The Senate on Wednesday approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s External Borrowing (Rolling) plan for the Federal Government to the tune of $16,230,077,718, €1,020,000,000.
The Senate also approved a grant component of $125,000,000.00 under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) plan for the Federal Government.
The approval was sequel to the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Clifford Ordia, PDP, Edo Central during the plenary.
The recommendation of the Committee reads, “That the Senate does approve the underlisted ongoing negotiation of external borrowing in the sum of $16,230,077,718, €1,020,000,000.00 and a grant component of $125,000,000.00 under the 2018-2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan.”
The recommendation was approved by Senators when it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan at plenary.
President Buhari and the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed had at various times been criticize on the country’s rising debt levels which the Debt Management Office said is N87.2trn or $33.1bn as of March 2021.
In the N16.39trn 2022 budget appropriation presented by the President, the deficit was put at N6.26trn and it’s to be financed through borrowing of N5.01 trn.
Nigeria’s debt service to GDP ratio had hit 73 per cent based on figures released by the Finance Minister earlier last month.
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on his victory at the 2021 Anambra governorship election.
The President in a message on Wednesday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security operatives for the roles played in ensuring the success of the polls.
It will be recalled that the Returning Officer of the election, Professor Florence Obi had in the early hours of Wednesday, declared Soludo of APGA as the winner of the election and governor-elect of Anambra State.
In his reaction, President Buhari called on Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and work with all stakeholders in ensuring the challenges facing the state and the entire southeast are overcome.
He told Soludo he looks forward to working with him in his new role.
The full statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as he emerges winner in the gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
“The President praises the security agencies for their determination to ensure that the election went on as smoothly as possible, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conclusion of the exercise despite the initial challenges encountered.
“President Buhari enjoins Prof. Soludo, member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Committee, to rally other stakeholders to tackle the enormous challenges confronting the State and the Southeast in general.
“The President looks forward to working with the incoming governor for the peace, security and development of not only Anambra State, but the entire country.”
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday protested the refusal of the Department of State Services, DSS, to allow some lawyers access into the Abuja Federal High Court.
DSS brought Kanu into the court at about 9:52 am.
The secret police had barred lawyers, journalists, and traditional rulers from entering the court building as his trial resumed.
An election analyst for the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Sam Amadi, has revealed part of the reasons why former Nigerian central bank governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, won the just concluded Anambra governorship election.
Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was declared winner of the November 6 governorship election in the early hours of Wednesday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The APGA candidate, who swept 19 of the 21 local governments in the state, polled a total of 112,229 votes to defeat closest rivals Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 53,807 votes, and Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress, who came third with 43,285 votes.
Amadi, while sharing his view on the election, explained the importance of choosing the right political party to vie for an elective office.
According to him, APGA naturally ought to occupy all government houses in the South-East region because its manifesto was designed to fuse the “Igbo republicanism and communitarianism into a social democratic developmental state.”
Amadi, who is chairman of the legal committee of Igbo think tank Nzuko Umunna, hopes that with Soludo’s victory, the dream of making APGA the prevailing political party in the South East would be achieved.
“Everyone with APGA toga has won governorship in Anambra, including the poor Obiano. It is APGA at work. Since 2003, right from when Chekwa Okorie was National Chairman, APGA has won most of the governorship elections in the southeast but it has been denied, except Anambra where Peter Obi got back his mandate. In 2003, APGA won in Imo and Enugu. It won in Imo again in 2007 with Agbaso and was denied. It won again in 2011 with Rochas Okoroacha,” Amadi, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), said in a Facebook post.
“The result we see in Anambra is more about APGA than Soludo. Our observers at the polls say people keep saying they want APGA to win governors and PDP win federal. We can say that since APGA was formed in 2003, it has won all governorship elections in Anambra, no matter who was the candidate.
“Voting APGA in governorship elections and voting PDP for federal elections seem to be the peculiar bargain in much of the southeast, especially Anambra. In 2019, Chief Oye’s mercantilism and incompetence denied APGA the chance to win the governorship election in Imo State.
