2022 budget: Timi Frank urges Nigerians to prepare for worst times

At a time Nigerians are struggling to survive due to harsh economic conditions, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged the masses to prepare for worst times ahead.

Frank is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said his fear was predicated on the “2022 Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability” recently laid before a joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammdu Buhari.

He said since the purchasing power of the average Nigerian has been inexorably eroded by rising cost of goods and services coupled with expected increases in the pump price of petrol, electricity tariffs and introduction of new taxes, the people must of necessity tighten their belts to survive the economic tsunami ahead. 

Frank in a statement in Abuja, berated President Buhari for again deceiving Nigerians with a budget he knows will bring more hardship to them than succour. 

“In the history of Nigeria,” according to him, “no President or head of state has lied to Nigerians like Buhari.”

“For instance, Buhari stated that his regime is targeting N17.70trillion as total federally-collectible revenue for 2022. Yet, he plans to finance the 2022 Budget Deficit  of N6.26trillion through borrowing thereby pushing up the nation’s debt.”

He lamented that since Buhari took over in 2015, annual budget performance has remained below 30 per cent. 

“This is because they are budgets of lies and no one can implement a lie,” he declared.

He insisted that Buhari’s plan to seek further amendments to the Finance Act 2020, is meant to lay additional financial burden on the shoulders of Nigerians. 

“This invariably means, among others, that some present taxes will either be reviewed upwards or new ones introduced,” he said. 

He recalled that based on the law, which became fully operational on January 1, 2021, Value Added Tax (VAT) was increased from 5% to 7.5% while impoverished Nigerians are now being charged N50 levy on every electronic money transfer deposited in any bank or financial institution, on any account, on the sum of N10,000 and above. 

According to him, this levy is in addition to other charges like Short Message Service (SMS), Account Maintenance, etc, which Nigerians are already being made to pay by commercial banks. 

He also said that a new way to further plunder the downtrodden Nigerians by Buhari is the planned reintroduction of tollgates on Federal Highways in the country.

He said when the scheme becomes operational, according to the Federal Government, motorists will be made to pay N200, N500, and N1000 respectively depending on the type of vehicle. 

He added: “It is grievous that Buhari did not tell Nigerians that as he was speaking to his Halleluya and Amen Boys in the highly comprised ninth National Assembly and fixing the 2022 official exchange rate at N410.15k to $1, the Naira on Thursday last week (same day)  traded at N570 to the dollar at the unofficial (parallel) market.

“The Naira also exchanged at N410.81 per dollar at the Investors and Exporters (I&E) forex window, thereby putting a lie to Buhari’s proposal of N410.15.50 to a dollar officially.”

He insisted that the National Assembly had hurriedly approved the passage of the PIA, in the interest of Buhari and not for the benefit of Nigerians. 

“The rubber stamp National Assembly hurriedly passed the Petroleum Industry Act, not because they love Nigeria but because Buhari and his cronies want to perpetually be in charge of the incorporated entities. 

He recalled that Buhari and Nigerian oil industry have become inseparable since the the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State. 

He “When Olusegun Obasanjo became a military Head of State in 1976, Buhari, then a Colonel, was appointed the Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources.

“In 1977, when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was created, Buhari was appointed as its Chairman, a position he held until 1978.

“Buhari served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body created by the regime of late General Sani Abacha. He has doubled as the President, Commander-In-Chief, and Minister of Petroleum Resources since 2015. 

“I dare say that with the ongoing incorporation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, in line with provisions in the PIA, the petroleum industry in Nigeria will continue to be in the firm grips of Buhari, post 2023, through his proxies and cronies who have concluded plans to mop up the initial share capital of N200billion of the company soon to be put up for sale to Nigerians.

“The purchase and control of Nigerian power assets by both present and former political office holders is telling in this direction.”

He insisted that Nigerians are terribly disappointed in some opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly who joined APC lawmakers to clap for Buhari as witnessed by viewers during the live telecast of the budget presentation session. 

He said: “Instead of them to make Buhari to understand that they were only there because duty demands that they be there, they were apparently carried away. 

