I get N21m monthly as take home, Kano lawmaker reveals

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August 14, 2024

The lawmaker representing Kano South, Senator Sumaila Kawu, has revealed that he earns over N21m monthly as a total take-home package.

This revelation is coming barely 24 hours after the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission said that each of the 109 senators in the upper chamber receives a total of N1.06m in salary and allowances per month.

The RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, said this as a form of clarification in response to recent controversies over the real amount each lawmaker earns per month.

Based on Shehu’s disclosure, it would mean each lawmaker earns N12.72m in 12 months and the Federal Government makes a total expenditure of N1.4bn annually for all senators.

A breakdown of their monthly earnings revealed that each Senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of N1,063,860, consisting of a basic salary, N168,866:70; motor vehicle fueling and maintenance allowance, N126,650:00; and personal assistant, N42,216:66.

Others include domestic staff,126,650:00; entertainment, N50,660:00; utilities, N50,660:00; newspapers/periodicals, N25,330:00; wardrobe, N42,216,66:00; house maintenance, N8,443.33:00; and constituency allowance, N422,166:66.

Shehu in the statement noted, “The commission also wishes to use this opportunity to state that any allegation regarding other allowance(s) being enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation.

“To avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the international community, the commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians and any other interested party to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the actual details of the present remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria published on its website: www.rmafc.gov.ng.”

However, Senator Kawu in an interview with British Broadcasting Hausa Service, on Wednesday morning disclosed that although his monthly salary is about N1m, but his total take-home was N21m, a wide margin from figures quoted by RMFAC.

Kawu said, “The amount of salary I receive per month is less than N1m, if there are cuts, it comes back to about six hundred thousand naira and a little something as salary.”

He noted that there are usually a few deductions by the RMFAC.

The issue of the amount of money received by federal lawmakers stirred up fresh controversies since last week.

Last week, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was president between 1999 and 2007, had Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital while receiving in audience, six members of the House of Representatives, led by Ikenga UgoChinyere who visited him, chided the federal lawmakers for fixing their salaries and emoluments.

During the parley, Obasanjo said, “In your case, with all due respect, you’re not supposed to fix your salaries. But you decide what you pay yourself, the allowances that you give yourselves (including) newspaper allowances.

“You give yourselves all sorts of things, and you know it is not right. It is immoral, (yet) you are doing it, the Senate is doing it, and you are beating your chests about it. In some cases, the executive gives you what you’re not entitled to. You all got N200 million (each).”

Also, a former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, had once publicly disclosed that each Senator collects a monthly running cost of N13.5m in addition to the monthly N750,000 prescribed by the commission.

It would be recalled that the Senate in a Statement on Sunday refuted the claims by Obasanjo stating that they were lies.

Source: Punch News

JUST IN: Thugs attack, rob BRT passengers in Lagos

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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August 14, 2024

Some passengers boarding a high-capacity bus-based transit system, popularly known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), were attacked and robbed by some street thugs on Tuesday, in Orile Lagos.

A victim of the attack, also an eyewitness, Dare Abiola, noted that the street boys who disguised as protesters against the seizure of motorcycles by the task force, attacked their bus around 1 pm and took away the passengers’ valuables.

Abiola also lamented that his money and some of his valuables were stolen by the hoodlums. He added that the attack went on for about 20 to 30 minutes without the intervention of security personnel.

Source: Nation News

Biafra De Facto Customary Government Endorses Peaceful Dissolution Of Nigeria.

By

bvichannel1

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August 14, 2024

In light of the recent nationwide protests and the expected development where northern youths were seen flying the Russian flag—a subtle declaration of their intention to establish an independent Arewa Republic—the Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) feels compelled to state her consistent position clearly and unequivocally.

We stand at a critical juncture in the history of Nigeria, where the possibility of the nation’s division has become more pronounced than ever. The actions of the northern youths signal a readiness to exit Nigeria, a sentiment that resonates with the growing desire among many ethnic nationalities to seek self-determination and autonomy.

