₦airaland Forum

By Kabir DanKatsina

KEBBI State government says it has obtained a loan of N900million to rehabilitate the 21-settlements of the Fulani in the state which were abandoned by past administrations.

Governor Abubakar Bagudu, who disclosed this during an interactive session with Fulani leaders who visited him at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, lamented that the Fulani were neglected despite their huge contributions to the development of the state, especially during elections.

‘’You have a case which government must listen to since your contributions to the state are there for everyone to see. And that is why this administration has secured a loan of N900million to improve your wellbeing”, Bagudu said.

Part of the amount, according to him, will be used to construct 21 nomadic schools and mosques as well as construct wells and boreholes to ensure that animals and human beings in the community have water to drink. He, however, warned the Fulani resident in the state against taking the law into their hands, advising them to always meet the authorities whenever they have any issue to address.

The governor explained that government will soon send a bill to prohibit persons from taking the law into their hands.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/kebbi-to-spend-n900m-on-fulani-settlements/

The contractors handling the International Market (Urua Nka) in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Yiwu International Trade City of Nigeria, has said that the 5000-capacity market would be ready for commissioning in December this year.

Speaking with Government House Correspondents shortly after a meeting with the State Governor in Governor’s Office, Uyo, the Managing Director of the construction company, Mr Miao Jingbao disclosed that about 124 containers of construction materials needed for the project are on ground for the completion of the 50 million U.S. Dollar project.

According to him, the three-storey twin building will accommodate 5000 shops with international features including elevators, escalators, and other facilities which are best in Africa.

He said that the project would provide employment opportunities for over 10,000 youths and women in the area, as well as improve the living standard of the people of the host community.

The Paramount Ruler of Eket, Attah Ekid 1, Obong E.C.D Abia, said that the project, which is one of its kind in West Africa, will attract a lot of businesses to boost the economy of the community.

“The project will bring enormous benefits to not just the host community but to Nigeria as a whole and the state in particular because it is open to the entire country. The host community realizes the importance of this project and are committed to protect them.”

The State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, thanked the contractors for the speedy job on site, and commended the host community for cooperating with the workers.

he said “It is a clear sign of collaboration both locally and internationally. We are working with the Chinese investors. What we are putting up in Eket is not the usual market stores but purely a business and logistic centre.”

Governor Emmanuel called on multinationals and all the distributive chains to find Eket their next home because of the numerous access roads, which according to him, are exceptionally beautiful, and pledged to do everything humanly possible to connect other parts of the country.

“It is an international market. It is not limited to those who are buying and selling. Any kind of business can operate there. Even if you are a lawyer and wants to operate within that area, you have a good office to operate with. That is why it is a business and logistic centre with emphasis on commerce. This is also a sign that we came here to work and not to be distracted.”

It would be recalled that Governor Emmanuel, during his electioneering campaign in 2015, promised to build an international market and attract foreign investment to the state, and create enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The project was inaugurated in June 2018 where the Governor promised to commission the first phase within six months.

Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/10/31/akwa-ibom-international-market-ready-december-says-contractor/?amp

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has summoned the High Commissioner of Ghana to Nigeria, Amb Rashid Bawa, over the continued closure of over 400 Nigerian shops in Ghana.

Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama on Friday said the Ghanaian envoy was invited to give a definitive explanation on the treatment of Nigerian traders in that country.

The closure of over 400 Nigerian businesses in Ghana had sparked protest by National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and Nigerian Union of Traders Association Ghana (NUTAG).

Onyema said: “There had been some horror stories that we have been hearing and a case of suicide of Nigerian lady and when this broke out the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana came here.

“And we were assured that Nigerians were not the target and that efforts were being made to calm the situation.

“Again in New York, assurances were made by President Nana Akufo-Addo and we were shown the text that the shops that have been closed that belong to Nigerians would be reopened

He noted with concern that there were, however, conflicting reports on the reopening of Nigerian traders’ shops in Ghana.

Onyeama said that a committee was being set up at a highest level in Nigeria to look into the matter and to look at how, as a government, how to respond to the situation.

“And, we said as part of understanding of what the situation is now legally and factually, to give this opportunity to brief us on the current situation,” he said.

He said “the Ghanaian envoy was invited to give the opportunity to brief us on current situation” on the closure of Nigerian businesses in that country.

The High Commissioner, in his response, said he visited the areas that experienced distress by Nigerian traders.

Bawa confirmed that about 80 to 85 per cent of shops that were locked had been re-opened and that the exercise was still ongoing.

He said the Ghanaian authorities were also making efforts to ensure that Nigerian traders who were conducting businesses in Ghana were registered and had resident permits.

“I was in Accra at the invitation of the president to go and have a look at what was happening on the ground. I spent two days on the ground, meeting with all stakeholders.

“Some of the shops at the time I visited 10 days ago have been opened. Some have not yet been opened. Opening of shops are still ongoing as we speak.

“Those that have not been opened are locked because owners were not present at their shops. GUTA wants to open the shops in the owners presence.

“With these shops opened, I can say that about 80-85 per cent of shops that were locked have been opened. We insisted that before shops are opened, the owners should be there.”

The envoy also dismissed reports that a Nigerian in Ghana, Mrs Stella Upaleke, committed suicide because of frustration occasioned by the closure of her shop.

“I was with the regional police commander where the issue happened. The police statement, written by the husband and daughter of the woman, indicated that the suicide was not as a result of the lock-up of her shop,” he said.

A former Secretary General of Nigerian Union of Traders Association Ghana (NUTAG), Mr Jasper Emenike, confirmed that some shops had actually been re-opened.

He, however, said that some Nigerian traders refused to show up because of harassment by Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).

Emenike therefore appealed to the Ghanaian authorities to reduce the cost of registering business and totally exempt Nigerian traders from the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) Act.

He said that the charges were contrary to the spirit and letters of ECOWAS free movement protocol.

He also appealed that the government should stop the relocation of Nigerian traders from their shops.

“We want to appeal that in furtherance to the efforts being made, there is need to put a permanent end to this issue.

“There is also the need to stop charging Nigerian citizens I.D card fees, which cost 120 dollars for registration and 60 dollars for renewal every year,” he said

NAN

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/fg-summons-envoy-over-closure-of-nigerians-shops-in-ghana/

chloride6:
Are you serious?

Foreign Affairs is not important?

It isnt for alot of people. Look at comment here and on vanguard. People shouting about service chiefs dont even know foreign affairs minister is a service chief.

rafindo:
I want to ask you all a simple question and a simple answer is required.
How many tribes do we have in Nigeria.
how many ethnic groups do we have in Nigeria.

an hour ago
We should be clamouring for the better candidate for positions into office not this narrative of where you are from.
Majority of Nigerians thinks that the country has only 3 tribes as such their must be equal distribution Among the 3 of them.
I want to speak for the bachama people of adamawa state who are majorly christain or the afemai people of edo are they not part of Nigeria.

if anybody is annoyed that no igbo person is appointed as a service chief must be the greatest Fool in this world. because their presently 64 ethnic groups in Nigeria with over 100,000 thousands people they too deserve service chiefs.

Equality of outcome simply isnt possible on all levels. All you can strive for is equality of opportunity. The issue is constitution says position should represent diversity of nation. How its handled is always issue. It it by tribe, state, geopolitical zone.

Btw the minister or foreign affairs is on National security council.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, Labour and Employment, and Industry, Trade and Investment to the zone that he did not record much votes in 2015.

The ministers the President mentioned above come from the South East geopolitical zone.

Which ones are unimportant positions. Scrap and or merge those parastatals to reduce size and cost of running government. I can bet nobody cares about those positions Buhari mentioned. He should of mentioned Ameachi.

…Says he has been fair to all

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja said that he has been fair to all parts of the country as he gave Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Science and Technology, Labour and Employment, and Industry, Trade and Investment to the zone that he did not record much votes in 2015.

He said his administration has ensured even distribution of political appointments to reflect diverse interests across the country, regardless of the voting patterns of the 2015 presidential elections.

The ministers the President mentioned above come from the South East geopolitical zone.

Receiving a delegation of Bassa Traditional Rulers and Elites led by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo at the Presidential Villa, the President said the Nigerian constitution clearly maps out the need for representation in every government, and he had adhered strictly to the tenets of the law.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, “President Buhari noted that Ministers of Foreign  Affairs, Science and Technology, Labour and Employment, and Industry, Trade and Investment emerged from states that he did not record much votes in 2015, but they were given strong portfolios in the cabinet based on their competence.

“As humanly possible, I have tried to be fair to all. And I am very pleased that in spite of the complaints of technical marginalisation, you have agreed to vote for me in 2019,’’ he said.

The President assured the delegation that he would look into the issue of poor representation of the Bassa people in government.

“Thank you for all the nice things you have said about me and the administration. I have taken note that you don’t have leadership in any of the parastatals,’’ he added.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation said  Bassa people had consistently voted for the President over the years, and “will do it again in 2019.”

“You are a great asset to Nigeria. The Bassa nation will use all the resources available to us to ensure you are re-elected in 2019,’’ he said.

The royal father said the President’s effort at securing the country was commendable, urging him to also sustain the anti-corruption war.

“We are happy with your administration, which is all inclusive without discrimination. Keep promoting equality,’’ he added.

He, however, called on the President to reciprocate the love and affection of the Bassa people, who are spread across Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Niger  states and FCT, by ensuring that they get fair representation in government.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/i-gave-4-important-ministries-to-area-i-didnt-record-much-votes-buhari/

… ‘Edos in Diaspora to take full advantage through online gaming’  

The Edo State Government has said it is set to roll out Edo Lottery, a new entrant in the global and domestic lottery scene targeted at the growing lottery market share in Edo State.

With this, Edo State is the first and only state currently operating a state lottery scheme.

The Executive Chairman, Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Igbinidu Inneh, in a chat with journalists, said that Edo Lottery is the state government’s lottery franchise regulated by EIRS, which is set up to harness the opportunities from the lottery business and create jobs for teeming youths in the state through the scheme’s agent network and partnership product distribution network.

He said that Edos in the Diaspora will participate actively in the lottery scheme as there is an online platform through which they can be part of the legitimate gaming industry and the ease of redemption of winnings through the Nigerian electronic banking channels.

According to him, “We are set to commence operations of Edo Lottery in partnership with 70th Precintt Limited, which is out to provide Edo people with numerous opportunities in the lottery sector with offerings cutting across Edo Mega Millions, Edo Powerball, Edo Lotto, Edo Football Jackpot and a host of other games. Players can register and play online and play from anywhere. Their earnings are paid via any of the registered Nigerian banks.

“We are well aware of the opportunities in the sector and would want Edo people to take full advantage which is why we have built a lottery scheme that will match any anywhere in the world with features to ease doing business in our clime. The lottery is legal and has the backing of the government.”

Noting that the state government stepped into the lottery scene to sanitise the sector and provide a platform for the people to properly participate, he said, “We are looking at a $70 billion global lottery industry, which Nigeria is gradually warming up to. The various offerings from Edo lottery will provide Edo people with an opportunity to tap from this industry to create value while also creating thousands of jobs through the agent network and distribution channels. The lottery is going to be available to people in different parts of the state and the global online space.

“With our huge Diaspora base, we expect that those in the diaspora will participate in the lottery. This is done through the lottery’s online platform which is available on promo.edolottery.com,” he added.

Edo Lottery offers incredible potential winnings and allows players to bet on the results of a hand-picked selection of spectacular international lottery games while offering transparency as draws will be televised live for the viewing global participating public.

According to Mr. Inneh, this is part of the result of the total transformation of governance in Edo State by the Governor Godwin Obaseki government and promises that more value added services will be added to the delight of the gaming public.

Source:
http://www.edostate.gov.ng/blog/2018/10/03/edo-targets-70bn-global-lottery-industry-as-eirs-launches-edo-lottery-promises-jobs/

The Presidency asked Mr Yusuf to proceed on an administrative leave to allow unfettered investigations of the allegations leveled against him.

The government also instituted a 7-man panel led by Hassan Bukar, and Jummai Idako from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as secretary, to probe and report their findings within two weeks for appropriate action.

The suit can help him win a battle but he might still lose the war. Assuming Yusuf is correct and he gets job back Buhari can still get rid of him. If the investigating panel agrees he needs to go he's toast. Lol his law suit should have been from earlier.

The suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf,  has sued two ministers and NHIS to a Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging his suspension from office.

In the suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/1220/2018, Mr Yusuf instituted legal action against the Ministers of Health and Justice as well as the NHIS.

The six-page summons was filed by Uchechukwu Obi of Alliance Law Firm, Abuja, on behalf of the plaintiff.

According to the document made available to the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, the respondents are expected to cause appearance within 21 days after the service of the summons on them, inclusive of the day of service.

The summons read in part thus: “The plaintiff prayed whether the Governing Council of the NHIS has the powers under the provision of the NHIS Act, particularly Sections 6 and 7 of the Act, to suspend or remove from office the plaintiff who was appointed by the President.

“Whether the Governing Council of NHIS has the powers under the provision of NHIS Act to discipline the plaintiff or to investigate allegations made against him as purported by their internal memorandum dated Oct.19, 2018.

