₦airaland Forum

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has said that the people of the state have resolved to “resist any form of intimidation and rigging during the 2019 general elections”, to guarantee his return to office in 2019.

Ortom stated this on Sunday in Jos, while answering questions from newsmen, shortly after a special Church service.

“We hear that people are scheming to win elections at all cost; some have openly boasted that they will use force to subvert the people’s wish.

“We are on ground and ready to confront anyone with such idea. As long as government is willing to conduct free and fair elections, we are there to support them.

“But if anyone attempts to do otherwise, the people will resist that. There is no doubt about it,” he said.

Ortom, however, appreciated the Federal Government for the prevailing peace in the state and prayed for its sustenance.

He said that his administration would not hesitate to appreciate the Federal Government when the right was done.

“The introduction of `Operation Whirl Stroke’ has really solved our security challenges in Benue, especially the invasion and attacks by herdsmen.

“Some people are trying to change the narrative. They do not want the outside world to hear the truth. The situation gets more shocking when people, who know the truth, choose to say something different.

“At the moment, we are happy, but when things are not right, it is our duty to voice it out. We shall continue to do that.

“Now, we have appreciated Mr President and the Federal Government for giving us adequate security in the state. If the situation changes tomorrow, we shall shout,” he said.

Ortom also said that the recent engagement of many youths into various ventures was to prepare them to take over leadership roles in Benue, pointing out that the current crop of leaders would not be there forever.

“No matter how lean our resources are, there is every need for us to continue to engage the youths.

“That is the motivating factor and I think that has inspired our youths into gainful ventures instead of going into vices like cultism, drugs and so on,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/how-gov-ortom-plans-to-win-2019-election.html

No matter how hard the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scrubs, its alleged past wrongs would not be erased from the minds of Nigerians, according to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ruling party stated this in a reaction to last week’s demand by the PDP that both chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu and Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris resign their positions.

The leadership of the PDP, at its National Executive Committee Meeting (NEC) on Thursday, had expressed doubt the two could guarantee the conduct of credible elections next year.


But the APC yesterday insisted there was no basis for the ultimatum. According to spokesman Lanre Issa-Onilu, the outburst was merely another reminder of how the PDP-led administration serially abused state institutions in the pursuit of selfish political and economic interests.

The APC urged relevant state agencies to monitor the PDP, saying its recent utterances were suspect. It also reiterated its resolve to defend participatory democracy.

“We must prevent a reoccurrence of the PDP’s typical undemocratic practices during elections. Never again will a selfish few distort the wishes of the electorate. PDP is now being haunted by its sordid past and the ruinous party is now scampering from its own shadow. It is sad that the PDP hounds have continued to take Nigerians for granted, thinking by embarking on scaremongering, the voters could forget their wanton crimes,” said the APC in a statement.

It added: “Nigerians are not gullible. It is now apparent that the PDP in a bid to hide their inadequacies and undesirability as elections approach have chosen to populate the public space with unfounded allegations.”

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu meanwhile maintained that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) continues to err by restraining aggrieved members from going to court. His position followed reactions from some quarters in the party questioning President Muhammadu Buhari’s support for legal redress.

The party’s recent primaries had generated disaffection among some members.

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said: “What our NWC members are canvassing against the president’s position is anarchy; an invitation to infringe on the constitutional rights of our members in a democracy by using the provision of the party’s constitution in issue as a sword.

“This will certainly not stand the test of time. To the best of my knowledge there is certainly no provision in our party constitution that prohibits our members from approaching the court if they feel aggrieved on any matter. If any such provision exists it will be unconstitutional.” He also advised the NWC to seek “proper legal advice” on the matter before embarking on moves that could “further muddle the waters.”

This was as one of the party’s governorship aspirants in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, tendered his resignation, dissatisfied over the conduct of the state’s primary.

His defection raises concern that a mass exodus could be imminent. He explained that he took the decision because a feudal lord allegedly hijacked the party.

“The facts are known. We took steps to protect the party from sliding into a personal estate. If a strong man owns the PDP in Rivers State and our leader in the APC by default becomes a feudal lord, then our state is doomed. I have nothing personal to lose or gain, but we have all something to lose if in a democracy we allow the aberration of overlords, hence my decision,” he said.

In Enugu, members upset by the outcome of the state’s primary alleged the national leadership shortchanged them after they had paid huge sums of money for the expression of interest and nomination forms. They told the reconciliation team led by Kano State Governor Umar Ganduje that a refund was key to a successful peace overture.

Ganduje urged the aggrieved members to let go of their grudges, unite and support the party’s candidate Ayogu Eze and Buhari. He also expressed optimism the southeast would clinch the presidency in 2023.

In Imo State, ripples from the primary had the party regretting an impending defection. State governor, Rochas Okorocha, had unsuccessfully tried to prop up his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, who is now reported though unofficially to have moved to another party.


In a statement, the state’s publicity secretary, Onwuasonya Jones, said: “The APC in Imo State is saddened by rumours that a number of our party leaders and members are on the verge of defecting from our great party. While we continue with our last-ditch efforts to see what we can rescue out of what is looking already like a very bad situation, we concede that losing these leaders and their followers to any other party will be a huge disaster to the APC in the state and will seriously endanger our chances of retaining the governorship of the state, which before now had seemed an assured outcome.”

In a related development, the Association of Registered APC Support Groups (APCSG) has vowed to ensure the re-election of Buhari.

The Leader of the group, Mr. Nonso Ezedinma, dismissed claims that about 60 support groups have left the party to join the PDP. According to him, the purported defection of some groups “was a sham, a charade and a cosmetic arrangement only made for the camera.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nigerians-will-never-forget-pdps-crimes.html

President Muhammmadu Buhari yesterday in Poland spoke on insinuations that he was cloned, saying he is the real Buhari.

“It’s real me, I assure you. I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong”, the president declared in Krakow, Poland, at an interactive session with the Nigerian Community in that country.

In recent times, there had been rumours making the rounds in the country’s public space that President Buhari was cloned and that the man presiding over the affairs of the country is one Jibril from Sudan.


But last week, the federal government through the minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the claim as idiotic and that those peddling the rumour were not worthy of getting government reaction.

Also, a fact check published by AFP last Friday had disproved speculations that Buhari had died and was replaced by a look-alike.

Responding to a question from a Nigerian in the Diaspora who wanted to know if he was real or the much talked about ‘Jubril from Sudan’, his supposed double, the Nigerian leader noted that some people were hoping he would die during his ill health, even as he described the authors of the confusion about him as “ignorant and irreligious”.

“A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. Some even reached out to the Vice President to consider them to be his deputy because they assumed I was dead. That embarrassed him a lot and of course, he visited me when I was in London convalescing… It’s real me; I assure you”, a statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying.


Hinting that he was looking forward to celebrating his 76th birthday on December 17, the president jocularly added: “If I am getting harassed by anyone, it is my grandchildren who are getting too many.’’


Buhari reiterated that his government will continue to maintain focus and deliver on the three focal points of his campaign in 2015, which are security, economy and the fight against corruption.


He stated: “Those in the North East will tell you that in spite of the recent setbacks, there is a difference between the time we came and before. We are not doing badly on security, economy and agriculture. We have virtually stopped the importation of food especially rice and we are saving a lot of money.

“We now have food security and that has come with fiscal security because a lot of young educated people have not regretted going back to the farms and earning a respectable living. I am afraid, this is not receiving good publicity… but a lot of people in the rural areas are enjoying the benefits of our interventions in agriculture”.


President Buhari who is in Poland to attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP24) reaffirmed that no territory of Nigeria is under the control of Boko Haram terrorists.

He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and supportive of federal government’s efforts to ensure the security of lives and property in the country.



Acknowledging that it has not been easy financing the security sector in the country, the president said the Nigerian Armed Forces are equal to the task.

Buhari regretted that herdsmen and farmers clashes in the country had been politicised, just as he assured that the Nigerian government will continue to prioritise security for the reason that it is what many investors consider first before investing in the country.


On the fight against corruption, he said all recovered stolen assets will be sold and the proceeds returned to the treasury for the benefit of Nigerians.


On women representation in his government, the president said, ‘‘I have plans for all Nigerians. I am not a male chauvinist. If I’m a chauvinist will I give the Finance Ministry to women?’’


In his remarks, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Poland, Mr Eric Adagogo Bell-Gam, praised Nigerians living in Poland for being worthy ambassadors of the country.

Among those who met President Buhari were Mr Larry Ugwu, an artist and curator, who has lived in Poland for 40 years and has contributed immensely to promoting Nigerian cultural heritage in the Polish society; Anthony Egwuatu, a Gynaecologist who has lived in the country for 30 years and Mr Olomofe Larry, a human rights activist who has fought for justice for fellow Nigerians in the host country, among several others.


The event was organised and anchored by the senior special assistant to the president on Diaspora matters, Hon Abike Dabiri.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/finally-pmb-breaks-silence-on-cloning.html

The Senate has directed that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) be probed following allegation of non-remittance of N177bn operational surplus it made, into the Consolidated Federation Account.

The decision followed a motion raised by Mohammed Hassan, a member of the Committee on Marine Transport, from Yobe South.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, based on the motion directed the committee’s chairman, Ahmed Yerima from Zamfara West to meet with all members of the committee on the allegation.

Saraki asked that the committee report back to the Senate within three days.

