Anambra state Commissioner for Youth Hon Patrick Aghamba and his wife have been reportedly kidnapped by suspected gunmen along Edo – Kogi road as gathered from sources. It was also alleged that the Commissioner’s Aid was killed in the process.
it was gathered that the trio were on their way to Abuja to attend the wedding reception of the first daughter to Gov Charles Soludo Adaora when the incident happened.
Recall that Hon Patrick Aghamba had just recently flagged off the One Youth Two Skills program of the state government and had also attended the traditional wedding ceremony of the Governor’s daughter at Isiofia last Saturday in Aguata local government area.
The National Emergency Management Agency has warned that 362 vulnerable communities in 14 local governments in Kano State are at high risk of flood.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made this known at a one-day stakeholders meeting in Kano on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting was on Solid Waste Management and Flood Preparedness: Downscaling 2024 Flood Early Warning Strategies for Grassroots Action.
The theme of the workshop is: “Enhancing Community Resilience through Effective Solid Waste Management and Proactive Flood Preparedness”.
Commissioner of Police arrive at Ojota Park during the protest #endbadgovernanceinnigeria | Punch
Umar, who was represented by NEMA Territorial Coordinator Kano Office, Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency AFO has predicted a population of 3,749,200 were at risk of flood in the state.
She listed the local govt to include: Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura and Dala.
Umar said the meeting was also to implement effective early actions that would safeguard lives and livelihoods throughout the rainy season.
“Floods of 2012 and 2022 have highlighted the critical need for coordinated efforts across all levels of government in managing disaster risks.
“Kano state has historically experienced severe impacts from floods, and the current predictions highlight that certain areas will continue to face challenges, especially with improper solid waste disposal in our communities,” she said
The DG emphasized the need to collaborate to sensitize the public on waste management as well as downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation at the grassroots levels.
“Improper solid waste disposal affects the environment, human health as well as the economy, due to uncontrolled dumping of large amounts of wastes, which prevent rainwater from flowing freely leading to overflow and flooding.
Umar noted that NEMA has engaged in extensive planning and analysis, Stakeholders’ Technical Meetings and an Emergency Coordination Forum.
“Disaster management is everyone’s business. By coming together, we can protect our communities, preserve critical infrastructure, and maintain socio-economic stability in Kano state.
“This aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on socio-economic growth and development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” Umar said.
The Kano state Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Amina Abdullahi, reiterated Gov. Abba Yusuf’s commitment to protect the people against disasters and emergencies.
Abdullahi, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Disaster Management and Rapid Response, Mr Mustafa Yunusa, commended the organizers of the workshop.
The Managing Director of the Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, Amadu Haruna-Zago urged residents to desist from dumping refuse on the road and waterways.
Also, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Abudullahi-Kubarachi, commended NEMA and other stakeholders for their efforts in sensitizing the public on disaster issues.
NAN reports that the workshop was organized by NEMA in collaboration with SEMA, Kano state Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Nigerians have expressed anger and frustration over the prolonged scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, across various states nationwide.
It was observed on Wednesday that the scarcity of petrol led to widespread queues by motorists at filling stations in Abuja, Kaduna, Niger, Adamawa, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta, among others.
Although the queues were not severe in the South-West, findings showed that the cost of petrol in most of the affected states was close to N1,000/liter at filling stations.
Day 5 – Hunger protesters take to the street as they continue to express their grievances. | Punch
Marketers explained that the South-West had fewer queues because petrol normally moves from the coastal areas in the zone to the North, adding that the recent protests halted the free movement of trucks to other regions.
They further noted that suppliers of petrol would first supply their stations in the South-West before moving products to other regions, stressing that the low supply had made it tough to have enough products to take other states far North.
Black marketers took advantage of the situation in states that had severe scarcity, as they sold petrol for between N1,200/litre and N1,500/litre depending on the area of purchase.
This led to a hike in transport fares in the affected states, while many passengers spent several man-hours waiting for vehicles at different bus stops to get to their destinations.
Oil marketers blamed the prolonged petrol scarcity on the limited supply by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, stressing that the development had become worse to the point that the national oil firm now allegedly rations PMS to one truck per state.
NNPC stayed mute when contacted to speak on the persistent fuel scarcity and the claims by dealers that it was rationing PMS supply.
NNPC is Nigeria’s sole importer of petrol. Other marketers stopped importing the commodity due to their inability to access the United States dollar required for fuel imports.
Some Nigerians on social media asked NNPC to explain why the scarcity has continued to linger.
Since July 27, 2024, when NNPC blamed the fuel scarcity on a hitch in the discharge operations of some vessels, the situation has yet to record any significant improvement.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria told The PUNCH on Wednesday that there was no hope of improvement as at Wednesday..
The Vice National President of IPMAN, Hammed Fashola, said marketers can only push out whatever NNPC makes available.
According to Fashola, there is a shortage in fuel supply and marketers have had cause to ration the little they get.
“No hope on fuel scarcity yet. Whatever NNPC brings is what marketers will push out. There is a shortage in supply. We are still managing whatever we have,” he stated.
Asked if there was any formal communication from NNPC on the reason for the scarcity, Fashola replied in the negative but stated that he believed the energy company was working round the clock to restore normalcy.
