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XMAS: See Costs Of Road Transportation During Festive Season

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XMAS: See Costs Of Road Transportation During Festive Season

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile some use the holiday period to travel back to their home towns to re-bond with their loved ones, others travel solely for the purpose of having fun.

THE Grassroots Publishers, in this report, visited motor parks in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, to find out the various prices of transportation to different parts of the country. An official of Peace Mass Transit simply identified as Peace, said that during the festive season, most people travel to locations like Owerri, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Aba and Umuahia.

She further said that compared to last year, this year’s transport fare was increased by N1,000.

Below is a breakdown of the cost of trips from Abuja to other states as at December 16th:

Abuja to Enugu – N8,500

Abuja to Nsukka- N8,000

Abuja to Benin – N9,000

Abuja to Warri – N10,000

Abuja to Bayelsa – N11,000

Abuja to Nnewi – N9,200

Abuja to Onitsha – N9,000

Abuja to Owerri – N10,000

Abuja to Aba – N10,300

Abuja to Afikpo – N10,000

Abuja to Lagos – N11,000

Abuja to Ibadan – N10,500

Abuja to Calabar – N11,000

Abuja to Umuahia – N10,000

Abuja to Uy0- N10,300

Abuja to Abakiliki – N9,500

Abuja to Port Harcourt – N11,000

However, a check on the cost of transportation for God is Good motors on December 21st, showed that the prices were significantly higher. Transportation fares from Abuja to Lagos cost N17,000, from Abuja to Umuahia cost N15,000 and Abuja to Port Harcourt cost N17,000.

A source who spoke to this medium on the condition of anonyimity on Friday, decried the high cost of transportation fare. According to him, the cost was increasing by the day.

He said ABC Motors trip to ABA cost N15,500, God is Good motors to Aba, N18,300, G U O to Aba N16,000, Peace Mass to Aba N12,000, and to Enugu cost N9000.

Another traveler said it is “a shame that road transport fare parachuted to a dis-heartening amount.”

She said a trip to Warri from Abuja now costs her N11,500 as against the N5000 she paid last year.

She further said other transport lines were charging as high as N18,000 and N15,000.

Other travelers who spoke to this medium said the hike in this year’s transport fares could be tied to general inflation and factors such as increased operating cost of businesses, bad roads, amongst others.

OKOWA’S 317 ROADS AND OTHER MATTERS

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OKOWA’S 317 ROADS AND OTHER MATTERS

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f there is one area in which the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has excelled, it is in the development of road and physical infrastructure in Delta State. The robust momentum in this sector received further boost in the 2019 budget proposals presented by Okowa to the Delta State House of Assembly on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Road and rural infrastructure took the lion share of N79.6b out of the proposed N367, 095,083,451.

You could see the nod of approval and commendation of many persons in the hallowed chamber of the Assembly when the Governor announced that his administration has embarked on the construction/rehabilitation of 317 roads across the State. “Our road projects portfolio since May 2015,” according to him, “is 317 projects comprising 1,000km of roads and 344km of drains valued at over N243bn. Out of this number, 135 projects covering 405km of roads and 159km of drainage channels (alongside roads) have been completed.

“Worthy of mention are the roads that have been embarked upon in riverine communities with their difficult terrain. In particular, I will like to cite the Main Axial Road and Okerenkoko Township roads in Warri South West Local Government Areas as some of the flagship projects of this administration. There is also the on-going rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay of the 19.7km Obutobo 1 –Obutobo11 – Sokebolou – Yokori road in Burutu Local Government Area. These projects have excited the residents of these communities and underscore our resolve to break new frontiers and bring development to every part of the State no matter how remote.”

Even the die-hard critic cannot but acknowledge Governor Okowa’s efforts in ensuring that roads in the state are receiving the desired attention they deserve. Some of the major road projects that readily come to mind are the 10.8km km Okpare-Umolo-Ovwodokpor-Kiagbodo road in Ughelli South and Burutu LGAs, Jeddo-Ughoton road in Okpe LGA and Construction of Access road to Eagle Heights University, Oteri Township road in Ughelli North LGA and Okpe-Olomu/Otor-Orere Olomu road Ughelli South LGA.

