Tinubu Returns To Nigeria 

After a two-week absence from the country, President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja early today, where he was greeted by top government officials.  Tinubu’s diplomatic journey commenced with an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on April 23, at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. During his time in the Netherlands, Tinubu held discussions with prominent Dutch officials, including separate meetings with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Additionally, he participated in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum. Following his engagements in the Netherlands, the President attended a special World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 28 to 29. The forum, themed “Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development,” convened leaders from various sectors to discuss global development strategies. However, after the conclusion of the summit on April 29th, the President’s whereabouts remained undisclosed, with the presidency providing no information while speculation arose regarding a potential private visit to Europe following his time in Saudi Arabia.

Bolt sacks 22 Nigerian workers

Bolt Nigeria, a technology-driven ride-hailing platform, on Tuesday said its restructuring efforts affected 22 employees that were laid off. The firm’s Communications Manager, Femi Adeyemo, confirmed this to our correspondent on the telephone on Tuesday. Adeyemo emphasised that Bolt Nigeria is not facing financial difficulties but is instead undergoing a restructuring process. “22 people out of 45 from a department were relieved of their jobs, not nearly half as claimed by some reports. “The department where it happened has 45 workers, not the whole Bolt. That number is not half of the workforce of Bolt,” he said. “The affected employees will receive comprehensive severance packages to support their transition to new career opportunities,” Adeyemo added. Subsequently, the e-hailing firm shared a statement that read, “Bolt has never done and is not doing any layoffs, which implies massively downsizing the team because the company is struggling financially. We have made the difficult decision to discontinue collaboration with 22 employees in Nigeria. “This decision comes as we have been going through the process of restructuring a considerable number of customer support and operational processes in the country. We have offered the people who will be leaving us severance packages that will support their transition to new career opportunities. “This decision does not affect the quality of our products for riders and drivers. We see great potential in Nigeria, and we will stand by our investment commitments in all our African markets.”

Foreigners earning more from mining than Nigerians, says Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, May 7, lamented that foreigners are earning more from mining the nation’s solid minerals than Nigerians. Akpabio made this assertion in his speech before declaring open a three day investigative hearing on: “The need to comprehensively review the input and output values of the Nigeria mining industry in the light of its general role to economic diversification, foreign exchange earnings and social inclusion” in Abuja. The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development chaired by Senator Sampson Ekong (PDP – Akwa Ibom South. Akpabio further said that the foreigners after exploitating the solid minerals and benefiting from them maximally, often leave behind a tale of woes including insecurity. He said time has come for the country to benefit from the mining sector while challenging stakeholders at the event to discuss the challenges that have hindered the growth of the mining sector and come up with a way forward.

Senate Forms Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Delayed $18.5 Billion Abuja Centenary Economic City Project

Amid mounting concerns over the prolonged delay in completing the $18.5 billion Abuja Centenary Economic City project, the Senate has taken decisive action by establishing a 7-member ad-hoc committee. Tasked with unraveling the factors impeding the project’s progress a decade after its commencement, the committee aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation. In a bid to expedite the project’s completion and ensure adherence to the original public-private partnership agreement, the Senate has directed the committee to review the agreement and propose amendments if deemed necessary. Additionally, the Federal Government has been urged to prioritize the revival of the Abuja Centenary City project by extending essential support and resolving regulatory hurdles. The impetus for these actions was a motion titled “Urgent need to revive and complete the stalled Centenary City Project, Abuja to realize its economic and development potential,” sponsored by Senator Oyelola Ashiru of Kwara South (APC). Senator Ashiru underscored the significance of the project, which was conceived in 2014 to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary through the creation of a modern city akin to Dubai. Envisioned as an economic powerhouse, the Abuja Centenary Economic City was poised to generate employment, accommodate residents, and attract visitors on a grand scale. Despite the initial optimism and substantial investment, the project has languished for nearly a decade, achieving only minimal progress. Senator Ashiru cited an independent investigation assessment from November 2023, which revealed a stark disparity between the project’s current status and its ambitious vision. The regulatory and implementation challenges have further exacerbated the project’s stagnation, prompting Senator Ashiru to emphasize the urgent need for intervention. He cited the success of similar ventures, such as the $6 billion Eko Atlantic City development project in Lagos, as a testament to the transformative potential of well-executed urban projects.

