By Collins Opurozor

Four decades of preoccupation with development in Imo State have yielded meager returns. The economy of the state has been stagnating or regressing. Unemployment is widespread, health prospects are getting poorer, infrastructure has broken down, industries are comatose, agriculture remains crude, crime keeps escalating, and education has taken a nosedive. The state occupies top positions in almost all indices of social misery.

The truth is not so much that development has failed in Imo State than that development has not really started. And the trouble with Imo is simply a failure of leadership. That is the only key that can unlock Imo’s potentials; that is a duty we owe ourselves as a people.

Every cycle of electoral ritual throws up a leadership that would in the end further abbreviate the collective aspirations of the people and abort their dreams. The time to break this cycle is certainly now.

It is distressing beyond words, perplexing beyond imagination, to chronicle Imo’s woes amid her enormous potentials. That two in every fifteen Imo women die of cancer every year, that nearly a million young persons, brimming with energy and talents, roam the streets jobless, and that Imo has joined the league of educationally less developed states are all stains on our collective conscience. They are symptomatic of a system that has gone completely dysfunctional.

The present administration in the state – it seems clear to me – does not have even the faintest understanding of what development is all about. The administration seems absorbed by roofing streets, making images and building unusable worship centers through which the administration fleeces the treasury of the state. Beyond rabble rousing, the commitment of the Okorocha administration to Imo’s development remains neither apparent nor real. The confusion of agenda, the improbable strategies and the conflict between the latent and manifest functions of public policies by this administration are the logical outcome of a government that from the word go took state power as means of production, as means for primitive capital accumulation.

Development, in the parlance of Walter Rodney, implies increased skills and capacity, greater freedom, creativity, self-discipline, responsibility and material well-being. We have it on Rodney’s authority that a society develops economically as its members increase jointly their capacity for dealing with the environment. This capacity for dealing with the environment is dependent on the extent to which they understand the laws of nature (science), on the extent to which they put that understanding into practice by devising tools (technology), and on the manner in which work is organized (mode of social production ).

It is in view of this crisis of development that Mr. Okey Ezeh, a consummate entrepreneur and seasoned technocrat, has offered himself, using a comprehensive economic roadmap known as the Imo Marshal Plan (I-MAP), to salvage Imo State. It is testimony to the depth of Mr. Ezeh’s insight about development that the I-MAP underscores the primacy of the organic unity of all sectors of the state in the development enterprise.

The economy of Imo State currently lacks coherence; it is pervasively disarticulated. Every coherent economy possesses sectoral reciprocity and complementarity, or what liberal economists describe as ‘backward and forward linkages’. Innovations in the industrial sector must give impetus to agricultural productivity, and the knowledge produced in the educational sector must be relevant in the labour market.

In establishing education-business partnership framework, the I-MAP intends to address the hydra-headed problem of youth unemployment and unemployability by making skills acquisition part of the school system. Every child would be made to choose three different skills from a wide range of skills at junior secondary school. They would specialize in just one at senior secondary, so that by the time they are leaving school they would have garnered proficiency in it and be issued a Trade Diploma which guarantees them access to soft loan to start up a vocation should the child choose not to continue with tertiary education. With improved pedagogical facilities, well motivated workforce and proper implementation this initiative can raise an army of young entrepreneurs who will be nationally and globally competitive in so many sectors.

The agricultural policy of the I-MAP will create wealth and expand job opportunities by intervening and facilitating job and wealth creation through the entire agricultural value chain. Seed multiplication farms - livestock and fish breeding centers - will be established under Public-Private Partnership to facilitate access to high-yielding, disease-resistant inputs. Thousands of hectares of land will be put under cultivation which will be allotted to young school leavers trained as 'agripreneurs'. Urban agriculture would be an integral part of this policy to train service providers. An Imo Agro-Investment Promotion Agency shall be established by law, and the state will partner with organizations like the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing Model for Agricultural Financing (NIRSAL) to make credit available to farmers.

There shall be an industrial cluster in each of the three senatorial districts of the state, along with an Imo Technology Village to fabricate artifacts and spearhead technological innovations in the South East. Investments will be made in associated infrastructure requisite for industrial development, like security, housing, power and roads.

Note: In other parts of this series, the I-MAP shall be extensively discussed.

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, yesterday, flayed Anglican Bishops for describing it as a terrorist organisation, saying the group is made up of herdsmen, not terrorists.

The association’s reaction is coming on the heels of the call on the Federal Government by the Bishops to declare the group terrorist. They made their position in a communique by Bishop Diocese of Western Izon, Rev. Edafe Emamezi, at the end of the first session of the 4th synod of the Diocese of Western Izon (Anglican Communion) held at St. Peter’s Church Bomadi, Delta State. The Bishops lamented that while Boko Haram and herdsmen have not been declared as terrorist organisations, it is sad that the government went ahead to declare IPOB and other groups in the country, which are agitating for their rights, as terrorist organisations.

However, the National Coordinator, MACBAN, Alhaji Garus Gololo, yesterday told Vanguard in chat that: “We are not happy with this comment coming from the Bishops who are spiritual heads of the Anglican Church; we want them to withdraw it. “We are not criminals and the President has nothing to do with us. We are not terrorists, we are peacekeeping citizens. “We have the right to graze anywhere in the world, not even in Nigeria, because that is the business we came for. So, if the Bishops ask the President to declare herdsmen as criminals, so every man they see rearing cow will be killed. It is very wrong. “We are not happy with this comment and if they make comments as such next time, we will challenge it in the court.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/were-not-terrorists-herdsmen-warn.html

Internet penetration in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and other part of Africa, sustained global growth in 2018. It moved from 7.7 per cent in 2005 to 45.3 per cent at the end of the year. Nigeria, as at October, can boast of over 105 million users, the highest in Africa.

According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) 2018 global and regional ICT estimates, developed countries slow and steady growth increased the percentage of population using the Internet, from 51.3 per cent in 2005 to 80.9 per cent in 2018.

But the United Nation’s specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), noted that in developing countries, growth has been much more sustained increasing from 7.7 per cent in 2005 to 45.3 per cent at the end of 2018.


Of all ITU regions, the strongest growth was reported in Africa, where the percentage of people using the Internet increased from 2.1 per cent in 2005 to 24.4 per cent in 2018.

According to the estimates, the regions with the lowest growth rates were Europe, with 79.6 per cent, and the Americas, with 69.6 per cent of the population using the Internet. In the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, 71.3 per cent will be using the Internet; 54.7 per cent in the Arab States and 47 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region.

ITU noted that Internet access at home is gaining traction. It estimated that almost 60 per cent of household has Internet access at home in 2018, up from less than 20 per cent in 2005.

In developing countries, almost half of all households have Internet access at home, a considerable increase compared with 8.4 per cent in 2005.

ITU estimated that at the end of 2018, 51.2 per cent of the global population, or 3.9 billion people, will be using the Internet.

ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao, noted that global and regional estimates for 2018 are a
p​ointer to the great strides the world is making towards building a more inclusive global information society.

“By the end of 2018, we will surpass the 50/50 milestone for Internet use. This represents an important step towards a more inclusive global information society. However, far too many people around the world are still waiting to reap the benefits of the digital economy. We must encourage more investment from the public and private sectors and create a good environment to attract investments, and support technology and business innovation so that the digital revolution leaves no one offline,” Zhao stated.

From his perspective, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Brahima Sanou, said: “The new 2018 estimates reveal that there continues to be a general upward trend in the access to and use of information and communication technologies. “Access to telecommunication networks continues to increase, in particular in mobile connections. However, affordability should continue to be at the top of our priorities for the digital economy to become a reality for all.”

Further analysis of the report showed that nearly the entire world population, or 96 per cent, now lives within reach of a mobile cellular network. 90 per cent of the global population can access the Internet through a 3G or higher speed network.

ITU estimated that, globally in 2018, almost half of all households had at least one computer, up from just above a quarter in 2005. In developed countries, 83.2 per cent of households possess a computer in 2018, compared with 36.3 per cent in developing countries.


Least Developed Countries showed the strongest growth during the period 2005-2018. In 2018, less than 10 per cent of households in LDCs have a computer. The strongest growth rates were observed in the Arab States and the CIS region. In Africa, the proportion of households with access to a computer increased from 3.6 per cent in 2005 to 9.2 per cent in 2018.

In terms of mobile cellular subscriptions, ITU noted that access to basic telecommunication services is becoming ever more predominant. While fixed-telephone subscriptions continue to decline with a penetration rate of 12.4 per cent in 2018, the number of mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions is greater than the global population.

Specifically, it noted that growth in mobile cellular subscriptions in the last five years was driven by countries in Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. Growth was minor in the Americas and the CIS region while a decline was observed in Europe and the Arab States.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nigeria-south-africa-deepen-global.html

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has launched a gun-boat in Cross River to enhance maritime patrol and check cases of illegal migration and child theft across the sea.

Mr Felix Uche, the State Comptroller of NIS, said this on Tuesday during the launch of the boat at the Nigerian Navy Jetty in Calabar.

Uche said that the boat was procured by the Comptroller-General of NIS, Mr Mohammed Babandede and distributed to all commands that have maritime boundary with other countries to enhance sea patrols.

According to him, 16 NIS personnel were trained by officials of the Nigerian Navy on maritime operations and patrols for a period of two months.

‘‘The launch of this boat will help us to patrol the water ways by ensuring that illegal migrants do not come into Nigeria through the sea without valid papers.

‘‘In the past few weeks, the Navy has arrested some boats with illegal migrants and handed them over to us. After profiling, we saw that majority of them were coming into Nigeria illegally.

‘‘More so, now that we have crisis in Cameroon; this gun-boat will help us to reduce the large illegal movements of Cameroonians into Nigeria,’’ he said.

He thanked the naval authorities for the training of the NIS personnel, adding that the synergy between both forces was cordial and rewarding.

Speaking, the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, Commodore Julius Nwagu, said that the Nigerian Navy held in high esteem the issue of synergy.

Nwagu explained that the navy had tried at all levels to partner with sister agencies in the provision of security for all Nigerians.

He maintained that the navy had enjoyed the partnership with the NIS in the state, noting that the NIS personnel were well behaved during the training.

‘‘I am not in doubt that men of the NIS benefited from the training they have undergone in the past two months by the navy.

‘‘One boat is not enough by our standard operating procedures. As you go out at sea, each time you need our assistance in ensuring that the migration laws are upheld, the navy will support you.

‘‘We are ready anytime to partner with the NIS because the navy value synergy. Your boat will be secured and made available at any time you need it for operation,’’ he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nis-launches-gun-boat-in-cross-river-to.html

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday responded to former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s persistent support for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, saying it would end in total defeat.

Mohammed spoke in Abuja at a media briefing where he also refuted opposition party’s claim that the federal government’s social investment programme, TraderMoni, was advanced vote-buying.