“One wonders if they cannot borrow a leaf from the way opposition lawmakers in other climes react whenever the President told a lie or says anything that is doubtful or inaccurate during presentations.”

END

Signed 

Comrade Timi Frank 

ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East

NGO CEPEJ Establishes Peace, Environment Clubs in Abuja Schools, Others

A leading Nigeria civil society organisation, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has inaugurated Peace and Environment Clubs (PECs) in over 15 secondary schools in the Country. CEPEJ has the mandate to promote peace whilst advocating for environmental best practices among young ones for a better society.

The most recent PECs were established in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT to serve as “safe spaces” with the idea of catching them young and bringing the next generation together from different social and cultural backgrounds to discuss critical issues, especially those relating to peace, conflict prevention/management and environmental sustainability, as well as share values of tolerance and civic responsibility. 

The general principle of the PEC is to bring about a change in awareness and thought patterns that will transform the behaviour of young Nigerians. This will result in young people imbibing values of mutual respect, fairness, teamwork, discipline and tolerance, which will in turn result in a society that values peace and environmental best practices as a state of mind, value, norm and a way of life (culture). 

The National Coordinator and CEO of CEPEJ, Comrade Mulade Sheriff thanked and appreciated the FCT Board for the partnership to enable the NGO establish the Peace and Environment Clubs, and to inaugurate PEC Coordinators for Government Senior Secondary School, Bwari, and Mabushi Secondary School, both in Abuja. 

FCT secondary school Board Chairman, Hon. Yahaya Musa Muhammed who was represented by Assistant Directors, Mr. Itam Nneoyi and Mrs Mary Ajibola, appreciated CEPEJ for the laudable initiative and pledged to work with the CSO to educate and guide the youths in the ways of life. 

For their parts, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Bwari, Dr. Mrs. Nse Martina Ikwo, and Principal of Government Secondary School, Mabushi, Mr. Muhammed Shaba thanked CEPEJ for establishing the Peace Clubs to educate students on the need to imbibe the culture of peace and environmental protection, highly needed in Nigeria today as a result of the prevailing challenges. They promised to ensure the sustainability of the clubs. 

The Programme Director of CEPEJ, Mrs. Nafisat Amadu Abdulmalik listed the followings as the expected outcomes of the clubs:

1. Improved life skills (leadership, negotiation, decision making, values, self esteem, conflict management etc.) in young persons and other beneficiaries;

2. Enhanced advocacy skills - speaking up for self and for others;

3. Young persons to have confidence to participate in decision making;

4. Improved knowledge about entitlements and rights.

She said CEPEJ would facilitate Training the Trainers Workshops in the coming weeks before the activities would kick off fully. Others in attendance included Vice Prinpicals, administrative staff, as well as senior teachers and students.

Victory over APC's mischief: Delta PDP congratulates leaders, members, party faithful

 

PRESS STATEMENT

9th October, 2021

Victory over APC's mischief: Delta PDP congratulates leaders, members, party faithful

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has congratulated leaders of the party, members, faithful, and supporters for achieving victory on Friday, October 8, 2021 at the Court of Appeal against the evil machinations of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party, in a statement commending the party for the Appeal Court victory and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, said the victory was momentous for two very important reasons, amongst others.

According to Dr. Osuoza, first is that the Appeal Court victory shattered the sinister moves of the APC to destroy the hard, fought and won success of our party at the Local Government elections, with the ultimate intention of shoving aside all our victorious Chairmen, Vice-chairmen, and Councilors across the State and making their victory a nullity.

The second significant reason is that the court victory exposed APC as a meddlesome interloper in an issue that least concerned it, and thereby confirmed the opposition party as one that is pathologically full of mischief, misinformation, and disinformation – a party that is always shedding crocodile tears, one that has no qualms about creating and causing harm and damage to others.

Dr. Osuoza said: “APC wanted all PDP Council Chairmen and Councilors in the 25 Local Government Areas in Delta State to be removed from office as it happened in Zamfara State on the ground that PDP did not conduct valid primaries in the choice of its candidates for the council election held in March, 2021. APC also alleged that DSIEC colluded with PDP without observing the provision of the DSIEC Law, 2017. 

