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Economic Downturn: Government Asked to Reduce Cost of Govenance
Economic Downturn: Government Asked to Reduce Cost of Govenance
By: Michael Mike
Government has been asked to reduce the cost of governance in the country not only in reduction of pecks of office but also the retinue of appointees.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Lead Director of Speak out Africa initiative, a Non governmental Organisation, Kenneth Eze said government needs to look beyond politics now and reduce the cost of governance.
Eze called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prune the government spending including streamlining ministerial , commissioner, adviser portfolio to sizeable numbers with particular call to abolish minister for state position and cut down on their luxurious convoy.
He said: “As part of our mandate in deepening democracy and promoting good governance through accountability checks and evidence-based advocacy, Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) has yet again kick-start a “Governance Tracker called CRIG.ng” project on a mission to torchlight government activities, checkmate and promote cost effective governance at federal, state and local government amongst public office holders with overall goal to reducing cost of governance in Nigeria”.
He added that: “It is notable that Nigerians are groaning under the effect of the untold hardship inflicted upon them by successive leaders ranging from subsidy removal of premium motor spirit (PMS) without fixing of the existing refineries and no proactive provisions to cushion its effect, to unimaginable school fees hike with direct impact on the poorest of the poor who are faced with option to drop out of school, to already perfected planned electricity tariff increment and, many other cacophonies of unpleasant difficulties without no solution in sight.
“Sadly, the reverse is the case as we see political office holders/our leaders enjoying barrage of benefits without recourse to the plight of the ordinary citizens, example is the self-allocation of the N70billion from the World Bank loan which should have been channeled to the poorest of the poor- a situation that is best described insensitive and unjustifiable.”
He recommended that as matter of urgency the government should povide measures to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on the ordinary Nigerians, noting that subsidy removal has hiked the price of PMS which has in turn raises inflation to an unbearable 22.79% as at June 2023 (NBS), thereby reducing cost of living and increasing hardship.
He also advocated for the streamlining of the list of cabinet ministers (for Federal government) to sizable number with complete abolishing of minister-for-state cabinet positions; called on the current administration to stop postponing the raining day and implement the Oronsaye report to merge ministries, departments & agencies (MDAs) for those their jobs overlap with each other as we can no longer sustain it.
Eze also called on state governors to reduce/cut down list of commissioners and appointment of advisers to sizable number to reduce cost of governance, urging political/public office holders to cut down on barrage of convoy/entourage; and insist of reversal of the purported increment of public office holders’ salaries by 114% as such move is anti-people since Nigerians are in serious difficult time currently.
Economic Downturn: Government Asked to Reduce Cost of Govenance
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has expressed its plan to take a leaf from China’s success in cultural branding and creative industries to boost the nation’s tourism and cultural sectors.
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this on Sunday while speaking at the New Year gala celebrating China-Nigeria friendship, hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Musawa while highlighting China’s global influence through its cultural exports, such as food, martial arts, and cinema, said: “Everywhere you go in the world, you see an aspect of Chinese culture.”
The minister said: “This is something we want to explore—how we can monetize our own culture in the way China has done.”
She emphasized Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and expressed optimism about forging co-production agreements and capacity-building initiatives between the two nations.
She said: “We’re discussing projects that focus on infrastructure for the creative industry and cultural sectors,” while noting that: “It’s essential for Nigeria to tap into China’s experience in branding and tourism, with the aim of revitalizing our own creative industries.”
The Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCNIG), Mr Yang Jianxing, who double as the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in enhancing China-Nigeria relations.
He noted that the China Cultural Centre would host a series of activities in 2025 to promote culture, tourism, and education, aligning with the “Beijing Action Plan” under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He said: “These initiatives aim to deepen the friendship between the people of China and Nigeria.”
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, praised the long-standing ties between the two nations, stressing the need for stronger cultural and legislative collaboration.
He said: “This celebration is geared toward rebuilding stronger cultural ties,” noting that: “The Nigeria-China Relations Group will continue to explore legislative means to strengthen bilateral relations across sectors.”
On his part, the Director of Drum Majors for Peace, Nsikan Paul, emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering peace and understanding.
He said: “Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of dialogue and collective action,” adding that: “Through cultural exchange and advocacy, we aim to empower youth and promote inclusivity.”
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army Troops of Operation Golden Peace have apprehended two suspected ammunition couriers and recovered a cache of ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Kwari Biba, located within the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted at about 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 18, led to the arrest of Maikudi Danweri, 62, and Abubakar Hamza, 26.
The troops recovered 204 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and a cash sum of N10,000 from the suspects. The suspects and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation.
The source noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition in the region, which has been linked to criminal activities and insecurity.
Troops Arrest Two Ammo Couriers, Recover Ammunition in Bauchi
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Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba, suspected to be behind the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The operation, conducted on Dec. 14 at 10 p.m., followed intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurency Expert and Security Analysts in the Lake Chad region that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.
The sources said that During the operation, two accomplices fled, but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle
The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.
Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.
Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.
His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.
Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.
Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices
Residents in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have lauded the operation, expressing hope that it will alleviate the long-standing impact of banditry and violence in the region.
Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder
Nigeria to Boost Tourism and Cultural Sectors- Musawa
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