“APGA was designed to be the party in government houses in all southeast states, to continue on the path of MI Okpara and Sam Mbakwe. But the mercantilism of Anambra politicians who, with the help of Ojukwu displaced the founding National Chairman, Chekwas Okorie, made APGA just an Anambra phenomenon. Senator Umeh started that mercantilism and Oye has taken it to a high culture.
“APGA manifesto was designed by Igbo intellectuals led by Professor Obumselu and focused on fusing Igbo republicanism and communitarianism into a social democratic developmental state. It wants to bring back the vision that made eastern Nigeria the fastest growing and the most socioeconomically transformed region in Nigeria in a short burst of developmental energy.
“But alas, Anambra merchants killed the dream. Maybe Soludo may revive that dream.”
Meanwhile, Soludo’s victory did not come without challenges as the 60-year-old was faced with legal battles and intra-party skirmishes before and after the primary election of his party.
His candidacy was sealed after the Supreme affirmed him as the governorship flag bearer of APGA.
A five-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Mary Odili upheld the verdict of the Kano State Court of Appeal which validated the primary election that produced him as APGA’s candidate.
The Governor-Elect and former Governor 9f Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr Charles Soludo, has said his victory at the polls has brought joy to the people.
Soludo, who dedicated his victory to three policemen shot dead by unknown gunmen during his campaign, stated this in his acceptance speech in front of his home and serenaded by his supporters shortly after being declared winner of the election.
Soludo, who was the apex bank governor between 2004 and 2009, was declared winner after a supplementary election was held in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday. He won 19 of the 21 local governments areas including Ihiala LGA.
Sixty one-year-old Soludo won with 112,229 votes, beating Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 53,807 votes, and Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress who got 43,285 votes. Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party polled 21,261 votes to emerge fourth.
The Returning Officer of the Anambra Governorship Election, Prof Florence Obi, announced the result on Wednesday morning at the INEC office in Awka, Anambra State.
Mrs Obi had announced that: “Charles Chukwuma Soludo of APGA, having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
Soludo said, “12 years have seen the massive clamour for the people of Anambra people for us to serve them, we persevered to this divine moment.
“This is a divine journey whose time has come.
“We have a very long list of people whom God has used to make this moment a reality.”
He thanked his followers including special recognition of the members of the disability community who made his victory a reality.
“We are humbled by the massive supports of stakeholders and Nigerian who cut across the entire country.
“Your donations and goodwill are immensely treasured.
“I thank my wife and our children for your love and sacrifice. Despite your deep reservation, you still allowed and supported me in search of the service to our people.
“As I promised I will work hard everyday in order not to disappoint you. At this moment we must remember and will continue to remember all those who died in the course of this moment expecially the three policemen who were killed by unknown gunmen during our town hall meeting with youths in my ward
“The run-up to this election and the election itself tested the resilience and the integrity of our federal institutions. Many times, there were tensions, especially as one party boasted that it must ‘take or conquer Anambra by all means’. Our institutions proved again and again that this country can achieve eminent greatness when our institutions rise to the occasion.
“Aside from the initial hitches from the operations of the BVAS machines in some places, including at my polling unit, the election has been adjudged as the most peaceful, free, fair and credible. There is joy in the land. Kudos to INEC.
“To my fellow candidates in the election, I wish to congratulate you for the gallant contest. Our people have spoken overwhelmingly and surely, that voice is the voice of God. The ultimate winner is the Anambra people. We are all winners.
“I hereby extend my hand of fellowship to all of you; I need all of you to succeed. Politics aside, we are all brothers. Let’s come together for the project, Anambra. There is enough room for everyone to contribute in the service of our homeland.”
He added that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) represented a “massive improvement” on the card readers, and urged INEC to do more to improve on the quality of elections.
The Oniraniken of Iranike (Elewu Oku), Oba Adewale Adeniji invaded a community in Simawa area of Ogun state today with the dreaded ‘1 Million Boys’ led by popular land grabber, Sir K Oluwo to forcefully take over a 4,000 acres of land that doesn’t legally belongs to him.
This allegation was laid against the traditional ruler by eyewitnesses who ran for their lives upon seeing the land grabbers with heavy ammunitions terrorizing residents of the community. At the moment, some of the residents are yet to return to their homes over fear for their lives and properties.
