₦airaland Forum

Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-rufai has released details on the state's security budget after being challenged by the speaker of the house of representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

Politics Nigeria has obtained a statement on the matter from the Kaduna state government. It was signed by Samuel Aruwan, El-rufai's aide on media and publicity.

It reads:

Our attention has been drawn to a challenge by Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, calling on Kaduna State to make public its Security Votes and Local Government expenditure. This challenge was thrown as a response to Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s request to the National Assembly (NASS) to provide further details on the opaque N115 billion (One Hundred and Fifteen Billion Naira) 2016 NASS budget. Malam Nasir El-Rufai welcomes this challenge as a necessary step to improve and strengthen our democracy and would like to respond as follows:

The budgets of all state governments in Nigeria are detailed out and presented at least under the headings of:
a. personnel cost
b. overhead, and
c. capital expenditure
This is unlike the budget of the National Assembly which is a single line item of over N100 billion that divulges zero information or details. NASS can at least break down its own single line budget into the hundreds of line items that are detailed in every state government budget in Nigeria. It is disingenuous to respond to every request for transparency by casting aspersions.

On our part, the Kaduna State government has consistently made public all its budget details. In 2016, in an unprecedented step, the State published not only its own budget but also that of all the 23 Local Government Councils online on the www.openkaduna.com.ngwebsite. The Local Government budgets provide details of the recurrent and capital spending of every single LG in a transparent manner. The proposed 2017 LG Budgets, currently before the State Assembly, are also already online on the same website, and on www.kdsg.gov.ng.Approved State Budgets 2016-2017 can be found on http://openkaduna.com.ng/Budget/approved-budget. We invite the Right Honourable Speaker to download and peruse at his pleasure.

As regards Kaduna State Security Votes, once again, if the Honourable Speaker had run an online search he would have discovered the details of our spending priorities on security as a State Government. As our KadunaComprehensive Security Architecture (KADCoSA) outlines, the State is directing security spending on four pillars; Justice, Technology, Community Engagement and Support to Security Agencies. The 2017 budget details specific amounts:

N1.5bn (one and half billion naira) for the Procurement & Installation of CCTV Cameras for Monitoring and Surveillancetowards Reducing Criminal Activities within the Metropolis.

b. N193m (one hundred and ninety-three million naira) for Procurement of Geo-position Interceptor and location of GSM UMTS System to Check the Trends andIntercept/locate kidnappers’ GSM calls.

c. N265m (two hundred and sixty-five million naira) for the Procurement of Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to identify locations of armed bandits in our Forest Reserves across the state and the Establishment of a Forensic Laboratory to assist in determining substantial evidence in cases that otherwise proved difficult in the past.

d. In addition, N2.6bn (two billion and six hundred million naira) is allocated in 2017 to support the network of federal Security Agencies in Kaduna with communications, logistics and material.

Details of actual spending in 2015 for security and indeed every line item in the State budgets are also publicly available via the annual report of the Accountant-General accessible on www.kdsg.gov.ng.
The 2015 accounts of the Kaduna State Government have been audited, and the audit summary published in major newspapers and on the state website on 21st June 2016. The Accountant-General's report for 2016 has been finalised and its audit is ongoing and will be published as usual. The audited state government accounts can also be found on http://openkaduna.com.ng/Budget/audited.
The Kaduna State government will continue to remain transparent and open in all its finances. That is what we have promised to all our people and that is what our party, the APC and our President stand for. Malam Nasir El-Rufai is today making publicly available his payslip as Governor of Kaduna State. In February 2017, the Kaduna State Government paid the Governor a net salary of N470,521.74, with the following details:

Income
Deductions
Basic Salary
N185,308.75

Hardship Allowance
N370,617.50

Gross Pay
N555,926.25

PAYE

N85,404.51
Total Deduction

N85,401.51
Net Pay
N470,521.74

The amount may appear puny but it reflects what the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission approved as the salary and allowances of every State Governor adjusted to reflect provision in-kind of accommodation and transportation.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai would like to reiterate his call for the NASS leadership to do the same and disclose the details of the National Assembly budget, and the salaries and allowances of its leadership.

The call to #OpenNASS, is not a personal one. It is one which the leadership of the National Assembly owes to all Nigerians. It is, therefore, disingenuous for the Speaker to use State Government budgets as the excuse for the opacity of the NASS budget. In 2016, the NASS budget for its 469 members was larger than the capital budget of Kaduna State, with close to 10 million inhabitants. It is also larger than the entire budget of several Nigerian States. Indeed, over the past ten years from 2008, the NASS as an institution has cost the country over a trillion naira without any detail on how this amount was allocated and spent.

There is no state government in Nigeria with a budget nearly as opaque as that of NASS. In March 2016, this National Assembly, led by its Chairman, promised to provide a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly budget. Nigerians are waiting.

http://politicsngr.com/2017/04/10/dogaras-challenge-el-rufai-presents-specifics-security-budget-dares-nass/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today, February 21st , 2017 arraigned the former Governor of Katsina State Ibrahim Shehu Shema and three others before Honourable Justice Maikaita Bako of the Katsina State High Court on a twenty two count charge of Criminal Breach of Trust, forgery and using as genuine.


Shema is being charged alongside three others, Sani Hamisu Makana, Lawal Ahmad Safana and Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba for allegedly diverting public funds to the tune of over Eleven Billion Naira to their personal use during his tenure as Governor of Katsina State.