“I want to assure you that his (Obasanjo’s candidate) will be defeated roundly and comprehensively. It is not about endorsement- it won’t win election,” Mohammed said, contending that Atiku would be no match for President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He, however, conceded that the former president has every right to support anyone he likes in the 2019 presidential election.

“Obasanjo has every right to support anyone he likes,” he said, adding that such a right is constitutional.

TraderMoni Not a Vote Buying Scheme

Mohammed rejected opposition parties’ allegation that the federal government’s ‘TraderMoni,’ launched to enable artisanal traders access loans up to N10,000 at the first instance is a vote buying scheme, clarifying that it is a poverty alleviation programme.

Responding to the allegation that TraderMoni was an inducement to voters, he insisted that ‘TraderMoni’ was a trust of the administration’s Social Insurance Programme, which included N- Power, School Feeding Programme, targeting one million students, CBN Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme and cash transfer of N5,000 per month in support of 200,000 families.

He disclosed that 1.2 million artisanal traders had benefited from the ‘TraderMoni’ since it was flagged off and argued that it was becoming popular among the public and without political undertone.

Mohammed said, “Are they just waking up? We reject the insinuation that TraderMoni is a technical form of vote buying. It is a trust of our social insurance programme and has no political undertone. The opposition is becoming jittery because it is successful and being embraced by traders. In some states, they are even discouraging potential beneficiaries from coming forward to access the loan.

“It is not vote buying, but rather a poverty alleviation programme. We are yet to receive allegations it was being diverted in some states for the purpose it is intended. They also say that school feeding programme is a form of bribery, but we are investing in the future of our children.”

The minister spoke on the clamour for presidential candidates to debate salient issues of national and public interests and declared that it is the prerogative of the president to attend any televised presidential debate.

He argued that the president has a cabinet, and every member of the Federal Executive Council will debate on policy issues.

“It is the prerogative of the president to decide whether he will attend any debate or not. I think he will decide on that. He has a cabinet and we have been busy selling the policy thrust of the administration to the public. This is what I am doing and I am aware that other ministers are doing similar thing,” he said.

He also justified Buhari’s grounds of refusal to assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018, alleging that it will create uncertainty in the electoral process.

The information minister rejected the insinuation by the opposition that the withholding of presidential assent to the amendment bill is a ploy by the ruling party to rig the election.

The minister, who accused the PDP of fabricating fake news to hood-wink the public, added that the opposition was already rejecting the outcome of the 2019 elections and preparing grounds for the loss of the election by asking the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, and Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to resign.

“The constitution is very clear on the amendment to the Electoral Act Bill. When a bill is passed to the National Assembly, it goes to the president for assent and INEC has already clarified this position and this bill has not been passed into law yet. So, I don’t see any contradiction,” he said.

Read more at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2019-presidency-obasanjos-support-for.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday appointed his wife, Aisha, and the wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Dolapo, as members of Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse.

The committee has the former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) as its chairman.

Buhari said the appointment of Aisha and Dolapo as members of the panel was in recognition of their concerted efforts in the course of eradicating the menace of drug abuse in the country.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/buhari-appoints-wife-dolapo-osinbajo-to.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has condemned the non-accessibility of the N500 billion export stimulation fund set up basically for the promotion of non-oil exports in the country.

As such, the CBN has set up a committee to look into the challenges confronting accessibility of the funds.The apex bank and Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) had in 2017 approved an export facility of N500 billion for exporters in the country, which till date farmers find difficult to access.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this yesterday at a media conference on the sidelines of the ongoing 10th yearly bankers’ committee retreat in Lagos.

Emefiele said the apex bank had discovered that farmers and small businesses within the non-oil sector found it difficult to access the funding facility.

He said: “We need to set up a committee headed by a bank chief executive officer. What that committee will do is to take a deep dive into some of the issues and challenges that are faced by exporters and report back to the bankers’ committee meeting in February 2019 to raise some of the issues and through that, the banks themselves will commit to ensuring that we deploy funds either on a commercial basis through the banks or some of our intervention funds at the CBN to support the initiative.

“We took a review of it, we must confess that that aspect has not permeated the system and we wanted to hear from some of the export companies what their challenges were, hence the reason we set up a committee to look into the issue.

“By this time, we are determined that they will get the support they need, we will make it easy for them to access the credit and will put in place policies that will reinvent the export earnings in a way that funds come in and are used in a way that is beneficial to the economy.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/cbn-decries-non-performing-n500b-export.html

Sen.Olamilekan Adeola (Lagos West) on Thursday urged Nigerians to give the All Progressives Congress (APC) the needed support to fix the present challenges confronting the country.

Adeola gave the advice in Lagos while speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers in his senatorial district.

He said some of the problems facing the country were inherited by the current APC administration owing to what he called 16years of inept leadership of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

Adeola said that the PDP nearly ruined Nigeria with incompetent leadership, but the APC was making sincere efforts to reposition the country.

“People talk about the problems in the country but we have to understand that the present challenges of the country were not caused by the APC but inherited from the PDP.

“For 16 years, the PDP delivered nothing but bad governance; in fact, they almost destroyed the country. So, the mess created in 16 years cannot be fixed in three years.

“The truth is that the Buhari-led administration has made steady progress in the last three years. And Nigerians can bank on the government to address all the issues to make life better for all,” he said.

Adeola said the promise of the PDP, particularly its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to make things better for Nigerians was an empty one.

He said before Atiku’s promise to turn around the country could be taken seriously, Nigerians should ask him to list his achievements as Vice-president under PDP.

