KICNEWS

Tag: politics

  • APC: Nothing Will Change Even If You Reshuffle Your Cabinet Every Week – APC Knocks Makinde

    APC: Nothing Will Change Even If You Reshuffle Your Cabinet Every Week – APC Knocks Makinde

    The All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has reacted to Governor Seyi Makinde’s cabinet reshuffle.

    Reports said that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju had announced a minor cabinet shake-up on Tuesday.

    However, the APC argued that a cabinet reshuffle would make no difference unless  Makinde implements an ideal blueprint or work plan.

    The Publicity Secretary of the APC, Olawale Sadare, told Punch that the problem with Makinde’s administration is more than his choice of cabinet members.

    Sadare insisted that the issue with the administration is Makinde, adding that the governor is neither a team player nor a democrat.

    He said, “The problem with the current PDP administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is more than his choice of cabinet members but the person of the governor. We have observed that he is neither a team player nor a democrat.

    “Five years down the line, none of his commissioners is popular as most residents cannot possibly tell who they are since they are not visible. Governor Makinde runs a one-man show and it is evident the governor does not give his appointees enough room to perform their

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has reacted to Governor Seyi Makinde’s cabinet reshuffle.

     

    However, the APC argued that a cabinet reshuffle would make no difference unless  Makinde implements an ideal blueprint or work plan.

    The Publicity Secretary of the APC, Olawale Sadare, told Punch that the problem with Makinde’s administration is more than his choice of cabinet members.Sadare insisted that the issue with the administration is Makinde, adding that the governor is neither a team player nor a democrat.

    He said, “The problem with the current PDP administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is more than his choice of cabinet members but the person of the governor. We have observed that he is neither a team player nor a democrat.

    “Five years down the line, none of his commissioners is popular as most residents cannot possibly tell who they are since they are not visible. Governor Makinde runs a one-man show and it is evident the governor does not give his appointees enough room to perform their functions.

    “The most visible among the commissioners earned his popularity through his penchant for media stunts as he takes the opportunity of every traditional festival or social function to dance in front of cameras.

    “Unless Governor Makinde sits down with relevant resource persons to produce an ideal blueprint or work plan which he would be ready to implement sincerely, no concrete developmental stride would be achieved by the Makinde administration.

    “He can decide to reshuffle his cabinet every week but as long as he sees his appointees as mere figureheads, he cannot get the best from them. A situation whereby a commissioner cannot address the press without the consent of the governor speaks volumes about the condition under which they operate.”

  • Nnamdi Kanu Will Soon Be Released’ – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Nnamdi Kanu Will Soon Be Released’ – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

     

     

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has expressed optimism that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu will soon be released.

    Kalu disclosed that he has visited Kanu several times at the Department of State Security (DSS) facility.

    Speaking on Tuesday, Kalu applauded the lawmakers for throwing their weight behind him on the appeals for Kanu’s freedom

    He stated this via statement issued in Abuja, through his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu.

    According to the Deputy Speaker, there are expectations that the southeast caucus will also arise in unison soon to support the effort.

    The lawmaker said the release of the IPOB leader was very crucial to the restoration of peace in the zone.

    He said that a milestone has been recorded in his private engagements with the authorities on achieving a political solution in Kanu’s case.

    Kalu said, “I want to sincerely express my profound appreciation to my colleagues from all parts of country and different political parties who made up the 50 lawmakers that recently lent their voices to the appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

    “The call signifies oneness of purpose and noble objective: that we are one people and what affects one, also affects another. 

    I have always emphasized that united we stand, divided we fall.

    “I want to assure them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in the peace and development of the South East and given his genuine love for the zone and the appeals so far made, a political solution is imminent in resolving the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

    “The voices of my brothers in the parliament are indeed inspiring and I cannot thank them and other Nigerians enough for queuing behind me.

  • Lagos Impounds 40 Vehicles Over Alleged Illegal Motor Parks, Obstructions

    Lagos Impounds 40 Vehicles Over Alleged Illegal Motor Parks, Obstructions

    Lagos Impounds 40 Vehicles Over Alleged Illegal Motor Parks, Obstructions

    The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, who made this known in a statement issued on Friday, said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement Mr. Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa.

