₦airaland Forum

Amid fears of imminent breakdown of law and order in the Core Area of Asaba following alleged acts of lawlessness levelled against the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and one one of its senior managers, some consumers have sent an S.O.S. to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The residents and customers of the electricity company in Block VII, Phase V of the Core Area of Asaba claim that the activities of Mr. Ernest Edgar, the Delta State Chief Head of BEDC, violate extant laws and directives of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).


In a petition to the governor, the concerned landlords accused the BEDC chief of “using security operatives to intimidate and harass residents in the area while going about unlawfully disconnecting electricity consumers.”

The petition titled: ‘Imminent Breakdown of Law and Order in Block VII, Core Area, Asaba: Petition against one Mr. Edgar Ernest and BEDC for their Lawlessness’, was made available to newsmen in Asaba yesterday.

The residents in the petition, signed by the chairman of the association of landlords in the area, Mr. E.W. Ureki and secretary, E.C. Okoro, said that they have been pushed to the wall from incessant harassment and intimidation by Edgar and BEDC.

The petitioners claimed that BEDC on June 8, 2017, disconnected them from the dedicated Dublina Hotel transformer, despite the fact that the connection to the transformer was legal, and that the subscribers were paying electricity bills regularly.

They revealed that they approached the Asaba Forum of NERC to seek justice as all entreaties to get BEDC reconnect them were ignored.

They further said in its ruling of November 14, 2017, the NERC forum directed BEDC to “reconnect us within 48 hours of service of the ruling, and pay a penalty of N1,000 per day to each of the affected pre-paid metered customers. The copies of the ruling were served on BEDC onNovember 17 by the Asaba forum. Edgar Ernest was also served the same day.”

It noted that rather than comply with the ruling, BEDC and its officials have been going about the area with heavily armed security operatives to harass and intimidate residents.

However, the petitioners warned that the “development without doubt might ignite a crisis in our peaceful community”, adding, “As we speak, some younger residents in our area have threatened to confront Mr. Edgar Ernest any day they see him in the area with armed men.”

They further alleged that the said Edgar and BEDC have become “terrors in not only Asaba but also in the entire Delta, their disobedience of the three rulings of Asaba forum on our re-connection constitutes a gross violation of Section 63(1) of the Electricity Power Sector Reform 2005, and Conditions 4, and 50 of Electricity Distribution License Terms and Conditions, which stipulate that all Discos are obligated to implement decisions of the forum on electricity customers issues and obey directives within the time specified in the decisions or directives of the commission.”

The petitioners, therefore, appealed to Governor Okowa to “call BEDC and Mr. Edgar to order by prevailing on him to comply with the ruling of Asaba forum and the directive of NERC, Abuja to re-connect “our lines and pay uscompensation from June 8, 2017.”

They appealed that BEDC be dissuaded from using security apparatus to harass law abiding citizens, demanding that BEDC and its concerned manager should be made to give an undertaking “for our safety in all ramifications as law abiding citizens.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/asaba-electricity-consumers-battle-bedc.html

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has assured citizens that the mistake of 2015 and the attendant hardship would be remedied in 2019 to make Nigeria work again.

He gave the assurance in his acceptance speech at the weekend during the 2017 Silverbird Awards where he received the Silverbird Legislative Award in Lagos.

Reacting to an earlier speech by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, in which he acknowledged that Nigerians were passing through hard times, Ekweremadu, however observed that the House Leader failed to tell Nigerians how things got so bad and how the All Progressives Congress (APC) government intended to pull Nigerians out of the hardship.


He said: “My friend, Hon. Gbajabiamila, admitted that we are passing through difficult times, but he did not go to the extent of telling us that on account of what they call troubled times, we have over 100 students in Yobe who are now in the forests. We are not sure whether they had food this night. We are not sure of their health situation.

“He didn’t tell us that we have thousands of Nigerians, who are out of school. He didn’t tell us how eight million Nigerians, who lost their jobs in 17 months, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, will regain their jobs. He didn’t tell us how we could regain our glory before the international community in terms of fighting corruption. He didn’t tell us how water would flow from our taps again or how power would be restored.

“He didn’t tell us how fuel would get into our cars because today, our filling stations are on the streets- in jerry cans. And they call them APC fillings stations”.

He, however, assured listeners that the bad situations would be fixed come 2019.

“I want to assure Nigerians that it will be daylight again in Nigeria. Together, we will make Nigeria work again. The Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives are determined to work together to alleviate these challenges.

“Importantly, in 2019, we are going to switch on the light that was switched-off by some people in 2015. Those, who have left the family, will return and as a family, we will work together to restore the glory of our land in the best interest of our people”, Ekweremadu added.

Meanwhile, Silverbird said it bestowed the Legislative Award on the Senator in recognition of his outstanding legislative inputs to national development.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/2019-well-make-nigeria-work-again-says.html

Fast rising Nigerian comedian, Mr Hyenana, has been fantasising on getting married to celebrity blogger Linda Ikeji.

The comedian created hashtag #LINDANANA2018 in announcing that he is getting married to Linda in 2018.Not only that, he also shared an artwork of an invite announcing their wedding day. On it he wrote that: “Ikeji’s family and Hyenana’s family joyfully invites you to share in their happiness as they unite in marriage.”

He has Don Jazzy as the chairman of the day, Kokun Foundation as the chief of the day and comedian Ali Baba as the MC of the day while artists that will be performing on the day are 2baba, Speed Darlinton, Slim Case and Small Doctor.But this is a joke carried to far as Linda Ikeji’s brother, Peks Ikeji, has dragged the comedian.
Peks got pissed by the wedding invite shared by the comedian and he took up the fight for his sister.He shared a photo of a hyena and captioned it: “This is the only hyena I know, any other one is looking for cheap fame”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/photoslinda-ikejis-brother-blasts.html

New mom, Kylie Jenner tweeted her opinion on Snapchat and it had a tremendous negative effect on the stock of Snapchat.Within a short while, Snapchat’s company, Snap, plummeted to 8.5% and stock closing down by 6% by Thursday night. What this means is that her tweet cost Snap, $1.3 billion. Writing “Still love you tho snap … my first love” in another tweet did not save Snap‘s stock.


