PDP NEC Retains Damagum As National Chairman, Slams Tinubu Government For Plotting One-Party State
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has retained Umar Damagum as its acting Chairman. With this development, Damagum will continue in office until the conduct of the national convention.
This was made known via a communique issued after the party's 98th NEC meeting on Thursday.
It was recalled that the National Caucus had passed a vote of confidence on the under-pressure chairman who have been told by the PDP House of Representatives caucus to resign.
Damagum has been accused of pandering to Wike with raging calls for his resignation. It was expected that he would be asked to go during the NEC meeting to allow for a substantive national chairman.
However, the NEC followed up on the decision of the national caucus which was held on Wednesday, with the resolution commending the leadership of the party.
The communique released to journalists by the spokesman of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba said NEC thoroughly assessed the State of affairs of the nation and the party and commended party faithful for their “collective resilience, steadfastness and commitment towards the unity, stability and sustenance of our great party despite daunting challenges.”
The NEC also commended “members of the PDP, with particular reference to the youths and women for their courage in resisting the antics of the divisive and anti-people All Progressives Congress (APC), especially, its desperation to emasculate the opposition and foist a one-Party State on our nation.”
It expressed concern over what it called the ill-implemented policies of the “insensitive APC administration, leading to worsening insecurity, harrowing economic hardship, soaring unemployment rate, high cost of food and other necessities of life with pervading misery and despondency across the country.”
The communique further said the NEC expressed “serious apprehensions over the spate of acts of terrorism and violence including the escalated cases of mindless killings, mass abduction of innocent Nigerians and marauding of communities in various parts of the country.”
It condemned “the insensitivity, nonchalance, incompetence and arrogance in failure of the APC administration which continues to conduct itself in a manner that shows that it has no iota of interest or commitment towards the wellbeing of Nigerians.”
It further condemned “the creeping totalitarianism and tendencies towards a One-Party State which is inimical to the peace, stability and corporate existence of our nation as well as the development of Democracy and good governance in the country.”
It said after due consideration, the NEC demanded that President Bola Tinubu urgently convene a special National Security Council meeting to proffer a holistic solution and measures to curb the disturbing insecurity with its attendant negative consequences on our national life.
“NEC also demanded that President Tinubu should immediately rejig his Economic Team to bring in persons of proven integrity and competence without bias and vested interest to assist in repositioning the economy.
“NEC further demands that the Federal Government should review all policies and programmes which are stifling the economy with suffocating effects on the lives of citizens; including the increase in the price of fuel without cushioning measures, hike in electricity tariff, increased taxation and implementation of adverse fiscal policies
“NEC charges all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders and indeed all members of the PDP to close ranks, put aside every personal or group interests and work together in the overall effort to reposition and return the PDP to power at the centre in the interest of the Nigerian people.
“Consequently, NEC received and approved the Timetable for Party Congresses across the country.
“NEC also approved the Reconstitution of the Party Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees to further ensure the stability of the party.
“Similarly, NEC approved the extension of the life of the Party Constitution Amendment Committee to allow it to receive new amendment proposals for inclusion in its deliberation and final report for consideration by NEC.
“NEC commended the efforts of the National Working Committee in its effort towards rebranding the Party including the new look PDP Logo which is widely accepted by Party members and Nigerians in general.”
[19:32, 18/04/2024] Damilare Adeleye: Customs Lilypond Export Command Processes $236m Worth Containers In Q1 2024
Nigeria Customs Service Lilypond Export Command has processed a total of 5,891 (20ft and 40ft) containers valued at $236,087,888.53.
It was learnt that the containers comprised diverse commodities such as agricultural produce, manufactured goods, solid and extractive minerals, among others.
The Customs Area Controller, Ajibola Odusanya, made this known on Tuesday during a media briefing on the activities command for the first quarter of 2024 fiscal year at Ijora, Lagos.
According to the Area Controller, there is a substantial growth trajectory in Q1 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
It was learnt that the total containers processed in 2024 Q1 surged by 44% to reach 5,891(20ft and 40ft) containers as against 3,784 (20ft and 40ft) containers processed in 2023 Q1, signifying heightened trade activity at the Command
The breakdown of export activities is given as be below.
“Agricultural Produce. A total of 4,229 (20ft and 40ft) containers were filled with agricultural produce, generating earnings amounting to USD$153,426,308.00 Notably, the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) received a payment of ₦916,492,465.00 underscoring the robust contribution of agricultural exports to the national economy
“Manufactured Goods. With 629 (20ft and 40ft) containers dispatched, manufactured goods contributed significantly to export revenue, totaling USD$22,289,340.77. The NESS payment to the FGN amounted to ₦112,905,501 reflecting the sector's resilience and competitiveness in the global market.
“Solid and Extractive Minerals. The export of solid and extractive minerals witnessed a notable upsurge, with 753 (20ft and 40ft) containers dispatched, valued at USD$34,107,959.01. The NESS payment of ₦224,162,113.74 highlights the immense potential of Nigeria's mineral resources on the international stage.
“Other Goods. Additionally, various goods such as plants & machinery, and personal effects were exported in 280 (20ft and 40ft) containers, contributing USD$26,264,280.07 to export revenue. A NESS payment of ₦135,771,439.38 was made, emphasizing the diversified nature of Nigeria's export portfolio.”
He stated that, “A comparative analysis reveals a substantial growth trajectory in Q1 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Total containers processed in 2024 Q1 surged by 44% to reach 5,891(20ft and 40ft) containers as against 3,784 (20ft and 40ft) containers processed in 2023 Q1, signifying heightened trade activity at the Command. Export commodities' value also surged by 42% to USD$236,087,888.00 as against $154,459,566.39 recorded in 2023 Q1, underlining the sustained momentum in export performance.
“NESS payment witnessed an impressive 114% increase, reaching ₦1,389,331,520.15 from ₦378,268,430.57 received in 2023 Q1, indicative of enhanced revenue generation and compliance. Surcharge payment for plants & machinery, and imported goods doubled from NGN 8,785,188.00 in 2023 Q1 to NGN 18,218,964.00 in 2024 Q1 representing a 70% difference, aligning with fiscal policy directives.
“In the area of stakeholder’s engagement, the Command has maintained its open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders. The Lilypond Export Command, as the lead agency in the drive for export trade facilitation has consistently collaborated with all relevant agencies such as the NPA, NAFDAC, NDLEA, QUARANTINE, DSS, NPF, Department of Forestry and the Federal Produce Inspection Service. Exporters and their agents have continuously appraised the concept of joint examinations and how it helps reduce cargo clearance time.”
“Let me also at this juncture thank other critical Stakeholders such as the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria Shippers Council, various Maritime associations and the Media for their collaborative efforts and synergy while carrying out our statutory mandate. The Command will continue to leverage on your contributions and cooperations to ensure efficient service delivery to the nation.
“The Lilypond Export Command extends its profound appreciation to all stakeholders and partners for their unwavering support and collaboration. Under the visionary leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, we remain committed to fostering consolidation, collaboration, and innovation to ensure seamless trade facilitation. As we advance into the future, the Nigeria Customs Service reaffirms its dedication to promoting effective trade practices and economic prosperity,” Comptroller Odusanya. added.