As Biafrans, we have long expressed our desire for an independent Biafra Nation. We fought a 30-month war and sustained Biafra as an independent nation during that period. Our struggle is well-known to the global community, and our resolve remains unshaken. However, we recognize the importance of giving Nigeria one last chance to survive as a united nation, under conditions that promote equity, fairness, justice, freedom, and good governance.

We call on all indigenous peoples who believe in these ideals to join us in our pursuit of an independent Biafra Nation. The recent visit of elder statesman Emeka Anyaoku and other patriots to President Tinubu, advocating for a new constitution, aligns with our stance on the need for autonomous Nations in Nigeria like many other countries like the United Kingdom, United States of America, India, Switzerland, Canada and others.

We emphasize the following points, which we believe are essential for any meaningful dialogue on Nigeria’s future:

1. Return to the 1963 Constitution: This constitution provided for regional governments with regional constitutions, resource control, and a weak central government. In this arrangement, the present states would become provinces, while local governments would function as counties.

2. Autonomy and Self-Determination: Anything short of a return to the 1963 constitution or its equivalent, which respects the autonomy and self-determination of the regions, will lead to peaceful or forceful dissolution of Nigeria, similar to the breakup of the Soviet Union that produced 11 independent countries and former Yugoslavia.

The flying of the Russian flag by northern youths is a clear indication that the Arewa Republic is already in the process of activation. As Biafrans, we are prepared for this reality and are committed to ensuring that our people achieve the independence we have long sought.

We remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the Nigeria question but are fully prepared to mobilize Biafrans across the globe towards the sure path that allows each region to govern itself independently .

We urge all Biafrans and supporters of justice and equity to close ranks with us as we navigate this critical period in our nation’s history.

Prosper Odinga
Spokesperson, BDFCG
Phone: +1 917-346-5419
Email: biafradefactogov@gmail.com
Website: www.bdfcg.org

Yoruba Women Protest Half-Naked Over Killings, Kidnapping Of Farmers By Fulani Herdsmen

By

bvichannel1

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August 14, 2024

Following the rising case of insecurity in the Akoko area of Ondo state, a courageous group of women took to the streets in protest, some partially unclad, to denounce the chilling wave of killings and kidnappings perpetrated by suspected bandits.

Primarily elderly, these indomitable women marched through their community, their hearts heavy with anguish over the relentless bloodshed, abductions, and devastation of their cherished farmlands at the hands of armed assailants.

Their protest erupted in the wake of a harrowing incident—Sunday Ayeni, a local farmer, was ruthlessly slain on his own land after a violent clash with herdsmen who had trampled his crops. His lifeless body, alongside that of his devoted hunting dog, was discovered by a search party over the weekend.

This brutality has forced other farmers to abandon their livelihoods, paralyzed by the fear of becoming the next victims of this torment.

At a security meeting hosted by the respected traditional ruler of Oka, Olubaka of Oka, Adebori Adeleye, the women, some without head coverings, passionately voiced their urgent demands for justice for fellow victims of these heinous attacks.

Abigail Ojo, the spokesperson for the women, bravely recounted their harrowing experiences—some of them had faced not only violence but also the deeply violating act of rape by the suspected herdsmen while tending their farms.

Determined and resolute, Mrs. Ojo declared, “We cannot tolerate these senseless killings any longer. All of this has to stop,” her voice resonating in the local dialect, a powerful call to action.

She implored the security agencies for immediate assistance and long-lasting solutions to the tormenting strife overwhelming their lives.

In response, the traditional ruler, Mr. Adeleye, reassured them that the security situation was being earnestly addressed by the relevant authorities; however, he urged patience as they worked toward a sustainable solution to the deepening crisis within their community.

Higher Institution Seeks Patent to Mass-Produce Fuel-Less Generators

By

bvichannel1

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August 13, 2024

Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Oghara, Delta State, is seeking a patent to mass-produce its groundbreaking fuel-less generator, according to Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, the institution’s rector. This innovative 2.5kva generator, which boasts a 21-hour runtime, is designed to address Nigeria’s ongoing energy supply issues.