There are others such as the expansion and rehabilitation of sections of Oghara Junction to Otefe Road in Ethiope West LGA Oghara, access road to Jesse town, access road to Ugbuwangue new layout, construction of Okuomowa road to Osubi to link Efekpo lane, the construction of Ekete main road, off DSC Expressway, the rehabilitation of Ekreravwe/Orhoakpor/Isiokolo Road in Ethiope East LGA, Abraka Township Roads Phase 1, and the reconstructed 8.5km Ughelli-Afiesere-Ofuoma road in Ughelli North LGA.

In Asaba, roads like the Cable Point Dual Carriageway and several township roads have given the state capital a befitting face lift. Residents now have alternative routes as against the usual hiccups that characterised the main access road, the Nnebisi road. The recently commissioned Kwale -Ogume- Obiaruku and Ozoro -Oleh roads have greatly enhanced the economic activities of the people of those areas. High transportation fares coupled with excruciating pains of having to ply deplorable roads are becoming a thing of the past.

Also worthy of note is that the State Government has worked hard to shore up Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), to complement receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee. The IGR of the State has witnessed steady improvements after the downturn occasioned by the economic crisis in 2014 and the relocation of some oil multinationals like Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, and other oil servicing companies from the State. In 2016 and 2017, IGR of the State stood at N44bn and N51bn respectively. As at the end of the first half of 2018, the sum of N31.2bn has been generated.

In his budget address, the Governor attributed the improvement to reforms embarked upon by his administration in tax collection and administration. According to Okowa, these reforms included “expanding the tax payers’ base, fortifying enforcement/regulatory measures, introduction of e-Receipt and Central Billing System aimed at blocking leakages, as well as other fiscal management reforms. As a result of these measures, the tax agent database for the formal sector rose from 1,800 to 7,200. Also, the database of taxpayers in the informal sector jumped from about 5,000 to 336,061.”

The Governor also used the opportunity of the budget presentation to highlight his administration’s achievements in human capital development. The first of these is the enterprise development programmes of the Government, which he said was conceived “to build a knowledge economy, equip our people with the skill sets to create jobs and wealth, stimulate the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and enhance the business competitiveness of the State.” It is now on record that 15,041 persons have been trained and established in their choice enterprises by the Okowa administration.

In addition, The Governor disclosed that “the SEEFOR project “has provided direct employment for over 8,455 youths and indirect employment for about 5,000 persons in the State. In addition 733 youths were trained on short-term vocational enterprises under Technical, Vocational, Educational and Agricultural Training (TVEAT), in a project co-founded by the State.”

The Governor was quick to remind his audience that “these figures do not include the multiplied thousands of direct and indirect private sector jobs created through our massive investment in road and physical infrastructure, agricultural value chain support schemes, microcredit, contributory health insurance, technical education, public environmental works and other socio-economic initiatives.”

In an age when skills acquisition has become the norm, technical and vocational education continues to receive priority attention from the Okowa administration. Following the infrastructural upgrade and proper equipping of the six technical colleges in the State, enrollment into the colleges has more than doubled, jumping from 2, 424 in 2015 to 4,979 in 2018. Meanwhile, full accreditation has been obtained for all programmes in the six technical colleges from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
It was clear from the budget presentation that Governor Okowa is keeping faith with the promises he made during his electioneering campaigns in 2014/2015. Undoubtedly, he is preparing the ground for a strong, diversified and inclusive economy in Delta State.