“Whether the Hon. Minister of Health under the NHIS Act Section 47 of the Act is equipped with the statutory powers to authorise the suspension from office of the ES of NHIS without the approval of the President.

“Whether the decision of the Governing Council to suspend the ES of the NHIS taken by 4 out of 11 members of the Council can be said to be a decision of the council in accordance with the NHIS Act.

“Whether the Governing Council can appoint the General Manager, Legal Department, or any other employee of the scheme to oversee the affairs of the scheme in acting capacity without the approval of the President,’’ among others.

Mr Yusuf therefore prayed the court to determine all the aforementioned questions in his favour and consequently sought for the following reliefs:

“A declaration that the Governing Council of NHIS lacks powers under the provisions of the NHIS Act to suspend or remove the plaintiff who was appointed by the President for a five year term.

“A declaration that the members of the council lacks the powers under the provision of the NHIS Act to discipline, or set up the machinery to discipline the plaintiff or investigate allegations made against him as purported by the internal memorandum dated Oct. 19.

“A declaration that the internal memorandum dated Oct. 19 which was purportedly issued by the council and signed on their behalf by its Chairman in which it purported to have suspended the plaintiff as the ES of NHIS is ultra Vires, null and void and of no effect.

“An order of court setting aside and cancelling the purported suspension of the plaintiff from office as the ES of NHIS.

“An order of court reinstating the plaintiff as the ES of the NHIS.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their members, servants, employees, agents, officers or any person from disturbing, obstructing the plaintiff from carrying on his official duties as the ES of the NHIS,’’ among others.

A copy of the summons was stamped received by the NHIS head office in Abuja on Oct. 30.

The case is yet to be assigned for date for mention to be fixed.

Mr Yusuf was first suspended by the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, on July 6, 2017, for alleged maladministration, but was recalled by President Buhari on Feb. 6, 2018.

Again, the Governing Council of NHIS led by Ifenne Enyanatu, later slammed an indefinite suspension on Mr Yusuf on Oct. 18 over similar allegations of fraud.

The latest action prompted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to advise members of boards and governing councils at a retreat that they do not have powers to suspend or meet disciplinary actions on chief executives without recourse to due diligence.

On Tuesday, the Presidency asked Mr Yusuf to proceed on an administrative leave to allow unfettered investigations of the allegations leveled against him.

It appointed Ben Omogo, director, Administration Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of Federation to oversee the affairs of the scheme.

The government also instituted a 7-man panel led by Hassan Bukar, and Jummai Idako from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as secretary, to probe and report their findings within two weeks for appropriate action. (NAN)

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/suspended-nhis-boss-yusuf-sues-ministers-scheme/

Front Page: Lalasticlala

I dont know why political parties like running peoppe with questionable credential. You would think they would be smarter but sadly they aren't. Either they get exposed or get dragged to court. Best of luck to him though.

I dislike the nigerian bail process compared to USA. These dirty politicians can do self recognition but you have to jump through hoops getting surities with land and bundles of cash to bail u out. In USA eith bring bond or pay to bail bonds man. It's just expensive sometimes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s governorship candidate in last month’s Osun State election, Ademola Adeleke has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged examination malpractice.

Adeleke was on Wednesday arraigned alongside four others in a four-count charge for impersonation and registering as students of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Ojo-Aro Osun State to enable him sit for the National Examination Council (NECO) examination of June/July 2017.

The others are: the senator’s relative, Sikiru Adeleke; the principal of the school, Aregbosola Muftau; the registrar of the school, Gbadegesin Thomas Ojo; and a teacher in the school, Dare Samuel Olutope.

Following the plea of not guilty by all the defendants, Justice Edward Eko granted the lawmaker bail on self-recognition.

The judge ordered that he is however, to deposit his international passport with the court registrar, while he can only travel out of the country on the court’s approval.

The judge directed Senator Adeleke to sign a bond guaranteeing that he will attend the trial till end.

The judge ordered the other three defendants to produce the sum of N2m bail bonds and one surety each in like sum.

According to the judge, the sureties must have a landed properties in the FCT, which titles will be verified by the registrar of the court.

Prosecution counsel, Simon Lough, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, did not object to the bail, explaining that the defendants who were already on Police administrative bail, did not abuse the terms of their bail.

Meanwhile, the judge directed the remand of Ojo and Olutope after refusing an oral application for their bail by one of the defence lawyers, Alex Izinyon (SAN) and N.O.Oke (SAN).

The case has been adjourned to December 17, 18 and 19 for continuation of trial.

