₦airaland Forum

Front Page: Lalasticlala

Lol wants to be a victim pathictic.

By Gabriel Ewepu

THE Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said that Russia has not yet indicated interest to invest in Ajaokuta Steel Company. Speaking in Abuja, Fayemi assured that the technical audit on Ajaokuta Steel Company will be ready in six weeks.

He maintained that the Buhari-led administration has demonstrated its commitment to revive the company. According to him, the steel complex had been a victim of bad planning and poor execution by past administrations, which the President wants to correct. He said: “The Russian government has not indicated interest in Ajaokuta.

Yes we have had offers from companies from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and even Nigeria. “I have met with the Russian Ambassador the same way I have met with the Ukrainian Ambassador and many other ambassadors.

“The Russian ambassador told me they can offer technical, management or audit support, but not as a country bringing in money to take over the complex.

“No fewer than 14 parties have shown interest in running the complex, but government’s position is that we would not do any concessioning without a technical audit.

“Our interest is to make it work, so that it can create jobs and wealth, and we are ready to work with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to ensure its success.”

He added: “Many are saying Ajaokuta is 98 per cent completed. The Ministry believes that can only be determined by the outcome of the technical audit, which should be ready in about six weeks.

“Ajaokuta is an inherited challenge. The Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration concessioned it, the President Umaru Yar’Adua government revoked it. And the case went to London Court of Arbitration.’’

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/russia-yet-indicate-interest-ajaokuta-steel-fayemi/

Front Page: lalasticlala

Why are these guys in love with making wild statements. I really wonder do they even think before speaking. Why are you guys allowing exporters to bring in rejected rice.

“We don’t know where or how imported rice is made or how old it is. It is reported that most of the rice dumped on us are old and probably rejects. “The citizens of those countries do not eat this rice. The citizens of Benin also do not eat it. But they send it to us. Unhealthy foods are dangerous to health. So let’s eat what we can vouch for.”

Front Page: lalasticlala

By Emmanuel Elebeke with agency report

Trade Statistics for International Business Development has said Nigeria’s Palm Oil deficit is now $800m. The body, in its report stated that the legal import for palm oil in Nigeria falls within the range of $224 to $546 million.

Nigeria was one of the leading exporters of crude palm oil in the 1960s,  but has now lost the position to become a net importer to bridge a growing domestic demand gap.

According to the data, the country at the moment, has deficit of palm oil of about 900,000 metric tonnes estimated at $800 million. However, importation of refined palm oil/vegetable oil is prohibited while 35% duty is charged on the importation of crude palm oil and crude vegetable oil.

The nation’s demand is said to be driven by two factors: increased household consumption of the Technical Palm Oil (TPO) because of its taste, and increased demand for the Special Palm Oil (SPO) that is processed into refined, bleached and deodourised (RBD) for industrial purposes. The food industry consumes 90% whereas 10% is used by the non-food industry.

With an estimated population of 193 million, the country’s household consumption has dramatically gone up with the fast food industry where products like noodles, margarines, vegetable oil, biscuits, bakery, frying, fat in snack and many other items use palm oil. The cosmetics industries thrive on palm oil too as manufacturers of soaps, creams and detergents use it as raw materials.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/nigerias-palm-oil-deficit-hits-800m/

If ajaokuta has you feeling sad this might be some optimistic news for you.

By Theodore Opara

Premium Steel & Mines Limi-ited, the state-of-the art steel manufacturing facility at Ovwian, Aladja, Delta State, would during the first phase of production meet more than 50 per cent of the domestic steel requirement which is currently being met through imports. Steel is one of the major components needed in automobile production and other construction works.This will also result in valuable foreign exchange savings for the country. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Steel & Mines, Prasanta Mishra, made this pledge at the official commissioning of the steel and mining facility recently.

Formerly known as Delta Steel Company, DSC, the 32-year-old facility is rated Nigeria’s foremost and only integrated steel plant estimated to produce 1.2 million metric tons of various steel products per annum. The plant has since been retooled and it is ready for production.

Mr. Mishra reaffirmed the determination and uncommon disposition of their world-class engineers and technicians to converge with the rest of the world to enhance Nigeria’s industrial growth and subsequently, raise Gross Domestic Product, GDP, by touching the lives of local communities through accessible and affordable healthcare, employment, women empowerment and education. 

