₦airaland Forum

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has stated that the House of Representatives would resist any further attempt to frustrate the enactment of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.


He said the failure to do so would be indicative of a desire not to improve on the successes recorded in the 2015 elections.

Delivering a speech to mark the resumption of the House from its annual recess at the National Assembly, Hon Dogara said the passage of the Bill was also important in order to quell fears that some forces intend to manipulate the forthcoming elections by exploiting identified loopholes in the Electoral Act currently in force.


He explained that the new Electoral Act amendment Bill has provisions that are designed to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria, entrenches the Smart Card Reader and electronic transmission of results, among others.

In a statement made available to Akelicious by Turaki Hassan, his media aide, the Speaker also added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Supplementary budget Bill must also be accorded expeditious consideration.

“As we settle down to business, let me reiterate that the INEC Supplementary budget Bill must be accorded expeditious consideration. Furthermore, the pending issue of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which was unfortunately vetoed by Mr President, must also be expeditiously considered and passed.


“The new Electoral Act amendment Bill has provisions that are designed to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria. The amendment Bill entrenches the Smart Card Reader and electronic transmission of results among others.

“Any further attempt to frustrate the passing into law of the Bill, will be indicative of our desire not to improve on the successes of the 2015 general elections further fueling the fears that some including our international partners have about some forces who intend to manipulate the forthcoming elections by exploiting identified loopholes in the Electoral Act currently in force,” he added.

The speaker said the August 8th assault on the institution of the National Assembly by masked personnel of the Department of State Services, DSS, the third by security agencies working in concert with anti-democratic elements in quick succession, was a rude reminder to all that, “our democracy is still very fragile and therefore we should never go to sleep believing that the work of democracy is done and that progress is inevitable.”

Furthermore, he thanked vigilant NASS members, who at great risks, confronted these heavily armed; masked and hooded fascist agents, the Press, Civil Society Organisations, the generality of Nigerians and the international community for rising to the occasion as living heroes of our democracy.

He also commended the then Acting President, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN who swiftly took disciplinary action against some of the perpetrators of these seditious and subversive action and called on the executive to ensure that all other assessors, before or after the fact of this treasonable act, must be quickly brought to book; as the then DG, SSS could never have acted alone.

Charging his colleagues to be steadfast in their fight to protect democracy, Hon Dogara reminded them that their loyalty must be in tandem with their oath of office to the nation and not to any individual or sectional cause or interest.

He said, “The goal of some people who are working to enthrone tyranny and despotism is to harass, intimidate and ridicule this great institution of the people to the point that we are forced to abdicate our responsibilities and fidelity to our oath of office.

“It’s a pity that these elements know nothing about the character of this great Institution and the fact that our devotion to the rule of law far surpasses our love and admiration for any individual or group of persons. If this was not the case, third term would have succeeded and the motion on the doctrine of necessity would have failed.

“We cannot drift, in our own time, from the path of honour and courage that has been the hallmark of this hallowed Chambers. As patriots, we owe it a duty to patriotically support the patriotic even if they are our foes and to patriotically oppose or defeat the unpatriotic even if they are our best friends.”

While commending all members of committees who sat during the recess, he specifically thanked the Joint Committee on INEC for the patriotism, sacrifice and commitment they put into the work on the INEC Supplementary Budget for the 2019 general elections, he urged his colleagues not to lose sight of the fact that they still have much business to do.

He said, “I urge us not to be so absorbed by the politics of 2019 as to allow our Legislative duties to suffer. We must utilise the available time judiciously to serve the country and our people to the best of our ability. Having started strong with groundbreaking and record-setting achievements, we will be on the wrong side of history if we fail to finish as strongly as we started. It is said that the end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof.”

The speaker, who congratulated all members who won their primary elections, wished those whose elections may still be in process a favourable conclusion and pledged assistance for others who are said to have lost their nominations in circumstances which remain contentious so that they get fair opportunities as they have all made tremendous sacrifices and it is only fair that they are rewarded.

“The leadership is aware of the impunity that characterised the conduct of some primaries in which some of our members allegedly lost the ticket to contest in the next election. We have done our best to ensure internal democracy within parties but it appears parties prefer to pander to the whims and caprices of some individuals rather than the law.

“May I reiterate the warning of Kekere-Ekun, JSC in MATO V. HEMBER & 2 ORS (2018) 5 NWLR (PT. 1612) 258 at pages 297-298 PARAGRAPHS C-B,” he stated, adding that, “It is a pity that the 2018 primaries will throw up more pre-election cases than ever before witnessed in Nigeria due to display of impunity by parties in the conduct of primaries across board.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/nass-full-speech-of-dogara-as-house-of.html

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has said its investigation of human rights violation in Nigeria would end soon.

It stated that investigators would in no time submit their findings on the inquiries initiated against the country over alleged gross abuse of citizens’ rights.

ICC prosecutor, Dr Fatou Bensouda, made the disclosure yesterday during a conversation with the Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA), Mark Ellis, at the ongoing yearly conference of the lawyers’ body in Rome, Italy.


A former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, Bensouda said her team of investigators was going underground on preliminary examination of the Nigerian situation.

She said: “My team is going underground on preliminary examination collecting information, talking with government officials and others and not just the authorities themselves. The preliminary examination in Nigeria has advanced a lot.

It is moving and progressing very well. Hopefully, very soon, we will come to the final determination of that investigation.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/probe-of-rights-abuses-in-nigeria-ends.html

The Nigeria Police Force have arrested one Paschal Ugwu, who allegedly disguised to be an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for defrauding Wire-My-Cake Company of N805,000.

Disclosing news of the arrest on Monday, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, said Ugwu connived with Sodiq Ibrahim, a former employee of the company to defraud the company’s managing director.

Edgal said: “The suspect met his waterloo on October 5 at Ijegun, having defrauded Wire-My-Cake Company. Two months before his arrest, while pretending to be an EFCC official, he accused the company’s CEO of defrauding GTB.

“He further accused him that it was the proceeds of the fraud that he used in setting up his company.

“The suspect did not only intimidate the company’s CEO, but also followed it with accusations and at the end of the day obtained N805,000 from him.

“The command operatives attached to Area ‘F’ Ikeja began operation. This led to the arrest of Sodiq Ibrahim, a dismissed employee of Wire-My-Cake Company, who connived with the suspect to defraud his former employer.”

Ugwu and Ibrahim allegedly took advantage of the pending case the company had with EFCC. The suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/police-nab-fake-efcc-operative.html

As the coast becomes clearer following last week’s emergence of candidates for various offices at the party level, activities in the equities sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) witnessed some level of stability at the end of transactions yesterday, causing the All-share index to appreciate marginally by 0.2 per cent.



Specifically, at the close of transactions yesterday, the All –Share Index rose by 61.81 absolute points, representing 0.19 per cent increase to close at 32,444.96 points. Similarly, market capitalisation rose by N23 billion to close at N11.844 trillion.

The improved performance was significantly impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Conoil, Nigerian Breweries, Zenith Bank and NEM Insurance.

Analysts at Investdata Consulting Limited said: “We believe investors can take advantage of the current low prices of stocks with strong fundamentals in order to reap medium-to-long term benefits. Stage by stage buying is advised as we expect inflation figure for September in the new week.


“There could be repositioning on the strength of earnings in the midst of unfolding events in the political environment. Investors should review their positions in line with their investment goals and take action as events unfolds in the global and domestic environment.”Afrinvest Limited said: “the local bourse opened the trading week on a positive note as bargain hunting in bellwethers.”

Market breadth was positive, with 16 gainers versus 11 losers. Unity Bank recorded the highest price gain of 9.09 per cent, to close at 96 kobo per share. Neimeth followed with a gain of 8.47 per cent to close at 64 kobo, while Mutual Benefit Assurance gained by 7.69 per cent to close at 28 kobo per share. Caverton went up by 7.61 per cent to close at N1.98, while NEM Insurance appreciated by 5.42 per cent to close at N3.11 per share.

