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Breaking:FG Suspends Fuel Subsidy Removal

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The federal government has postponed the planned petrol subsidy removal till further notice due to “high inflation and economic hardship”.

Subsidy or under-recovery is the underpriced sales of premium motor spirit (PMS), better known as petrol.

The government had planned to stop subsidy payments on petroleum products from July this year.

Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget, national planning, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a meeting with Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

The meeting had Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources; representatives of oil companies, among others, in attendance.

Last week, Lawal had said Buhari did not direct the removal of petrol subsidy, saying their “constituents are raising concerns over the policy”.

The National Economic Council (NEC) said it is still considering the recommendations — which proposed full deregulation and N302 per litre for PMS.

Ahmed said petrol subsidy was provided for in the 2022 budget to run from January till June.

She, however, said that after consultations with stakeholders — in view of the high inflation and economic hardship — additional provisions would be made beyond the initial period.

According to her, it has become clear that the timing for the removal of petrol subsidy will be problematic as the country still experiences heightened inflation.

“Provision was made in the 2022 budget for subsidy payment from January till June. That suggested that from July, there would be no subsidy,” Ahmed said.

”The provision was made sequel to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, which indicated that all petroleum products would be deregulated.

“Sequel to the passage of the PIA, we went back to amend the fiscal framework to incorporate the subsidy removal.

“However, after the budget was passed, we had consultations with a number of stakeholders, and it became clear that the timing was problematic.

“We discovered that practically, there is still heightened inflation and that the removal of subsidy would further worsen the situation and impose more difficulties on the citizenry.

“Mr President (Muhammadu Buhari), does not want to do that. What we are now doing is to continue with the ongoing discussions and consultations in terms of putting in place a number of measures.

“One of these include the roll-out of the refining capacities of the existing refineries and the new ones, which would reduce the amount of products that would be imported into the country.

“We, therefore, need to return to the National Assembly to now amend the budget and make additional provision for subsidy from July 2022 to whatever period that we agreed was suitable for the commencement of the total removal.”

On his part, Lawan appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shelve their planned industrial action over subsidy removal as it has become unnecessary.

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Ace Journalist, Sanda Adamu Tsafe Passes On

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Late Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe

 

An ace journalist and former Federal Commissioner of the defunct National Electoral Commission Abuja, Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe, has passed away.

In a Facebook post by one of his children, Mahmud Sanda Adamu, it was announced that his father died at Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital Sokoto.

Alhaji Sanda Adamu worked with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Kaduna in the 1970s, during which late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi cited him in his famous book “Where I Stand” as one of the journalists who contributed to the airing of the late Sheikh’s preaching on Sashin Hausa Radio Nigeria Kaduna.

Late Sanda Adamu Tsafe was the manager of Rima Radio Sokoto during the controversy that trailed the appointment of the late Ibrahim Dasuki as the 18th Sultan of Sokoto during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The deceased is survived by wives, children, and many grandchildren.

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His funeral prayers will take place by 1:00PM at Masjidu Darul Da’awah, Kaduna Road, Guiwa Low Cost, Sokoto.

Late Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe also left behind one of his brothers, Alhaji Ali Adamu Tsafe, a former Commissioner of Water Resources and Information during the administration of Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi in Zamfara state.

His elder brother, late Alhaji Muhammad Adamu, died in the year 2015 in Kano.

One of his relations is Professor Yusuf Adamu of the department of Geography Bayero University Kano.

 

 

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BREAKING: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.

According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.

His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.

From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.

His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.

In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).

His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.

Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.

As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.

 

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Hakimi: Labour Party Will Capture Northern Nigeria Under Abure’s Leadership

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The Director of Peter Obi Coalition 2023 (CPO), Sadisu Isyaku Hakimi, has expressed strong confidence in the leadership of Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

In an interview with newsmen in Kano, Hakimi stated that if Abure’s footsteps are followed, the Labour Party has the potential to capture Northern Nigeria and ultimately the entire nation.

Praising Abure’s tenure as the best, Hakimi emphasized that the National Chairman’s focus on the interests of Northern Nigeria would lead to significant gains for the party. “Julius Abure’s tenure is the best. He has to look at the interests of Northern Nigeria, and the party will make it,” Hakimi remarked.

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Hakimi further criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party is failing to protect the interests of the masses. “APC is not protecting the interest of the masses, and as such, the APC is going to lose the election,” he asserted.

Hakimi’s comments highlight the growing confidence within the Labour Party’s leadership and supporters. He believes that under Abure’s guidance, the party can address the needs and aspirations of the Northern Nigerian populace, leading to broader national support.

The interview has sparked discussions among political analysts and the public, with many watching closely to see how the Labour Party’s strategies unfold in the upcoming elections.

 

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