Adding that the steel sector is a stimulus to the overall Gross Domestic Product of the country, Mr. Mishra said Premium Steel and Mines is excited that the present government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has initiated a simultaneous and wide-ranging investment plan in infrastructure, which is expected to boost the demand for steel,  while also serving as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrialisation.

Commending the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the director said Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s strong initiative contributed immensely to the success of the revived steel plant. Dr. Fayemi, who had earlier laid the three-phased roadmap in Steel and Mines Development, said the “Ministry can contribute $27 billion about (N9.7 trillion) to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP by 2025″. The phase one of the roadmap was aimed at stabilising the sector and rebuilding the country’s market confidence between 2016 and 2018, while the second phase will focus on establishing Nigeria as a competitive African mining and mineral processing center from 2016 to 2020 and the third phase is geared towards helping Nigeria build sustainable global competitive mining sector and related processing industry.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/premium-steel-mines-produce-50-steel-needs-nigeria-1st-phase/

Bump

This could stall the steel plant. ECA requires governors to give their blessing to it fund. Afterwards it's completed we have hope the state can mange it effectively. Their track record speaks for them.

The most interesting part of all this. If they fail to get it 70 percent they have to flounder around.

if it so desires after the plant must have been completed and operating at 70 per cent of installed production capacity.

Extra details not in this article.

However, the bill leaves the contribution of states to the funding optional even though Ajaokuta steel is considered a national asset.

The lawmakers further tweaked the bill to provide that government may nonetheless choose to concession the plant in future, if it so desires after the plant must have been completed and operating at 70 per cent of installed production capacity.

Source

The House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill to provide for the withdrawal of  $1 billion (N360bn) from the excess crude account for the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill project.

The House also put a stop to federal government’s plan to sell or concession the company.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the bill for an act to provide for the Ajaokuta Steel Company completion fund was sponsored by Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta and 300 other lawmakers.

The minister of mines and steel development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, had recently revealed federal government’s plan to concession the age-old steel project, saying government was no longer ready to ‘waste’ public funds on the project after spending about $10billion without a sheet of steel produced in over 30 years.

The House also passed “a bill for an act to amend the Public Enterprises (privatisation and commercialisation) Act, Cap. p. 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to review the list of enterprises to be privatised, and for related matters”.

When finally passed, the bill will be sent to the Senate for concurrence and forwarded to the president. If signed, the executive would be empowered to withdraw $1 billion (360bn) from the excess crude account to complete the steel project.

Also, the amendment of the Privatisation Act removed the steel plant from the list of public assets which the federal government has powers to privatise or concession.

The House has by this amendment stripped the National Council on Privatisation its exclusive power to decide which firms should be on the schedule.

In his explanation, Hon. Abonta said that removing the plant from the privatisation Act became necessary to “protect the steel comapny, a highly valued national asset. It is necessary to delete it because if we let it remain in the market, overzealous persons will sell it either by omission or commission.”

Also at yesterday’s plenary, the House considered and passed the report of the conference committee on a bill for an act to provide for the Governance and Institutional Framework for the Petroleum Industry (PIGB) and for related matters and approve the recommendations therein.”

The House had passed the PIGB, which is one of the four segments of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), in January 2018

When the bill is finally passed, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would be unbundled into the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated, Nigerian Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Petroleum Assets Management Company and National Petroleum Company and Petroleum Equalisation Fund,

Source: https://leadership.ng/2018/03/29/ajaokuta-steel-mill-gets-n360bn-eca-lifeline/

Front Page: lalasticlala

Bump

The Nigerian Army on Thursday asked Boko Haram insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace the Federal government’s amnesty offer.

In a statement signed by Texas Chukwu, a Brig. Gen. and director, Army Public Relations, said: “we wish to remind repentant Boko Haram fighters that the window of opportunity to embrace the Federal Government Amnesty programme is still open for them to surrender and lay down their weapons.

“It is also gratifying to report that the troops’ morale remains high as they dominate the general area with a robust fighting patrol in continuation with the clearance operations,” he said.

Mr. Chukwu disclosed that the troops of 23 Brigade under the Operation LAFIYA DOLE had arrested three suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Ngurore on March 28.

The army spokesman explained that one of the suspects, who was wounded as a result of gunshots, confessed to have participated in various attacks coordinated by the insurgents.

According to him, the army is conducting preliminary investigations with the 23 Brigade Provost Company.

The army commended members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) for patriotism, resilience and cooperation with troops.