On the other hand, John Holts led the losers’ chart by 9.43 per cent, to close at 48 kobo per share. Guinea Insurance followed with a loss of 9.38 per cent to close at 29 kobo, while AIICO Insurance shed 6.02 per cent to close at 78 kobo per share.

Presco depreciated by 5.66 per cent to close at N53.35 and Japaul Oil and Maritime Services declined by 4.17 per cent to close at 23 kobo per share.
Activity level, however, weakened as volume and value traded declined by 27.6 per cent and 9.9 per cent respectively to 120.82 million units and N1.34 billion.

Transactions in the shares of Guaranty Trust Bank topped the activity chart with 21.6 million shares worth N788.57 million.FCMB Groups followed with account of 21.37 million shares valued at N36.62 million; while NEM Insurance traded 11.17 million shares cost N33.1 million.Fidelity Bank traded 7.88 million shares valued at N14.32 million, while Zenith Bank sold 5.78 million shares worth N125.75 million.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/stock-market-reopens-bullish-index.html

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Lamido Sanusi II, has warned that Nigeria may become the world’s capital of poverty within the next 30 years due to policy deficit.

He said unless the country’s leaders get their priorities right and address critical issues that affect human development, many countries of the world would leave Nigeria behind.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spoke after he was inducted as honorary member of the Sigma Club of the University of Ibadan (UI) at the weekend in the ancient city.


The Emir revealed that he was in New York, United States recently for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and “one of the sessions I missed sadly, of which I got its reports, was the one anchored by Bill Gate, in which he spoke about global poverty.”

He went on: “What he tried to do was to draw attention of the world to the fact that, sometimes, when we look at big numbers and don’t break them down to regions, we miss important issues.

“According to projections, if every country continues its present trajectory, by 2050, 80 per cent of all the poor people in the world will live on the African continent. But that is not the frightening thing. One half of this 80 per cent will be in Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo. Two countries will account for 40 per cent of all the poor people in the world and Nigeria will therefore remain the poverty capital of the world.

“We will have elections in 2019. I read the papers, I watch the television and listen to the discussions. Who is talking about education? Who is talking about nutrition? Who is talking about basic health? As a country, what are our priorities? We don’t have enough money for education. We don’t have enough money for health. We don’t have enough money for nutrition. But we have N1 trillion or N2 trillion to spend on petroleum subsidies. Where is our sense of what is important and where is our investment in the future?”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/nigeria-may-soon-become-worlds-poverty.html

No fewer than 50 people have been killed and about 100 others suffered serious burns after a fuel tanker crashed into a vehicle in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The accident happened in the village of Mbuta, about 130 km (80 miles) from the capital.

Deputy Governor of Kongo Central province, Atou Matubuana Nkuluki said: “We are mourning the death of about 50 people. There are also about 100 people with second-degree burns.”

The crash follows another incident in 2010 when a fuel tanker overturned and exploded, leaving at least 230 people dead.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/breaking-50-die-in-dr-congo-fuel-tanker.html

Professor of Theatre and Drama and a leading presidential aspirant on the platform of the Social Democratice Party (SDP), Iyorwuese Hagher, has warned Nigerians against money politics ahead of the 2019 general election.

Speaking yesterday during a press conference held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, Hagher, who is the President, African Leadership Institute (USA), blamed the rising spate of vote buying on the desperation of the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) to hold on to power at all costs, saying it could have consequences on Nigeria democracy.


According to him, “The desperate attempts by incumbent to retain power at all cost could fatally derail the freedom of the voter and one-person one-vote and the electoral value.”

He added that: “The APC government wants to win elections at all cost; the Ekiti and Osun elections leave little to be desired. There was reckless buying of votes, deployment of security agents. It is unacceptable to me. They should not push the button too hard.”

Noting that the Nigerian masses are deliberately impoverished to deny them their freedom to elect candidates of their choice, Hagher, referring to the SDP national convention holding Saturday in Abuja, said: “The delegates will come; those who will give them money will give them money but they will vote for me.”

He vowed that given the opportunity to lead Nigeria he would implement his manifesto, which he described as a crystallisation of all the ideas he had documented to make Nigeria a great country.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/sdp-presidential-aspirant-warns-against_6.html

Charles Inojie remains a household name in the industry having, at all times, ranked amongst the best comic acts in Nigeria. Aside being very popular for his roles in movies, his face is synonymous with comedy and this has robbed off on his persona. His journey into klieg light appears interesting and could make a good Nollywood script, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Life oftentimes throws up a phase or possibly, situation that could define your path and bring you face to face with fate. This is not strange as it is often based on the peculiarity of nature most often related to human. For though he needs little or no introduction based on the strength of his popularity in movies and on TV shows, star of the popular Mnet sitcom – The Johnsons – Charles Inojie fits in the precept above.

Mostly known for his comic roles, a blend of his trademarks as an actor, scriptwriter, movie producer and director for screen and stage plays, makes him the personality he is today. His story, following a chance encounter with one of Nigeria’s literary icons, could make a good Nollywood script and one wonders why he has not deemed it fit for the screen. It goes that growing up in Ogun State with his father, a young Inojie had barely left secondary school in the early 90s with the intention to study law.


His relatively poor father would neither object nor make a career choice for the ‘Jambite’. One of those days in the company of his literary minded friends as usual, had gone to a place called Writers Resort at Ijoko, in Ota, Ogun State. Owned by the late Professor Bode Osanyin of University of Lagos, the Resort would organise a monthly retreat and invite coterie of writers, poets, dramatists and literary critics.

So it happened that the guest reader for the month will read from his literary work be it a poem or play and thereafter would respond to questions from the gathering of mostly literary enthusiasts.

Fresh from secondary school, Inojie would make it to the literary gathering and with his other friends; assist the Resort with chores within the arena. Auspiciously, this particular month, the late Ogoni environmentalist and human rights activist, Ken Saro Wiwa would be the special guest at the Resort.

Shortly before that period, Bassey and Company, a popular soap opera written by Saro-Wiwa was already a rave on television coupled with his Ogoni struggle which was already trending on the international scene. Having been exposed to the works of the late titan, Inojie and his impressionably mindful friends were eager to meet with Saro Wiwa as he was in their view, large.

According to him, “Saro Wiwa was large and because we have read some of his plays, the enthusiasm to meet him was very high”.

On that fateful Saturday evening, the late professor Osanyin had urged him and his friends to stage a short play for Wiwa. Initially, he had refused to be part of the play, preferring to do something different. Somehow, he was encouraged to be part of the short play. Immediately after the last scene was over, he ran backstage to hide, not knowing he had impressed the star guest. While he was hiding, he was asked to be invited back on stage.

To his utmost surprise, “Saro Wiwa singled me out and asked if I had acted before, I replied in the contrary. He asked what I was doing, I said I was a Jambite and wanted to read law. He asked if I had secured admission, I said I was waiting for my JAMB result. He then reasoned that it would take about eight to 12 months and he advised me to enroll for certificate programme that would last for 10 months. When we left, Malik (his journalist friend) and some of my friends encouraged me to do so.

“That was how I secured an admission to do certificate programme in Uniport. While doing the programme, I discovered I had only come face to face with my destiny. So, I did not spare any time to seek admission for a full time degree programme.”

Eventually, he achieved his goal in 1993 after which he enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic and Theater Arts in 1999. Due to his comic roles, the actor revealed that he has a challenge with people taking him seriously.

As a result, people always laugh about everything he says without paying attention to the message he is trying to convey.

He said: “For me, comedy roles come very natural. And I dare say that comedy is my strongest forte. However, it has completely eroded the serious part of me.

These days, even when I’m supposedly angry, people around me still find it funny. It is painful not to be taken seriously.”