Senators’ Discontent Over Refurbished Chamber Echoes Amidst Senate Proceedings

Complaints by Senators on their refurbished Chamber continued Tuesday, a week after bickerings about sitting arrangements. Recall that Senate plenary was last week Tuesday, marred by complaints made by some senators on sitting arrangements in the renovated chamber. The complaints led to a rowdy session which lasted for about 15 minutes and eventually forced the Senate into executive session. A week later, issues on alleged inadequacies in the Chamber were again raised, specifically by the Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South). Senator Ndume, who raised the issues through Order 42 of the Senate Standing rules, said what was supposed to be a Chamber has been turned into a conference hall, which, according to him, is not acceptable. “Mr. President, I rise to make disturbing observations on this supposedly renovated chamber through order 42 that deals with personal privileges. “Since day one, precisely last week Tuesday when we moved into this Chamber that was supposed to have been renovated, there have been complaints here and there. “First was on sitting arrangements, followed by echoing of voices by microphones that are even not audible. No voting device, required facilities not yet provided. “We need to correct all these anomalies for the Hallowed Chamber to be what it is supposed to be,” he said. Concurring to Ndume’s observations, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his response, said the observations were well noted and the point of order was upheld. He, however, explained to Ndume that complaints on sitting arrangements among Senators have been sorted out 99.9%, just as he reminded him that the contract for the renovation work was not done by the 10th National Assembly. “This is not our contract and not even National Assembly contract but that of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the landlord of the National Assembly Complex. “Observations on inadequacies in the renovated chamber are welcome from time to time for required perfection but what we should be aiming at in the long run is for us, as federal lawmakers, to have proper autonomy on the National Assembly Complex and not continue as tenants of FCDA,” he said.

Three Edo assembly lawmakers suspended over impeachment plot

The Edo House of Assembly on Monday suspended three lawmakers over alleged plot to impeach the speaker and other principal officers. The speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, announced the suspension at resumption of plenary in Benin. Mr Agbebaku alleged that Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo II), Bright Iyamu (PDP-Orhionmwon South) and Adeh Isibor (PDP-Esan North East I) were being used by some external forces to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the parliament. The pronouncement led to a rowdy situation at the parliament as the lawmakers tried to challenge their suspension. “Mr speaker, you don’t have the right to unilaterally suspend any member of the house. You must call for votes,” the opposing legislators said. “Allow members to vote on the matter.” The speaker thereafter adjourned plenary abruptly.

Obaseki speaks on plans after leaving office 

Governor Godwin Obaseki says he wants to learn more, do research, and impart knowledge after his eighth year in office ends in Edo. Mr Obaseki stressed that after completing his second term in Osadebey House, he will not attempt to be a godfather. The incumbent Edo governor assumed power in 2016 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. In his second coming, he lost favour with his so-called godfather, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who, with the help of other party members, wrested the gubernatorial ticket from him, forcing Mr Obaseki to pitch his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr Obaseki won the subsequent election. When asked in an interview with THISDAY what was next for the Edo governor, who has some months left in office, Mr Obaseki said, “Obaseki is very fortunate and has every reason to thank God. If you look at Nigeria today, I am one of the few persons who have had solid private sector experience and have been in government.  “I have been in the APC and I have been in PDP. My role is to sit back and see how I can assist and help, nurture, let people know, share my experiences with them and support them. So, I see myself going back to school, research, teach and just impact knowledge.” Regarding entrenching leadership in Edo as a godfather, Mr Obaseki said, “There is no need to.” The governor added, “You always mentor people, but when you want to sit and begin to direct them, that’s where the problem is. I don’t like being directed, so why should I direct anybody? If I wanted to direct somebody,  “I would not get one of Nigeria’s most accomplished lawyers to come and run the state, make sacrifices, and step down from all his enviable professional engagements just to come and be directed in Edo state.”

