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Buhari’s Govt, ‘Complete Failure’, PDP Chieftain Alleges

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has described the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration as a “complete failure”.
Afegbua said Buhari has over the last seven years of his administration thrown Nigerians into suffering, adding that life has become unbearable for the citizens under the current administration.
The PDP chieftain stated that the Buhari-led presidency was “confused and incompetent” over its inability to build a standard hospital, which could stop the Nigerian leader and other citizens from seeking medical treatment abroad.
He further slammed Buhari for his “incompetence” to tackle the various challenges bewildering the country which include insecurity, fuel scarcity and hike in price, electricity tariff hike, among others.
Afegbua, a former Edo State commissioner for information, said this in a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday.
The statement was titled, ‘President Buhari’s government is a complete failure’.
It read: “In all my adult life, I have never seen a government that is this confused, incompetent, spineless, uncreative, rudderless, tactless, clueless and demoralising like this one headed by a medical tourist, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In seven years, it is a big shame that the Buhari presidency is unable to build a state-of-the-art hospital that could answer his medical needs and the needs of other Nigerians.
“In seven years, our megawatts still revolve around 4,000 and 5,000 with so much so-called investment in the energy sector; and the president hops to London at the slightest opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted power supply, while leaving us in darkness. They go for medical tourism like post-graduate students seeking post-graduate degrees abroad.
“In seven years, electricity is in a quandary, possibly leading the country to a state of near total darkness, and Buhari would still thump his chest as president of Nigeria; presiding over failure?
“In seven years, not a single Refinery has been fixed or has any brand new one being built. It is an unpardonable failure on the part of this APC-led Federal Government under the watch of Buhari. I have never seen this level of incompetence being exhibited in high office like what we are witnessing today.
“Life has become unbearable under a system that is manifestly asphyxiating, dehumanising, and discomfiting. Nigeria and Nigerians have become internally displaced persons in their own country as a result of the blood-spilling activities of bandits and kidnappers. From the North to the South, we are seeing rivers of blood flowing with cake of crimson, as a result of general insecurity.
“Nothing seems to be working in Nigeria except failure. Only last week, the Auditor-General made mind-boggling revelations about the millions of barrels of oil without any trace under a president and minister of petroleum whose adherents see as ‘mai-gaskiya’.
“How on earth can 107million barrels of oil be declared missing under a government that sings about anti-corruption, yet not many heads have rolled, nobody has been sacked, nobody has been apprehended and no one is cooling off in jail!! Imagine such a whooping figure as if it is a piece of groundnut in a pupil’s pocket.”
Afegbua said: “To make matters worse, the finance minister reportedly told the nation that the Federal Government was thinking of raising euro-bond cash to fund oil subsidy. What a cataclysmic catastrophe!. What impudence!
“The APC and the Federal Government are two sides of a dysfunctional system that are unassailably confused, directionless and running amok.
“Long queues of vehicles occasioned by the scarcity have become ugly sights across the country. Diesel has risen to over N700 per litre, kerosene which ought to be the cheapest for the average masses is now selling for N450 per litre.
“Electricity tariffs have risen astronomically, almost beyond the reach of the ordinary Nigerian. In all of these, an elected president abandoned his citizens to seek medical attention in London.
“I have stated on several occasions in the last that a sick country cannot do well under a president that has health challenges; one of the reasons I am vehemently opposed to those old and tired politicians who now want to temporarily acquire the Aso Villa as their retirement home, and use the office to rejuvenate and repair themselves by contesting for presidency.
“Rather than attend to our needs, they would be making all efforts to sustain their own wellbeing at the detriment and expense of Nigerians. They will force the country to work and walk at their own slow pace.
“Rather than be on the fast lane, the country will naturally be detained in a motion without movement scenario, because the supposed enabler is busy attending to his health needs.
“It is pathetic that in President Buhari’s seven years in office, he could not build a world standard hospital to look after his own health needs and those of other citizens.
“Just take a look at the curious contradictions; the president of the country is in London for medicals, the First Lady is reportedly in Dubai, the caretaker committee chairman of the ruling party was in Dubai for medicals. Both party and government are immersed in unpardonable voyages of wellness while the rest of the country can go to hell.
“This government is not just wicked and inconsiderate, but also a cultivator of poverty, impoverishment, deprivation, hunger and starvation. The government has shown visible signs of underperformance, incompetence and crass materialism. The level of corruption in the system rubbishes the so-called anti-corruption mantra of the government.”
The PDP chieftain added: “This is a clarion call to all and sundry that we must collectively add our voices to make the 2023 election a referendum by Nigerians against the abnormalities of the ruling APC.
“We have been demobilised by suffering and economic dislocations, hence we must speak with one voice against a system and party that has crippled our sense of creativity and productivity.
“As hard working Nigerians, we must conscientise, mobilise, and synergise amongst ourselves to create the right nexus for citizen action against the ruling party in 2023.
“We must bail our country from the octopoidal grip of the present incompetent leadership and lead it on the path of constructive and collective engagement in the overall interest of our people,” Afegbua stated.

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 Tinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today

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President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.

To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.

The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.

“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”

According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.

The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.

The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.

He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.

The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.

Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.

Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.

 

 

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RSG Seeks Horticulturists’ Partnership To Restore Garden City Status

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The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.

The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.

He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.

The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.

The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.

According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.

He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.

Hart  emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.

In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.

He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.

Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.

She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.

 

King Onunwor

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TUC Demands Subsidy To Cushion Rising Fuel Prices 

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The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.

Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.

Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.

To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.

He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.

He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.

The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.

He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.

“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.

“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.

“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.

“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”

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