The Federal Government said it has uncovered a last-minute desperate plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to orchestrate a crisis and trigger a sense of panic among the populace, in furtherance of their plan to discredit Saturday’s election and cause a constitutional crisis.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the plot confirms the alarm raised by the Federal Government on Jan. 21st and Feb. 3rd 2019 that the PDP is planning to scuttle the election and, where that fails, discredit it.
He said in the days ahead, PDP bigwigs, including its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, his running mate Peter Obi, PDP Governors and others, are planning a world press conference in order to level frivolous and unfounded allegations against the federal government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alhaji Mohammed said that part of the false allegations they plan to make is that the Presidency, in connivance with the APC, is planning to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to announce presidential election results that are favourable to the government in power, on the basis of the false premise that the APC’s intelligence team is worried that the ruling party would lose the elections.
He said the PDP bigwigs also plan to use their world press conference to further disparage the Buhari Administration as well as the ruling APC, with a view to painting an unfavourable image of both to Nigerians and the international community and to put the government on the defensive in the run-up to the polls.
The Minister said the PDP’s last joker is a two-hour live press conference to be addressed by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, on Feb. 14th, the last day of electioneering campaign, to chronicle all their concocted allegations and lies against the ruling government, cast aspersion on government and ruling party officials and throw innuendos here and there.
”As electioneering campaign winds down, the PDP has realised that it cannot possibly win a free, fair and credible polls. It has thus resorted to engaging in red herring, hauling insults and abuses at federal government and ruling party officials and making outlandish allegations with a view to creating a sense of panic and crisis.
”The truth is that President Muhammadu Buhari, a man respected globally for his integrity, has continuously assured that the elections will be free, fair, credible and peaceful. He has warmly welcomed observers, both local and foreign., because he has nothing to hide, and because he is sure that the achievements of his Administration will win him re-election.
”We are therefore calling on all Nigerians and the international community to disregard any attempt to scuttle or discredit the polls. We urge observers to keep an open mind. There is no cause for alarm, except in the warped imagination of the PDP, which has entered the panic mode and is already ruing the loss of another general election even before it has been held,” he said.
The Pointer Award: Aniagwu hails Delta journalists
DAN DENT (ASABA)
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu has sent a message of appreciation to journalists in the state and country for their support since coming into governance in 2015.
Aniagwu who was bestowed with The Pointer Newspaper Public Service Excellence Award at the 30th Anniversary of the newspaper held yesterday at Grand Hotel and Resorts, Asaba, dedicated the award to journalists in the state and country.
Aniagwu a former Commissioner for Information in the state, appreciated immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for finding him worthy to serve amidst other qualified Deltans.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Aniagwu said, “Let me appreciate my bosses starting with Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who gave me the privilege to serve as his Commissioner for Information and of course the privilege I also have at the moment under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
“For me to have that say in this state, I deeply appreciate these leaders because it is possible that if these positions that I had the privilege to hold is also extended to any other Deltan they could possibly perform even better than I did.
“But to be distinguished and recognised, I give God the glory and for me it is a reminder of the need to try as much as possible when you are given a responsibility to discharge it with the best of your ability.
“When such recognition is coming from my colleagues, you know the journalism profession is one critical profession that tries to examine what people do.
“So when you have your colleagues who are in the same profession agreeing that you have done well, all you need do is to give glory to God and also appreciate them for the support they extended to you.
“In my sojourn as Chief Press Secretary and the Ministry of Information I really enjoyed the support of my colleagues both those in the media and those managing the media houses, my colleagues in Government and the state.
“I give God all the glory for the kind of support I have continued to enjoy since coming into this state for the purpose of working for the state government in 2015. I feel quite excited about this recognition and I do not take it for granted.”
Speaking on the journey so far for The Pointer Newspaper, Aniagwu commended the paper for weathering the storm over the years.
“I have had the privilege of presiding over the affairs of the paper and I can tell you that there a whole lot of misunderstanding around the operations of the newspaper.
“So much needs to be done especially as they are still printing through a third party process, it will be better if we can provide them with a good printing press, so that they begin to print for themselves.
“The moment they can print the paper by themselves, it will make it easier to increase the print run, it becomes easier to be in control of their speed as well.
“Once that is done and a proper distribution facility is provided, the paper can then have their independence to go and generate their own money and ensure they remit something to the state government.
“But I can tell you that the way they are now if thatASABA assistance is not given, they may still continue to struggle to be able to meet up.
“Looking at the conditions they operate, you will appreciate the women and men who work in that establishment that they are actually putting in a lot to be able to produce on daily basis.”
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has announced the successful completion of its share reconstruction, a strategic action aimed at maximising long-term shareholders’ value.
The facade of Transcorp Hilton Abuja from the pool
The share reconstruction involved a consolidation of the total number of issued shares at a ratio of 1 to 4, reducing the total issued and fully paid shares of Transcorp Group 40.6 billion shares to 10.2 billion shares.
Whilst the number of shares reduced pro rata, the total value of shareholders’ investments remains unchanged with no dilutive impact to shareholders.
Commenting on the share reconstruction, Owen D. Omogiafo OON, President/GCEO of Transcorp Plc, said, “This share reconstruction is in line with the Company’s corporate strategy and growth plan and is aimed at maximising shareholder value.
The reconstruction will bring the company’s capital structure to a manageable position.
Transcorp Plc remains committed to driving growth and creating value for its shareholders through strategic actions that align with its business objectives.
About Transnational Corporation Plc Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.
Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited.
The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and has the digital platform, Aura by Transcorp Hotels. www.transcorpgroup.com
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has reported its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, showcasing remarkable year-on-year growth.
The Group’s Q3 2024 unaudited results demonstrate strength across key financial performance measures, highlighting the success of its growth-driven strategy.
In Q3 2024, Transcorp Group achieved revenue of N298 billion, a 133% increase from N128 billion recorded in the same period of 2023. Profit before tax (PBT) increased by a remarkable 303%, to N105.5 billion, compared to N26.2 billion recorded in Q3 2023, further solidifying the Group’s position in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Key Financial Highlights:
Revenue Growth: 133% increase, rising to N298 billion from N128 billion in Q3 2023.
Profit Before Tax: Surged by 303% to N105.5 billion in Q3 2024, from N26.2 billion in the same period last year.
Total Assets: Grew by 29%, increasing from N530 billion in December 2023 to N684 billion in Q3 2024.
Shareholders’ Funds: Increased by 34%, from N187 billion in December 2023 to N251 billion in Q3 2024, driven by profit accreting to retained earnings.
Operating Expenses: Increased by 38% to N32 billion in Q3 2024, compared to N23 billion in the previous year, reflecting the impact of inflation on the cost of operations.
Net Finance Cost: Increased by 12% to N12 billion in Q3 2024, from N10 billion in Q3 2023, due to rising interest rates. Owen Omogiafo, OON, President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Group, attributed the Group’s exceptional performance to its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and ability to navigate a complex market environment.
She said: “We are proud of our consistent year-on-year growth. This remarkable financial performance is a reflection, once again, of our vision and spirit of execution. As we approach year end, we will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, investing in high-growth sectors, and delivering long-term value to our shareholders. We are investing for the future, particularly in the energy and hospitality sectors, delivering for our shareholders and our nation.”
About Transnational Corporation Plc
Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.
Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination.