₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDYTGKe5n8k

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/watch-video-atiku-saraki-fayose-in.html

The leadership of PDP Prayer Network congratulates His Excellency, the former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido on his appointment as the Chairman, Elders Council for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council as well as his inclusion in the Technical Advisers list for the Presidential Campaign Council.

No doubt, the appointment is another good move made by the party in the overall interest of Nigerians and the dreams of the nation's founding fathers.

Governor Lamido brings his rich experience to bear in our collective resolve to get the country working again.

Signed:

Mr. Edwin Emmanuel Chukwu,
National Coordinator,
PDP Prayer Network, Abuja.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/pdp-appointment-group-congratulates.html

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that the present administration in the country is worse than military regime.

He, however, vowed that Nigerians would resist any attempt by the Federal Government to deliberately truncate the nation’s democracy.

He said the extreme manipulation of the system and the enthronement of a culture of impunity by the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will not augur well for the country.

Wike stated this yesterday during the inter-denominational service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral in Port Harcourt.


His words: “We are no longer in a democracy. This system is worse than the military. Even under the military, people’s opinions counted. Nigeria will resist any attempt to truncate this democracy.

“With what I am seeing with this present government, because they are smelling defeat, they are not likely to hand over if they lose.

“If they lose, they will prefer something funny to happen. Anybody that does that will face the consequences. Now they are pushing people to the wall. Be careful how you deny people their mandate. Allow people’s votes to count.”

He argued that the charges concocted by the Buhari administration against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, were aimed at caging the judiciary ahead of planned manipulation of the polls.

The governor further noted that the charges against the CJN were targeted at the Niger Delta just about the same way they muzzled former President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that both Jonathan and Onnoghen held the positions for the first time since 1960.

Wike expressed disappointment that an Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) could be used to concoct illegal charges against the CJN.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/present-administration-worse-than.html

The continued strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), which seems to have become a ‘new normal’ in the last 19 years, to many stakeholders, is seen as contributing to the growing decadence in the society typified by production of half-baked graduates, who are not employable, mass exodus of Nigerians abroad with the attendant depleting foreign reserves, as well as widening the gap between the rich and the poor manifesting in prostitution by the idle students.

They argue that these years should be seen as deliberate setback to varsity education as successive governments have failed to accord priority to the sector in their budgetary allocations. Besides, they further argue that most of the successive administrators or political appointees into the sector have been self-serving or lack the requisite knowledge to handle the issues bedeviling it.

The implication, they say, is the rising societal vices as the idle students could easily be manipulated by politicians for their selfish interests.


Specifically, in the last 70 days, the ASUU has kept the gates and classrooms of the nation’s public university system comprising 43 Federal and 47 state universities locked.

The same can also be said of the polytechnics, with 28 federal Polytechnics and about 30 states owned polytechnics closed and several thousands of students locked out of the learning environment.


This is because series of meetings between the federal government and the unions have failed to achieve the desired aim, even as ASUU is threatening to renege on its earlier promise of allowing their members to participate in the February elections.

ASUU’s grouse with the Federal Government in the last 19 years centres on the lackluster attitude to education in the country.

It is on record that between 1999 and 2018 (19-year period), poor funding and attention by the government had led to the series of strikes in the academic calendar at all levels of education in the country, which is gradually becoming the new normal.

Out of the 19-year-period since the infamous FG/ASUU Agreement in 1999, only five years; 2000, 2004, 20014 2015 and 2016 were spared of the Incessant strikes that had led to the downturn in academic activities and students performances.

Demands by ASUU declared as valid by President Muhammadu Buhari, include funding for revitalization of public universities and the issue of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA); University Staff Schools; implementation of the judgment of the National Industrial Court, National Universities Pension Management Company and guidelines for pension matters for professors.

Others are the exemption offered by the government regarding the issue of TSA, which included the issue of grants, endowment funds as well as salary shortfall, which is already being implemented by the government and the union’s proposal to submit a position paper to the Federal Government on their observation with a view for government to advise state governments.


However, as the nation is being held in the jugular by ASUU and ASUP, parents, student bodies and other stakeholders have been counting the losses suffered by students and others as the strike has become an annual event in the academic calendar of the country’s tertiary education sector.

Besides, the trend seems to have done incalculable damage to the society by way of rising societal vices through idle students’ involvement in criminal and other undesirable activities, unemployment occasioned by half-baked nature of the university products, among others.

Worried that strikes have done no good to the country, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) last weekend appealed to the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to the negotiation table with the Federal Government.

“There is a need for ASUU to continue its negotiations with the Federal Government to find a common ground to resolve issues that led to the union’s ongoing strike,’’ NANS National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bestman Okereafor said.

Okereafor, in a statement on alleged threat by ASUU not to suspend its action, added: “We consider this decision as devilish and not in the best interest of Nigerian students.

“We wonder how the lingering disputes will be resolved if meetings are boycotted. We are calling on the leadership of ASUU to reverse its decision and consider returning to the negotiation table.’’

The students’ umbrella body also urged the lecturers to work towards resolving the dispute and suspend the strike in the interest of Nigerian students.

Already the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAC) last week defied ASUU by resuming activities through conduct of exams for their students.

It Is A Destruction To Structured Learning

Professor Chidi Ebere Onyia, former Faculty of the California State University, Dominguez Hills, California, United States of America (USA) said the decision by policy makers to fund tertiary education has always been disingenuous regardless of the political party in power.

Reflecting on the past 19 years, Prof. Onyia said it “clearly shows that politicians who assume office come with a plan to kick the can down the road till its time to handover to another government”.

“The problem with this mindset is that we graduate at best young people who are not ready to engage the work environment productively. The original designers of the semester system had a clear understanding of the implication of structured learning within a timeline for student mastery of content,” he said.

According to him, this should be understood based on empirical evidence the implication of disruptions in the academic calendar on staff motivation/morale and engagement in the learning, research and administrative process.

He tasked the government to understand that this new model of disruption presents an anomaly in the learning design, saying that the FG should be honest enough to accept that the education quality issues is to a large extent a product of their dysfunctional leadership thinking, kneejerk policies, budgetary gaps and low-quality infrastructure.

He added: “Expecting an internationally respected higher education system in Nigeria is not possible and the policymakers are aware of it because education advocates locally and globally have been singing the same songs for years with empirical evidence. Ignoring the need to restructure the current funding model and accountability process will only lead to another strike by the many unions in our academic system.

“ASUU’s demand for improved service for lecturers is reasonable and should be taken seriously if we intend to improve our comparative advantage as a nation.

Disruption In Academic Calendar Not Productive

Prof Onyia in his submission inferred that the disruption of the academic calendar is unproductive and ignoring, saying “Its effect in the overall nation-building process is a clear sign that we have the wrong leaders whose understanding of good governance or quality education is not aligned to the realities of today.”

In the same vein, a rights advocacy group, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Lagos frowned at the unconcerned attitude demonstrated by the Federal Government over the years as it relates to the revitalization of the country’s public education institutions.

As successive governments continue to turn deaf ears to the issue of revitalization of public university education 19 years after the union and government conducted a NEEDS Assessment that confirmed the poor learning situations in many universities across the country, ERC submitted that it was evident that the negotiation team led by Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) confirms that the Federal Government is not interested in resolving the crisis of proper funding of university education in the country.

Threatening a mass action in line with NANS position to end the trauma and unproductive holidays students are subjected to, the group said: “It is to this end that ERC calls on the ASUU leadership not to make the strike a sit home strike or limit the activities of the strike within the confine of their members. The ASUU leadership must map out public activities, mass meetings, rally and or protest that are capable of attracting Nigerian students, civil societies and parents to the struggle on the need to save public university education from collapse.

“We opined that it is this kind of united action of all oppressed layers of the country that will save public university education system from collapse. It is required at this period by all to guarantee the delivery of qualitative and public-funded education; this is inevitable if Nigeria ever wishes to banish poverty, ignorance, squalor, insecurity, disease and corruption”.

19 Years Of Deliberate Setback to Varsity Education

A concerned parent and retired teacher in the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, Chief Akin Ogunmefun frowned at the unconcerned attitude of successive Ministers of Education in the country for being cold-hearted in the matter that involves education of the masses in the country and described the incumbent minister a lame duck.

Speaking on its negative effect on the lives of students, Ogunmefun attributed the poor showing of graduates from institutions to the 19 years of neglect of the sector by the FG.

He said, “The danger inherent in this forced leave on students is that they stand the risk of being recruited as mercenaries by politicians desperate to clinch and return to office in the general election.

“I pity this nation, go to street corners at night what you find are young girls that are products of possibly polytechnic and universities lurking around dark spots for men. This is awful and connotes serious threats to the crop of young people we are breeding.

“In Benin Republic, young Nigeria boys and girls make up the population the entire population of mushroom universities operating in small houses and without laboratories.

“The situation might become completely hopeless if nothing urgent is done to stem the tide of declining fortune of Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.”

Government Has Defied, Breached Equal Rights To Education

Worried by the situation in public universities, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has (SERAP) also lent a voice seeking the intervention of UN special rapporteurs to “prevail upon the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reach an agreement to end the ongoing strike action by ASUU.

According to SERAP, the incessant strike has had ‘real and dire consequences on the right to higher education, specifically university education, as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party.”

In the appeal, SERAP’s Senior Legal Adviser, Bamisope Adeyanju, said: “By failing to prevent and end to the ongoing strike action by ASUU, the Nigerian government has defied and breached the explicit requirements of the right to equal access to higher education by Nigerian children and young people, under article 13(2)(c) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”

The urgent appeal sent to Ms. Koumbou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education and Professor Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights argues that: “The failure by the Nigerian government to reach an agreement with ASUU has also implicitly made access to higher education a privilege of the rich and well-to-do rather than a right of every Nigerian child and young person, as students in private schools continue to attend classes while those in public universities stay at home.

