Headlines
Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa residents decry alleged diversion of FG’s rice palliative
Some residents of Bauchi, Gombe and Dutse have expressed concern over the alleged diversion of the Federal Government’s 20-truck rice palliative.
They also decried the hoarding and hijacking of FG’s palliatives by government and ruling party officials in the states.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government has allocated 20 trucks of rice and other packages to the 36 state governments as part of palliative measures to cushion the rising cost of living in the country.
The FG’s palliative include food items, inputs and cash grants to the vulnerable as well as the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, to check hikes in transport fares and ease the movement of goods and services.
A cross-section of Nigerians who spoke in separate interviews with NAN in Bauchi, Gombe and Dutse, alleged diversion of the FG’s palliative by the respective state governments.
In Dutse, the Jigawa capital, the residents accused political leaders of the diversion of palliative meant for vulnerable and poor families.
Alhaji Muhammadu Hamza accused the state officials saddled with the responsibilities of distributing the palliative only to their supporters.
“We did not receive any item after symbolic distribution of the palliative by the government officials,” he said.
Malam Musa Ali and Hajiya Maimuna, also accused government officials of serious neglect in the management of the palliative, to cushion the hardship being experienced by the people.
“Our governor is a God-fearing man, we knew that the problem is from fraudulent officials seeking to enrich themselves at the detriment of the vulnerable and poor families,” Hamza said.
Shuaibu Kafingana, the Chairman of Jigawa State Social Protection Platform (JISOP), lauded President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Umar Namadi for providing food assistance to 28,000 persons in the state.
He also expressed dismay over the shortchanging of the vulnerable in the palliative distribution exercise.
He advocated for an open process to ensure transparency and equity in the palliative distribution exercise in the state.
In Bauchi State, the delays in the distribution of FG’s rice have sent tongues wagging among desperate residents expecting the food palliative to assuage their sufferings.
Malam Sani Muazu, a resident of Bauchi, said they had not received the rice allocated to the state by the federal government.
He said the delays in the distribution of palliative worsen the food crisis facing the vulnerable and poor households in the state.
Mu’azu urged the state government to begin distribution of the FG’s rice in earnest, to cushion the effect of the rising cost of living.
Commenting, a senior official of the Bauchi State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the state was yet to receive its allocation of the FG’s rice.
According to the official, apart from the FG’s intervention, the state government has been distributing palliatives received from agencies and other donors.
Headlines
FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Headlines
Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
Headlines
Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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