One of the charges read that

“You Ibrahim Shehu Shema whilst being the Governor of Katsina, Sani Hamisu Makana whilst being Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Katsina State, Lawal Ahmad Safana whilst being the Permanent Secretary for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs of Katsina State and Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba whilst being the Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Katsina State Chapter, between September, 2012 and May 2015 at Katsina, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court were entrusted with certain property to wit; an aggregate sum of N4,463,600,000 (Four Billion, Four Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Six Hundred Thousand Nairn Only) committed a criminal breach of trust in respect of the said sum by transferring it from Katsina State Joint Local Government Account domiciled at Access Bank , Katsina Branch to the account of ALGON domiciled at Union Bank, Katsina Branch and subsequently withdrew same and dishonestly converted it for your personal use (under various guises including funding security intervention fund to all the 34 local governments in Katsina State and falsely described in several payment vouchers and memos) and thereby committed and offence contrary to section 311 and punishable under section 312 of Penal Code Cape 96 Laws of Katsina State, 1991.
When the charge was read , Shema and his co-accused, pleaded not guilty. However, counsel for the prosecution Jibrin S. Okutepa SAN applied for a trial date and also asked that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody since there was no motion for their bail before the court.


J. B Daudu SAN, for the accused persons applied orally that his clients be admitted to bail. Okutepa opposed the oral application for bail made by the defence counsel. He argued that now that the court has assumed jurisdiction and that the charge has been read, there is a possibility of the accused persons escaping if granted bail. He urged the court to consider the gravity of the offence and refuse the oral bail application and order the defence counsel to apply formally.


In his ruling after listening to the argument of both counsels, Justice Bako granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira Only) and surety in like sum.


The case has been adjourned to 28th and 29th of March, 2017 for the commencement of trial.


Earlier before the charge was read, Justice Bako had dismissed two applications filed by the accused persons through their counsel J.B Daudu SAN which challenges the jurisdiction of the court and competency of the charge. Both applications were resolved in favour of the respondents.
http://politicsngr.com/1bn-fraud-former-gov-shema-three-others-court-today-photos/
cc : lalasticlala

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned one Usman Muhammad Dajji of the Gombe State Sharia Court of Appeal before Justice Sa'ad Muhammad of the Gombe State High Court on five count charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and forgery.




The suspect who is the Chairman of Sharia Court of appeal staff multipurpose Cooperative Society, Gombe was arrested by EFCC operatives following a petition by one Sani Abdullahi of Sam Omosco Nigeria Limited, a company that specializes in computer supplies and accessories, alleging that sometime in December, 2012, the suspect approached him with a contract proposal to supply 3000 Units of Computer Laptop to the Sharia Court of Appeal Cooperative Society with a condition that he must pay the sum of N550,000.00 as commitment and processing fee before the execution of the contract.




The money was paid after being convinced as all document relating to the contract were presented, unknown to him that the suspect forged the official stamp of the Chief Registrar Sharia Court of Appeal, Gombe and the signature of one Abubakar Aliyu the Cooperative Society's Treasurer, for the furtherance of his dubious activities and diverted the said sum to his personal use.




Count one of the charge read: “That you, Usman Muhammad Dajji, being the Chairman of Gombe State Sharia Court of Appeal Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society, sometimes in December, 2013 in Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intend to defraud, obtained the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000) only from Sani Abdullahi of Samomasco Nigeria Limited under the false pretence that the said sum were to be utilizes for processing irrevocable standing payment order from the office of Accountant General Gombe State in favour of the company and diverted same to your personal used thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1b) and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006”.




The accused person pleaded not guilty to all the charges read against him and the prosecution counsel S. M. Aliyu asked the court to fix a date for trial as all his witnesses and exhibits to tender before the court were ready.
In his ruling, Justice Sa'ad remanded the accuse person in prison custody pending the filing of his bail application while he adjourned the case to Monday, 13 March 2017, for trial.
http://politicsngr.com/gombe-court-official-arraigned-contract-scam-photos/
cc : lalasticlala

Introduction

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki leads the Senate Leadership into the Chambers. He also takes the Official Prayers.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu moves for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Thursday 26th January, 2017. Senator John Enoh seconds.

Announcement

Senate President, Bukola Saraki reads Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari’s letter dated 5th February 2017 on the extension of his annual leave.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki announces the defection of Senator Andy Uba from the PDP to the APC

Senator Andy Uba formerly of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), now officially defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Senate President, Bukola Saraki reads Acting President's letter on the additional nomination Mr Adeyinka Asekun as non-career ambassador designate.

Senate President, Bukola Sarak reads another letter from the Acting Pres. on the confirmation of Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Condolence

Senate observes one-minute silence on the passing away of Hon. Bello Sani, a member of the House of Representative who died at the age of 51.

Adjournment

Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan now moves that Plenary be adjourned in honour of the late ‪@HouseNGR member, Bello Sani and minority seconds.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki‪ puts the question and Plenary is adjourned to Wednesday, 22nd February 2017. ‪
http://politicsngr.com/breakdown-proceedings-todays-senate-plenary-photos/
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An Anambra market leader is nursing his wounds in pain after police officers reportedly attached to Anambra billionaire businessman, Arthur Eze, in conjunction with some thugs, manhandled and beat him up.

Politics Nigeria learnt from Tobe Aniagoh, that the market leader identified as Emma Nwoye was bleeding heavily from his nose after the assault.

Aniagoh stated;

Mr Emma Nwoye, a market leader at Oye Ukpo Market, Dunukofia survived death by whiskers after being beaten by a group of thugs led by Emeka Nwoye (Odu n' Ukpo). Eye witness says the thugs stormed his shop at the market and beat him to stupor with the help of Nigerian Policemen attached to the home of Chief Engr Arthur Eze.