Orji Kalu: I’m back

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Orji Kalu: I’m back

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter the first leg of his medical check-up in Wiesbaden, Germany, following a major surgery in November, former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Kalu, alongside his wife, Ifunanya, and children, returned to Abuja on Saturday.
Kalu, clad in a white shirt and grey suit, and his family members, who arrived on Lufthansa airline, were seen exchanging pleasantries with political associates, friends and airport officials, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Kalu: I'm back
Kalu: I’m back

The former governor, who declined to grant an extensive interview with journalists at the airport, applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the newly-inaugurated international terminal at the airport.
Speaking further, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia North senatorial zone expressed appreciation to Nigerians for the show of love and support during his medical vacation abroad.
While maintaining that the first leg of his medical re-examination was successful, the APC chieftain cautioned rumour mongers against spreading falsehood on his health status, adding that he is scheduled to travel again to Germany in January for the second leg of his check-up.

Access, Diamond Banks’ merger: Union vows to protect members’ interest

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Access, Diamond Banks’ merger: Union vows to protect members’ interest
Access, Diamond Banks’ merger: Union vows to protect members’ interest

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hreatened by the announced merger between Access and Diamond Banks, the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) says it will protect its members’ interest in the merged banks.
The board of Diamond Bank Plc on December 15 announced its meager with Access Bank Plc which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2019.This spurred fears within the Nigeria’s banking industry as many workers feared that it would lead to another round of job losses. Mrs Oyinkan Olasanoye, ASSBIFI President said in Lagos on Wednesday that the association had written the management of Access Bank.
Olasanoye said that ASSBIFI sought audience with the bank management to discuss modalities that would ensure maximum protection for members in the face of the merger. She said that where staff rationalisation became inevitable, the collective bargaining agreement would be observed and respected.
”The union is hopeful it will have a fruitful discussion with Access Bank where they have unionised members,” the ASSBIFI president said. The president of the association said that the union was aware of the implication of a merger or acquisition on job security. She said the situation informed the decision to liaise with the management to protect workers from being short-changed or victimised if it could no longer keep all the staff.
Olasanoye said that though the union did not have members in Diamond Bank, it would equally seek ways to ensure that workers in the bank were not unjustly treated.

“In some cases we have branches of Diamond and Access Banks standing next to each other or even sharing fences.
”It is possible by the time the merger is fully consummated and the two banks become one, the management may close some of the branches which can result in staff rationalisation. ”But the union has written a letter to Access Bank where it has members, seeking its audience to protect the workers and to ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreement,” Olasanoye said.

However, a Diamond Bank staff who wanted anonymity said that workers were in the dark about what would happen next after the merger. The staff said that since the rumour of the merger broke in November, workers had been in trepidation, especially as the merger seemed to be more in favour of Access Bank.
Access Bank had acquired the defunct Intercontinental Bank in 2012 and has emerged Nigeria’s largest lender after N74.6 billion merger deal with Diamond Bank, with a combined total assets of N6 trillion.

APC To Query Amosun, Okorocha For Anti-Party Activities

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APC To Query Amosun, Okorocha For Anti-Party Activities
Gov. Okorocha and Amosun

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he All Progressives Congress has resolved to query the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; and his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, for alleged anti-party activities. Our correspondent learnt that the decision was part of resolutions reached at the National Working Committee meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday where the state, local government and ward executives committees in the two states were dissolved.

A member of the NWC said, “The party has sent letters to the governors to explain what has been attributed to them in the media and their commitment to the party’s ideals. We want to give them a fair hearing.”

Meanwhile, the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday inaugurated a nine-member caretaker committee for the Imo APC. The committee chaired by Mr  Marcellinus Nlemigbo would superintend over the affairs of the party in the state.

Other members are Ugochukwu Nzekwe (Deputy Chairman), Lady Love Ineh (Secretary), Enyinna Onuegbu, Canice Nwachukwu, Mrs Josephine Nnorom (woman leader), Paul Para, Chief Linus Ineoha (Organising Secretary) and Nicholas Osuagwu (Zonal Chairman).

Inaugurating the committee, Oshiomhole said the party would begin the campaign of its Imo State governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Friday in Owerri, the state capital.

He urged members of the committee to close ranks with Uzodinma and other candidates of the party by mobilising supporters across the state to ensure victory in the 2019 polls.