Adeola urged Nigerians to be wary of Atiku, saying his plan to sell some national assets if elected should scare all patriots.

The senator implored traditional rulers to always criticise the present government constructively and give their support for the continued progress of the country.

He said that he believed traditional rulers should be given constitutional roles in nation-building, promising to champion the cause in the 9th Senate, if elected.

Adeola thanked the traditional rulers and the people in the district for their consistent support for him, assuring them that he would always deliver democratic dividends in the area.

The senator said as a representative of the area, he had put in place impacting programmes and interventions.

He said thousands of constituents had benefitted from his empowerment programmes in the area and his various interventions in infrastructure development.

Adeola said he had facilitated jobs for many youths in the area and had supported many in business.

The senator said he was passionate about the progress of Lagos West and urged the constituents to support him in 2019 to do more.

The News Agency of Agency (NAN) reports that traditional rulers who were at the meeting include Oba Shakirudeen Kuti (Elewu of Ewuland); Oba Kamilu Isiba (Olu of Agege Kingdom); Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka (Osolo of Osolo Kingdom) and Oba Suleiman Suberu (Alajasa of Ajasaland).

Oba Nureni Akinremi (Onijegun of Ijegun); Aholu Samuel Olowolabani of Ajaraland and Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi (Onigando of Igando) were also present.

NAN reports all the traditional rulers endorsed the senator for re-election at the end of the meeting.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/pdp-almost-ruined-nigeria-sen-adeola.html

AVM Jumo Osahor, Director-General, Defence Research and Development Bureau, Abuja says the Armed Forces of Nigeria will require about N9 billion to provide military boots annually to meet soldiers kitting needs.

Osahor made this known in a paper he delivered during the Third Annual National Conference organised by the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists of Nigeria (SLTCN) at the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: “The Contributions of Leather Science, Technology and Innovation to the Nigerian Economy and National Security.”

NAN also reports that the Commandant spoke on: “Indigenous Leather Production and Military Kitting: The Armed Forces of Nigeria Perspective.”

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will require about N9 billion to provide a pair of working shoes and boots for each soldier.

“The amount will double if we are to provide two pairs each per soldier every year.

“This huge sum of money if channeled to the indigenous leather industry will go a long way in revamping the sector and improving our national economy as well as security forces and provide jobs to our teeming youths.

“However, the leather industry in Nigeria is yet to take advantage of the huge potential that exists in the military leather requirements of the AFN.”

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force all utilize leather materials as part of their military kitting.

“These range from service shoes to combat boots among others. With strength of over 200,000 personnel, the requirement for shoes and boots is quite enormous especially with the requirement of at least two pairs of shoes and boots each per personnel per year.

“This translates to about more than half a million pairs of leather wares that could be provided through indigenous leather production industry yearly.

“At an estimated cost of N30,000.00 for a pair of quality working shoes (Bates) and N15,000.00 for combat boots,”

Declaring the conference open, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, gave the assurance that the ministry would partner with any professional body interested in any research field that would enhance the growth and diversification of the economy.

The minister, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Institute Of Leather and Science Technology, Dr Eucharia Ngozi-Oparah, urged the participants to deliberate effectively on topical issues that would address the challenges in the leather industry.

He stressed the need for effective deliberation particularly in areas where the economy would be improved through value addition of leather and leather products.

Earlier, the National President, SLTCN, Dr Solomon Tanko said the essence of the conference was for professionals to deliberate and brainstorm on prospects and contributions of leather to national growth and development.

He described the leather industry as strategic in view of its importance and critical role in the diversification of the nation’s economy.

Tanko observed that leather and leather related products were key to industrial growth that would certainly pave way for jobs opportunities and wealth creation.

The president appealed to participants to avail themselves of the opportunity to improve their knowledge and professional skills to take Nigeria to greater heights.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nigeria-armed-forces-needs-n9bn-for.html

Brazil and PSG star, Neymar, has opened the door to playing in the Premier League one day, responding positively when asked by Benjamin Mendy.

The Manchester City defender was one of a number of high profile current and former players to ask Neymar questions on his Youtube channel.

And Mendy went straight to the point, saying: ‘Neymar Jnr, answer me in French. Do you think you’ll one day play in the Premier League?’


The 26-year-old replied: ‘It’s a big competition, one of the greatest in the world.

“We don’t know what will happen tomorrow but I believe that every great player, at least one day, has to play in the Premier League.

“If you’re playing there, I hope you can keep enjoying the Premier League, because you deserve only the best.’

Having moved to PSG from Barcelona for a record-breaking fee of £198million in 2017, Neymar is targeting Champions League success in Paris.

But his admission that a move to the Premier League could one day interest him will be of interest to the heavy hitters in England’s top flight.

Mendy’s team-mate Gabriel Jesus was another to ask a question of his compatriot.

“When will he play FIFA against me? He always runs,’ he joked. To which Neymar responded: ‘Hey Gab, challenge accepted!’

Former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez wanted to know why the lethal forward changes his hairstyle so much.

Neymar answered: ‘I don’t know, I always like to change things and the hair is the first thing that I like to change that pleases me. And, well, I don’t know why I like to fool around!’

And David Beckham pleaded the striker to come to play for his Miami franchise: “When you finish playing in Europe, will you come to Miami please?

“David, it’s done! I’ll come to Miami, your city, your team,’ Neymar promised.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/ill-play-in-english-premier-league-one.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Joel Madaki and Felix Bilishan Tagwame, before Justice A.M. Anka of the Federal High Court, Yola, Adamawa State, on four counts bordering on conspiracy, misappropriation and diversion of funds.