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/osun-senator-adeleke-arraigned-granted-bail.html

OkaNaUbe:
Since government trawlers are not more functional, what do you expect? It is like blaming illegal "solid minerals" miners in Nigeria when the government isn't interested in that sector as they do in oil.

The truth is that, the fishes they catch on our territorial waters are not the usual ones you find on the markets (Titus, mackrels etc) because, those ones are found between Morocco and Mauritania, owning to the cold current favourable for large schools of such fishes over there.

I know we have crayfish upwelling in the bight of Biafra (or Benin if you like) and that is why most crayfish sellers source it from Oron and adjoining areas.

The government failed at both mining and fishing business. The government encourage domestic fishing industry, patrol maritime domain and old open fishing terminals. You can blame foreigners since they are law breakers. They ought to be arrested since they are unlicensed, dont pay tax, harm environment and take jobs.

These are plenty of good fish specicies that do well in warm water climates. If our fish werent good these foreiners wouldn't leave their shores to come to Gulf of Guinea. Fish you can find off Bight of Biafra include, blue marlin, croaker, barracuda, squid, sardine, snapper, shrimp, prawn.

Nigeria simply needs to build up its naval presence. The only reason foreigners are so confortable violating laws is because we arent enforcing them. Millitary build up cost money though especially if we want to projet power over the whole Gulf of Guinea.

By Samson Echenim

THE Norwegian Seafood Council has disclosed that Nigeria imported more than 9,000 metric tonnes of stockfish from Norway in 2017, valued at $51.6 million, making it the largest importer of Norwegian stockfish

The council noted that the trade relationship dated back to 1890 and pelagic fish, herring, mackerei, Tusk and Saithe have been the main exports.

In a statement released by the council at the maiden edition of the Norwegian Seafood Festival held in Lagos recently, it stated that the mackerei variety takes the largest share of the Norwegian export to Nigeria of over 16,000MT.

The statement read: “Norway is one of the world’s leading exporters of seafood. In 2017, Norway exported 2.5 million metric tonnes of seafood to over 146 countries around the world. All this seafood made up a total value of $10.9 billion, making Norway the second largest seafood exporter in the world behind China.

“Norway’s extraordinary geographical location and its clear, cold waters stretching along 101,000km coastline provide the perfect conditions for getting the best out of all that the sea has to offer.”

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/nigeria-imports-9000mt-of-stockfish-from-norway/

By Usuf Babalola

Nigeria and other countries in the West African sub-region incurred an annual loss of $2billion from illegal fishing by foreigners, the executive secretary of the Gulf Of Guinea Commission, Amb. Florentina Ukonga disclosed this yesterday at a forum on Nigeria's maritime sector in Lagos.

Ukonga, who announced that this year's second seminar of the Gulf Of Guinea Commission is entitled "The Blue Economy in the interest of Food Security in the Gulf Of Guinea Region", said that the largely underdeveloped and poorly governed state of the coastal region is a major drawback.

She said: "While other countries and regions are reaping the benefits and returns from the blue economy, West Africa, for example, is estimated to be losing about $2billion annually from illegal fishing. Its coastal sector remains largely underdeveloped and poorly governed, which has enabled other forces from outside the continent that benefits more from it, than its citizens.

"Approximately, 57 per cent of fish stocks are fully exploited and another 30 per cent is over-exploited, depleted or recovering," Ambassador Florentina Ukonga stated.

She, however, charged member states to collectively resolve increasing pressures faced by seas and oceans. She also said that the maritime domain cannot be managed individually because of the inter-connectivity of maritime activities amongst various organisations.

"Our seas and oceans are facing increasing pressures from both within and outside the region and it is in our own interest to deal with these pressures through collective efforts. No individual State can effectively and prudently manage its maritime domain. We must collectively, continue to manage the human activities that are negatively affecting our seas and oceans.

According to her, this has made the maritime domain of the GOG a safe haven for illegal activities of arms trafficking, illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug trafficking among other types of trafficking.

She also called for cooperation among member States by putting resources together and fight piracy adding that the Nigerian Navy is working hard to curtail incidences of piracy, but they should work in collaboration with other navies of other states of the region.

She listed members of GOG commission to include Nigeria, Cameroon, Republic of Garbon, Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Congo DR, Ghana and Angola.

Amb Ukonga noted that fishing is one of the ways by which the West African Region can take full advantage of the vast ocean resources of the region and improve the standard of living of its population.