Speaking at a recent Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) hangout, Ufuophu-Biri highlighted the generator’s environmental friendliness and safety. He emphasized that the technology, which has undergone rigorous testing, aims to complement the country’s struggling power sector.

The project, which has been in development for two years, involved significant financial investment. Ufuophu-Biri revealed that while the innovation has been partially showcased, it will soon be officially presented to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other state officials. The goal is to establish the generator as a state and national achievement.

The rector shared that the idea for this technology was inspired during a tour of energy facilities in the United States. Noting the power shortages and maintenance issues faced during his initial term, he tasked the institution’s engineering experts with creating an alternative power source that deviates from traditional methods like biofuel, solar, gas, or hydro.

The generator is described as effective, efficient, noiseless, and equipped with a remote control system. Ufuophu-Biri mentioned that there is already interest from individuals wanting to acquire the technology’s patent. He plans to engage with relevant state stakeholders, including the Ministries of Justice, Trade and Investment, and Science and Technology, to ensure proper procedures are followed.

In addition to the generator, the polytechnic is funding other innovations, such as a water pumping machine and a digital signboard. The State NUJ Chairperson, Churchill Oyowe, praised the institution for its innovative efforts and urged other higher learning institutions to focus on practical solutions to national challenges rather than merely producing graduates.

Soludo’s hurried LG election an anti-democratic gesture – Hon. Ogene

By

bvichannel1

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August 13, 2024

Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the House of Representatives member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, has expressed concerns over the hasty amendment of the Anambra State Electoral Law by the Anambra State House of Assembly.

He described the move as a promotion of undemocratic tactics aimed at frustrating opposition parties in the state.

Armed with this curious amendment, the Anambra state government has gone ahead to hurriedly fix local government elections for September 28, 2024, thereby causing unease in the state’s political ecosystem.

Rep. Ogene in a statement in Awka, the state capital, criticised the swift amendment of the state’s Electoral Law, calling it an unholy manoeuvre to stifle the interest of the grassroots in producing credible leadership at the local government levels as envisioned by both the constitution and the recent pronouncement by the Supreme Court, which granted financial autonomy to the LGAs for the purpose of sustainable developments at the local areas.

In a move widely viewed as politically motivated, the State Assembly had recently amended the Anambra Electoral Law 2024, slashing the notice period for local government elections from 60 days to just 30 days. This sudden change has raised suspicions among stakeholders, who see it as an attempt by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to launch a political ambush on opposition parties.

With this surprising amendment in hand, the Anambra state government has hastily announced local government elections for September 28, 2024, causing widespread fears regarding a pre-determined outcome.

Hon. Ogene, who is the leader of the Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, further stated, “Governor Soludo and the State Assembly have perpetuated an undemocratic practice by utilizing the democratic institution of the Assembly to handpick local government leaders. This anti-people approach excludes the majority who do not align with their authoritarian tendencies.

“The newly imposed 30-day notice period for local government elections will lead to widespread disenfranchisement at the grassroots level. Within this truncated timeframe, it will be nearly impossible for stakeholders to conduct meaningful consultations, organize primary elections, secure funding, and prepare for the election without government support.

Criticizing the APGA-led government’s actions, Hon. Ogene declared:
“This is a disservice to the people and a mockery of our democracy. By frustrating the enthronement of true democracy at the grassroots level – the foundation of democratic governance – the government is mindlessly undermining the very essence of democratic practice.

“In deed, it is ludicrous that 10 years after the last local government in the state – and two and half years since he mounted the saddle – Governor Soludo and his recently appointed ANSIEC would seek to hoodwink the people of the state through a hurriedly clobbered council election process.

“We urge all advocates of democracy to remain vigilant and engaged in the upcoming Anambra local government and state elections, ensuring that the people’s will is not subverted by the state government’s deceitful tactics under Governor Soludo’s leadership.”

Exchange Rate: Naira to Dollar Rate as at Today

By

Queen Madu

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August 13, 2024

See the black market Dollar to Naira exchange rate for 12th August, below. You can swap your dollar for Naira at these rates.

