NEWS
INEC Rejects N40bn Budgetary Allocation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion budget allocated to it, deeming the amount insufficient for its operations.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu presented INEC’s proposed budget of N89 billion during a Senate Committee meeting chaired by Alli Sharafadeen Abiodun on Thursday.
Prof Yakubu clarified in the meeting that the N40bn would only suffice for the commission’s personnel costs, and would be inadequate for the financial requirements of the commission in 2024, which supports over 15,000 employees.
The INEC boss highlighted that due to the Federal Government’s 40 percent peculiar allowance and increased Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for its staff nationwide, the commission’s wage bill reached N36.5 billion.
Subtracting this from the allocated N40 billion would leave almost no funds for capital, electoral expenses, and overhead costs.
He cautioned that this shortfall might endanger the 2024 off-season governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as the National Assembly bye-elections in Ebonyi South and Yobe East senatorial districts.
The INEC boss also pointed out that other constituency elections at risk of being affected include Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency in Ondo State; Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in Kebbi State; Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, and Khana II State Constituency in Rivers State.
Mahmood said: “Our first priority is staff welfare; it goes beyond that, but it is a matter of human rights. But associated with the payment of salaries are the social contributions, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), group life insurance, employees compensation scheme and so on. When we pay salaries and social contributions, there is nothing for any other activity again, including the forthcoming governorship elections coming up next year in Edo and Ondo states.
“We also do electoral activities in February next year in which parties will commence the primaries for the governorship elections, and we have to be there to monitor the primaries. We have to do continuous voter registration, and make the cards available long before the elections, and there’s no provision for that. The Ondo primary will begin in April, and there’s no provision for that.
“By the time you talk about the DTA as provided by circular and you convert it to Naira and kobo, it crashes, given the exchange rate.
“So, under the overhead, we pay for all these, including issues like diesel for our generators because sometimes, we are almost always on generator not only in our conferences but also in our ICT server room.
“As a substitute to the inadequate N40 billion, the INEC chairman submitted another expenditure proposal of N89 billion, which was tagged as the actual need of the commission.
“We have submitted proposal C, which shows that we actually need N89 billion. So as I said, our budget for 2023 is practically N68 billion, so the difference actually is N21 billion, not N49 billion, and we have given a breakdown on how we intend to spend the money.” he added
NEWS
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
NEWS
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
NEWS
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.