“If we had lost this case in the court and without putting up a watertight defence, all the Council Chairmen and Councilors in the 25 Local Government Areas in Delta State would have lost their seats.

"Against all the false claims of APC, the judge ruled that APC is a total stranger to PDP and as such, it cannot dabble into the primary election of PDP which is an internal affair of the PDP. 

"That Section 285 (14) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) sited by APC did not apply to Delta State Local Government election. 

"That the Zamfara State case of APC vs Marafa cannot apply to this case and that by the provision of Section 98(8) of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2017, it is only the aspirant who participated in a primary election of a political party that has the locus standi to challenge the primary election". 

Now that the Appeal Court has upheld the judgment of the High Court that earlier ruled in favour of PDP, the rug has been pulled from under the APC, making it and its wicked intentions to fall like a pack of cards. Of course, our party will continuously be on the alert, watching APC as it goes about like the Biblical satan, and reaching to its bag of mischief seeking the next hurt to inflict.

We commend our team of lawyers for the dogged fight put up at the courts that finally culminated in the damaging uppercut that saw our opponents hitting the canvas for PDP’s victory.

PDP! Power to the people!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

State Publicity Secretary,

PDP, Delta State.

Retraction/Apology: Disregard the publication on Diebiri Kingdom Nabs oil saboteurs, calls on Gov. Okowa, Police to deal with culprits decicively

Retraction/Apology: Disregard the publication on Diebiri Kingdom Nabs oil saboteurs, calls on Gov. Okowa, Police to deal with culprits decicively

Francis Tayor

The general public is hereby urged to disregard the earlier publication made by this platform on September 28, 2021 as regards to the story titled:' Pipelines Vandalism: Diebiri Kingdom Nabs oil saboteurs, calls on Gov. Okowa, Police to deal with culprits decicively.

And that in the said publication, Mr. Dickson Ogugu, James Edoukumo, Clement Tekedor,  Chief Harrison Gbenekama, Eric Numa, Orugbene Emmanuel, Goodluck Ekpebide, Anthony Ikpelagha, Fredrick Amalade, Fidelis Atutu, James Osuobiri, Joel Ogbobine among others where falsely accused of sponsoring, recruiting and training boys on how to vandalize under water oil pipelines, and thereafter approached the multi-national oil companies to bid for repair contract jobs in order to enrich themselves.

In the publication, one Ebipade lsaac and his gang where arrested on September 26, 2021 while trying to steal Batan Flowstation Oil Well Christmas Tree by the Diebiri Pipeline Surveillance Team led by the Vice Chairman of Diebiri-Batan Community, Mr. George Kpadowei.

The management and staff of NDM NewsXclusive is deeply sorry and expressed her heartfelt apology to the wronglefully accused persons in the story.

And that our reporter Mr. Francis Tayor, was misinformed by the Diebiri Governing Council Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Orubu and the PRO, Mr. Henry Suowari over the allegation against the aforementioned names.

That the said publication was never intended to malign the reputable image of any person. Neither was it intended to malign Mr. Dickson Ogugu, James Edoukumo, Clement Tekedor,  Chief Harrison Gbenekama, Eric Numa, Orugbene Emmanuel, Goodluck Ekpebide, Anthony Ikpelagha, Fredrick Amalade, Fidelis Atutu, James Osuobiri, Joel Ogbobine among others who where falsely accused of sponsoring, recruiting and trained boys on how to vandalize under water oil pipelines, and thereafter approached the multi-national oil companies to bid for repair contract jobs in order to enrich themselves.

And that the publication was unintentionally and innocently made by our reporter, Francis Tayor. It was an information given to our online news media organization by Diebiri Governing Council through a Press Statement signed by the Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel.A. Orubu and the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Henry Suoware precisely. 

But we erred in the said publication by law for not balancing the report without hearing from the alleged accused persons aforementioned above.

However, the entire management of NDM NewsXclusive.blogspot.com, hereby use this same medium to render unreserved public apology to the aforementioned  names shortlisted in the said publication.

Henceforth, we pledge to filter, investigate and verify any information of allegation story of such nature in order to give unbiased fair judgement to both parties involved before publication.