http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/snapchat-lost-13-billion-after-kylie.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday held a meeting with the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie- Oyegun at the presidential villa, Abuja.Akelicious gathered that the subject of the meeting was the crisis in the party. It will be recalled that the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu had written to the president, accusing Odigie- Oyegun of sabotaging his peace efforts by inaugurating a parallel state executive of the party in Kogi State. The president had earlier appointed Tinubu to reconcile warring factions in the party. As at press time yesterday, Oyegun has not responded to Tinubu’s letter. Buhari is also scheduled to meet with the National Caucus of theparty on Monday night in the Villa, ahead the party’s planned convention. Following the recent rift between the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Odigie-Oyegun and the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Kogi State governor,Yahaya Bello has thrown his weight behind the party chairman. Akeliccious recalls that Tinubu had written to thepresident, accusing Odigie- Oyegun of sabotaging his efforts by inaugurating a parallel state executive of the party in Kogi. Speaking with State House correspondents on Thursday night after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, had said that the governors on the platform of the APC applauded the decision of the president to appoint Tinubu to reconcile warring factions in the party. He, however, contended that one solution cannot work for the different states affected, adding that some erring members in some states need to be disciplined. “We the governors and the majority of APC members have confidence in our national chairman Chief John Oyegun. We also believe in the president by appointing Bola Tinubu, our leader, to reconcile some aggrieved members of our party. “However, one-size-fits-all will not work in all the states where some erring members need to be disciplined,” he said. Governor Bello also stated that APC governors were backing Buhari for a second term in office because the president had done well so far and his anti-corruption stance had restrained state governors from engaging in corrupt practices. Speaking on the president’s suitability for a second term, he said: “There are three things: one, he has done excellently well; secondly, on fighting corruption, even we, the governors, are competing among ourselves to ensure that the little resource available, we utilize for the people. So, corruption is reduced to the barest minimum. “Next is the revival of the economy, job creation and making sure that average Nigerians are comfortable. Based on this performance, we are urging Mr. President to please run and fly in 2019. “And if you look at it critically, the governors themselves who naturally have immunity, we are very careful because you know that Mr. President is incorruptible. If you do, you are going to face the consequences. So, we are careful about that and we are utilizing it. “You see, among ourselves, we are competing among the states to see who does more, unlike the previous regime. “So, we want Mr. President to continue to lead the way so that we can follow and Nigerians will have the dividends of democracy.” He said Buhari was still conferring with Nigerians before taking a decision on the 2019 presidential election. “The president is still consulting and he wants more Nigerians to speak before he can make up his mind. But I am very comfortable that Nigerians will speak loudly,” Bello stated.

Oyegun To Tinubu: You Have My Full Support The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun yesterday assured the party’s national leader, Bola Tinubu, of his “fullest” support on the latter’s reconciliation assignment. Tinubu had earlier written to Oyegun, accusing him of sabotaging his peace mission. “Instead of being a bulwark of support as promised, you positioned yourself in active opposition to the goal of resuscitating the progressive and democratic nature of APC,” Tinubu’s letter had read. But in his response yesterday, Oyegun was silent on the allegation of sabotage raised against him. “I thank you for your letter dated February 21, 2018, for your prayers and good wishes for my health. I wish you the same and pray that our good God keeps you strong and grants you His peace,” Oyegun wrote in the letter dated February 23. “Let me once again formally congratulate you on the peacemaking assignment Mr. President has entrusted you with. It is most challenging but I believe you will ultimately justify the confidence reposed in you by Mr President. In this, you have my fullest support.” Oyegun sent copies of the letters to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/president-muhammadu-buhari-apc-chairman.html

No fewer than 700 women applied for admission into the 2018 Women Empowerment Programme Synergy Scheme (WEPSS) of oil and gas logistics giant, INTELS Nigeria Limited.

A corporate social responsibility initiative of INTELS, WEPSS was established in 2013 with the vision of empowering 5,000 community women over a 20-year period through training in fashion design and tailoring. To date, more than 500 several women have been empowered through the project.

Director of INTELS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Silvano Bellinato, said the company remains resolute in enhancing the lives of people in its area of operation and committed to the development of communities in the area.


He said to ensure successful implementation of the WEPSS initiative, INTELS acquired and made available over 300 sewing and specialised machines and built a 5000-square metres garment manufacturing factory at the Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne for the purpose of the training.

Speaking at the commencement of training of the 2018 session in Onne, the Head of WEPSS, Abhina Ajmani, said: “This is our fifth session. The training is held once every six months. Most of the applicants are persons who just have their WASSCE qualification. Out of the 700 women that applied, we admitted 125. It was really competitive because the slots are limited.

According to him, “This training is free and lasts for four months per set. Everything has been done to ensure the beneficiaries give their full commitment to acquiring skills that will empower them for life.”
A 2016 beneficiary and graduate of WEPSS, Ms. Dorothy Egbe, said WEPSS is gradually transforming the lives of women in Rivers State.

She said: “WEPSS has been of great help to me because I was able to learn new skills and acquire an industrial sewing machine at no cost. I am sewing clothes for myself, my family and friends at the moment. I am still in school in my final year now. After I am done with my studies, I plan to start sewing full time, on a commercial scale. I am equally improving on what I was taught, learning how to make designs. I intend to direct my focus on sewing women and children’s clothes.”

Egbe also commended INTELS Nigeria Limited for its impact on the lives of several people.
“I know people whose lives have been affected by INTELS Nigeria Limited. The employment opportunities they have given the youths in my community are more than enough. I have also been told by several of my peers that the company sends food to the Ogoloma-Onne community through our traditional ruler especially cows. They have really done well,” she said.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/700-women-apply-for-intels-2018.html

The Visionscape Sanitation Solution and the Waste Collection Operators (WCOs), otherwise known as PSP operators have agreed to work together to achieve a cleaner, healthier and safer Lagos.

The resolution was made at a meeting facilitated by the Commissioner for the Environment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, in his Office at Alausa on Thursday.

The commissioner said government was determined to ease the present challenges experienced in waste management in the state by creating synergy between Visionscape Sanitation Solution and the WCOs.

He said, “Government, more than ever, believes in this partnership. That is why it has not only provided a facility of up to N2.5bn which PSP Operators could access to upscale their operations, but also has opened another channel through the Employment Trust Fund for loan facilities at reasonable interest rate of not more than 12 per cent per annum.”

Durosinmi-Eti stated that the Lagos State Government would remove all bottlenecks hindering seamless operations, adding that it was targeting 30 minutes for the disposal of waste in the dump.

He also said efforts would be made to ensure sanity in the dumpsites by controlling indiscriminate parking of trucks and movement of scavengers, at the dump.

The Chief Executive Officer of Visionscape Sanitation Solution, John Irvine, applauded the understanding between his company and the WCOs, noting that the challenges of waste management in the state were ephemeral.