According to SERAP, “The failure to end the ongoing strike action by ASUU is also a fundamental breach of the right to higher education without discrimination or exclusion, as strike actions continue to penalise economically disadvantaged parents who have no means or lack the capacity to pay to send their children to private schools.

The urgent appeal read in part: “The obligations of the Nigerian government to create the conditions necessary for the enjoyment of the right to education include taking preventive measures to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to take steps to end any strike action in a timely manner when it occurs.”

SERAP argued that the government has the responsibility to preserve and strengthen education as a public good and a matter of public interest, saying that short of deliberate intervention of the Special Rapporteurs, the ongoing strike action by ASUU would continue and this would continue to impede access to university education for the poor and marginalized.

Atmosphere Of Peace Will Soar Varsity Profile

Prof Peter Okebukola, former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission in an interview with Sunday INDEPENDENT on the failure of Nigerian Universities on the League Table of World University Rankings (CWUR) suggested that there should be significant improvement in the resourcing of universities for better quality research.

Secondly, we should tighten the rigour of promotion and dim the practice of promoting based on a mere number of publications rather than on quality, measured by the appearance in high-impact journals. Thirdly, we should better incentivise our researchers so they can be motivated to carry out groundbreaking research.

“We should encourage our scholars to compete for international prizes since many are unaware of the existence of such awards or are too timid to apply; we should work hard towards better training for our graduates so they can excel internationally and be eligible for appointment as CEOs of global companies.

“we should strive to maintain a stable academic calendar by ensuring that events that will trigger local and national strikes are avoided. It is in an atmosphere of peace that Nigerian universities can rise stoutly to be the best they can be,” he advised.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/how-ASUU-strike-is-promoting.html

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted the notions held in certain quarters that President Muhammadu Buhari has abdicated his responsibility to lead the presidential campaign of the party.This follows concerns that the President may have handed over his campaigns for this year’s election to the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to enable him attend to governance.APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, explained that Buhari would surely partake in the party’s campaigns across the country, notwithstanding his tight schedule.

But National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, described the scenario as scandalous, saying: “There are three ways one can explain this: It is the character of the man to shirk responsibility or we have a zombie in the Villa, whom the cabals are in complete control of, or this whole clone or body-double thing is not a mirage. Certainly, something is wrong.

“First the rumours of body-doubles and cloned Villa occupants, and now they are no longer disguising or pretentious about it. It has been made clear that Tinubu doubles for Buhari when campaigning to capture power.” In the same vein, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) insisted that Tinubu’s appointment speaks volume that Buhari is unfit to administer the country.Its convener, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who addressed reporters in Abuja, yesterday, argued that it was odd for the President to hire a proxy to canvass for votes for him ahead of the February 16 presidential poll, claiming that Buhari’s lackadaisical approach to the campaigns underlines the fact that the APC has perfected the plot to rig the poll.


However, Dean, School of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Rotimi Olatunji countered: “The whole idea of setting up a presidential campaign committee or team to manage elections is not strange and represents part of the best practices in political campaign planning and management. Afterall, a campaign should be well-coordinated, purpose-driven and goal-directed. This is why presidential and governorship candidates often appoint directors general to coordinate political campaigns.“That Buhari has named Tinubu as the overall coordinator of his second-term bid is not strange. What will be strange is to totally abdicate the responsibilities in this connection.

“It will be strange if the President fails to show up at campaign rallies. After all, it is the President that is seeking the mandate of Nigerians, not Tinubu. Nigerians will like to hold their ‘eventually’ elected leaders accountable, based on their campaign pledges, not those of their surrogates.” APC wondered why Buhari is being misunderstood over his resolve to mandate Tinubu to lead its campaign council across the country, saying the role assigned to Tinubu was aimed at ensuring that issues relating to governance are not compromised on the alter of political considerations as the elections draw closer.

Issa-Onilu said: “The President himself said he would be actively involved in the campaigns, but that the wellbeing of Nigerians is more paramount to him than the politics of his re-election for another term of four years. That explains the decision to mandate the national leader of our party to oversee the day- to-day running of the campaign council.

“You don’t expect the President to be involved in the planning of campaign logistics involving transportation, food, drinks and entertainment by artists at the campaign grounds. This was what he meant. The President, who is the leader of the party, remains the leader and would do everything to ensure the successes of our campaign.”He maintained that Tinubu has the wherewithal to lead top notchers of the party to ensure its success at the elections.

Similarly, the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Mr. Hilliard Eta, said Buhari acted in the best interest of Nigerians.Making reference to the decision by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to mandate Senate President Bukola Saraki to lead its campaign, Eta said Buhari’s decision was in order.He stressed: “The President did not say he was not leading the campaign; he simply said he doesn’t want governance to suffer. He has every right to delegate his responsibility to anybody he deems fit can handle the job, and that was why he settled for Tinubu.”

Differing, Nwosu said: “The nation has been governed by proxies for the last few years and APC has allowed it. So, it is left to the Nigerian voters and people to decide during the elections. Buhari is never available to the people who elected him. This is why leaders of other nations treat us with contempt. Political leaders and investors all over the world mock us all the time.”

Reminded that the President said he took the action because he doesn’t want governance to suffer, the ADC chief said: “How low could governance get? All indicators score Buhari’s government as the lowest since the Nigerian nation was founded.”According to CUPP: “It is becoming increasingly clear that while the opposition, and indeed, a majority of Nigerians are preparing for elections next month, the APC is preparing for rigging. That was why its presidential candidate, who is the incumbent President, refused to append his signature to a Bill that would give the electoral process integrity and credibility.

“They are even reportedly planning what they described as low-key campaigns while they plot how to insulate their candidate from campaigning and debating with opponents and tell Nigerians why they must trust him with their lives for another four years.“Buhari has, indeed, said Tinubu would do the campaigns on his behalf. We hope he was misquoted, otherwise, Nigerians should simply ask him to step back from the contest and let his party put Tinubu forward as its candidate. Buhari would go down as the first candidate in history to hire a proxy in a presidential contest.

“He is the one contesting, he should not be afraid to be the one to interface directly with Nigerians. We urge Nigerian people to insist that Buhari must show that he is fit and able for the nation’s top job by leading his own campaign and by being at the presidential candidates’ debate.“Anyone who is afraid to come out and debate shoulder-to-shoulder with opponents and speak directly to Nigerians is not deserving of the mandate of Nigerians. lt would be nice to have Buhari mount the rostrum in all the 36 states and see him debate with our candidate and answer questions on his stewardship so far and what else he has to offer. We look forward to that day.”

To Olatunji: “If eventually Buhari fails to show up on rostrums and eventually gets elected for the second term, then there are grave consequences for the body politick. “The first implication is that in future elections, any individual, competent or otherwise, can contest for any elective post in the land without presenting the electorate the opportunity to assess his/her level of competence or preparedness to lead, which is what public campaigns offer for democratic practices.

“Secondly, failure to openly participate in campaigns implies that Nigerians cannot hold Buhari accountable for any electoral promises or manifestoes. “The third implication has to do with the health status or stamina of the President to continue in office. If he does not consider himself fit to campaign, will Nigerians consider him fit to lead?” On why the deviation from the norms, the university don said it is in the realm of conjectures, though he believed the President would actively participate in the campaigns.


“After all, if you watch the other rival presidential candidates, it is the associates that take turns to speak profusely, while the real candidates just round up the campaigns. Recall also that that was the trend with him when he contested the 2015 election.” He does not believe that by appointing Tinubu as his overall campaign handler, Buhari would have actually abdicated his democratic responsibility of engaging in public campaigns for the post.

“But if he does, which will be both strange and unfortunate, personal considerations, including his popularly known health history, the rigours associated with traversing the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the strategic need to put one of his best feet in front (Tinubu) may have added up to produce that decision, although none of these reasons will be tenable or acceptable to Nigerians.” He added: “If Buhari is not physically fit to showcase his programmes and strength before Nigerians, he is probably not fit to rule the nation in the next four years.

“Undoubtedly, for a President whose first term was hugely negatively impacted due to long periods of medical vacations, with the current age of the President, insinuations that he may be trying to avoid the rigours of campaigns across the vast Nigerian geographical space may be plausible.“This will also lead to further suspicion that in the circumstance, the President does not intend to submit himself to public scrutiny, either on his physical well-being or that of his programmes.”

https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-still-in-charge-of-campaigns-insists-apc/amp

The Gombe State Fire Service said on Friday that 20 people died and property valued at over N417.1 million were destroyed in fire disasters in the state from January to December 2018.

Mr Wambai Haruna, a Deputy Director, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe.

Haruna said that the service saved 2,053 lives and property worth N4.4 billion while 168 people sustained various degrees of injuries during the period under review.

He advised the public to cooperate with personnel of the service by alerting them on time for prompt action during emergency situations.

He also urged parents to caution their wards on the handling of inflammable items and to switch off all electrical appliances before going to bed, to avoid fire outbreak.

Haruna further appealed to the state government to provide the service with more equipment to enhance disaster management.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/20-persons-die-property-worth-n4171m.html

John Mikel Obi has been listed as Nigeria’s richest footballer with a net worth of $57m which has come from investments, capital projects and endorsements according to an online survey.

Surprisingly Mikel who recently terminated his contract with Chinese Club, Tianjin Teda is not the most valuable Nigeria player in the transfer market which has gone to Wilfred Ndidi.