Once again, we are deeply and sincerely sorry to the aforementioned names for the wrong information against their reputable character to the public. Therefore, the general public should disregard the former publication against them.

Signed: 

Comr. Oyinbi Onduku, CEO/Publisher Niger Delta Mirror News Online.

SCOAN’ll reopen when we get approval from God ― Evelyn TB Joshua

SCOAN’ll reopen when we get approval from God ― Evelyn TB Joshua

…..says SCOAN will come out stronger

MRS Evelyn Temitope Balogun Joshua, the new leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, has announced that the church will reopen for service when the leadership gets approval from God.

The widow of deceased Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua stated this in a statement ma to address concerns by church members who are yearning for physical church service.

She said although church members were eager to begin physical services, she however, maintained that the leadership of the church must first hear from the Lord and be guided by the revelations from the Holy Spirit to commence.

In her words: “We are getting ready and even yearning to start services but we cannot go outside the will of God whose directive is what we shall continue to uphold, live and work on,” she stated.

Evelyn who hinted that she is still mourning her husband, said she believes SCOAN will emerge stronger.

She noted that since her husband’s demise, the church was yet to start services, like other churches; adding that the peculiarity of the church, which sees both locals and foreigners attend services, was being put into consideration.

She said: “We have no fear whatsoever but don’t forget a good Christian must also be a good citizen. We have continued to pray for God’s mercy for our nation and the world. Besides, I am still mourning the passing of my husband.

“The mourning period is over, and most importantly, when the Lord intimates us to begin, we shall move swiftly in God’s grace. Be assured that God’s mercy endures and by His grace, SCOAN shall come out stronger,” the new leader said.

Commenting further on plans to reopen for church service, a representative of the SCOAN legal department, Mr. James Akhigbe said very soon the church will commence service, adding that we don’t do things based on human emotions.

In his words: “We don’t conduct the affairs of SCOAN to please people but we embark on the project because we have heard from God. We are very hopeful that God will give us the green light.

“Meanwhile, we cannot say tomorrow because you cannot dictate to the Holy Spirit,” Mr. Akhigbe said.

The church had early in September confirmed Evelyn as the new leader after a Federal High Court in Lagos appointed her as chairperson of the board of trustees.

My Dream for Deltans as Nigeria Marks 61 Yrs Independent Day- Dr. Braduce Angozi

Dream for Deltans as Nigeria Marks 61 Yrs Independent Day- Dr. Braduce Angozi

As a child of Independence, born a month after our freedom from the hands of our colonial leaders, the journey to a nationhood had been tortuous, and painful, as we had struggled to be where we are today.

61 years is a long journey. As we celebrate this anniversary, I have to remind my fellow Nigerians, especially my people from Delta State that hope is not lost, but be open minded and believe in our ability to overcome every form of adversity.

Recently our dear state celebrated 30 years of creation. looking back, we have moved from that poor looking state, to a state with strong will to excel, if we all can come together, and harness our diversity, we will build that enviable state we  so desire.

On this ground, I have to tell you to prepare your mind as we move towards another year of election, as I have a dream of a Delta that is strong, and resilient.

Come 2023, I hope to sign a covenant with Deltans. A covenant to build a strong, resilient and prosperous economy at the door steps of everyone that will enforce unity, through the spirits of consensus and cooperation. A state where we will see ourselves as members of one indivisible, prosperous family irrespective of our ethnic background.

Every Deltans have over the past years, in their own way contributed to this, as they had invested and pushed for a better state, and they are still doing that.

I feel your pains, because I had been there, come 2023, with you, my dream of a strong, resilient and prosperous economy, at the door steps of every Deltans that will foster unity, through the spirits of consensus and cooperation will be achieved.

As I congratulate every Nigerians, especially Deltans, I encourage us to comeout and celebrate this 61 years of Nigeria Independence Anniversary. Pains and unknown fears should not keep us from celebrating this wonderful age.

Let us jointly pray for a Strong Nigeria, a united Delta State, with a booming economy and secure environment. This is my dream for Delta, come 2023.

Once again, Congratulations.

God Bless Nigeria

God Bless Delta State

Yours in Service to humanity,

Chief Dr. Angozi Amakazi Braduce, fcim.