Investigations revealed that Oba Adewale Adeniji has been parading himself as the owner of the 4,000 acres of land whereas, the court declared only 1,325 Acres as his own according to plan no AAT/OG/03/94 dated 23rd March 1994 made by Surveyor Tunji Adewole. The act of grabbing land from rightful owners by the king is said to have been happening for many years. It was reported that he had at a time gone to Emzor, Nestle to claim ownership of their landed properties with gun wielding hoodlums. Some of the communities he has gone to forcefully claim ownership of landed properties include Okerala Odofin, Okelara Apena Seriki village, Okerala Tarogun village, Ipa Village, Ososa Village, Simawa.
Due to his many atrocities in the land, his family members disowned him and described him as a thief who uses his office as a traditional ruler to take over properties of innocent populace illegally. Also, there are claims that a high ranking security operatives are supporting the actions of Oba Adewale Adeniji Oniraniken for personal gains
Earlier this year in January, the Ogun state house of assembly invited Oba Adewale Adeniji to appear before the house in order to present a proof that he owns the 4,000 acres of land but unfortunately couldn’t provide any.
Furthermore, The National deputy chairman of the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), Alh Ibrahim Olaniyan written to the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs to immediately suspend Oba Adewale Adeniji from his position, while presenting a five-point solution to the menace of the traditional ruler.
‘’This is a Clarion call to you and your ministry to without delay suspend the chief land grabber (Oba Adewale Adeniji ONIRANIKEN of IRANIKE) in Simawa and environment.
Secondly, set up a committee of enquiry to investigate the activities of this Oba.
Thirdly, it may interest you to know that the social media is agog with the dangerous events happening in Simawa and environment right now.
Fourthly, the governor himself at various times acknowledge the vital roles in security of lives and properties played by PCRC in the state, even recently when the Inspector General of Police visited Ogun State.
Fifthly, a stitch in time saves nine says that popular adage. Relevant agencies and institutions are been contacted and informed to stem the crisis brewing in Simawa before the community turn to war zone.’’
Also, members of the residents have called on President Muhammadu Buhari, The inspector general of police, Alkali Baba, the governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun to wade into the crisis as it continues to threaten the security of lives and properties in the state.
Some gunmen on Tuesday morning, at 2 am, stormed the residence of retired Air Vice-Marshal Mohammed Maisaka at Makarfi Road, Rigasa in Rivers State.
When DAILYPOST visited the residence around 1.00 pm on Tuesday, everywhere remained calm, as few people were seeing discussing in groups.
A source told DAILYPOST that: “How they gained entrance into the compound, went straight to the boys quarter remain a mystery.
“They didn’t break the gate, as it remained closed. They went to the boys’ quarter where they first picked his physiotherapist, who is also a Nigerian Airforce Personnel.”
He said the gunmen believed that as a physiotherapist to Maisaka, who was paralyzed from a medical condition for about three years and in rehabilitation, he should know where he is being kept.
Due to fear, he led them to the room, where they shot both of them dead.
The sister pleaded with gunmen to also kill her, but they responded, “we did not come for you.”
The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Muhammad Jalige, confirmed the incident, adding that the deceased’s gateman suffered injuries in the attack.
FIRSTBANK LAGOS AMATEUR OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP, THE LONGEST-RUNNING GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP IN NIGERIA BEGINS
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and leading financial inclusion services provider, has announced the commemoration of the 2021 and 60th edition of its annually sponsored Lagos Amateur Golf Championship. The tourney is scheduled to Tee-Off at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Thursday, 18 – Sunday 21 November 2021.
The FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) listed competition that attracts the best golfers from the amateur scene, not only in Nigeria but across the continent and indeed the world. Participating in the competition contributes to the points for golfers to aid their WAGR rankings.
Preceding the competition will be a press conference, scheduled to hold on Wednesday 10th November 2021 at the Ikoyi Club House Terrace, where the CEO of FirstBank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adeola Adeduntan will unveil the landmark edition of the longest-running known golf competition sponsorship the 60th FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship.