Efforts to reach Eze's reps for a statement were futile.
http://politicsngr.com/anambra-market-leader-brutalized-arthur-ezes-police-detail/
cc : lalasticlala

Residents of Ama Achara, Ngugo in Ikeduru local government area of Imo state were left in a state of shock after a pastor identified as David Joshua dug up a charm during a prayer liberation in one of the family homes in the area.

Joshua was carrying out a liberation in the family home of one Chibueze Amaechi,when he suddenly called for a machete and dug up a small piece of land revealing a charm made of red cloth,pieces of chicken bones and a padlock.

Below are photos from the liberation showing pastor Joshua untying and 'neutralizing' the charm...

http://politicsngr.com/pastor-digs-charm-family-liberation-imo-state-photos/

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a campaign of calumny on social media platforms by some individuals or group of persons.

The faceless persons have been making spurious and unfounded allegations bordering on payment of troops operations allowances, rotation in the North East and comparing troops' pay to what obtains in neighbouring countries.

The fabricators are most probably being sponsored by the categories of people that frustrated themselves out of the Army and political self-defeatists.

They are clearly sentimental and lack knowledge of the Nigerian Army of today.

However, investigation is ongoing to determine the full identity and source of this mischief and all those found connected with it will be dealt with in accordance with the extant provisions of the military justice system.
We wish to reiterate that the Nigerian Army is a voluntary Service.

We are not running a conscript Army, all those not satisfied are at liberty to apply for voluntary retirement or discharge as the case may be.

We cannot afford to have disloyal or disgruntled elements in the system.

Anybody caught to be involved in this ignominious campaign would have himself or herself to blame.

The Nigerian Army of today cannot be compared with that of any other period. So much has been done in the areas of operations, training, general administration, logistics and general welfare of troops and their families.

The families of our fallen colleagues are being given adequate attention commensurate with the established terms and conditions of service.

Additionally, the concern on troops welfare has been extended to their families through the creation of the Barracks Investment Initiative Programme (BIIP) in which officers and soldiers families and dependents actively participate.

The Nigerian Army has an elaborate exit plan for all officers and soldiers involved in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North East this year, subject to operational exigencies.

That is why all efforts must be geared towards mopping up the remnants of the desperate terrorists still bent on causing mayhem wherever they can.

Any soldier who is not satisfied with the professional drive of the Nigerian Army and that of the government can do himself a world of good by voluntarily discharging from the Nigerian Army.

Otherwise all must desist from rumour mongering and outright falsehood which are unprofessional and have no place in today's Nigerian Army.

Fifth columnists will not succeed in their mischief as they will be fished out and dealt with.

http://politicsngr.com/nigerian-army-issues-statement-troops-allowanceswarns-mischief-makers/

A commercial motorcyclist is currently cooling off in a police detention cell after beheading a schoolboy. According to Lola Ajibole, the deceased was kidnapped and then beheaded by the motorcyclist on his way to school.

http://politicsngr.com/okada-rider-beheads-school-boyphoto/

A video showing a mentally challenged man quoting the quaran and reciting the Hadith unaided has surfaced online. The unidentified man is seen spotting torn clothes, preaching in Hausa to a small crowd.

After preaching, he received cash donations from members of the crowd who were highly impressed.The video was shot in northern Nigeria. Video below;
http://politicsngr.com/mentally-challenged-man-recites-hadith-quotes-quaran-video/

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

Shell to disburse $200 million for 5 years

Acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, has revealed that the Shell petroleum development(SPDC) will be forking out funds for the Niger delta cleanup.

Osinbajo, who spoke at the Rivers state oil-producing communities stakeholders meeting held at the Rivers government house on Monday, stated that the cleanup will be funded Shell.

Quoting him;

The clean-up project is to be funded by SPDC with an initial $1bn disbursed at $200m per annum over 5 years. A $10m takeoff grant has been provided.

Following the flag off, a Technical Committee was set up in the Ministry, and has been working on the project-related activities that must be addressed immediately. Some of these projects in preparation include;

1. Provision of clean drinking water to the impacted communities.

2. Conducting a health impact assessment study being planned, in order to begin to better understand the level of the human health issues referred to in your letter.

3. Demonstration of remediation technology, which will allow for the testing of the different approaches that are being proffered from around the world, and to ensure that only the best is ultimately applied.

4. Groundbreaking for the construction of an integrated contaminated soil management centre which will be critical to the clean-up process.

5. Groundbreaking for the construction of a Centre of Excellence.

The acting president also spoke on the progress and state of consultations being made in the region. he said;

All the steps we have taken so far have been in a consultative process, involving representatives of government, civil society, international organizations, international oil companies and local communities. Indeed, representatives of the Ogoni communities are present on the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees and have been involved in the decision-making process.
The next 6months will be critical to starting a long journey to realizing the fruits of a struggle that has cost many lives and loss of the ecosystem.

Of course, Ogoniland is just one, though important part of the Niger Delta. Environmental remediation is essential across the entire region in order to restore healthy living conditions, enable other productive activities to take-off or resume and improve the quality of lives in general.

This would of course require that we do not worsen the situation by acts which would further worsen the environmental damage that has already occurred.

It is now clear that Niger Delta needs a new vision. But not just a new vision but a fresh commitment and a renewed spirit by all stakeholders including the states, federal agencies and oil- bearing communities.
http://politicsngr.com/shell-fund-niger-delta-cleanup-1-billion-osinbajo/
cc : lalasticlala

Jagaban dismisses false reports

National leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that he visited president Muhammadu Buhari in London, dismissing a viral online report that he didn't.

