Another meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) took place in Abuja on Monday with no fewer than 16 decisions taken.

The following are the highlights, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

1. The meeting reviewed the flooding in some parts of the country, especially the one that destroyed almost 50 per cent of Maiduguri in Borno State.

The meeting backed the President’s idea of setting up a Disaster Relief Fund to be funded by a portion of the revenue accruing to the Federation account. Funds will also be solicited from the private sector.

2. The meeting resolved to set up a technical committee to conduct integrity tests on Alau Dam and other dams countrywide.
3. The Council also approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which embody the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms set up last year by President Tinubu.

The bills seek to amend the income tax laws, promote the export of goods and services, reform the exchange rate regime and unlock foreign exchange liquidity.

One of the bills offers tax relief to companies that generate incremental employment. Another offers personal income relief to people in private and public employment, from N200,000 to N400,000.

Another bill seeks federal and state collaboration to suspend certain taxes on small businesses and vulnerable populations.

Among the taxes to be axed are road haulage levies, business premise registration levies, livestock levies, and market taxes and levies.

The Economic Stabilisation Bills, with the Council’s approval, will now be transmitted to the National Assembly for passage.

4. The Council approved a contract to build a 258 km 3-lane carriageway with continuous reinforced concrete pavement in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

The stretch is part of the 1000km superhighway from Illela, Sokoto State, to Badagry, Lagos State. The section awarded starts from Silame in Sokoto state and terminates at Buya Town in Kebbi.

5. The council approved the revised estimated contract cost for constructing Bodo-Bonny Road with bridges across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State.

The contract was awarded in 2014 for N120 billion and revised in 2021 to N199, 923,638,963.87. The FEC approved another increase to N280 billion, with an additional completion period of 12 months.

6. The council approved the rescoping and downward review of the contract to rehabilitate the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway at a lower cost of N740.79 billion.

Julius Berger’s job now has a completion period of 14 months and includes the provision of solar lights.

7. Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited was awarded two road contracts, including bridges in Kogi and Cross River, at a total cost of N133.4 billion.

They are the construction of Cross River to Oferekpe Road and rehabilitating Kabba (Kogi State), Iyamoye-Omuo-Ikole-Ifaki-Ado Ekiti Road.

8. Messrs BDT International Limited was awarded the contract to repair the Gamboru Bridge along Gamboru-Ngala-Kala, Balde Road in Borno State. The cost is N3.2 billion, and completion will take 24 months.
9. Messrs CCECC Nigeria will repair the damaged loops and ramps of the Third Mainland Bridge superstructure and rehab Adeniji-Falomo Roads for N42 billion. Completion will take six months.
10. The council approved the N158 billion contract to construct service lanes for the Lekki Deep Sea Port through Epe to Shagamu-Benin Expressway.

Dangote Industries will be awarded the contract under the Federal Government Road Infrastructure Development Fund and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

11. The council approved the contract for the dualisation of Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe Road in Ebonyi, Abia and Imo states.

The road will be financed under the Federal Government Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

12. The councils also approved contracts for the repair of 14 bridges, roads, and flooded sections of Federal Highways nationwide.
13. The council approved at least seven memos brought by the FCT Ministry. Among them was the contract for the building of Judges Quarters in Katampe.

Also approved was the contract to construct an access road from Ring Road 1 by N16 Shehu Shagari Way to Judges Quarters.

14. The council approved the contract for building an access road from Arterial Road N11 in Mabushi District to Judges Quarters within Cadstral Zone B07 in Katampe.
15. The council approved three roads in FCT satellite towns: the Pai-Gomani Road in Kuala Area Council, Aguma Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road in Gwagwalada, and road upgrades in Bwari Area Council.
16. The council approved two memos presented by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

One memo deals with the restoration of dignity and standardisation of national symbols, such as the national flag, coat of arms , national anthem and national pledge.

Council approved that the first stanza of the National Anthem should be rendered at all official functions.

Meanwhile, the three stanzas should be for special occasions, such as `Independence Day, Democracy Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, Children’s Day, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Workers Day.

The Council approved adopting the third stanza of the New National Anthem as the National Prayer to replace the current National Prayer.

The second memo of the Ministry deals with the unveiling of the national values charter. The Council approved it.

 The European Union (EU) has said that it supported Nigeria and five other Sahel countries affected by the flood with 5.4 million Euros.

In a statement issued by the bloc and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the other countries that benefitted are Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso

The bloc noted that the fund was meant to assist the more than 4.4 million people estimated to be affected by floods in the countries.

“Floods have led to the destruction of houses, public health facilities, water systems, schools and sanitation facilities as well as roads, infrastructures, and agricultural areas.

“Moreover, the lack of access to water, hygiene, and sanitation services is increasing the risk of spreading of waterborne diseases.

“This funding will help our humanitarian partners on the ground, to provide immediate aid and respond to the most urgent needs concerning food, shelter, access to clean water and sanitation and other essential services in the hardest-hit areas.

“The amount will be distributed as follows: Chad one million Euro; Niger 1.350 million Euro; Nigeria 1.1 million Euro; Mali one million Euro and Cameroon 650,000 Euro and Burkina Faso 300,000 Euro.

“The funding comes in addition to 232 million Euro in humanitarian assistance already allocated to these countries so far this year.

“The EU and its partners had already responded to the immediate consequences of floods in Liberia, Guinea, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Mali,’’ the bloc said.