The Super Eagles captain who has repeatedly cleared the air on his national team status is followed by Obafemi Martins with $37m, Victor Moses at $20.1m, with Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike in joint-fourth at $18m. Yakubu Aiyegbeni is sixth at $14.5m.

Victor Anichebe is seventh at $11m, followed by Vincent Enyeama at $7m, Taye Ismaila Taiwo at $6.6m and last in the top-10 is Peter Osaze Odemwingie at $5.5m net worth.

None of the current Super Eagles players made the list.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/mikel-is-nigerias-richest-footballer.html

Mr Yabagi Sani, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) presidential candidate, has experessed the need to use Nigeria’s oil revenue to develop the nation.

Sani made the remark on Wednesday during a meeting between the leadership and candidates of the ADP in Abuja.

The candidate, who also spoke on the need for change as the party had a lot to work with, said if necessary things were put in place monies from crude oil could be used to develop many areas.

He said this was possible because Nigeria was six largest producer of crude oil in the world and number three in gas production.

“We can not be this rich with all the human resources that surround us and be lacking.

“We are sitting under the equator where we should be number one manufacturer of solar energy.

“We have crude oil, fertile land for agriculture and other mineral resources.

“But people are allowing others to come and harvest our minerals,without exchange,”he said.

On the party’s campaign, he said that all contestants needed to meet with the ADP leadership to strategise toward the forthcoming coming general election.

“We are synergising our efforts to make sure that we are on the same page both from our campaign strategy to how we can make our money go long way.

“So that each individual is not repeating what we can put together and drive down cost.

“We are also planning and giving out the deadlines as submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), letting people know and also those that need their forms to be accurately filled,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/oil-money-should-be-used-to-develop.html

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has lamented that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government has mismanaged the country’s economy, which has led to the loss of 10 million jobs since it came on board, and urged Nigerians to sack the government in this year’s general election.

Atiku has also berated President Muhammadu Buhari for not attending the burial of five Nigerian Air Force (NAF) officers who died in a helicopter crash while prosecuting the war on terror.


The former vice president disclosed this in Minna, Niger State during PDP presidential campaign rally, where he said that the APC-led federal government having failed to deliver on its campaign promises to Nigerians must be voted out of office.

Atiku said, “In 2015, they came to tell us that PDP did not do anything, and they promised to fight corruption, to improve our economy and also to secure our country. Have they achieved anyone of these three?

“When they came in, there was insecurity only in North-east. Today, there is insecurity in North-west and North Central and we have lost more lives than at any other time in the history of this country in peaceful times. They have failed as far as security is concerned.

“When it comes to the issue of economy, we have lost more jobs, over 10 million jobs, to the extent that Nigeria has been declared the headquarters of poverty in the world. This is a record. Have they fulfilled that promise? Now, I want to promise you that if you vote PDP, we will restore the jobs that had been lost. You either get a job or get a business to do.”

Atiku who made the promise and commitment on behalf of PDP, added that if voted into power, PDP will tackle issues of insecurity, which Buhari has not been able to control.

He added, “They have been unable to control insecurity because they have been unable to provide jobs and businesses for the people. So, by the time we provide jobs and businesses for our young men and women, you will hear less crime and less insecurity. So, I want to promise you on behalf of our great party to sack the APC government and let us send them packing. Like I use to say, Buhari must go! APC must go!.”

Also, the Director General of PDP campaign and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki,said that after three and half years of APC’s leadership, the government had failed to deliver on its campaign promises.

Saraki said, “Our campaign will be based always on issues. Election is about referendum. A government that has been with us for three and half years and promised us three things and we are going to decide as Nigerians if they have performed; if they can continue; and if they have not performed, they must pack and go home.

“They promised security, there was problem in the North-east and they said they can provide security solution; today isn’t the security worse? There is no security in North-central, North-west, there is security problem.

“Before, they said they will provide three million jobs for the youth, today more than 10 million jobs have been lost. They came they said they would bring food to our people; today Nigeria is the capital of hunger in the entire world, and I ask: have they performed?

“They said they will fight corruption, but today there is corruption in the country. Is that not true? They have failed on these things and that is why they must leave and let us bring a man that has experience, that knows how to create jobs, that knows how to bring food to all of us.”

Meanwhile, Atiku has berated President Buhari for not attending the burial of five NAF officers who died in a helicopter crash while prosecuting the war on terror and were buried in Abuja.

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Atiku said that Buhari’s refusal to attend the funeral of these heroes on Tuesday was part of a pattern of unpatriotic behaviour demonstrated by the President.

According to him, “At a time when the morale of our soldiers should be lifted up as they face the difficult task of defeating the terrorists who are threatening our national security, I find it most regrettable that President Buhari, despite being in Abuja, chose not to attend the funeral of the five Air Force officers who died in a helicopter crash while prosecuting the war on terror.”

Atiku said sadly, due to reasons best known to him, Buhari chose not to attend their funeral, neither was he represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo nor any federal delegation.

“This was despite the fact that the President had time to host Nollywood actors and actresses the previous day. Imagine celebrating just before such a solemn event,” he stressed. The former vice president urged Buhari to learn from even younger leaders, like French President Emmanuel Macron, who on March 28, 2018, attended the funeral of a single French policeman, Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame, killed by terrorists in Southern France.

He said that single event boosted the morale of the French security forces, because it showed a commitment to their wellbeing and honour for their memory by the head of state.

Atiku stated, “Last month, I had cause to advise the President to find time to attend the funerals of the hero soldiers of the 157 Taskforce Battalion in Metele, Borno State, who paid the supreme price for Nigeria in large numbers. “The most recent funeral held in Abuja, the President was in Abuja on the day of the funeral. The previous day, he had inaugurated his re-election campaign council.

“Very sadly, President Buhari missed another opportunity to demonstrate such commitment to our armed forces.

“My question for Mr. President is this: is securing your second term, more important to you than securing Nigeria?

“Let me end this by commending our military for their sacrificial efforts to secure all of us. You have my full support and solidarity. When we make the solemn vow that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, we mean your colleagues, who paid the ultimate price to secure
Nigeria.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/loss-of-10m-jobs-sack-apc-atiku-tells.html

Senate President and National Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday said the purported move by the national leader of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, and his cohorts in the party in the state to annex Kwara State as their next political abode in the 2019 elections would be an exercise in futility.

According to Saraki, “Kwara is a state in the northern region of the country and not in the South-west where Tinubu has been allegedly tormenting the people of the zone.”


The Senate president disclosed this at Bode-Saadu in Moro Local Government Area of the state during the flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign rally in the state.

He however said: “The members of the PDP in state and the people of the state have resolved to frustrate the Tinubu’s threat to wrest power in Kwara State for APC by all means.

“Those who are against us are not from Kwara State but they are from outside North where we belong, and by the grace of God they will not have their way in the state in the 2019 elections.”

Saraki further stated that “these opposition groups are not known in Kwara State. They are just impostors, deceptive people and propagandists. I want you to reject them during the polls I order to move the state forward.

“I want to tell you that the forthcoming general election in the state is not about me or about our governorship candidate, Hon. Razak Atunwa, and other candidates in the election, but it is about Kwara State and our tradition.

We must all come out with our permanent voters cards enmass during the polls to vote for all the PDP candidates and Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi as presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate respectively.

He said the election is between the tenants and landlord, “and we must all resist the move by the tenants to cause any disharmony in the state.”

The party leader said PDP is everywhere in the state, “and with this unprecedented crowd that you see today, it shows that we are on ground and we will demonstrate this with our votes for PDP during the polls.”

Saraki, who decried the level of poverty, sufferings, kidnappings, general insecurity in the country, enjoined Nigerians to rally support for the PDP during the polls so as to bring new lease of life to the people of the country.

He therefore urged PDP members to move to various households in the state and mobilised for the party as well as assist the party to win the forthcoming general election in the state.

In his remarks, the Director General of Mandate 2019 of PDP and former Minister of National Planning, Professor Suleiman Abubakar, said: “The election in Kwara State is going to be development between tenants and landlord.”

“The PDP will not allow these tenants to change the developmental gestures that the government had put on ground in the last 16 years in the state.”

He said members of the party must be determined not to allow the tenants in the state so as to ensure the continuity of good governance in the state.

Abubakar, who described the leaders of APC as deceitful personalities, urged Kwarans to reject them during the polls.

Also speaking, the outgoing state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the past administrations have brought a new lease of life to the people of the state in the last 16 years.

According to him, “It is on this premise that the people of the state should continue to support the Saraki’s leadership in order to move the state forward.”

In his remark, the PDP governorship candidate, Atunwa, said his administration would address values to the socioeconomic growth of the state if voted into office on March 2.

He also promised to continue with the good work of the previous administrations in the state so as to continue to advance the needs of the rural populace.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/no-way-for-tinubu-in-kwara-politics.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has told the Gabonese military that military coups and government are out of vogue and urged it to respect the country’s constitutional provisions.

President Buhari, who was once a military head of state between 1 January 1984 and 25 August 1985, said:

“The military officers in Gabon should understand that the era of military coups and governments in Africa and indeed worldwide, is long gone.

“Democracy is supreme and the constitutional stipulations on the peaceful change of administration must be respected. That is the only way we can ensure peace and stability not only within the country but also in the region.”

President Buhari expressed his view in the aftermath of the aborted coup in Gabon on Monday.

Some renegade soldiers, led by a Lieutenant Ondo Obiang Kelly seized the state-owned radio station, sacked the government of President Ali Bongo and announced the formation of a National Restoration Council.

