POLITICS
Price Hike: Cement Manufacturers Shun Reps Panel
By Ubong Ukpong
Price Hike: Cement Manufacturers Shun Reps Panel *Get 14 Days Ultimatum to Appear or Face SanctionsBy Ubong Ukpong, Abuja Bua Cement, Lafarge, Ibeto and Dangote Cement, were among other cement manufacturers, that called the bluff of the investigative hearing by the House of Representatives into the sudden astronomical hike of cement price in the country.
Consequently, the manufacturers, alongside other institutions, were handed 14 days ultimatum to appear before the panel or face sanctions. The public hearing held on Tuesday, was organized by a joint Committee of the House comprising the Committees on Solid Minerals, Industries, Commerce, and Special Duties, following a motion adopted by the House on the matter.Speaking at the commencement of the investigative hearing, speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, said the exercise was not a form of a witch hunt, but a way of addressing the concerns in the sector and forestalling negative consequences on the nation.The speaker said the event is a fall out of the deep concern and care the parliament has for the people they represent and the need to have a transparent engagement with all critical stakeholders in the cement industry, especially the manufacturers with the sole view of informing Nigerians what is exactly happening within this sector, and possibly come out with resolutions as to how we can navigate through and out of this.The speaker said further that the unabated high cost of cement has impacted negatively not only on the built environment but also on the economy, adding that this is obvious because cement is the major component used for building and construction.He said It is public knowledge that the Housing deficit in Nigeria is over three million (3,000.000) and therefore the need for the government and the private sector to close the huge gap in the price of cement must be affordable and within reach.He said: “While one may attribute the rise in prices of cement and of course other commodities to the exchange rates, it is commendable that the policies of this administration of the renewed hope mantra have started yielding fruits, as Naira has gained remarkable strength to a dollar in the last three weeks.He assured that the parliament is working hard in putting the right legislation to help promote and encourage industrialization as well as small and medium enterprises in place, we are equally open and willing to work hand in hand both with manufacturers and the end users, this, in our belief, is the surest way to improve on the quality of life and standard of living of the citizens.“We are equally leaving no stone unturned to put the right laws in place that could help checkmate the avoidable excesses that brought us to where we are.”Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbwefi said there was the need to de-emphasize the notion created by some Companies that committees of Parliament have no powers to invite private outfits to appear before it.He said: “It is on record that there is no Order of the Courts presented restraining the Committee from exercising its functions under section 88(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.“The committees of parliament have always set up Public Hearings to extract evidence from the Public to guide it in taking decisions on matters that have direct bearing on the citizens such as this.“However, an entity recognised as private under the law does not oust in entirety the Powers of the Committee to investigate its affairs especially when the attainment of the objectives of said entity heavily relies on the Resources of the populace.“Let me also reiterate the objectives of the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act sections 4,5,6 and 7 on the Powers of committees to invite, investigate and summon any person to extract evidence on any matter, whether it’s public or private. Most especially when the matter affects the citizens and the people for which they represent”.The lawmaker said that a recent review of cement prices in other countries like Kenya, India and Zambia for 2021 alone shows that Nigeria has the highest price of cement using the official exchange rates for each Country.He said: “Nigeria’s price of cement doubles that of India at a difference of 69%, similarly the price is 29% higher than that in Kenya and 39% higher in Zambia. Hence the need for us to come together and find out why. In order to bring succor to our citizens while protecting investors alike.“Our concern is for all legitimate businesses especially cement production Companies in Nigeria to thrive and deliver their objective and services to the people in such a manner that can foster development.“It is against this backdrop that I beckon all stakeholders once again to feel free and interact with the members of the parliament as this discussion may be what the sector has been longing for, to unlock the potentials and prospects of the future.”
POLITICS
APC Adopts Charter of Equity in Imo
From Marcel Duru, Owerri
The former Commissioner in Imo state on Environmental Transformation and General Supervisor and coordinator of All Progressive Congress (APC), Willie Amadi has said the party in the State has adopted the Charter of Equity in the 2028 Governorship election in Imo State.
Speaking with Journalists and stakeholders in Owerri, Imo state yesterday he revealed that all the APC political groups which Include OZOPOF, Owerri Leaders of Taught, Nzuko Owerri, OZAC amongst others have come together to form Owerri United.
He disclosed that in the last meeting with Council of Elders the former Inspector General of Police IGP Mike Okiro, Eze Ohanwe, Chief Enugasi popularly call Ok 2000, the Chairman Imo Elders Council Eze Ilomanya, the Political leaders in the three Senatorial Zones supported motion moved by Elder Dan Nwachukwu that the governorship position should be zoned to Owerri and the Incumbent governor Senator Hope Uzodimma should hand over 2028 governorship Staff to Owerri zone was unanimously adopted and sealed by the great leader of Owerri,Orlu and Okigwe Zones which consolidated Charter of Equity in Imo State, now Orlu, and Okigwe Zones will support Owerri to produce the next Governor of Imo State for the actualization of Charter of Equity”
Meanwhile, accepting the Charter of Equity the governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodimma said that he will call stakeholders to meet with Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zones for the actualization of Charter of Equity come 2028.