Well known for his ‘pot-belly’ posture, which he readily admits, that because of his character, has given his stomach a larger than life status.

Inojie believes he has given comedy a good face in the country; popular for his role in TV series, The Johnson’s and this is an example of a top TV comedy series not just in Nigeria but in Africa.

Nigerians really have a thing for slangs and the viral phrase ‘Na Dem Dey Rush Us’ has continued to trend for a while now. The real man behind the trending slang “Na Dem Dey Rush Us”, at the 2018 AMVCA, Inoji gave the best performance for the night in less than 10 seconds at the awards ceremony and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it.

In the session of revelry, during the awards after party, the actor who was at his fun best had shared some thoughts about the industry with this reporter.

“The industry (Nollywood) has grown in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years and the result is obvious even to the most strident critic of our productions.

Those who castigated our movies yesterday have turned Nollywood stars overnight. It is no more news that the Nigerian movie industry ranks second highest employer of labour, second only to government.

“Today, it is a thing of enormous pride to be associated with the industry. What more can one asks for? No doubt that there are still pockets of mushroom productions scattered here and there, but that is to be expected.

In every great community, the good and the bad cohabit.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/charles-inojie-comedy-roles-come-very.html

The Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, for the training of 200 beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Prof. Charles Dokubo, said the MoU signposts the beginning of an indelible move by the federal government towards attaining greater heights.


“As far as the Presidential Amnesty Programme is concerned, signing this MoU is a clear path to enhancing the knowledge of our people and raising their lives so that they can walk tall and reach the heights of their potentials. Let us make the best of this situation; so that our people will always remember us for good while being grateful to everyone, including the federal government that has not set us aside.

“With time, we will disabuse the minds of our people so that they will know what they are living for,” Dokubo said.

A press statement by PAP’s spokesman, Murphy Ganagana said that Dokubo urged the Niger Delta people, particularly the youths to fully embrace the federal government’s developmental programmes.

He assured that the government will continue to maintain lasting peace in the region, empower its youths and provide the requisite condition for the people live decently, besides giving the youth educational certificates.

Also speaking, the Head of Vocational Training at the Amnesty Office, Amazuo Berepreboga, explained that the MoU will ensure the full training of 200 students at PTI in specialised fields in the oil and gas industry, such as oil and gas drilling, instrumentation, mechanical technology, electrical technology and process technology.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/pti-to-train-200-amnesty-beneficiaries.html

Napoli have been charged by Uefa for setting off fireworks and blocking stairways during Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League win against Liverpool.

Lorenzo Insigne scored a late winner for the Serie A side in Naples.

Paris St-Germain have been charged with setting of fireworks and crowd disturbances following their 6-1 win against Serbian side Red Star Belgrade at Parc des Princes.

Red Star were also charged with crowd disturbances and illicit chants.

The cases will be dealt with by Uefa on 18 October.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/napoli-charged-by-uefa-after-win-over.html

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to dismiss two judges after being found guilty of corruption allegations brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The affected judges are Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court and James Agbadu-Fishim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
Agbadu-Fisgim has been accused of receiving bribe from Paul Usoro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ofili-Ajunogobia was accused of receiving gratification in the sum of N5million From Godwin Obla, another (SAN).

Ofili-Ajumogobia faced 27 counts of unlawful enrichment, taking property by a public officer, corruption, forgery and giving false information to an official of the EFCC.
This was disclosed in a petition signed by NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye, Esq.
The petition reads: “The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Mr. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, at its 87th Meeting which was held on 3rd October 2018, recommended the removal by dismissal from office, of Hon. Mr. Justice R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court and Hon. Mr. Justice James T. Agbadu-Fishim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

“Hon. Mr. Justice R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia was recommended to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for removal by dismissal from office pursuant to the findings by the Council on the allegations of misconduct contained in a petition to the Council by the Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, alleging that:
“Hon. Mr. Justice R. N. Ofil-Ajumogobia is a Director/Chief Executive Officer and sole signatory to Nigel and Colive Company contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
“Several personalities, individuals, government officials and business partners lodged funds into various accounts belonging to the Hon. Judge; and There was an ex-parte communication between the Hon. Judge and Mr. Godwin Oblah, SAN, during the pendency of his matter before the His Lordship.
“The Council, however, could not consider other allegations in the petition because they are already before a court where the judge is standing trial. Council left those matters for the trial to take its legal course.
“Hon. Mr. Justice James T. Agbadu-Fishim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria was also recommended for removal by dismissal from office sequel to the findings of the Council on the allegations contained in another petition by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging that the Hon. Judge received various sums of money from litigants and lawyers that had cases before him, and some influential Nigerians, under the false pretence that he was bereaved or that there was delay in the payment of his salary. This is contrary to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In the interim, the Council, in exercise of its disciplinary powers under paragraph 21 (d) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, has suspended Hon. Mr. Justices R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia and James T. Agbadu-Fishim with immediate effect pending their removal from office by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Council rejected the letter of voluntary retirement, purported to be with effect from the 1st of October 2018, submitted to it by Hon. Mr. Justice Joshua E. Ikede of the Delta State High Court. This followed the findings on an allegation of falsification of age contained in a petition written by Zik Gbemre, National Co-ordinator of Niger Delta Peace Coalition. Council found that the Hon. Judge ought to have retired since 1st October 2016.
“Consequently, it backdated his retirement to 2016 and recommended to the Government of Delta State to deduct from the retirement benefits of the judge, all salaries received by him from October, 2016 till date and remit it to NJC which pays salaries of all Judicial Officers in the Federation.
“Council also decided to issue a Letter of Advice to Hon. Mr. Justice K. C. Nwakpa of High Court of Abia State to guard against unwarranted utterances in matters before him. This was as a result of a complaint to the Council by one Princewill Ukegbu.
“Council considered the reports of various Investigation Committees and dismissed the petitions written against Hon. Mr. Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Osinuga of the High Court of Ogun State, and Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Ononeze-Madu of the High Court of Imo State.
“The petition by Wema Bank against Hon. Mr. JusticeYusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court was dismissed because the allegation of misconduct was not established. The judge’s handling of the related matter did not amount to the alleged misconduct.
“The petition on allegation of inducement, bias and alteration of Ruling written by David Olawepo Efunwape, Esq. against Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Osinuga of High Court, Ogun State was found to be false.
“Council, therefore, decided to report David Olawepo Efunwape, Esq., to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for appropriate sanctions for making false allegations against a judge.The petition written by Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu against Hon. Mr. Justice E. O. Ononeze Madu was dismissed by the Council for lack of merit. Council also decided to warn the Petitioner and asked him to apologise to the Hon. Judge for the false allegation of inducement.
“New petitions written against twenty-six (26) Judicial Officers from the Federal and State High Courts were considered by Council, after which it resolved to empanel four (4) Committees to investigate.
14. The remaining petitions were summarily dismissed for obvious and manifest lack of merit, being subjudice, concerning administrative matters, or that such petitions were matters for appeal. The dismissed petitions were against Hon. Mr. Justice J. O. Bada, Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Benin Division, Hon. Mr. Justice Abdul-Kafarati, Chief Judge, Federal High Court and Hon. Mr. Justices I. N. Buba, H. R. Shagari, R. M. Aikawa, O. E. Abang all of the Federal High Court; Hon. Mr. Justice Marshal Umukoro, Chief Judge, Delta State and Hon. Mr. Justice E. G. Timi also of the Delta State High Court, Hon. Mr. Justice S. U. Dikko, Chief Judge,Nasarawa State, Hon. Mr. Justice P. N. C. Umeadi, Chief Judge, Anambra State, Hon. Mr. Justices A. O. Opesanwo, A. J. Coker both of Lagos State High Court, Hon. Mr. Justice C. I. Gabriel Nwankwo, President, Customary Court of Appeal, River State, Hon. Mr. Justices C. A. Okirie and G. O. Omeji both of River State High Court, Hon. Mr. Justice Iniabasi Udobong of High Court, Akwa-Ibom State, Hon. Mr. Justice S. O. Falola of High Court, Osun State, Hon. Grand Kadi, Sokoto State, Hon. Mr. Justice I. B. Ahmed of Katsina State High Court and Hon. Mr. Justice Patricia Mahmoud formerly of the Kano State High Court before her elevation to the Court of Appeal.“

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/njc-writes-buhari-calls-for-sack-of-two.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA), were unanimous in calling for a rule-based financial system, compliance and support for the nation’s economy to ensure overall stability.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said the adoption of risk-focused and rule-based regulatory framework; zero tolerance in regulatory framework for data/information rendition/reporting and infractions and strict enforcement of corporate governance principles in the banking sector have helped to stabilise the industry.The bank chief said this at the 2018 Financial Markets Conference organised by the FMDA in Lagos, with the theme: “The Nigerian Financial Market – A Catalyst for Sustainable Economic-Growth.”

