Business

‘Buhari isn’t strong enough to rule Nigeria’ – Fayose

Published

9 years ago

May 4, 2016

The Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose on Tuesday said his criticisms of President Muhammadu Buhari was not borne out of his hatred for him but out of his conviction that at 73, Buhari was not strong enough to lead a complex country like Nigeria.

The governor, who spoke at an event organised by the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day in Ibadan, said those who voted for Buhari in the last presidential election did not know who he was.

He stressed that in the last one year, Nigeria had never had it so bad, noting that the fuel crisis, exchange rate of dollar to naira, killings by Fulani herdsmen and power situation were indices that showed that Buhari’s government lacked the idea to rule the country.

Fayose said, “People say that I abuse Buhari, I am not abusing him because he is like my grandfather but I know the history. Eighty per cent of people that voted for Buhari in the South-West did not know him. They are between 18 and 40. They voted because they wanted change desperately and I agree with them. He left government 32 years ago so they did not experience his rule.

“Today, the Peoples Democratic Party is no longer in government so they should stop blaming the PDP. They told us that dollars would become one to one with the naira. But where is that today? The regime of fuel subsidy is gone and we now have food subsidy. Queues are back at petrol stations. Whatever I say is divine. The next thing to happen will be the removal of the Kogi State governor. I have not lost a battle in my life and when I lost one, I came back to win.

“We have never had it so bad like in the last 12 months; electricity has gone to zero and we no longer have light in our houses. I am here to tell Nigerians that we are in the wrong direction because you cannot give what you don’t have. There is a time to retire because of the diminishing return on the functionality of the brain. At 75, my mother can do little.”

The governor also criticised the anti-corruption war of Buhari, describing it as biased.

“When you want to deal with corruption, do it wholeheartedly. Don’t say because this person has now joined the All Progressives Congress, he is now a saint. When I was supporting the ACN, they gave me many titles. Now that I am no longer with them, they see me as an enemy,” he said.

Business

NCC Approves Disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications from MTN Network Over Unpaid Interconnect Charges

Published

21 minutes ago

December 28, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NCC Approves Disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications from MTN Network Over Unpaid Interconnect Charges

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from MTN Nigeria’s network due to the company’s failure to settle outstanding interconnect charges.

In a public notice issued on Friday, Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, announced that the disconnection would take effect within five days and remain in place until further notice.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” the statement read.

Exchange Telecommunications Faces Regulatory Action

Exchange Telecommunications, which serves as a local and international interconnect carrier, had been notified of MTN’s application to disconnect its services and was given an opportunity to respond. However, the NCC concluded that the company’s explanation for its inability to pay the charges was inadequate.

The regulatory action is in line with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.

Timeline and Implications

The NCC directed MTN Nigeria to cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications five days from the date of the notice. The notice also stipulated that MTN would use alternative channels to ensure seamless interconnectivity with other network service providers after the disconnection.

“At the expiration of five days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service providers,” the NCC clarified.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

The disconnection underscores the NCC’s commitment to enforcing financial and operational obligations in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. The commission reiterated the importance of interconnectivity standards to maintain uninterrupted services for consumers.

This move reflects the NCC’s role in upholding regulatory standards and ensuring that operators meet their obligations within the competitive and highly interconnected telecom sector in Nigeria.

Business

NLC hails fuel price slash by Dangote Refinery

Published

18 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Enforce the PIA act on crude supply, Dangote urges NUPRC

NLC hails fuel price slash by Dangote Refinery

*Says it bring timely relief for Nigerians

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has Dangote Refinery over the recent slashed in the fuel price, describing it as a timely economic relief for Nigerians.

Speaking with journalists , the Chairman, NLC Lagos Council, Comrade Funmi Sessi said Dangote Refinery has come at the right time.

She expressed optimism that the reduction would ease transportation costs, lower the prices of goods and services, and provide financial relief to citizens struggling with the high cost of living.

“This adjustment promises to offer much-needed relief for millions of Nigerians who have been grappling with high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.

“If not for Dangote refinery, we believe that government will still be importing fuel.