Delta traders laud FG on Tradermoni, pledge prompt loan repayment

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Delta traders laud FG on Tradermoni, pledge prompt loan repayment
VP Osinbajo takes TraderMoni to Warri Market, Delta State  on 21st December 2018

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ome petty traders at the Ogbeogonogo Market, Asaba, Delta on Friday lauded the Federal Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) popularly called “Trader Moni”. The traders who spoke in a separate interviews with the Grassroots Publishers promised to judiciously use the money to improve their businesses and pay back early enough to attract more.

Mrs Joy  Okafor, a petty trader, said his life would have been better off than what it was, If past governments had come up with this kind of programme. “I sell vegetable, tomato, and other food items in small quantities to keep my family going and government came to register us and after that my account was credited with N10, 000.

“God will bless the Federal Government. If this is how other past governments have been doing, our life would have been far better. “I will use the money to expand my business. They even advised us to pay certain amount weekly to enable us to pay back in six months.

“They also said that if we pay back on time, we can get more money to expand our business more. ‘’So, my plan is to work hard and pay back in three instalments, to enable me access another one,” She said.

Another trader, Mrs Christiana Onyenbu, who sells palm oil and other food items on makeshift table at the market, said shortly after registration, N10, 000 was credited into her account.She noted that it was a soft loan by the Federal Government through its empowerment programme and that all beneficiaries must pay back.

“I feel excited and I know it is a loan, that whoever accesses it must pay back in six months with N250 interest.

Also, Miss Favour Emmanuel, who sells melon in a wheelbarrow, also commended the Federal Government for the loan. “They came and told us that the money is to support our business and on Friday, they came back and requested for our account number and they deposited N10, 000 into our accounts.

“I am very happy and I say God will continue to bless Nigeria,” she said.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was expected in Asaba, had earlier inaugurated the Programme in Warri.

Okowa bags awards as Most Performing Governor for 2018

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Okowa bags awards as Most Performing Governor for 2018
Gov. Okowa Ifeanyi

[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ope Alive Nigeria, a top-notch Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, promoting good governance and sustainable development, in collaboration with various allied organisations, has conferred on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State the Most Performing Governor in Nigeria award for 2018.

Making the presentation, recently, Director-General of the organization, Chief Godspower Obaro, said the meritorious award is in recognition of Governor Okowa’s “ground-breaking performance as the foremost Nigerian governor with the largest number of road projects, youth empowerment, skill acquisition, infrastructure development, small and medium scale industry empowerments for indigenes of the state, as well as promotion of peace and security and human capital development, which have altogether created prosperity for all Deltans within the record time of three years that Governor Okowa has been in office.”

Obaro also stated that the decision to confer on  Okowa with “this well deserving award was taken after extensive research to see what all the governors in the 36 states have done in the past three years in five major areas, namely: infrastructure development, human capital development, promotion of peace and security, as well as nearness to the grassroots people, and execution of people-oriented social service programmes that directly impact on the land and lives of people in each state.” Equally, Delta Patriots Initiative Inc., a good governance civil society organisation, CSO, partnering with Hope Alive, conferred and presented an award of Excellence to Governor Okowa as the Project Field Marshall of the Fourth Republic.

Making the presentation, National Coordinator of the organisation, Rev. Chukwudi Eke, said “the award is in recognition of Governor Okowa as the governor with the highest number of infrastructure development projects in Delta state. “Governor Okowa is the foremost governor in terms of being the governor who most frequently visits project fields, completing abandoned projects as well as kickstarting, inspecting and commissioning new projects; thereby, creating comfort and prosperity for Deltans through his SMART administration.” High Chief (Bashorun) Askia Ogieh, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), received the two meritorious awards on behalf of Governor Okowa, who was inevitably attending to other important state functions.