Mr. Chukwu also called on members of the public to emulate the vigilance of the CJTF, and report any suspicious persons or objects to the nearest military location.

President Muhammadu Buhari on March 23, said the Federal Government is ready to offer amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect that are willing to drop their arms.

President Buhari said this at a meeting with the schoolgirls who recently regained freedom after they were abducted from their school in Dapchi, Yobe State by Boko Haram terrorists.

“Federal Government is ready to rehabilitate Boko Haram militants who are ready to lay down their arms.

“While further efforts are being made to secure the release of every abducted citizen in Nigeria, Government is ever ready to accept the unconditional laying down of arms by any member of the Boko Haram group, who show strong commitment in that regard.

“We are ready to rehabilitate and integrate such repentant members into the larger society,” he said. (NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/263430-nigerian-army-urges-boko-haram-to-embrace-amnesty.html

Front Page: lalasticlala mynd44

freeze001:
Be honest now, if these basic questions could not be answered from 2016 when it was approved till date, what really is the justification fro the loan? Is politics and bad blood the beginning and end of everything?

Agreed and the fact it was unanimous decision is telling. I think Ogun requested same type of loan. I'm not sure if Senate approved since then though.

The Senate on Thursday rejected a request for a $350 million loan from the World Bank by the Kaduna State Government.

The rejection followed a presentation of the committee’s report by the Chairman, Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna Central).

Last year, the Kaduna State Government requested the loan for ‘Development Policy Operation’ from the World Bank.

The State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had said the state needed a $350 million loan from the World Bank to achieve its governance objectives in the “short to medium term”.

He also said the Bank agreed to provide the facility after “checking the laws, accounts and performance of the state”.

The Sani-led committee, however, suspended the state’s request for foreign loans, adding that no loan request will get approval until the lawmakers were convinced about it.

Mr. Sani, who has been having a running political battle with the governor of his state however explained that due process must be followed before any loan is approved, and that he has the duty to ensure the state does not inherit a debt it could not repay.

Reading out the findings, observations as well as recommendations of the committee, Mr. Sani explained that one of the reasons for the rejection is because “Kaduna State is the second most indebted state in Nigeria”.

Mr. Sani also said the panel met with relevant officials before arriving at the decision.

“Based on the submissions and interactions with the invited Government officials, the Committee observed as follows:

“1. That the Development Policy Operation, DPO (Budget Support) of USD 350 million for Kaduna State was approved by World Bank in 2016 and captured in 2016 – 2018 borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly.

“2. That the credit facility has an attractive low financing data of 1.25% interest; moratorium of 5 years and a 25 year maturity tenor.

“3. That the facility is already captured in the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

4. That according to the latest Debt Management Office figures, Kaduna State has a total debt stock of USD232.1 million.

“5. That approving the current loan request of USD350 million for Kaduna State will bring its total debt stock to USD582.1 million.

“6. That if this loan request is approved, the new total debt stock of USD582.1 million for Kaduna State will be unsustainable and necessarily attract huge financial burden on the meagre federal allocation to the State.

“7. With the new borrowing, the Debt Service to Revenue Ratio of Kaduna State will further be increased and thus impact negatively on the ability of the State to meet other basic needs of its people.”

He further explained that the new debt stock will likely, further erode the economic viability of the State and recommended “that the Senate do reject the request of USD350 million for Kaduna State as contained in the 2015 2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan of Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

“With the high total debt stock of Kaduna State at the moment, the new borrowing sought, will make the debt service to revenue ratio high, thereby worsening the State Government’s ability to meet its other basic obligations to the people and further erode the economic viability of the State,” he added.

Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC, Kaduna North), while supporting the recommendation, said he is “amazed, perplexed and in shock” to find that what the governor has gone ahead to indicate to the general public “is completely different from what was found on the application of the facilities as indicated in the detailed drawdown table”.

“As a representative of my people, I’ll like to say that the application of that loan is a misplaced priority. I strongly stand behind the prayers of the chairman of the committee that this very important chamber do reject that request for the loan,” he said.

Also supporting the recommendation, Danjuma La’ar (PDP, Kaduna South), explained that the loan is “not important” and as a messenger of the people, he was not given the authority for a loan to be approved.

“I met with the representatives of Kaduna state and asked what the loan was all about? What projects is this loan meant for? I should know from zone one, two and three who are the contractors responsible for the project? Where will the projects be sited? But these questions were not answered.

