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Obaseki Urged To Embrace Statesmanship

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ELECTIONS ARE OVER: A CALL FOR GOVERNOR GODWIN OBASEKI TO SHOW MORE STATESMANSHIP

 

The statement credited to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, which was used as the lead front page story in Thisday Newspaper of today (Thursday, August 24, 2023) did not come to anyone as a surprise. However, it is essential to clarify certain narratives for a more informed public discourse.

 

 

 

 

Governor Obaseki has, in recent times, shifted focus to the nation’s economic challenges as cannon fodder to divert attention from his poor performance at the state level since his move to the Peoples Democratic Party. While it is common for leaders to have divergent views, it’s crucial to align criticism with reality, and to premise discourse on tangible results.

 

Obaseki Urged To Embrace Statesmanship

 

 

Governor Obaseki’s comments regarding the APC-led Federal Government’s decisions on fuel subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms perhaps overlooked the broader economic picture. It’s well documented that Nigerians, State Governors across party lines, and global institutions—including the World Bank and IMF—along with various economic experts, have consistently advocated for the removal of fuel subsidy because of the fiscal distortions and burden it has placed on the economy.

 

 

 

This burden includes many months of zero accretion to the Federation account by the NNPC which left states and local governments with less money from FAAC, as a result of payment for fuel subsidy, which the national oil company regularly charged to the Federation account.

 

 

 

 

For perspective, Edo State, under Governor Obaseki’s leadership, has notably benefited from the fuel subsidy removal, which is evident in the more than doubling of the FAAC allocation between June and July 2023 to Edo State – more than it had ever received pre-fuel subsidy removal.

 

 

 

Our advice? Rather than delving into narratives which do not provide the complete picture, the focus should be on how the Edo State Government will be using available resources to drive impactful projects that genuinely uplift the people of Edo State.

 

 

 

Nationally, decisions led by President Tinubu are based on foresight, with the primary aim of engineering a resilient and sustainable economy. This vision is consistently echoed within the National Economic Council, where significant economic decisions are made.

 

 

 

We want to clearly state that Edo State, alongside other 35 States plus FCT, can access more FAAC revenue, due only to the bold and courageous economic decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu since he assumed office. These decisions have been applauded across the globe because they are the decisions that needed to be taken to reposition the national economy for better output.

 

 

 

We are still at a loss on what could be the trigger for Governor Obaseki to issue such blatantly false accusations against the Federal Government.

 

 

 

Constitutionally, Governor Obaseki is a member of the National Economic Council (NEC) where far-reaching decisions were taken on the issues he talked about, in his media address by his colleagues, while sitting in-Council with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. Even as Governor Obaseki will have an explanation to make to the people of his state on why he was absent at the two NEC meetings under the current administration, we will like to inform him that his colleagues praised President Tinubu for finding the courage to remove the ghost of fuel subsidy which crippled the finances of the 3 tiers of government for decades. It would be helpful if Governor Obaseki participated in these meetings to provide insights and align with the collective vision.

 

 

 

At the last NEC meeting which took place last week, the council took far-reaching decisions on many interventions to help households, contrary to the wrong impression being created by Governor Obaseki. One of the decisions was an approval for the immediate disbursement of N5billion to each of the states to procure food items for onward distribution to families, while the states are working to clean up the social registers for cash transfers that will benefit up to 20 million of the most vulnerable Nigerians. The NEC also constituted a committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage with the Labour Unions and the general upward review of salary for public sector workers as part of plans to address the rising cost of living and help working people to maintain a decent living standard. This is apart from ongoing plans to provide 11,500 CNG powered mass transit vehicles for affordable public transportation, supply of fertilizers to farmers, and support for farmers to cultivate 500,000 hectares of arable land to plant staple crops for consumption and industrial use.

 

 

 

 

The Federal Government understands the current difficulties Nigerians are facing and is working very hard with the states and local governments to bring succour to our people. President Tinubu is guiding our country through very challenging times. We are supremely confident that we will soon turn the corner into a prosperous future.

What is required at this time is for leaders at all levels to cooperatively bind together to make life better for Nigerians, not to play cheap politics that serves no better purpose.

As President Tinubu has admonished, the time for politics and politicking is over. We are now in the season of the serious business of governance to build a stronger, more viable, socially cohesive and more prosperous Nigeria.

Mallam Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information & National Orientation

August 24, 2023

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fires Back at Allegations of ₦500 Million Payout from Senate President Akpabio

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fires Back at Allegations of ₦500 Million Payout from Senate President Akpabio

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fires Back at Allegations of ₦500 Million Payout from Senate President Akpabio

In a fiery response to circulating allegations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vehemently denied claims that she received a staggering ₦500 million from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Kogi Central lawmaker, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slammed the accusations as outright falsehoods designed to smear her reputation.