Hassan had, citing Standing Orders 42 and 52, alleged that contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and extant laws of the NPA, the agency kept to itself N177bn operational surplus it made from accruing revenues in the 2017 fiscal year, without remitting it into the federation account.

He explained that the Senate committee had discovered that the NPA, in its budget defence of the performance of the 2017 budget, received N303bn as total operational revenue out of which N125bn was taken as operational cost as allowed by extant laws but refused to remit the balance of N177bn realised as surplus into the federation account.

He said, “This to me and by extension, the Senate, should not be condoned because the committee discovered this seven months ago and ordered the agency to do the needful which it has not done up till now.

“Attention of the Senate is being drawn to this impunity, because six months down the line, the agency has not complied with the directive of the committee or communicated to it on the matter in anyway.”

But a twist was introduced to the case when the committee’s chairman, Yerima, denied knowledge of Hassan’s allegation.

The Senator also disassociated himself and other committee members from the allegation.

He said Hassan, as a member of the committee, did not raise such issue at any of the committee’s sittings before raising the alarm on the floor of the Senate.

”As chairman of the committee, I am not aware of this allegation raised against NPA by Senator Hassan and I don’t think any other member of the committee is aware as well,” he said.

The Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah from Kebbi South also cautioned the Senate from relying on the allegation.

He said it would be premature to attach legislative seriousness to Hassan’s allegation.

“Mr President, as a lawyer, I studied Taxation Law. We should not be in a haste to conclude on the submission Senator Hassan has just made,” he warned.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/senate-orders-probe-of-npa.html

The Federal Government College Ogbomosho Old Students’ Association (FEGCOOSA) has expressed concern over the rate of suicide among youths, saying that it is making moves to address the anomaly in the country.

Briefing journalists recently in Lagos about its end of year programme with the theme ‘Fostering Togetherness’, scheduled to hold on December 1 in Ikeja, the Chairman, End of Year Committee, Mr. Anthony Akarah said there have been many cases of depression leading to youths committing suicide and described the issue as worrisome.


He said a resource person would be employed to speak on the issue, adding that the association’s objective is to contribute its quota to national discuss.

“During our gathering, we will seek how to add value to ourselves by helping one another in all ramifications. We identify topical issues every year that are of national importance to impact lives.”

The Global President, Mrs. Yetunde Jaiyesimi called on the government to ensure that unity colleges return to their forrmer glory through fostering unity among the people.

She expressed concern that corruption has eaten deep into the polity which brought about the rot in the college established 41 years ago. This she said is one of the reasons the old students had to give back to the school and refurbished its facilities.

She recalled when she was admitted as a student in 1979 saying, “we had a small number of students at the time and government paid a lot of attention to the college, subvention also came on time, dormitories were not overcrowded and teachers were dedicated.

“Most of the buildings were relatively new and our laboratories were well equipped. When we were in school, we were not bothered about tribe or where you were from. The selection process into the federal government college was televised at the time and Nigeria was good such that even the children of the rich were proud that they schooled in Nigeria.”

Jaiyesimi expressed concern about the rot in the college over the years saying, “each time we go back to the school, our hearts bleed, we see the decadence and values eroded.”

About the programme, she said the association would be using the period to network with each other and give awards to distinguished old students who have done well in supporting their alma mater, do a whole lot of humanitarian activities.

“It is a time to network and thank God; and celebrate our achievement, projects that we have given back to the college. It is also a time when we celebrate our teachers who trained us over the years, we also honour our best students as we will be honouring the best students in the last West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/breaking-fegcoosa-bemoans-suicide-rate.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has re-arraigned the former governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero for money laundering and criminal diversion of funds.

Also re-arraigned with the ex governor were former Minister of State, Nuhu Somo Waya; former Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Abubakar Haruna Gaya and the former Secretary to the State Government, Hamza Ishaq.

They were arraigned on Tuesday before Justice Z.B Abubakar of the Federal High Court Kaduna on an eight-count amended charge for criminal diversion of N700million

Their prosecution began after investigations revealed that the accused persons allegedly benefited in the $115million diverted by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison Madueke which was shared to politicians and election officials in the 36 States of the federation to influence the result of the 2015 presidential election.

Investigations further revealed that Kaduna State got over N700million in two instalments.

The money was received by the trio of Waya, Gaya and Ishaq on behalf of the State for onward delivery to INEC staff spread across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (whilst being the Executive Governor of Kaduna State), Nuhu Somo Waya (whilst being a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), Ishaq Hamza (whilst being the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government), and Abubakar Gaya Haruna (whilst being the Chairman PDP Kaduna State Chapter), sometime in 2015 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court (Federal High Court) did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a crime to wit: indirectly taking possession of the of N700, 000, 000 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) which you ought to have known forms part of unlawful activity to wit: bribery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Same Act”.

All defendants pleaded not guilty to all the eight count charge.

Upon their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Joshua Saidi, prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial.

But Yunus Ustaz Usman, SAN, representing the defendants, appealed that all defendants should be admitted to the existing bail granted to them when they were first arraigned earlier in the year by the Court.

The court ruled that since all defendants have already been granted bail without any hitch, she would rely on the existing conditions. She therefore ruled that the former bail conditions remain valid and should stand.

In a separate charge, the EFCC also re- arraigned one Abdulrasheed Baba Ahmed before Justice Z.B Abubakar on a 2-count charge of money laundering and retention of proceeds of alleged criminal activity to the tune of N190, 444, 000 (One Hundred and Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Forty Four thousand Naira).

The accused, who was Director, Finance and Administration, Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State, was alleged to have in March 2015, received the said sum, being part of the funds released by Diezani Allison-Madueke, a former Petroleum Resources minister to influence the outcome of the 2015 election. He allegedly received the money from the Ali Akilu Road branch of a new generation bank. The money was purportedly meant to induce staff of INEC and Corps members on election duties. In the course of investigation, the accused person could not provide any evidence regarding how the money was disbursed.

One of the counts read, “That you Raheed Baba Ahmed, the former Director of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Kaduna Division of this Honourable Court did directly take possession of the aggregate sum of N 190,444,000.00 (One Hundred and Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Forty Four Thousand Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known, forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit: bribery, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) of the money laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act”.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The re-arraignment of all above accused persons was as a result of the transfer of Justice S.M Shuaibu to another jurisdiction.

Justice Abubakar however adjourned all the cases comprising that of the Ex Governor and three others to 24th January, 2019 and that of Abdulrasheed Baba Ahmed to 29th January, 2019 for commencement of trial.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/efcc-charges-ex-governor-ramalan-yero.html

President-general of the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, at the weekend said private terminal operators at the nation’s seaports have substantially increased the wages earned by dockworkers from an average of N10,000 before the 2006 port concession to about N150,000.


Adeyanju, who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Lagos, said dockworkers now enjoy much better working condition compared to what was obtained in the pre-concession era.

According to him, “Before concession, they are just using us as slaves in our fatherland. Nobody knew what his take home pay would be. Sometimes, some people get between N10, 000 and N20, 000 per month but today, it has improved tremendously to between N100, 000 and N150, 000.”


Adeyanju, who lauded terminal operators for increasing the wages of dockworkers in spite of the low volume of import in the country, appealed to the Federal Government to urgently fix the dilapidated port access roads, which, he said, is adversely affecting port operation and the nation’s economy.

The roads to the seaports, according to him, are bad and because of that some of the vessels that are supposed to come to the port are sometimes diverted to neighbouring countries.

“Some of the dockworkers are on payment by tonnage; some are on permanent employment while some are on unit payment. For those on payment by tonnage, it is the higher the tonnage, the better payment for them so the bad road is affecting our members,” he pointed out.

The union leader, however, appealed to the terminal operators to urgently sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for a review of retirement benefit for dockworkers.


To him, “We are not being rigid in negotiations so that we can accommodate both the employer and the employee. We are not demanding so much because we felt all of us are working together. If the economy is improved, the lives of the workers will also improve. We don’t want to be rigid in our negotiation and that is what is causing the delay now.



https://leadership.ng/2018/11/27/minimum-wage-dockworkers-wages-rise-to-n150-000/

Erstwhile President Olusegun Obasanjo, has for the umpteenth time, endorsed his former deputy and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for the highest office in the land.

Speaking yesterday during Atiku’s turbaning as seventh Waziri Adamawa in Yola, he stated that no Nigerian knew the politician more, pointing out the celebrant was not only a culture-oriented person, but also humble in the handling of official duties.

“Nobody understands the capacity of Atiku to change things positively more than me. As my former deputy, he discharged all assignments I gave him with all sense of humility and seriousness,” the Owu high chief stated.


He said the occasion was a confirmation of the people’s acceptance of Atiku in the entire North East geo-political zone and a sign of good things to come on account of his hard work and sincerity.

Obasanjo, who urged the new Waziri to lift Nigerians out of poverty, reminded him that the new office had put more responsibilities on his shoulder.

President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Mohammed Bello, commended Atiku for his service to the people.

The Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa, told the audience that the throne was not a family property but for those that merit it.

He said the choice of the presidential hopeful was informed by his track record, noting that merit was the central criterion that stood the former vice president out.

Meanwhile, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has accused Obasanjo of plotting to rule the country by proxy.

The Edo ex-governor, who spoke after receiving one-time Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, and dozens of chieftains of the opposition PDP into the APC fold in Kano, vowed that the retired general would not realise his dream of “enthroning a stooge in power.”