Obiang Kelly was the deputy commander of the Republican Guard and head of a previously unknown group, the Patriotic Youth Movement of the Gabonese Defence and Security Forces. He said he was reading a communique by the military and urged the people to join his rebellion.

But hours after, the Gabonese government restored order, killed two of the plotters and arrested the chief plotter.

President Buhari, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman, urged military officers with political ambitions to resign or face their constitutional role.

He also enjoined the people of Gabon to remain on the side of peace, security, stability and democracy in their country.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/buhari-to-gabonese-army-military-coups.html

While many Nigerians commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for improved electricity supply they enjoyed throughout the festive period, it was not the same for members of Ogijo community in Ogun State, a border town between Ogun and Lagos states.

Aggrieved members of the community alleged that Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) deliberately disconnected their supply at Shagamu Station, which left the area in darkness for some months and throughout the yuletide.

It was gathered that one of the reasons for the disconnection was a protest community members staged to the Ogijo office of IBEDC over poor power supply over the years despite the exorbitant bill they pay monthly.


While they appealed to Buhari and the Minister for Power, Housing and Works, Babatunde Fashola, to urgently intervene to restore power, they also claimed that the situation is making life difficult as well as paralyzing their businesses. They stressed: “Criminals are now taking advantage of the permanent darkness to foment trouble in our areas.”

Although, there are several versions of the stories why the distribution company ‘deliberately’ denied the community electricity supply in the last few months. Some claimed that the situation may have been due to the ongoing construction of Ikorodu-Ogijo-Mosinmi-Shimawa and Shagamu Expressway, as some electricity poles have been removed due to the ongoing road construction but other residents dismissed the explanation.

Another version of the story is that some elderly women sometimes ago went half-naked to the office to complain they could no longer accept a situation where there is uninterrupted power supply in Ikorodu and Ita-Oluwo, neighbouring communities while Ogijo is kept in perpetual darkness. The matter later degenerated to a point that a worker of IBEDC was beaten to a point of coma last year. This made other workers abandon the office.

Also, there have been allegations and counter allegations against IBEDC that they were collaborating with some manufacturing firms sited in the area to deprive the community of supply. Residents claim the supply meant for the community is oftentimes diverted to the manufacturing companies.

However, a senior official of IBEDC, Mr. John Ayodele, denied the accusation that the company deliberately disconnected Ogijo’s supply. He said the people are too aggressive and not helping their cause. According to him, “Our staff had to run for their lives when the angry mob attacked them, beat up one of them to the point of coma and also placed ritual in front of the office.”

On the way forward, Ayodele said he has no solution pending when the people will have a change of attitude and desist from attacking their officials.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/ogun-community-appeals-to-buhari.html

There is rising discontent within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the composition of its presidential campaign council billed to be inaugurated tomorrow by President Muhammadu Buhari, Akelicious has learnt.

A statement issued by Director, Strategic Communications, APC Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Festus Keyamo, said the inauguration would take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.


But some prominent members of the party are frowning on the composition of the council, which they allege is populated mainly by people believed to be loyal to the National Leader of APC, Bola Tinubu. This has created intense disaffection among stakeholders.

Keyamo’s statement said Buhari was expected to conduct the inauguration in his capacity as chairman of the campaign council.

Three major elements are said to have influenced the composition of the campaign council. They are the Bola Tinubu factor, issue of the alleged cabal within the Buhari government, and the Rotimi Amaechi factor. But the other tendencies are believed to have been dwarfed by the Tinubu factor.

Besides Tinubu’s prevailing influence, the structure of the council is believed to be too unwieldy to facilitate the achievement of the expected results. For example, some members of the party are said to be questioning the need for two chairmen – Buhari and Tinubu – in a presidential campaign council, calling it undue duplication.

The same argument is being pushed against the choice of two secretaries for the council, in the persons of Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, and a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Mr. Dele Alake.

Some prominent APC members are worried that Tinubu could secure such a strategic position while the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, are appointed deputies.

There are issues, too, with the zonal coordination of the campaign, which is practically taken away from the governors. This is a departure from what obtained in 2015, when the governors not only coordinated, but also agreed among themselves who should lead each zone. Many aggrieved members say the governors have been practically excluded from any role in the election, since looking after their states is a responsibility that comes naturally for them in any election.

Besides, persons appointed to coordinate in the zones are suspected to have been chosen to either work at cross-purposes with the governors or serve as counterforces for certain persons in the respective zones. This development is creating crisis in the party.

The appointment of Olusola Oke, a former governorship candidate in Ondo State, for instance, as the coordinator for South-west is said to have been done without consultation with the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, let alone other governors from the zone. The implication is that he is not likely to work well with governors in the zone, more so as he is believed to have been put in that position by Tinubu, essentially to rival Akeredolu and his allies.

A similar situation is said to be playing out in the North-west with the appointment of a former governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamakko, as coordinator, to the dissatisfaction of Governors Mohammed Badaru of Jigawa and Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State.

In the South-east, the appointment of Sharon Ikeazor has also not gone down well with many leaders in the zone, including Minister of Labour Chris Ngige, who are said to see her choice as sheer disrespect for their place as leaders in the zone.

The choice of a former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, as the South-south coordinator is being interpreted in many quarters to mean the creation of a counterforce in the zone against the influence of the Director-General of the campaign and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

Many aggrieved leaders of the party also believe that not giving an important role in the campaign to a person like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, means that the composition is not properly thought out.

In fact, the vice president is alleged to be running his show privately with one of his aides, independent of the campaign council, a development the aggrieved members are interpreting to mean poor composition and coordination of the campaign council.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/govs-fear-tinubus-role-as-buhari.html

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has awarded contracts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 140 roads in different parts of the state.

Obaseki named Agho Streets (First and Second) and Erumwunse Street in Ekehuan axis of Benin City, among the road contracts recently awarded, noting that work would commence before the end of January as contracts for their repairs have been awarded.

He disclosed this during a visit to Ward 3, in Oredo Local Government Area, where he campaigned for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contesting for seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.


He said, “We have awarded the reconstruction of roads in this area. Contractors will soon start work on Erumwunse Street. Also, first and second Agho streets have been awarded and the contractor is set to start work.”

He recalled that the state government classified reconstruction work on roads across the state into 9-axis, with the scope of work to be carried out to include, site clearance/earthworks, scarification of failed sections, filling with hardcore (designated sections), and filling of sub-base with lateritic materials.

According to him, other aspects include laying of stone base as base course, provision of rigid concrete pavement and asphaltic wearing course.”

The reconstruction work in Ekehuan/Siluko/Ugbowo I axis covers a 2.085km-road network, which includes Eheneden Street, Off Ekehuan Road; Agho Street Off Ekehuan Road, 2nd Agho Street, off Ekehuan Road, Erumwunse Street off Ekehuan Road, Aibalegbe Street, Isiohor Benin-Lagos Expressway and Jemide Drive, off Goodwill, off Ekehuan Road.”

In Edo Central, reconstruction of road is being carried out on 8.8452km of roads, which include Esan Central Secretariat-Ivue Road; Ubiaja Angle 90 – Ahia Roundabout; Uwalor Road, Uromi, Palace Road Ewohimi, among others.

In Edo North, reconstruction work is ongoing on 20.066km road network, which includes complete overlay, sectional overlay and spot improvement/sectional overlay and the reconstruction of Iddo-Okpella Road, Jattu-Iyuku Road, Mission Road, Agenebode, Ozalla-Sabongida Road, Secretariat Road, Igarra, among others.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/obaseki-awards-contracts-for.html

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, Mr Bagudu Suleiman has said that the party is not under threat from any opposition political party particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in Edo, ahead of the 2019 general election.

Bagudu, the Etsako Central Local Government Chairman of the party, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Auchi, Edo, on Saturday.

He said that the APC was fully on ground in Edo North Senatorial District in particular, and the state in general, adding that the party is fully prepared for the elections.

Suleiman noted that, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had taken to propaganda, the APC was busy moving round the nooks and crannies of the state canvassing for votes.

“We are not taking chances that we are the ruling party in the state, we started campaigns in earnest and we are doing that religiously.

“It is based on this and what we have been able achieve as a government in power in the state and at the federal level, that I can confidently tell you that we are not under any threat from any opposition party.

“We are fully mobilised for the elections, and come February, victory is ours,” he said.

On the the crisis that emanated following the conduct of the party’s primaries, the chairman said it would not affect APC chances at the polls.

“The party has since moved on with the aggrieved members now fully integrated into the campaign programmes.

“Issues of primary and congresses have long been settled.

“We have put our house in order, especially with the reconciliation committee that was set up to assuage the aggrieved members,” he said.

He also said that some bigwigs from the main opposition party, PDP, would join the APC before the elections.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/pdp-not-our-match-in-edo-says-apc.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said his administration had paid billions of dollars to pensioners since he came to power in 2015.

Consequently, he said such move had put paid to the anguish of senior citizens.


Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the president made the remarks when he received a delegation of Nigeria Union of Pensioners led by its acting president, Comrade Musa Ayuba Dallatu, in the State House

According to the statement, the president said under his watch, the

Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) completed full payment of N5.8 billion to police retirees in August 2018 while in November 2018, N13.7 billion was paid to parastatal retirees and another N18 billion paid to civil service Pensioners.

It also said the Directorate which supervised the payment of pension arrears to over 50,000 verified civil service pensioners, also oversaw the payment of N917.6 million to 432 war retirees.

Adesina quoted the president as saying, “These few examples testify to the Government’s positive impact on pensioners’ lives. In addition, we achieved huge savings in budgetary provisions through the elimination of ghost and duplicated details.

