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Tinubu commissions N21bn VP’s residence after 14 years’ award 

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday commissioned the official residence of the Vice-President built at the cost of N21 billion, after 14 years of initial award.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed the unwavering dedication of his administration to the principles of accountability, transparency and efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of the country.

He stated that a provision of suitable residence for the Vice-President was not merely a matter of convenience but a symbol of respect for the office and the individuals who occupies it.

Tinubu added that the completion of the project was a testimony to the respect and affection that the President has for the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

” President Bola Tinubu deserves special commendations. We have seen how Vice President were treated in the past.

” With the present dispensation, it is a different ball game,” he said

The President said that the decision to complete the project after going through the required due process was highly commendable.

According to him, “it is not secret that the project had faced numerous challenges over the years, including delayed and abandonment by the previous administration.

” However, rather than dwell on past shortcomings, we have chosen to take this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to confront obstacles head on.

” And to deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda which has the completion of inherited projects, as one of it’s cardinal objectives.

” As we commission this state of the art edifice, the official residence of the Vice-President, we are fulfilling a long standing commitment and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency and efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of the our nation.

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” I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures has been incurred is inherently wasteful.

” It is in the best interest of the government and the public to see them through to completion,” he said

Tinubu expressed gratitude to the FCT Administration for taking up the responsibility and feeling duty bound to complete the project to avoid wastage of taxpayers money.

Earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that the project was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N7 billion and was abandoned in 2015.

” It was in January this year (2024), that we had to review the project to N21 billion, from N7 billion, that means additional N14 billion.

” For a Vice-President residence to take 14 good years and then Mr President, within a year, made it a reality; this is what is called, renewed hope,” he said.

Wike recalled that when he came on board in August 2023, the project site was a bush.

“I therefore, went to the  President and told him criminals had taken over the place and the President directed that I should make sure that the project is completed,” he said.

The Minister thanked the President for supporting the completion of the project and ensuring his Vice lived in a comfortable environment. (NAN

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Sterling Bank Eliminates Transfer Fees, Challenges Industry Standards

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Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?

On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.

Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”

With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.

“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”

Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.

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“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”

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Breaking News: Edo Tribunal Rejects Action Alliance’s Challenge Against Governor Okpebholo

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On Wednesday, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, convened in Abuja, dismissed the Action Alliance’s (AA) petition aimed at overturning the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi and comprising a three-member panel, determined that the petition, filed by AA and its National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, was without merit.

The tribunal concluded that the issues raised in the petition were pre-election matters, falling outside its jurisdiction to adjudicate.

The petitioners claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had excluded their legitimate candidate from the governorship election held on September 21, 2024. They argued that, in contradiction to several court rulings, INEC recognized a candidate who had not been validly nominated by the party.

Furthermore, the petitioners contended that INEC’s failure to publish the name of their party’s rightful candidate constituted a significant violation of Section 134(1)(b) of the Electoral Act.

In addition to these claims, they asserted that Governor Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not receive the majority of legitimate votes and that the election was tainted by corrupt practices.

As a result, they sought the annulment of the election; however, the tribunal panel denied their request on Wednesday.

The panel upheld all preliminary objections raised against the petition. The respondents, including INEC and Governor Okpebholo, argued that the National Chairman of the AA lacked the standing to file the action, as he did not participate in the gubernatorial election.

They also asserted that the petition was barred by statute, as it involved pre-election issues that exceeded the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

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It is noteworthy that AA’s candidate, Mr. Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, withdrew from the race in favor of Governor Okpebholo just days before the election.

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All set for Niger Delta Sports Festival in Akwa Ibom – Umo

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Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has commended the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for investing in sports for the discovery of talents for the region and the country at large.

The governor gave the commendation at the Monthly State Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, as arrangements have been concluded for official opening ceremony of the Niger Delta Sports Festival at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Eno, therefore, implored citizens and residents in the state to be fully involved in the festival.

He stressed the need for adequate maintenance of facilities recently revamped by the interventionist agency and assured successful hosting of the sports festival.

He promised to provide necessary support to ensure safe stay of all participants and tasked the organisers to leverage the peaceful ambiance of the state and make the competition a memorable one.

According to the organisers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Uyo today (Wednesday) to declare the festival open, with no fewer than 3,000 athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta to compete for laurels in 17 sporting events.

The competition will be hosted at six venues, including the Godswill Akpabio international stadium and West Itam Sports Centre, while the closing ceremony is billed for April 9.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that contingents from the nine Niger Delta Development states had arrived Uyo for the festival. (NAN)

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