₦airaland Forum

He said the problem can only be tackled if the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) can make the rail workable and provide enough locomotives and wagons for easy transportation of cargoes from the sea ports to the dry port.

The NRC cant deliver rail coaches after a year. Its the same way they didnt deliver on the online tickets. Oh well hopefully they fulfill their promise this year. The government should concession these services asap either way.

The Management of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port Limited has disclosed its intention to increase the volume of activities at the port in 2019 to make it an easy way for imported items to get the northern part of Nigeria as well as for the export of agricultural produce from the region.

The Port Manager, Mr. Rotimi Raimi, who disclosed this to newsmen in a chat to mark the first anniversary of the commencement of operation of the inland port, said businesses generated from within the port could serve as a foreign exchange earner which would boost the economy of the country.

Raimi said the port had been hampered from realizing its full potential by the lack of functional rail and the deplorable state of roads in the country.

He said the challenge had made the cost of transporting cargoes from the Lagos seaport to the dry port to go up which has affected the volume of business.

He said the problem can only be tackled if the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) can make the rail workable and provide enough locomotives and wagons for easy transportation of cargoes from the sea ports to the dry port.

He said the Kaduna Dry Port which is the first of its kind in the country has all it takes to make the entire northern region economically viable.

“Though the Federal Government has promised that this year (2019), it will provide locomotives and wagons. If that is done, you will see that a lot of people will patronize us but at the moment, we are finding it difficult to get our goods out of the seaports,” he stated.

Raimi appealed to the Federal Government to hasten up the provision of locomotives and freight wagons as promised for businesses to thrive at the port and urged exporters to take the advantage of the dry port saying it would provide an easy way for the export of agricultural produce from the state to other parts of the world.

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kaduna-inland-port-for-expansion-in-2019-manager.html

Bump

According to him, the state has been paying N400 million quarterly to offset bills for the medical equipment in the hospital.

“The previous administration did the ground and first floors and left the second and third floors uncompleted. It is not yet plastered but was inaugurated,” Ukpong said.

Lol these guys tell the truth when there's conflict. They wouldnt tell on eachother otherwise. Anyway this overall good news. They should have easy emergency number so people can call ambulance or other services.

Akwa Ibom Government has purchased medical equipment worth N5 billion for Ibom Specialist Hospital to boost healthcare delivery in the state.

Dr Dominic Ukpong, state’s Commissioner for Health, disclosed this when members of the Divine Mandate Campaign Team visited the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem Etim Abia, on Friday in Eket.

According to him, the state has been paying N400 million quarterly to offset bills for the medical equipment in the hospital.

Ukpong, however, said that the hospital was not completed before it was inaugurated the previous administration.

“We are paying the money now and the hospital had been inaugurated but not yet completed.

“It was supposed to be ground floor, first, second and third floors.

“The previous administration did the ground and first floors and left the second and third floors uncompleted. It is not yet plastered but was inaugurated,” Ukpong said.

He noted that Ibom Specialist Hospital, was on August 8, 2018 given out to Clinotech Turnkey to manage for the state, adding that Gov. Emmanuel was passionate to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

He said some other hospitals in the state, such as Ituk Mbang, Immanuel hospital, Etinan General hospital, Ikono hospital and Awa hospital had been rehabilitated, upgraded and equipped with modern facilities.

“We are trying to train people who will manage the hospitals.

“We have gotten ambulance for emergency medical response such that if you are sick and you cannot leave your home, you will call a certain number and an ambulance will come and pick you up for treatment,” he said.

The commissioner, however, appealed to the people of the state to vote for Gov. Emmanuel and all the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidates in the state.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/akwa-ibom-govt-procures-5bn-worth-of-equipment-for-specialist-hospital/24zepvt.amp

How much are they subsidizing transport? Why should they bother anyway considering rail should be cheaper than trucks in Nigeria. The logjams will be greatly reduced since can move the goods via short routes.

FriendNG

The Federal Government on Thursday gave marching orders to the contractor handling the Lagos-Ibadan rail line to deliver the Iju (Lagos) to Agbado (Ogun) section of the project within the next two weeks.

It stated that although there had been a considerable improvement on the project, it was important to get the Iju-Agbado section ready this month as commercial activities were more pronounced on the specified location.

This came as the renowned economist and Chief Executive of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, stated that the Lagos-Ibadan rail project would reduce inflationary pressures when completed.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, directed officials of the China Civil Engineering Construction Company to speed up work on the Iju-Agbado section of the project and get it ready for test-run in two weeks.