“It takes some time to build the superstructures and to ameliorate the present hiccups,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the WCOs, Kasumu Olasehinde reiterated their commitment to the success of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative and pledged to roll out more trucks to rid Lagos of waste.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/operators-partner-on-waste-management.html

The Nigeria equities market yesterday sustained the previous day’s uptrend with a marginal gain of 0.02 per cent. In summary, the All Share Index (ASI) gained 9.92 absolute points, representing a growth of 0.02 per cent to close at 42,158.32 points. Similarly, the market capitalisation gained N4 billion to close at N15.129 trillion. The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Guaranty Trust Bank, Nascon and Allied Industries, Zenith Bank, Flourmill Nigeria and UBA. Analysts at Afrinvest Limited noted that “despite the marginal gain yesterday, the improvement in sentiment shows the market is gradually stabilising. Thus, we expect performance in subsequent trading sessions to remain positive.” However, market breadth remained negative, with 21 gainers versus 30 losers. Japaul Oil recorded the highest price gain of 5.71 per cent, to close at 37 kobo per share. Champion Breweries gained 4.81 per cent to close at N2.83, while Continental Reinsurance appreciated by 4.64 per cent to close at N1.58 per share. Prestige Assurance went up by 4.44 per cent to close at 70 kobo, while Red Star Express appreciated by 4.35 per cent to close at N6 per share. On the other hand, Conoil led the losers’ chart by 9.67 per cent, to close at N35.50 per share. Unity Bank shed 9.20 per cent to close at N1.48, while Sterling Bank depreciated by 9.05 per cent to close at N1.81 per share. Diamond Bank down by 8.52 per cent to close at N2.47, while FBN Holdings shed 7.26 per cent to close at N10.85 per share. Also the total volume traded improved by 11.8 per cent to 570.26 million shares, worth N5.33 billion, and traded in 5,794 deals. Transactions in the shares of Custodian and Allied Insurance topped the activity chart with 94.45 million shares valued at N377.82 million. FBN Holdings followed with 61.64 million shares worth N683.26 million, while Fidelity Bank traded 55.93 million shares valued at N169.24 million. FCMB Groups traded 48.25 million shares valued at N110.56 million, while Transcorp transacted 31.51 million shares worth N63.9 million.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/equities-market-sustains-uptrend-with.html

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Imo state has continued its raid on independent petroleum marketers who sell fuel above the government approved price of 145 naira per litre.

During its routine monitoring of four Local Government areas in Imo state Aboh, Ezinihitte, Ahiazu Mbaise and Obowo Local Governments, seven filling stations were sealed due to hoarding, under-dispensing and selling above regulated pump price.

The agency says it will continue to monitor petroleum marketers in the state until they all adhere strictly to the Federal government’s regulated price.

Since the fuel crisis started in December 2017, most fillings stations in Imo state have continued to sell between 190 and 220 naira per litre of fuel.

However, on several occasions, the DPR have sealed many fillings stations contravening the directives of the federal government but this has not stopped the marketers for selling above the normal pump price.

The agency maintained that they will continue to perform their mandate to sanction all erring petroleum marketers who sell above pump price, hoard fuel or under dispense to the general public.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/dpr-seals-more-fuel-stations-in-imo.html

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned actions of Kaduna State governor, NasirEl-Rufai for demolishing All Progressive Congress, APC, secretariat in the state.

The Secretariat reportedly belongs to the faction loyal to the suspended senators representing Kaduna Central, Sen. Shehu Sani and that of Kaduna North zone, Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi.


PDP in a statement by its national publicity secretary Kola Ologbondiyan accused El rufai of ordering demolition of the building due to Sen. Hunkuyi rejection of his 2019 re-election bid.‎
The party also accused the APC of impunity and dictatorship against its members and fellow Nigerians
The statement read “We also want to inform Nigerians of the intolerance trend adopted by APC and its government in some states that are now demolishing property belonging to opposition members and perceived opponents of their 2019 re-election bid.
“This morning, Kaduna state governor Nasir el-Rufai was reported to have detailed bulldozers and armored tanks to demolish a property belonging to Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi perceived to be against his 2019 re-election bid.

“In Adamawa, the state government has pulled down billboards and signposts belonging to opposition parties while harassing our members and perceived political opponents ahead of President Buhari state visit.
“In January this year, Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima superintended over the demolition of PDP state secretariat in Maiduguri following the renewed popularity of our party in the state.
“In Kogi, a property belonging to Senator Dino Melaye, who is known for his criticism of the APC derailed government, has been marked for demolition.
“Today, despite our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and speech, Nigerians now live in fear of this intolerant, overbearing, bigoted and dictatorial APC administration seeking to foist a fascist regime on our country.

“How do we explain or justify the evil plan of APC-led Federal Government to monitor citizens’ phone calls and social media communication purportedly to check for hate speeches without any enabling law. We advice the APC government to desist from this planned unconstitutionality, which threatens the very essence of democracy especially plurality of opinions.
“It is on this note that the PDP raises a rallying cry to all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations and the international community to rise up and collectively condemn the anti-people actions and proclivities of this incompetent and imperious government, which has brought so much pain to our dear nation.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/2019-pdp-attacks-el-rufai-over.html

Following the early rain already falling across different parts of the country in February, President of the Nigerian Meteorological Society, NMets, Prof. Clement Akoshile, has predicted that there would be a bumper harvest in the 2018 farming season.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, he expressed delight over the early rain, pointing out that it was an indication that there would be bumper harvest in all the farm produce.


Akoshile said, “the rain that fell at the beginning of this month is quite impressive and is a sign that farmers will enjoy the fruit of their labour during harvest.
“The weather is still hot, but it had been alternating from fair to cloudy in most parts of the country especially in the South.
“All those seasonal farm produce that does not need much rain to sprout will do well.”
“It is expected that the raining season will come normally and not delayed in anyway,’’ he said.

The president, however, warned that the prediction did not mean that farmers should not prepare for vagaries in whether conditions.
He said that geographical locations should also be taken into consideration, adding that situations in the south would not be the same with that of the north.
The NMets President said that the coastal areas did not have anything to fear as the areas were already blessed to produce all-year-round.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/nmets-predicts-what-february-rain-will.html

Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for petroleum resources, has insisted that the federal government will not sell its refineries.

The minister speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit in Abuja said rather than sell, the aim is to make Nigeria the refinery corridor for the rest of the continent.


He reiterated that rather than selling off Nigeria’s ailing refineries, the federal government will ramp up investments such that new refineries will be built across the country.
“The President (Muhammadu Buhari) has made it clear that he was not going to sell the refineries, because if we sell them, we are going to be selling them as scraps.
“So the model we came up with is to bring in private sector investment in the repair and management of the refineries and get them up to about 90% of capacity.
“That process is almost completed now, probably in a matter of weeks, we will be announcing the winners.

“We want to get the private sector to be major investors in building new refineries.
“There are two or three modular refineries that are ready to come up.
“Agip is working towards final investment decision (FID) on 100,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery in Bayelsa state, and of course there is the Niger Republic Refinery that we are discussing- also a 100,000 bpd potential.
“The objective is to make Nigeria a refinery corridor in Africa.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/fg-would-not-sell-refineries-kachikwu.html

Uchechi Kanu, wife of Nnamdi, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB,) whose whereabouts has been unknown since some soldiers invaded the palace of his father during a military operation tagged Operation Python Dance on Monday said there will be no election in Nigeria if the Army refuses to produce her husband.

Uchechi added that Nnamdi who disappeared in the tick of face-off between the members of IPOB, a secessionist group now designated a terrorist group by the Federal Government and officers of the Nigerian Army, on October 9, 2017 has been in the custody of the military.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s issue should be the number one thing. Where is he? You need to provide him or at least tell us where he is. You need to at least do something before you run an election, otherwise we are not going to vote” Mrs. Kanu said in an interview with BBC.

She said the Nigerian government must tell the world where her husband is as they were the last contact with him.She said, “ He was trapped in the house when they went to invade the house and that was when he called me. He said can you hear the gun shots? I panicked and I started screaming ‘what’s going on?’ and he said to me, the military men are here. They are shooting. Loads and loads of people lost their lives and now, Nnamdi Kanu is nowhere to be found.