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N1590 and sell at N1600 on Monday 12th August 2024, according to sources at Bureau De Change(BDC).

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)	Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate	N1590
Selling Rate	N1600

Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)	CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate	N1568
Selling Rate	N1569

Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.

(Naijanews)

Govt Should Tell Us Those Stealing Crude With Vessels- Elumelu

By

bvichannel1

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August 11, 2024

Nigerian businessman, Tony Elumelu says the government and security agents in Nigeria should be able to tell Nigerians who steal the country’s crude oil, especially using vessels that move through the territorial waters.

Elumelu stated this in an interview published by the Financial Times on Friday.

Elumelu said the menace of oil theft contributed to the divestment of international oil companies in Nigeria.

He said he discovered first-hand why international oil companies were partly divesting from onshore assets after criminal gangs began stealing crude from his pipelines.

In 2022, when things got to a point where his company had to shut down production, Elumelu took to social media, tweeting: “How can we be losing over 95 per cent of oil production to thieves? Look at the Bonny Terminal which should be receiving over 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily, instead, it receives less than 3,000 barrels, leading the operator Shell to declare force majeure. The reason Nigeria is unable to meet its OPEC production quota is not because of low investment but because of theft, pure and simple!

“Meanwhile, oil-producing countries are smiling as their foreign reserve is rising. What is Nigeria’s problem? We need to hold our leaders more accountable!”

Speaking with Financial Times, Elumelu, expressed optimism, saying, however, that oil thieves still take away 18 per cent of crude from his field.

“42,000 barrels of crude pumped out daily. Theft still takes away about 18 per cent of production, he stated.

Asked who is behind the theft, he replied, “This is oil theft, we’re not talking about stealing a bottle of Coke you can put in your pocket. The government should know, they should tell us. Look at America — Donald Trump was shot at and quickly they knew the background of who shot him. Our security agencies should tell us who is stealing our oil. You bring vessels to our territorial waters and we don’t know?”

The 61-year-old founder of Heirs Holdings recalled how the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari allegedly stopped him from acquiring an oilfield.

He disclosed that Heirs Holdings had been looking to purchase the oilfield since 2017, having raised $2.5bn to purchase a different one.

But in a twist, he claimed that former president Buhari and his late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, blocked the deal.

He said he was told Nigeria could not allow something of such strategic importance to fall into the hands of a private operator.

“This defied logic,” he added since he would have been purchasing it from a foreign company.

As one of the few Nigerians who made their fortunes outside of oil, Elumelu revealed that his decision to buy a 45 per cent stake in an oilfield three years ago when international oil companies such as Shell, Total and Eni were selling off their shallow water assets in Nigeria was to give the country energy security in the face of low power supply.

“We wanted to become a Fortune 500 company and we estimated what we needed. It’s not naira, it’s huge dollars. Energy security is crucial for a country that doesn’t produce enough electricity for its roughly 200 million citizens,” he added.

Speaking on the japa syndrome, Elumelu declared, “I support it, totally. “I don’t have a problem with people saying ‘I’m going to Canada, UK or US.’

“Joblessness is the betrayal of a generation. You’ve gone to school and come back with your dreams and aspirations and you don’t have the opportunity . For people who decide to find solutions elsewhere, no one should stop them. But for those who decide to stay, they should try to create an impact and build a legacy.”

We do everything possible to supply quality news and information to all our valuable readers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this. Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.

Source: Financial Times

BDFCG Affirms Right to Peaceful Protests Amid National Discontent

By

bvichannel1

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August 9, 2024

PRESS STATEMENT
Tue, Jul 30, 2024

The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) wishes to address the Biafran public regarding the planned protests by concerned citizens of Nigeria, scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 10. While we are not part of the organizers of these protests, we understand the deep-seated grievances driving these actions.

The BDFCG acknowledges the fundamental right of indigenous people in Nigeria to express their dissatisfaction through peaceful protests. We affirm that it is the civic right of every individual, including the Biafrans, to participate in such demonstrations if they choose to do so. These protests are a legitimate and democratic means for the people to voice their concerns about the state of the nation.