Amaechi said, “Getting to Abeokuta, you will see that there’s an improvement but the problem they have now is the civil work between Agbado and Iju which is critical to me because I don’t think passengers will go to Agbado to join the train.

“I believe that the closer we are to Lagos, the better for the rail and that is why I had to tell them to tell me what they will do about this before the next two weeks, although there’s a huge improvement up to this point. I want them to speed up the construction from Iju to Agbado.”

On why the contractor had yet to bring in more equipment to hasten the pace of work, the minister stated that the excuse given by the firm was that the equipment was not off-the-shelf machines that could be moved easily to Nigeria from abroad.

He also stated that the project would reduce congestion at the Lagos sea port.

Amaechi said, “Part of the solution to the congestion around Lagos sea port is an efficient rail line. You can argue that the narrow gauge is there but it is not efficient. But the moment you fix this then those goods will be transferred to the rail and then the logjam will disappear.

“The moment we do the section from Iju to the seaport, then most of those goods, especially the ones going to Ibadan will be on the rail lines.”

When asked whether the government was being pressured by Nigerians to complete the rail project, Amaechi replied, “Of course, and it is also because of the speed, for it takes you about 30 minutes by rail from Lagos to Ibadan as against over one hour by road. And this is subsidised.”

Explaining some of the impacts of the project on the economy, Rewane said, “This is a massive project that will have a multiplier effect when completed and will reduce logistics and distribution cost, which are the major areas of inflationary pressures in Nigeria. So I think we should give them time to complete it because it will increase productivity and reduce cost.

“It will reduce inflationary pressures because the cost of moving goods from point A to B will be reduced since you are not coming by road. So that is a good way to reduce the pressure and inflation is one of the core economic concerns for Nigeria. Therefore, anything that can reduce inflation is good for the country.”

Source: https://punchng.com/deliver-lagos-ibadan-rail-in-two-weeks-fg-orders-contractor/amp/

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, says the ongoing construction of Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge rail lines will end the lingering chaotic Apapa gridlocks, when completed.

Amaechi made the disclosure on Thursday while inspecting construction works at the various sections of the projects at Ijoko, Kajola, Papalanto and Odeda on Ogun and Lagos States axis.

According to him, major solutions to the usual Apapa gridlocks is efficient railway lines.

“As you can see that the narrow gauge is existing, but it is not efficient.

“The moment we fix this project then, those goods will be transferred to the rail and the traffic locked jam will disappear on the road.

“We need to push the contractor to work faster; the pressure is more of economic than political, because once the project gets to Iju in Ogun, the next pressure is to get to the Sea Ports.

“When the rail lines get to the Sea Ports then, most of these goods will be on the rail, thereby reducing pressure on the roads,” the minister said.

Amaechi said that efforts had been put in place to fast-track the project for the benefit of the citizens.

He said that there was improvement in the level of works done on Abeokuta axis of the project, adding that there was challenge on Agbado-Iju in Ogun toward Lagos corridor.

The minister said that he recently signed N42 billion contract to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to get more equipment to fast-track the pace of work.

“You can see that there is an improvement from Iju to Abeokuta, but from Iju to Agbado toward Lagos is where we have little challenge on civil work.

“I believe the closer we get to Lagos, the better for the rail; that is why we are battling the contractor to tell us when the work will get to Lagos axis in full.

“There is a huge improvement up to Abeokuta from Iju and then, we also want them to get the same speed in the construction to Agbado-Iju toward Lagos corridor.

“Railway construction is not like frying an egg, it’s not easy, though, the contract is three years.

“We are just doing a year plus, but we assure that it won’t exceed the scheduled period.

“We are just pushing them to hasten the work for the benefit of people, not for political reason, but more of economic reasons,” the minister said.

Amaechi said that the standard gauge line when completed would improve the business of the various communities along the rail corridors.

He added that the development would generate more employment among the teeming youths along the rail corridors of various communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Amaechi had during his December 2018 inspection, said that 33 kilometers of Standard gauge track had been laid out of the 85 kilometres distance covered from Lagos to Abeokuta.

According to him, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will by January ending in 2019 inaugurate the Lagos to Abeokuta Standard Gauge railway line.