“I realised that the money received in Kaduna state is much and there is nothing happening in Kaduna state lately. They are busy retiring and sacking people and you are asking for a loan. To do what with the loan? I don’t understand. If you are collecting a loan without giving a reason, I am not in support of such loan, my people are also not in support of it. Please, this loan should not be granted,” he said.

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, while stating that loan application is an acceptable means of infrastructure financing in governance, however said “the law in its wisdom has made provision for the parliament to interrogate such requests to be sure that there is no need for that loan and ensure that due process is followed.”

“Also, to ensure that existing loan portfolio for the state or federal government would be able to accommodate such further request so as not to put so much pressure on that state or the federal government.”

Mr Ekweremadu, thereafter, put the question and the senators unanimously rejected the loan request.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/263429-senate-rejects-kadunas-350-million-loan-request.html

The story interesting for context purposes. I don't like how they glazed over Akpabio's stealing as media hype. I can't expect too much from state news paper these sort of dumb euphemisms happen. Any major step this project has had at snail pace has been with Udom. The only thing you can credit Akpabio for is doing business outline for port.

A new ground is being broken in the area of actualizing the dream of Ibom Deep Seaport and the Ibom Industrial City. The situation has in the last few years of Gov Udom Emmanuel’s administration moved from talking to action. This informs why many have averred, with sufficient reasons, that Akwa Ibom State is blessed with visionary leaders who have, since creation of the state 30 years ago, striven to put in their best. Such leaders have received both national and international commendations as attestations to their outstanding leadership qualities. One of such is one by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Governor Udom Emmanuel. The Vice President who was on official mission to state to commission the Syringe Factory had told Governor Emmanuel: “You are one of the cleverest persons I’ve ever come across. I want to appreciate you for the innovation and creativity and for encouraging these investors.”
Indeed, commendations such as above, especially coming from a leader of a ruling party to an opposition party governor can be very elating. This is more so, knowing that the area now known and called Akwa Ibom State has been and still is identified as ‘pacesetter’ state in many endeavours in Nigeria. Above is the reason why stories of Ibom Deep Seaport, just like other development strides about the state can be told in syllables and phases of conception, unbroken pursuit of the dreams and undying resolve not to abandon any project conceived for the benefit of the state. This never say die spirit informs why the Ibom Deep Seaport has been on the front burner since its conception about seven years ago till now. 
Many have even feared that consistent placement of the project on the front burner without action was capable of eroding its value and even actualization. But this is even why the story is told in many parts. It was first given life to in 2011, as the then governor of the state, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, now the Senate minority leader, took the project proposals to the Nigerian Ports Consultative meeting in Uyo. He told the meeting that his government had concluded plans to dualize the Ibaka Road for a specific purpose.  The purpose, the governor informed the meeting, and proudly so, was that Akwa Ibom State was spurred to fast-track work on the surveying and parcelling out of land where the “Ibaka Deep-Seaport”, as initially christened, would be sited. 
This effort was earlier supported by the former President Goodluck Jonathan on a visit to the state where he pledged to support the state efforts for siting such a project in an area “with comparative advantage”. 
In his word, “Whatever support that may be required to ensure that a big ocean-going liner comes to the port by 2015 will be provided by the state government”, the obviously elated Governor Akpabio had promised. The seaport project was to be delivered for operation by 2015, about five years after the conception. 
Until the conception of this project, the Ibaka expansive waterfront was known to be famous in the production of sea foods and thriving in other water-based businesses that are still booming up to this day. Investigation has revealed that even as at October 2013 (about two years after) when BMWA visited Ibaka on a fact-finding tour, nothing was reported to be on ground to suggest that government was contemplating siting a port of that magnitude in the area. This of course was despite the media hype that circulated all over the country and beyond, that the seaport was actually under construction and would be delivered two years later (2015). In fact, settlers in the fishing outpost reportedly confessed hearing about the project for the very first time. The condition of the narrow lonely road leading to Ibaka was then still most deplorable, translating, as written by one commentator on the project that “the magic year has come and gone without the seaport.” 
Indeed, it remained so until the coming of Gov Udom Emmanuel in 2015 when he decided to change the concept of media hype to action. And so, in less than one month after being sworn in, Gov Emmanuel on June 11, 2015, inaugurated a 10-man Technical Committee for the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport project. The new committee was given a dual task of overseeing the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport and the Ibom Industrial City as two separate projects by the government. 
The committee chaired by Mrs Mfon Usoro, a former director-general of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, has Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, now secretary to the state government (SSG), Mr Chidi Izuwah, Mr Idongesit Udofa, Ekong Umo-Otong, Rear Admiral Francis Akpan, Aniekan Ukpanah, Mr. Charles Udonwah, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi and Mr Etido Inyang as members. 
This drive is said to be in line with the Akwa Ibom state government under Deacon Udom Emmanuel to realize its industrialization plans, as the Governor is said to be very keen on not only implementing the Ibom Deep Seaport project but also the Ibom Industrial City as projects through a public private partnership arrangement. The Ibom Industrial City project according to available information will be solely owned and managed by Akwa Ibom. Both projects are now over 75 per cent of the enormous paper work required for the projects. The Akwa Ibom State commissioner for housing and special duties, Mr Akan Okon, told newsmen in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, late last month that the paper work on the Ibom Deep Seaport project had been 75 per cent completed. 
Hear him, “I want to thank the governor, because when he came on board, he brought in the private sector experience in project execution by setting up a committee made up of experienced people in the maritime industry to pilot the realization of the Deep Seaport project. For such project, a lot of paper work is involved prior to the commencement of the construction work. So far, 75 per cent of the paper work has been achieved. For the first time the committee has been able to push this project to a critical level; a major milestone has been achieved. And I must commend the committee headed by Mrs Mfon Usoro, a former director-general of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for a job well done”. The cheering story now is that the project is at the level where actual construction is to begin. 
This follows the advertisement of the Request for Qualification (RFQ) from reputable private sector port operators. It is to be handled in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State government and the Federal Government. Request for Qualification (RFQ) is a major critical step towards the implementation of the Ibom Deep Seaport project. It is believed to be one of the most promising public- private partnership (PPP) initiatives in Africa because of the several multiplier effects it will create in Nigeria and other African nations. Meanwhile, procurement process for the commencement of work at the seaport has reportedly begun. The process requires private sector players signifying interest in financing the development of the port. A statement by the promoters of port, transhipment container market for the IDSP is estimated to grow from about 1.2 million Ten Equavelent Units (TEUs) in 2021 to about four million TEUs in 2040. The report said that when the port is fully developed, the container terminals will be able to accommodate up to 13 New Panamax Class container vessels and two very large feeder vessels. 
The Ibom Deep Seaport is strategically located on a 2,565 hectares Greenfield Port area which is designed for New Panamax Class vessels with channel (18.24m); turning basin and berth depth (16.72m) and quay length of about 7.5 km. The project is said to be in an enviable position to emerge as the first major transshipment hub for the region. The promoters, in a statement were quoted as saying that the proposed port is strategic “Due to its proximity to target markets in West and Central Africa, neighbouring hinterland countries and major shipping lines.” 
The chairman of the Seaport and Industrial City Projects committee Mrs Usoro, in an interview she granted Sunday Vanguard after the inauguration of her committee had enumerated benefits of the seaport among which she said include bringing back all Nigerian-bound cargoes to the port (see full interview on page 22)