‘‘We have restored qualified pensioners arbitrarily removed from the payroll, thus bringing succour and hope to senior citizens, thereby improving the confidence of the entire county in the Government and its policies,’’ he said.

He also said the president noted that his administration had put paid to the dehumanisation of federal pensioners by ensuring that they were paid their entitlements and backlog of arrears as and when due.

The president’s spokesman added that the president observed that the welfare of pensioners remained one of the priorities of his administration since May 2015.

Furthermore, he said Buhari noted that the retirees deserve timely payment of their emoluments, recognition, and respect for their work as well as dedication to the country during their active working years.

‘‘In recent times pensioners were ignored, neglected and even persecuted. We have put a stop to that. As you yourselves have confirmed today, we have begun regular payment of monthly pensions and payment of backlog of arrears.







‘‘The Federal Government released N45 billion accrued rights for the contributory pension scheme and N22.4 billion to start payment of ex-Nigeria Airways pensioners,’’ Buhari was further quoted.



According to the statement, Buhari told the pensioners that the federal government also bailed out states to address salary and pension arrears including Paris Club refunds, disclosing that he had authorised schemes for the restoration of Niger Delta Steel Company pensioners, NITEL/MTEL pensioners and Biafran Police war veterans pensioners.



It stated further that the president reviewed the actions taken so far by the administration in connection with the pension industry, saying PTAD had saved N4.9 trillion per annum as a result of payroll clean-up under the civil service verification exercise.



However, Adesina said in response to the retirees’ request for the implementation of the National Policy on Pension Parity and the National Policy on Social Security on Health and Other Related Matters of the Elderly, the president promised to do all within his powers to address them, but subject to availability of funds.



According to him, the leader of the delegation, Dalhatu, also sought the president’s intervention on five percent counterpart funding for the payment of local government pensioners and retired primary school teachers which he said was arbitrarily stopped in 2010.


The statement added, “Comrade Dallatu appealed for the payment of outstanding pension arrears, gratuities and death benefits that have accrued over the years, among others.

“Commending Buhari on the regular payment of pensions, Dallatu said: ‘we are bold to say without fear or favour that you have made our lives better than you met it in so many areas, which among others include regular payment of monthly pensions.’”


Adesina also quoted Dalhatu saying, ‘‘It is an incontestable fact that since the advent of this government under your able leadership, payment of monthly pensions has been more regular than ever. In fact, if the truth must be told, Mr President Sir, we have never had it so good.’’

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/buhari-says-billions-of-naira-paid-to.html

A former Director of the Department of the State Services (DSS), Mr. Mike Ejiofor, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve the leadership of some of the various security agencies of their position as a means of improving the performance of these organisations in the fight against insecurity in the country.

He said a situation where high -profile military officers were kidnapped and killed showed the state of insecurity in the country.


Speaking Wednesday on the Arise News, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspaper, Ejiofor said the tenure of some of the Service Chiefs had expired.

“For me if you continue to do the same thing, the same way you can’t expect a different result. Some of the Service Chiefs have overstayed – their tenures have expired but they are still being retained. So, I think it is time we need to try new hands but because of politics I think the government doesn’t have the political will to do this,” he said.

The ex-DSS boss cautioned that the country cannot afford to play politics with its security. According to him, the bulk of the security concerns over the forthcoming general elections is caused by the actions and behaviours of politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP).

“Well it is going to be a very challenging year. In 2018 you have listed the crises and challenges we have, which the government is trying to address but you know the problems and challenges we expect in 2019 because of the election, I believe, are self-made and self-inflicted because these could be avoided. You see the way politicians go about their campaigns. We expect them to campaign on issues but they are busy attacking each other. We should not forget that we have about 90 political parties but the prominent ones causing the real security challenges are the PDP and APC and the reasons are obvious.”

“APC want to retain power, claiming that PDP has been in power for the past 16 years and PDP having left power for over four years want to come back. There is nothing wrong with that; that is democracy but my fears are that as stated in our constitutions, the primary purpose and responsibility of government is the security and welfare of the people.

“You can’t divorce politics from security but at the same time we can’t be playing politics with our security, which is exactly what is happening. “People are playing politics with our security system which is very dangerous. Security is a collective effort of the whole people and it shouldn’t be left for government alone but the government on its part also has promised as one of its cardinal projects to provide security for the people but we are not there yet. You listed the challenges; you look at Borno State for instance the Boko Haram is overwhelming the military what are the reasons? You go to Zamfara people are been killed daily. Herdsmen whom I don’t call herdsmen – I call them terrorist, which I believe is an extension of Boko Haram, all over the country and we are preparing for an election. The problems are so much and I think the earlier the government addresses the issues the better for them as we are going into elections,” Ejiofor explained.

Ejiofor disclosed that the military is ill-equipped to handle the current security challenges in the country.

“We have in place the multinational joint taskforce and they seem not to be effective anymore and then we need to change tactics and it is not just changing – the government should also come out to equip the military. I think they are ill equipped; they are not fully functional as they supposed

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/sack-service-chiefs-now-former-dss.html

The member representing Arewa/Dandi Federal Constituency, Alhaji Hussaini Kangiwa, says the National Assembly would ensure speedy passage of the 2019 budget.

Kangiwa told newsmen on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi that the lawmakers would avoid the mistakes that delayed the passage of the 2018 budget.

According to him, the passage will be in contrast to that of 2018 that was passed amid controversies and disharmony between the executive and the legislature.

“I think Nigerians should not have to worry this time around as we have all learned our lessons from what happened in 2018.

“I can assure you that the impasse that trailed the 2018 budget in the National Assembly before its passage will be avoided in 2019,” the APC member, said.

Kangiwa assured President Muhammadu Buhari that APC lawmakers in the National Assembly were solidly behind him in spite of what happened during the presentation of the budget.

“What happened during the budget presentation was unfortunate; it was orchestrated and carried out by the opposition but we the APC lawmakers were able to check them.

“We are solidly behind our President because we are in support of his anti-corruption crusade,” he said.

Kangiwa also lauded Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi for transforming the state to being a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth through agriculture.

“Governor Bagudu left no one in doubt about the ability of APC to deliver on its campaign promises.

“His rice revolution has triggered massive rice production which has drastically reduced rice import to barest minimum,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/legislator-assures-of-speedy-passage-of.html

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Paul Usoro, has called on its members not to allow politicians to subvert the will of Nigerians during the forthcoming general elections across the country.

This is even as he said the association has started the process of resuscitating the moribund NBA insurance scheme in other to give members renewed hope in 2019.


In a statement he issued to mark the New Year, Usoro said lawyers have a civic responsibility to cast their votes and have additional roles to play in assisting to ensure that the will of Nigerians are not subverted.

He said: “Part of the roles of lawyers include participation in voter education, consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure free, fair and violence-free elections, monitoring the electoral processes and, not least, blowing the whistle on perceived or identified plans to subvert the people’s will.

“Nigerians need to be encouraged not to mortgage their future on the altar of immediate and ephemeral gratifications. We need to understand that our lives and the lives of our children and future generations are at stake in these elections and we must therefore vote our convictions,” Usoro explained.

He said in the succeeding days, NBA will unveil concrete steps it would take, in a non-partisan manner, to contribute to the success of the 2019 elections.

NBA Leader called on lawyers not to lose sight of their core responsibility and obligation to promote, protect and uphold the rule of law in the country.

“In our country, the rule of law suffers degradation in multiple ways. The rule of law is trampled upon when there is no access to justice or when such access is denied, not well defined or is constrained, stifled or impaired howsoever.

“The rule of law is threatened when the practice of law, whether at the Bar or on the Bench, is brought under siege by agencies of state through their actions and/or inactions. The rule of law suffers subjugation when the rights of our people are trodden upon whether in terms of rights abuses or brazen disobedience of court orders and judgments.

“The rule of law is degraded when we, wittingly or unwittingly, fail to build strong institutions that can stand up to the arbitrariness and abuse of power. In 2019, we will continue to condemn and beam our searchlights on these undermining practices. Nigerian lawyers must stand as a united and independent Bar against these unwholesome and undemocratic practices; in carrying out this responsibility we must not be cowed or intimated howsoever,” he added.

The NBA president also noted that the proposed insurance scheme was in fulfilment of his team’s electoral promise to put members first at all times and to focus, amongst others, on their welfare.

He said: “The insurance scheme, in our understanding, was designed primarily to serve as a safety-net for members in circumstances of death and/or disability.

“In revamping the scheme, we are taking a holistic look at it, and would in particular, review the required props for its sustainability, the scope of coverage and the basket of benefits that members should and would derive from the scheme.

We would be consultative in our approach in the redesigning of the scheme and would take on board your suggestions thereon,” he added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/nba-president-warns-against-subversion.html

Revellers welcomed 2019 with fireworks displays and festivities as a celebratory wave swept westward across the globe from Asia to Europe and Africa.

The Americas will be the last to celebrate the conclusion of a tumultuous year, as they are five hours behind.

Monday’s celebrations kicked off with Sydney hosting its biggest-ever pyrotechnics display and lighting up its harbour-front skyline for a full 12 minutes.

More than 1.5 million spectators gathered to enjoy the spectacle that also featured a ceremony to celebrate Australia’s indigenous culture.

In Hong Kong, hundreds of thousands of party-goers packed the streets on either side of Victoria Harbour for a spectacular 10-minute show that burnt through $1.8 million worth of fireworks.


In the Indonesian capital Jakarta, more than 500 couples tied the knot in a free, mass wedding organised by the government to mark the arrival of a new year.

Fireworks shows, however, were cancelled out of respect for victims of a December 22 tsunami that killed more than 400 people.