“All the four extra-large bridges, 11 normal large bridges, four medium bridges, two steel structured bridges, 10 frame bridges, 207 culverts in the Lagos-Abeokuta axis have reached various stages of completion,” he said.

According to him, eight coaches earlier imported for use at Ajaokuta will be deployed for use from Lagos to Abeokuta early 2019.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/standard-gauge-rail-lines-will-soon-end-apapa-gridlocks-amaechi/amp/

[s]

biafranation:
Afonja, go and say that in Ikot Ekpene and see how they will disfigure that your already naturally disfigured face. Nnamdi Kanu has already exposed you people to SS...you people are finished!

[/s]

Lol you're clearly high on developer dust, sober up. Just dont take credit after the port built.

[s]

biafranation:
Any SS or SE that think this port will ever materialize is an idiot...a compound fool. Ask yourself why is Onne, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri and Onitsha not functional? Even Yorubas don't want any of these ports to work. It means all the money going into Lagos state will now go to these SS states. Have Yorubas agreed for oil companies to be relocated to SS? Yorubas are the cancer of the evil going on in Nigeria. These people have absolutely no conscience...zero! Believe me, we/Biafrans are not the same people with these people. Biafrans naturally have conscience and will never support evil against other people but Yorubas? They naturally support and condone evil.

[/s]

Same old nonsensical babbling. All these claims can be debunked with common sense but that's in sort supply. Lol this news is old I posted it a month ago. The state and federal government already confirmed it. After it's built you'll tell the IPOB crusade made it possible funny enough.

Just to debunk:

•oil companies are private entities so they pick their HQ. (Osinbajo did directed them to move NIger delta anyway though in 2017.)
• Ibom deep Seaport is one of 3 deep seaports being funded by FG. (Guess where other two are going to be.)
• FG also approved free trade zone for port.
• look up NPA stats before rambling about functionality.
• All the tax money goes to FG its in their interest even if they dont care about you.

PS:
The only thing not planned for yet is North South railway like Lagos is getting (Lagos-kano-Maradi line). There obvious reason they're not ready yet. They just have Coastal rail planned for now.

Govs Samuel Ortom of Benue and Darius Ishaku of Taraba have resolved to grant amnesty to criminals operating along the border of the states.

The News gathered that the offer is part of the resolution at the end of the joint security meeting between the two states held at the Federal University Wukari in Taraba.

Ishaku, who read the communique at the end of the tour of some border communities of Abako, Sai and Dogon-Gawa, said the amnesty window took effect immediately and would expire by the end of January 2019.

“We are willing to give amnesty to criminals who are willing to renounce criminality and surrender their weapons so that we can give them better jobs and reintegrate them into the society.

“Criminals willing to surrender, including those that defaulted in the past, are free to contact any of us (governors), traditional rulers and security agencies.

“Elections are around the corner and we will like to do this between now and end of January so that we can secure our places and synergise for peaceful elections,” he said.

The meeting condemned the spate of kidnappings, armed robbery and banditry involving youths in the states at the border.

It stressed the need for job creation as a fundamental tool to reduce unemployment which made youths to take to criminality.

It called for adequate provision of logistics support to the security agencies by both the federal and state governments to sustain surveillance.

The meeting called on the people of the areas to report all forms of criminality to appropriate authorities and not shield criminals in their domain.

“The governors have resolved to constitute a joint security committee made up of people of proven integrity and locals of the area between the two states to address the security challenges and a joint security forces to be constituted with a police station at Sai.

“The joint security meeting mandates the Boundary Committees of the states in conjunction with the National Boundary Commission to meet and ensure that boundary issues involving the two states are resolved,” he said.

Ortom called on the people of the states to report criminals in their domain to security agencies, be law-abiding and shun acts capable of dividing them.

NAN reports that the security meeting was attended by heads of security agencies from both states, traditional rulers and top government functionaries from the states, including the immediate past governor of Benue, Dr Gabriel Suswam. (NAN)

Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi2k_KZ2M_fAhUPUa0KHSHyDzQQzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2018%2F12%2Fbenuetaraba-govs-offer-amnesty-to-criminals-at-border%2F&psig=AOvVaw0EVu7VjcGAV0MSSgj-A05A&ust=1546538821355932

The guy was itching for a jail time. I guess israel and United States sidnt have his back this time.

More metoo commissions on the way. The lagos special status bill comes to mind. They should focus on legislating better economic policies instead of top down commissions.

• NHIS exist why do FCT residents need special health insurance company.

