Connect with us

News

PDP Tasks Presidency, APC Over Illegal Importation of Military Equipment

Published

on

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the linking of the exposed illegal importation of military equipment to All Progressive Congress (APC) interests, particularly in Kogi State, is revealing and places a heavy question on the doorsteps of the Presidency and the ruling party.

The PDP said Nigerians have been wondering how weapons and other military equipment get into the hands of marauders, who have been ravaging the nation, adding that this discovery could be an unfolding clue for which an open investigation must be conducted.

The party said it also expressed fears that the development could be part of the alleged plot by the APC to compromise the nation’s security system and set the stage for the intimidation of Nigerians during the 2019 general election to push their desperate but ill-lucked re-election bid.

The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Saturday also tasked the Presidency and military high command to immediately come out with explanations to Nigerians on how APC’s Governor Yayaha Bello allegedly secured the permission to import military equipment, which function is exclusively under the purview of the Presidency and the military.

“From the reports so far, it appears that we are now having a clue on how weapons and other military equipment being used by marauders and criminals to ravage and murder our citizens are illegally sneaked into the country and by which interest.

“Nigerians now know that some persons and officials linked with APC interests have been playing roles in compromising the security of our nation by smuggling in military equipment for unknown groups ostensibly to carry out evil activities.

“We hold that this is a very critical matter and as a pro-people party, committed to the well being of Nigerians, urge the Presidency and the military to quickly offer explanations to Nigerians on who issued the end user certificate for the importation of the said military equipment into our country.

“The PDP therefore demands and open forensic investigation so that Nigerians will know the truth. Nigerians need to know where the military gadgets were sourced from and who purchased them? They need to know who issued the end user certification for the importation and, if they are not for the military, then who is the actual end user and where is the intended final destination?

“Furthermore, we want an open inquest into the alleged involvement of Governor Yahaya Bello and his aides in this matter. What is their interest in the illegal cargo? Do Kogi officials run a militia or are they involved in an illegal trafficking for a wider political interest in the APC? How long have they been in this illegal business and what is the volume of deals so far?

“We therefore call on all well-meaning individuals and groups as well as the international community to note this development in our country and join forces in ensuring that the nation gets to the root of the matter”, the statement read.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

News

Breaking: Simon Ekpa Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Terrorism by Finnish Court

Published

on

Simon Ekpa

A District Court in Finland has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Simon Ekpa, a self-declared leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, following his conviction on terrorism-related charges.

Ekpa was arrested on November 21, 2024, by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), triggering a broad inquiry into his alleged activities, including incitement of violence via social media and involvement in unrest across Nigeria’s southeastern region.

According to the court ruling, Ekpa was found guilty of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and for supporting a terrorist organization. His conduct, which spanned from August 2021 to November 2024, included the provision of weapons, explosives, and ammunition to armed groups, along with using his social media platforms to mobilize violence.

Adding to his conviction, Ekpa was found guilty of aggravated tax fraud and violations of attorneys’ regulations, further compounding the severity of the charges.

This verdict marks a significant move by Finnish and international authorities to counter separatist agitation linked to the Biafra independence movement, underscoring the criminality of inciting violence across borders.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu has Been Fair to All Sectors of Nigeria – FG

BY ORJI ISRAEL

Published

on

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

In the light of recent insinuations, half-truths and fake information being circulated, we find it expedient to make it abundantly clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has been guided, at all times, by the principles of fairness, justice, and equity in the distribution of federal government projects, appointments, and opportunities across all six geopolitical zones of our country.

Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced development and inclusivity since assuming office.

The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is playing a second fiddle or ignored. In addition to projects by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, all six regions now have Regional Development Commissions to re-kickstart development efforts.

While the Coastal Highway courses through the South, the Badagry–Sokoto Highway, under construction, traverses majorly the North. This sense of balance runs through all the major infrastructure projects being implemented today.

Major infrastructural interventions are simultaneously ongoing across the federation—from highways and bridges to rail and power projects.

The administration has secured funding for light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna states to the tune of ₦150 billion and ₦100 billion, respectively.

The metroline projects in Lagos and Ogun States form part of the government’s effort to develop Nigeria’s light rail infrastructure. Collectively, these projects are expected to create over 250,000 jobs nationwide.

There is also a renewed push for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Corridor of the rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. In addition, over 1,000 primary health care centres have been rehabilitated across the country, underscoring the administration’s commitment to human capital and social infrastructure.