The report that went viral on Monday, claimed that the APC leader disclaimed his visit to president Buhari in company of Chief Bisi Akande. The report quoted Tinubu as saying that he was in Ibadan on the supposed day of the meeting.

In a statement signed by Rahman Tunde, media aide to the former governor, Tinubu debunks the reports. The statement read;

"The report about the so-called denial of the visit is the handiwork of mischief- makers. I felt we should not dignify that with a response. That report beggars belief. Asiwaju Tinubu and Baba Akande were in London. The reason they travelled to the United Kingdom was to see President Buhari. And they visited him last Thursday and held discussions with him at the Abuja House in London. After the visit, the President, as a mark of respect, saw off his guests to the door.

Pictures were taken during and after the visit and released to the media by the Presidency. These pictures were international headlines. How can anybody in his or her right senses be saying there was no such visit? It's simply crazy! I can't just get it."
http://politicsngr.com/visited-buhari-london-tinubu/
cc : lalasticlala

Speaker urges Nigerians to be patient

Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara says the Federal Government has put necessary measures in place to end the recession being experienced in the country.

He spoke at a cocktail party put together for him and other members of the house by the Benue State Government.

Mr. Dogara explained that Government has concluded work on a document and it's implementation would soon commence to bring immediate relief for the people.

The Speaker lauded the development strides of the Samuel Ortom administration in different sectors and promised to complement it by ensuring that attention is given to federal roads in Benue State.

He expressed optimism that the Governor would not be discouraged by criticisms and continue with his responsibilities assigned to him by God to lift Benue out of poverty.

Earlier, Governor Ortom solicited the collaboration of the Speaker in ensuring that greater federal presence is felt in Benue, particularly the rehabilitation of high ways.

The Governor commended Mr. Dogara for providing the right leadership for the House and placing lawmakers from Benue in strategic positions, urging him to sustain the gesture.
http://politicsngr.com/nigeria-will-soon-recession-dogara/
cc : lalasticlala

Fayose tackles national budget,urges investigation into $1 billion eurobond

Ekiti governor, Ayo Fayose has expressed his dissatisfaction with the allocation the 2017 national budget. Fayose, who hosted the south-west governors meeting on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, stated that the south-west was among the least beneficiaries of the 2017 budget.

Quoting him;

''In the 2017 federal government budget, the Southwest is one of the least beneficiaries.

The federal government 2017 budget is about N7 trillion and the only capital project allocated to Ekiti State is the Akure – Ado Ekiti road to which N250 million was earmarked. What can N250 million do on Akure – Ado road that is begging for reconstruction? There is even no guarantee that the N250 million budgetary provision will be made available at the end of the day. I am sure this is applicable to other states too compared to other zones.

We must therefore ask pertinent questions. How much did the federal government allocate to irrigation, construction of dams and storage facilities to boast agriculture in the Southwest?

We must equally take collective interest in the annual national budget to ensure that states in the Southwest are adequately catered for. This we must do by using our technical people to study the budget and make inputs on our behalf''.

He also asked for an inquiry to be made into the details of the $1 billion Euro bond as it will affect the future of the southwest.

He said;

''I will want us to look into is the federal government $1 Billion Eurobond, re-payment of which is to be made from source (before accruing to the federation account) and expected to last till 2032.

As representatives of the people of the Southwest, whose future will be affected by this $1 billion Eurobond, I expect that we look beyond party politics and ask questions as to the beneficiaries of the bond, its repayment and what the Southwest will benefit from it.

We must therefore constantly engage our representatives in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly and impress it upon them that they must use their positions positively for the zone.''
http://politicsngr.com/southwest-one-least-beneficiaries-2017-budget-fayose/
cc : lalasticlala

Acting president welcomed to port-harcourt amidst jubilation

In furtherance of the provision of quality healthcare to the people of Rivers State, the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo on Monday flagged off the reconstruction of the Doctors Quarters of the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital, (BSMH) Port Harcourt.


Whilst laying the foundation stone for the Doctors Quarters of BSMH, the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said that the doctors quarters would help in repositioning medicare in the state.




He said: "It is my special privilege to lay this foundation stone of this doctors quarters at the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital."It is very special because this is a special contribution to the creation of access to healthcare in the country. And especially the welfare of doctors who do the commendable work of ensuring the health of the people "


The Acting President declared: "I lay this stone to the glory of God, the welfare of the good people of Rivers State and the country at large".


In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared his commitment to the provision of quality facilities in hospitals across the state.


He said: "For me, my engagement with the people is premised on the provision of projects across the state. In Rivers State, it is projects, projects and projects. We shall not deviate."
Governor Wike said that the objective of the project is to restore the existing accommodation and expand it to accommodate more specialist doctors serving at the BMSH.


He noted that the quarters has 22 units of three bedroom flats with a community canteen and dedicated water facility.


The governor said that the doctors quarters will be completed on schedule and in line with approved specifications.
Rivers State Health Commissioner, Dr Theophilus Odagme lauded the governor for his commitment to the welfare of Rivers doctors.


Also on Monday, the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo inspected the ongoing construction of the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, the first of its kind in the country.


He also inspected ongoing construction of the Rivers State Ecumenical Centre, aimed at unifying the Christian community in the state.


The Acting President lauded Governor Wike for his commitment to the delivery of quality projects to the people of Rivers State.
http://politicsngr.com/osinbajo-lays-foundation-doctors-quarters-portharcourt/
cc : lalasticlala

Poultry to produce 30,000 eggs a week

Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra state on Friday, commissioned Lynden Farms, a poultry farm located on a 75 hectare piece of land in Igbariam. This is one of the first agricultural projects facilitated by the Anambra State Investment Promotion & Protection Agency.