However, the guest speaker at the 13th Founder’s Day of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) which held a day ahead of the turbaning in the same town, Senator Ben Murray Bruce, observed that the only way to revive the nation’s ‘comatose’ economy and tackle the ‘insecurity’ in land was to vote Atiku into office as president.

The Bayelsa-born lawmaker, who was hard on the current administration for the challenges confronting the country, maintained that the PDP presidential candidate Atiku remains the only option to “redress the mess created by the present administration.”

According to him, only people who are driven by dreams that achieve success in life, adding that an accidental leader without a dream could only sink a country.

Others that graced the Atiku’s installation included one-time President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, ex-Senate President David Mark, Gombe State Governor Hassan Dankwambo and his Benue and Bayelsa colleagues, Samuel Ortom and Seriake Dickson.

Others were Taraba and Cross River governors, Darius Ishaku and Ben Ayade, as well as former PDP national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the party’s BoT chairman, Alhaji Wali Jibrin, National Assembly members, top politicians and business associates.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/atiku-culture-oriented-humble-leader.html

The Police said they would charge 33 members of the banned Indigenous People(IPOB) of Biafra with terrorism after they allegedly killed an inspector and set ablaze a police patrol vehicle.

The men, whose identities were unveiled Sunday, were arrested in Nnewi, Anambra state, along with some insignias of IPOB and eight motorcycles.

The police said they may also be charged with murder, attempted murder, rioting and malicious damage, upon the completion of their investigation.

According to police spokesman Jimoh Moshood, the men’s journey to police detention began after police acted on an intelligence report that IPOB members had gathered in their hundreds with dangerous weapons near Teaching Hospital, Owerri Road, Nnewi about to cause disturbance of Public Peace and public safety in the Nnewi and Environs.

This was on 23 November.

“Consequently, Police Patrol teams led by the Area Commander, Nnewi, ACP Nnanna Oji Ama mobilized to the scene to prevent them from causing breakdown of law and order and mayhem, and destruction of lives and property.

“The Police Team, while proceeding to the scene came under ambush from the IPOB members. In the process, a Police Inspector was killed, two other Police Officers were seriously injured and one Police Patrol vehicle was set ablaze, and the proscribed IPOB members snatched and carted away two AK47 Rifles and one Beretta Pistol with ammunition.

“The IPOB members subsequently attacked other innocent people on sight with machete and other dangerous weapons as they marched towards the Agboedo Market shouting “NO ELECTIONS WITHOUT REFERENDUM”.

“The Divisional Police Officer, Central Police Station (CPS), Nnewi, CSP Babalola Adewunyi, ASP Micheal Duru attached to Area Command, Nnewi and Inspector Akinbami Olaniyi attached to CPS Nnewi sustained serious injuries from the ambush by the proscribed/unlawful IPOB members. The injured Police personnel were rushed to the Hospital for medical attention where the Inspector later died, while the other Police personnel are currently under intensive care in the hospital.

“The Anambra State Command promptly deployed reinforcement from the State Headquarters comprising Anti-riot Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Police Anti-Bomb Squad/Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), Special Anti-cult Unit Personnel and conventional Policemen who quelled the crisis, arrest some of the perpetrators and restored peace and normalcy in Nnewi town and environs.

“The Thirty Three (33) suspects (IPOB members) arrested for the killing of the Police Inspector, inflicting injury on others and setting ablaze a Police patrol vehicle are now in police custody and undergoing investigation.

“The Joint Police Intervention Force deployed are carrying out confidence building patrols and crime prevention operations to sustain the peace and normalcy that have been restored and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the affected area and other parts of the State.

“The Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State to carryout intense search operations for the recovery of the two (2) AK47 rifles and one Beretta Pistol with the ammunition snatched from the slain Police Inspector and other Police Officers wounded by the proscribed IPOB members, and should also immediately carryout an operation to rout-out and arrest other fleeing suspects (proscribed IPOB members) who participated in the ambush of the Police personnel and bring them to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regards to the renewed hostilities from the proscribed/unlawful Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra State and the new trend of subversive propaganda from the proscribed IPOB members aimed at undermining law and order in the affected State by the group, their associates, sponsors, apologists and sympathisers.

“The Force, therefore, will not tolerate this and will do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the people, ensure that law and order prevails and bring any perpetrator of violence and mayhem on the people or Police personnel to justice.

“The Commissioners of Police in the States contiguous to Anambra State and their supervisory Assistant Inspector Generals of Police, their personnel and Anti-riot equipment have been placed on red-alert by the Inspector General of Police to ensure utmost safety of lives and properties and deal decisively with any group(s) or individual(s) who attempt or cause disturbance of public peace and public safety in their respective States.



*The full List of arrested IPOB members:

UCHE AMOS, 65Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

ELIAZER EMMANUEL, 24Yrs, from Umunneochi LGA, Abia State

ELIAZER CHIMA, 23Yrs, from Umunneochi LGA, Abia State

ABUCHI OBETA, 19Yrs, from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State

SOMTOCHUKWU OKAFOR, 17Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

AGBOMA JUDE, 35Yrs, from Nsukka, Enugu State

EZEZONA ODUAGU

KELECHI EZE, 20Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

OKAFOR CHIMIERE OLISA, 20Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

RAPHEAL OGOH, 27Yrs, from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State

OKEKE CHISOM, 19Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

DANIEL NWAKPU, 35Yrs, from Ikwo, Ebonyi State

FRIDAY NWAFOR, 34Yrs, from Ishielu LGA, Ebonyi State

ONYEKA NWAJOBI, 49Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

OBETA UWAKWE, 25Yrs, from Igboeze North LGA, Anambra State

FESTUS ODIKA, 41Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

EMMANUEL OKOYE, 22Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

UMEH SUNDAY, 43Yrs, from Aguata LGA, Anambra State

IKE CHIEMEZIE SAMUEL

SUNDAY ILONZE, 43Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

CHUKWUEMEKA NWAESE, 32Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

ODUGU CHIMA, 23Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

JACOB MONDAY, 48Yrs, from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State

VINCENT OKOROAFOR, 39Yrs, from Owerri North, Imo State

JUDE EKE, 32Yrs, from Igboeze South LGA, Enugu State

CHARLES UKAZU, 35Yrs, from Ideato South LGA, Imo State

EZIEOKWU ERNEST 17 YRS, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

CHIBUIKE OZOEMENA, 30Yrs, from Ikeduru LGA, Imo State

CHIGOZIE ONYEOGAZIRI, 46Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

NWANKWO DONATUS, 48Yrs, from Orumba South LGA, Anambra State

OKAFOR OLISA, 20Yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State

PETER NWANKWO, 25Yrs, from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State



EBEGBONI GEOFFREY, 43Yrs, from Ika South LGA, Delta State

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/photos-police-to-charge-arrested-ipob.html

The Federal Government has been advised to adopt a more humane and practical approach to the growing agitation for a free Biafra, instead of using force.

The Founder and General Overseer of Friends of Jesus Global Mission, Owerri, Bishop Maglorious Enyioha, made the appeal weekend, while addressing a press conference in Owerri. “The Python Dance, initiated and executed by the Nigerian Army, has become history. People died in the process but the agitation has remained. This calls for a more humane and practical approach than the use of force”, Bishop Enyioha said.

While saying that “the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a young man that can hardly control his temper”, the Bishop also opined that “although Kanu may have spoken in some areas like a youth, government should however look critically into what he is saying”. He expressed regret that Nigeria has never known peace since it’s creation, stressing that innocent blood is shed endlessly for, even flimsy excuses. “We cannot allow this to continue ad infinitum. If we don’t want shedding of blood to continue, we should sit down and talk. Any land where innocent blood is carelessly shed, is cursed. Buhari summons service chiefs over Metele attack – army “Those who provide weapons to Nigeria are only asking us to kill our fellow Nigerians. They should instead, help us to conduct a referendum in Nigeria, instead of continuously supplying us arms and ammunition’s”, Enyioha said. Answering a question, the Bishop said that Boko Haram is not a curse, pointing out that they are agitators and in a way, asking for referendum. “Boko Haram is not a curse. Although their modus operandi is deadly, they are not a curse. They are also calling for referendum. It is no use fighting Boko Haram and herdsmen. We must stop deceiving ourselves and face realities”, Bishop Enyioha said. Answering a question, the cleric said he does not subscribe to hate speeches, but “only talking about our reality and how Nigeria will achieve peace”.

full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/fed-govt-cant-destroy-biafra-by-force.html

The Federal Government’s inability to raise the sum of N336b yearly is responsible for the partial implementation of the much-talked about National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), and the reason why over 14 million pupils are being denied the mid-day meals, which the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration promised to carry out if voted into power.

If the school feeding programme were to be fully implemented, it would have benefitted about 24 million primary school pupils from across the country, a development that would also make it the largest school feeding programme on the continent.

For now, even though it employs 97, 000 cooks, engages more than 150, 000 farmers, provides stable market for some farm produce, and facilitates increased income for famers, many insist that as far as what is in operation falls short of what was promised, it still finds a place on the APC government’s long list of unfulfilled campaign promises. With only six months to the end of the first term of the administration, 10 states are yet to benefit from the partial implementation.

From the initial N336b estimate required to feed 24 million pupils (from Primary 1 to 6) in all public schools, per session, all the government has been able to muster is N651m, which feeds the 9.3 million pupils in 26 states per session.

Programme Manager of the NHGSFP, Mrs. Abimbola Adesanmi, while explaining the inability to fully implement the programme as promised said from the initial computation, the sum of N336b was needed to feed 24 million pupils in Primary 1 to 6, but “starting with Primary 1 to 3 pupils was necessary considering the resources available at the beginning,” adding that despite the ongoing partial implementation, “there are options to scale up the reach of the programme in the future.”
Among other things, the HGSF programme, is part of a N500b funded Social Investment Programme announced by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to tackle poverty and improve the health and education of children and other vulnerable groups.
Its main aim is to provide free school meals with food procured from local smallholder farmers, just as it seeks to strengthen communities across the country by increasing school enrolment and completion; improving child nutrition and health, and strengthening local agricultural economies by providing a school feeding market in which farmers can sell their produce.
On how much was expended on the 9.3 million pupils that are currently benefitting from the scheme in 26 states, she said what is being spent per “session is subject to how many states that have come on board, and how many pupils that are being fed per state. If we feed 9.3 million in a session then we spend N651m for 200 days.”
Speaking on conditions that must be present for the government to be able to feed all primary school pupils she said, “ a team to manage the programme must be constituted and trained cooks must be recruited, medically screened and trained; school enrollment data must be submitted; menu designed; accounts opened with BVN for all cooks; cooks mapped to school, kitted with utensils and aprons with serving plates, and a letter by state government to request for release of funds.”
Adesanmi added that: “As all states are reached and impact evaluations are carried out, necessary scale up would be implemented. Besides state governments were tasked to scale up if able, and Abia, Jigawa and Kaduna states who had done that.”On chances of the remaining 10 states coming on board before the end of this administration’s first term in office, she said, “The remaining 10 states would come up as soon as they have met all the conditions for start up. All of them have teams that have been trained to follow through with the processes on ground. We are ready to assist them as much as we can to fast-track the process.”
She stressed that the programme has so far facilitated increased enrollment and attendance rates, created jobs for farmers and cooks, as well as, the entire value chain, consisting of transporters and ad hoc staff etc.On the flipside, she said some of the challenges besetting the programme include non-compliance to framework by states, financial literacy challenges, monitoring and supervision challenges, as well as data problems.
Despite the Federal Government’s claims, stakeholders are still at a loss regarding why pupils in Rivers State are yet to benefit from the free school feeding scheme. The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah, told The Guardian that the Federal Government, for inexplicable reasons has not deemed it fit, or necessary to commence the programme in the state, which has one of the highest number of pupils enrolment in the country.
Okah explained that there was presently no talks between the federal and Rivers State government concerning the free school feeding programme, adding that the state government has not also made budgetary allocation to feed pupils in state-owned primary schools across the state.
Apart from Rivers, Lagos is another state that a lot of questions are being asked regarding its non-participation in the school feeding programme. Lagos was the place where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo first announced the programme as a vice presidential candidateduring the 2015 campaigns
Initially, there were positive signs that the programme would soon happen. For instance, when Governor Akinwunmi Ambode presented the 2016 budget in December 2015, he disclosed that there was budgetary provision for the programme.

Ambode then said the state government would commence the “programme in public primary schools with effect from next year, and it would be done in collaboration with the Federal Government who would provide 60 per cent, while the state government would provide 40 per cent.“This programme promises not only to improve the daily nutrition of our children, it will also create an economy of its own, with opportunities for job creation, income generation, poverty alleviation, and so on,” Ambode said.
But by mid 2016, the Deputy Governor Dr. Oluranti Adebule, who also supervises the Ministry of Education, at an event said the state government is “awaiting the intervention of the Federal Government since the programme is designed to be funded by the federal and state governments on 60:40 ratio counterparts funding. Thus, there is the need to wait on the Federal Government to kick-start the programme.’’
One year later, Adebule while speaking at a press briefing by the ministry to mark Ambode’s third year in office, claimed that the programme has not commenced because of the high number of students in the state, which requires a lot of planning. “Let me state categorical ly that the number of students in Lagos State schools is about the number of students in five to six states put together. We just have to plan properly to ensure that no student is left out.
‘“The Federal Government feeding rate per student, which is N70 is not realistic. After a thorough assessment, we realised that we will need more than N70 to provide adequate meal per student.“I’m happy to announce to you that we have engaged the officer in charge at the federal level, as well as, the state ministries of agriculture and health…we have also commenced the training of environmental officers who will screen food vendors to ensure adequate hygiene and prevent any form of infection. The process that will kick-start the school feeding programme in the state is ongoing and we will commence soon. Lagos State is not known for shoddy programmes and we are gunning for nothing but the best.”
MEANWHILE, farmers in Lagos and Rivers states are recording losses running into over N2b monthly due to their exclusion since the takeoff of the school programme in 2017. Lagos and Rivers are rated among the biggest states in terms of pupils enrolment, which should have given farmers there opportunities to earn extra income like their counterparts in the 26 participating states.
Special Adviser to the President on National Social Welfare Programme, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, recently revealed that nine million pupils across the participating states are fed with 6.8 million eggs and 594 cows weekly. “The programme had created a value chain in the agricultural sector and had also led to employment of Nigerians, thereby creating market for agriculture.”
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in both states said they lose close to N2b monthly from unsold eggs forcing them to sell below the market price. PAN Chairman in Lagos State, Godwin Igbede said: “We recently had a meeting with the state Ministry of Agriculture, which promised that the programme would start last September, but when we called them to inquire about it, they told us it had been delayed because of the problem the governor was facing.
“If the programme had taken off, we would have succeeded in tackling egg glut, but now, we sell below our cost price to let the eggs go because it is perishable commodity. We are selling between N800 to N900 per crate instead of N1, 000. Whereas, cost of production is almost N800.”Chairman of PAN in Rivers State, Bestman Wokele said: “It is difficult to actually quantify what we are losing, but it is in the region of about N1b. We are also losing in terms of employment generation. We need this programme to take off because it will boost poultry industry in the state.”I remember one of our members who had 30, 000 laying birds, but this glut made him lose over 150 crates in three days because there was nobody to buy.”
The Guardian learnt that butchers are also badly affected by the delay in takeoff.It was gathered that in Lagos State alone, between 1, 000 to 2, 000 tonnes of beef would be required daily to feed the pupils. Based on calculations, four big cows at the rate of N200, 000 makes a tonnage, which if multiplied by five days will amount to a loss of N4m weekly, and N16m monthly. If calculated from September when it ought to have taken off and now, a period of 12 weeks, at the rate of N4m per week, it will amount to N48m loss.
Chairman of Lagos State Butchers Association (LSBA), Alhaji Alabi, disclosed that after his members’ registration at the Ministry of Agriculture, nothing was heard.LSBA Agege Abattoir Branch Chairman, Alhaji Aremu Raoof, who lamented the loss running into millions of naira daily, said Lagos has the largest market for beef across the country. “Government officials came to us months back, and briefed us about the programme; they asked us if we are capable of supplying them 1, 000 to 2, 000 tonnes of beef daily, which we promised. There are more schools in Lagos and more pupils than other states.”

Also commenting, the Managing Director/CEO Bama Farms, Wale Oyekoya, said: “Lagos and Rivers states with the highest population of students in the country should have been the first port of call, but we were exempted from the programme for reasons known only to them. At least, farmers in these states and students estimated to be in millions would have benefited immensely from the scheme, which would also improve the states’ GDP.”
However, fielding questions from The Guardian, yesterday on the status of the programme, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, informed that Rivers and Lagos states would soon come on board once all the processes and requirements spelt out for qualification in the scheme are completed. “The programme just started in Kano and Lagos is expected to join soon. Once Rivers State also completes the process, it will join the benefitting states.”
The 26 states, which the scheme currently runs include, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo (South East); Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta (South South); Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ogun (South West); Benue, Niger and Plateau (North Central); Kaduna, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto (North West); Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Jigawa and Adamawa (North East).

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/why-14-million-primary-school-pupils.html

Investment in the Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) market recorded a downturn to the tune of 19.81 per cent in October as turnover dropped by N3.30 trillion to N13.35 trillion from N16.65 trillion of the previous month.


However, year-on-year (YoY), turnover increased by 9.60 per cent in the review month as investors, who trade on short- term interest yielding instruments in the market increased their commitment in the market by N1.17trillion in one year.

“Turnover in the Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) market for the month ended October 31, 2018 was N13.35trillion, representing a 19.81 percent (N3.30) month on month decrease on the turnover of N16.65trillion recorded in September, and a 9.60 percent (N1.17trillion) YoY increase”, a statement from FMDQ OTC disclosed.

Treasury bills (T. bills) and Foreign Exchange (FX) remained the major drivers of turnover in the FIC market, jointly accounting for 73.98 percent of turnover in October, despite being lower by 5.02 percentage points (ppts) from their level of contribution in September (79.00 per cent).

Total foreign exchange market turnover in October was N4.55trillion ($12.52billion), representing 34.08 per cent of FIC market turnover and a 31.62 per cent ($5.79billion) month-on-month decline from the turnover recorded in September ($18.31billion).

Turnover at the Investors & Exporters (I&E) FX Window recorded a 37.94 per cent ($2.9billion) MoM decrease to close at $3.91billion from the $6.30billion recorded in September. Year to Date (YTD) turnover at the I&E FX Window closed at $49.39billion as at October 31, 2018.

The decrease in FX turnover in October was largely attributed to the decline in member-clients and member- CBN trades (32.82 per cent and 40.71 per cent respectively) against the marginal increase in Inter- member trades (0.22 per cent).

Analysis of foreign exchange (FX) turnover by product type showed that FX Spot was the main driver of the MoM decline with a drop of 34.67 per cent ($4.62billion). However, FX Derivatives also recorded a MoM decline of 23.45 percent ($1.17billion), driven mainly by a 49.14 percent decline in FX Futures turnover.

“In October, the 28th Naira-settled OTC FX Futures contract (NGUS OCT 31 , 2018) with total open contract of $371.49 mm, matured and was settled on FMDQ, whilst a new 12-month Futures contract (NGUS OCT 30, 2019) with a notional principal of $1.00 billion and price of $/N365.74 was listed on the OTC Exchange”, disclosed.

In October, the $/N rate at the I&E FX Window appreciated by 38 kobo to close the month at $/N363.54 (from $/N363.92 recorded in September), while the CBN official spot rate depreciated by $/N0.25 to close at $/N306.60 (from $/N306.35 recorded in September).

The $/N rate at the parallel market rate also depreciated between September and October by N1.00 to close at $/N362.00, closing lower than the rate at the I&E FX Window for the fourth consecutive month Fixed Income Market (T.bills and FGN Bonds).

Total T.bills and FGN Bonds outstanding recorded MoM increases of N0.21trillion and N0.10 trillion to close at N12.87trillion and N8.21trillion respectively as at October 31, 2018 mainly due to net issuances. Also, the domestic debt mix by tenor as at October was 39:61 (long vs. short term) as against the planned ratio of 75:25 outlined in the Debt Management Strategy (2016 -2019).

Monthly Trading Intensity in the T.bills and FGN Bonds markets decreased from 0.52 and 0.17 in September to 0.40 and 0.90 in October respectively. YTD trading intensity in both markets stood at 4.39 and 1.29 respectively compared to 5.70 and 1.17 as at the same period in 2017. T.bills within the 6-12 months maturity bracket remained the most actively traded, accounting for 24.82 per cent of the total FI market turnover in October

Weighted average yields on short and medium -term maturities on the sovereign yield curve rose by 0.64 ppts and 0.15ppts respectively in October, whilst the weighted average yields for long-term maturities decreased by 0.27ppts.

Yield spread between the 3-month treasury bills and the 10-year FGN Bond decreased by 171 basis points (bps) to close at a 0.57 per cent in October (2.28 per cent in September) Money Market (Repos/Buy-Backs and Unsecured Placements/Takings). Turnover recorded in the Repos/Buy-Backs segment of the Money Market was N2.64trillion in October, representing a 24.70 per cent (N0.52trillion) MoM increase from N2.12 trillion recorded in September, and a 22.85 per cent (N0.49trillion) YoY increase from the turnover recorded in October 2017

Similarly, Unsecured Placements/Takings closed the month with a turnover of N66.90billion, representing an 81.02 per cent (N 29.94billion) MoM increase from N36.96 billion recorded in September, and a YoY decline of 66.21 percent (N0.13trillion).

Average O/N NIBOR increased by 669ppts to close at 15.30 percent in October from 8.61 per cent reported for September, indicative of the tight liquidity experienced in the inter-bank market surveillance.

Total number of executed trades reported on the E-Bond Trading System in October was 10,715 representing a 41.56 per cent (7,619) MoM decline in the number of trades executed, driven by a MoM decrease in T. bills and FGN Bonds trades by 6,640 (41.12 per cent) and 979 (44.74 per cent) respectively.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/fixed-income-currency-turnover-drops.html

The special adviser on Political Matters to Governor Nasir El-Rufai and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Kaduna Central senatorial seat in 2019 polls, Malam Uba Sani, has tasked clerics to continue preaching peace and unity to followers, saying it shall be well with the state.


Speaking when a delegation of pastors from various church denominations visited him in Kaduna, Sani said that with the commitment of the current state government under governor Nasir el-Rufai to security and personal safety, the state would certainly be returned to the path of enduring peace.

The delegation, led by Rev Danjuma Mazadu and some members of the Christian Association of Nigeria stressed on the need for peaceful elections and good governance in Kaduna State.


Sani noted that the entire human civilisation is based on co-existence of faiths, which means equal respect for the whole of humanity.

He said religions teach peace and love for mankind, and clerics should combat all forms of preaching, which incite hatred:

“We should promote unity in families first, which would lead us to a united society. And we should also believe in our young people. If we need a strong society, we have to first make our youth strong by inculcating values of right speech, thinking and action,” Sani said.

Meanwhile, Uba Sani, while addressing thousands of Muslims of the Tijjaniyya Tariqah sect at the Murtala Square during this year’s annual Maulud celebration on behalf of governor El-Rufai, who was away on a state visit abroad, reiterated the message of peace.


Sani urged the Ulamah to stress the doctrine of peace and harmony to their followers as expounded by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/preach-peace-not-hatred-uba-sani-tasks.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday debunked reports, particularly in the social media, that the commission has opened room for fresh registration for permanent voter’s cards.

The social media was awashed yesterday with the report of the commission beginning a new phase of registration to capture those who have not yet registered.

A statement from the commission’s Director of Publicity and Voter Registration, Oluwole Osaze, yesterday explained that INEC was not in any way intending to embark on such an exercise.

Full report at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/inec-denies-fresh-registration-for-pvcs.html

espite promise by the past managements of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to fix roads linking river ports in the country, Akelicious findings have revealed that bad state of the road leading to the Baro river port, Niger State is threatening the completion of the project.

The complex, which was awarded at N2.5billion while the cargo handling equipment worth about N1.5billion was completed in 2016, is yet to be commissioned.


Also, some cargo handling equipment are yet to be installed due to the bad condition of the road leading to the port.

The former acting Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Danladi Ibrahim said in a chat with journalists recently that the Baro river port Niger state, had been completed and was ready to start operations.

The N3.5 billion Baro River port awarded under the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan between 2011/12 at a cost of N2.563 billion to Messrs CGGC Global Projects Limited.

However, since the completion, the contractor handling the installation of Cargo handling equipment has not been able to deliver it due to the bad state of the roads.

It was gathered that no one could access the river port by road as it has been cut off by gullies which made the road un motorable even by motorcycles.

For instance, the access road leading to the river port from the Gegu express way in Kogi State is not motorable and requires urgent rehabilitation by the federal government if the project is to be of any economic value to the nation.

The Managing Director of First Index Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the installation of the Cargo handling equipment at the River Port, Mr. Opeyemi Olabanji explained that they are going through serious challenges because of the deplorable condition of the access road.

He said they cannot move their cranes and other cargoes to the port, noting that the cargo handling equipment are very heavy and the trucks carrying the equipment cannot pass through the bad road.

He, however, hoped that the federal government will see the need to urgently fix the road for the interest of the nation and for evacuation of the handling equipment to the river port.

Olabanji, however, urged the federal government to commence permanent solution to the dilapidated access road if it wants the river port to be in proper use and contribute to the development of the country.

He said: “I commended NIWA for the palliative measures they are putting to make sure the equipment arrives at the river port but emphasis must be made for a lasting solution to the deplorable condition of the road. Baro River Port, which is considered as the flagship port of the Northern part of the country cannot function as it is now.”
A top management staff of NIWA had told newsmen that the port has remained unused because of the bad state of the road.

According to him, “Much fund has been invested in the Baro River Port project running into over N3.5billion. It is embarrassing that the port still remains unused, simply because the major road leading to the port is impassable.”
He, however, urged the federal government to urgently ensure that the road is captured in the 2019 budget of the country to allow the river port to be put in proper use and halt the deterioration.

When contacted, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Tayo Fadile confirmed that the River Port has been completed in 2016 but has become un accessible due to the bad state of the road.

Specifically, he said:”The Baro River Port has been completed for two years running now and the river port itself has continue to deteriorate due to lack of use of the port complex.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/bad-road-threatens-completion-of-n35bn.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Thursday, sealed the properties of the immediate past governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose.

Fayose was arraigned by the anti-graft agency at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on October 22 on 11 counts over alleged N6.9 billion fraud.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court granted him bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

The former governor, while reacting to EFCC’s action, accused the the anti-graft agency of “sealing innocent people’s house.”

“It is only in our country that an anti corruption agency will first go about sealing houses before determining the ownership, which can be done so easily by visiting relevant agencies,” Fayose said.

He also alleged that the anti-graft agency is working with the ruling All Progressives Congress government in Ekiti in another “wild goose chase and the usual media campaign” against him.

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/breaking-efcc-seals-fayoses-property-in.html

An Indian baby who was dropped onto railway tracks moments before a train passed through the station has escaped unscathed.

The dramatic incident, captured on cell phone footage Thursday, showed a train rolling over the infant in Uttar Pradesh state as screaming onlookers stand by hopelessly.

The one-year-old reportedly fell into the gap between the carriage and the platform as the girl’s parents were stepping off the train.


She was wedged flat on her back alongside the track as the train left the platform, picking up speed and thundering overhead — but just missing her.

Once the train passed a man quickly scooped up the tiny child who, apart from crying, was astonishingly left unscathed by the terrifying incident.

Indian media reported that the girl’s parents lost grip of their child as a crowd surged from the train onto the platform in Mathura city.

Indian railway officials said the lucky escape was a reminder to be cautious at all times on crowded trains.

“We are actively running campaigns to sensitise people against travelling on rooftops or standing on foot boards of the train doors,” said G K Bansal, a railways spokesman.