In Japan, locals flocked to temples to ring in 2019, as US boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather came out of retirement to beat Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a multi-million-dollar “exhibition” bout outside Tokyo.

In Dubai, fireworks lit up the sky over the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the delight of onlookers, while nearby Ras al-Khaima sought to enter the Guinness Book of Records with the world’s longest fireworks show.


Russia saw in the new year progressively over several time zones starting in the far east, with concerts and light shows planned for Moscow city parks, and more than 1,000 ice rinks opened for merrymakers.


But a tower block gas explosion that killed at least four people and left dozens missing cast a shadow over New Year’s celebrations.

In his New Year’s address to the nation, President Vladimir Putin urged people to work together to “increase well-being and quality of life so that all citizens of Russia… feel changes for the better in the coming year.”

In Paris, fireworks and a light show with the theme “fraternity” were scheduled for the Champs-Elysees despite persistent “yellow vest” anti-government protests.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a televised address, acknowledged the French government “can do better” by citizens complaining of shrinking spending power.


In Berlin, music lovers partied at a concert at the Brandenburg Gate, while Britain’s capital London opted to usher in the new year by celebrating its relationship with Europe, despite Britain’s impending departure from the European Union.

London’s fireworks display would seek to show Europe that the British capital would remain “open-minded” and “outward-looking” post-Brexit, said the city’s mayor Sadiq Khan.

In Portugal, dozens of people, some in costume, will brave the winter for a traditional New Year’s ocean dip near Lisbon, while in the Democratic Republic of Congo, election officials will be counting votes after a presidential election Sunday.


In Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari used his New Year’s address to promise a free and fair election in 2019 and there were fireworks in many cities such as Lagos and Abuja and crossover services in many churches.

In Ivory Coast leader Alassane Ouattara vowed the creation of a new, independent, electoral commission for polls planned for 2020.

When the celebrations reach the Americas, Rio de Janeiro’s famous hilltop Christ the Redeemer statue will be brought to 3D life with special light projections before fireworks illuminate the city’s Copacabana beach where around two million people are expected to party till dawn.

As the world celebrates, many are wondering whether the turmoil witnessed in 2018 will spill over into the next.


The political wrangling in Westminster over Brexit was one of the key stories of this year, with a resolution yet to be reached ahead of Britain’s scheduled March 29 departure.

US President Donald Trump dominated headlines in 2018, ramping up a trade war with China, quitting the Iran nuclear deal, moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, and meeting his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un.

North Korea’s commitment to denuclearisation will remain a major political and security issue into next year, as will Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s reassertion of control after Trump’s shock announcement of a US troop withdrawal from the country.

The war in Yemen, which has killed about 10,000 people since 2014 and some 20 million at risk of starvation, could take a crucial turn in 2019 after a ceasefire went into effect in mid-December.

Numerous countries go to the polls in the coming year, including India, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Argentina, and Australia.

Major sporting events on the calendar include the Rugby World Cup in Japan, the cricket one-day international World Cup in England, and the athletics World Championships in Qatar.

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2019/01/how-world-welcomed-2019.html

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has sworn-in Mrs Onyinyechi Nwachukwu, as a Permanent Secretary in the state Civil Service.

The ceremony took place at the Government House, Umuahia on Monday.

Speaking at the event Ikpeazu described the civil service as the engine room of government policies which play great role actualisation of good governance.

He said civil servants, especially permanent secretaries, play great role in the formulation and implementation of government policies.

“Whether we do well or not depends on the ability of civil service to interpret properly and accurately the ideals and vision of the State Government as well as implement same as expeditiously as possible.

“Resources are scarce, so prudent management of resources is part of strategies you will need to utilise,” Ikpeazu said.

He said one of the core objectives of the present administration is to serve the people of the state and ensure their interests is protected.

Ikpeazu said he was confident the new permanent secretary would live up to expectations.

Responding, Nwachukwu, appreciated the state government for giving her the opportunity to serve the people of the state.

She assured that she would discharge her duties without fear or favour.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/gov-okezie-ikpeazu-swears-in-new.html

The Indigenous Fulani Community in Kwara State, comprising the Bororos, has assured the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki of their support ahead of the 2019 general elections.


The leaders of the Fulani community, Alhaji Garba Dembo (Jowuro Oyun) and Mallam Usman Garba (the Fulani/ Bororo union’s secretary) gave the assurance on Saturday when they paid a solidarity visit to the Senate President at his Iloffa, GRA residence in Ilorin.

Jowuro Oyun promised that his people would deliver their votes 100 per cent to all Peoples Democratic Partys (PDP) candidates in next year’s general elections.


“We’re in full support of Dr Bukola Saraki. We gathered at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari from where we marched down to Saraki’s residence to assure him of our 100 per cent support.

“The late Dr. Olusola Saraki during his lifetime contributed immensely to the growth and development of Kwara state. As a result of this, we the Fulani and Bororo are prepared to reciprocate the kind gesture of the late Saraki by giving his son, Dr Bukola Saraki 100 per cent support.

“Baba Saraki loved and cared for us, so, it’s natural that we should also love and support his son who is also following the footsteps of his father.


Also speaking, the Secretary of Bororo/ Fulani community, Mallam Usman Garba said: “We have been waiting for this day. We are going to support you 100 per cent. When your father was alive, he did a lot for us.

“We are ready to reciprocate Baba’s kind gesture to us by supporting you, his son. There is nothing anyone can do for us to vote for the people we don’t know.”

Responding, Saraki who was adorned with Fulani’s hat thanked leaders and members of the Fulani community for identifying with his leadership.

While assuring them of his continued support, Saraki reminded them that the relationship which exists between them and the Saraki political dynasty had been a long-standing one.

“The Fulani community’s relationship with Saraki political dynasty has been a long-standing one and it shall continue to flourish,” he added.

The Senate President assured his visitors and Nigerians in general that the PDP government come 2019 will fulfil all its campaign promises.

He emphasised the need for the people of Kwara state to vote for the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, because “PDP has a great plan for the people of the state.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/pdp-vs-apc-why-we-endorsed-saraki.html

There are strong signals that efforts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State to pacify aggrieved members ahead of 2019 general elections are not yielding the desired result.

The Guardian learned that most of the aggrieved members are still upset, despite efforts to reconcile them.

Although Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has officially endorsed the chosen gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, asserting that the duo would move the state to greater heights, APC still has a lot of homework to do to achieve a united house in the state.

For instance, at a recent meeting to reconcile members, held at Lagos House, Marina, with the governor as a member of the National Peace and Reconciliation Committee, there were still signs of disagreement among members.

Addressing reporters at the meeting, Ambode said there was no crisis in the state, and that there was no need for reconciliation. But a source privy to the closed-door meeting with party members, hinted that contrary to what the governor said some party members in the state were still aggrieved.


He explained that a member actually tried to express his grievances, but was quickly shouted down on grounds that the governor who was denied a second term had been pacified.

Also, at a meeting organised for Ambode’s loyalists and held at the governor’s campaign office in Ikeja (now Sanwo-Olu’s), all did not seem well.

The meeting was organised for Sanwo-Olu to meet Ambode’s loyalists, but many of them were still angry over the manner their boss was treated, especially when Sanwo-Olu didn’t show up for the meeting.

“We are not happy with this arrangement at all,” one of Ambode’s loyalists fumed. “Ambode would never do this to us. We have been here since morning only for him to call that he was not coming when it was already late. He shouldn’t worry; his deputy will deal with him very well.”

When asked what he meant by that, he retorted, “The deputy is smarter and will not condone any nonsense from him.”

Also, at the state secretariat, Alausa, The Guardian noticed that a number of Sanwo-Olu’s campaign banners had been destroyed.

This is an area that is predominantly APC, where opposition members ought to find it difficult to carry out such an act.

Furthermore, it was reported that “25, 000” APC party members defected to Accord Party (AP) last week, even as the party’s governorship candidate, Joseph Ola Beckly, stepped down for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje.

The general impression was that all is still not well in the house of APC in Lagos State, although the party is strongly denying it.

Stakeholders’ Reaction
The state APC factional chairman, Mr. Fouad Oki said: “I don’t know anything about the reconciliation, I am just hearing about it for the first time. I don’t know what manner of reconciliation they are undertaking, if they refused to be holistic about it. There were some issues on ground before the primary elections, and until they do something about them, I don’t know what reconciliatory efforts are being put in place. Some people who were cheated felt deeply aggrieved even before the primaries. There are two factions of APC in Lagos, whether anyone likes it or not. So, how will you reconcile, if you don’t start from there? Trying to reconcile those that were aggrieved from the fallout of the primaries alone cannot work.”

Reacting to Governor Ambode’s statement that there were no more aggrieved members in the state, Oki declared: “If the governor said there was no need to meet in Lagos, it is unfortunate but I don’t believe so. I’m sure he wouldn’t have said that. Maybe what he meant was that they were making efforts to reconcile everybody, because he (Ambode) is also aggrieved. It was not correct for him to say he was no longer aggrieved. If in wanting to ensure that the party moves forward, he came out to say he is no more aggrieved, like he did at the stakeholders’ meeting, fine. Why are they deceiving themselves?”

Asked if he would support Sanwo-Olu and his group, Oki said he and his team would support all candidates fielded by the party.

He said: “I remain an APC member. I just returned from Iseyin for party activities. My faction is not fielding anyone, so whoever becomes the party candidate is our candidate. There are 40 candidates for the state’s House of Assembly, 24 at the federal constituencies, three at senatorial levels, one gubernatorial candidate and his deputy, one presidential candidate and his vice. So, as far as we are concerned, whoever emerges the party’s candidate is our candidate. We are supporting all the party candidates to enable them to emerge winners in the 2019 elections.”