     

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says its officers have impounded 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles allegedly operating illegal parks and causing “serious” road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas.

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    The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, who made this known in a statement issued on Friday, said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement Mr. Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa.

     

    According to Taofiq, the operation specifically targeted illegal garages that have been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

     

    Taofiq said that Giwa confirmed that the impoundment exercise, which began recently, is part of a broader initiative by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to enhance the efficiency of the city’s

    transportation network.

    According to the LASTMA spokesperson, Giwa emphasised that the government was committed to maintaining law and order on the roads and ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

     

    The governor’s aide said “illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos”.

     

    He said, “These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

     

    “Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction.”

     

    Taofiq noted in the statement that the targeted areas – Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota – are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

     

    “These activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians. LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

     

    “Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

     

    “LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent.

     

    “Hon. Giwa urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions. He reiterated that the government’s primary objective is to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

     

    “He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860 / 08129928503,” Taofiq added.

  • FG to purchase 3.5 million electricity meters in 2024

    FG to purchase 3.5 million electricity meters in 2024

    FG to purchase 3.5 million electricity meters in 2024

    The federal government announced on Friday its plan to procure 3.5 million electricity meters by the end of the year to improve revenue for its cash-strapped power sector, where more than half of the customers are billed by estimates.

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu stated that most of the supply would be sourced from international vendors, while a smaller quantity is expected to come from local manufacturers due to their limited capacity. Chinese companies have frequently supplied meters to Nigeria.

    He made these remarks during an energy conference organized by BusinessDay Newspapers.

    He said, “This year 2 million meters would be procured plus the 1.5 million meters being procured with World Bank support. We are going to have 3.5 million meters installed by the year-end,”

    The minister added that competitive bidding for the first batch of 1.5 million meters has already been concluded, with delivery expected within months.

    He also mentioned that the government has agreed to release 20 billion naira to electricity distribution companies to procure meters for large users, whose tariffs were raised in April. This will ensure they are all metered by September.

    Nigeria’s metering gap

    The current Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, estimates the number of unmetered customers in the country to be between 7 and 8 million.

    However, a PwC analysis suggests a much higher figure, estimating 38.91 million unmetered customers. The report hypothesizes that around 50% of Nigeria’s installed meters are either obsolete or faulty, representing 1.7 million customers, 4.09 million unmetered, and 33.1 million unconnected potential customers.

    According to the NERC in 2023, the overall metering rate across all DisCos was 44.51%. Ikeja DisCo had the highest metering rate at 72.0%, while Yola DisCo recorded the lowest at 18%.

    Out of 12.82 million customers, approximately 5.70 million were metered, leaving 7.11 million consumers unmetered. This represents a metering gap of 55.49% as of September 30, 2023.

    Customers without meters are required to pay a fixed, estimated charge, regardless of the erratic supply from the aging grid. Last year, 57% of all complaints received were about disputed bills, according to a report by the 5.49% as of September 30, 2023.

    Customers without meters are required to pay a fixed, estimated charge, regardless of the erratic supply from the aging grid. Last year, 57% of all complaints received were about disputed bills, according to a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    World Bank loan for electricity sector

    Recently, the federal government secured a $500 million World Bank facility to improve the power sector part of which will be channelled into providing meters for electricity consumers.

    The Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) announced that the World Bank approved the loan in 2021. It was included in the government’s borrowing plan this month after certain milestones were achieved.

  • he Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed rumours linking Herve Renard with the Super Eagles head coach position,

    he Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed rumours linking Herve Renard with the Super Eagles head coach position,

    Nigeria Football Team News: Herve Renard not on NFF’s shortlist to replace Finidi George

    A senior NFF official has reportedly revealed that they have not approached Renard, who currently coaches the French women’s national team, to replace Finidi George.

    Finidi, it would be recalled, stepped down after just two games in charge of the Super Eagles, leaving the NFF searching for a new head coach

    Despite Renard’s impressive record in African football, including Africa Cup of Nations victories with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, the NFF is not considering him for the role. Renard also recently led Saudi Arabia to a notable World Cup victory over Argentina.

    An NFF official told BBC’s Oluwashina Okeleji, “This report is inaccurate. We’ve not contacted Renard or his reps (representatives).”