It is crucial that the rights of those participating in the protests are respected. We call on all relevant authorities to ensure that no individual is coerced, intimidated, or forcefully prevented from joining these demonstrations. The federal government must not hijack these protests but instead listen to the cries of the people and address their legitimate concerns.

The BDFCG calls on the indigenous people in Nigeria to use the instrumentality of civil disobedience and peaceful protest to register their displeasure over the decades of colonial and neo-colonial maladministration and bad governance in Nigeria, starting from 1914. We recognize the supreme power of the people as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, Chapter 2, Section 14(a): “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority.” The same constitution, in Chapter 4, Section 40, empowers indigenous people in Nigeria to freely associate and assemble in pursuit of their well-being.

We are amazed that the national protest declared by hungry and angry indigenous people of Nigeria, scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, is being threatened and frustrated by government agents. As Biafrans, we want to state without any ambiguity that it is the fundamental right of indigenous people to protest in any way possible against the oppressive and neo-colonial government.

However, we have fought a genocidal war against the enemies of freedom, good governance, equity, fairness, and justice for a complete 30 months and have lost more than 3 million innocent souls. We are still losing innocent souls to wicked and oppressive local and foreign buccaneers in power.

During the last general election, Biafrans voted for character, capacity, and competency, but the same local and foreign interests hijacked the people’s will and installed a character that would serve the interests of a few bloodsuckers. The judiciary, as the last hope of the common man, conducted the burial ceremony for the remains of the Nigerian state. The military defended the fraudulent 2023 election, and today the indigenous people are worse off, hungry, and angry!

We in the BDFCG are happy that other indigenous people in Nigeria have started testing what Biafrans have tested from 1966 to date. To that, we say, welcome to the club of oppressed people. Together, we can overwhelm those few oppressors.

We shall give you all moral and spiritual support while sustaining our own mode of protest, which has been ongoing for decades. To us, Nigeria is not a nation until indigenous people in Nigeria regain their freedom.

Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges:

– Severe economic hardship, with a proposed salary take-home of N70,000 per month, which equates to less than N2,300 per day. The cost of a single meal surpasses N3,000, making it difficult for many federal workers to afford more than two to three meals a week.

– Rampant insecurity that endangers lives daily.

– The blatant looting of our collective wealth by those in power.

– Government incompetence and brazen nepotism.

– The exploitation of ethnic divisions and the extravagant lifestyles of our political elites, juxtaposed with the suffering of the masses.

– An overinflated government budget that serves the interests of the few and the irresponsible removal of subsidies on essential energy, exacerbating the hardship faced by the people.

– The mindless destruction of citizens’ property and businesses by both federal and sub-national governments.

The government’s dismissive response to these legitimate concerns, urging the populace to endure and be patient while deploying repressive measures to stifle dissent, is unacceptable. However, the people’s resolve to demand accountability and change is unwavering. The use of hungry and disgruntled security personnel to suppress peaceful protests will only unify them with the people in their shared frustration and anger.

We urge the political class to heed the voices of the people and take meaningful steps to address the issues at hand. This includes tackling food inflation, curbing the ostentatious display of wealth, and demonstrating genuine remorse and willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.

Finally, stop this feeding bottle federalism and return economic and political power to indigenous people living in Nigeria.

Prosper Odinga
Spokesperson, BDFCG
Phone: +1 917-346-5419
Email: biafradefactogov@gmail.com
Website: [www.bdfcg.org](http://www.bdfcg.org)

Exchange Rate: Naira to Dollar Rate as at Today

By

Queen Madu

-

August 9, 2024

See the black market Dollar to Naira exchange rate for 8th August, below. You can swap your dollar for Naira at these rates.

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N1605 and sell at N1615 on Thursday 8th August 2024, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)	Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate	N1605
Selling Rate	N1615

Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN)	CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate	N1591
Selling Rate	N1592

Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.

(Naijanews)