When asked how she’s handling her children in the absence of their father, she said, “it is difficult”.

“He is very emotional” she said referring to her son. “Before the invasion, we would video call on Whatsapp and Skype. So, he knows him and now that we don’t even know where he is, if he is alive or dead, he goes sometimes and say ‘daddy’ and that kills me more because I don’t know what to say to him,” a very emotional Mrs. Kanu said.

She also disagreed that the dealings of her husband as IPOB leader was illegal. “How was it illegal” she questioned the interviewer.

“Why should it be treasonous? One asking for self-determination, how is that a crime? It is not a crime”

On insinuations that Mr. Kanu kept his family in the safety of Britain and expected other people to die for a cause he could not bring his family in to fight for, Mrs. Kanu said such statements were insensitive, adding that the family has been the worst hit since he disappeared.

“Do they even know what I go through? I can’t even explain,” she said, adding that Mr. Kanu’s immediate family is homeless and suffering too.

“Is that not sacrifice?” she said, adding that such insinuation could only be made by those she called “Typical stupid African person”.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/tell-us-where-nnamdi-kanu-is-or-we-wont.html

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company EEDC has appealed to electricity consumers on Toll Gate 11KV feeder to exercise patience as the agency is working round the clock to ensure that their light is restored.

A statement signed by the organization’s Head of Communication Mr. Emeka Ezeh explained that the power outage currently being experienced is due to an accident where a car hit and broke down high and low tension poles at Nkwelle Ezunaka Toll gate area.

As a result of this development, consumers that are served by the Toll Gate 11KV Feeder are all out of supply.
The statement identified affected areas to include New Generation Estate, Green Gate Estate, New Haven Estate, Grand Favour Estate, Family of Love Estate, Great Garden Estate, Satellite Estate and entire Nkwelle community.

While regretting the inconveniences the situation must have caused the consumers, the statement said that EEDC engineers are already carrying out repairs to ensure power supply is restored immediately.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/photosnigerian-actors-mourn-as-actress.html

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu weekend declared that the peaceful disposition of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as well as his all-inclusive approach to governance has contributed greatly to the harmonious working relationship among stakeholders in Enugu state.

Ekweremadu who spoke during an empowerment scheme for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency organised by the lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Dennis Oguerinwa Amadi which took place at the Udi council headquarters said the peace and tranquility in the state had led to massive infrastructure development.


He described the governor as a peace-loving governor that all stakeholders needed to support to sustain the prevailing peace existing in the state.

Ekweremadu said Enugu State had not had it so good before noting that in the past, from 1999 till 2015, every leadership in the state had always been at daggers drawn with members of National Assembly from the state during the electioneering year.

“Since 1999 till this regime we have always had factions, Abuja camp and Enugu camp of politicians but Ugwuanyi is a peace loving governor”.

He promised that the members of the National Assembly from the state will continue to support the administration of Ugwuanyi to transform the state.

While commending Hon. Amadi for his quality representation at the National Assembly, Ekweremadu said the lawmaker “is a product of the same school of quality”.

Ugwuanyi in his remark charged the people of Udi and Ezeagu irrespective of their political leaning, to seize the opportunity of the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise which the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is carrying out to get registered, for those who have not registered and for those that have registered to get their permanent voters card.

He urged the people to pray for him stressing that to sustain the prevailing peace in the state, “I need your prayers”.

Earlier in his speech, Hon. Amadi said the essence of empowerment scheme as a representative of the people is to ensure that his people develop various enduring skills to help their sense of livelihood, economic development and entrepreneurship.

He said over 600 people were trained in various skills which he said include; development in commercial agriculture, metal fabrication and deep sea wielding for both graduates and non-graduates.

“The essence of the empowerment is to encourage them to procure accessories that will enable them thrive daily on their businesses. Today we are giving them seed grant to enable those of them that have not taken off fully to continue in their business and be able to train others as well.

“We have organised and produced question and answers for WAEC for past 30 years on English and Mathematic and is over 3,000 copies which will be shared to schools in the constituency”.

“We have also given out some sundry items which were balloted including motorcycles, sewing machines, power generating set among others”, he said.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/ekweremadu-explains-why-theres-peace-in.html

Barring any last minute change, President Muhammadu Buhari will today, Friday, meet with governors of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in his country home of Daura, Katsina State.

Buhari is likely to inform the governors of his intention to seek reelection or not in 2019
The report said the president and the governors were earlier scheduled to meet at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, but the meeting was rescheduled for Daura due to Buhari’s engagement.
According to the source, “very serious political developments,” would be discussed at the meeting.
Confirming the development to the news outlet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said “Buhari would meet the governors in Daura today.”
Shehu, who, however, declined to comment on the agenda of the meeting said, “Yes, that is very correct.”

Also, Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said whatever “meeting the president has with anyone in Daura would be a private one.”
President Buhari yesterday evening arrived Daura on a private visit after a working visit to Kaduna State.
Some governors of the APC, Ministers had expressed support to the president should he decide to seek re-election in 2019.
However, a former president Olusegun Obasanjo and former military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida had in separate statements, advised Buhari against seeking re-election.

The president had last week appointed a Bola Tinubu, national leader of the APC to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/2019-buhari-to-meet-apc-governors-in.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, announced the expulsion of its Kogi State Chairman, Haddi Ametuo, and 38 others from the party.

According to the ruling party, the members were axed following the allegation of gross misconduct and anti-party activities leveled against them.

The office of the National Vice-Chairman (North Central) of the party, Zakari Abdullahi Ede accused Ametuo and 38 others of working against the interest and progress of the party in Kogi State.
The list of the sacked executive officers also includes some local government officers of the party who were found guilty of working against the interest of the party.
The party had set up a fact-finding/investigative panel which looked into allegations against the affected party officers.
The party decided to uphold the report of the committee which recommended the removal of the affected officers.

The Kogi State chapter of the APC has been embroiled in crisis as some officers of the party were found to be openly working against the state government, particularly Governor Yahaya Bello.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/crisis-rocks-kogi-apc-as-party-expels.html

The Federal Government, yesterday, admitted there had been fraud in its Social Investments Programme (SIP), prompting an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The revelation followed the release of just 15 per cent of the N1 trillion budgeted for the initiative.

The Special Adviser on SIP, Maryam Uwais, made the disclosure while briefing State House correspondents on the implementation of the scheme and her presentation at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.


She said fraudulent practices like short-changing, racketeering, harassment of beneficiaries and exploitation of the vulnerable plagued the scheme in states.

She said while the SIP was collaborating with various organisations to overcome the challenges, participating state governments were expected to support fraud detection and prevention.

According to her, the EFCC has been alerted to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, some of who have already been suspended or sacked.

She explained that the total spending on SIP in 2016 and 2017 was 15.58 per cent. Half a trillion naira had been budgeted for each of the two years, meaning that only N158 billion had been released and spent.