October 1, 2021

Nigeria @ 61: Otuaro Congratulate Nigerians, urges Deltans to hold leaders Accountable

Nigeria @ 61: Otuaro Congratulate Nigerians, urges Deltans to hold leaders Accountable

Francis Tayor

Asaba---------- The Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Barr. Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government as well as Nigerians as the nation attains sixty one (61) years old, after gaining lndependence from the British Colonial Government in 1960.

Otuaro made the statement on Friday 1st of October, 2021, at the Cenotaph Asaba, as Deltans join Nigerians all over the world to mark our 61st lndependence Day celebration.

Speaking on behalf the Executive Governor of Delta State,  His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, at the ceremony, Otuaro encouraged Deltans to involved in governance in order to hold their leaders accountable for the principles of fairness, equity and justice to ensure transparency. 

He further expressed gratitude to the good people of Delta State, and charged them to uphold the tenants of peaceful coexistence and unity, which have remained the cornerstone of the stronger Delta Agenda of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) lfeanyi Okowa, and the primary reason behind the great peace and development we have experienced as a state for the last six years. 

According to Otuaro, said:

 " Today I addressed a cross section of Deltans at Cenotaph, Asaba as we join Nigerians all over the world in acknowledgement of our 61st Independence Day.

The atmosphere was filled with glitz and glamour native to the tradition of Independence Day celebrations, but not without some signs of despondency signaling the myriad of security and economic challenges the nation is currently facing, including those that threaten the social stability, peace, and unity of the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, I charged the people not to lose faith and hope in their nation. I enjoined the people to cherish the blessing of nationhood and consider it as a costly gift which is the attainment of the "self-evident truth that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

I further admonished the people to reflect on the great works and sacrifices of our founding fathers; Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Peter Enahoro, Michael Okpara, Tafawa Balewa and many others, and how they suffered subjugation and mortgaged their personal freedom for the greater good. Though we are yet to attain our full potential as a nation, I made them understand that progress comes with a lot of challenges and the case of our beloved nation in such a time as this isn’t different from nations that have survived similar historical events. Challenges bring out underlying issues and provide an opportunity to address those issues, and in the end, we will come out better refined and our potential will be realized. Therefore, Nigeria is not an impossible deal.

In closing, I encouraged people to get involved in governance, holding leaders accountable for the principles of fairness, equity, and justice to ensure transparency.

I cheered the people in thanksgiving and asked them to take solace in the formidable progress the Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa administration is making in transforming the economic, infrastructural and social landscape of Delta. This can be seen in the prioritized educational sector by building critical educational infrastructure to provide a conducive learning environment for school pupils and improving the access of young people to tertiary education through the recently established three universities. Significant progress has been made in road networks connecting rural communities to rural areas and improving urban livability. Championing youth inclusivity in economic development through several entrepreneurship programmes that have received far reaching commendations nationwide.

On behalf of our dear Governor and the good people of Delta State, I congratulated the President of our dear nation, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly, the Judiciaries and all Nigerians within and in the diaspora on the occasion of our 61st Independence Day Anniversary.

While we give God thanks for his great acts of benevolence as a nation, today also offers us an opportunity to face head-on those issues that are confronting us as a nation.

I further reiterated the Okowa administration's commitment to investing in young people by developing relevant youth-oriented programmes and policies that create jobs and make them wealth creators. This is a critical part of this administration's agenda, in addition to accelerating the infrastructural development of the State.

I salute the support of the good people of Delta State and encourage them to uphold the tenants of peaceful coexistence and unity, which have remained the cornerstone of the Stronger Delta agenda of His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa and the primary reason behind the great peace and development we have experienced as a state for the last six years.

Finally; preach love and unity. Forgo ethnic and political prejudice. Trust more. Forgive more and together we can build the Stronger Delta for the greater good of all and our greatness will be realized.

The height of the event was the cutting of the anniversary cake. I was joined by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theresa Diai, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patience Elumeze, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Christopher Ochor and other government functionaries. The anniversary was well attended and featured a march-past by officers of the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Civil Defence, the Federal Road Safety Corps and DESTMA", the statement added.