Emefiele said expeditious process for rendition of returns by banks and other financial institutions through e-FASS application software, revision and updating of relevant laws for effective corporate governance and ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of banking laws and regulation have also boosted confidence in the sector.

Represented by a CBN executive, Mrs. Olatoun Akinola, he identified some key developments that contributed to the strengthening of the financial market to moderate illiquidity after the global financial crisis, like the establishment of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria in 2010, was to soak the toxic assets of banks.He also said the “Alpha Project Initiative”, which brought about the “new banking model” structure that replaced the hitherto one-size-fits-all model, resulted to the emergence of international banks, national banks, regional banks, and specialised banks.He noted that Nigerian banks are now ranked amongst key players in the global financial landscape, with some of them featuring amongst the First 20 banks in Africa, and among Top 1000 banks globally.

“I want to say that the Nigerian capital market is not left out in terms of reforms to enhance market performance. Take for instance, since the aftermath of the effect of the global financial crisis on the capital market, the apex regulator in the capital market has stepped-up its surveillance activities and initiated different programmes.



“The 10-year capital market master plan initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the current overarching capital market development and reform plan covering the overall capital market, non-interest financial products and capital market literacy,” he said.But the IMF Country chief, Amine Mati, attested that the convergence in Nigeria’s exchange rates has been ongoing, adding that while tight monetary policy is welcome, the growth of credit to the private sector has remained low.

He pointed out that CBN’s liquidity operations and rising reserves have pushed money market rates down, urging more measures to effectively raise the country’s revenue, stabilise growth of the economy and foreign exchange issues.“Remove multiple currency practices, restrictions on foreign exchange access for 40 categories of goods, unify foreign exchange market and continue strengthening external buffers,” he said, adding that inflation tends to be significantly higher in countries with multiple exchange rate systems.

Earlier in his opening remarks, FMDA President, Samuel Ocheho, said the group will continue to play a major role in promoting economic growth, by attracting local and foreign investments, as well as enabling participations of various investors in the financial market.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/cbn-imf-fmda-harp-on-economic-reforms.html

What a great way to reward a great work.
What we are witnessing today is only an indication that there is no contest in the zone in 2019.


Congratulations to the political Jagaban of Igbo land!

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/anambra-central-senatorial-district.html

A five-month survey on the banking community in Nigeria has revealed huge customer dissatisfaction to some of the digital banking services rendered by financial institutions.

The survey conducted by Agusto&Co unveiled to journalists in Lagos, today showed that platforms including the mobile app, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), Internet banking, among others offered by banks to their customers for digital transactions must be upgraded and security enhanced.

Besides, customers want an improvement in the speed of processing transactions, improve reversals and resolving refunds on incomplete transactions. They equally wanted banks to integrate a transaction failure complaint option, reduction in the cumbersome processes of a transaction, reduction in service charges, reduction in the rate of system downtime and training of banks support staff to bridge the IT knowledge gap.

In the survey titled: 2018 Consumer Digital Banking Satisfaction Index Report, 10 of Nigeria’s biggest banks by total assets as at December 31, 2017, were actually torch-lighted, four of them were assigned a ‘5 Star’ rating for consumer satisfaction.

Explaining how the survey was done, Analyst, Financial Institutions Ratings, Augusto&Co, Oluyomi Akinola, said that the respondents for the survey, which included students, self-employed and employed customers of various commercial banks, were drawn from the formal and informal segments of the economy and across all the geopolitical regions of Nigeria. There were 48.4 per cent female and 51.6 per cent males, 18 years and above.

She said questionnaire was actually adopted and comprised multiple choice, closed and open-ended questions, which were administered both electronically and physically, thus encouraging a wider pool of respondents across the country.

Akinola, who said the survey took five months and ended in August, listed the 10 banks, which the research focused on to include Access, Diamond, Ecobank, Fidelity, First Bank, GTB, Stanbic, UBA, Union and Zenith.

The four banks, which were however rated best include Stanbic IBTC, UBA, Access and First Bank. Out of these four, Stanbic IBTC scored the highest point, emerging the ‘Best Digital Bank in Nigeria.’ GTB ranked fifth in the survey, while Ecobank was placed 10th.

Akinola noted that the ‘5 Star’ rating assigned to StanbicIBTC Bank reflected ease of use, perceived security and very good troubleshooting & IT resolution on its different digital platforms.

According to her, from respondents’ views, StanbicIBTC has the most ease in navigating through primary platforms used such as mobile app, or web.

To her, customers felt the most secure using their preferred primary platforms, and the bank was quick to resolve conflicts encountered by customers on the various digital banking channels, adding: ‘’customers of the bank further disclosed that there were only very few instances of unsuccessful transactions, and the overall functionality of StanbicIBTC’s digital platforms is seamless.’’

She however, revealed that findings from the Index indicated ample room for improvement on digital banking services in Nigeria as majority of respondents desire better user interface, enhanced security features, increased services particularly on mobile banking platform, speedy notifications on account activities, less cumbersome enrolment procedures, reduction in charges for frequently used services such as airtime top-up as well as general improvement in speed on services.

According to Agusto & Co, the objective of this Index was to create an independent appraisal of the ease of using digital banking platforms by the Nigerian populace considering that banks have invested significantly in digitalization.

The Index, according to them, will give banks in Nigeria insights and suggestions on ways to enhance customer experiences on digital banking platforms.

Meanwhile, of all the platforms, 76.3 per cent of banks customers preferred to use mobile banking apps for their digital transactions, while 49.3 per cent make use of the USSD and 54 per cent use Internet Banking.

Commenting on the report, Executive Director, Agusto & Co. Limited, Yinka Adelekan, said “one of the major reasons we launched this Index was to get first-hand insights on awareness, ease, issue resolution and perceived security from users of digital banking platforms in Nigeria. It is essential that banks increase awareness of the different products and services available on their digital platforms.

“In addition, customers who use these platforms must be supported by minimal system downtimes, user-friendly navigation processes and improved turnaround time for IT resolution. We understand the need for convenience, speed and for customers to feel secure when they perform transactions. As a research and credit rating agency, we seek to provide banks with credible information on how best services can be improved for customers, which we believe can be achieved with findings from this Index.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/763-of-bank-users-prefer-to-use-mobile_3.html

The government of Ghana has ordered the reopening of all retail outlets and shops belonging to foreigners in the country.

It will be recalled that Nigerians in Ghana protested the closure of their shops by government authorities and alleged victimisation by the country’s government.

But, the minister of trade and industry, Alan Kyeremateng, who directed re-opening of the shops debunked reports that the government was victimising Nigerians.

“There is no orchestrated action by government or any other state institutions targeted at Nigerian nationals or any particular foreign nationals,” Kyeremateng said.


Although the minister did not give reasons for the initial closures but he explained that the decision to reopen the shops was influenced by extensive consultations with the national executive of the Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA).