The Federal Government also unveiled a plan for the establishment of a new outfit. Called ‘Agro Rangers Corps’, it will provide security around ranches, livestock production centres and grazing routes in the country.

Addressing State House correspondents after the council meeting, Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abubakar, said the decision to set up the corps was predicated on recommendations by the Umahi-led committee tasked with finding a solution to clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

Abubakar said an interim report was submitted to President Buhari. According to him, it “recommended the setting up and training of the agro rangers. You know there have been talks of setting up ranches, colonies and livestock production centres. The issue is actually a problem of nomenclature. The most important thing is that some measures should be taken to settle the herdsmen, so that they will stop moving with their herds from one section of the country to the other, and in the process creating all the problems we are experiencing.

“So, whichever one a state government that is keying into the programme chooses, either a grazing reserve or ranch or a livestock production centre, there is a need for rangers to be trained; rangers that will police either ranches or grazing reserves.”

He said: “They recommended to Mr. President that in all areas where these clashes are prevalent, the military should be moved in to support whatever the Nigeria Police and other security agencies are doing in solving the problems.

“The committee has recommended strongly that the military should move into all forests or areas where the clashes are prevalent, with a view to flushing out all bandits hiding in those areas.”


He stressed that the Federal Government would not “impose on any state any type of solution, be it ranch, grazing reserves or whatever. The responsibility is that of the governor because they are the ones who by law superintend over land matters.”

He added: “Mr. President has approved the setting up of a committee to be headed by the Vice President that will go into these areas where these clashes have taken place, with a view to looking at ways to ameliorate the suffering of the people in those areas and resettling them.”


The council also directed its sub-committee on Forensic Audit to partner the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and determine a realistic price for petrol, in relation to what obtains in neighbouring countries.

This followed a presentation by the NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Maikanti Baru, on the nation’s recurring fuel scarcity.

Again, Abubakar explained: “The issue is, of course, caused by an interplay of the change rate of the naira and the dollar and the price of crude oil at the international market, which affects the landing cost of refined products in Nigeria, and in the process makes the operation of the current price regime almost impossible.

“The committee has been charged with the responsibility of interfacing with NNPC, with a view to determining the correct price for petrol, considering the price of the product in especially countries that are bordering Nigeria, because that is one of the reasons that encourage smuggling of the product to these areas.”

He, however, insisted that the council has no powers to determine price.

Also, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Oluranti Adebule, stated that the council received the final report on the Forensic Audit of Revenue Accrued from Revenue Generating Agencies (RGAs) into the Federation Account, Excess Crude Account and Consolidated Revenue Fund.

According to her, “The report prepared by KPMG audited 18 agencies including NNPC, FIRS, Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), NIMASA, NPA, NCC, CBN, DPR, NPDC and many others. The report covered period January 2010 to June 2015.

“The report observed several cases of under-remittance and a few over-remittances in some cases both by identified agencies. There were also late remittances into the various accounts. It, therefore, recommended that NEC should decide on repayment plans for all concerned as well as stepping up oversight functions on the relevant agencies to ensure remittance as and at when due.”.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/government-admits-fraud-in-n1tr-social.html

A 55-year-old fashion designer, Stephen Enebeli, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos on Thursday that he would die if he gave money to his wife for the upkeep of the family.

Enebeli said this when he responded to a divorce petition by his wife, Eunice, alleging lack of care for his children.

“I stopped giving her money for feeding and school fees of our children when she started living with another man.

“In my tradition, if a woman marries another husband legally or illegally and the former husband still gives her money for the welfare of the children, he will die and I am not ready to die now,” he said.


The respondent said that his wife sent him packing from their matrimonial home and that he was presently squatting with friends.

“Eunice forced me out of her house because I always fight her for leaving the children at home and going to sleep with other men,” he said.

According to him, Eunice lacks respect for him just because she has more money.

He begged the court to grant him the custody of the children so that he could train them.

“I don’t want another man to father or train my children while I am alive,” he said.

Eunice had urged the court to terminate their 16-year-old marriage for lack of care.


“My husband is an irresponsible husband and father.

“While he was still living with me, he refused to pay house rent, feeding or school fees of the children, I shouldered all the responsibilities.“I bought him a motlaunderingorcycle in addition to his fashion designing work so that he could be supportive but he is just lazy and abandoned the motorcycle,” Eunice said.

The 36-year-old food vendor said that her husband was threatening to poison her.

“Stephen always tells me that he will kill me with poison if I make any attempt to divorce him and that he will marry another wife,” the petitioner alleged.

The mother of three pleaded with the court to end the marriage as she was longer in love with him.

Delivering judgment, the court President, Mr Akin Akinniyi, said that the petitioner was adamant on her request in spite of all mediation from the court and family.

“Since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several interventions, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union in spite of the fact that the husband still claims he loves his wife.

“The court pronounces the marriage between Mrs Eunice Enebeli and Mr Stephen Enebeli dissolved today, both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“Both parties are free to go their separate ways without any hindrances and molestation, the court wishes you well in your new journey.

“The custody of the children should remain with their mother,”Akinniyi ruled.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/i-will-die-if-i-give-my-wife-money-man.html

The Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekeweremadu, has revealed why the executive and the legislative arms constantly clash in Nigeria.

The lawmaker said the constant frosty relationship between the two arms of government is due to the highhandedness of the executive.


Ekweremadu spoke yesterday in Abuja at the formal launch of the Responsive Political Party Programme, RPPP, of the International Republican Institute, IRI.

He said executive excesses couched in party supremacy which strives to impose leadership on the parliament, is always the reason for the loggerheads.

According to him, “In the face of executive belligerence that usually follows, the parliamentarians would naturally rally around their popularly elected leadership in defence of the principle of separation of powers.

“Even when such imposition succeeds, it hardly lasts, as the history of the National Assembly in the current democratic dispensation clearly shows.


The DSP further admitted that there was often lack of synergy between the political parties and their members in the parliament.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/ekweremadu-gives-reason-for-clashes.html

The Senate yesterday approved that an alleged clandestine bank account said to be operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), be brought as motion for consideration.

Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West who brought this report under order 43, which confers the right to personal explanation on senators, mentioned the account’s name is NNPC Nigeria Agip Security account.

The lawmaker informed the upper chamber that discrete investigation carried out revealed that the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) did not approved the account.


Melaye further disclosed that the account balance as at when it was opened was N31.7 billion. And that transactions have been active ever since it came into existence with a current account balance of N34.4 billion.

But the Senate President, Bukola Saraki said the report should come as a motion to be debated and resolved for further legislative action.

Sequel to the decision, Melaye is mostly likely to sponsor the said motion today for consideration and subsequent investigation.

Meanwhile, Senate yesterday urged the Federal Government to suspend the new tariff on the importation of powdered milk into the country.

The new tariff substantially reduced the import duty from 10 per cent to 5 per cent.

It, therefore, mandated its committee on Agriculture, Finance and Customs to summon the ministries, MDAs and other relevant stakeholders for investigation.

