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Move To End Fuel Subsidy Scam: Shettima
In a pivotal moment at the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organized in Abuja by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Vice President Kashim Shettima made a resounding declaration that those profiting from the petrol subsidy scam are determined to undermine the policies of the Tinubu administration.
This revelation sheds light on a significant challenge facing Nigeria’s economic growth.
Shettima minced no words in addressing the saboteurs of this scam, asserting that the removal of the fuel subsidy is non-negotiable.
He emphasized the enormity of the fuel scam industry, acknowledging the challenges ahead but maintaining a steadfast commitment to its eradication.
The Vice President’s unwavering stance against the subsidy scam sets the tone for a resolute transformation.
Shettima went on to highlight the tangible results arising from the policies of the Tinubu administration.
Both State and Federal governments are now benefiting from more substantial allocations.
These newfound funds promise a direct and positive impact on the lives of Nigerian citizens.
The removal of serially unaccounted fuel subsidies allows redirected savings towards more deserving causes.
The vision that emerges is one where Nigerian leaders can no longer resort to the tired excuse of “scarcity of funds” to evade project completion or delay salary payments.
Nigeria is crafting a story where the welfare of its people takes precedence, and financial accountability reigns supreme.
This commitment signals a new era of responsible governance.
Shettima stressed the importance of forging stronger partnerships with experts in the Banking and Finance industry to expedite the economy’s turnaround.
In his address titled ‘Our Priorities in a Post-Pandemic World,’ he challenged the notion that pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time.
He called upon the industry to be a crucial partner in achieving this ambitious goal.
The Vice President urged stakeholders to support Tinubu’s administration in serving the nation.
Key promises, such as repositioning consumer finance and incentivizing value-addition to agriculture and other products, depend on the support of the industry.
Nigeria’s future prosperity hinges on bridging the balance of payments gap and embracing innovations, like blockchain technology, to boost financial inclusion.
Shettima elaborated on the ‘Eight-Point Agenda’ of the Tinubu Administration, highlighting priorities that include food security, poverty alleviation, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, and improved security.
He also underscored the importance of enforcing the rule of law and combating corruption.
These agendas require collaboration with the Banking and Finance sector for successful implementation.
The President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Mr. Ken Opara, celebrated the conference as the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa.
He recognized its significance in driving conversations on critical issues for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Opara commended President Bola Tinubu’s reform initiatives, believing they could unlock the nation’s untapped economic potential.
In attendance were distinguished figures such as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen.
Abubakar Bagudu, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso.
Also present were the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, and the World Bank Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Shubam Chaudhuri.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter) to address discussions surrounding this leadership transition. His post aimed to clarify that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not dismiss Mele Kyari, a northerner, to replace him with a southerner, as some speculated. Instead, Olayinka pointed out that Ojulari, like Kyari, hails from the northern region of Nigeria.
According to Olayinka’s post on his official X account, he emphasised that Bashir Ojulari is from Kwara State, located in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, originates from Borno State in the North East.
His post stated: “Bashir Ojulari, the new NNPCL CEO, is a northerner from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is also a northerner, from Borno State, North East Nigeria.”
Olayinka’s statement came in response to narratives suggesting that the appointment was politically motivated to favour one region over another.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.