Investigation into the $115million fraud involving Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, was linked to them. It was further revealed that the said funds were exchanged to an equivalent of N23, 299,705,000 and was used for the 2015 presidential election.

Substantial amount of the funds, investigations showed, were shared to some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the nation by Fidelity Bank on behalf of Madueke.


The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution counsel, A.M. Labaran asked for a date for trial to commence and urged the court to remand them in prison custody. But the defence counsel, A.T. Shehu, moved applications for bail
which was opposed by the prosecution.

Justice Anka, after listening to the various arguments, granted them bail in the sum of N200million and surety in like sum.

The matter has been adjourned to February 5, 2019 for trial.

The EFCC will on December 10 arraign the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN) at the Federal High Court, Lagos, over alleged N1.4billion fraud.

He will be arraigned before Justice Muslim Hassan.
The anti-graft agency claims that Usoro converted and laundered the money in connivance with Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.

However, the governor was not listed as a defendant in the charge, as the EFCC indicated that he is “currently constitutionally immuned against criminal prosecution.”

Also mentioned in the body of the charges are one Nsikan Nkan, described as Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State; Mfon Udomah, described as the Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State; Uwemedimo Nwoko, the Akwa Ibom State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Margaret Ukpe, all of whom were said to be at large.

The anti-graft agency claimed that the N1.4billion allegedly converted and laundered by the defendants belonged to the Akwa Ibom State government.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/efcc-arraigns-two-for-alleged-115m.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the South East Zone, Enugu on Wednesday, arraigned the duo of Ferdinand Ugwunwani and John Ugwu before Justice A.M Liman of the Federal High Court, Enugu.
They were docked on a three–count charge bothering on conspiracy and obtaining the sum of N1,780,000 (One Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira only) under false pretences, an offence that is contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.

According to investigation carried out by the Commission, it was allegedly found out that the duo having falsely represented themselves as owners and custodians of some non existent plots of land at Umunwene, Iji Nike, Enugu State, obtained the said sums in two tranches of N1.180,000 and N600,000 as payment for two plots of lands and harmonization fees, respectively.


It was further discovered that apart from the fact that the duo knew the original plots were part of a layout, they went ahead to sell the said plots to the complainant and made him pay the money in one of the suspect’s personal account rather than that of the community.

When the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty, which prompted the defence counsel P.O. Nwanjoku to move a joint motion for their bail.

This was quickly countered by the prosecution counsel, F. A Shehu, saying that the second defendant John Ugwu had severally refused to honour invitation from EFCC.


The judge, however, noted that having come from his house to the court, the defendant has shown willingness to attend to his trial.

He thereafter granted the duo bail on N1 million with one surety each. Each of the sureties must either own a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court or be a civil servant not less than level 14 in the local, state or federal civil service.

The case has been adjourned to February 20,2018 for trial.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/efcc-arraigns-2-for-land-scam-in-enugu.html

The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Kaduna State Chapter, has accused the state governor, Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai of running an exclusive government in the state.


The state party secretary, Barrister Shuaibu Yamusa, while briefing newsmen in Kaduna Wednesday on the preparation of the party for the 2019 general election in the state, said, “The government of Kaduna state launched anti-people policies detrimental to real and genuine economic development.

“So many Kaduna state workers and traditional rulers were unceremoniously and with no regards to due process relieved of their means of livelihood thereby suffocating the unemployment market.


“Leadership is about people, their feelings and welfare, their security and economic freedom, it is not doctorial where opposition are maligned and persecuted; but an all embracing leader, not decisive.”

He explained that the PRP governorship candidate, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Umar, is a man of integrity, whose knowledge and experience would bring about genuine solution, development to the state and its people.

“It is our conviction and that of many other citizens that the PRP candidate only has the skills and has also resolved to tackle the many burning issues of the state.


“This will be done by collective participation and fairness to all. It will be government of the people, by the people and for the people,” he assured.

He added, “It is a fact that we put so much in the struggle to ensure that the present government succeed in 2015 general elections and we all did it with the hope that there is a genuine concern for the people and an agenda for genuine economic and social development.

“Part of the campaign promises were the promise to tackle security issues, provision of enhanced and or improved mechanized farming system to the people, world class health care system amongst others.”

The state secretary of PRP lamented that since the inception of the El-Rufai-led administration in the state, it has witnessed a lot of setbacks in all spheres of life.

He called on the citizens to vote PRP candidates in the 2019 general elections that is determined to restore the lost glory the pro-administration brought to the people of Kaduna and Kano states in the early 80s.

“We as a party are out to redeem the people from all that they are going through and to give them hope through a purposeful and all embracing government that will carry all along in all spheres of life.

“Our governorship candidate, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Umar, is a man that has the people at heart, he has proven himself in his relationship with the citizens of Kaduna state irrespective of their differences and given the mandate will definitely restore the fortunes the state was known during the PRP – administration in the early 80s,” he assured.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/prp-blasts-gov-el-rufai-reveals-what.html

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Lagos State, Mr Olawale Oluwo, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Oluwo made the announcement in a resignation letter sent to Channels Television on Wednesday.

In the letter dated December 3 and addressed to the APC Chairman in the state, he explained that he took the decision as a result of the events played out at the party’s state primary held in October.

Oluwo alleged that the exercise was characterised by voter disenfranchisement, undue influence, violence, and intimidation to members among other activities that violate the electoral law.