    Renard, a three-time CAF Coach of the Year, is currently focused on preparing the French women’s team for the upcoming Olympics.

    The NFF is under pressure from fans to appoint a high-profile coach, but they have yet to make any moves towards Renard.

    Instead, they are reportedly considering other candidates, including former Cameroon coach Antonio Conceicao.

    The NFF’s primary goal is to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar. With the search ongoing, the NFF aims to find a coach capable of leading Nigeria back to the global stage.

     

  • Protesters shot and fire at parliament as Kenyans demonstrate against tax rises

    Protesters shot and fire at parliament as Kenyans demonstrate against tax rises

     

    Protesters shot and fire at parliament as Kenyans demonstrate against tax rises

     

    Dozens of injured sent to main referral hospital
    published at 14:23
    14:23
    Some 45 injured people have been sent to Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital, the country’s biggest referral hospital

    They are receiving treatment and surgery, the hospital says on X, external.

    “Seven being female with different kinds of injuries… We have had no mortalities from the demonstration so far.

     

    Protesters inside parliament
    published at 14:14
    14:14
    More footage of the protest is starting to emerge as the unrest intensifies. In a video posted on X, external, several men men are seen pulling apart a stand that displays flags in the Parliament building, smashing the poles against the floor.

    Another man attempts to kick in the doors to the senate.Glass covers the ground and shouting and the sound of whistles can be heard in the background.

     

     

    At least 10 killed – paramedic
    published at 14:04
    14:04
    Several people are feared dead from the clashes between police and protesters.

    A paramedic has told the Reuters news agency that at least 10 protesters have been killed so far.

    The death toll is likely to rise as police continue to battle the protesters inside and outside parliament.

    Ambulances can be seen carrying the injured from the streets.

    I am at All Saints Cathedral, close to the Central Business District, where medics and doctors have set up a medical camp. Dozens of doctors are here receiving casualties.

    People are running into the cathedral chased by police who are lobbing tear gas. And just in the past few minutes we have seen two ambulances arrive carrying some of the wounded.

    The police are shooting with live ammunition. We have seen two people arrive with gunshot wounds. They are injured but conscious.

    There are dead but not here.

    Earlier I was at the Nairobi expressway where I could see bodies on the street. They were lying in pools of blood, with one’s head completely blown off.

  • IT SKILLS: Kaduna Digital Academy Graduates 40 In IT Skills

    IT SKILLS: Kaduna Digital Academy Graduates 40 In IT Skills

    As part of efforts to reduce unemployment and provide youths with employable skills, Ihifix Digital Academy in Kaduna has graduated 40 individuals in software development, product design, and data analytics.

    The graduates include secondary school leavers, undergraduate students, bankers, housewives, and others who were trained for several months in various tech-related skills.

    One of the course instructors disclosed that, as a graduation requirement, the students were tasked with identifying a problem in their surroundings and solving it using their IT skills

    Notable projects by the students include: Diety, an app to simplify meal planning for individuals with specific dietary needs; Rental App to enhance rental property management by streamlining tenant-landlord communication, rent payments, and maintenance management.

    Other projects carried out by the graduates includes creation of TradeCrafts, a platform supporting young artisans and entrepreneurs by showcasing their handmade creations and providing access to mentorship and among others.

    Founder of the Academy, Emmanuel Adikpe, stated that the graduates are job-ready and can apply their skills wherever they find themselves. “We will not stop until you get a job,” Adikpe said.

  • Dangote Sugar Registers N200bn Multi-instrument Issuance Programme With SEC

    Dangote Sugar Registers N200bn Multi-instrument Issuance Programme With SEC

    Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc said it has registered its N200 billion multi-instrument issuance programme with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    The company made this known through a statement signed by its company secretary/legal adviser, Temitope Hassan released on the Nigerian Exchange

    The statement said the registration of the multi-instrument issuance programme represents a significant step for Dangote Sugar and reinforces the Company’s commitment to diversifying its funding sources in alignment with its corporate objectives.

    “The management of the company will take decisions to proceed with issuances of any series of securities under the Multi-Instrument Issuance Programme in due course, subject to prevailing market conditions and obtaining relevant regulatory approvals.

