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Controversy Trails Election of NASS Principal Officers

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By Ubong Ukpong & Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate and the House of Representatives yesterday named principal officers to pilot the affairs of the legislative arm in the 10th assembly.

However the election was without controversy as the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition elements engulfed in squabbles over the choice of the officers.

While the APC National Working Committee said it had no hand in the choice the leaders, the opposition accused the ruling party of meddling then choice of minority officers in the National Assembly.

For instance the PDP’s choice of the immediate past Governor of Sokoto State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal was thwarted for Simon Davou (Plateau North – PDP), who is believed to have enjoyed the backing of the APC and Nyesom Wike faction.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of meddling with the affairs of the senate minority caucus comprised of PDP members.

This was contained in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, after a meeting of NWC and members of the PDP Caucus in the Senate on Monday.

Ologunagba who stressed the importance of a stable opposition in the National Assembly to defend democracy and the interest of Nigerians said the PDP was aware of moves by the ruling party to influence the nomination of the 10th Assembly’s minority leader.

The party, according to the statement, resolved to collectively nominate the minority leader after due and conclusive consideration while stressing that no decision has been reached yet on the position.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today, Monday, July 3, 2023 met with members of the PDP Caucus in the Senate.

“At the meeting, the importance of a virile and stable opposition in the Senate and indeed the National Assembly was emphasized and the Caucus assured that it will play that important role in the defense of democracy, the interest and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“The meeting condemned in its entirety the alleged subterranean moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to meddle with the affairs of the Minority with regards to the emergence of the Minority Leadership which is an exclusive reserve of the Minority Caucus as expressly stipulated by Constitutional provisions and Standing Rules of the Senate.

“The PDP and the Senators continue with consultations on the emergence of the Minority Leadership in the Senate and are resolved to collectively present a unified leadership after due and conclusive considerations. Accordingly, the PDP will continue to provide the necessary leadership in this regard.

“Consequently, the meeting resolved that the PDP NWC communicates to the Senate President, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the on-going consultation in the Minority Caucus to the effect that the nominations into the Minority leadership positions in the Senate has not been concluded and that upon conclusion, the nominated list will be formally conveyed to him appropriately for necessary action,” the statement partly read.

Earlier yesterday, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio announced Senator Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti State as Senate Leader, Senator Dave Umahi from Ebonyi State as Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume from Borno State as Chief Whip, and Senator Lola Ashiru from Kwara State as Deputy Chief Whip.

Akpabio also announced the names of minority principal officers as Senator Simon Davou (Plateau North – PDP) as Minority Leader, Oyewunmi Olarere (Osun West – PDP), Deputy Minority Leader; Darlington Nwokeocha (Abia Central – LP), Minority Whip; Rufai Hanga (Kano Central – NNPP) as Deputy Minority Whip.

Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas announced Julius Ihonvbere (APC – Edo) as House Majority Leader, Halims Abdullahi (APC – Kogi) as Deputy Majority Leader, Bello Kumo (APC – Gombe) as Chief Whip, and Adewunmi Onanuga (APC – Ogun) as Deputy Chief Whip).

APC Denies Hand in Election Process

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdulahi Adamu, Tuesday, said that the National Working Committee (NWC) has no input in the emergence of the leaders of the National Assembly.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had announced the ratification of the zoning formula proposed by the President Bola Tinubu at the end of its meeting on May 8, 2023.

Surprisingly, Adamu, who chaired the meeting, made a U-turn yesterday when he disowned the leaders of the National Assembly.

He categorically stated that the APC NWC had no hand in the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President and the emergence of Tajudeen Abbas as the Speaker of the House Representatives, as well as other principal officers.

Adamu stated this yesterday at a meeting with the Progressives Governors’ Forum led by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.

“You will get an update on the National Assembly sharing of powers, particularly the leadership of the chambers. The election of the principal officers of the Senate by the Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have been determined and announced.

“I had a courtesy call on Saturday from the President of the Senate and his Deputy. The following Sunday, I received the Speaker and his Deputy Speaker coming to me for Sallah’s homage.