In the statement, Mr Janez Lenarčič, the Commissioner for Crisis Management was quoted to have said: “Excessive rainfalls had lashed the Sahel and Lake Chad regions with unprecedented impact, displacing millions and causing widespread suffering and damage.

“We are mobilising all means at our disposal to help the most vulnerable in the flood-stricken countries, so they can receive much needed relief’’.

Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said that the construction of the 3.5 billion dollar Bakassi Deep Seaport would soon commence.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, ICRC’s Acting Head of Media and Publicity in Abuja on Monday.

Ewalefoh made this known at a High-level Stakeholders’ meeting where a statement of endorsement for the port project was signed.

The ICRC D-G who said the construction would commence under the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River State, assured that the project would be completed in record time.

He said that his assurance was premised on four things which include the fact that the government of the state had demonstrated great commitment and zeal required for the project.

Others he said were the newly streamlined ICRC Public Private Partnership(PPP) processes; the securing of a financier for the project; and the support of all other stakeholders present.

Ewalefoh said the 3.5 billion dollar project whose funding has been secured from the African Import-Export Bank(Afreximbank), is to be executed as a PPP project.

He said that the ICRC had streamlined its PPP processes to ensure they were faster than before.

According to Ewalefoh, we are not compromising standards, we are only making the process more efficient which I have commenced as the D-G of ICRC.

He assured the Governor of Cross River that the project would be completed under his tenure with the support of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Shippers Council and all the stakeholders.

“You have demonstrated that you have what it takes to do it, just like President Tinubu has given confidence to investors to bring their funds to Nigeria.

“This is not a project that you started, the baton was only handed over to you, but like the man on the last lap, you are running the fastest and you will cut the tape.

“With the team you have assembled and the activities that are going on, you will arrive at the destination of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.

“I am convinced that in your tenure, with your team, Bakassi Deep Seaport will be a reality to the people of Cross River state and Nigerians,” he said.

The D-G said that the port was very important as it would diversify the traffic from the Western Port and serve as a succour to the Eastern parts of Nigeria.

He added that the Bakassi Deep Seaport is an Agro-Value-Chain port that will explore the potential in the nation’s agricultural sector in the South-South part of Nigeria, the North as well as all of Africa.

Ewalefoh thanked Afreximbank for believing in the state and Nigeria as he reassured investors that Nigeria was a choice destination for investment opportunities.

The statement said a high point of the meeting was the signing of the statement of endorsement by all critical stakeholders to the projects including the ICRC and the Cross River State Government.

Others include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Shippers Council, among others.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has condemned the outcome of the Edo State governorship election, describing it as “shameful,” “rape,” and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Fintiri’s statement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the September 21 poll.

Okpebholo, 54, secured 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 247,274 and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who came a distant third in the race with 22,761 votes.

However, Fintiri, a member of PDP, alleged that the election was marred by irregularities, including vote-buying, disruption of collation processes, and suspicious results with more votes than accredited voters.

He also slammed APC’s national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stating “What’s truly shameful is APC’s national chairman flying into Edo with a private jet on election day, defying movement restrictions, while their Governors used armoured escorts to intimidate voters.”

Fintiri noted that democracy indeed is under attack and called on Nigerians to denounce what he described as a “rape of democracy.”

“I weep for Nigeria’s democracy after witnessing the shameful Edo Gubernatorial poll. The APC’s desperate attempts to discredit me by falsely claiming I announced results won’t distract from the real issue. I merely shared results from INEC’s Irev portal, as collated by INEC from the various Local Government Areas,” Fintiri said.

“What’s truly shameful is APC’s national chairman flying into Edo with a private jet on election day, defying movement restrictions, while their Governors used armoured escorts to intimidate voters.

“This blatant disregard for democratic norms is the real brigandage. Nigerians are outraged, slamming INEC for compromising and favouring APC. The reported vote-buying, disruption of collation processes, and suspicious results with more votes than accredited voters undermine trust in our democracy. Democracy indeed is under attack.

“We must condemn this rape of democracy and demand accountability. The world is watching, and Nigeria deserves better.”

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has appealed to residents to remain calm following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) announcement of Monday Okpebholo as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) with 22,761 votes.

However, Obaseki claimed in a statement that the election was marred by a disregard for processes and the rule of law.

“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved,” Obaseki said.

“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election”

The governor also noted that “the attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them,” but said that “when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.”

Obaseki urged those who were upset by the outcome to seek redress through legal means rather than resorting to violence or destruction.

He also called on the people of Edo to continue with their daily lives, reassuring them that the government remains committed to their security and well-being during this period of uncertainty.

Obaseki statement reads; The statement reads, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election.

“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.

“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved.

“But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.

“Peace and justice will always win in the end and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.

“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election

“In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.

“With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.”

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to crack down on cyber criminals in Nigeria.

Tinubu gave the order on Sunday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga said President Tinubu has also commended the EFCC for returning the sum of$180,000 and 53 vehicles to Canada.

He quoted Tinubu as saying that Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

“To this end, President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intensify their efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles,” Onanuga said.

“The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.

“He acknowledges the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

“While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.”

Onanuga said the President has further directed all relevant agencies particularly the anti-corruption agencies to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.

He said Tinubu has also demanded that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions.

“The president has strongly affirmed that Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Onanuga said.

“President Tinubu has also affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.”