The upper chamber passed the resolutions following an adopted motion titled, “urgent need to halt the implementation of the new import duty tariff on imported milk into the country,” sponsored by Senator Sabo Nakudu, representing Jigawa South West senatorial district.

Nakudu said the new tariff reduces duty payable on imported milk and that the consequences would be dangerous to Nigerians and the economy.

He further explained that the development when allowed was most likely to undermine the essence of the slogan by the government for the diversification of the economy by increasing agricultural production.

The lawmaker also flayed the situation where majority of dairy companies operating in the country for decades are foreign owned, saying that the country currently imports dairy products worth of $1.5 billion annually.

They said it was unwise for government to aggressively campaign for the diversification of the economy while encouraging the importation of powdered milk.

The upper chamber urged the government to assist local producers by establishing ranches and investing in milk production and local dairy processing and, increase tariff on imported milk to protect local industries.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/senate-to-investigate-alleged-nnpc.html

Senators, on Wednesday, were divided over the reordered sequence of the 2019 General Elections.

Recall that the reordered sequence puts the presidential election last.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had, before now, put the presidential election among the first elections to be conducted in February 2019.

On Wednesday, the report on the election sequence was submitted for consideration of the Senate by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Suleiman Nazif.

After the presentation of the report, Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki did not allow senators to make contributions to the amendment, a development that led to series of Points of Orders on the floor of the Red Chamber.

Senators such as Kabiru Gaya, Abdulahi Adamu and Adamu Ailero, had raised points of orders on the passage of the bill.

But the Senate President ruled the lawmakers out of order and when some lawmakers observed the position of their leadership on the matter, they left the chamber,

Fifty-nine of them were to later address the Senate Press Corps, insisting on their opposition to the reordering of the elections.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/just-in-59-senators-oppose-move-as.html

Cloud technology firm, Oracle has alerted both the public and private organisations to possible increase in cyber security breaches this year, adding that instead of abating, the security situation is getting worse.The American company, which canvassed increased adoption of cloud technologies, noted that breaches would force expansion in the leverage of cloud based technologies.

The Chief Executive Officer, Oracle Nigeria, Adebayo Sanni, in an interaction with journalists, in Lagos, said cloud computing enables unmatched speed, value, and better return on investment (RoI).He noted that businesses and public sector entities in Nigeria are accelerating their digital transformation initiatives with Oracle.

Sanni said Oracle specialises primarily in developing and marketing database software and technology, cloud engineered systems, and enterprise software products, particularly its own brands of database management systems.


According to him, Oracle cloud is already gaining momentum in Nigeria, adding that local expansion, increased workforce, and latest cloud solutions are driving rapid customer growth.

The Oracle chief said security breaches are gaining momentum daily, “and if care is not taken, more breaches will happen this year. But cloud technologies/computing can prevent this menace if adequately deplored.”

According to Sanni, cloud is now a mainstream approach in Nigeria, “and we are increasingly seeing business leaders opt for solutions that allow them to free up resources for creating unique customer experience; drive innovation or reduce ownership costs. Over the past few years, Oracle has invested in expanding its footprint, increasing the workforce and introducing latest cloud solutions in the country. This sustained engagement has helped us support the digital transformation initiatives of a host of organisations and thus drive solid momentum for Oracle cloud in Nigeria.”

Aside the security threat, which he said would lead to automation, Oracle said Artificial Intelligence (AI) will cement its place in enterprises, arguing that by the end of this year, most customer support will be conducted by chatbots.

In 2018, blockchain will emerge as a transformational technology; IoT will evolve from individual components to an integrated platform; and regulated industries will move to the cloud en masse, Oracle predicted.He said: “With IDC projecting the country’s ICT market to grow to $10billion in 2018; Nigeria is fast emerging as the hotbed of technological innovation in Africa, and we are working with customers that sit right on the edge of this potential. In a market defined by growth, development and change, Oracle Nigeria has focused on redefining the capabilities of cloud, the potential of technology and the relevance of innovation. From the ubiquity of next-generation cloud to the reliability of blockchain, we continue to invest in solutions and services that will help bring transformational change for our customers.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/oracle-alerts-nigerians-to-more-cyber.html

The Nigerian Army Tuesday claimed that the factional leader of the Boko Haram terrorists, Abubakar Shekau is on the run disguising as a woman in different hijabs.

The Director Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Sani Usman said in a statement on Tuesday that credible information from surrendered insurgents indicated that the factional leader of the group could not sustain the tempo of the heat of the ongoing counterinsurgency going on in the forest.

Usman added that the troops also rescued civilians that were held hostages by the terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition, Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) factories and making materials as well as other equipment.


The statement reads: “The concerted efforts of troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE on the ongoing clearance of the Boko Haram terrorists through Operation DEEP PUNCH II has been yielding tremendous results.

“Troops have successfully been clearing Boko Haram camps in Sambisa forest including Camp Zairo. They have also rescued civilians being held hostages by the terrorists, recovered arms, ammunition, Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) factories and making materials as well as other equipment. Consequently, the terrorists are in disarray and scampering for safety while others were surrendering.

“Credible information from arrested and surrendered insurgents indicated that the purported Boko Haram terrorists group factional leader, Abubakar Shekau could not bear the heat anymore as he has abandoned his followers, he is running for his dear life.

“He is desperately trying to escape the theatre disguised as a woman dressed in Hijab. We reliably gathered that to avoid detection Abubakar Shekau alternates between blue and black coloured hijabs. He was last seen in a black hijab.

“We, therefore, call on all those remaining Boko Haram terrorists to know that they are following a coward moving about in hijab disguised as a woman.

“We also request all the remaining Boko Haram members to come out from hiding and lay down their arms and be treated humanely,” the statement noted.

He, therefore, advised residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to be more vigilant, security conscious and be on the look out for the Boko Haram leader and other terrorists that might want to disguise as a woman.

“While concerted efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fugitive terrorist leader, we implore also members of the public, especially the residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to be more vigilant, security conscious and be on the lookout of Abubakar Shekau and other terrorists that might disguise as women to escape.”

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/shekau-on-run-disguised-as-woman.html

Barely five days after the dissolution of his cabinet, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, on Tuesday forwarded three names as commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.

This was contained in a letter read by the Speaker of the House, RT. Hon. Peter Azi, at plenary in Jos.

Lalong said the action was in accordance with section 195 of the 1999 constitution as amended.
The nominees are Mr Yakubu Datti, Mr Luka Madaki and Mr Chris Ahmadu.
“Mr Speaker, in accordance with section 195, sub-section 3 of the 1999 constitution as amended, I hereby forward names of three commissioner nominees for your consideration,” he said.
The House unanimously agreed to invite the nominees for screening on February 14, 2018.
It would be recalled that the governor had on February 8, 2018, dissolved his entire cabinet who had been in office for over 25 months.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/governor-lalong-sends-3-commissioner.html

Olusegun Obasanjo, former President has launched another attack at President Muhammadu Buhari over his administration’s handling of the fight against corruption.

In his latest attack, the former President maintained that Buhari has corruption on his nose.