The consultations were said to been held between the Ministry of National Security, Nigerian High Commission and other relevant agencies.

Kyeremateng maintained that foreign businesses were not at risk in the country, even as he affirmed that Ghana was globally acknowledged as a friendly nation.

“Ghanaians are internationally acknowledged as very hospitable and friendly, particularly to foreign nationals,” he declared.

He assured foreign traders of government’s willingness to assist them in regularising their businesses in the country.

“In this regard, all owners of the affected businesses and shops are requested to contact the relevant state institutions and agencies to regularise their operations as required by the relevant bodies under reference.”

Kyeremateng urged the trading community in Ghana, including foreign nationals, to avoid incidents that would mar the long-standing friendship between Ghana and other countries both on the continent of Africa and across the world.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/ghana-denies-victimising-nigerian.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFCC) has concluded plans to arraign Gbenga Makanjuola Peter, the Chief of Staff to Senate President Bukola Saraki, and four others, on allegations of N3.5 billion fraud.

Makanjuola, alongside Kolawole Shittu, Cashier to Senate; Robert Chidozie Mbonu, who is at large; Melrose General Services Limited, and a member of its staff, Oboira Amobi would be arraigned before Justice Baba Kuewumi at the Federal High Court In Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday.

The EFCC is arraigning them on a 13-count charge bothering on financial fraud.

They are accused of transferring N3.5 billion from the Governors' Forum account through Melrose General Services limited.

Kolawole Shittu is accused of making cash payment of $50 million dollars to Makanjuola, without going through a financial institution.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/efcc-to-arraign-sarakis-deputy-chief-of.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday announced the Federal Government’s approval of a 90-day special window for business registration at a reduced rate of N5000 only.

A statement, signed by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President in Abuja, said that Osinbajo made the announcement in Enugu.

Osinbajo, who was quoted as making the announcement at the launch of the 19th edition of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinics in Enugu, said the special window of 90 spanned from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.

He said that the gesture was to further ease the process of registering MSMEs in the country.

“It was observed during some of the earlier editions of the MSMEs Clinics that a lot of MSMEs were finding it difficult to register their businesses as a result of cost.

“The practice since we began the MSMEs clinics is that most agencies offer price reductions, especially for registration, and all other pre-investment approvals, during the Clinics.

“So, I am pleased to announce that the Federal Government, through the Corporate Affairs Commission, has approved a special window of 90 days from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 to register businesses at a considerably reduced rate of N5000 only, down from as much as N10,000 previously.

“This will afford more MSMEs an opportunity to formalise their businesses.”

Speaking on other initiatives by the Federal Government designed to consolidate the gains of the MSMEs Clinics, Osinbajo said that the Federal Government would be establishing shared facilities for MSMEs.

He said that the facilities would be based on a partnership between the Federal Government, interested States, Bank of Industry, NEXIM Bank, FIRS, NAFDAC, SON and interested private sector partners, as part of efforts at deepening the impact of the Clinics.

“The purpose of these shared facilities is to have a fully-equipped place with machinery and equipment required for various trades and businesses. MSMEs can then do their businesses at those locations at a reasonable cost.

“This way, MSMEs are spared the financial burden of having to buy their own equipment in order to be able to do business.

“Where possible, these shared facilities would have been pre-certified by relevant agencies, removing the need for MSMEs to pursue these certifications by themselves.’’

He also announced the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with State governments in establishing more One-Stop Shops, to further enhance business registration and facilitate seamless interaction between owners of small businesses and the relevant regulatory agencies.

The vice president said that the Federal Government was also aware that some States had gone on to set up ‘One-Stop Shops’ after the Clinics.

According to him, the One-Stop Shops will bring all the relevant agencies together in one place so as to enable the MSMEs access their services on an ongoing basis.

“The Federal Government is also willing to partner with your State Government to immediately set up one such place for the good use of MSMEs in Enugu State,” he said.

Osinbajo also said there were follow-up plans to ensure that all the finalists from the maiden edition of the MSMEs Awards were supported with publicity and media exposure, to enable them to reach even larger markets at home and abroad.

He said that the ongoing disbursement of collateral and interest-free loans given to petty traders under the GEEP TraderMoni programme would soon be launched in Enugu.

Earlier in his remarks, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state said the State government had already keyed into some of the social investment programmes initiated by the Federal Government.

Ugwuanyi promised that the state would continue to cooperate with all federal authorities to improve the well-being of the people.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for inaugurating the National MSMEs Clinics in the state as it would greatly improve the lives of many youths, especially those seeking employment opportunities.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/fg-slashes-business-registration-fee-by_2.html

The Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, disclosed on Tuesday that he has appealed his disqualification from the Oyo State governorship race by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The minister, who obtained a leave from his ministerial service to pursue his governorship ambition last month, also said he was not alone in the skipping of the compulsory National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

He said there are others who are seeking elective positions without having participated in the scheme. But he did not name them.

Shittu said the party was wrongly advised to disqualify him, stressing that the requirements for contesting as governor are clearly stated in the Nigerian constitution. He urged the party to reverse itself to prevent an alleged imminent collapse of APC in the state.

He expressed the belief that Governor Ajimobi and his supporters may be those behind his travails.

Entitled: “This time would pass,” the statement read: “It is no longer news that I, Barrister Adebayo Shittu was purportedly disqualified from participating in Sunday’s governorship primary of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State on the baseless allegation of not possessing NYSC certificate.

“Although, I also received the news, like any other person, with shock and disbelief having successfully gone through the screening process by the Party’s Gubernatorial Screening Committee. The intent of the cowards behind the saga is becoming clearer by the day.

“May I appeal to supporters and well wishers across Oyo State and beyond – many of whom have bombarded my mobile lines with calls and text messages – to remain calm and be loyal to our great party as we resolve the issue politically.

“Let me assure you that the All Progressives Congress which I took part in writing its constitution, is a party built on the rule of law, justice and fairness. This I believe the NWC would uphold at all times.

“On the issue of NYSC, I had made my position known and there’s no need to repeat myself but I wish to further add that the position of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unambiguous on the qualification for participating in governorship election.

“ I want to believe that the NWC was wrongly advised to disqualify me. I do not want to agree that a script is being acted, if at all, it is poorly written.

“On this note, I have forwarded an appeal for the NWC to review and reconsider the decision not to clear me. It is my prayer and hope that this appeal process would afford our leaders the rare opportunity to salvage our party from the potentially destructive precipice into which APC in Oyo State is being pushed by the political shenanigans of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his cohorts, many of whom have also never served in the NYSC scheme but are also seeking new elective positions.

“I, once again, seek your understanding, calmness and loyalty to the party.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/i-am-not-alone-in-nysc-skipping-says.html

The Founder of Pathfinders Justice Initiative, Evon Benson-Idahosa, has expressed her dismay over the high rate of trafficking of persons from the country.

Speaking at The Platform in Lagos, a programme organised by the Covenant Christian Centre yearly to mark Nigeria’s 58th Independence, Evon the nation’s human trafficking ‘destination point’ status, despite her pride as the Giant of Africa.

“Nigeria is considered a human transit destination country when it comes to human trafficking,” she said.

Evon Benson-Idahosa revealed according to a report that most Nigerians have been victims of human trafficking, with over a million Nigerians within the country also used as slaves, the reason why the nation is reportedly placed 32nd in a trafficking survey of 157 countries.

“According to the latest report, Nigeria is ranked 32nd out of 157 countries that we recently assessed. It is believed that Nigeria has 1.38 million slaves within the country. I believe that number is considerably higher.

“But what we are most infamously known for is the sexual trafficking of our women abroad out of Nigeria into Europe,” she stated.

Her comments come six months after the Federal Government made efforts to evacuate trapped Nigerians from Libya, since the outbreak of the illegal migration that has sparked a global reaction.

A data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) showed a breakdown of the figures in batches as obtained by Channels Television in February this year.

