NEWS
Subsidy: Mixed Reactions From Stakeholders In Osun
Days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech, in which he announced the suspension of fuel subsidy, there have been varied reactions to the development.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has established a task force to prevent hoarding of fuel and price inflation.
Meanwhile, the Osun Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended seven fuel station officials for refusing to sell petrol to customers. However, the removal of the subsidy has led to a significant increase in transportation costs, with fares rising from N100 to between N150 and N200.
Stakeholders have expressed their opinions on the matter, with some applauding the decision as long overdue, while others criticized President Tinubu for being too abrupt.
Critics argued that the government should have implemented measures to alleviate the expected hardships resulting from the subsidy removal.
Adekola Adebowale, the TUC Chairman in Osun State, emphasized the need for dialogue and adequate preparations before such a decision is made.
Bishop Seun Adeoye voiced concerns about the impact on Nigerians who already face numerous challenges, highlighting the lack of basic amenities and the potential increase in the prices of essential goods and services.
Ayo Ologun, a public affairs analyst, stated that the removal of the subsidy was overdue but questioned the president’s approach, suggesting that a more gradual and transparent process could have been adopted.
Ologun also called for the government to reassure the public and announce plans to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal.
Murtala Agboola, another public affairs analyst, supported the removal of the subsidy, emphasizing the country’s financial constraints and the agreement among major stakeholders.
However, he stressed the need for collaboration between the government and fuel marketers to ensure a smooth transition. In the same development, Emmanuel Olowu, a human rights activist, acknowledged the decision but criticized the lack of consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders. He urged the government to focus on subsidizing electricity as a critical aspect of national development.
Additionally, suspension of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu has generated diverse reactions, with supporters and critics expressing their perspectives. Concerns have been raised about the potential hardships faced by citizens and the need for proper planning and collaboration to ease the transition.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
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