    “The specific details of such issuance will be disclosed in the appropriate transaction documents at the relevant time. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell securities under the multi-instrument issuance programme. Investment decisions to participate in any issuance, and subscribe for securities under the programme will be made based on the investor’s review of the information contained in, and incorporated by reference into, the Shelf Prospectus and Pricing Supplement to be published upon obtaining regulatory approval; after due consultation with its Stockbroker, Solicitor, Accountant, Banker or an Independent Investment Adviser,” it added.

    The company is a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited and is engaged in the refining, distributing, and marketing of granulated sugar to wholesalers and top players in the skin care, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

    Dangote Sugar is Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest sugar refinery, with a combined installed refining capacity of 1.49 MMT per annum. In the medium term, the Company is targeting an additional 1.5MMT of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane and is on track to becoming a leading global integrated sugar producer with its backward integration plan.

  • SAD: High Operating Cost Forces 146 Internet Service Providers Out Of Business – Report

    SAD: High Operating Cost Forces 146 Internet Service Providers Out Of Business – Report

    Only 106 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are currently active, out of the 252 companies licensed as ISPs as of fourth quarter (Q4), 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC’s data revealed.

    NCC data showed the 106 ISPs had a total of 262,206 active customers, during the period under review.

    However, when compared to the four mobile network operators in the nation’s internet customer base, this number is still relatively low. Recall that 163.8 million internet subscribers were in use as of December 2023 across MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile.

    A number of factors, including the high cost of operating in Nigeria, difficulties with right of way (RoW), low internet access in the country’s northern region due to security concerns, the completion of standardisation with state governments, and various taxes, were cited by stakeholders as reasons for the ISPs’ inactiveness.

    For instance, ISPs made a total revenue of N92,079,251,596.26, spent N5,243,381,710.22, to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets such as property, plants, buildings, technology, or equipment, with operating cost engulfing N71,200,884,440.55, according to the 2022 year end performance report.

    WTES Projects Limited’s chief operating officer, Chidi Ajuzie, responded to this by saying that Nigerian ISPs are facing a significant survival challenge, even as he urged them to broaden their operations and search for additional opportunities for growth and profitability in addition to sustainability.

    Highlighting some critical challenges faced by ISPs such as vandalisation, competition, tariffs, taxes and duties, power availability and cost, Ajuzie said this sub-sector needs regulatory support in terms of licensing issues, spectrum availability and price, inter-sector policies framework, Right of Way intervention, human security and safety at the plants.

    “The past two years have been very challenging for the ISPs, with lots of damages done to infrastructures, particularly in Lagos state. Federal government needs to put out laws to enforce the protection of critical telecoms infrastructure. ISP’s business in Nigeria is viable but we need to watch out and look out for governmental support at the federal, state and local levels for enabling business environment”, he stressed.

  • Six companies get licences to distribute power

    Six companies get licences to distribute power

    The Federal Government has issued six licences to different firms for the independent distribution of electricity in Nigeria, data obtained from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission showed.

     

    An analysis of the recent licensing and permits’ sections of the commission showed that the regulator issued the Independent Electricity Distribution Network licences to the six companies in 2023.

    The commission explained that the networks were designed to be independent of the main transmission system and operate on a smaller scale, providing electricity to specific areas or communities.

    It said the development of independent electricity distribution networks is seen as a viable solution for improving electricity access and reliability in Nigeria.

     

    The commission stated that it authorised the issuance of two new Independent Electricity Distribution Network licences and amendment of an existing IEDN licence in the first quarter of last year.

    In the second quarter of 2023, the commission did not issue licences for power distribution networks, but stated that it “issued two new trading licences in 2023/Q2.”

    The commission also stated that out of the 36 licences, permits and certifications issued in 2023/Q3, one was for the establishment of a new Independent Electricity Distribution Network, while one was a licence renewal for an IEDN.

    The other licences, according to NERC, include a trading licence and certifications for Meter Service Providers and Meter Assets Providers.

     

    The commission also issued 36 licences, permits and certifications in 2023/Q4. Three of the licences were for new Independent Electricity Distribution Network, while the others were trading licences, and certifications for Meter Service Providers and Meter Asset Providers.