Police must stop torture, extra-judicial killings – Buhari

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Police must stop torture, extra-judicial killings – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Wudil, Kano State, warned the police against acts that could bring the community in conflict with them.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja, said Buhari gave the directive in an address at the convocation and passing out parade of the First Regular Cadet Course at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

The President said unprofessional conducts such as illegal detention, extrajudicial killings, torture and violation of fundamental human rights were unacceptable and must be avoided by the Nigeria Police Force at all times.

”We must abide by the constitutional code of conduct in policing our people.

”The Police in its efforts to fight crime must work in partnership with the community. You cannot properly police the people without their consent,” President Buhari told the 602 graduands. He also used the occasion to remind police officers to shun corruption and resist all temptations that impede the integrity and professionalism of the Force.

The president said: ”It is appropriate to warn you as Police Officers not to see yourselves as being above the Law. You must be above board and resist all temptations. Be contented with your salaries and allowances.

”The Government recently increased your general emoluments to make you more efficient and effective in the discharge of your duties. With this increase in your salaries, you have less reason to fall into temptations of financial or other inducements.

”Let me again reiterate that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption. Corruption is the major reason the Nigerian economy has not developed at the rate of other comparable countries.

”If we must develop and reap the fruits of our democratic dispensation, we must shun corruption at all levels.

“It is, therefore, your responsibilities and other anti-corruption agencies to kill corruption before Corruption overtakes Nigeria.”

While commending the police for the successes they recorded in the fight against various aspects of crime in the country, the President acknowledged that they had worked closely with the military in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East.

”I am aware that you have just deployed over 2000 Police Officers, including Special Forces to the North East to support the efforts of the Military.

”The success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East cannot be related without mentioning the support you are giving to the Military.

“The group is no longer occupying any Nigerian Territory as it used to before the advent of this administration.

”The recent attacks by the Boko Haram group can be likened to attempts of defeated insurgents to re-organise its ragtag and scattered individuals.

“This, however, will not be possible as adequate strategic plans have been put in place in conjunction with our neighbouring countries to completely wipe out the group, ” he said.

On the 2019 elections, President Buhari reiterated that it was the duty of the police, supported by other security agencies, to adequately secure the elections.

He said that the elections must be conducted in a violence free environment for it to be adjudged credible, free and fair in the eyes of both local and international observers.

”You must do everything possible to make the election violence free to avoid ballot box snatching, multiple voting, vote buying on sites, attack on electoral officers and other acts which might negatively impact on the elections and their outcome, ” the president said.

According to him, his administration will continue to do all that is possible to make the Nigeria Police efficient and responsive to the security needs of the country by providing the necessary assistance to make the operations technology based.

While congratulating the graduands on successfully completing the five-year training programme in the institution, President Buhari enjoined the new officers to be courageous and determined in the fight against all forms of crime in the country.

The President said he was happy to be the first serving President to witness the passing out parade of the first batch of Nigeria Police Academy Cadet Officers.

”You should consider yourselves privileged, not only for being able to complete the course but for being adjudged worthy in character, fitness and in learning to pass out as Cadet Assistants Superintendents in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a sword of honour to the best graduating Cadet ASP Shuaibu Aminu by the President.

He also presented an award to the best female graduating Cadet ASP Evangeline Babuba.

The event was also witnessed by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and other senior police officers.

Boxing star Joshua gets OBE

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Boxing star Joshua gets OBE

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]ritish heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has been awarded the Order of the British Empire OBE by Prince Charles in an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

The 29-year-old currently holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles after winning his March unification clash with Joseph Parker and was honoured for his services to sport back in June. Thursday’s ceremony marks the latest accolade Joshua has collected after he was also given an MBE in 2013 after claiming Olympic gold at London 2012.

Prince Charles also awarded Joshua his MBE back in 2013. When the imposing fighter, who is 6ft 6in, shook hands with the Prince after the presentation five years ago, he said Charles joked with him, saying: ‘Shouldn’t you be playing basketball?’

Dressed in a black suit jacket and grey trousers, Joshua once again beamed with delight on his visit to the Palace as he accepted the honour from the Prince of Wales. The pair were photographed shaking hands and then in a discussion in front of the packed audience.