In her contribution the former Transport Minister Dr, kema Chikwe highlighted that she trusted Governor Hope Uzodinma that the Charter of Equity should be successful because in 1999 governor hope Uzodinma, Professor Obiozo, Professor Echerue, Achike Udenwa, I.D. Nwoga, Humphrey Anumodu came in unity and appointed Chief Achike udenwa who gave assurance that after eight years he will handover governorship staff to Owerri zone adding that he actually tried to have over to Owerri zone but the power that he could not allow any other political party In Imo State only PDP
Similarly Rev. Mike Nwanyanwu in his revelation said that Charter of Equity has chartered itself because Okigwe Zone has ruled for eight years starting from Chief Onuka Mbakwe who ruled from 1979 to 1983 then Chief Ikedi Ohakim from 2007 to 2011 giving Okigwe Zone eight years.
He added that Orlu Zone from Achikwe Udenwa in 1999-2007, Senator Rochas Okorocha from 2011 to 2019 and Hope Uzodimma from 2019, to 2027 will make Orlu Zone Governorship slot to 24 years.
He projected that Owerri Zone had Evans Enwerem only had only three Months of leadership and Chief Emeka Ihedioha had also seven Months totaled 10 Months
Anyanwu however commented Chief Ostia Opara for donating Six million Naira that motivated instant Fund raising of N2 billion for the party’s campaign adding that from every indication, Owerri Zone deserved the governorship slot come 2028.
In the same vein, Chief Victor Okwe who disagreed with Charter of Equity told the Correspondent of Daily Asset that true democracy does not require Charter of Equity.
“Chart of Equity is not democratic, APC is talking about Charter of Equity because they are not interested or intended to give us good leadership”.
POLITICS
Ex-Zamfara Kaura, Declares Intention for Second Turn
From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau
A former Zamfara Senator, Tijjani Yahaya Kaura has declared his intention to contest for Zamfara North Senatorial Seat in the 2027 general elections.
Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who also was in the Senate for Zamfara North Senatorial zone in the same between 2015 and 2019.
Addressing newsmen in Gusau, Senator Kaura said his decision to contest the Zamfara North Senatorial Seat was borne out of his desire to provide quality representation and contribute to improving the wellbeing of the people, especially the provision of employment opportunities for qualified youths in the constituency and Zamfara tate in general.
“My intention followed my desire to contribute to the development of my people, ranging from employment opportunities, to Educational development which is one of the most important and critical investments of the people for the future of the constituency”, he added.
“I think a lot of things in my mind but, the major area of my priority is youth’s employment and empowerment”
“I noticed increasing number of our unemployed youths seeking for jobs, they always come to me seeking for employment”
“You know, when I was in office as Senator, I was able to record tremendous achievements in the area of securing jobs opportunities for our teeming youths where over five hundred youth were employed by my representation, pointing out that if elected my target is to provide jobs opportunities for two thousands youth in Zamfara North Senatorial District and Zamfara State in general”
“When I got the opportunity, I will continue from where I stopped. I am not in politics because of money and other material gain. I always join politics because of development, and youth’s empowerment”
“I am in politics to serve my people, not for selfish aggrandizement. My candidature for Zamfara North Senatorial district is to contribute to the development of my constituents, focusing on alleviating poverty and improving infrastructure for health, education and road network”
Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura commended the leadership of the APC in the State under Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state for organizing a historic stakeholders meeting of the party which serves as the most historic event in the history of Zamfara State.
The former Senator said that the stakeholders meeting being attended by all the Four former governors, who governed the state including Senator Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubukar and the current Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle.
“The stakeholders meeting is a strong demonstration of unity, trust and mutual understanding for the general development of the State”
“I think Governor Dauda Lawal should be commended for organizing the meeting which is the first of its kind in the state.
“The stakeholders meeting was a historic event that brought all the critical stakeholders in the state together in order to chart a common purpose which is putting Zamfara state at heart in all ramifications.
“As Governor Dauda Lawal rightly said, his decision of joining the APC was not for political reasons only, but for the general development of the State.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on the entire people of the state to support governor Dauda Lawal to succeed in promoting unity, peace and stability as well as general peace building, especially protecting our communities from lingering security challenges.”
POLITICS
Tinubu Assigns Kalu to Lead Abia APC, Yari, Bamidele, Others Senate Return Ticket
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has entrusted Senator Orji Uzor Kalu with the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move is seen as part of a broader political realignment ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate however disclosed that the directive followed a recent visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Confirming the development via his official Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by the President.
“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he stated.
He further outlined his strategic focus, emphasising party cohesion and electoral preparedness in the state.
“As the most senior Governor in the state, I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large,” Kalu added.
The assignment underscores ongoing efforts by the APC to strengthen its grassroots structure in Abia State, a region where the party has historically faced stiff competition, while positioning itself for improved electoral performance.
Meanwhile, there are strong indications that President Tinubu may be favourably disposed to granting automatic Senate tickets to a select group of lawmakers.
This was hinted by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris during a recent interaction with political stakeholders in the state.
According to the Governor, the lawmakers under consideration for continuity include prominent figures such as Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), among others.
Also listed are Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar (Kebbi North), Idiat Oluranti Adebule (Lagos West), Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), and Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).