India’s huge railway network is notorious for overcrowding and accidents, including scores who die while crossing the tracks illegally or falling off over-capacity trains.

A 2012 government report described the loss of 15,000 passengers to rail accidents every year in India as a “massacre”.

The government has pledged $137 billion over five years to modernise the crumbling network.

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/photos-baby-survives-being-run-over-by.html

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measured inflation for October decreased by 0.74 per cent (month-on-month) from 0.83 per cent recorded in September.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in its “CPI and Inflation Report” for October released in Abuja.

According to the Bureau, the figure is 0.09 per cent points less than the rate recorded in September.

It said that the percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12 months period ended October over the average of CPI for the previous 12 months period.

It, however, measured the CPI at 12.78 per cent in the period under review from 13.55 per cent recorded in September.

It said the urban inflation rate decreased to 11.64 percent (year-on-year) in October from 11.70 per cent recorded in September.

It further said that the rural inflation rate increased by 10.93 per cent in October from 10.92 per cent recorded in September.

On a month-on-month basis, the NBS said the urban index decreased to 0.76 per cent in October, from 0.86 per cent recorded in September.

“The rural index also rose by 0.72 per cent in October, down from the rate recorded in September (0.82) per cent.’’

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/inflation-drops-in-october-nbs.html

An independent political group, ‘Project LOUD’ on Wednesday endorsed the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari and that of the APC governorship candidate in Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for 2019 election and vowed to mobilise millions of votes for them during the polls in Lagos.

The group also appealed to Nigerians to make conscious effort to see that the journey to 2019 was peaceful and orderly.

Convener of Project LOUD, Prince Kenny Bakare, who briefed newsmen in Victoria Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria to announce its endorsement of Buhari/Vice president Yemi Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu/Obafemi Hamzat as well as all other APC candidates for the 2019 General elections, said there should be a situation where all parties and partners freely discuss their weight and justify their hopes on fair grounds, saying that “the journey should be raucous-free and violence should be shunned.”

He added that government, politicians, electorate, electoral bodies, observers and security agents all have a cogent and pivotal role to play in ensuring that the journey was successful and hitch-free,”

“Project LOUD’s goals and objectives are set in accordance with good vision and mission of All Progressives Congress contestants, the vision geared towards progress and development for the country and in the interest of the citizens alone,” Bakare said.

He said the love for the country should be paramount and be made to suppress others aspirations and that “we should disallow doubling the wealth of naysayers and bad wishes by comporting ourselves in the right direction”.

Bakare stated that Project LOUD was officially endorsing all the APC candidates, saying that “ostensibly, the change maker (Buhari/Osinbajo) is here with another next level of moving Nigeria forward to the desired level of recognition in political development and sustainable society.

“Sanwo-Olu is all about good governance, an all inclusive government, a listening government that would listen to everybody and respond swiftly, a Lagos that would be good for all.”

Bakare also said there was already grassroots structures in place in all the 57 local councils in the State to mobilise millions of votes for Buhari and Sanwo-Olu and that by December 1 when governorship campaigns kicked off, they would all go into action.

He called on all voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, as in less than 90 days, the country would be ready to elect new leaders, and that “as such, as law abiding citizens, it is imperative for us to have our our Permanent Voters Card for the purpose of positive next level in the country.”

A representative of Sanwo-Olu, Segun Dawodu said the governorship candidate was ready to run an all inclusive government that would not close the door against anybody.

“The Sanwo-Olu administration will run an all inclusive government and there is no shutting of the door on anybody. When he gets to power, he will surely implement good governance,” he said.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/group-endorse-buhari-sanwo-olu-vows-to.html

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has called on Muslims to imbibe righteousness, honestly, charity and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.

The speaker congratulated the Muslims on the commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud.

Dogara, in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said the celebration of the birth of the Prophet was an opportunity for the adherents to renew faiths, rejuvenate their spirit and engender love in the society.

“”The life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his teachings on piety, unity, charity, peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness should serve as a lesson and guidance as we march towards building a nation of our dream.

”As we mark this year’s Eid Maulud, I wish to rejoice with our Muslim brothers and sisters and to urge that we take advantage of the occasion to renew our bond of unity and love as a people of common destiny and to continue to pray for peace, progress and stability of the nation, especially as we inch closer to 2019 general elections,” he said.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/dogara-urges-muslims-to-emulate-prophet.html

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2019 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty, in the first two years of his administration, if he wins the election.
Atiku, former vice president, also promised that his government would attract investments and support 50 million Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises.

Atiku who spoke when he unveiled his policy launch through a live Facebook address in Yola, Adamawa, yesterday, said the idea is to double the size of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to $900 billion by 2025.
He said the investments would create a minimum of 2.5 million jobs annually and lift at least 50 million people from poverty in the first two years.

He said his team would also help to create jobs by innovating flagship programmes such as the national open apprenticeship through the capacity of master-craftsmen and women to train one-million new apprentices every year.


“Our national innovation fund and SME venture capital fund initiatives will provide stable and sustainable long-term support to aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said.

Atiku said his plan to restructure the country will lead to an increase in the internally generated revenue of states and federal governments.

He said if the country is restructured, “no state will receive less funding than they get today, in fact, all would receive more and the harder a state works the more they will get,” adding that they were not just his plan, but that of Nigerians.

The former vice president said above all, it is a plan that would help create job.

“Without jobs, there is crime, drug use and insecurity. Without jobs, where is the hope for a better life and a better future? We will begin the process of sharing our policies that form my plan to create jobs, restructure the polity, and get Nigeria working again.”

He said that would be done via the matching grants that we would be provided to state governments that increased their own revenue.


He also pledged to offer an inclusive leadership, because “Atiku Abubakar is 100 percent for 100 percent of Nigerians, 100 per cent of the time.”

The PDP presidential candidate said that he was not out to make promises without plan as witnessed in the past, adding that it is one thing to promise and another thing to deliver.

“I am not one for making grandiose promises. Rather than promises, I believe in policies. A promise is an indication to do a future action. A policy is a plan to achieve future goals.

“I believe in setting goals and coming up with realistic plans and policies to achieving those goals. To me, leadership is having the discipline to commit to one’s goals until they are a reality.

“I have succeeded in running my private enterprises which now employ 50,000 Nigerians because I believe in policies and I have the discipline to stay with them until they become reality.

“It is my desire to run for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not because I have a bag full of promises, but because I am prepared to lead,” he said.


Abubakar said in the last 18 months, he had worked with the best experts Nigeria had to offer to come up with policies and plans that when implemented would get Nigeria going in the right direction again.

He recalled that as vice president from 1999 to 2007, he chaired the national economic council that gave Nigeria her highest and most consistent GDP growth of over six per cent per annum.

He said said in spite of the fact that crude oil prices at that time were much lower than they were today, under the leadership of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria paid off its entire foreign debt.

“We also introduced the GSM revolution that saw Nigeria go from 100,000 phone lines to over 100 million today. We were able to achieve these, and much more, because we had a plan called the national economic empowerment and development strategy.


“That plan worked, and today I have the pleasure of unveiling our policies and strategies, not promises, to take Nigeria from where she is right now, to where she needs to be.

“This is my plan to get Nigeria working again. A plan that will give Nigerian workers a living wage. A plan that will give Nigeria’s youth a world-class education.

“A plan that will empower Nigerian women, reduce maternal mortality and increase their financial stability. A plan that will cater for the elderly, so our people are not afraid of growing old.

“A plan that will invest in our failing infrastructure.”
Buhari reacts

The Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, however, faulted Atiku, as it argued that anyone who promised to restructure the country between six to 12 months “is telling the biggest lie.”

Festus Keyamo, spokesman for the group, said Buhari would not engage in deceit by promising what cannot be achieved.


He said the time span given by Atiku cannot work with the constitutional provisions for amendments that will allow restructuring.

“In the campaign manual, the president has not said that he will object to a constitutional amendment. He has not engaged in a deceitful nature to say I want to restructure when he knows he cannot in six months.

“Anybody that tells you that restructuring is something that should be done outside the amendment of the constitution is a lie. Restructuring is about devolution of powers, fiscal federalism. You cannot do that without amending the constitution.

“We call it the restructuring farce by the opposition. It is a farce because there is a clear procedure in the constitution for amending the constitution.”

Asked how the Buhari administration plans to fund the projects listed to be completed in four years, Keyamo said: “They will find a way. It is important to have a plan on the table, expecting resources to come.”

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/2019-my-govtll-lift-50m-nigerians-out.html

The Atiku/Obi Presidential Movement, a group for the actualization of the Presidential ambition of Alh. Atiku Abubakar has promised to deliver 10 million votes for the former Vice President.

Amb. Niyi Omoyele, Director General of the movement disclosed this when he led National and state executives on a courtesy visit to the wife of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The group which also vowed to resist all forms of rigging in the Presidential election, said that the movement had structures at the grassroots and across the 774 local government of Nigeria.

Omoyele said that the movement has been in existence since the return of democracy in 1999 and had campaigned for Obasanjo-Atiku, Yar,adua-Goodluck, Goodluck-Sambo and was now going to campaign for Atiku-Obi.

He said that any attempt to rig the 2019 election would be resisted by members of the group as the electoral law now provides for the instant announcement and transmission of the result from the polling unit and wards level in the presence of all stakeholders.

“Members of the Atiku/Obi Presidential movement are optimistic that 2019 election is the divine time for Atiku’s Presidency because of the overwhelming acceptance of his candidacy across the country.