The poultry has the capacity to produce 350,000 birds every 6 weeks and 30,000 eggs a week. ANSG contributed land to this partnership in exchange for equity in the project while funds were provided by a consortium of investors from Anambra led by Chief Clem Nwogbo.

In 2 years, the target is to achieve self sufficiency in poultry production thereby reducing the state's dependence on Oyo State for eggs and frozen chicken.

http://politicsngr.com/obiano-commissions-largest-poultry-south-east/

Churches to hold similar prayers Sunday

Pray for president, Atiku urges Nigerians

PDP: Don’t lie to Nigerians on Buhari’s health

Bid to rally support for ‘ailing’ President Muhammadu Buhari received a major boost yesterday as Imams in about 350 Jumma’at mosques in Maiduguri, Jere, Biu and other parts of Borno State led thousands of worshipers to offer special prayers for the speedy and full recovery of the President.

It was gathered that the plan to offer the special prayers was at the request of Governor Kashim Shettima in appreciation of President Buhari’s commitment to the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency which had resulted in the liberation of many communities and relative peace being enjoyed by residents across the state.

The prayers occurred on a day former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also called on Nigerians of all faiths to lift up President Buhari in prayers.

There are 542 Jumma’at mosques in the state but about 350 were estimated to be operating due to present state of populated towns like Bama and many others were Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are yet to return to liberated communities.

The prayers were based on a request conveyed by the Chief Imam, Imam Laisu Ibrahim Ahmed, who communicated with all Imams of functional Jumma’at mosques through their different forums which is a long standing procedure of communication between the Chief Imam and Imams of Jumma’at mosques and other Imams in the state.

The Chief Imam mobilised fellow Imams based on letters addressed to him and the state chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop William Naga, on the orders of Shettima.

Speaking on the development, the state’s Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Mustapha Fannarambe, who signed the two letters titled: “Request for Intensification of prayers for the complete recovery of Mr. President”, requested the Chief Imam to communicate the request to Imams of all Jumma’at (Friday) mosques, while the CAN did same with pastors for similar prayers in all churches across the state for tomorrow services.

The commissioner, who spoke to journalists in Maiduguri, said he was mandated by Shettima to monitor compliance with the request through interactions with the Chief Imam and CAN chairman.

“Last night (Friday), Shettima directed me to write and sign letters requesting the Chief Imam and the CAN to kindly request Imams of all Jumma’at mosques and leading pastors in all churches across Borno State to lead Muslim and Christian worshipers yesterday (Friday) and coming Sunday, to intensify prayers for the quick and full recovery of our dear President Buhari.

“We believe any good Nigerian living in Borno is already praying for the President this is why we requested for the prayers to be intensified. The governor emphasised that I ensure the Chief Imam and CAN chairman felt in communicating with Imams and Pastors of all Jumma’at mosques and all churches were Sunday services are held. The letters were delivered early today (yesterday) and I have been in touch with both leaders.

“I can assure you that the Chief Imam communicated the request to Imams of all the Jumma’at mosques across Borno State.

All the Imams belong to different forums based on their denominations and areas of residence while the pastors are expected to be reached by the CAN chairman through a very efficient system.

“The prayers started today (yesterday) with Jumma’at mosques and we have monitored some here in Maiduguri and Jere and I was informed there were similar prayers in other Jumma’at Mosques in Biu, Bayo, Shani, Kwaya-Kusar were residents were never internally displaced and places like Gwoza, Konduga, Monguno, Damboa, Dikwa, Askira, Kaga and many other parts of the State where residents have returned after liberation of their communities by the military under President Buhari’s administration.

“Prayers were offered in IDP camps were Jumma’at services take place because all the camps have citizens that include existing Imams of Jumma’at mosques in different parts of the state affected by the insurgency.

From our estimation, not less than 350 Jumma’at mosques are currently functional out of 542 that we have across the state. I actually attended one of the Friday prayers in Maiduguri while Shettima went to Bama with the visiting Minister of Environment.

“To us in Borno State, President Buhari means so much because we know how much we suffered before he became President and we know there is overwhelming difference between now and before and this is why Shettima said we owe the President an obligation to prayer over his health and we owe our gallant military an obligation to pray for the health of their Commander In Chief, this is what Governor Shettima said to me last night and we have acted accordingly.

“We are now awaiting prayers in Churches on Sunday, we are sure it will be done by the garce of God and our President will be healthier than he ever was to conclude his victorious fight against Boko Haram insurgents which is our topmost priority in Borno State.”

Meanwhile, Atiku in a statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja, said each and every one us was a mere mortal, irrespective of how great or highly accomplished we are.

Credits : Ndubuisi Ugah


http://politicsngr.com/350-imams-pray-president-buharis-recovery/

Chinese firm was burning asphalt which resulted in black soot


The rivers state government has shut down a company responsible for the black soot environmental hazard that has been plaguing the state's capital, port-harcourt in recent times.

A statement signed by Austin Tam-George, the rivers state commissioner for information, reads;

This is to inform the public that a Chinese construction company, named CGC, located on the Obirikwere-Airport Link Road has been shut down on Friday, the 10th of February, 2017, by the Rivers State Task Force on the Black Soot.

The Asphalt plant was found to be producing thick black smog out of the furnace in the process of burning Asphalt, heavily polluting the air.