“But now, Dangote is producing about 650,000 litres of barrel per day, while both Port Harcourt refinery and the other refurbished one are producing about 210,000 litres of barrels per day. Which is not even up to half of what Dangote is producing.

“With this, Dangote has brought a healthy rivalry to the sector and we have started seeing reduction in the petroleum prices and even Dangote have started taking Petroleum to countries such as Ghana, Togo and other countries. What this means is that it will bring stability on our own currency. In this instance , we want to give it to Dangote. We also appreciate its timely intervention.

“Don’t also forget that the National Assembly is trying to bring out a bill that Nigerians should start domesticating our own currency. It so disheartening that our currency is no more strong, even in the West Africa region.

“So, government should encourage Dangote and more players coming in because this will allow healthy rivalry.

“We welcome this relief, which will help many Nigerians struggling due to the high cost of living, and we urge other stakeholders to emulate the Dangote Group’s example for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Sessi said.

On the proposed 2025 budget ,Comrade Sessi said if the government can be strict in it’s implementation, there is hope for the revival of the economy.

” With the budget , we can see that there is hope for Nigeria. Most especially if government can be strict in it’s implementations, there will will improvement in the security , food production and other areas,” She said.

Business

FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT

Published

2 days ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT

By Farouk Mohammed

Once again, FirstBank has reaffirmed its position as a champion of arts, culture, and entertainment through its annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative. This year, the bank brought music lovers an unforgettable Christmas Eve experience with the Davido Live in Lagos concert, held at the iconic Eko Hotel Convention Centre. As part of the initiative, the event was a highlight of the festive season, delivering joy, excitement, and unmatched entertainment to thousands of fans.

Delivering Exclusive Experiences

True to its legacy, FirstBank ensured its customers and followers had the chance to enjoy this spectacular event through ticket giveaways across its social media platforms. By engaging with fans on Instagram (@firstbanknigeria) and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited), the bank seamlessly connected with its audience, creating opportunities for them to witness one of Nigeria’s biggest stars perform live.

Through its First@arts initiatives like these, FirstBank continues to elevate the entertainment experience for its stakeholders, positioning itself as more than just a financial institution but a lifestyle enabler. The bank’s efforts underscore its commitment to bringing premium opportunities to its customers, creating memorable moments for families and individuals alike.

Davido: The Highlight of DecemberIssaVybe

On Christmas Eve, the atmosphere at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre was nothing short of electric as Davido, the Afrobeats superstar, delivered an exhilarating performance. With hits like “Feel,” “Unavailable,” “FUNDS,” and “Dami Duro”, the audience was immersed in a musical journey that celebrated Nigerian creativity and artistry. The energy was infectious, as fans sang along to every lyric, making the concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

For many, this was their first time seeing Davido live, and FirstBank made it possible, proving once again its dedication to supporting the arts and providing access to world-class entertainment.

The Spirit of DecemberIssaVybe

The DecemberIssaVybe initiative is not just about music; it’s about community, homecoming, and shared joy. Designed to resonate with Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, the initiative creates opportunities for family bonding and cultural connection during the festive season. Events like Davido’s concert, the Calabar Carnival, and Flytime Fest have all contributed to making the 2024 edition of DecemberIssaVybe truly extraordinary. Through DecemberIssaVybe, FirstBank continues to demonstrate its commitment to enriching the lives of its customers by providing access to premium events and creating platforms that celebrate the essence of Nigerian culture.

More Than Banking: A Commitment to Community

FirstBank’s impact goes beyond providing financial services—it’s about enabling memorable experiences. By supporting events like the Davido Live in Lagos concert, FirstBank strengthens its bond with customers, enhancing its role as a catalyst for joy and togetherness during the festive season.

With its steadfast support for the arts and entertainment industry, FirstBank also contributes to the economic empowerment of the value chain, showcasing its leadership in promoting culture, music, and creativity in Nigeria.

Stay Connected, Stay Vibing

For those who experienced the magic of Davido’s concert and other DecemberIssaVybe events, the memories will remain cherished. For those who missed out, FirstBank offers more opportunities to join the excitement. Stay tuned to its social media platforms—Instagram (@firstbanknigeria), Twitter (@FirstBankngr), and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited)—for updates, contests, and more exciting opportunities.