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Category: Politics

  • MAN Calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to Address Industrial Shutdown in Lagos State

    MAN Calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to Address Industrial Shutdown in Lagos State

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to urgently intervene in the recent closure of several factories by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO). 

    MAN described the action as unjust, ill-timed, and detrimental to the manufacturing sector.

    According to a statement issued by the association, LASWARCO sealed factories over allegations of non-payment of exorbitant water abstraction fees, which reportedly exceed N100 million per company. 

    MAN criticized the move, stating that it undermines ongoing negotiations and agreements reached between the association and LASWARCO, including plans for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set to commence in January 2025.

    READ ALSO: Tax Reform Bills: The North Must Modernise Anyhow

    “This action is both inappropriate and disruptive,” said Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of MAN.

     “It comes at a time when manufacturers are already grappling with a harsh economic environment characterized by unsold inventory, high borrowing costs, and rising energy expenses.”

    MAN noted that the closure of these factories poses a significant threat to the state’s economy, including potential job losses and a decline in investor confidence. The association highlighted that manufacturers nationwide are already burdened with over N1.2 billion in unsold goods, borrowing costs of over 30%, a 250% increase in energy expenses, and multiple taxes and levies from various tiers of government. 

    The association further warned that the imposition of excessive water abstraction fees by LASWARCO could set a troubling precedent for other states, exacerbating the challenges faced by private businesses.

    MAN has urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to direct the reopening of the affected factories to allow for a logical resolution of the ongoing discussions. 

    The association emphasized the importance of concluding the MoU to establish a fair and sustainable framework for addressing water-related fees.

    “We appeal to the Governor to act decisively to protect the manufacturing sector, safeguard jobs, and promote a business-friendly regulatory environment,” Ajayi-Kadir added.

    As manufacturers await action from the Governor, MAN expressed hope for a swift resolution to prevent further disruptions and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

  • Benue State Shuts Down Lawmaker’s Business Over Fee Disputes

    Benue State Shuts Down Lawmaker’s Business Over Fee Disputes

    Benue State authorities have shut down a microfinance bank and a leisure park owned by a member of the House of Representatives, Asema Achado, due to unpaid registration fees. 

    On December 23, officials from the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, along with law enforcement, sealed off City Bay Park and Benysta Microfinance Bank in Makurdi.

    Despite an initial payment of N20,000 for registration and an additional N219,000 for default fees, the authorities demanded another N20,000 before unsealing the premises. 

    Please Read: 11 Reportedly Killed in Fresh Benue Attack

    After this was paid, a new enforcement team arrived, resealing both businesses and reportedly using excessive force, including tear gas, which caused distress among visitors.

    Achado criticized the actions, claiming the businesses were sealed without court authorization, and pointed out the undue harassment, especially towards vulnerable customers. 

    The BIRS stated that its role was limited to collecting revenue, and that the ministry had overseen the enforcement.

  • Bauchi Governor Appoints New SSG, Private Secretary

    Bauchi Governor Appoints New SSG, Private Secretary

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has announced the appointment of Alh. Aminu Hammayo as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). 

    Hammayo takes over from Ibrahim Kashim, who resigned on December 13.

     The new appointee, a seasoned public servant, previously served as SSG and more recently held the role of Commissioner for Budget and Multi-Lateral Coordination.

    READ ALSO: Borno Deputy Governor Engine Fire Disaster on Max Air flight

    Additionally, Governor Mohammed appointed Hashimu Kumbala as his Principal Private Secretary. 

    Kumbala, a retired permanent secretary and former Special Adviser to the governor on General Services, will support the governor with administrative duties and facilitate communication within the state government. 

    These appointments are part of the governor’s efforts to strengthen his administration’s governance structure.

  • Kwankwaso Plans to Shrink APC’s Support in Kano by 2027

    Kwankwaso Plans to Shrink APC’s Support in Kano by 2027

    Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, has expressed confidence that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) will significantly reduce the All Progressives Congress (APC) support in the state by 2027.

    During a meeting with party members in Tsanyawa LGA on Wednesday, Kwankwaso stated that the APC will receive fewer than 15,000 votes in the upcoming elections.