The Asphalt plant was immediately shut down by the task force. All the directors of the company will be prosecuted according to the law.The public is therefore advised to cooperate with the Task Force, by providing useful information on the Black Soot.
http://politicsngr.com/rivers-state-shuts-company-responsible-black-soot/
cc: lalasticlala

Charlyboy lambasts NLC few days after protesting with them

Charles Oputa popularly known as Charlyboy has lampooned the NNPC in over their 'Fake' ways. Despite protesting alongside the Labour congress, charly boy expressed his dissapointment in the conduct of some NLC officials.

He wrote;

On February 8, 2017 I tweeted about joining the NLC on their walk for good governance. I was startled at the kinds of responses I got from fellow frustrated Nigerians: My people just dey query me as per how somebody like me go come gum body with NLC "Fake" people like that.


For starters, let me make this clear; If the devil like make him hold rally, I go appear to use that platform to send my message to my fellow frustrated Naijas. Until I posted a tweet about marching with NLC in Lagos, I didn't realize that most nigerians had lost respect/trust for the union. In fact one of the feedbacks I received blaming the compromised NLC for the death of a family member really evoked some strange feelings in me.

The Late Dr. Oghenetega Umukoro battled diabetes for 20 years. His condition, however, became particularly difficult in 2014 because he was an employee of a state in this country owing workers 6 months Salary. He had been solely dependent on various degrees of loans to not just manage the sickness but also manage his family -A Beautiful family of three boys and a girl. He lost his wife Elizabeth in 2011 due to childbirth complications. His miserable life of Sickness; Struggling to pay Tuition fees for his children's education, poor feeding and debilitating cost of general upkeep for the family, led to further complications medically and he died a few months ago. His Corpse has been in the Mortuary for well over 4 months now, his children are all alone and have no idea what the future holds. The brief story of late Dr. Oghenetega Umukoro of Blessed Memory is the story of the Nigerian Public and Private Sector Worker and Workforce.

It's on record that President Buhari gave a N350billion Salary Stimulus pack for 27 State Government. The first in the History of this Country. The bailout was perhaps as a result of the President's desire to cushion the suffering of the workers. Sadly, most Governors squandered the Bailout and did not pay the workers that the funds were meant for.

NLC/TUC and organised Labour Leaders were silent, complacent and I believe illegally benefitted from those bailout that was dedicated to the suffering ordinary civil servants. They did not and could not mobilize to fight the roguish governors and for the workers because the suffering of the labour force had become abstract to the leadership of Labour. Organized Labour is an enemy of the Nigerian people.


From the National Health Insurance Scheme; To various Housing Scheme of Government; To Programmes for the reduction in Pregnancy and Childbirth related Deaths, The Leadership of Organized Labour in Nigeria has been ineffective and compromised in the Battles for Workers' Rights. They are Insensitive and play no noticeable and viable role in the monitoring and investigation of the Frauds of Government and Governance on behalf of the Nigerian People. NLC and TUC were in this country when PDP and most especially GEJ over the last decade destroyed this country monumentally. They were silent, incoherent, indiscipline, selfish, greedy and destructive, to say the least. NLC and TUC have been at the forefront of the Corruption of the Nigerian Workforce and the destruction of their moral values in this country. The leadership of organized labour have come to symbolize what has been wrong with our collective being in this country. Oh! how I wish the Labour Leadership of old can be resurrected.


What I got from people's negative responses to this rally is that the NLC and TUC are alone in their battle against the President. And this is purportedly so because the NLC were silent when Nigerians were buying PMS at over N200/litre when it was officially N86.50/Litre; they were silent when workers were not paid salaries for months in different states, and were silent when the suffering people needed them the most. Even state governors are owing workers up to 6months salary. I swear, Na God go punish all the bad people amongst us after the masses deal with them very soon.

I was the one who mobilised lagos in those days for NLC under the leadership of the funny character called Adams Oshiomole. That one had a habit of calling off strikes, doing different James Bond on even me. I backed out when I discovered the man no get head.

The NLC and TUC Leadership have continually Ignored the Criminality and Looting by the National Assembly over the Past Decade. The Hypocrisy of Organized Labour Leadership is blatantly open for all Nigerians to see. They have been fighting the wrong battles under the guise of fighting for the people, forgetting that a battle for the people must be owned by the people.

I may have marched with them today, but their ways I will not tolerate. I dey hope say dem go change and begin answer their true calling or else, I will lead fellow frustrated Nigerians to occupy their headquarters until sanity is restored again.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQWL6Ftgvno/?hl=en

http://politicsngr.com/will-not-tolerate-ways-charly-boy-blasts-nlc/

RSG, Norway to partner on agriculture and economic development programmes

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has berated Federal Agencies for being involved in desperate political blackmail against the state for the purpose of slowing down its rapid development.

Governor Wike stated that agents of the Federal Government are unhappy that Rivers as an opposition state is leading in terms of projects execution.

He spoke on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt when he granted audience to the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens-Peter Kjemprud.

He said: "Don't bother about the politicking. As an opposition state, when you are doing well in terms of project execution and good governance, the Federal Government blackmails you to drive away investors.

"We are focused on our goal of developing our state. Therefore, we shall continue to partner with foreign and national investors to develop the Rivers economy ".

He urged the Norwegian Government to partner with the Rivers State Government in the setting up of Ship Building Company, pointing out that investing companies will receive tax relief.

The governor also called for partnership in the area of agriculture, saying that Rivers State will provide the enabling environment for commercial agriculture investors, both in fishing and crop production.

"The establishment of a ship building company will build the skill base of youths, create employment opportunities and enhance the economy of the State. That is why we are happy with the development of this partnership ", the governor said.

He also called on Norway to set up a visa centre in Port Harcourt to cater for the South-South and South-East.