“But, I am just hearing a rumour now from the online media that there have been some announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives. The national headquarters of the party of the NWC has not given any such information or communicated about the choice of offices.

“And until we formally resolve and communicate with them in writing which is the norm and practice, it is not our intention to break away from traditions. So whatever announcement done either by the President of the Senate, Deputy Senate President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker, is not from this Secretariat.

“We are going to formally inform you that we are going to have a caucus, and for quite a time, there has been no caucus in place. The caucus has been reconstituted according to the constitution of APC.

“And we will be discussing that with you as governors, you know your states more than we know it. Even if we come from the same state, the leadership is in you as governors,” he said.

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Health Crisis Looms as Dantata Donates N1.5bn in Maiduguri

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By David Torough, Abuja

Business tycoon Aminu Alhassan Dantata yesterday donated N1.5 billion to those affected flood in Maiduguri, Borno State.Dantata who was accompanied friends and associates in Kano was received in Maiduguri by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.The businessman extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the state especially those who lost their beloved ones to the flood.

Dantata, 96 lamented the bad economy and prayed for the peace and harmony of Borno State and Nigeria.
The Borno State governor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit.He acknowledged that its serves as a powerful beacon of hope and solidarity during the trying times.
Zulum said, “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this show of humanity by a 96-year-old to visit us.“Let me say it, Our Baba has donated the sum of N1.5 billion to support the flood victims. May Allah bless and reward you with Aljannah.”This donation comes after Dantata’s nephew, Aliko Dangote also donated N1 billion to the flood victims.Meanwhile, Borno State government has raised the alarm, saying the people are at the risk of health crisis.Government has warned residents against eating vegetables from flooded areas because they are contaminated.A statement posted by the Ministry of Information and Internal Security on Facebook yesterday advised the public to abide by the warning for their wellbeing.The statement read, “Due to the recent flood disaster, vegetables from flooded areas are seriously contaminated with harmful substances, including sewage, dead bodies, chemicals and bacteria.“Consuming these contaminated vegetables can lead to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases, food poisoning, and other health complications. “To protect your health and safety, we urge you to avoid buying vegetables from flooded areas; only purchase vegetables from trusted sources and reputable markets; ensure that all vegetables are properly washed and cleaned before consumption.”Nearly 500,000 people have been displaced and more than 1 million affected by flood that recently submerged several parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.The flood, described as the worst in the state in 30 years, resulted from the collapse of Alau Dam due to high rainfalls. The disaster also killed about 80 percent of animals in a zoo in the city as some ran away.

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Niger Signs $2bn Agric Deal with Turkish Coy

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Niger State Government has signed a $2billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Turkish company, Direkci Group for the off-taking of Soya Beans in the State.The agreement signed at the Niger State Government House, Minna was witnessed by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, officials of Direkci Group led by their MD/CEO Mr Nurullah Mahmet and other top government functionaries.

The 10-year partnership, which will cost $200 million per year and $2 billion for the 10 years period, is under the Niger Foods, and is expected to boost agriculture in the State, create job opportunities and improve the economic status of local farmers.
Bago appreciated the Turkish Government for the willingness to invest in Niger State.
According to him, “This collaboration is a game-changer for Niger State and we are confident it will significantly reduce unemployment and boost food security.”He said going forward, the state government was equally willing to partner with Turkey in other areas beyond agriculture.The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish company, Mr Nurullah Mahmet said they have been in agric business for decades and have established their presence in Nigeria for 17 years.He said they were attracted by the agricultural programmes of the state and partnering with the state would be mutually beneficial for both parties.He commended Bago for providing the needed impetus for agric investment in the state.The MD said they were willing to put in $10 billion in agriculture investment for the next 10 years and would work with the government of their country to provide security for their investment in the state.The Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun disclosed that the Turkish firm will buy 500,000 tonnes of soya beans each year for 10 years.He said the agreement would empower local farmers by providing them with seeds and fertilizers, ensuring a guaranteed market for their produce.Adigun revealed that the Turkish firm was also investing in a 100,000 hectare Green House project with cold chain facility at the agro processing zone with an annual output of about 160,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables such as tomato and pepper among others.He added that the group will also establish a total of 2.5 million chicken production facility including eggs and feed mills production in two phases.Adigun said the partnership would establish 30,000 hectares of soya beans farms with irrigation systems in Adunu, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.He announced that already, the group had ordered the first chicken house for 500,000 chickens and would be functional in six months time, while 2000 green houses were already being shipped as the group was also to provide $50 million as direct support to farmers.The agreement, according to Adigun will include the company providing security for their investment in areas prone to insecurity in the state.