“No formal communication yet. We believe that NNPC is working round the clock to make sure they wet everywhere with the product. We as marketers are supporting them to ensure that we dispense the fuel to the public appropriately,” he submitted.
The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, confirmed Fashola’s position, as he revealed that all his filling stations were empty.
“All my filling stations are empty. I don’t have products to sell. That is the true situation right now. There is no supply from NNPC. So I cannot tell you when the queues are going clear,” he stated.
Asked whether the national oil firm has explained the reason for the scarcity, Gillis-Harry replied, “They have given us no reason, and we are anxiously waiting to know why. But just know that we don’t have the product to sell and it is not the fault of marketers because we don’t import PMS. NNPC is the sole importer.”
Operators had earlier stated that the depots in Apapa, Lagos did not get enough supply from NNPC.
According to them, demand is currently higher than what the sole importer of PMS could bring into the country.
The operators said though vessels were bringing in imported fuel, the supply had remained below what the country needed to get rid of the current fuel crisis.
“There is no fuel at the depots. Whatever is being imported now is not enough to fight the current scarcity. And the price is high because marketers now get petrol at N730/litre from private depot owners. There is nothing we operators can do when there is no supply.
“The supply is not increasing because the importer is incurring too much debt. The more they import, the more the debt on NNPC, so they continue to ration. Everywhere is dry, and even major marketers are affected. NNPC retail outlets are affected. The situation is worse in Abuja, especially at Airport Road,” a dealer, who spoke in confidence due to lack of authorization to speak on the matter, stated.
Another marketer alleged that the national oil company had started rationing supply to the extent of giving out just one truck per state.
“As at when there was enough supply, marketers get as much as they can buy. If there are 3,000 filling stations in a state and each of them can buy a truck, they are ordinarily meant to get it.
“But what we saw in Lagos on Wednesday was that NNPC was giving out just one truck per state. And if this is not addressed as soon as possible, the scarcity will ground activities nationwide,” the dealer stated.
Northern states
In Adamawa State, transport fares skyrocketed on Wednesday as the price of petrol increased in filling stations in Yola, the state capital. Some filling stations dispensed PMS at between N870/litre and N900/litre.
At Optima Oil located along Yola-Mubi road, a litre of petrol cost N900, while at NUT filling station it was N870. At MRS filling station located along Yola-Numan road, the cost was N850, while at Ned Oil it was N890.
Out of the more than 10 NNPC mega stations in the state capital, only one sold petrol on Wednesday as it witnessed long queues of motorists.
On the black market, the cost of petrol was between N1,500 and N1,700, depending on the area of purchase.
This affected the cost of transportation, as the fare from Yola to Mubi that used to cost N4,500 before, increased to N7,000 per passenger on Wednesday. From Yola to Numan, the fare was N1,500 before, but rose to N2,500. Fuel scarcity resurfaced in Kaduna, leaving motorists stranded and frustrated in the state capital on Wednesday.
Long queues were seen at fuel stations where petrol was available, while many independent marketers claimed to be out of stock.
At NNPC mega stations around Aliyu Makama road by Living Faith Church Barnawa, motorists waited in endless lines, causing traffic congestion and forcing other road users to take alternative routes.
The fuel was sold at N620/litre at the NNPC mega station, a price significantly lower than the N930 to N950/litre charged at other stations in the metropolis.
Motorists expressed frustration and confusion, wondering why the scarcity persisted despite the high prices.
“We’re buying petrol at a cut-throat rate, yet it’s out of sight. Why?” asked John Ayaga, who had been waiting in line since early morning.
The scarcity has led to a boom in black market sales, with petrol sold at exorbitant prices of N1000 to N1300/litre and N4500 to N5000 per gallon, depending on the location.
Sule Ahmed, a black marketer, revealed that they source their fuel from fuel attendants, who sell it to them for resale to desperate motorists. “Fuel attendants sell it to us, and we in turn sell to other motorists,” he said.
This illicit trade is flourishing due to the shortage, causing hardship for many residents who are forced to pay inflated prices in the state.
The development has had a ripple effect on transportation costs, with fares soaring to unprecedented heights. The cost of a tricycle (Keke Napep) ride from GT Barnawa to Central Market (Sheikh Gumi Central Market) has increased significantly, now ranging from N350 to N400, up from the previous N200 to N250.
Fuel queues grounded activities in Niger State as motorists spent hours at filling stations waiting to purchase the product that was not available
In the past, the scenario was that there would be fuel with few motorists queuing to purchase the product.
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.
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.
He said: “I boarded a BRT bus from Mile 2 going to CMS. When we got to the Odunade bus stop, we noticed a crowd had gathered, and some were marching to the Orile bus stop.
“From what we heard, they said they were going to Orile police station to go and attack some policemen who I learnt had raided some motorcyclists around the Odunade-Coker axis.
“As we moved further, the crowd grew. When we got to the Alafia bus stop, in front of the NNPC fuel station, some guys started breaking the BRT windshield and the windows.
“Personally, they collected my bag and my phone. Before I released the items, they threatened to stab me with a Trophy bottle.”
However, he noted that he went to Orile police station to file a formal complaint.
Speaking on the incident, the state’s police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, noted that he does not have the details of the incident yet.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