“Nigerians are desirous of change, the type of change that only Atiku Abubakar can provide,” he said.

He reiterated that the group is targeting to mobilise at least 10 million voters in synergy with other like minds toward the successful outing of Atiku/Obi at the poll.

A member of the national executive of the group Prince Joshua Idowu described Atiku as a good product that was easy to sell to the electorate.

The National women leader of the group Mrs Amaka Ofor also said that their women across the 774 local government in Nigeria have concluded arrangement to stage a one million solidarity walk for Atiku in Abuja.

Responding to the group, Atiku’s wife, Hajia Titi Abubakar thanked them for the visit and appreciated them for their continued support and solidarity to her husband.

She assured them that Atiku Abubakar was a man of integrity and that he would keep his promises to Nigerians and would never forget them when he emerged.

Other members of the group who also featured at the visit include: Gomez Okpala, Director for National Mobilisation and Mrs. Jumai Gowon, Director for Special Duties.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/2019-group-backs-atiku-promises-10m.html

Mrs Irene Kokumo, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions on Friday said that the state government had paid N4.7 billion to local government pensioners between January and August.

Kokumo disclosed this while playing host to members of Ogun House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who were on oversight visit to the bureau in Abeokuta.

The permanent secretary, represented by Mr Aduloju Akinbobola noted that the state government had paid the monthly pensions of the retirees up to the month of October.

She explained that 474 new retirees were enlisted into the payroll of the bureau, saying that they all enjoyed the benefits of their monthly pensions.

The permanent secretary added that gratuities for teaching and non-teaching retirees of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) had been paid up till August 2011, while that of the local government retirees had been paid up to November 2011.

She said that the bureau successfully completed 2017 biometric screening exercise which revealed that a total of 200 pensioners had become deceased.

“We have erroneously recovered funds paid into some deceased retirees accounts,” she said.

Responding, Mr Tunde Sanusi, House Committee Chairman commended the bureau for the prompt payment of the pensioners’ entitlements.

Sanusi added that the assembly would not hesitate to support the bureau when necessary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the committee included Messrs Akinpelu Aina, Harrison Adeyemi, Razak Oduntan and Olayiwola Ojodu.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/ogun-govt-pays-n47bn-to-lg-pensioners.html

Mr Ikem Uzoezie, factional Speaker of Anambra House of Assembly (ANHA), has dismissed his suspension by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as illegal and uninformed.

Uzoezie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday that the leadership of APGA in Anambra did not follow the procedures in suspending party members.

It will be recalled that Chief Norbert Obi, Chairman of the party in the state, had on Nov. 15, announced the suspension of three lawmakers, including Uzoezie, the new speaker of the Assembly.

Others were Mr Harford Oseke, the Deputy Speaker and Mr Victor Okoye, the Majority Leader of the Assembly.

The chairman said their suspension followed their leading role in the impeachment saga where Mrs Rita Mmaduagwu was purportedly removed without carrying the party along.

Uzoezie said the party overreached its bounds as the events in the parliament were wholly internal to it, adding that members were at liberty to change their leaders who were not effective.

He said the party was supreme but noted that it had to do with party matters and not an independent institution like the parliament.

According to him, I represent a constituency that has APGA and non-APGA members, so you cannot say we did not carry the party along.

“I have not been formally communicated, I only saw it in the media and my party members called me to tell me about it.

“All the same, I am a lawmaker who is versed in laws and procedure; the state chairman should have referred to the constitution of the party.

“I am one of the oldest members of the party, there are procedures for suspending members of a party, you don’t just wake up and suspend members, we are not in a Banana Republic.

“Every action must be guided by the rule of that organisation, if not, it amounts to a nullity; I am surprised by their action, I know they will rescind their action and good reason shall prevail.

“I agree that party is supreme, but that has to do with party matters so that argument does not hold water, besides, we are not in a parliamentary democracy where the party dictates.

“I want to dismiss the suspension as illegal and inconsequential,” he said.

The lawmaker said he was the new Speaker of ANHA as the change in leadership was a collective resolve of the majority of members.

He said Speakers were elected by members to serve their interest and when they are not doing the bidding of the generality of the House, they fire them and elect competent ones.

“As an independent body, the House of Assembly is at liberty to change its leadership if they are not performing, we are peers, co-equals, so it is purely internal to us.

“Those who say there is no change of leadership in ANHA, including the chairman are living in their own imagination but as it concerns us, we have removed our former Speaker.

“The impeachment stands and all other principal officers remain,” he said.

Also speaking to NAN, Mr Harford Oseke, Deputy Speaker of ANHA, noted that he was not aware of his purported suspension.

Oseke described the action against him as futile as there was no nexus between APGA and the ANHA, adding that he had not committed any crime against the party.

He said he would welcome the suspension with open arms and would not return to the party whenever he was formally notified.

“I will thank the chairman of APGA if they truly suspended me, what am I doing in APGA, they have killed APGA.

“I am not coming back if they actually suspended me, though I have not received their notice for my suspension, I only saw it on social media.

“What is the relationship between House of Assembly and APGA?

“I accept it in good fate, they have made things easy for me, I can now freely move to another party if I like APGA to deal with us,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/anambra-our-suspension-lack-due-process.html

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to prove his administration’s anti-corruption claims by conducting thorough and genuine investigation into the allegations of bribery against the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

According to Saraki, “Nigerians are eagerly awaiting how President Buhari will handle the serious allegations of bribery levelled against Oshiomhole over the conduct of the just concluded primary elections in the party.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President said: “We expect the President with his anti-corruption campaign to institute thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations against his party chairman.


“The failure of the President to get to the root of the matter will finally destroy his ability and that of the party to continue to talk of any anti-graft battle. The President should let the investigation be thorough, open and transparent. This is no time for any cover-up.”

Saraki maintained that until the outcome of the investigation is known to Nigerians and the APC chairman is cleared of the allegations against him, Oshiomhole is not on a firm ground to talk about morality or fight against corruption.

Saraki had in response to Oshiomhole’s call on him to resign as Senate President on moral grounds, declared on Wednesday in Ilorin, Kwara State that Oshiomhole had ‘no locus standi to talk about morality in today’s Nigeria’s politics.”

The Senate president spoke yesterday as former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, expressed readiness to expose how Oshiomhole, collected over $50 million as bribe from various aspirants during his party’s primaries.

In a statement, he threatened to publish the names and amounts paid to lobby Oshiomhole to clear aspirants and substitute the names of duly elected candidates with those that failed.

Frank claimed that a large percentage of the monies was paid to Oshiomhloe through proxies from Imo, Zamfara, Adamawa and Ogun states, among others.

The former APC official, who wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to take a decisive step over the alleged bribery saga, called on him to act on the recommendations of the Department of State Services (DSS) by relieving Oshiomhole of his job.

“I dare say that by this singular act of refusing to order the prosecution of Oshiomhole over sundry acts of bribery and corruption he committed as contained in the DSS report, President Buhari has shown that his APC-led administration is a stinking house of corruption.


“We are in the know that Buhari has received the DSS report on Oshiomhole and Nigerians are patiently waiting for the action or inaction of his government because this is an administration that has claimed fighting corruption as an achievement.

“In the history of party administration in Nigeria, no party chairman has been accused of collecting the jaw-breaking amount of money allegedly collected within a short period in office like Oshiomhole has allegedly done.

“Instead of Oshiomhole to clear his name, he has taken to diversionary path asking the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki to resign. Nigerians are not gullible. We shall wait to see how the acclaimed anti-corruption regime will act on this particular issue.”

“This same Oshiomhole has been attacking the Senate president, calling on him to resign on moral ground, can Oshiomhole now step aside while investigation into his financial malfeasance is ongoing to justify his much talked about morality?” Frank asked.
The DSS is believed to have, after interrogating Oshiomhole, askedE him to resign over allegations of bribery and corruption against him.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/test-anti-graft-fight-with-bribery.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has commenced distribution of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters who registered between 2015 and March 2018 in Kastina state.

Alhaji Abubakar Zarewa, INEC Resident Electoral Commission (REC), in the state made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Katsina on Thursday.

“We will also give priority to those who registered from March to August 2018 especially those that will participate in the by-election in Kankia, Kusada and Ingawa Federal Constituency.

“We are calling on all eligible voters who registered to come forward and collect their PVCs in our offices in the 34 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state.

“Anybody that has any complaint is free to forward it to us,” he said adding that “people are free to do so.”