Joshua continues to enjoy some time away from boxing as he waits to see who will be the next to challenge him at Wembley.

Promoter Eddie Hearn wants his client’s next fight to be signed and sealed by early January as the clock ticks down on the heavyweight’s proposed return to the ring.

Joshua is due to fight at Wembley on April 13 but the controversial draw between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in Los Angeles earlier this month has thrown his plans into disarray.

Hearn insists a clash with WBC champion Wilder for the undisputed crown remains their No 1 priority. But with the American expected to face Fury in a rematch, the winner of Saturday’s rematch between Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora in London is the current frontrunner.

There have been reports in recent days that AJ is ready to ditch his return to Wembley in exchange for a US debut.

Hearn has also admitted American heavyweight Jarrell Miller is now a ‘viable option’ for the unified champion’s next fight, with New York’s Madison Square Garden and Brooklyn’s Barclays Center considered potential venues.

Governors Can Pay N30,000 Minimum Wage – Oshoimhole

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Governors Can Pay N30,000 Minimum Wage – Oshoimhole
Comrade Adams Oshoimhole

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he APC chairman spoke in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday night during a reception held for Ayuba Wabba and Safiyanu Mohammed, who were recently elected as the President of International Trade Union Confederation (Global) and African Regional Secretary of International Transport Federation, respectively.

Oshiomhole said that his position on the national minimum wage had not changed despite being the chairman of the ruling APC. He said, “I do not think it is about the (APC) party here, it is about Nigeria. Do not try to ask a partisan question. I think you should ask a question that has to do with governance in Nigeria because this is an issue in which it appears all governors on the party platform are united, that is the truth. So, it is incorrect to ask that question from a partisan point of view.

“When I was a member of the (governors) forum, I did publicly advise my colleagues that when it comes to the issue of minimum wage, I am not with them, not only secretly, but publicly, that I am going to dissociate myself. I believe we need a national minimum wage, I believe Nigeria is capable of paying minimum wage. I believe the primary purpose of government is the welfare of the people and payment of wages is a function of prosperity.

“So, I am clear, whether I am chairman of the ruling party, or other parties, my views are not corrupted by the position that I occupy. What is constant in my life is my background, which is labour , and I do not deny it or hide it. And I am clear that the Nigeria Labour Congress has a right working with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria to promote a reasonable living wage.

“And when I was governor, I made the point because they say action speaks louder than words. I increased the minimum wage from N18, 000 to N25,000 three years ago. If I did it and my successor is paying it then, I think I have spoken!”
According to him, the national minimum wage would be necessary because the prices of labour, goods and services have not been static.

“The price of labour cannot be static if all other prices are changing and I said this creates a vicious circle. When you lack purchasing power in an economy, how do you stimulate the economy to provide more goods and services and create jobs?
“So we create a vicious circle of poor people, too poor to buy and consume anything and therefore those who provide goods and services cannot sell, and because they cannot sell, they are closing shops and more people are being sent out of work.

“Now, we should be more bold and courageous. I also argued and it is a fact that those who are more patriotic and inward looking in their consumption pattern are the working class people. They are the ones that buy garri, yam, ordinary tomatoes and fish. They do not import fish; they do not buy Toyota jeeps and aircraft.
“Their pattern of spending is such that the money circulates. They are the ones who live in a local room and parlour house, pay rent to a local man whose only pension is the fact that he built a room and parlour house when he was in active service. When you don’t pay them living wages, you trigger a process of vicious circle of poverty.”

At the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said Wabba and Mohammed’s election came to President Muhammadu Buhari “as a pleasant delight that despite what we think our country is, the entire world has come to acknowledge and recognise the excellence with which we lead as a nation.”

In their remarks, Wabba and Mohammed promised that although the task ahead would be very challenging, they would not disappoint the nation, adding that they would strive to put Nigeria on the positive map of the world.

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