Source: http://www.pioneernewsonline.com/news/ibom-deep-seaport-the-journey-so-far

Did the fire department show up in a reasonable amount of time. When fire broke out in Uyo the came an hour later. I doubt if the fire caused as much damage as story suggest mere fire extinguishers would have solved funding. APC Akwa Ibom made a valid critisms about the states funding of the fire department.

Emmanuel, who described Ibaka as an emerging city in the state, stressed the need for proper planning of the area for security and safety of the residents and called on them to have fire extinguishers at home.

He appealed to the state government to provide the community with a fire service station and assist in the redesigning of the area to forestall future fire incident.

How many fire stationd does the state have?

The Akwa Ibom government has assured the family that lost two children to the inferno in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government and owners of destroyed properties worth millions of naira of rehabilitation. 

Gov Udom Emmanuel who gave the assurance when he visited the scene of the fire incident in Mkpang Utong Village in Ibaka, described the destruction as devastating. 

The governor, represented by the secretary to the state government (SSG), Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, said he was at the scene of the inferno to comfort the victims and ascertain the level of damage and the support to be given to the victims to ameliorate their sufferings. 
“What I have seen here is devastating. No single house or home is spared here. My people’s sources of livelihood have been destroyed. These people are about to start from the scratch and therefore need support, succour and huge encouragement,” the governor said. 
The state chief executive condoled the bereaved family and sympathised with owners of destroyed properties and urged them to remain calm as his administration also shared in their grief and pains. 