While declaring the 3-conference open, director-general of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside noted that the conference which is the 2nd edition is targeted at bringing together experts from the region in order to brainstorm on how to harness the enormous resources in the blue economy instead of concentrating on the crude oil.

Peterside who was represented by the Executive Director Finance and Administration, Mr. Bashir Jamoh stressed the need for Nigeria as a country to look beyond crude oil.

Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/201810300237.html

Graduates of civil engineering in Cross River state may not need to look for employment after their years of studies as Governor Ben Ayade has offered automatic employment to all indigenous professionals irrespective of their year of graduation.

The Governor made the pronouncement while receiving the national chairman, institution of civil engineers, Andem Ekpo-Bassey alongside members of the organizing committee of the 16th annual general meeting of the association.

Ayade directed the affected persons to immediately submit their curriculum vitae (CV) at the state civil service commission, for schedule of interview.

Governor Ayade who was also inducted as an honorary fellow of the institution by the national chairman lamented the ill treatments members of the institution have received in nigeria, noting that civil engineers plays a very cardinal role in the progress of any nation and as such, must be treated with dignity.

Earlier, the chairman of the planning committee of the Nigerian institution of civil engineers, Godwin Akeke, explained that the event was coming to Calabar for the first time as the state's investments in both the super highway and deep seaport are in need of engineers.

Governor Ayade while pledging his government’s support said there could be no growth and development or civilization without infrastructure, emphasizing that there is no infrastructure without civil engineering.

Source: http://www.aitonline.tv/post-ayade_offers_automatic_employment_to_engineers

Bump

Bump

SarkinYarki:
I have always maintained he is a shadow accomplice of these Fulani hitmen

Well you conspiracy theory wouldnt make sense regarding Zamfara for obvious reasons. If he has them in his pocket he would have the stop or reduce attacks since he's campaigning for reelection. The issue been ongoing since 2011. He would have reduced if only to say I did something Jonathan couldn't since he likes bragging about security achievements.

Lastly you didnt account for bandit histoty in Zamfara. The situation got worse when Bandit leader Daji was murdered in 2018. Hes not the singular reason according to IRIN.

The idea was that Daji would use his influence to rein in other brigands and help with a gun amnesty drive, all in exchange for a salary and impunity. But this didn’t address the underlying causes of Zamfara’s lawlessness, and the state government’s dysfunction prevented it even from making the regular payments to Daji, Adamu Abubakar, director of the Centre for Community Excellence, a local NGO, told IRIN.

The death of Daji was the final blow to already frayed attempts to forge peace. With him gone, Zamfara risks unravelling further and faster.

SarkinYarki:
The fact is that Nigeria needs help from Buhari ...you think it's a coincidence all this escalated since his coming ?

Im saying its his responsibility to solve issue. Are you saying he's inept or claiming some conspiracy?

He said the attackers were being trailed and would be arrested and brought to justice.

Zamfara needs help if its not Banditry it's illegal mining. The states needs more police on ground to handle this mess. The bandits will simply move to other states or Niger republic during military operations.

They need to do an update on this storty in future to see if they actually arrest anyone. The FSARS didnt even kill any of these bandits.

Banditry exists because it is profitable. From around 2011 there was a surge, which some commentators linked to increasing regional livestock prices. Rustling is now an entrenched and thriving underground business, with stolen cattle kept in the forests that dot Zamfara’s border regions (including the equally troubled Binan Gwari area of Kaduna State) before being discreetly sold to meet the ever-growing demand for beef in southern cities.

IRINNews

This is a good initiative hopefully they can these parks to be less dependent on tax revenue for funding.

The conservator-general of Nigeria National Park Service (NNPS), Ibrahim Goni, has said the federal government is set to commercialise three National Parks to key into the Economy Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) to diversify the economy.

Mr Goni made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

The conservator-general, who was recently awarded Fellow of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) said that the thrust of ERGP was the diversification of the economy from oil and agriculture to tourism.

“National Council on Privatisation has identified three major parks out of the seven to be partially commercialise and a transaction adviser has been appointed, who will, very soon, swing into action.

“The three national parks are the GashakaGumti National Park between Taraba and Adamawa, Kainji Lake National Park between Niger and Kwara and Cross River National Park in Cross River.

“This is trying to bring up the national park so that they can be equal in standard with others in parts of the world like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, US, UK and the rest of them.

“It is aimed at trying to key into the Economy Recovery and Growth Plan of the current administration,’’ Mr Goni said.

The NNPS boss said a lot of transformation was ongoing at the service, adding that uniform ethics is being enforced at the service.