An APC chieftain, Olawale Oshun told our correspondent that it would be wise for aggrieved members to shield their grievances and support the ruling party, as it would be risky to allow the opponent win.

He expressed optimism that the party would overcome its challenges and get all aggrieved members working for it ahead of 2019.

“It has always been a united family in Lagos APC, and nobody would deny that there had been difficulties in the party lately,” he explained. “But certainly in all political processes where you have a contest, there will be some difficulties. The party’s strength in Lagos State lies in dialoguing and smoothening rough edges. It has always been able to unite different factions and work for the party’s progress.

“Normally, during electoral processes, some people would be dissatisfied over the outcome, but what is important is that at the end of the day, every good party member realises that the party’s strength and performance depend on unity. It is better to be part of a cohesive unit and face the election together than be dispirited and allow people who don’t mean well to take over he stage.

“It is best for us to work together and defeat our opponents. It will be stupid for any member to give room for despondency and allow the opponent have the upper hand. That is why the reconciliation process is needed at this period.”

Budget Delay
For the first time in five years, the 2019 budget would be presented the same year, making it the most delayed in recent years.

Ambode’s predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola presented the 2015 budget of N489.69bn on November 25, 2014. Ambode presented his first full circle budget of N666bn for 2016 on December 17, 2015.

The presentation improved significantly the following year, as the 2017 budget of N813bn was tabled before the House of Assembly on November 29, 2016, while that of 2018, N1.04 trillion was presented on December 11, 2017.

Observers noted that the delay might be a reflection of struggling governance since the primaries. They said the vibrancy associated with the state has continued to wane since then.


Some sources also attributed the delay to the fallout of the primaries. In their views, although work on the 2019 budget had begun since June with consultations with relevant stakeholders and Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), it ran into some hitches during the build-up to the primaries.

The dust generated by the primaries was said to have slowed down the budgeting processes, owing to high-level mistrust in government, as some commissioners and cabinet members shirked their responsibilities.

The height of the politicking was the resignation from office, last month, of Ambode’s commissioner for energy and mineral resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo.

Oluwo, who cited the fallout of the party primaries and the use of a powerful group in the party to intimidate and harass government, said he was joining the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to fight his former party (APC).

However, Akinyemi Ashade, the commissioner for finance, said work on the 2019 budget was being concluded, and would soon be tabled for deliberations and approval by the State Executive Council.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/lagos-2019-all-not-well-with-lagos-apc.html

In a bid to enforce environmental laws, the Federal Government has concluded arrangements to begin implementation of national generator emissions control programme from January 1, 2019.

Director General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Lawrence Anukam, disclosed this while commissioning the equipment in Abuja. He lamented that indiscriminate use of generators for domestic and industrial power supply increases concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Anukam noted that population growth and economic activities have escalated proliferation of industries, use of vehicles and generators, which has led to accelerated air pollution globally.

“Atmospheric pollution is gradually becoming a serious menace in Nigerian cities, especially in metropolitan areas where the use of generators for alternative source of power supply is higher,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria has pledged to reduce its greenhouse emissions by 20 per cent conditionally and 45 per cent unconditionally. Anukam, therefore, stressed that the emissions control programme is a strategy to significantly reduce pollutants from generators, adding that it would involve periodic testing.He restated that the implementation of emissions reduction was conceived as a strategy to address pollution and other environmental issues.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/fg-to-begin-emissions-control-programme.html

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige says another term of four years for President Muhammadu Buhari will be the end of unemployment among youths in the country.


Ngige, who was at Idemili South Local Government Local Government Secretariat, Ojoto, for the passing out of 500 youths trained in cosmetology by the NDE, said Buhari government was working hard to end youth unemployment.

He said the government had set up training programmes to ensure that the youths were gainfully engaged in skill acquisitions and become employers of labour.


He urged unemployed youths to register with the National Directorate of Employment for various training programmes, saying that before long, unemployment in the country would become history.

“Buhari government was desirous to provide skilled jobs to the youths so that they will not only provide employment for themselves but become employers of labour.”

He said the beneficiaries of the training programme, who were sponsored by him, would be provided with funds to enable them start their own businesses.


He enjoined them to form cooperatives to strengthen their businesses, adding that the cost of engaging in cooperatives would be reduced for them.

In his address, the Anambra State Coordinator of NDE, Mr Iroegbu Eke, said the concept of the training was borne out of the desire to ensure that unemployed persons in the country were exposed to the benefits of self- reliance through the production and marketing of household products such as soup and disinfectants.

He said, “It is my belief that you have been well exposed to the benefits and opportunity to improve and better yourselves and the country at large.

“I advise you to put whatever knowledge and experience you have gathered in the training into work. Gain fame, strive for expertise, shun fear of the unknown and develop determination to succeed in spite of obstacles.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2019-presidency-another-term-for-buhari.html

The Minister of Interior, Lt.- Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), has assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s readiness to deploy additional security resources to end the destruction of lives and property in Zamfara.

Dambazau gave the assurance in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Ehisienmen on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister said President Muhammandu Buhari had commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara, following attacks by suspected bandits, which claimed property and lives of innocent Nigerians.

Dambazau expressed Buhari’s deep concern about the unrepentant attitude of the perpetrators of senseless killings in the state.

“We are committed to working closely with the state government to deploy more security resources to the state,’’ Dambazau said.

Ehisienmen said the minister was further briefed by heads of security agencies in Zamfara, in order to put in place additional proactive measures to restore peace needed to protect agricultural and mining interests in the state.

According to the statement, Dambazau was received by the state’s Acting Gov. Mr Sanusi Rikiji and other members of Zamfara Executive Council.

The minister later proceeded to the palace of Sarkin Katsina Gusau, His Royal Highness Dr Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau.

He said Dambazau, while at the palace also delivered Buhari’s message, and assured the Gusau emirate of government’s commitment to ensure law and order in the state.

He said the minister also visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, as well as the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government area, where protesters destroyed vehicles and other government property.

Read more at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/fg-to-mobilise-additional-security-to.html

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, yesterday assured of uninterrupted supply of fuel during the Christmas and New Year celebrations and beyond, saying it has 60-day fuel in stock. He said the corporation imports about 60 million litres of fuel daily, while it evacuates about 50 million litres daily, leaving an excess supply of 10 million litres.

Baru, who toured some filling stations around Abuja metropolis to monitor fuel supply situation and sales, noted that under-recovery of petrol has reduced significantly.He said the corporation has put measures in place to ensure that Nigerians don’t witness another fuel scarcity in the country. He noted that as at December last year, commuters experienced serious scarcity and there were also sharp practices by oil marketers, who were busy diverting and hoarding the product.

Baru added that the NNPC was also aware of some of their collaborators, who were helping them to divert and hoard the product.He explained that with the help of President Muhammadu Buhari, the corporation brought in more product to avoid the scarcity experienced last year.

Commending the President for maintaining N145 per litre, he said during the year, there were times when the product was brought in, indicating under-recoveries of about N80, adding that during the peak of crude oil price, under-recovery also rose.

Baru pointed out that crude oil prices had reduced just as under-recoveries decreased resulting to bridging of N15-25 per litre depending on the price, saying when crude oil price was N60, under-recovery came to N25.

Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Aminu, noted that NNPC carried them along in providing security for pipelines, adding that pragmatic steps were taken to curtail vandals from damaging the pipelines.

Manager of Conoil filling station opposite NNPC, Lamia Ahmed, commended NNPC for adequate fuel supplies, saying there were several trucks that were yet to be discharged during the period.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nnpc-reserves-three-billion-litres-of.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has received a letter of endorsement from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a rival party of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state.

Governor Ibikunle Amosu who the delegation adopted APM to fight the governorship position after his preferred candidate lost the primary to APC in the state.

In the letter, APM adopted President Buhari as its presidential candidate for the 2019 general elections but fielded different candidates to fight APC in the state.

Amos who was accompanied by the APM Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, said after a closed door meeting with the president, that the endorsement letter was given to him by the party for onward presentation to the president.

He expressed optimism that with the endorsement, President Buhari, whom he described as a man with good heart, would garner massive votes in the 2019 presidential elections.

He said: “You will recall that just last week we made public that APM has adopted President Buhari as their presidential candidate.

“I had promised to bring the letter they had given me to present to him and that is what we came to do today. And you know Mr President is a very gracious human being, he is a man with a good heart.

“He (Buhari) said if a party has adopted him, it is only fair he acknowledges the party and the chairman. That is why we are here.

“I have said that anybody that is for President Muhammadu Buhari is for me, we will embrace such party, such persons, such organization wholeheartedly and that is what I am doing and that is what we are doing in Ogun State.

“Clearly Mr President will have a massive vote in Ogun State in the coming election.”

Amosun, who vowed to ensure electoral victory for President Buhari in Ogun during the 2019 general election, however, refused to comment on the threat by the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adams Oshiohmole, to expel him from APC.

“I don’t want to comment on that. We came for this, let’s restrict ourselves to this. I want my president to win, what else do you want? We must win that is it!”

In his remarks, Dantalle, described the adoption of President Buhari by the APM as the best thing that happened to the party and the country at large.

According to him, the APM is a coalition of people of like minds and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party took the decision to adopt Buhari because he is the only one that can restore Nigeria back to its glory of where it needs to be.

He said: “Personally, I believe in him and reason being that I love my country and I don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria.

“And Buhari is the only man with the sincerity of intent to take Nigeria to the next level. This is not the Nigeria I was born into but I see that Nigeria coming back only through Buhari.”