• More universities they dont plan on funding.

A bill seeking the establishment of the North West Development Commission has been formally introduced in the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jibrin Barau (APC-Kano North), was read for the first time at plenary presided over by Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, on Thursday.

It is titled, “North West Development Commission (Establishment, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 712)”.

The move came barely 24 hours after the Senate passed the South East Development Commission Bill 2018.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, along with the South East Development Commission Bill, this would bring to four the number of regional interventionist agencies in the country.

Already in existence are the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC), whose establishment bill received presidential assent in October, 2017.

Four other bills passed second reading on the floor of the Senate on Thursday.

One of them is a Bill for an Act to repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act and enact the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards Act.

Sponsored by Sen. Donald Alasoadura (APC-Ondo Central), the Bill also seeks to re-establish the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

Also read for the second time was a Bill for an Act to establish the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency.

The Bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Philip Aduda (PDP-FCT), is also proposing the institution of the Federal Capital Territory insurance Scheme for all residents of the FCT.

Others are the Federal University, Uga, Anambra Establishment Bill 2018, sponsored by Sen. Andy Uba (APC-Anambra Central), and the FCT Health Care Board Establishment Bill 2018 sponsored by Aduda. (NAN)

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/senate-to-establish-north-west-development-commission/

By Chinedu Adonu
ENUGU – LEADER of the Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, Barr. Benjamin Onwuka has been arranged and remanded in prison custody.

It could be re-called that Onwuka, who was arrested in August after an encounter with security operatives, has been incommunicado ever since.

However, the Deputy leader of the group, Mazi Ambrose Ugwu, told journalists in Enugu on Thursday that Onwuka has been docked at the Federal High Court, Owerre by the Department of State Services, DSS.

“I can confirm to you that our leader has finally been arraigned in court by the DSS.

“After keeping him away from us and other members of the public for over three months, they arraigned him at the Federal High Court, Owerre. The trial judge remanded him in prison on the premise that he may jump bail,” Ugwu said.

While describing the latest development as unacceptable, he called on the Federal Government to order for the immediate release of their leader.

“Our demand has not changed. The Biafra leader, Barr. Benjamin Onwuka has not done anything to warrant his being incarcerated. This is not but oppression and suppression of our rights to freedom as guaranteed under the Nigeria Constitution and other international treaties.

“He should be immediately release unconditionally because they have done more damage to his rights already by keeping him incommunicado for over three months.

“The DSS has no right to have kept him for such long a time without charging him to court. Now, that he has been arraigned, the claim of his jumping bail should not even arise at all.

“We call on Muhammadu Buhari’s government to free our leader immediately without any condition attached,” the group demanded.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/biafra-zionists-leader-onwuka-arraigned-remanded-in-prison/

Habila Dung, a prosecution witness in the N6.3 billion fraud case against Jonah Jang, has said that the former Plateau governor’s style of expending security funds was not peculiar to him.

“Jang’s way of handling security funds is not new; it is the same way his successor, Gov. Simon Lalong, is doing it,” Mr Dung, former Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services, told the Plateau State High Court trying Mr Jang, on Friday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mr Dung is the fourth prosecution witness in the case brought against Mr Jang and Yusuf Pam, a former cashier in the Plateau Government House.

The accused persons are being tried over the alleged fraud said to have been committed between September 2010 and October 2014.

They are facing 12 count charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering allegedly committed when Jang was the governor of the north-central state.

The anti-graft agency is alleging that the defendants had conspired to defraud the state of the said amount (N6.3bn), via illegal acts, contrary to, and punishable under, sections 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2011, as amended.

The former permanent secretary had, on Thursday, told the trial Judge, Daniel Longji, that all withdrawals made by Mr Pam were taken to Mr Jang for disbursement to the 17-member State Security Council.

But, while being cross-examined on Friday by Mr Jang’s counsel, Mike Ezekhome, Mr Dung said that the practice of withdrawing security funds from the state coffers by a cashier and delivering same to the governor in his office, was not peculiar to Jang.

“The practice is still on-going, long after Jang left office in May 29, 2015. The current governor is doing the same. So, it is nothing new.

“I was the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, between December 2014 and September 6, 2015.

“Once there is a security challenge, the governor will ask me to raise a memo for a certain amount which will be withdrawn by the cashier and taken to the governor,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Mr Ezekhome produced documents indicating withdrawals done between July 1 to October 7, 2015, in eight different bank statements by Yusuf Pam and his successor, Erick Kangnan, to further confirm that such withdrawals were “a normal trend with both the Jang and Lalong administrations.