In the first batch of Nigerian returnees, 488 comprising 395 males, 88 females and five children arrived from the troubled North African country where they were subjected to dehumanizing conditions referred to as modern slavery.

It was observed that Edo State topped the list with 273 males, 65 females and 2 children while Bayelsa, Benue, Kano and Nassarawa States, on the other hand, had the least representation with just one male. Kogi and Ondo states similarly had just one female representation each.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/benson-idahosa-decries-trafficking-rate.html

When Mr. Akinwumi Ambode set out to address a world press conference, he was not predictable.

Like his multi-coloured short-sleeved shirt, he was not identified with a single colour of mood.

But it did not take long before it became clear Ambode would not be chummy with his political family. He was a different person.


He felt that his political life was being snuffed out of him. He had to fight for his survival.

At 2:00 p.m. yesterday, the Lagos State governor lashed out at his opponent, Jide Sanwo-Olu .

Sanw-Olu is contending against Ambode for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The winner will emerge after the party’s governorship primary today.

Many have said that Ambode deserves a second term. But the godfather of Lagos politics and APC National Leader Bola Tinubu thinks otherwise.

Facing an army of cameramen and supporters, the governor in an APC-branded shirt and a pair of jeans trousers, took position behind the podium.

Bolstered by cheers and claps from supporters, he opened the bunker and pressed the button of no return: “We have never responded to the campaign of calumny on social media. We have one family in APC.

The aspirant being put up to compete against us is not a fit and proper person to take this job.

“I have done everything in the last three and half years to serve people selflessly and to serve the poor.


Most of the projects we are doing are about alleviating the sufferings of the poor.

And the only way out for us is to continue to do that in the next four years.

“This particular aspirant is someone who has been arrested for spending fake dollars in a nightclub in America, and he was detained for months.

He doesn’t have the competence to do what he is being propelled to do.

This is somebody that has gone for rehabilitation before. The records are there at the Gbagada General Hospital.

We don’t want to go too far. Our leadership should have a rethink.”

Sanwo-Olu however was collected in his immediate response. “I will not join issues with anybody.

When some people are playing low, we will continue to play high and maintain focus to take Lagos State to a higher level,” he said.

His advisers might have pulled him to a corner and whispered, “You had better done something to counter Ambode’s stinging statement before irreparable damage is done.” Hours later, he released a more potent statement.


“For anyone to engage in unwarranted character attacks against me, reveals more about that person’s character than it says about mine,” he said.

He “felt sad” the governor said “things beneath the dignity of our people and the exalted office he holds.”

He was also sure that with “cooler reflection”, Ambode would “regret his descent into such low conduct.”

Sanwo-Olu graciously forgave the incumbent but not until he had “cleared up some inaccuracies.”

He admitted he travelled to the United States last month, stressing he would not have been allowed or even given a visa if he had been “involved in what the governor falsely alleged.”

He said: “That I underwent some unidentified type of ‘rehabilitation’ at the Gbagada General Hospital was also shameless and untrue.

Promulgation of salacious rumour should not be part of the job description of a governor.

People should question whether it is ethically right for the governor to turn what should be confidential medical information about a citizen into a weapon of political warfare?


But for the avoidance of doubt, let it be stated that I never received any treatment whatsoever at the Gbagada General Hospital.”

Sanwo-Olu accused Ambode of sowing fear in the hearts of Lagos residents rather than making a “convincing defence of his performance.”

He promised voters there would be no tearing of his opponent down but rather a focusing on issues.

Also, buoyed by the result of the Osun State electoral battle where the APC showed the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) its skills for winning tricky elections, Tinubu jumped in the fray.

He had subtly backed Sanwo-Olu. But in a statement yesterday, he came out fully.

“With people like him at the helm, the state will write the proper history for itself.


When the final word is given, let it be said that we want all Lagosians to look to the future with the hope and optimism that our best days remain before us and not behind us.

“We walk into this primary strong and confidently believing in the right course we are to take.

We shall emerge from this primary even stronger and more confidant that we have taken that course by returning Lagos and our party to their finest path,” he said.

At his press conference, Ambode lamented that all he had was a membership slip and not a card, fearing he and millions of Lagos residents in a similar dilemma could be disenfranchised.

He also raised the alarm that some unscrupulous persons could breach the peace today, vowing the long arm of the law would spare no offender.

Adding to the drama, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who has been seen in a recent picture with Sanwo-Olu, denied the photograph was his endorsement of the candidate.

In the same breath, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) refuted reports it had backed the contender.

But a caucus of Lagos State APC federal lawmakers, led by Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, trumpeted the achievements of the aspirant.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/10/ambode-fights-dirty-as-tinubu-backs.html

The All Progressives Congress, APC, held its Presidential Primaries across the 319 wards of Rivers State Friday without any reported incidents.

According to reports collated at the APC State Secretariat, 63 Aba Road, Port Harcourt by the Presidential Primaries Returning Officer for Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a total of 388,653 party members across the State voted for the only Presidential aspirant of the party, President Muhammadu Buhari.

The election which was based on the direct mode of primary earlier adopted by the nwc/nec of the party for the exercise was witnessed by all the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Electoral Officers in the 23 LGAs of the State. Also on hand to witness the primaries were the various Divisional Police Officers across the State.

Earlier, the State Presidential Returning Officer, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who is also the Minister of Transportation had arrived the APC State Secretariat and was ushered into the State Chairman’s office from where he monitored the exercise before visiting some wards within the Port Harcourt metropolis and environs to see things for himself.

Whereas the 319 Ward Party Secretaries served as Ward Returning Officers, the 23 LGA Secretaries of the party served as LGA Returning Officers.

Meanwhile, all hands are on deck to ensure a successful Governorship Primary scheduled for Sunday, September 30, 2018 in Port Harcourt.

See more photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/rivers-apc-holds-peaceful-presidential.html

Two supporters of a House of Representatives aspirant in Ondo State, Olatayo Aribo, have been allegedly attacked by some suspected hoodlums.


The political supporters were said to have been lucky to escape the attack believed to have been carried out by political thugs, but the branded campaign vehicle they were in was not spared as it was set ablaze by the suspected hoodlums.

According to eyewitnesses accounts, the suspected thugs opened fire on the vehicle when its two occupants identified as Lanre Kako and Tope, were on their way home and stopped at the post office area to buy suya between 10pm and 11pm when they were attacked.One of the eyewitnesses who preferred anonymity stated that the vehicle was set ablaze after the two victims had escaped from the scene of the attack.

“The two men were driving one campaign vehicle and they stopped to buy suya around the post office at Owo.


“But some guys came and shot at the vehicle. They had to run away but their attackers set the vehicle on fire.

“Those around put off the fire but these boys reinforced and came back to set the vehicle on fire again,” an eyewitness stated.

According to Arobo who spoke on the incident, the police have been notified.

“We’ve reported to the police. Police were invited and they witnessed the burning of the bus.

“It is now left for the police to investigate and take action. For now, we don’t suspect anybody. We will forward a petition to the State Commissioner of Police and the state governor.

“I am sure the governor will not be happy about this. And I am sure he also will investigate and find the cause of the attack.

“If the attack came from my political opponents, my advice is that this is not the way to do it. They should go out and campaign in order to win,” he said.Aribo is seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to contest the seat of Owo/Ose federal constituency in next year’s National Assembly elections.

Confirming the attack, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph disclosed to Akelicious on phone that investigation has commenced towards apprehending the perpetrators.

He maintained that the attack was politically motivated.

“It’s purely interparty affair. But not withstanding, whether they are of the same political family or not, we don’t condone any act of violence or thuggery.

“We have commenced investigation on the matter, whatever is the outcome we would let you know,” the PPRO stated.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/suspected-political-thugs-attack.html

The Federal Government has announced the opening of the recruitment portal for the implementation of the Basic Registry and Information System in Nigeria (BRISIN) scheme in the country.

