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Nigerians are expected to face increased challenges following the recent recommendation from the World Bank, urging the Federal Government to raise the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The World Bank, on December 13, asserted that the government might still be footing the bill for fuel subsidies, which President Bola Tinubu removed on May 29, 2023.
According to the World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria, Alex Sienaert, the current fuel price in Nigeria is not cost-reflective and should be elevated to approximately N750 per litre, surpassing the current N650 paid by Nigerians. Sienaert disclosed this during the presentation of the Nigeria Development Update in Abuja on December 13.
The advice comes amid the severe hardships experienced in the country following the removal of the fuel subsidy in May. Since then, the pump price has risen significantly, contributing to higher prices of essential goods and services nationwide.
In response, various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other critics, have condemned the World Bank’s recommendation. They argue that such an increase would further impoverish the masses, given the already challenging economic situation in the country.
NLC spokesman Beson Upah criticized the World Bank for being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians, describing the institution as a “predatory” force that lacks consideration for the Global South. He warned that raising the pump price would invite anarchy.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, blamed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank for Nigeria’s economic troubles. He expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of tangible palliatives for Nigerians since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Dr Yunusa Salisu Tanko, Chief Spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, viewed the World Bank’s move as an attempt to continue colonizing African countries. He emphasized the need for creative leadership and the construction of refineries to address the economic challenges.
However, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Mathew Adah, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to handle the situation intelligently, urging Nigerians to be patient.
The World Bank’s recommendation has sparked a debate on the potential consequences of a fuel price increase, with critics warning of detrimental effects on the already struggling population.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued an order banning farming on idle plots within Màkurdi metropolis.
He directed that all those using empty plots of land and the frontage of their houses to cultivate crops within Makurdi metropolis, should stop immediately.
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula on Saturday in Makurdi.
Kula said the directive became neccessary because such areas are used as hideouts by criminals, who prefer dark areas to perpetrate their evil acts.
“The Government of Benue State under the leadership of Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia is set to beautify the state capital.
“Therefore, those who are using any portion of Land within Makurdi town, including spaces within and around offices, road and street set-backs to farm are directed to stop immediately.
“Those who have properly fenced their plots may be excused to farm only within the fenced portion(s).
“The Governor warns that any person caught farming on any portion of land in the state capital, will be made to answer certain questions.”
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has vowed that his administration will take concrete measures to punish those who promote conflict in the state.
The governor made the statement on Saturday in a meeting with the new executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna.
He urged religious leaders to actively advocate for peace and unity among their followers and appreciated the collaborative efforts of both the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and CAN towards the sustenance of peace and unity among themselves.
He assured his commitment to fulfilling the promises made during his election campaigns, stressing that Kaduna is important as a hub in northern Nigeria.
He said, “I am committed to supporting clerics by providing vehicles to reach all parts of the state effectively to spread messages of peace and unity.”
Rev Celeb Maaji, the new Kaduna CAN chairman, had earlier praised the governor for his achievements in less than one year, saying that the governor’s historic attendance at a Christmas carol event last year was the true example of a good leadership.
The CAN state chairman assured of the Christian community’s support for the governor’s administration and urged him to reintroduce Christian activities such as the pilgrims board and Bible quiz competition in the state.
The students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, who were abducted by unknown gunmen on Thursday, have been rescued by the security agents, including gallant vigilant men.
The students were kidnapped while on campus preparing for their first semester exams, scheduled to start on Monday.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja, on Sunday, confirmed that the students were rescued hours after Governor Ododo visited the campus and promised to rescue the students unhurt.
He commended the gallantry efforts of all the security agents who went all out to rescue the students from their abductors, saying the unknown gunmen were confronted with superior power that made them abandon their victims.
As at the time of filing this report, Kogi State Police Command has yet to issue any statement on the new development, as Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP William Ovye Aya, has not responded to our correspondent calls.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Benue Govt bans farming on idle plots within Makurdi metropolis
Gov Uba Sani vows to punish promoters of conflict in Kaduna
Abducted students of Confluence University, Osara rescued – Kogi Govt
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