Zarewa advised the electorate to protect their PVCs after collection in order to make proper use of them during the 2019 general elections.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/inec-begins-distribution-of-pvcs-in.html

The thirty- six state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, met last night in Abuja, saying only Lagos State Government can pay the new minimum wage of N30,000. The governors also resolved to downsize, if they must pay the new minimum wage.
They, however, at the meeting the NGF emergency meeting, resolved to send another delegation to President Muhammadau Buhari to canvass their position on the new Minimum Wage. Members of the committee to see President Buhari are governors of Lagos, Akinwumi Ambode; Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, Simon Lalong of Plateau State; Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State; Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; Dave Umahi of Benue State; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; and Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State. The governors insisted that though they were willing to pay any amount, asking all states to pay N30,000 demanded by organized labour would render many states bankrupt, saying the only way states could pay was to either downsize their workforce or the Federal Government agrees to a new revenue allocation formula. Chairman of the NGF and governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, who spoke for the governors at the end of the meeting, said governors resolved to “re-strategize and put together another committee to meet the President to once again to work out another formula towards quick resolution of the problem associated with the proposed N30,000 minimum wage.” According to him, it is impracticable for governors to pay the new minimum wage unless labour agrees to a downsizing of the work force all over the country. President Buhari received the report of the Tripartite Committee last Tuesday but did not endorse the proposal made by the committee. Speaking further, Yari explained: “We have seen what has been presented to the President by the committee. As a member of the committee, governors (representative) said the committee did not take our submission of N22,500 because it came late. “I am surprised how you can do this without the input of the states, because the states are the key stakeholders in this business. “In a situation where our report is not taken or considered by the tripartite committee in its report to the President, I don’t know how the committee expects us to work. “But we still say we want to pay but the issue is the ability to pay. I don’t know how this formula will come and I don’t know how we can get solution to the issue. “We are not able to N18,000 today. When the President assumed office, 27 states were not able to pay; not that they choose not to pay, now you say N30,000. How many of them can pay? We will be bankrupt. “So, as Nigerians, we should look at the issues seriously. While other people are saying governors are flying jets and living in affluence, that one is not luxury but compulsory. “Put together, the issue of government overhead cost with personnel cost still cannot solve this problem. “Like Lagos that is paying about N7 billion as salaries, if you say it should pay N30,000, now it will be N13 billion. “From our calculation, it is only Lagos State that will be able to pay N30,000. As Nigerians, this is our country, there is no other country we have and we should be fair to this country. “As for the way forward, we will continue to talk with Labour, let them see reasons governors have difficulties. “Some of us have IGR. For instance, the money Lagos State is using to pay is not coming from Abuja. They have a way of getting their money from IGR and that is why they can afford to pay. They get money through VAT. “Apart from Lagos, even Rivers cannot afford to pay. So, we have been crying out about this since 2011 but no one cared to listen. “One critical example is that some states ration their salaries, while some others put everything they earn on the table and ask labour to come and see and ask them to suggest how much should go for capital and personnel cost. “Some say 70% for personnel cost and 30 %for capital projects and yet the states cannot pay and they put the remaining as outstanding. “If you are talking about oil, the price is not what it used to be. From last year to date, it is $20 less, from $75 to $55 dollars. So, where is the money to pay? “We should not exploit this matter further. We are leaders today, tomorrow others will be. So, let’s look at this matter seriously to see how we can do it properly. It is our primary responsibility to see that everybody is happy.’’ It will be recalled that organized labour had Tuesday, warned that any attempt to delay or truncate the agreed N30, 000 national minimum wage would have a devastating effect on the country. Speaking through the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, Bobboi Kaigama while addressing members of ASCSN National Executive Council, NEC, meeting, stressed the on the need for the government to fast-track implementation of the N30, 000 minimum wage Kaigama, who is also the President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, insisted that Nigerian workers expected the Federal Government to complete the process of new wage before the end of this year. According to him: “It is apt to state that against all odds, the Tripartite Committee that negotiated the new Minimum Wage was to able to scale all hurdles and agreed to the sum of N30,000 as the new minimum wage for the country. It is on this premise that I strongly want to appeal to the Federal Government to fast track the process of enacting the new National Minimum Wage into law.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/only-lagos-can-afford-n30000-minimum.html

The community of Vwang District in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State has petitioned Governor Simon Lalong, over invasion of their villages by military operatives of the Special Task Force (STF) known as Operation Safe Haven, who allegedly battered women and children.

It claimed the army invaded the Vwang-Kogwot, Dangyuruk, Gwohwong and Kogom villages, broke into their houses, harassed, intimidated and brutalised innocent and defenseless women, children and the elderly for no reason.

The community, in a complaint letter to the governor, yesterday, signed by the President of Vwang Development Association (VDA), Da Gabriel Tongwong, and Chairman of Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA), Vwang District, Ngo Esther D. Vwangdung, demanded government’s intervention in the alleged unwarranted harassment and brutality of women and children by the army.

He said: “We, the community based associations of Vwang District, in Jos South Local Government, are constrained to cry out to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Simon Bako Lalong, over the incessant invasion of our community by persons suspected to be operatives of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven.

For sometime now, these security operatives have been conducting unwarranted harassment, intimidation and brutalisation of innocent and defenseless children, women and the elderly in our communities, including Vwang-Kogwot, Dangyuruk, Gwohwong and Kogom, leading to loss of lives for reasons not known to us.

However, spokesman of the Operation Safe Haven, Major Umar Adams, said the Command is trailing criminal elements and mopping up arms for enduring peace in the state. “The operation was carried out to arrest criminal elements in some communities in the state and environs. Our desire is to guarantee a peaceful society where innocent citizens can go about their normal business without harassment.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/insecurity-plateau-community-petitions.html

The notion that most Nigerian artists and entertainers only know how to sing and entertain is fast fading away.

Amongst some behind the scene information is the fact that Nigerian artists are really doing a lot when it comes to the business aspect of what they do.

Fast rising Nigerian artist, Mr. Eazi has made the list of those Nigerian artists that do not only concentrate on musical career but the business side of it.

While speaking as a guest on programme Entertainment Weekly, Mr. Eazi said African music is very lucrative.

Speaking further, the “Banku” master also admitted that he is into business and has business personnel working with him and for him.

Mr. Eazi who recently released his latest single said he has hired more hands for his business to move ahead.

Talking about Music business, Mr. Eazi said tips like: having a good team, learning and asking questions are important tips to be considered.

Considering a combination of business and the time to concentrate, Mr. Eazi said, it is crazy, but he had to hire more hands because of the bulk of work he has gotten from African, Scandinavia and America.

The young artist’s single, “Keys to the city” (Ogede) is a video centered on the current political situation in Nigeria; which reflects the African mentality and political structure which also encourages Nigerians not to sell their votes in the next election period.

The artists whose music is loved by most Nigerians, also revealed that he has been working all through and his music business has made him and his team, tour lagos, London, Accra; with a focus on the UK, establishing fans in all these countries.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/african-music-is-very-lucrative-mr-eazi.html

In its latest round of intervention, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday injected the sum of $210 million into the interbank foreign exchange market.

Figures obtained from the CBN indicated that the authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market received the sum of $100 million while the SMEs and invisibles segments were allotted the sum of $55 million each.

The Bank’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor assured that the CBN would continue to sustain liquidity in the forex market.


He also expressed optimism that the naira would continue to remain strong against the dollar and other major currencies around the world, considering the stability in the market and robust reserves.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had on Friday, November 2, 2018, made interventions to the tune of $337.16million in the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) and CNY 56.17million in the spot and short-tenored forwards segment of the foreign exchange market.

Meanwhile, the naira yesterday exchanged at an average of N360/$1 on the BDC segment of the market.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/cbn-injects-another-210m-into-forex.html

CNN filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Trump administration over the revocation of press credentials for White House Correspondent Jim Acosta.

Acosta’s questions and reporting has been a frequent target of criticism by President Donald Trump.

“We have asked this court for an immediate restraining order requiring the pass be returned to Jim, and will seek permanent relief as part of this process,’’ CNN said in a statement.

The Republican president has steadily intensified his criticism of the media, with CNN remaining a major target.

Trump erupted into anger earlier during a news conference when Acosta questioned him about the so-called migrant caravan travelling through Mexico and about an ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

“That’s enough, that’s enough,’’Trump said on Nov. 7, as a White House intern attempted to take the microphone off Acosta. “You are a rude, terrible person.’’

The White House suspended his credentials later that day, with press secretary Sarah Sanders accusing Acosta of putting his hands on the intern, who was trying to take the microphone from him. She called his behaviour “absolutely unacceptable.’’

Video of the encounter showed Acosta pulling back as the intern moved to take the microphone.

He called the White House accusations a lie.

“While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone.

“If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials,” CNN said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/jim-acosta-cnn-drags-white-house-to.html

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says a total of 3.36 million passengers traveled through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja between January and September.

FAAN disclosed this in its 2018 Passengers Traffic Statistics obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja.

The report showed that a total of 2.6 million people travelled locally (domestic) while 689,388 passengers were recorded on international wing during the period.

It also showed that while 1.36 million passengers were recorded on domestic arrivals, 1.30 million departed through the airport within the period.

According to FAAN, 340,171 international passengers arrived the airport, while 349,217 passengers traveled out of the country through NAIA during the period.

Quarterly breakdown showed that 1.02 million passengers travelled during the first quarter; 1.1 million in second quarter and 1.23 million in third quarter.

Monthly breakdown revealed that 339,452 passengers traveled through the airport in January, comprising of 263,625 domestic and 75,827 international passengers.

In February, 303,571 passengers comprising of 248,863 domestic and 54,708 international passengers traveled, while 378,881 passengers comprising 309,571 domestic and 69,310 international passengers were transported in March.

While a total of 397,058 passengers comprising of 317,282 domestic and 79,776 international passengers travelled in April, 364,419 comprising of 291,086 domestic and 73,333 international passengers were recorded in May.

In June, 348,269 passengers comprising of 271,543 domestic and 76,726 international passengers were moved while 394,340 passengers consisting of 308,069 domestic and 86,271 international passengers travelled through NAIA in July.

The statistics further showed that while 434,358 comprising of 341,598 domestic and 92,760 international passengers were recorded in August, 403,400 passengers comprising of 322,723 domestic and 80,677 international passengers were transported in September.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/nnamdi-azikiwe-intl-airport-records.html