“If you observed my men, you will see them in uniform, this is because the service has become paramilitary since 2014; we are also reforming the infrastructure.’’

Mr Goni admonished HATMAN to build bridge and collaborate with NPS, Nigerian Immigration Services, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and other stakeholders to boost the tourism sector and generate more revenue for the country.

(NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/292830-nigerian-govt-to-commercialise-three-national-parks-conservator-general.html

At least six persons including a police corporal were on Friday killed by gunmen in Gurbin Bore village, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the News Agency of Nigeria has reported.

The state police spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, said the community was attacked at about 10 pm by assailants numbering about 100.

It was not immediately clear why the village was targeted.

Zamfara, located in Nigeria’s north west, has been hit by several deadly attacks in the last one year by people described by authorities as “bandits”, who also steal livestock.

The police spokesman said three people were severely wounded in Friday’s attack.

“Eleven vehicles including a police vehicle, three motorcycles and five kiosks were set ablaze by the hoodlums,” he said.

Mr Shehu said the “bandits” who were suspected to have come from Dumburum forest were engaged by a combined team of counterterrorism operatives, comprising police Mobile Force, and Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) personnel stationed in the area.

He said the attackers were being trailed and would be arrested and brought to justice.

The vice chairman of Zurmi Local Government Council, Abubakar Dauran, told journalists that 13 shops and 15 vehicles were burnt.

(NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/292843-100-gunmen-attack-zamfara-community-kill-policeman-others.html

Who are these nameless people you're referring to? Give a specific name on it unless they have you shook. These vague catchall terms like cabal, globalist, illuminati, deepstate etc are useless. Moving on what did the house probe uncover about NIWA and Ministry of Transport regarding Onitsha river port?

By Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja

The continued inability of Nigeria to dredge its inland waterways has been blamed on some powerful interests opposed to the project.

Making the allegation Thursday, when he received the new Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Senator Adeleke Olurunnimbe Mamora, in his office, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, said a cartel with vested interest had been sabotaging the dredging of River Niger.

Maintaining that failure of successive administrations to implement the national transport master plan that would have ensured the dredging was deliberate, Dogara hinted that in the last three years, he had taken up the issue of implementation of the national transport master plan at different times and at the highest levels with different people but his efforts hit a brick wall.

He said he was told at a point that the Chinese had handed down a negative verdict on the project saying it was not feasible and useless.

Referring to how the national transport master plan was conceived by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Dogara said: “I was part of the development of the national transportation master plan, I don’t know what has happened to that. How I wished we implemented that plan, by now we would have gone very far because the national transportation master plan vision is a seamless integration of a multi modal transportation into one hub, and I think at that time Baro in Niger State had been identified as the center for the hub, it is serviced by a railway that is connected to Minna and all you need to do is to construct a road and airport that will ensure connectivity and you will have access to the Atlantic Ocean through the River Niger, so everything was supposed to be put together in one place.

“I am aware that some people in the sector are of the opinion that we do not need the inland waterways transportation in this country. I have had discussions with some of them. Like I said I have been an advocate of this for long, and they said that the Chinese said it is useless, even if we develop it. But that’s the irony, if you look at other countries who do not even have this potential for inland waterways transportation, they have even done man-made inland waterways and even lakes, they have created artificial ones. While in this country, having been blessed with this wonderful resources by Mother Nature, by God, we tend to look the other way and believe they will not serve any useful purpose.

“There are some people within the sector who do not want some of these initiatives to see the light of the day. But because I’ve converted my self so if they are fighting against you, they are fighting against me, and it would be very difficult for them to succeed because of the goodwill that propels us,” the Speaker further assured the NIWA delegation.”

Talking about the benefits derivable from the inland waterways transportation, he said, “imagine the millions of metric tonnes of goods that would be lifted off our highways and put on ships that would ply these inland waterways. That would mean our roads can last 50 years as it is in other climes. That would also translate into safety on our highways as well.”

Mamora, who praised Dogara’s leadership of the House of Representatives, solicited his support and that of the House of Representatives, saying the legislature provides the ways and means for good governance and the passage of the NIWA amendment bill.

Surce: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/10/25/saboteurs-impeding-devt-of-inland-waterways-says-dogara/amp/

Mr Umeh said there was no south easterner in the current membership of the NDC and NSC. This, according to him, violates the Federal Character Principle as enshrined in Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Mr Na’Allah said it was wrong for Umeh to raise the motion since he was part of the Senate that found it expedient to confirm the appointments of the Service Chiefs at that time. He said the Federal Character Principle was reflected in the recruitment of personnel into the three arms of the military.