The highlights of the press conference are the unveiling of the “Corporate Golf Challenge”, “CEO’s CUP”, ProAm and Ladies Invitational. The Corporate Golf Challenge for Charity will be participated by twenty-Five (25) corporate teams of 4 players to compete in a networking environment of corporate hospitality designed to drive corporate social responsibility goals. It holds on Thursday 18th November, while the official competition will Tee-Off on Friday, 19th November through to the Championship Finals on Sunday, 21st November 2021. The net proceeds from team entry fees will be disbursed to charities under the FirstBank SPARK initiative. SPARK, an acronym – Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness – is a values-based initiative designed to raise consciousness that we can choose to be kind.
In addition, the “CEO’s CUP” is a newly introduced prize for the overall gross winner of the championship to recognise this indelible landmark and the unbroken legacy at the diamond jubilee.
The ProAm event, scheduled for Sunday 21st November 2021 is earmarked to recognise Professional Past Winners of the competition. Tagged ROLL OF HONOUR, the past winners play with invited amateur guests for a cash prize of US$5,000.00 (Five Thousand Dollars) as well as trophies and other prizes. The LADIES INVITATIONAL is a subset event of the ProAm, comprising female guests invited by the Bank.
Speaking on the landmark event the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney said “at FirstBank, we are excited to celebrate the landmark diamond jubilee of the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship which is indeed the longest sponsored golf championship in the country and arguably, the continent. For decades FirstBank has been at the forefront of the growth and development of sports in Nigeria, cutting across various and notably sporting events in the country. Sponsoring sports reflect our belief in the role of sports as a major vehicle for social development, whilst also being a unifying force of individuals, irrespective of language, culture, religion and social strata in any given society.
To continuously encourage and develop the game of golf, a series of professional coaching clinics and skills competitions are held during the Championships. The clinic will be facilitated each day, from Friday, 19th to Sunday 21st November 2021 at Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Club Driving Range. Participants in the clinic include school children as well as advanced golf players that want to learn and/or improve their golf game. Participants are also able the exhibit their skills in Beat the Pro – Longest Drive and Beat the Pro – Nearest-To-the-Pin competitions.
Other FirstBank sponsored sporting events include the Georgian Cup of Kaduna Polo Tournament, sponsored for 102 years; the Dala Tennis Hard Court in Kano Club for over 30 years; the Obasanjo Pro-Amateur Golf tournament of Abeokuta Club now in its 5th year. The Bank’s influence in the development of sport in Nigeria is under its First@Sport initiative.
An Army Commander, alongside soldiers deployed to protect Ihiala LGA, during today’s supplementary election to decide who becomes the next governor, stopped Mr Victor Umeh, chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, from entering Ihiala LG Headquarters.
The army commander whose name could not be ascertained was leading heavily armed detachment of soldiers to secure the area.
The Anambra governorship election was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday.
A supplementary election is being held in Ihiala LGA beginning from 10am.
Umeh is APGA’s state agent for the governorship election. He arrived at the local government headquarters around 10:30 am in the company of other party members, but was turned back by the army commander.
“You are not supposed to be here,” the military officer screamed at Umeh who said he was at the LG HQ “to ensure things go well”.
“You are a state agent, not LGA agent,” the senior military officer responded to Umeh.
The Anambra election is expected to be concluded on Tuesday.
Chukwuma Soludo, APGA candidate, is leading the pack with 103,946 votes while Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, trails behind with 51,322 votes.
Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Anambra State Governorship election 2021, on Tuesday declared that the race is “over”.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that following the declaration of the Anambra State Governorship election as inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there is tension in Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) as the electoral umpire holds supplementary poll in the area today.
Per the results declared by INEC on Sunday in 20 local government areas, APGA’s candidate, Prof Soludo, is leading in 18 with a total of 103,946 votes, followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) Valentine Ozigbo with 51,322 and the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) Andy Uba with 42,942.
The election held on Saturday, and was declared inconclusive by INEC the following day.
The supplementary election in Ihiala is holding today, November 9, 2021, and Soludo insists nothing can stop his triumph.
“Let’s do a simple math. Ihiala has 148,000 registered voters but only 42,000 voters picked up their PVC. So INEC statistics shows that you won’t get more than 42,000 votes in Ihiala. It is game over,” a post on Soludo’s known Facebook page reads on Tuesday morning.
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