Earlier, the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Jens-Peter Kjemprud said that Norway will support human capital development and Technology transfer in her relationship with Rivers State.

He said: "I will be supportive of any project that will enhance the economic development of Rivers State wherein Norwegian companies will be involved ".

He assured the Rivers State Governor that summits that will be beneficial to to the state in the areas of fish farming and the development of a sound aquaculture.

The Norwegian Ambassador added that Norway would also collaborate with Rivers State Government in the areas of energy, ship building and manpower development.
http://politicsngr.com/political-blackmail-federal-agencies-intent-distracting-rsg-wike/
cc : lalasticlala

A fire incident that occurred in Apolo estate, Lagos has claimed the life of one person. The fire which engulfed a house in the estate was caused by a power surge.

Officials of the Lagos state emergency service arrived the scene soon enough to put off the inferno and rescue some other residents of the building.

Photos below;

http://politicsngr.com/fire-outbreak-apolo-estate-kills-one-photo/

Army apprehends soldiers responsible for molesting helpless disable

The Nigerian army has confirmed the capture of two soldiers who physically beat up a crippled man for wearing military fatigues in Onitsha, Anambra state recently. The soldiers were nabbed after a video displaying their acts of violence on the disabled man caused a major outcry.

In a statement signed by Brigadier general Sani Kusheka, the army stated that the soldiers will be charged for assault. The statement read;

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip in which two soldiers were seen maltreating a physically challenged person for allegedly wearing a camouflage shirt.

We wish to inform the public that the incident took place on Tuesday 7th February 2017, at Onitsha, Anambra State.

In line with our zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline and unprofessional conducts especially in relation to violation of human rights, we wish to further state that the soldiers involved have since been identified and apprehended.

They have also been charged for assault by their Commanding Officer.

Similarly, troops have been warned to desist from such acts that infringe on human rights and cast serious aspersions on the good image of the Nigerian Army.

The public should please regard this ugly incident as an isolated case which is not true reflection of the Nigerian Army.

You are kindly requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.
http://politicsngr.com/nigerian-army-arrest-soldiers-beat-cripple-anambra/
cc : lalasticlala

The Nigerian police force on Wednesday deployed k-9 trucks for service dogs to ease transportation during emergencies. The event, which held at the Animal branch of the Police force headquarters, witnessed the presence of the inspector general of police, Idris Kpotum Ibrahim.

Photos below:

http://politicsngr.com/photos-nigerian-police-deploys-k-9-trucks-dogs/

Below is a statement from the presidency;

Moved by the need to enhance affordability of food prices across country, the Buhari administration has constituted a Presidential Task Force to urgently consider measures that would ensure a steady flow of produce to the market and reverse recent price increases.

Giving the directive today at the Federal Executive Council meeting, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, expressed concern at some of the inflationary rates of food prices, noting that the Task Force will explore options to promote availability and affordability of food items to Nigerians.

According to him, the Task Force, which has seven days from today to report back to the Council will consider how to remove some of the cost-raising factors that come into play between the farms and the markets and therefore "bring relief to our people."

While there have been reports of bumper harvests in parts of the country, the prices of food stuff still end up rather high, while some of the produce even end up wasted due to a number of reasons preventing effective transportation delivery to the markets.

One of the focus areas of the Task Force, the Ag. President noted, would be to review the transportation and preservation processes, and see how government can intervene in those aspects to bring down food prices.

The Task Force, which would be meeting with the Ag. President in the discharge of its urgent assignment, will therefore draw out a practical plan and present same to the Council next week.

Members of the Task Force include the following:

Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh
Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun
Minister of Industry, Trade & Development, Dr. Okey Enelamah
Minister of Transportation, Honorable Rotimi Amaechi
Minister for Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman
Minister of Labour & Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige

The Offices of the Chief of Staff to the President and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, would also be on the Task Force.
http://politicsngr.com/osinbajo-sets-task-force-beat-dow/
cc : lalasticlala

by Igbeaku Orji

A magistrate’s court in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, yesterday granted bail to five members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to the tune of N200,000 each with a guarantor.

The IPOB members are however to be remanded in prison custody on the order of the court until the bail conditions were met. The five IPOB members were arraigned on a two count charge bordering on unlawful association and criminal conspiracy with Niger Delta Avengers.

They were arrested last year in Arongwa in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state by the Department of State Services (DSS) on their way from Abuja where they had gone to visit their leader and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu at Kuje prison, Abuja.

Lawyer to the DSS, who sought and got the protection of the court for his name not to be mentioned in the media, told the court that the Department of State Services got intelligence over the move initiated by the IPOB members that led to their arrest and the various text messages found in their phones were also tendered in court.

However, the defence counsel argued that the IPOB members have the right of association as provided for in the 1999 constitution, saying that they were also at liberty to visit anybody anywhere without any legal restriction. He therefore urged the court to grant them bail. Ruling on the matter, the magistrate granted them bail to the tune of N200,000.

http://politicsngr.com/court-grants-bail-5-ipob-members/
cc : lalasticlala

Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno state paid a condolence visit to the family of late Salihu Abubakar Ali who died early Tuesday morning while trying to prevent a suicide bomber from gaining entrance to a mosque during the fajr congregational prayer at Dalori quarters in Maiduguri.

The Governor condoled the father of the deceased who is a retire civil servant and the described the deceased as a hero and further pledges to assist the family.

Earlier today, the Borno state deputy governor Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa was also at Dalori quarters to condole the family of late Salihu.