He also claimed that the party lacked integrity, stressing that this has diminished the reputation of the state as a reference point for free and fair democratic practice.

The APC leadership in the state has yet to respond to Oluwo’s allegations.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/ambodes-commissioner-resigns-from-apc.html

Fifty-nine pro-President Muhammadu Buhari groups working for his re-election made a U-turn yesterday and endorsed his main rival, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the groups said they decided to back the PDP presidential candidate because Buhari administration has failed to deliver on its several promises in the last three and a half years.


The National Coordinator of the Grassroots Mobilisers for Buhari (GMB), Yusuf Ardo, who spoke on behalf of the groups, accused Buhari of failing to appoint youths in his government, saying the groups have over five million members who visited all areas of the country for Buhari in 2015.

According to him, “We toured the country and campaigned for the emergence of the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government. This forum coordinated all support groups for APC and championed grassroots mobilisations of Nigerians.

“Sequel to the foregoing, we are sad that the government we put in place has failed and continued to fail our people, and we cannot continue to reinforce failures. How can we have a federal cabinet without a single youth? A government that does not take the youths into account is a dying government. The future belongs to us-the young people.”

Ardo said today, the country is faced with legions of challenges, adding that the economy which was the fastest-growing in Africa before Buhari took over in 2015, has gone comatose under the present government that has shown unpreparedness and completely cluelessness.

He added: “Unemployment has risen to an alarming level, and instead of creating three million jobs per year as promised during 2015 campaigns, millions of jobs are being lost quarterly, with many companies folding up daily.”

Ardo said he believed that under Atiku, the economy would be revived unlike the “misfortune” of Buhari.

‘’We strongly believe that Atiku will ensure diversification of the economy through agriculture, adequate supply of power and massive industrialisation, thereby creating employment for our teaming youths.

Full report at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/59-pro-buhari-groups-switch-support-to.html

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has given reasons why Nigeria should be restructured saying restructuring of the country would make the country a better place.

Okowa who spoke at the 87th annual national congress and award of honours of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) held at Effurun, Uvwie local government area of the State, stated that with restructuring Nigeria would fare better.

“We do know that Nigeria will be a better place with restructuring, it will bring about healthy competition among the people which will be good for the nation,” the governor said.


“Delta State will continue to be a voice of reasoning for the Nigerian nation and I thank the Urhobos for their stand on restructuring, the Urhobos have added their voice because, we do know that Nigeria will be a better place with restructuring.”

He however urged politicians to avoid actions that will cause disaffection or lead to destruction ahead of the 2019 general elections, urging candidates to woo the people with their programmes and work towards free, fair and acceptable elections which will reposition Nigeria among the comity of nations.

Meanwhile, the governor has attributed the success recorded by his administration to the peaceful co-existence of different ethnic groups in the State.

The governor noted that the peace and unity that exists among the different ethnic nationalities in the state have contributed greatly to the success story of his administration.


“If there is division in any of the ethnic nationalities, there will be problem and as long as each of the ethnic nationalities are at peace with themselves, it will be easy for government to manage its affairs; these have helped us to carry out development projects without distractions.”


While calling on the ethnic nationalities to continue to live in peace, the governor observed that the SPDC will listen to the call of different ethnic nationalities to relocate back to Warri which will not only contribute to the economy of the people but, that of the state.


“We are committed to developing the economy of our people through the provision of jobs because, if the economy of our people grow, we will grow the economy of our state, our people believe that with the return of Shell to Warri, our economy will boom again.”

He commended the unity that exists among the Urhobos, observing that his administration was about to achieve a lot in the delivery of dividends of democracy due to the peace that exists among different ethnic nationalities in the state.


The governor who was accompanied to the occasion by political aides stated, “there is no doubt that the UPU is a very strong union, it is an embodiment of strength of the Urhobo people and I want to thank the leadership of UPU for keeping faith with the ideals of the founding fathers of the UPU; it is good that you have respect for the traditional rulers and I must appreciate the traditional rulers who have come together to ensure that there is no division in the UPU.”

Former Governor James Ibori at the occasion, commended the President-General of UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga “for the work he has done in the last four years and I thank the traditional rulers for working for the unity of Urhobo land, the people should consider the overall interest of the Urhobo nation at all times; as we continue to ask our Governor to do more for us, we must keep the peace which is necessary for development to take place.”

Chief Ibori noted that it was a good development that different ethnic groups and concerned individuals are lending their voice to the call on SPDC to return to Warri, asserting, “Shell will make Warri boom again.”

Earlier, Olorogun Moses Taiga in an address, listed the achievements of his administration and commended Governor Okowa’s administration for its developmental strides especially in Urhobo land, stating that the UPU will join forces with other ethnic nationalities to make strong representation to Hon. Victor Nwokolo-led committee on Petroleum at the Federal House of Representatives for Shell to return to Warri.


He disclosed that the youths, elders, women are all eager for Shell to return to Warri.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/why-nigeria-should-be-restructured-says.html

South African telecoms firm, MTN Group and Nigeria’s Central Bank are in talks to settle an $8.1 billion dispute, their lawyers said on Tuesday, as a court in Lagos adjourned the case between the parties until Dec. 12.

The dispute is over the transfer of $8.1 billion of funds which Nigeria’s central bank said the company had sent abroad in breach of foreign-exchange regulations. MTN has denied any wrongdoing, Reuters reports.

Nigeria is MTN’s biggest market, accounting for a third of the South African company’s annual core profit. The mobile phone network serves 56 million people in Nigeria.