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Enugu, Jelfah Group in N40bn Partnership to Revitalise Sunrise Mills

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From Sylvia Udegbunam EnuguEnugu State Government and Jelfah Nigeria Ltd yesterday signed N40 billion deal for the revitalisation of the long-moribund state-owned Sunrise Flour Mills, Enugu.The deal signed at the Government House, Enugu saw Jelfah acquire 60 percent equity stake in Sunrise Flour Mills and is expected to invest N24 billion in the iconic mills, which went moribund since 1985 just two years after it was commissioned in 1983.

The state government keeps 40 percent based on the existing assets of the company.
Speaking at the brief signing ceremony and public announcement of the transaction, the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah said this milestone, coming on the heels of the N100 billion deal to resuscitate the hitherto dying Enugu United Palm Products Limited (UPPL) is clear demonstration of his administration’s determination to grow the state’s economy from $4.
4 billion to $30 billion through private sector investment.“Just a few months ago, we secured an investment size of N100 billion with a company known as Pragmatic Palms Limited, and today we have just witnessed Enugu State, again securing another investment size of N40 billion.“This investment will see Jelfah Group investing N24 billion into the existing Enugu Sunrise Flour Mills. N22bn will be directed into revamping and resuscitation of the Sunrise Flower Mill, and N2 billion is going to come to the State by way of cash.“The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is also going to own 10,000 hectares of farmland, where we are going to cultivate the inputs for the flour mills such as cassava and grain.“This is a testament that when we say Enugu State is open for business, we are truly committed to it. We understand how to make a win-win deal, both for the investors and for the people of Enugu State,” Mbah stated.He assured Jelfah group of continued support, enjoining other prospective investors to come over to invest in the state.“We hope that this signals to other investors, who may still be on the fence that Enugu is actually ready for business. We are committed to not just creating the enabling environment, but also working with investors to help them derisk investments and grow their businesses,” the governor concluded.Speaking, the Chairman of Jelfah Group, Moses Saromi, said they were attracted by Governor Mbah’s vision, dynamic leadership, and speedily increasing ease of doing business in Enugu State under his leadership, saying that Jelfah was in a hurry to transform Sunrise Mills to a centre of excellence.“Your policies have unlocked new opportunities for private sector participation, and Jelfah is proud to be part of this progressive movement.“This acquisition of 60 percent equity not only aligns with Jelfah’s long-term vision, but also furthers the governor’s ambition of empowering the people, revitalising moribund assets, and ensuring sustainable development. And together with our consortium partners, our goal is to transform Sunrise Flour Mills into a centre of excellence, harnessing our collective expertise to drive growth and value creation.“So, we firmly believe that this partnership will catalyse positive change, spark job creation, elevate local production capacities, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic advancement of Enugu State,” he said.“We have worked hard in the last months to get to this point. We have a short term, medium term, and a long term plan for the flour mills. Activities will start in earnest. In another 90 days, you are going to experience a lot of movements and activities with regards to the revitalisation of the flour mills.“Our activities will include recruitment of people, who will run the plant, indigenes of the state, obviously. And as the governor rightly said, we are creating a model that will provide the inputs for the mills, such as the 10,000 hectres of farmlands to cultivate all the inputs for the mills,” he said.

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