“Will I, therefore, be correct to say that during Gov Jang’s and Gov Lalong’s tenures, while you were the permanent secretary, and when Yusuf Pam and Erick Kangnan were cashiers, the same pattern was adopted?’’ Mr Ezekhome asked, to which Dung answered, “yes sir, the pattern was the same.’’

“The same pattern used in withdrawing security funds tagged as `classified expenditures’ during Governor Jonah Jang is still the same pattern within the administration of Lalong,’’ Dung reaffirmed to the court.

The defence counsel asked the prosecution witness whether he had ever seen Pam (2nd accused), delivering any of the withdrawn funds to Mr Jang in his office, to which he answered in the negative.

On whether he had ever seen Mr Jang putting any such monies in the booth of his car to take home or heard anybody said he/she saw him (Jang), doing that when he was governor, Mr Dung answered, “not at all sir.’’

The defence counsel also asked Mr Dung whether he had ever heard any of the beneficiaries of the security funds complaining that Mr Jang ever denied him/her of his/her allowance, and the to prosecution witness said that no one had ever complained.

On whether the same security challenges Mr Jang faced as governor were faced by Governor Lalong when he (Dung), was still in office as permanent secretary in the cabinet office, Dung answered in the affirmative.

According to him, Mr Lalong was facing the same security challenges and was withdrawing and expending security funds “the same way”.

Justice Longji has adjourned the case to March 5, 6 and 7, 2019 for the continuation of hearing. (NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/299771-alleged-n6-3bn-fraud-lalong-spends-plateau-money-same-way-jang-did-witness-tells-court.html

Federal government Friday raised hoped for early implementation of the Enyimba City economic zone project following the signing of the project’s Memorandum of Understanding MoU.

Federal Government had also shown tremendous interest in the project and had set aside N10 billion to be invested in the project to redefine the economic landscape of Abia and create several jobs

Speaking after the signing of Definitive Agreements of the project between the Enyimba City Economic Zone Limited and the Federal Government, President Muhamamdu Buhari , assured hailed the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and the host community for their commitments to the project

Buhari also assured the team to be confident of the the success of the project since the Minister of Trade and Investments, under whose portfolio it falls, hails from Abia State.

President Buhari commended Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, and some private sector investors who initiated and midwifed the Enyimba city economic zone, urging other Nigerians, of the Federal Government’s support and cooperation towards similar project anywhere in the country

He said such initiatives were exactly what his administration was desperately looking for to create employment for the populace and boost the national economy.

The project is being put together by a Nigerian property developer, known as Crown Realities, and Chinese-based RUYI Group has already completed the design for the project at a cost of 1.3 million dollars, while RUYI Group had also committed 2.5 billion dollars to the project.

BusinessDay gathered that the project has secured a 2.5 billion dollars investment in power generation in conjunction with Geometric Power Plant in Aba

In his remarks, Ikpeazu, the delegation of leaders and stakeholders from the state, thanked the President for his support for the project, noting that Aba, a commercial city in Abia State where the project is sited, is strategically located for easy access from all Southeast and South-South States.

He disclosed that Aba alone has over 250,000 artisans engaged in various arts and trades, and that the Enyimba City zone covers three local governments of the state.

The governor enthused that the project would not only be of immense benefit to Abia State but to the entire region and country.

Maxwell Ogbulu, who spoke on behalf of the host communities, profusely thanked Ikpeazu for the project and informed the President that all the affected communities donated the land for it voluntarily because of the awareness of the enormous benefits to them and the nation.

He thanked Buhari specially for finding it worthwhile to have the signing ceremony hold at the Presidential Villa and for his magnanimity in ensuring the project came thus far and for personally attending the ceremony.

At the event were the former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University; and some Abia State House of Assembly members, among others.

On the government side were Enelamha; Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

Abia State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Uche Ihediwa, signed the agreement on behalf of the State government; . Femi Edun, Director of Nigeria Special Economic Zone Company, signed for the Federal Government; while Darl Uzu signed for Crown Realities Limited, the private sector developer.

Source: https://www.businessdayonline.com/news/article/fg-signs-deal-enyimba-economic-zone-project/

A small win for the EFCC. Hopefully we get an update on the case regarding alleged looting. If EFCC wins that case that be big win. The time an money spent is worth more than 10k naira.

The EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, thereafter prayed the court to dismiss the suit and award a cost of N1million.

Justice Fatun Odohi Riman struck out the suit and awarded a cost of N10,000 against the state government.

Azeez Folorunso/

The Akwa Ibom State government has bowed out of the N50 billion suit filed against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following investigation of the anti-graft agency into financial transactions of the state.

The application to withdraw the matter was moved today by the Attorney General of the state before Justice Fatun Odohi Riman of Akwa Ibom State High Court.

According to the suit marked FHC/UY/CS/137/2018, the claimant is seeking the reliefs on the ground that anti-graft agency’s investigation of the state accounts, especially freezing of the said accounts is an abuse of court processes.

The government backed out of the suit, having reviewed the merit of their claim against the anti-graft agency.

The state government had sued EFCC seeking, among others, an order of freezing the account of the state.

Upon service of the statement of claim on the Commission, the EFCC through its counsel Rotimi Oyedepo filed a statement of defence showing how the treasury of the state was looted and the proceeds of the stealing diverted to an account of a firm belonging to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Paul Usoro & Co.

In its defence, the EFCC also told the Court how the current president of the Nigerian Bar Association President’s law firm Paul Usoro and Co transferred N65 million Naira to the personal account of the Attorney General of the State, Mr Uwemedimo Thomas Nwoko.

On the receipt of the defence of the EFCC and at the resumed hearing of the matter today for trial, the counsel to the State Government, Mr Assam E Assam, informed the Court of its Notice of discontinuance filed today and prayed the Court to strike the suit out.

The EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, thereafter prayed the court to dismiss the suit and award a cost of N1million.

Justice Fatun Odohi Riman struck out the suit and awarded a cost of N10,000 against the state government.

Source: https://www.newsmakersng.com/n50bn-suit-efcc-floors-akwa-ibom-state-govt/

Front Page: Lalasticlala

kingkakaone:
I hope u understand that Wike is in control of the Rivers house of assembly?

Yes everything Everything is Wike's fault. Everyone except Victoria Nyeche in the state assembly is useless on this issue. Lol Wike will have dealt with soon since he's the lord if Rivers.

kingkakaone:
I hope Wike that always talk about the welfare of Rivers State and her people is not among the governors holding back.

Sorry to inform you Rivers already voted against local government autonomy months ago. I disagree with you're assement thst its the evil governors fault. The state assemblies and judiciaries already received financial autonomy in June so they have no excuse. The governor has no veto power against them either. The ball is in their court.

Approved LG autonomy: Benue, Plateau, Niger, Bauchi, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Kwara and Ogun

Votes Against LG autonomy: Edo, Rivers and Imo

By Joseph Erunke

ABUJA – SENATE President, Bukola Saraki, has attributed the slow pace of work being accorded the bill on local government autonomy to states, saying they were not giving adequate attention towards its quick passage by the National Assembly and possible assent by the president.

He regretted that despite the transmission of the bill to the state legislatures several months ago,not much had been achieved for the National Assembly to conclude its work on it.

Saraki, who spoke, Monday, in Abuja, at the occasion of celebration of National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE,at 40, insisted that the action of the legislatures at the state level was disappointing considering the efforts of the National Assembly to see the passage of the bill which advocates financial autonomy for local governments.

Represented by the Chairman,Senate Committee on States and Local Governments, Senator Abdullahi Gumel, the Senate President however expressed hope that the remaining 26 states which were yet to treat the bill, will do so,as according to him, “delay does not constitute denial.”

He said:”You will be aware of the efforts of the National Assembly towards actualising financial autonomy for local institutions by way of the Local Government Autonomy Bill under the 1999 Constitution (as
amended).

” It is a matter of some disappointment that only nine (9) states have so far passed this Autonomy Bill.

“While it may be true that the Bill is still under consideration in the remaining 26 states, we must remain hopeful that in this instance, delay does not constitute denial.”

Speaking further,he said” the struggle towards freedom of the third-tier of government is not one which NULGE or indeed the local governments themselves should see as theirs alone.”

” If we are to curb insecurity, provide jobs for our teeming youth and boost economic activity through diversification, we must enable local governments operate independent of the state, and with their own budget and levels of accountability,”he added.

Going further, the politician said:” As I have stated on several occasions, it is our joint responsibility to ensure that there is a symbiotic relationship between the states and local governments, if we are to prevent unwarranted disadvantage to third-tier government in Nigeria.