    READ ALSO: Nigerien Leader, Abdourahmane Tchiani accuses France of Funding Insecurity in Northern Nigeria, Says, Tinubu, Rufa’i and Ribadu are Aware

    In the 2023 gubernatorial race, the NNPP received over one million votes, surpassing the APC, which garnered nearly 891,000.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with only around 16,000 votes.

    Despite entering the political scene late, Kwankwaso credited NNPP’s strong showing to the party’s rapid rise.

    Looking ahead, Kwankwaso urged his supporters to stay united, promising a focused effort to weaken APC’s influence and secure a win in future elections.

  • “Tinubu is a leader not listening” – Salihu Lukman

    “Tinubu is a leader not listening” – Salihu Lukman

    A former leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an advocate for internal party democracy, Dr. Salihu Lukman has berated President Tinubu media chat, saying “it projected a leader who is not listening.”

    He said that the government of President Tinubu has been in denial of the fact that their so-called economic reform policies have failed.

    The former APC leader said that the presidential media chat had not changed anything, insisting, “if anything it projected a leader who is not listening.”

    Dr. Lukman who spoke as a guest of the Morning Show on Arise TV, wrote off the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying, “I don’t see the magic that this govt can produce.”

    The former National Vice Chairman of the ruling APC based his low rating of the Tinubu Presidency on the state of affairs in the APC. He said the party cannot offer the country what it dose not have. “APC is currently practically dead,” he says.

    ALSO READ: Lukman: Tinubu Has Impoverished Nigerians Through Impatience, Arrogance

    He said there are no meetings at the level of the organs of the party. No platform to ventilate and aggregate opinions or ideas to enrich the governance system. He likened President Tinubu to an emperor and argued that emperors do not operate democracies.

    “Our democracy is not working,” he says. “No meetings, just nothing,” he added.


    According to him, the party members only come together when there is an election, as he put it, to select a candidate. He said such candidates do not usually emerge from the internal arrangement of the party.

    He added that such candidates are not usually the most eligible and what the party does is to mobilise men and resources to rig them in.

    Pressed to know if he was not being so critical because he did not get a plum appointment from President Tinubu. Dr. Lukman says, he is always in favour of internal party democracy, adherence to party ideology and programs, positing, “All that are currently lacking.”


    He said he and others of like minds are working to birth qualitative political parties that can produce the right leadership.

    He calls on all progressive minded individuals to do their bit by offering ideas, in whatever sector they find themselves, that will aid the good governance of the country.

    He advised against pessimism, saying, those wondering if Nigeria had the quality individuals to transform the country “will stagnate in one place.”

    Dr. Salihu Lukman was a former National Vice-Chairman, North West of the APC who resigned his membership of the party on June 12, 2024 because, his membership of the party had been rendered useless because of the absence of internal party democracy.

    As he looks up to 2027, Dr. Lukman says negotiations are taking place and, “There is a groundswell of recognition by leaders of the opposition to come together.”

    He is optimistic that before the middle of 2025 things will become clearer and, “Even the choice of party is being negotiated and very soon things will come to the open.”


    “We’ve to build the confidence of Nigerians that things will have to be done differently,” he insisted.

  • Rev. Father Alia of Benue State Unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

    Rev. Father Alia of Benue State Unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

    Benue State Governor, Reverend Fr. Hyacinth Alia on Sunday, in Makurdi, the state capital, unveiled Zeva Premium Lager Beer, his first industrial legacy project. Produced by the Food Basket Brewery, Governor Alia said that the initiative is aimed at promoting economic growth and development of the state.

    Speaking at the an unveiling and tasting ceremony at the IBB Square in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria, Reverend Father Alia enthused, “the production of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a testament to the state’s determination to harness its resources and foster local economic growth.”

    “The brewery will also generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from farming to production, marketing, and distribution,” Gov. Alia added.

    READ ALSO: Deaths and Blood Rituals for Bulaba Balablu Christmas

    The brewery project was sponsored by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC).