Why I Refused To Return Edo Government Vehicle – Shaibu 

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has opened up about his impeachment, the state’s politics, godfatherism and the contentious issue of the campaign vehicles in his position. In an interview, Shaibu, who had previously accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating his impeachment, revealed that he has forgiven the governor and is ready to reconcile with him. Addressing the issue of campaign vehicles in his possession, Shaibu clarified that the vehicles in his possession were not new but refurbished ones that belonged to previous deputy governors. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability during his tenure. He said, “The vehicles they are referring to are the two Prado SUVs used by Lucky Imasuen as the deputy governor. The other Hilux was the one (Dr Pius) Odubu’s wife used, and the Land Cruiser was the one Odubu used. “I took all those vehicles to the mechanic who changed their engine and refurbished them. Those are the vehicles that they are telling me to return. “So, you can see how heartless men can be. I got only one new vehicle in almost eight years that I served as the deputy governor of the state.” He emphasized his commitment to activism and the need for political leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people.   On the issue of his impeachment, Shaibu criticized the process, stating that the oath of office had been breached by Governor Obaseki multiple times. He also highlighted the need for constitutional amendments to protect deputy governors from arbitrary impeachment.

Edo APC deputy gov candidate files N2bn libel suit against Ighodalo’s campaign DG

Dennis Idahosa, the All Progressives Congress, APC, deputy governorship candidate for the September 21, 2024 election in Edo State, has filed a N2.15 billion libel suit against Olu Martins, the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship campaign council. Idahosa, in the suit, accused Martins of authoring an article that portrayed him as a fraudster. The incumbent lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency instituted the suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The case with the suit number CS/2259/24 was filed May 3, 2024 by Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, counsel to the claimant. In the suit, Idahosa demanded N2 billion as general, punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages from the Martins for a libelous and malicious publication against him. The APC deputy gpvernorship candidate also demanded N15 million, being the cost of the action. The Federal lawmaker alleged that the defendant published an article in several social media platforms titled, ‘APC GUBER CANDIDATE, OKPEBHOLO MOCKS OSHIOMHOLE AS IDAHOSA RETURNS FROM FOREIGN TRIP’. He said the article, published on May 2, 2024 is libelous and discredited his personal and political reputation in the eyes of the general public. Idahosa, as a result, prayed the court for a declaration that the content of the publication made vide various whatsapp group chat pages, facebook and other social media outlets by the defendant is libelous and malicious. He also demanded an order of perpetual injunction restraining Martins, his agents or privies from further writing, printing, publishing online or causing to be written, printed or published online, the aforesaid article or words therein or similar words. Other reliefs sought include “An order directing the defendant to issue a clear and unqualified public apology to the claimant, in words acceptable to him, to be published by the defendant on the group whatsapp chat pages and other social media outlets, running uninterrupted for four weeks and in retraction of the aforesaid publication. “An order of court directing the defendant to cause the withdrawal and removal forthwith of the posting of the aforesaid publication.”

Graduate unemployment: NYSC Trust Fund to the rescue – Senate

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), said that the recently passed National Youths Service Corps Trust Fund Bill would provide jobs for graduates. Adaramodu disclosed this when he led a delegation of the committee on an official visit to the Oyo State NYSC Orientation Camp at Iseyin on Saturday. He said that the bill, having scaled first and second readings and other crucibles of legislation, will soon be sent to the President for assent. The lawmaker said that the provision of the bill was basically to ensure that corps members get established through the training acquired from the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme. He added that the provisions of the bill also cater to corps members who might wish to go into business after their service year. “The issue of unemployment and what next for corps members after the service year will be a thing of the past soon. The bill will ensure that the dreams of every Nigerian graduate become a reality,” he said. Adaramodu disclosed that the Senate, in collaboration with relevant government departments, agencies and other stakeholders, would soon work on the upward review of corps members’ allowances.