“In addition, a cordial and symbiotic relationship between second and third-tier government will make possible the necessary checks and balances that should further serve to deepen the fabric of our democracy. ”

“What this means in essence is that there is still a lot more work to be done if we are to bring this espoused vision to reality. The constitutional amendment process is one which adopts a transformational approach to change; that is to say, a gradual process. We should not be discouraged by what may seem a slow pace of change.

“Through continued dialogue, collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders including government, I am confident that local government autonomy will be actualised.

“The question is not if, but when. I enjoin you all to remain steadfast in your quest to attain financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria. Meanwhile, let me assure you of the continued commitment of the 8’“ National Assembly to strengthening our local government institutions,”he further stated.

He added that:”We in the National Assembly fully appreciate the importance of governance at local government level. Yes, it strengthens local government administration; but more importantly, it provides for accountable governance, which is a prerequisite for sustainable development. One therefore reasons with the idea of local councils having better proximity to the people; as their autonomy will in turn better serve the grassroots and avail Nigerians of the much-desired dividends of democracy.

Earlier, in his welcome remark, National President of NULGE, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel, expressed delight that four decades after the formation of NULGE to protect the working and living conditions as well as defend other interests of the workers at the local government level,it has assumed national significance.

According to him,”the 40th anniversary celebration came at a time some powerful vested forces within our polity have campaigned vigorously against the very existence of the local government tier of government.”

He said the theme of anniversary, tagged:”Local Government Yesterday,Today and Tomorrow:Our Struggle Towards Actualisation of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria”, was based on the need to reflect deeply on the conditions of the local government workers today across the federation, against the backdrop of what obtained in the past and the workers’ hope for the future.

He said the anniversary provided the workers opportunity to review their struggle towards the actualisation of local government autonomy in Nigeria.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/saraki-blames-states-on-slow-treatment-of-lg-autonomy-bill/amp/

NothingDoMe:
Honestly, we both know him. In fact everyone knows him. Swear to me that Buhari actually gives a rats ass about biafran veterans.

See, all his earlier comments about 5%, sharia and the rest of that shit na e be the real Buhari. This one when dey pay veterans na packaging.

He didnt have to anything just like preious leaders that supposedly cared. I think he did it because he felt its right thing to do. It could also be politically motivated who cares why. If he didnt those guys would have died and be forgotten.

His 5% comment were dumb just like majority comments on this thread. He backtracked from those statements anyway unlike peope here. He also didn't pursue those policies either. Those are real actions we can see not intentions that can only speculated.

Its funny nobody can tell me what's wrong with his comment. Everyone has to move goal post to another unrelated issues.

NothingDoMe:
The emboldened seems to be where the problem is.

Lol how is that an issue? If he didnt care about it he also wouldnt have appoved pension payments for biafran veterans. Lol hes not like hypocrites blaming other for their inability to read past headline and lack of reasing comprehension skills.

zoedew:
[s]Hate is a blinding malady! Love is a better way to go. It frees your mind, opens your eyes to positivity never thought available and widens your network. By the way, it keeps hbp away![/s]

Your rambling show me you didnt read or understand what you read what Buhari said. When did it become an issue to thank country for sending humanitarian in past and present? Lol what's wrong with you guys.

NothingDoMe:
Blue3k you caused it na or rather the mod (probably disguised as you ) caused it. What kind of headline is that? 80% of people who read that will first think in terms of arms.

But also it is actually weird to be saying thank you for 1960. It could imply that we have had no dealings with them since then. Could also imply that Buhari is still living in the 60's.

Dont blame others for their ignorant comments. Who told them not to read article. Vanguard made the headline and I left it as is. These same people ironicly call others illiterate yet they cant read before commenting on issues.

The second half your comment doesnt make sense. Buhari acknowledged the past and present deeds when he thanked Ireland. The assumption wouldn't make sense since it cleary states Buhari thanked Ireland humanitarian assistance in north east. The only thing this implies is he the war stil hold a place in his heart.

wengerjay:
Those health workers who embarked on strike last year were not paid for the period of the strike.

Good to know.

Lol certain people wont read past headline since they're triggered. Then will proceed to make ignorant comments. Whats wrong with saying thank you in this case?

EricBloodAxe:
Lifeless dullard. Couldn't thank ireland for any other good thing except the civil war of the 60s.

