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Low-key Christmas celebration as transport fare, prices of essential items skyrocket

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The 2023 Christmas season in Nigeria is being marked by widespread somberness among the majority of citizens. This can be attributed to the prevailing economic crisis that has compelled people to observe Christmas with restrained festivities.

The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 has led to a relentless surge in the prices of essential commodities, hindering the ability of many Nigerians to engage in traditional Christmas celebrations. The escalation in transportation fares has further compounded the situation, preventing numerous individuals from reuniting with their loved ones during this festive season.

The escalating cost of food items, including rice, chicken, and goat, has reached unprecedented levels, with a significant impact on households. For instance, the price of a bag of local rice, previously sold at N44,000, has now soared to as high as N61,000 in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In contrast to previous years, where families typically purchased goats and chickens to enhance their celebrations, the exorbitant prices in 2023 have disrupted these customary practices. A goat, which could be acquired for as low as N25,000 last year, now costs around N70,000, primarily due to increased transportation expenses related to fuel issues.

While President Bola Tinubu approved a 50% discount for inter-state road travel during the festive period, the implementation has faced challenges. Travelers have encountered difficulties securing affordable tickets, and many have been left stranded in parks due to the excessive charges imposed by transport companies.

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Despite efforts by the Federal Government to alleviate the burden on travelers through agreements with select transport companies, such as GIG, Chisco Transport, Young Shall Grow, God Bless Ezenwata, and Area Motor, complaints about high fares persist. Motorists and passengers express frustration over the lack of justification for the fare hikes, especially in the absence of fuel scarcity.

The aviation sector is not spared from these challenges, as flight tickets have become exorbitant, exceeding N200,000 for a one-way trip from Abuja or Lagos to any part of the East.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, acknowledges the monitoring of companies against excessive pricing but emphasizes that Nigeria operates in a free market where the government lacks the authority to impose prices.

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Why I may not hesitate to support Peter Obi in 2027 – Atiku Abubakar

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has suggested he might support Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart from the last election, in 2027.

The former Vice President, currently in merger talks with stakeholders from various opposition political parties, indicated he would back Obi if the Labour Party nominates him for the next election.

According to The Sun, Atiku made this statement during an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

It was recently reported by DAILY POST that Obi and Atiku had a closed-door meeting, sparking rumors about a potential merger of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku confirmed the efforts of opposition parties to align in order to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election, saying, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”

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Atiku added that if the new party decides it’s the turn of the South-East and chooses Peter Obi, he would not hesitate to support him.

“I have said repeatedly, and even before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.

“But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was open to all members of the party,” Atiku explained.

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I once struggled with pornography – Bishop Oyedepo’s son, Isaac

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Isaac Oyedepo, son of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, has admitted to having struggled with pornography at one point in his life.

Isaac revealed that he became involved with pornography during a trip to a European country.

Speaking on the podcast “Confession Box,” Isaac shared that he overcame this challenge with God’s help.

He explained: “My confessions are positive and meant to help others. I struggled with pornography before.

“I remember how it began; we traveled to a country, and I was alone in my room. I turned on the TV, and that’s how it started.

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“But God helped me overcome it quickly. Many people still struggle with it, and I think if someone who had previously struggled with it had approached me and showed me how to break free, I would have overcome it sooner.

“Some topics are often avoided, but today, many pastors and church members still struggle with this issue.

“You might be anointed and performing signs and wonders, but that doesn’t mean you are living right.

“There’s an old saying that if it works, it means you’re standing right, but I found out that’s not always true. There were times I realized I wasn’t right, but grace and mercy found me.

“For the sake of someone genuine in the congregation, God can bypass you to reach that person; this is my confession.”

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Alleged Corruption: Rights lawyer petitions Minister, seeks suspension of NSCDC CG, Audi

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Former Special Prosecutor for the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties, Tosin Ojaomo, has petitioned the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, regarding an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into corruption allegations against Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ojaomo recommended Audi’s immediate suspension to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the investigation from possible interference.

The petition, dated May 15 and made available to DAILY POST, was addressed to Tunji-Ojo and copied to President Bola Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, and EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Ojaomo highlighted that the EFCC has been investigating the NSCDC for alleged financial mismanagement, making significant progress. He also mentioned a pending allegation against Audi regarding unexplained property acquisition filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CBB).

Ojaomo’s request is based on Section 8 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act, 2003 (as amended), and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which allow the minister to recommend the appointment and removal of the NSCDC Commandant General.

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The petition stated, “We are compelled to make this request as the investigation of the agency cannot be thoroughly and discreetly conducted if the current Commandant General of the NSCDC is allowed to continue in office while the investigation continues because most of the financial activities of the agency which form the subject matter of the investigation are conducted under the current CG’s watch.”

He further emphasized that the suspension would safeguard the investigation process and prevent possible interference. Ojaomo cited allegations linking Audi to a company, Keltes Security and Consultancy Limited, which allegedly received contracts from Tantita Security Limited, a company under the NSCDC’s supervision.

He concluded, “In view of these facts, it will be in the interest of public safety and to protect the integrity of the office to suspend Dr. Abubakar Audi, the current Commandant General of NSCDC, so that the EFCC can conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.”

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