On what informed the decision to adopt Buhari, the APM National chairman said, the party is coalition of people of likes and the NEC took the decision to adopt Buhari because he is the only one that can restore Nigeria back to its glory of where it needs to be.

Dantalle expressed the hope that President Buhari would win the 2019 presidential election in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with wide margin.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/ogun-apcs-rival-party-apm-meets-buhari.html

Suddenly it is talk of consolidation all over again in the banking sector. The ongoing business combination between Access Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc is clearly firing change as the big four race to control the crown jewel of the Nigerian banking sector and heighten fierce competition in the industry.

In 2004/5 the then Central Bank governor (CBN), Charles Soludo lit the fire of consolidation when he insisted banks raise their capital to at least N25 Billion. Today the CBN under Godwin Emefiele is going a step further by encouraging mergers and acquisitions with it’s no – objection nod to the Access – Diamond merger, igniting the race for size in the emerging new financial landscape. Already, the top four banks are intensifying strategies to remain dominant in the retail segment of the banking sector, which has remained increasingly attractive since the withdrawal of public sector funds from the sector by the federal government through its Treasury Single Account Policy (TSA).


Indeed, the ability of the banks to support businesses in the economy, especially SMEs would to a large extent be driven by the size of the balance sheet and the shareholders funds of the banks.

In terms of shareholders’ funds, Zenith Bank still maintain the lead in Nigerian banking with N822 billion. It would be closely followed by the combined entity that would emerge from the Access-Diamond deal as their combined results as at the end of December 31, 2017, was a total of N738 billion; FirstBank has N678 billion and GTBank N625 billion in shareholders’ funds. Other banks in the middle will now be under pressure to merge or acquire others for size and a brave new banking world emerges as the merger between Access Bank and Diamond has given the lenders N5.817 trillion in asset size as at December 31, 2017 and Access Bank would become the country’s largest bank by asset size. It would be followed closely by Zenith Bank, whose total assets stood at N5.595 trillion as at December 31, 2017; FirstBank – N4.949 trillion and GTBank N3.351trilion, in that order.

Similarly, a review of the profit before tax in the banks showed that Zenith Bank still maintains the lead with N203 billion as at December 31, 2017. It was closely followed by GTBank at N200 billion and and UBA’s N103Billion. Access Bank then follows at N80 billion (Diamond recorded a loss of N11.547 billion in the period under review). With the emerging new banking order, UBA is now under pressure to find growth in the market place if it is to belong to the Big Four.

No doubt, the Nigerian banking industry, in recent times, has witnessed relative improvement, but not without its attendant challenges. Obviously, the challenges in the global economy have either direct or indirect impact on the Nigerian economy and particularly, the banking sector, which is the lifeblood of the economy.

For instance, the vagary in the prices of oil at the international market has taken its toll on the bottom-line of some of the banks in the country.

Despite these challenges, the tier 1 banks have remained unruffled by the storms and still stand tall, towering above their peers. They control the chunk of the market share as well as in terms of profitability, assets and shareholders’ funds. Among the four banks, they compete for the topmost position; they battle for the soul of the banking sector.

Zenith Bank

The audited statement of account and financial results of Zenith Bank as the year-ended December 31, 2017, showed that the bank made a profit before tax of N203.461 billion, a significant increase from N156.748 billion of the previous year.

Consequently, the bank reported a profit after tax of N177.614 billion, which represented a growth of 37.22 per cent over N129.434 billion in 2016. The bank’s assets also grew to N5.595 trillion in the review year from N4.739 trillion of the previous year.

Shareholders’ funds stood at N821.658 billion as at December 31, 2017, representing an increase of 16.64 per cent over N704.46 billion in the previous year.

GTBank

As at the year-ended December 31, 2017, the audited statement of accounts and financial results of GTBank revealed that it posted profit before tax of N200.242 billion, which represented an increase of 21.25 per cent over N165.136 billion in 2016. Profit after tax stood at N170.5 billion in the review year from N132.280 billion. The amount translated to growth of 28.89 per cent.

The bank’s total assets grew to N3.351 trillion in 2017 from N3.116 trillion in 2016, while the shareholders’ funds increased to N625.167 billion in the review year from N504.902 billion of the previous year.

FirstBank

For FirstBank, profit before tax stood at N56.825 billion as at December 31, 2017, having grown from N22.948 billion in the previous year. Profit after tax was N40.011 billion in the review year, a significant increase of 226.8 per cent from N12.243 billion. Asset grew to N5.236 trillion in 2017 from N4.736 trillion in the previous year. The bank’s shareholders fund spiked to N678.192 billion in the review year from N582.575 billion in the previous year.

Access Bank

Access Bank recorded a profit before tax of N80.072 billion as at December 31, 2017 which dropped from N90.339 billion of the previous year. Also, profit after stood at N61.990 billion in 2017, having decreased from N71.439 billion. Besides, assets grew to N4.102 trillion in 2017 from N3.483 trillion in 2016, while the shareholders’ funds also increased to N515.447 billion from N454.494 of the previous year. If the merger with Diamond Bank is finalized, these numbers would definitely change and may see the bank emerge as the largest bank in the continent in terms of customer base.

This does not include the value after the Diamond Bank acquisition, which is still in process. Following the acquisition, Access Bank Plc has obtained regulatory approvals for it to raise a fresh $250 million (N90 billion) tier II capital and has also obtained “no objection” from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to undertake a rights issue to raise up to N75 billion ($207 million) before the end of first quarter of 2019.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/zenith-access-gtb-fbn-battle-for-crown.html

The Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) of all 14.5 million registered voters between 2017 and 2018 have been printed and ready for collection.

All the PVCs of those who requested for replacement and relocation of their cards ahead of 2019 general elections, had also been printed and ready for collections.

Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), disclosed on Friday in Abuja after the swearing-in of the new Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

”The commission has printed all PVCs for new registrants between April 27, 2017 and Aug. 31, 2018.

”We have also printed all the requests for replacement of lost cards, all requests for transfer and relocations.

”The last batch that we printed are for those who applied for transfer and relocation, and those who applied for replacement of damaged and defaced cards.

”This will be delivered immediately after the Christmas break. So we are happy to say that all 14.5 million or so new registered voters have their cards printed and delivered to the states. So we are good to go on that,” Yakubu said.

Yakubu, who also spoke on the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and its implications on the 2019 general elections, said that the commission would meet with union leaders in tertiary institutions for a way forward.

The INEC Chairman said that the ongoing strike was worrisome as the commission also sourced some of its election ad hoc staff from the tertiary institutions.

”The bulk of the ad hoc staff will be drawn from the National Youth Service Corps members but where there is shortfall, and obviously there would be shortfall, we rely on the universities.

”Remember we also rely on the universities to draw our collation and returning officers.

”So the ongoing strike is worrisome in case some of them say because of the ongoing strike they will not participate in the elections.

”But the ASUU has been good friend of the commission and we intend to meet with the President of the ASUU next week so that we can discuss and iron this out.

”We will also extend it to the lecturers of polytechnics and colleges of education so that we will meet with the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and all other unions in the tertiary education sub-sectors,” the chairman said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/145m-pvcs-ready-for-collection.html

President Muhmmadu Buhari on Thursday in Kano said the Armed Forces have succeeded in dislodging Boko Haram insurgents from the nation’s territory.

“Boko Haram is no longer occupying any Nigerian territory as it used to before the advent of this administration,” he pointed out.

Buhari, who spoke during the passing out parade ceremony of 602 Cadet of 1st regular course graduates of Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil in Kano stated: “The recent attacks by the Boko Haram group can be likened to attempts of defeated insurgents to reorganize its scattered individuals.

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

He also commended the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts in fighting insurgency and other criminal activities.

Buhari however urged the police to live above board as the 2019 general election approaches, pointing out “It is the duty of the police, supported by other security agencies to adequately secure the elections.

“You must do everything possible to make the election violent-free to avoid ballot box snatching, multiple voting, vote buying, attack on electoral officers and other acts which might negatively impact on the election’s outcome.”

“The elections must be conducted in a violent-free environment for it to be adjudged credible, free and fair in the eyes of both local and international observers. Let me assure you that I will continue to do all that is possible to make Nigeria police efficient and responsible to the security needs of the country.

He added: “This administration will also continue to do its best, providing the necessary assistance to make Nigeria police operation technology-based.

“The police training institutions will be equipped to ensure that officers are regularly trained to improve their capacity and make them more professional and innovative.”

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/weve-dislodged-boko-haram-says-buhari.html

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, has reacted to a proposal by President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a technical committee to review the agreed N30,000 minimum wage, saying organised labour will not be a party to such an exercise.

Buhari had revealed the plan to constitute the proposed technical review committee while making the 2019 budget presentation at the National Assembly in Abuja


However, Wabba who spoke shortly after the budget presentation, insisted that as far as the labour movement was concerned, the issue of new minimum wage figure was settled by the tripartite committee, which concluded negotiations on the matter and submitted its report to the president.

“We cannot accept the use of any technical committee to look into the already agreed N30,000 minimum wage.

“The president promised to pass the report to lawmakers a week after it was presented to him. “Once the tripartite committee has met and agreed on an amount, no other committee can meet on the same issue,’’ Wabba said.

The NLC president said the organised labour is scheduled to meet next week to take a final decision on the issue.

On his part, the President of the United Labour Congress (ULC), Joe Ajaero, also kicked against the proposed technical committee.

He said the tripartite committee had considered the ability of the state governments to pay the N30,000 before agreeing on it.

“We (labour) have resolved to fight for the new minimum wage even after the upcoming general elections. There would be no retreat or surrender until workers receive the wage,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nlc-rejects-any-renegotiation-of-n30000.html