Dr Anthony Uwa, the Head of BRISIN implementation in Nigeria, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

BRISIN is an integrated system for the collection, storage and distribution of information to support the management of the economy.

The Agency also reports that the Federal Government plans to recruit 5000 unemployed Nigerians in the FCT in the pilot phase to drive the implementation of the scheme.

According to Uwa, “the registration into the 5,000 recruitment for BRISINS implementation is now open online.

“Applicants can access the form and register only from www.brisin.gov.ng; applicants that go through other means are at their own risk.”

According to Uwa, the BRISIN recruitment is not restricted as it cuts across all cadres, from school certificate to PHD holders.

He said it was not also restricted to certain class of persons as speculated by some online media platforms, while urging people with disabilities to apply.

He said candidates qualified to apply were those between the ages of 18-55 years, and that those with knowledge of ICT had added advantage.

“Please note that BRISIN is the best instrument for monitoring and control in all aspects of the economy.

“It has no political party, no colour, no ethnic group, no tribe and no religion; it is for the benefit of every Nigerian.

“BRISIN is a SYSTEM not a Ministry, Department or Agency, but an instrument of self-discipline that will assist Nigeria to the highest height.

“FCT is the capital of Nigeria with 62 wards, six area councils and one central admin head.

“So the 5000 people that will be recruited would serve at the ward, area council and Central Area.

“They will ensure that grassroot data and information are gotten and distributed for use by every MDA according to their interest to better manage their sectors.

“This pilot phase in the FCT will enable Nigerians to understand fully the enormous benefit of BRISIN to the development of the country,” Uwa said.

See more details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/brisin-scheme-nigerian-govt-opens.html

Nigeria and Switzerland have recorded a 50 per cent increase in their bilateral trade as against previous years.

This was disclosed in a document obtained by the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Bern- Switzerland’s capital city.

The increase had resulted in a boost in trade volume to the tune of $750 million US dollars which is in favour of Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, Mr Baba Madugu, Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, said that the figure accrued from the sale of machinery and oil – accounted for a large percentage of the bilateral trade.

Madugu described the move as a positive one while listing Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Infrastructure and Transport as sectors needing investment in the country.

He also said that Nigeria is the gateway to the West African market as an investor operating in the country would also have unhindered access to the 15 member countries of ECOWAS within the strategic framework of free market and movement.

More than 50 Swiss companies are operating in various sectors in the country.

It will be recalled that Nigeria and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in 1960. Since then, both nations have continued to partner on economic, migration and human rights issues

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/nigeria-switzerland-record-50-per-cent.html

Some registered voters of Orolu community in Disu Oke-Odo area, ward 7, Kajola road in Osun state were on Thursday prevented by some heavily armed political thugs from accessing their polling units to cast their votes in the ongoing supplementary election in the state.

The alleged thugs were said to be shooting sporadically to scare away voters despite the presence of Nigeria police.

The angry protesters alleged that they were stopped from getting to the polling units to exercising their franchise.

The returning officer of the unit also said they were chased out of the unit by the fully armed thugs.

Full Details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/osun-rerun-protest-as-thugs-bar-voters.html

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in the United Kingdom has slammed Nigerian musician, David Adeleke, also known as Davido for raising the alarm over an alleged plans by the party to rig today’s Osun State governorship rerun election.


Davido yesterday had claimed via tweet that the: “APC already planning to rig tomorrow’s (today) rerun! Enough is Enough man! They’re ready to do ANYTHING AND I MEAN ANYTHING TO STAY IN POWER AND SUFFER THE OSUN PEOPLE FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS! PLEASE SHARE! @inecnigeria @USEmbassyAbuja @OfficialPDPNig”

The musician, who has been a strong member of the campaign team of Ademola Adeleke, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the governorship election, also shared a sheet, which listed the total number of registered voters in the polling units where the rerun will take place today, saying there was an uncovered plot by APC to rig the return with 812 votes


But in a counter-tweet, the APC UK described Davido as an uninformed political novice whose ‘pay grade’ was lower than the issues at stake; hence, should be ignored by the public.

Retweeting Davido’s post, the APC UK wrote on its verified Twitter handle: “Fellow Nigerians.

“Please IGNORE the #FakeNews below from the political novice. He’s uninformed and too inexperienced to dabble into such issues. The issue at hand is way above and beyond his ‘pay grade’.


“Thank you. @inecnigeria @OfficialAPCNg @apcyouthomoodua @PoliceNG”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/osun-rerun-you-are-uninformed-political.html

PDP Concerned Youth Association (PCYA), one of the youth groups in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the choice of Port Harcourt, Rivers State for the party’s national convention scheduled to hold on Oct. 6.

A statement signed and issued on Wednesday by the Coordinator Mr Emmanuel Willie and Secretary Mallam Nura Lawal stated that the rejection of the venue was to ensure a free and fair presidential primary election.

It noted that having the convention in Port Harcourt, River State, the territory of Governor Nyesom Wike who appeared to have a soft spot for a certain presidential aspirant, might not give room for a fair contest.

It also regretted that the party Chairman Uche Secondus was among those projecting his state Rivers as venue for the convention in spite of his relationship with the governor.

“This will not augur well for the party especially now that the PDP is hoping to unseat the All Progressives Congress at the 2019 General Election,” the statement reads.

The statement further stated that a neutral venue like Abuja should be considered instead of River State where Wike is facing a serious challenge from Rivers Women Alliance (RIWA), a Non-Governmental Organisation.

“The distraction coming from RIWA which comprise of women from the 23 Local Government Areas of River State, demanding for a governor from the riverine area in 2019, to succeed Wike, could be a source of distraction to members.

“In this case, the executive arm of the PDP Concerned Youth Association has seen the looming disgrace that awaits the party if the choice of Port Harcourt is allowed to stand, but will not allow that to happen.

“We therefore, urge the party hierarchy to review the choice of Port Harcourt and choose a venue acceptable to all members to enable the party produce a suitable candidate who can wrestle power from the current APC government.

“We also plead with the national leadership of the party to stand tall and not allow itself to be tossed around by members who are only interested in protecting their selfish interest instead of the party.

“The founding fathers and mentors of our party should ensure that PDP remains one after this convention. We will oppose thuggery in whatever guise,” the statement further stated.

The association urged presidential aspirants in PDP to see the forthcoming primary election as family affair to enable the party achieve its ultimate goal in 2019.

It would be recalled that the National Working Committee of the PDP and its Board of Trustees are having disagreement on the venue for the convention where delegates are expected to elect the party’s presidential candidate for the 2019 general elections.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/convention-venue-pdp-youth-group.html

The African Development Bank (AfDB) will be investing $24 billion in the African agriculture over the next 10 years to lift one billion people out of hunger globally.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB President, who disclosed this on Wednesday at an agriculture conference at Purdue University, Indianapolis, challenged global partners to join hands to lift one billion people worldwide out of hunger.

The report, which was released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, described the fund as the largest of such effort ever.

The bank’s president stressed that all must come together to fight the war.

He noted that the recent five UN agencies’ World Food Security and Nutrition statistics showed a decline in the global population living on less than two dollars per day.

Adesina however said that the statistics in reality showed that the number of hungry people in the world had increased from 777 million in 2015 to 815 million in 2016.

The bank leader warned the stakeholders not to get carried away because they were not winning the war against global hunger.

He told the audience including researchers, implementing organisations, business leaders, policymakers and donors that simple technical and scientific methods were already making a difference in farm yields and income in Africa.

“While such technologies to deliver Africa’s green revolution exist, they are mostly just sitting on the shelves.

“The release of water efficient maize varieties now allows farmers to harvest good yields in the face of moderate drought.

“Today, rice varieties exist that can give yields of 8 tonnes per hectare; cassava varieties exist with yields of up to 80 tonnes per hectare.