In an interview with Germany’s international broadcasting outlet, Deutsche Welle, Obasanjo said the president’s anti-corruption fight has been polluted by people in his inner circles.
Obasanjo said the president could do better on how he goes about the war on curruption.
He said if he was the president, he “I would make sure people in charge of anti-corruption institutions are people of integrity. There is no point in fighting corruption beyond you and you have corruption on your nose.”
On his newly formed movement, Coalition for Nigeria movement, CNM, the former president said the movement will truly help Nigerians to move away from the old order of politics and into a new age where the interests of the citizens are truly represented.

He said, “It (Coalition for Nigeria) is not an old wine in a new bottle, but a new wine in a new bottle. I will not stand in the way of that movement if it decides to become a party. But in that case, I will withdraw.”
Recall that Obasanjo had on January 23, 2018, in a statement titled, “The Way Out: A Clarion Call for Coalition for Nigeria Movement”, lambasted Buhari over his inability to successfully run the affairs of the county.
In the statement, the former President cautioned Buhari against seeking a second term in 2019.

watch video here http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/there-is-corruption-on-your-nose-again.html

The Presidency yesterday said the meeting between President Mohammadu Buhari and service chiefs was aimed at deliberating on how to tackle the security challenges across the country.

The President Special Adviser, Femi Adesina on Media and Publicity, spoke on the outcome of the meeting in a video posted on his official Facebook page, saying the intention is to completely control the clashes between farmers and Fulani Herdsmen.

Adesina, quoting President Buhari “the impression created that I was sitting in an air-conditioned office and home, enjoying myself while these things happened is dishonest” when he was visited by Catholic Bishop said the president is particularly worried about the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

The meeting, was an enlarged one with heads of Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Prisons Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.


At the meeting was the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali, Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Danbazzau, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama and National Security Adviser Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd)

Others are: Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Lawal Daura, Director of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Abubakar and Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris.


The service chiefs at the meeting included Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas and Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/how-fg-will-tackle-security-challenges.html

The State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary has called on the Chairman,

Judicial Service Commission to commence immediate reconstitution of members of Customary Courts of Appeal for efficient service delivery.

The Committee made the call when the key functionaries of the Commission appeared before it to defend their 2018 proposed budget.

The Committee which spoke through its chairman, Mr. Chugboo Enwezor observed that non reconstitution of members of Customary Courts since October last year their tenure elapsed has made the customary courts in-effective.

Responding on-behalf of the Commission, Mr. Jude Igwebuike assured that he will deliver the message to the appropriate authority for immediate action.

Meanwhile, the State House of Assembly Committee on Education has applauded the Anambra State Universal Basis Education Board (ASUBEB), for implementing its 2017 budget effectively.

The Committee made the commendation when the Board appeared before it yesterday to defend their 2018 proposed budget.

The Committee which spoke through its Chairman, Mrs Vivian Okadigbo after scrutinizing their 2017 budget and 2018 proposed estimate charged them to redouble their efforts to surpass their achievements last year.

Giving an overview of the Board's programmes last year, the Chairman of ASUBEB, Chief Nzemeka Olisa, explained that they are determined to create conducive climate for teaching and learning, give unfettered access to children of school age as well as recruit more teachers to fill vacancies that exist in the Board.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/anambra-assembly-calls-for.html

Image result for Innoson
There appears to be fresh trouble for Mr Innocent Chukwuma, alias Innoson, the Chairman of Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd as an Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Justice Mojisola Dada issued the bench warrant following the failure of the defendant to appear in court for the second time for arraignment on criminal charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“A bench warrant is hereby served on Innocent Chukwuma, he will remain in custody till the next adjourned date. The case is adjourned till March 14 for possible arraignment,” Justice Dada said.

Earlier during proceedings, a mild drama ensued in the courtroom, with Justice Dada threatening to charge Prof. J. N Mbadugha, the defence counsel for Innoson and Innoson Motors Ltd, for contempt of court. Charles Chukwuma, a third defendant who was not present in court, had no legal representation.

Justice Dada issued the threat against Mbadugha following his alleged disrespectful conduct and outburst against the court in his opening address.

Mbadugha in his address had shouted: “This proceeding is a clear abuse of court processes, the EFCC is a reckless arbiter.

“My Lord has refused to be bound by the rule of law and doesn’t want to be bound by the doctrine of Stare Decisis; my Lord wants to override the decision of the Supreme Court.”

Justice Dada, in response, said: “Your whole comportment, conduct, countenance smacks of disrespect to the court and rule of law, I will report you to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

“You are insulting the court, this is clear contempt in the face of the court; you will go to prison from here, if you think the court is defenceless and powerless, you’d be surprised.”

Mbadugha, who initially said he was ready to be charged for contempt, later tendered an apology to the court, saying: “I am sorry My Lord, I hope the court gives me a second opportunity. I want to urge the court to temper justice with mercy; to err is human, but to forgive is divine.”

The defence counsel profusely apologised to the court saying he has withdrawn his earlier statements. Addressing the court before the bench warrant was issued, Mr A. B. C Ozioko, the lead prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, claimed that the automobile boss had been evading justice.

He said: “The first and second defendants (Innoson and his company) took the EFCC before the Senate for public hearing and the first defendant who represented his company was physically there.

“The defendants have respect for the National Assembly and no respect for this court. My learned friend (Mbadugha) is a lawyer and he wants to demean the integrity of this court.

“Mr Onwukwe, a defence counsel for the first defendant, was here in court on Jan. 17; this is a criminal charge and proceedings cannot hold until the defendant is present. The first and second defendants are not here because my learned friend advised them not to come to court.

“I want Your Lordship to compel the first and second defendants to come to court, which is germane for a criminal charge. We have gotten across to the third defendant (Charles Chukwuma) and we are ready to change the charge to reflect only the first and second defendant. We shall be applying for a bench warrant for the first and second defendants.”

The defendants are to be arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses, obtaining property by false pretenses, stealing and forgery. According to the charge sheet, the defendants committed the offences between 2009 and July 2011 in Lagos.


The EFCC alleges that defendants with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain by false pretenses containers of motorcycle, spare parts and raw materials property of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) from Mitsui OSK Lines Limited, Apapa, Lagos.


The defendants are alleged to have fraudulently induced staff of Mitsui OSK and Maersk Line to deliver to them via their clearing agents the goods which were imported from China in the name of GTB by falsely pretending that they were authorised by the bank to clear the goods.

The prosecution claims that the defendants, in order to facilitate the fraud, forged a bill of lading numbered 598286020 of Maersk Line Limited and 11007950841 of Mutsui O.S.K Lines by knowingly putting a false GTB stamp and signature of the bank staff.

The alleged forgery was in order that the forged documents be used or acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of any person within Lagos or elsewhere.

The offences, according to the EFCC, are in contravention of Sections 1(1)(b), 1(3), and 8(a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2016 and Sections 309(9), 388, 465 and 467(1)(j) of the Criminal Code of Lagos State 2003.