Seyi Sowemino, a lawyer representing Nigeria’s central bank, said the parties were in advanced stages towards the settlement. “We just want to cross T’s and dot I’s,” he told the court.

Wole Olanipekun, a lawyer representing MTN, also said the two parties were in talks.

The lawyers requested a short adjournment for lawyers to report back to the court on the settlement talks. The judge adjourned the case to Dec. 12.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/mtn-cbn-in-talks-to-settle-81-billion.html

The Nigerian Communications Communication (NCC) has hosted a workshop to discuss how to foster innovation and growth in the telecommunications industry in the face of emerging and disruptive technologies.


The move is in consonance with the 3rd and 5th items of its 8-point which focuses on optimizing usage and benefits of spectrum and facilitating strategic collaboration and partnerships.

The executive vice chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, in his keynote address, said the objective of the workshop was to provide an avenue for regulators, operators, investors as well as other stakeholders to examine and constructively exchange ideas on the main demand areas for next generation of services, spectrum licensing reforms and the requirements for 5G and other emerging technologies that are to revolutionize the telecom system and users.

“In the world of today, telecommunications is a cardinal tool of economic development, growth and integration. The telecom industry is a key enabler of productivity across economies and societies. It is not only a significant contributor to economic activities of a nation but also for growth of other sectors of the economy as well as enhancing social lives of people,” he said.

He stated that disruptive innovations such as Mobile Broadband, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, Web Technologies and Artificial Intelligence which are all anchored on telecommunications were shaping the future of the world as these technologies enable users go about their daily routines with new ways of knowing, perceiving and even interacting with the physical world.

He stressed that 5G networks are the next generation of connectivity in the telecommunication industry offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices than ever before.

He said, “telecommunication’s development must be taken with all seriousness to foster innovation and growth in the industry as statistics has shown that for every 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration there is a corresponding 1.3 increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a nation’.


The head of sub-saharan Africa, GSMA, Akinwale Goodluck contended that, “mobile connectivity has improved the welfare of millions of Nigerians, opening the door to new digital possibilities and powering the country’s economic development.”


Goodluck added that, “for Nigeria to take full advantage of the next phase of its digital transformation, it’s vital that there is a collaboration between the telecommunication industry and the government to enable the right policy environment for millions more to benefit from ultra-fast mobile broadband. If policies don’t keep pace with the needs of society and technological innovation, there is a risk that citizens will be left behind and productivity will suffer”.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/ncc-partners-gsma-on-growth-of-telecom.html

The Africa Electoral Integrity Initiative (AE2i), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has called for stiffer sanctions and diligent prosecution of those involved in vote buying and selling in the build-up to the 2019 general elections.

Dr Daniel Omofoman, Convener and Regional Director of AE2i made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

He decried the new trend of “open vote buying” in Nigeria, which he said was fast becoming a canker worm capable of derailing the 2019 general elections.

“We believe the issue of vote buying is becoming a virus and canker worm in the Nigerian system and we must not forget that it a criminal offence.

“So we need stiffer sanctions and prosecution of all those involved in this nefarious activity so as to serve as deterrent and grow our democracy in line with international best practice” he said.

Omofoman said that aside from prosecution, a lot of sensitisation and advocacy needed to be carried out, especially in the grassroots to dissuade the electorate from selling their votes.

In this regard, he said that the AE2i as an NGO of Africans in Diaspora with expertise in election administration was working with relevant stakeholders in Nigeria and the international community to ensure credible 2019 elections in Nigeria.

“As part of efforts to ensure credible elections in Nigeria in 2019, we will be organising a National Conference on Electoral Integrity in Abuja on December 6.

“The conference will sensitise stakeholders on the need to sustain the integrity of the 2019 general elections and restoring voter confidence in the system,” he said.

According to him, the NGO will be collaborating with key stakeholders like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), security agencies, NGOs and the media to achieve the feat.

Omofoman noted that the NGO had worked on similar projects in other African countries in the build up to their elections with significant success.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would get it right with all hands on deck.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2019-ngo-calls-for-prosecution-of-vote.html

One month to the end of the year, the Nigerian stock market has shed N2.348 trillion following persistent weak demand for stocks in a bear market.

Specifically, in the last 11 months, N2.348 trillion has been eroded from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market capitalisation.While the market shed N1.766trillion in 10 months to October 31, 2018, N582 billion depreciation was recorded in the month of November alone. Hence, the total of N2.348 trillion decline in 11 months.


After closing negatively in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the market recovered in 2017 with a record gain of 42.3 per cent. Following the recovery and past trend, some market analysts had envisaged a continued bull run into 2018.

But 11 months into the year, the market is down by N2.348 trillion.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index (NSE ASI) has lost 19.27 per cent as a result of the continuing sell down.

However, the erosion of value of stocks has made most of the equities to become cheaper and providing a very good entry opportunity for discerning investors with long term focus.

Some stocks with strong fundamentals and bright prospects have suffered significant value erosion, which is a very good entry window for investors.

For instance, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, which is a regular dividend paying bank and posted improved results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, has shed 15.7 per cent.

This means, the stock is 15.7 per cent cheaper than its opening price for the year.

Similarly, Access Bank Plc, which ended the nine months with higher bottom-line is trading 25.8 per cent lower than its opening price, while Fidelity Bank Plc is 19.5 per cent cheaper.

United Bank for Africa Plc has shed 27 per cent, while Union Bank of Nigeria Plc is trading 34 per cent below the price at which it commenced the year. FBN Holdings Plc and Dangote Cement Plc are also trading 19 per cent and 18.7 per cent lower in that order.