“On behalf of myself and the good people of Akwa Ibom, I condole the family of the two young kids whose future had been terminated by fire. May the soul of those two young children rest in perfect peace. 

‘‘I also pray the good Lord to grant the parents of those kids and all of us who owned them the fortitude to bear the loss because it is not easy to lose a loved one. We feel the pains that you are feeling”, the governor stated. 
Emmanuel, who described Ibaka as an emerging city in the state, stressed the need for proper planning of the area for security and safety of the residents and called on them to have fire extinguishers at home. 

He used the opportunity to call on the people of the area to get registered in the ongoing voter registration exercise. 

The chairman of Mbo Local Government, Mr Asukwo Eyo, thanked the governor for being responsive and sensitive to the plight of Mbo people, noting that the visit was a demonstration of his love to the people of the oil-rich local government. 

Also speaking, the president-general of Oron Union, Mrs Janet Amba, lauded the governor for his show of love to Oro nation. 

On his part, the president of Ibaka Development Organization (IDO), Mr Okon Ukutuda, appealed to the government at all levels, non-governmental organizations and philanthropic individuals and organizations to help in cushioning the effect of rampant fire incidents in the area. 

Ukutuda listed the lost items to include houses, outboard engines, generating sets, deep freezers, sewing machines, fishing nets and boats as well as canoes. 

He appealed to the state government to provide the community with a fire service station and assist in the redesigning of the area to forestall future fire incident. The village head of Mkpang Utong in Ibaka, Chief Okon Peter, regretted the loss suffered by his people and wondered what they will do next to feed their families. 
The governor presented financial packages to the victims of the fire disaster and also paid a visit to the Ahta Oro and paramount ruler of Mbo, Ovong Edet Isemin, in his palace at Ibaka.

Source: http://www.pioneernewsonline.com/news/gov-emmanuel-assures-ibaka-fire-victims-of-rehabilitation

Do you guys think anytging interesting will happen in next court appearance. We can assume they going to stick to defence of Army kidnapping kanu. Will they have to give pay up or go to jail. Going by pattern they just adjourn again.

The Nigerian legal system sure moves slow. I feel like this is 4th time they adjourned this issue. Anyway after serving them papers will court accept their explanation to why they can't produce kanu.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has asked the prosecution to issue an enrolled order for the appearance before it of three sureties in the trial of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mr. Kanu, who is facing trial for alleged treason, was required to be produced in court by his sureties. He has not been seen after since September 2017.

Justice Binta Nyako had asked the sureties to either explain why their N100 million bond should not be forfeited, produce the defendant or be remanded in prison.

Although the court repeatedly made the order, the prosecution was yet to serve the defence counsel with the court summons on the matter.

Mrs. Nyako adjourned the case for the sureties to respond to the demand by the court.

At the resumption of the matter, however, a counsel for the sureties, Chukwuma_Machukwu Umeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said his client had not been served with court papers relating to the order made by the judge.

He therefore made a fresh application for an order of court demanding that the prosecution serves the sureties with copies of the order, as made by the court.
Mr. Umeh argued that responding to the verbal order could render the entire process legally defective.

The other lawyers in the defence team aligned themselves with Mr. Umeh’s application.

In his response, the prosecution counsel, Shaibu Labaran, urged the court to resist sacrificing the demand for justice on the altar of technicalities.

Mr. Labaran disagreed with the submission of the defence that an enrolled order was necessary to ensure compliance to the instructions made in court.

He described the fresh application as a “conspiracy” to set back the matter before the court and demanded its dismissal.

In a reaction to comments made by the prosecution, Mr. Umeh demanded the withdrawal of the word: “conspiracy,” used by Mr Labaran and urged the court to uphold his application.

The judge granted the request by the defense, but noted that the application was an evidence of their lack of readiness to proceed with the matter.

“What is clear is that you are not ready,” said Mrs Nyako.

“The sureties are to be served with the order of this court: to show cause why they should not forfeit their bond or to produce the defendant in the next adjourned date, with the alternative to go to prison,” she added.