The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.

Section 14 (3)

Who's right?

I dont see big deal adding more. Its not like any of the current members are going to be kicked out. Its at the president's discretion if he wants to appoint annother person though.

He said that Mr Umeh deliberately omitted the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyema, a south easterner who is a member of the NSC, in an attempt to mislead the Senate. He, therefore, called on Mr Umeh to apologise for misinforming the Senate.

Lol dont hold your breath waiting for an apology.

A motion seeking reconstitution of the membership of the National Defence Council (NDC) and the National Security Council (NSC) suffered setback in the Senate on Tuesday.

The motion, moved by Victor Umeh (APGA-Anambra Central) at plenary, had also wanted the Senate to urge President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a military officer from the South East as a Service Chief.

According to Mr Umeh, in doing so, it will pave way for equitable representation of the people of the South East in both councils.

Ruling on the motion, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, noted and kept it in view after the lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on the matter.

Membership of the National Defence Council comprises the President; Vice President; Minister of Defence; the Chiefs of Defence, Army Staff, Naval and Air Staff, and other members as the president may appoint.

It is empowered to advise the president on matters relating to the defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Members of the National Security Council, on the other hand, comprise the President, Vice President, Chief of Defence Staff and the Ministers of Interior, Defence and Foreign Affairs.

Others are the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, and “other persons as the President may in his discretion appoint”.

Like the NDC, the NSC is also an advisory body, but on matters of public security.

While moving the motion earlier, Mr Umeh said there was no south easterner in the current membership of the NDC and NSC.

This, according to him, violates the Federal Character Principle as enshrined in Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He said none of the service chiefs appointed to the National Defence Council and the National Security Council was from the South-East of Nigeria.

“The exclusion of the South East from the appointment of the Service Chiefs will continue to cause a feeling of alienation, neglect and consequential agitation among the people of the South East,” he said.

Mr Umeh said that inclusion of an officer from the region among the Service Chiefs would automatically make them members of the NDC and NSC.

According to him, this will go a long way in assuaging the “feelings of isolation and neglect” among the people of the South East.

The senator noted that there was “an array of qualified military officers” from the region capable of serving as heads of the various branches of the military.

He mentioned Rochas Nicholas, a major general from Imo, who is the current Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Army unit leading the fight against insurgency in the North East.

Supporting the motion, Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia South) said besides the constitution provisions cited by Mr Umeh, Section 5 (1)(a) and (b) compelled the President to abide by the Constitution.

In other words, Mr Abaribe said the president was constitutionally bound to respect the Federal Character Principle in his appointments.

He alleged that what had been happening was a deliberate misinterpretation of the Constitution to marginalise some parts of the country.

But some All Progressives Congress (APC) senators, including Bala Na’Allah (Kebbi South) and Barau Jibrin (Kano North) opposed the motion.

They dismissed the positions of Messrs Umeh and Abaribe as a gross misunderstanding of the provisions of the Constitution.

Besides, Mr Na’Allah said it was wrong for Umeh to raise the motion since he was part of the Senate that found it expedient to confirm the appointments of the Service Chiefs at that time.

He said the Federal Character Principle was reflected in the recruitment of personnel into the three arms of the military.

Mr Na’Allah warned that security issues should not be politicised, but rather be debated based on the spirit and the latter of the law.

He noted that approving the motion would amount to self-indictment by Senate having earlier confirmed the appointment of the service chiefs.

On his part, Mr Jibrin said it was not true that there was no south easterner in the National Security Council as asserted by Mr Umeh.

He said that Mr Umeh deliberately omitted the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyema, a south easterner who is a member of the NSC, in an attempt to mislead the Senate.

He, therefore, called on Mr Umeh to apologise for misinforming the Senate.

Addressing Senate correspondents later, Mr Umeh said by the motion he had succeeded in drawing the nation’s attention to the “lopsidedness” in the membership composition of the NDC and NSC.

In this regard, he said the motion should not be seen as having failed.

(NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/292137-motion-seeking-appointment-of-ibo-as-service-chief-suffers-setback-in-senate.html

olumzzz:
I wonder why the state government decided to build a cargo airport which is another airport with its lean resources.
Why can't there just be a cargo terminal built in the existing airport using existing resources like the runway.
My 2 cents though.

They didnt build another arport its a cargo terminal at Akure arport.

Looks good they should just commission it already.