Meanwhile, General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries Inc (aka by fire by fire), Nnewi, Anambra State, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh has described the Lagos State High Court order to arrest and detain the CEO of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma for his inability to appear in court as evidence of Igbo marginalization.

He argued that if Chief Chukwuma were to come from another tribe other than the Igbo, he would not be so ordered.

“It is the same marginalization the Igbo cry against. They want to stop his vehicle business because he is an Igbo man. This is how the All Progressives Congress government proscribed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and tagged them terrorist group whereas the Fulani herdsmen who move around with assault rifles like AK47, killing, maiming and committing all sorts of crime are not seen as terrorists,” Bishop Udeh stated.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/fresh-trouble-for-innoson-as-lagos.html

The Minister of State, for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, thursday said the total debts owed aviation agencies by Nigerian airlines were over N513 billion.

The minister who seemed angry with the airlines for kicking against the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM), said Nigerian airlines have refused to grow, noting that they supported the liberation of African airspace when they felt that it would favour them, but they are opposing it now because they are still fragmented with lack of capacity.


The minister lamented that the airlines want the federal government to renege from its commitment to the Yamoussoukro Declaration, which is the liberation of Africa’s airspace because they know that they cannot compete effectively and urged them to come together.

The minister who spoke to journalists in Lagos at General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos said: “The airlines have refused to grow and the challenges are not caused by government. It is their own making. If I will advise them, let them get their acts together to focus, reorganise, reengineer, take advantage and be futuristic. They should see the bigger future; the bigger pie and organise themselves to take advantage of SAATM; rather than to sit here and whine at a train that is already moving.

“There is an airline that owes one of the agencies N13 billion. One airline owes several agencies and companies up to N500 billion; just one airline. That airline has been taken over. Is that how they will compete? I think it is getting their priorities right and by doing the business model that will get money for them that they will operate well. There is a lot they can do in aviation than just passenger scheduled services when they don’t have the capacity, experience and the business model,” Sirika also said.

On the Dana Air incident when the aircraft’s door fell off on landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister described the incident as traumatising, but noted that with the way the aircraft is designed, the door could not have fallen off while the aircraft is airborne because it is pressurised,
He apologised to the passengers who were in the flight when the incident happened and members of the public, saying investigation was ongoing and would be made public by weekend.

Sirika also disclosed that plans for a new national carrier were already at an advanced stage and its set up would drive the open sky treaty recently signed with 22 African countries.

He said proper roll out and its establishment would take place within the next few months, before the end of this current administration, adding that in the next one or two months maximum, both the outline business case for the transaction and the full business case for the national carrier would be rolled out, after which processes for the carrier’s set up will begin.

“I will say that we are very close to having the national carrier established. Certainly, it will be within the first term of this administration,” he said.

He said the national carrier is crucial to full implementation of bilateral agreements, especially SAATM; otherwise called open sky treaty, noting that the treaty, of which Nigeria signed with 22 African countries, is aimed at growth, development, more jobs, more security, more connectivity and passenger satisfaction at airports.

“Nigeria with 173 million people, the two-third of west Africa, will be one of the biggest beneficiaries. At the time Nigeria was pushing for this treaty, we had the Nigerian Airways to take advantage of it. Now we don’t have it and our airlines are, for one reason or the other, have not grown to that capacity and this is why government felt that we should set in motion a national carrier programme that will take advantage of the liberalisation and agreements for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

“I believe we are on the right course. I believe that this private sector led and driven airline when established will become the dominant carrier in Africa because the market is in Nigeria and it is central. So, Nigeria is at very vantage position to take advantage of this SAATM,” the minister said.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/domestic-airlines-owe-aviation-agencies.html

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that over 23 million children are malnourished in Nigeria while more than 10 million are also at the risk of malnourishment due to imminent food insecurity.

UNICEF’s nutrition specialist for Bauchi Field Office, Mrs. Philomena Iremi, stated this, on Thursday, during a workshop organised by the UNICEF in collaboration with Bauchi State Television on Ethical Reporting Training and Media Dialogue for media practitioners.

Iremi stated that of the over 39 million children in Nigeria, over 23 million representing about 60 per cent are malnourished while about 5.5 per cent of these were acutely malnourished.

Iremi said that the situation was not only unacceptable but also intolerable and urged that urgent measures should be taken to address the looming food insecurity in the country to avoid the situation from deteriorating any further.

“Recent researches have shown that over 60% of Nigerian children are malnourished. We are talking about over 23 Million children here, most of them in the rural areas. This makes them vulnerable.

“Looking at recent development in the country that threatens food security, it is important that we step up efforts to protect the children before this intolerable situation further deteriorates”, Iremi said.

In his presentation, Mr. Onche Odeh said that the survival and protection of every child was a collective responsibility and the media must play a leading role in ensuring that child protection takes its rightful place as national priority.

Earlier, Mr. Samuel Kaalu, the UNICEF communication officer for Bauchi Field Office, said that the workshop was aimed at “enhancing the participants knowledge and consciousness on child right issues and to stimulate response that would guarantee the protection of the child in all ramifications”.

The two-day workshop, which draws participants from Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Plateau, Taraba, and Jigawa states, was declared open by the officer in charge of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Mr. Drissa Yeo, who urged the participants to take advantage of the training to further hone their reportorial skills and contribute even more meaningfully in reporting issues affecting children and other sectors of the society.

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No fewer than 4.1 million of about 7.5 million Nigerians with access to electricity across the country are not meterd by the distribution companies, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

The NBS, in its ‘Power Sector Report: Energy Generated and Sent Out and Consumed and Load Allocation,’ for the last quarter of 2017, noted that only 46.16 per cent of the total electricity consumers were captured to have been metered, with over half of them remaining unmetered.


According to the report, the Benin disco represented the highest percentage of metered customers with 69 per cent of electricity users in the state.

Eko disco has 60.73 per cent and Ikeja disco with 55.95 per cent came second and third respectively while Yola and Enugu discos posted the least percentage of customers metered with 23.61 per cent and 27.72 per cent respectively.
The NBS’ report shows that the Benin disco had a total number of 535,935 metered customers from 771,226 electricity users, Abuja disco 450,044 metered customers from 862,696 electricity users.

Eko disco had 442,201 electricity users with 268,558 metered customers, Enugu had 224,444 metered customers from 809,829 electricity users, Kano had 162,664 metered customers from a total of 472,453 electricity users, Port Harcourt had 237,188 metered customers from 488,600 electricity users and Yola had 69,282 metered customers from 293,473 electricity users.

According to the NBS, daily energy generation attained, a peak of 105,152mwh on December 8, 2017 with thermal stations generating 84,026mwh while the hydro stations generated 21, 126 megawatts per hour (mwh) and total average of 94,627mwh of energy generated daily by power stations during the period.

The lowest energy generated in the quarter was 73,246mwh as against the previous quarter of 56,486mwh generated daily, s figure which was attained in October 2017.

In the reference period, thermal stations generated 55,941mwh while the hydro stations generated the 17,305mwh.

http://www.akelicious.com/2018/02/nbs-4-million-electricity-users-dont.html