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LP Lawmaker who supported N160Million SUV For Lawmakers, Says Nigeria Needs To Reduce Cost Of Governance

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Mr Benedict Etanabene, a member of the Labour Party (LP) in the House of Representatives, has said there is a need for Nigeria to reduce the cost of governance to move the country forward.

The lawmaker said this when he appeared as a guest on a live programme aired by Arise News TV, stating that corruption and reckless spending of public funds by political officeholders are to be blamed for the country’s lack of growth.

He said, “I have said it severally and we all agreed that the way we are running the government is too expensive. We must adjust everywhere.

Let me give one clear example: governments shout every day that they are doing bunkering, who are those that do bunkering? The same big men in government in Abuja here. People sell crude more than what the Nigerian government is selling.

We are not even meeting our quota in OPEC. So if we cut down (governance) and corruption, we will gain a lot of money.”

Meanwhile, Benedict was among the lawmakers who lost their voices when the leadership of the 10th National Assembly bought luxurious SUVs valued at about N160 million each for over 460 lawmakers in 2023.

The purchase of these vehicles was a subject of public condemnation, yet none of the lawmakers publicly objected to it as the National Assembly went ahead with the extravagant spending.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project filed a lawsuit against the purchase of the vehicles by the lawmakers

The civil group filed the action on the heels of the statement by Senate President Mr Godswill Akpabio that the Clerk of the National Assembly had sent “holiday allowances” into the “various bank accounts of senators” while the current government had pushed about millions of Nigerians into abject poverty.

In suit numbered FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP seeks: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to review and reduce the N40 billion budgeted to buy 465 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.

An order restraining Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas from demanding or receiving the N40 billion to buy 465 SUVs and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials until an assessment of the socio-economic impact of the spending on the 137 million poor Nigerians is carried out in the public interest.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES TRAILBLAZING JOURNALIST AND FORMER NDDC CHAIRMAN ONYEMA UGOCHUKWU @80TH BIRTHDAY

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PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES TRAILBLAZING JOURNALIST AND FORMER NDDC CHAIRMAN ONYEMA UGOCHUKWU @80TH BIRTHDAY
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PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES TRAILBLAZING JOURNALIST AND FORMER NDDC CHAIRMAN ONYEMA UGOCHUKWU @80TH BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu extends heartfelt congratulations to Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, a veteran journalist, and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as he celebrates his 80th birthday on November 9, 2024.

In a message signed by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) President Tinubu highlights Ugochukwu’s illustrious life and career, which spanned several pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history, serving as a profound source of inspiration for the younger generation.

It notes that Ugochukwu’s journey began during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), where he bravely fought alongside the Biafran forces, driven by his deep convictions.

Following the war, he returned to continue his university education. He graduated with distinction.

His professional career began in 1973 as an economic research assistant at the Central Bank of Nigeria. Two years later, seeking new challenges, he transitioned to journalism at the Daily Times of Nigeria, where he pioneered business journalism and ascended to roles including Business Editor, Daily Newspaper Editor, and Executive Director.

As a Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the founding Chairman of NDDC, Ugochukwu demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country. He even ran for the governorship of Abia State, showcasing his dedication to public service. However, he failed in the bid.

Today, Ugochukwu is celebrated as an elder statesman and a distinguished recipient of the national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger. His life exemplifies remarkable diligence, resilience, altruism, and humility.

President Tinubu rejoices with Ugochukwu as he joins the esteemed ranks of Nigeria’s octogenarians. The President prays for his continued health and longevity, hoping the nation can continue to benefit from his wisdom and rich perspectives for many more years.

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Western countries in trouble as new threat looms

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The head of Australian intelligence has warned that an “emerging axis” formed by Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran poses a serious threat to Western nations.

 

Andrew Shearer, Director-General of the Australian Office of National Intelligence, argued that the impact of this alliance has been underestimated.

“The massive provision by China of dual-use assistance to Putin, and economic support and diplomatic support is keeping Putin’s army in the field in Ukraine, killing innocent Ukrainians just as surely as if they were providing artillery ammunition and missiles,” he said at a press conference held in Canberra.

“We have to do a better job of disrupting these burgeoning networks.This is a profoundly troubling strategic development and we are all grappling to catch up with it and put in place effective measures, but I think this is one of the strategic challenges of our time,” he added.

This warning comes as Ukraine launched strikes on North Korean troops earlier this week.

According to multiple intelligence agencies, Pyongyang has deployed 12,000 troops, with a quarter already fighting in the Kursk region.

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Trump appoints first female Chief of Staff in U.S. history

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Trump appoints first female Chief of Staff in U.S. history
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United States President-elect, Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles, a longtime GOP operative, as his White House chief of staff.

Wiles was Trump’s campaign manager and has been widely credited for running what was Trump’s most disciplined and well-executed campaign.

Trump had given a special thanks to Wiles for her prominent role in the campaign during his victory celebration on Wednesday.

Trump appoints first female Chief of Staff in U.S. history

He described Wiles as tough, smart, innovative and said she is universally admired and respected.

“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns.

“It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud,” Trump said.

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