“Nigeria and the Irish Republic enjoy excellent bilateral relations marked especially by the work of Irish medical teams and missionaries during the civil war, and the ongoing efforts in dealing with the humanitarian situation in the North-East.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Republic of Ireland and its people for standing by Nigeria during her difficult moments.

The president, who spoke when he received the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Mr Sean Hoy, cited Ireland’s support during the Civil War, and the current efforts to rebuild the devastation in the North-Eastern parts of the country.

The Ambassador was on a farewell visit to the State House, Abuja.

The President noted in particular, the work of Irish doctors and priests in their humanitarian support for Nigerian communities at all times.

“Nigeria and the Irish Republic enjoy excellent bilateral relations marked especially by the work of Irish medical teams and missionaries during the civil war, and the ongoing efforts in dealing with the humanitarian situation in the North-East.

“We appreciate what your country is doing for us,’’ he said.

President Buhari also thanked the outgoing ambassador for enhancing the relationship between both countries.

In his remarks, Hoy said he was leaving Nigeria to his next post, Brazil, with mixed feelings considering the enormous goodwill he enjoyed in Nigeria, and the improvements in the relations between the two nations.

He promised the continued assistance of his country to the efforts in rebuilding the North-East, stressing that, “It concerns all of us. We will continue to support you.” (NAN)

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/thank-you-ireland-for-helping-us-during-civil-war-buhari/

Why isn't this no work no pay policy uniform for all federal employees on strike?

Lol all this drama and NASS thinks it makes sense to establish more universities. They need to tackle funding for current ones before thinking of adding another one. Is there a reason why they cant expand current university aswell?

The Chairman of University of Ibadan chapter of ASUU, Deji Omole, described the federal government as shameless for owing lecturers seven years of unpaid, earned academic allowances.

The FG should pay what they owe. The no work no pay is fair since they arent working. Anyway its funny Buhari is acting more like Ronald Reagan in this situation.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed vice-chancellors of striking public universities across the country to enforce “no-work-no-pay” rule on the striking lecturers.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered on Friday that the directive to implement the “no work, no pay” policy was communicated to the universities in a memo sent by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to university vice-chancellors.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had on November 4 declared indefinite, nationwide strike over non-implementation of previous agreements by the federal government and demand for increased university funding.

At least two meetings have been held between the lecturers and the government since the strike commenced. However, both parties are yet to reach an agreement.

In the memo signed by NUC Director of Research, Information and Technology S.B Ramon-Yusuf, the university regulator stated that payment of salaries from any other sources but government funding will be viewed as violation of extant rules and government directive.

The memo reads, “In view of the current Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the federal government has directed that there shall be no payment of any form of salaries and allowances to the staff on strike in federal and inter-varsity centers.

“Consequently, I am to direct Vice-Chancellors to apply the “No-work-no-pay” rule. However, Universities and inter-varsity centers are to pay salaries and allowances to Non-teaching staff.

“All Vice Chancellors and Directors of centers should note that the salaries to staff on strike from whatever source of funds shall be viewed as violation of extant rules and directive of the federal government of Nigeria.”

In a reaction to the memo, the Chairman of University of Ibadan chapter of ASUU, Deji Omole, described the federal government as shameless for owing lecturers seven years of unpaid, earned academic allowances. He said despite the debt, the government still wants lecturers to continue to work while the presidency and the National Assembly ‘feed fat’ on the wealth of the nation.

Mr Omole in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES Friday evening said it is sad that a government that prides itself as having integrity has shown it lacks integrity by failing to honour agreements reached with the union. He said the government has resulted to harassment and intimidation of ASUU members on a patriotic struggle to save public education in Nigeria.

He said the “no work, no pay” directive will not deter the lecturers.

“We have passed this road before. It is a familiar terrain which we can navigate with our eyes closed.

“We shall triumph any attempt to destroy the common patrimony. The power of the people is stronger than the people in power, ” the lecturer said.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/298424-ASUU-strike-nigerian-govt-orders-universities-to-implement-no-work-no-pay.html

Front Page: Lalasticlala

docadams:
Blue 3k2, when did C/R ceased to be an oil producing state? I knew there was a case of disputed oil wells with AKS years back which was resolved in favour of the later. I never knew CRS completely lost its oil producing state status.

I dont know exact date. I do know after Cross River lost Bakassi it lost oil wells to Cameroon.