Mr. Salihu, a graduate of continuing education in the faculty of education of the University of Maiduguri is due to collect his call up letter today preparatory to his National Youth service before the sudden incident.
http://politicsngr.com/gov-shettima-condoles-family-calori-bombing-victim/
cc : lalasticlala

Secretariat remain under lock and key without any court order

The daily bread of PDP staff has been encroached by the leadership crisis rocking the former ruling party. The party is currently factionalised along two camps, namely, the Senators Ali Modu Sheriff and Ahmed Makarfi’s camps.

Politics Nigeria learnt that for eight months, the once bubbling Wadata House Secretariat of the party has been under lock and keys with scores of security agents keeping vigil on the party premises.

The leadership crisis that rocked the party after its parallel non-elective conventions held in Port-Harcourt and Abuja in May 2016, led to the shutdown of the secretariat.

As each day passes, the staff appear hopeful but six months after, there seems to be no silver lining in view, especially in the light of legions of litigations trailing the crisis.

The party could be said to have transferred its secretariat to the courts premises. Seeking a new start for the party in the New Year, the staff last week protested against the continued closure of the secretariat, saying there was no court order for the sealing of the complex.

Speaking under the auspices of PDP Staff Welfare Forum during a peaceful protest in front of the party’s secretariat, the Secretary of the Forum, Dan Ochubaiye, said the appeal became necessary in order to enable the party discharge its responsibilities.

It is only fair and just for the staffers to be allowed into their legitimate offices while the Police are duty-bound to provide adequate security for them as provided in the Nigerian constitution.We, therefore, demand the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Secretariat to allow the staffers to enter their offices for routine party activities.

Perhaps acting on the pretext of their protest, Sheriff was said to have called for a parley with the ‘out-of-job’ staff but they shunned the meeting with the former Borno State governor, stating that Sheriff unlike the other factional chairman, Makarfi, never called for the reopening of the secretariat complex.

A statement from the Welfare Committee said the members of staff of party “unanimously voted to reject the invitation by Senator Sheriff.”

As it stands, the over 80 staff members of the party are eager for the settlement of the crisis for them to return to their offices but only time will tell when that would be. Until then, the secretariat is a no-go area for them.
http://politicsngr.com/leadership-crisis-pdp-affecting-staff-salaries/
cc : lalasticlala

Shema and his lawyers arrive courthouse for showdown with EFCC

The former governor of Katsina state Ibrahim Shema was seen arriving a court house in Abuja on Tuesday morning to continue his trial.

Shema is facing charges for an alleged N74.6 billion fraud that occurred during his tenure.

Photos below;

http://politicsngr.com/photos-ex-gov-ibrahim-shema-court-today/

Shettima signs budget of rebirth

The budget of N183, 840, 489, 09.00 which was presented to Borno state House of Assembly on 21st day of December, 2016 was passed by the House on Thursday, January, 5th, 2017 and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Kashim Shettima on Monday.

The budget tagged 'Budget of Consolidation, Restoration and Rebirth' was passed without any increase or decrease in the amount presented to the House.
http://politicsngr.com/gov-shettima-signs-n183-billion-2017-appropriation-bill-law/
cc : lalasticlala

In the wake of Enoch Adeboye's resignation, Nigeria's government suspends FRC code of corporate governance


Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Press Release (FMITI) Press Release January 9, 2017

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS CODE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Corporate Governance Code issued by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has been suspended, pending a detailed review, extensive consultation with stakeholders and reconstitution of the board of the FRC

“Government remains committed to restoring and enhancing market confidence and improving the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria,” said Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah

He continued: “Government is committed to strengthening FRC and enhancing its capacity to fulfill its core mandate.”

FRC is one of the parastatals under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The Council is responsible for setting and promoting compliance with standards for accounting, financial reporting and auditing in Nigeria. It also regulates the practices of professionals involved in financial reporting and promotes good practices in financial reporting and corporate governance in Nigeria.

http://politicsngr.com/fg-suspends-frc-issued-code-corporate-governance/

Below is a press release from the presidency;

The Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, did not use the funds of the Nigeria High Commission in London to pay his medical bills during his recent visit for emergency medical treatment.

The allegations contained in a report published by an online news medium, are totally incorrect, misleading and a fabrication.

The Nigeria High Commission in London did not at any time ever settle the medical bills or any other bills for that matter as Abba Kyari personally took responsibility for paying his own bills. This is by the Chief of Staff's choice. He pays for his medicals, his taxi and accommodation in the U.K in spite of the high office he occupies, even when there is no rule that says he cannot be catered for by government.

For the records, Kyari was rushed out of Nigeria for an emergency medical treatment on the fateful December 1, 2016. To receive him on arrival, the Wellington Hospital needed to have cash deposited, or in the absence of this, a letter of guarantee.

In order to meet this condition, the Nigeria High Commission in London wrote the Letter of Guarantee to the hospital for treatment to commence. The role of the High Commission didn't involve financial commitments on behalf of Kyari.

The Letter of Guarantee from the High Commission was meant to meet the routine requirements of the Wellington Hospital since the patient in question (Kyari) didn't possess the UK National Health Insurance.

Apart from senior government officials, other reputable Nigerians are issued with such guarantee letters to hospitals. A guarantor is not liable unless there is a default, but this wasn't the case with Abba Kyari who paid all his medical bills by himself as he had done on previous occasions.

Hospital records are available for verification to show that the Nigeria High Commission in London didn't spend a penny on Kyari, as its involvement didn't go beyond the issuance of the letter of guarantee to the Wellington Hospital.
http://politicsngr.com/high-commission-not-pay-kyaris-hospital-bill-presidency/
cc : lalasticlala