“Also, there are heat tolerant and disease resistant livestock and technologies for ramping up aquaculture,’’ he said.
Adesina said what was needed urgently was deployment of supportive policies to ensure technologies were cascaded down to millions of farmers.

“All Africa needs to do is to harness the available technologies with the right policies and rapidly raise agricultural productivity and incomes for farmers and assure lower food prices for consumers.

He said that the bank had launched its $1 billion initiative for Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), to extend the use of farm technologies.

Adesina said that TAAT was currently engaging seed companies, public and private entities, and financial institutions in 27 countries to make technology available to a total of 40 million African farmers.

He said that the situation in sub-Saharan Africa particularly needed urgent intervention due to the ravages of climate change.

According to him, a recent report by the International Food Policy Research Institute estimated that Africa would add 38 million to its number of hungry people by 2050 as a result of climate change.

“The institute also forecast that Africa will experience major food shortages by 2020 and beyond, while malnutrition will be on the rise over the next 20 years.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/afdb-to-lift-1bn-out-of-hunger-invests.html

An Umuahia High court in Abia state presided over by Honourable Justice C. U. Okoroafor,Tuesday, granted an order setting aside the executives at the Ward, Local Government, Zonal and State levels of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Abia State Chapter.
The court further restrained APGA, their agents, party men, servants, privies or any other person or persons acting on their behalf from implementing or giving effect to all decisions, directives and activities pertaining to the running of the affairs of APGA in Abia State taken or reached at without the participation or involvement of Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu as the Abia State chairman of APGA.
Meanwhile,Akelicious efforts to reach the sacked chairman of APGA, Reverend Augustine Ehiemere was unfruitful.
But, the deputy state chairman of the party, Chima Onyekwere in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, confirmed the report.
He said, “Yes, there was an order issued by Justice Okorofar-led Umuahia High court yesterday which removed the current State Working committee of APGA, which I’m a member.
“I want to tell you that our legal department is studying the judgement and we will appeal the ruling”.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/breaking-court-sacks-apga-chairman.html

The General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee has revealed that former President Goodluck Jonathan would have arrested, prosecuted and possibly jailed key members of the then opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.


The committee said Jonathan would have jailed Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and others for committing treason against the Nigerian state but decided against it, citing national interest above any other.

It also revealed that Jonathan conceded defeat in the 2015 presidential election to the winner and candidate of APC, Buhari, without its (the committee’s) knowledge.


The revelation was contained in the report the committee unveiled Tuesday, in Abuja, after a peace meeting it held with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, heads of security agencies, and representatives of the country’s 91 political parties.

The report was tagged: “2015 General Elections: The Untold Story”, and published by The Kukah Centre, the National Peace Committee.

In the report, the committee said it did not convince Jonathan to concede defeat to Buhari in 2015, contrary to popular media reports.


The committee said its primary concern “has always been how to get the defeated candidates to accept the outcome of the election by conceding promptly and unequivocally so that the winner would naturally have a much easier task to be magnanimous in victory.

It further disclosed that “the committee in the evening of March 31 requested audience with President Jonathan at the Villa.”

The report added, “As it awaited confirmation for the meeting with the president, the Committee Chairman, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, GCFR also put a call through to General Buhari who informed him that President Jonathan had only minutes earlier called to concede the elections.

“He [Buhari] particularly asked the Committee to please convey his good wishes to President Jonathan for his great act of statesmanship.

“Shortly after that, members of the committee, who were greatly relieved, headed to the Villa where they met privately with President Jonathan and thanked him for his great courage.

“At this point, members of the Buhari Campaign team were yet to address the press on the historic development and as such, many Nigerians got the news of the concession from General Abubakar’s brief media scrum with State House Correspondents which perhaps helped create the wrong, but widespread impression that the committee sat with President Jonathan at the Villa as the results came in and had directly prevailed on him to concede.”

The report further disclosed how Jonathan, in a meeting with the committee which had Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar as chairman, religious leaders and media mogul, Sam Amuka, as members, cited “national interest” as reason he stopped his earlier decision to press home with treasonable charges against the then APC presidential candidate, Buhari and other leaders of the party, over threats to form a parallel government if they didn’t win the election.

According to the 51-page document, Jonathan jettisoned the plan “in the interest of peace and national stability.”

Part of page 13 of the report reads: “A meeting with Jonathan was held at the Aso Rock Villa in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 25, 2015. At the meeting, he (Jonathan) raised some issues concerning the state of the nation, the threat of violence by the opposition (APC then) based on allegations that he (Jonathan) and his party were planning to rig the elections.

“He (Jonathan) noted that he took very seriously the threat by leading members of the opposition to form a parallel government in the event that they didn’t win the elections, but that he chose not to react to such apparent treasonable acts in the interest of peace.”

The report also detailed series of meetings held with leaders of the two major political parties in 2015- APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/why-jonathan-refused-to-arrest-jail.html

Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has charged telecommunication service providers to adhere to certain key performance indicators it has set for improved service delivery.

The zonal controller in Enugu State, Emilia Nwokoro, stated this at the third episode of this year’s Consumer Conversation Forum (CCF) in Anambra State.
According to her, NCC has set more parameters in dealing with service issues, particularly with respect to call drop rates, call completion rates, data services, charges and other poor network quality-related issues.

Nwokoro pointed out that last May, NCC directed service providers to desist from forceful/automatic renewal of data services and activation/subscription to data and value-added services without prior consent of subscribers in form of a clear request by a subscriber via short message service (SMS), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) or e-mail.

She added that NCC, to protect consumers from the menace of unsolicited text messages/calls, directed all mobile network operators to dedicate a short code ‘2442’ to enable consumers make informed decision on what messages they wish to receive.“The 2442 ‘Do-Not-Disturb’ short code is activated for consumers who wish to stop unsolicited text messages and voice calls.

“Sending ‘STOP’ to 2442 would activate the full ‘Do Not Disturb’ service that would prevent any unsolicited text message, while sending ‘HELP’ to 2442 would send a list of codes that would allow a customer make an informed choice on the category of message to receive. Twenty-four hours has been allowed for the consumer’s specific choice to become effective,” she noted.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/ncc-urges-telcos-to-be-fair-on-calls.html

Oil prices have been projected to rise next year, according to projections by stakeholders in the sector.

This is just as newly imposed sanctions on Iran by the US are expected to come into force early November.

According to Reuters, oil traders, Trafigura and Mercuria, have projected a possible hike in Brent petroleum prices from its recent four-year peak of $80.94 on Monday, to over $100 at the beginning of 2019.

For Nigeria, it could mean increased spending to keep the cost of a litre of petrol at N145.

JPMorgan anticipates that the oil market will lose at least 1.5 million barrels per day to the easing out of Iran by U.S trade embargoes, while Mercuria expects a further 500,000 to be knocked out.

The restrictions to Iranian trade will affect Iran’s US dollar purchases, metals trading, coal, industrial software and its auto sector. The sanctions are expected to come into motion after a 180-day “wind-down period”, ending November 4. While the US said it wants as many countries as possible to stop buying Iranian oil, many European states as well as China and India, oppose the sanctions.

In response to Trump’s trade blockades, Iran has threatened like it did before the 2015 nuclear deal, to close-off the Strait of Hormuz, a major sea-route for oil tankers. In a rare visit to Europe last month, Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s President, said Tehran could disrupt regional crude shipments and cut its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog; a possibility America’s military promises to thwart.

In answer to the face-off, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as top producer Russia, has been mulling raising output to cover up the supply gaps that will be left by Iran. A source who is privy to the discussions told Reuters on Friday that OPEC and other producers have been considering raising output by 500,000 bpd.

Based on estimates by analysts in the petroleum market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is spending N65 on each litre of petrol purchased by Nigerians to make sure prices do not go higher than N145. Their losses will expectedly increase if market predictions become reality.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/09/oil-prices-may-reach-100-per-barrel-in.html