Mr. Kanu’s sureties are a senator, Eyinnaya Abaribe, a Jewish priest, Immanuu-El Shalom, and an accountant resident in Abuja, Tochukwu Uchendu.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/263332-again-court-asks-sureties-to-produce-nnamdi-kanu-or-go-to-prison.html

Source: https://www.ft.com/content/ff0595e4-26de-11e8-b27e-cc62a39d57a0

This would be hard considering your negotiating with depravised terrorist that have no issue blowing up little girls. The other factions might yeild some result.

The Federal government is in talks with Boko Haram about a possible ceasefire, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed said yesterday.

According to him, the talks have been going on for some time.

He told reporters in Lagos that ”unknown to many, we have been in wider cessation-of-hostility talks with the insurgents for some time now”.

“The talks helped to secure the release of the police officers’ wives and the University of Maiduguri lecturers recently. The talks did not stop thereafter. Therefore, we were able to leverage the wider talks when the Dapchi girls were abducted,” Mohammed said.

He did not give details of the talks. The popular thinking is that it is likely that the government has been discussing with the Al Banawi faction, which is believed to have abducted the Dapchi schoolgirls.

The minister said the Federal Government would reinvigorate national security to prevent further abduction of school girls in the Northeast.

He said efforts to bring back the remaining Dapchi and Chibok girls safely through negotiation and dialogue would be intensified to draw the curtains on the sad episode.

Mohammed said the early release of abducted Dapchi girls had rekindled public belief in the government’s ability to rise to the occasion in the period of emergency.

He said: “This Administration remains committed to the fight against terrorism and insurgency. The security services have since been directed to put in place further measures around all schools vulnerable to attacks to ensure the safety of pupils/students and teachers and school workers. The President has also tasked all the security agencies to work to ensure that we do not witness any recurrence of these incidents.

“While the military efforts are necessarily ongoing, we are willing to continue engaging in a meaningful dialogue, which is not only about the release of hostages, but intended at a broader engagement on conflict mitigation, reduction of the violence, possibility of ceasefire, protection of civilians, and increased humanitarian access. Government is therefore willing to engage on measures which can lead to stopping the bloodshed and finding long-lasting solutions to the conflict.”

The minister lamented what he described as the politicisation of security by the opposition, urging the media to refrain from disseminating materials that may sabotage efforts to end the insurgency and secure the release of remaining girls.

He frowned at the fake news about an Army Sergeant, David Bako, who allegedly claimed that he was part of a conspiracy by the government to abduct the Dapchi girls.

Mohammed said: “This is a classic example of disinformation and fake news. I can tell you categorically that this David Bako is fake. There is no such soldier in the Nigerian Army.

“There was no conspiracy anywhere. The intention of those behind the disinformation and fake news is to cause disaffection between Christians and Muslims, and between Southerners and Northerners.”

Shedding light on how the Dapchi girls were released, the minister said their release followed an “intense back-channel engagement”, adding that the feat was achieved through the cooperation of a friendly country, international organisation and trusted facilitators.

He said 107 persons, comprising 105 Dapchi schoolgirls and two non-students, have been released by the insurgents, adding that six school girls were still with the abductors.

Mohammed maintained that the government neither paid ransom nor swapped any Boko Haram member to secure the girls’ release of the girls.

He added: “The insurgents brought the girls back to the location of the kidnapping themselves as an apparent gesture of goodwill, following relentless efforts by the government to find long-lasting solutions to the conflict.

“The insurgents decided to return the girls to where they picked them from as a goodwill gesture. All they demanded was a ceasefire that will grant them a safe corridor to drop the girls.

“Consequently, a week-long ceasefire was declared, starting from Monday, 19 March. That is why the insurgents were able to drop the girls. This counters the conspiracy theories being propounded in some quarters concerning why it was so easy for the insurgents to drop off the girls without being attacked by the military.”

The minister emphasised that the girls were freed early, following prompt proactive actions, including fact-finding by a government delegation, presidential directive to Service Chiefs and the Police Inspector-General to take charge and aerial surveillance of the area by the Air Force.

Mohammed chided the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for turning the national tragedy into a platform for dirty partisan politics, instead of forging unity in an atmosphere of sober reflection.

He added: “A terror attack on any country is an attack on all countries. Perhaps we should ask the PDP what, indeed, the party knows about the abduction of the Dapchi girls, going by its statement that their abduction and release were stage-managed. The party made itself a laughing stock within and outside Nigeria with that statement.”

“What called for non-partisan celebrations was rather thoughtlessly turned into politics, bad, despicable politics that has no place in any democracy.