    The BIPC Managing Director and CEO, Raymond Asemakaha said Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit, the Blue Print Newspaper reported.

    Mr. Asemakaha, elaborating further, said, “The beer is expected to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the state, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, improving GDP, and generating revenue for the government.

    “The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is part of BIPC’s efforts to drive initiatives that will uplift the people of Benue, create wealth, and foster development.

    “The company has established the Food Basket Brewery, a state-of-the-art facility that will produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer, and other assorted brands,”

    The unveiling of this brewery makes it the second such attempt by the Benue State to venture into the production of beer.

    The first such attempt was during the second republic when late Gover Aper Aku commission the More Lager

  • Gov. Diri Warns Against Using Women, Children at Illegal Refineries  

    Gov. Diri Warns Against Using Women, Children at Illegal Refineries  

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has raised alarms over a disturbing practice where women and children are reportedly being used as shields at illegal oil refining camps. 

    This troubling discovery was made during security operations in areas like Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass, and Nembe.  

    Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen in Yenagoa, the governor urged community leaders to create awareness about the environmental and health risks of such activities. 

    He also called on them to identify and report illegal refining sites within their regions for effective action.  

    The governor stressed the need for collective efforts to address this growing issue, emphasizing the role of traditional institutions in safeguarding their communities.

  • Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has stationed 3,180 officers at various locations, including worship centers and public spaces, ahead of Christmas celebrations.

     The move is part of efforts to ensure the safety of residents during the holiday season.

    FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, shared this update during a press briefing in Abuja.

     He explained that the deployment would focus on high-traffic areas such as places of worship and event venues, as well as potential hotspots, including unfinished buildings and shanties. 

    To bolster security, the police will carry out patrols on foot and in vehicles, as well as implement stop-and-search operations.

    Though the Commissioner did not state any motif for the special deployement, he said Tactical units and Rapid Response Squads (RRS) will also be deployed across key locations.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria: Challenging the Dysfunction, Rebuilding the Institutions

     Additionally, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will inspect critical government and public infrastructure to ensure safety.

    CP Disu noted that the police would collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment throughout the festive period. 

    He also called for cooperation from religious leaders and recreational facility owners. 

    The Commissioner reminded residents to avoid fireworks and firecrackers to prevent unnecessary panic and encouraged vigilance, urging the public to report suspicious activities using emergency contact numbers provided by the police.

  • Fintiri Creates New Chiefdoms, Emirates in Adamawa

    Fintiri Creates New Chiefdoms, Emirates in Adamawa

    Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, has unveiled the establishment of seven new chiefdoms and emirates across the state.

     Governor Fintiri announced the changes during a state-wide broadcast, wherein he introduces the following areas: Hoba (Hong), Madagali (Gulak), Michika (Michika) and Fufore (Fufore).

    Others are Gombi (Gombi), Maiha (Maiha), and Yungur (Dumne), with each assigned specific class rankings. 

    READ ALSO: Adamawa Gov Fintiri Joins Wike G-5 Faction, Storms Port Harcourt

    This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve governance and maintain peace within the state.

    Governor Fintiri emphasized the role of traditional institutions in peace-building and the effective management of areas with limited government presence.

     The creation of these new entities is seen as a step toward addressing diversity and ensuring unity across Adamawa. 

    Additionally, the governor reassured citizens that the state’s security had improved, with reduced urban crime ensuring a safer environment for daily activities.

  • Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    The 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has postponed proceedings until January 13. 

    The case, filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Gov. Monday Okpebholo, contests his win in the September 21 election.

    Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), received 291,667 votes, while PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, garnered 247,274 votes.

    During a recent session, the tribunal adopted a pre-hearing report that set the stage for witness testimony.

    READ ALSO: Alleged N110.4bn Money Laundering: Yahaya Bello Begs Court: Spare Me Landed Property in Maitama for Bail

     A total of 290 witnesses are expected to be called by both parties, with specific time allocations for questioning. 

    The petitioners will have 21 days to present their witnesses, while respondents will have 10 days each.

     The tribunal will convene daily at 10 a.m., excluding Sundays and public holidays.