrid towards the end of his illustrious career. The Portugal captain has expressed deep affection for Santiago Bernabéu, calling it his “happiest place”.

Ronaldo’s remarkable journey with Real Madrid began in 2009 when he made a high-profile move from Manchester United. Over the course of his nine-year tenure with Los Blancos, he became an icon, scoring an incredible 450 goals in 438 appearances. His achievements include winning 15 major trophies, among them four Champions League titles.

In a recent interview with Spanish journalist Eduardo Aguirre, Ronaldo was asked about the possibility of a future return to the Spanish capital. He responded with a cryptic yet intriguing statement: “Maybe after ending my career, something can happen.”

Reflecting on his past with Real Madrid, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasised that his time at the club was the pinnacle of his footballing career. He added, “My period at Real Madrid is the happiest for me in terms of football,” underlining the special connection he feels with the club.

Ronaldo’s words have sparked excitement among Real Madrid fans, who continue to cherish his extraordinary legacy at the club. His impact on Los Blancos was immense, with his leadership and goalscoring ability cementing his status as one of the club’s greatest ever players.

For more updates, follow the official Real Madrid website and stay connected to Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey in the world of football.

Source: DailyPost.Ng

 

Last Updated on January 31, 2025 by news

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