From verifiable data, the actual distribution of projects shows the Northwest as the biggest beneficiary:

        •       Northwest: ₦5.97 trillion (over 40% of approvals)
        •       South South: ₦2.41 trillion
        •       North Central: ₦1.13 trillion
        •       South East: ₦407 billion
        •       North East: ₦400 billion
        •       South West (excluding Lagos): ₦604 billion

Legacy Road Projects under President Tinubu:
 
1.    Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (750 km): 175 km ongoing in Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.
2.    Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (1,068 km): 378 km ongoing in Kebbi and Sokoto sections.
3.    Trans-Sahara Highway (465 km): 118 km ongoing in Ebonyi State.
4.    Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road (439 km): Being redesigned from flexible to rigid pavement for durability.

Out of the total length of these projects, the North accounts for 52% and the South for 48%.

Other Major Projects in the North:

        •       Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria Road (275 km dualised, ₦824bn).
        •       Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road (350 km dualised, ₦764bn).
        •       BUA Tax Credit Road in Jigawa, Katsina, Kano (256 km dualised).
        •       Zaria–Hunkuyi Road (156 km).
        •       Kano Northern Bypass (49 km).
        •       Kano–Maiduguri Road (100.9 km).
        •       Bama and Dikwa Roads in Borno (100 km).
        •       Damaturu–Maiduguri Road (110 km).
        •       Malando Road in Kebbi (76 km).
        •       Benue–9th Mile Road (250 km dualised, $958m).
        •       Lokoja–Okene Dualisation (86 km).
        •       Kaduna–Katsina Roads (Sections 1 and 2, ₦150bn).

Major Projects in the South:

        •       Lagos–Ibadan (8.5 km, ₦33bn).
        •       Lagos–Sagamu (12 km dualised).
        •       Oyo–Ogbomoso–Ilorin (₦146bn).
        •       Rehabilitation of Carter, Third Mainland, and Eko Bridges (₦120bn).

South East:

        •       Enugu–Onitsha Road (107 km, ₦202bn via MTN Tax Credit).
        •       Enugu–Onitsha Road (72 km, ₦150bn via CBC).
        •       Enugu–Abakaliki Road (36 km).
        •       2nd Niger Bridge Access Road (17.5 km dualised, ₦175bn).
        •       Lokpanta–Enugu Road (61 km dualised, ₦100bn).

South South:

        •       Eleme–Onne Road (30 km, ₦156bn).
        •       Eket Bypass (9.7 km dualised, ₦76bn).
        •       East–West Road Section 2 (₦186bn).
        •       Nembe–Brass Road (₦150bn).
        •       Lokoja–Benin Dualisation (₦167bn).
        •       2nd Niger Bridge Access Road in Delta (17 km dualised, ₦146bn).
        •       Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers (35 km with 12 bridges, ₦200bn).

Beyond roads and rail, this administration has also revived the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant, advanced the AKK Gas Project, and expanded oil and gas exploration in the North with the drilling of three oil wells in the Kolmani region of Bauchi and Gombe States. Kano-Maradi rail line, inherited at 5% has received huge funding support from the government making it attain 67% within a short time.

President Tinubu is building national infrastructure, not local trophies. Lagos is rightly upgraded as Nigeria’s commercial hub, but the Northwest holds the lion’s share of approvals. This proves that all regions are receiving fair consideration.

Equity is also evident in federal appointments. President Tinubu has consistently appointed capable Nigerians from every part of the country, guided by competence and inclusivity rather than sectional considerations.

Inclusivity lies at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions and the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development further illustrate the President’s determination to address Nigeria’s unique developmental needs in a manner that benefits all sections of the country.

On the whole, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not only kept faith with Nigerians but has proven himself to be a fair, pragmatic, and consequential reformer.

His leadership is inclusive, his vision is unifying, and his commitment to equity and justice is unwavering.

Nigerians can rest assured that under his watch, no part of this country will be left behind.

Continue Reading

News

PRCAN Mourns the Passing of NIPR Council Member, Bashir Chedi

Published

on

PRCAN

The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has received with deep shock and sadness the news of the passing of Mallam Bashir Chedi, a distinguished member of the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), who died at the age of 65.

In a statement issued by PRCAN, the Association described the late Chedi as an accomplished professional, a consummate communicator, and a pillar of integrity whose contributions to the growth of public relations in Nigeria will remain indelible.

“Mallam Bashir Chedi was a respected voice in our profession, a mentor to many, and an advocate of ethical practice. His departure is not only a great loss to the NIPR family but also to the larger communication and public relations community in Nigeria,” PRCAN said.

The Association extended its condolences to Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the NIPR Council, the family of the deceased, and the entire PR community, praying that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear the loss.

“While we mourn his passing, we take solace in the impactful legacy he has left behind, one that will continue to inspire present and future generations of PR practitioners,” the statement added.

Continue Reading

Trending