With growing speculation surrounding the alleged payout, Senator Natasha swiftly moved to set the record straight. In a strongly worded statement, she dismissed the claims as “a deliberate falsehood aimed at causing unnecessary controversy.”

“I Have Never Received a Kobo from Akpabio”

Reaffirming her stance, the senator declared unequivocally, “Let me be clear: I have never received ₦500 million or any amount from Senator Akpabio. At no time did I make any statement suggesting such.”

Her response comes amid heightened political tensions and growing public scrutiny over financial dealings within the Senate. Observers believe the allegations could be a calculated attempt to discredit her integrity and political standing.

Defiance Against Smear Campaigns

Known for her unwavering stance on transparency and accountability, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that she has always upheld high ethical standards and would not allow baseless accusations to derail her commitment to serving her constituents.

“Falsehoods like this are unacceptable,” she stated. “My focus remains on serving my constituents with transparency and dedication, not engaging in baseless distractions.”

A Political Witch-Hunt?

The senator’s rebuttal has ignited a wave of reactions across political circles, with many questioning the motives behind the allegations. Is this a strategic attempt to silence a rising political force, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?

While Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains resolute in clearing her name, the unfolding drama raises concerns about the persistent use of misinformation as a political weapon. As the dust settles, Nigerians are left wondering—who stands to gain from this controversy, and what will come next?

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Afrobeats Star Skales Exposes Industry Betrayal

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Afrobeats Star Skales Exposes Industry Betrayal: “They Turned Their Backs on Me!”

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, popularly known as Skales, has sent shockwaves through the music industry with a bombshell revelation about betrayal by those he once helped.

Taking to his Twitter (X) page, the artist hinted at a painful chapter in his career, where several individuals he introduced to the music scene turned against him. Though he did not name names, his words suggest deep wounds inflicted by industry colleagues who benefited from his goodwill only to abandon him.

Despite the disloyalty, Skales remains unshaken, crediting God’s unwavering support for his resilience. He reflected on the best advice he ever received from his late mother—to never stop praying and trusting in God.

“One day I’ll sit down and tell you a story of how a lot of people turned their backs on me, including people I helped build up in this industry. But guess what? God never failed me even when I was isolated… Don’t you ever stop praying and trusting God with everything you’ve got… Best advice my mom gave me!!!”

Afrobeats Star Skales Exposes Industry Betrayal

His words have since sparked widespread discussion, with fans and industry insiders wondering which artists he may be referring to. Many have rallied around the “Shake Body” hitmaker, offering support and praising his resilience in the cutthroat music business.

Skales, a seasoned figure in Afrobeats, has faced numerous ups and downs in his career. However, his recent message suggests that the betrayals he endured only strengthened his faith and determination to rise above challenges.

As the story unfolds, one thing is clear—Skales is not backing down, and his success remains unstoppable.

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Thuli B: A Gospel Star Rising with Grace and Power

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Thuli B: A Gospel Star Rising with Grace and Power

 

Semakaleng Victoria Musina, widely known as Thuli B, is a name that resonates with passion, anointing, and sheer musical brilliance. Born in the vibrant town of Potchefstroom, Northwest Province, in 1987, Thuli B’s journey in gospel music began at an early age, driven by an unshakable faith and a deep love for ministering through song.

Thuli B: A Gospel Star Rising with Grace and Power

From humble beginnings in local churches and outreach ministries, Thuli B has traveled across South Africa, touching lives with her soulful voice and powerful messages. Her talent and dedication saw her enter the South African Top Gospel Star competition, where she stood out among many, making it to the Top 40 at the Soweto Theatre. Her determination only grew stronger, leading her to the finals at the prestigious Joburg Theatre.

Not one to back down from a challenge, Thuli B continued to prove her musical prowess. In 2023, she entered the Crown Gospel Awards – Gauteng Talent Search, where she made it to the Top 5, further cementing her place in the gospel industry. But she wasn’t done yet. In 2024, she took another bold step and competed in the renowned Gospel Song of the Year (G-SOY) competition. Her heart-stirring performances and undeniable talent earned her the 2nd Runner-Up position, a remarkable achievement in a fiercely competitive space.

Thuli B is more than just a singer—she’s a storyteller, a worshiper, and a beacon of hope. Her music carries a divine presence that uplifts and inspires. With each note she sings, she brings healing, restoration, and a message of faith that resonates with audiences across South Africa and beyond.

As she continues her journey, the world can expect even greater things from Thuli B. Whether through her heartfelt lyrics, energetic dance moves, or soul-stirring performances, she is a gospel star destined for greatness.

Stay tuned, because Thuli B is just getting started!

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