“At times of national tragedies, countries unite. This is the norm everywhere.

“Indeed, there should be a new criterion for withdrawing the registration of a party like the PDP which has failed both as a ruling and an opposition party!

“If a party cannot rule and cannot be in opposition, what else can it do?’’ he said.

Source: http://thenationonlineng.net/fed-govt-ceasefire-talks-boko-haram-says-minister/

This is one of many reasons they should move mining and minerals out of exclusive list. Does anyone know what states are earning from mineral derivation?

1999 constitution Second Schedule Legislative Powers Exclusive Legislative List 

39. Mines and minerals, including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas.

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development says any state government that bans miners from operating in its jurisdiction could lose its share of the 13 per cent mining derivation revenue.

Mr O’seun Adewale, the Technical Adviser to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

He said any state that bans or prevents legal miners from carrying out their legitimate activities could lose the little amount being shared for states every month based on the amount of mineral commodities recorded.

“States are entitled to benefit from revenue of minerals derived from their locations. The revenue is being calculated for each state based on the amount of mineral commodities recorded,’’ he said.

The 13 per cent derivation revenue is shared among states that are active in mining of solid minerals, just like their counterparts in the oil and gas producing areas.

Adewale said the ministry had written to states that stopped legal miners from operating in their jurisdictions warning them that mining was on the exclusive list.

Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended puts mining on the Exclusive List.

This confers the right on the Federal Government to issue mining licence, collect royalties and supervise mining operations as well as take necessary action when any provision of the mineral act is violated.

Recently, Lagos and Ebonyi governments banned legal miners from operating in their jurisdictions due to environmental issues and non-payment of mineral revenue.

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/amplite/-states-to-lose-13-derivation-revenue-for-blocking-miners.html

Front Page: lalasticlala

Let's hope he makes he's deadline this time around for the Lagos - Ibadan and Atekpe Warri. The others rail lines like lagos - Calabar and Port Harcourt - Maiduguri on drawing board till they get the funds.

“If the rain doesn’t start early we will start laying tracks on the Lagos-Ibadan route in April and hopefully we believe we can complete it in December or January and open it up for passengers and business

On Itakpe – Warri rail project, Mr. Ameachi said the project was being reconstructed and expressed the hope that it would be inaugurated by August.

Muhammadu Buhari has approved that negotiation should be carried out for $15 billion loan for the completion of work on the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail project.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

According to him, the president has also given the approval for negotiations of funds for the execution of Lagos –Calabar rail project to ensure its speedy completion.

“Don’t forget that the Lagos-Calabar project is yet to start because of funds; the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri is yet to start because of funds, but the President has approved that we negotiate for funds.

“We are almost concluding negotiations for the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri. We are looking at the cost – is in the neighbourhood of between 14 billion and 15 billion dollars.’’

According to the minister, a lot of progress is being made in the area of revamping rail transportation network across the country.

He disclosed that laying of tracks on the Lagos-Ibadan route would commence next month, and expressed the hope that the project would provide a lot of job opportunities to Nigerians.

“If the rain doesn’t start early we will start laying tracks on the Lagos-Ibadan route in April and hopefully we believe we can complete it in December or January and open it up for passengers and business and we expect about 6, 000,000 tons of cargo out of the 30,000,000 tons of cargo that we have between Lagos and Kano.

“In terms of job creation, you can be rest assured that it will be in thousands,” he said.

On Itakpe – Warri rail project, Mr. Ameachi said the project was being reconstructed and expressed the hope that it would be inaugurated by August.

He said: “The tracks were already there but they were vandalised so we are rebuilding those tracks and then building new stations.

“We are also reconstructing a yard that was abandoned.

“All things being equal, the place should be ready soon, we gave them May as completion period but let’s say by August we should be commissioning.’’

The minister reassured that adequate security had been taken to guarantee safety of passengers aboard rail transportation in the country.

“There are policemen in all the coaches that ply our routes. So if the passengers are attacked by armed robbers, they will report while they take action,” he said.

(NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/262461-buhari-approves-negotiations-for-15-billion-loans-to-finance-rail-projects.html

Since Amaechi ignored the 72 hr request what weight does this hold?

The best part is money spent on building substations will be refunding eventually. If we receive immediate benefit in power supply we would be winning long term.

Everything is a conspiracy in this country. The Israeli firm not even based or registered in Israel. Lol who knows where the staff is from.