Forte Oil Plc, Oando Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Double One Plc 58 per cent, 21 per cent, 13.8 per cent and 10 per cent cheaper respectively.

These companies had reported impressive results that are capable of attracting increased demand for their stocks.

However, some exogenous factors have continued to affect demand by investors.

Although many of the emerging and frontier markets were affected by the flight to safety by investors due to increase in rates in the United States, the Nigerian case was compounded by sell down by some investors to guide against negative impact of the forthcoming general elections.

Stockbrokers had said whereas some investors have remained confident in the strong fundamentals of the market, such confidence has been challenged by developments in the political scene.

Based on the developments, which include defections and utterances capable of heating up the polity, the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), the umbrella body for chief executive officers of stock broking firms, said more investors were exiting the capital market.

ASHON said, “For the umpteenth time, we strongly appeal to the political class that rather than indulge in unwholesome activities, actions, attitudes and destructive utterances, they should support all efforts aimed at creating the much-needed enabling environment for accelerated economic growth and development.”

According to the association, the unguarded activities and unrestrained utterances of our politicians are heating up the polity with dire consequences on the economy as a whole and the capital market in particular.

“Perhaps we may remind the political class that uncertainties and all sorts of insecurities that currently pervade our country affect investors’ sentiments, asset valuations and market as well as country risk profile and portfolio allocation decisions.

“In recent times, trading statistics on the securities markets in Nigeria have been reflecting investors’ apathy to unprecedented level of tension that portends likely breakdown of law and order in the 2019 general election.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/n23trn-stock-market-losses-widen-entry.html

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC ) has completed arrangements to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Legend and other information and communication technology companies to facilitate growth in the sector.


Executive vice chairman of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta , disclosed this during the weekend at the launch of the Legend by Suburban new products in Abuja.

The new products launched by Legend By Suburban include: Legend TV, Legend Lite, Legend Internet (Legend lite, WIFI and call), Legend Voice, Legend Zone and Legend Home.


Danbatta said the main objective was to create a fix broadband and high speed fiber optic across the country.

“The line between broadcasting and telecommunication and ICT has become thinner and in realising the importance of broadband in this country, the NCC has taken steps to improve fix broadband across the country and this is also in line with agenda number one of the eight points agenda of Prof. Danbatta administration,” Danbatta who was represented by Engr. Bako Wakil stated.



The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was represented by Mrs Comfort Ajiboye commended Legend for striving to improve Nigeria’s economy and pledged continuous support to such kind of creativity.

He, however, assured Legend of adequate information dissemination to spur the sector.


The chief executive officer (CEO) of Legend Suburban, Mr Bruce Ayonote , who spoke on the significance of the new products said it has been tested and trusted before the product launch.


Ayonote said that the Legend new products, (Legend lite, Wi-Fi, call) would give customers unlimited access to movies, series, music videos, allow customers to automatically connect to high speed Wi-Fi hotspots and make audio, video and conference calls, send texts and share files respectively.


He noted that the company was currently constructing and developing a nationwide fiber optic network in collaboration with companies such Brains and Hammers to ensure adequate service delivery.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/ncc-to-sign-mou-with-legend-other-ict.html

In an effort to ensure the realization of his political ambition of representing the good people of Ehime Mbano State Constituency in Imo House of Assembly in the forthcoming political dispensation, Hon. Dom Ekeigwe has joined Social Democratic Party (SDP) with over 5,000 members of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The historic declaration event which was held last weekend at the open field of Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano Council Area of Imo State saw members of APGA in the area destroying their membership cards and accepting SDP membership cards even as the caste aspersions on the leadership of the party.

Chief Alexander Njoku who led the decampees as a former chieftain of APGA told the crowd that they are dumping APGA as a result of injustice the party leadership and her governorship candidate melted to Ekeigwe who he said had a landside victory during the party state assembly primary and due to alleged insensitivity, impunity and selfishness of the aforementioned party leaders, the ticket was denied from him and given to an unpopular aspirant that came third even when for weeks the party candidate has finished documentations with relevant offices.

According to Njoku “can you imagine, they were four aspirants for Ehime Mbano State Constituency, out of 69 delegates, Ekeigwe got 39 votes, the second Mr. Maheibe Douglas got 12 the third Mr. Ikechukwu Ohaegbu got only garnered 10 votes while the fourth MR. C.Y. Emedom got 8 votes.

This was transparently conducted and there was no petition after the primary by any of the aspirants as they congratulated Ekeigwe for emerging victorious. Ekeigwe name was subsequently submitted to INEC by the party and with all necessary documentations done by him and submitted accordingly.

Unfortunately, two weeks after he was baffled to hear that his name has been substituted with somebody that came third and unpopular candidate, without any courtesy of at least informing him.

Despite all entreaties for the injustice to be re-visited, the party leaders remain arrogantly adamant. Thus our resolved in Ehime Mbano to dump APGA and in protest join Ekeigwe in any party that offers him ticket to actualize his ambition. We are against injustice, impunity and undemocratic practices. What happened today is a signal that APGA structure in Ehime Mbano has collapsed to SDP and we must deliver our candidate and demonstrate to the so called political leaders that truly power belongs to the people”.

Responding, Chief Solomon Keke, the SDP Chairman in Ehime Mbano said, it is an honour and privilege for the party to have somebody like Hon. Dom Ekeigwe as her candidate for the State Assembly.

Keke with members of his executive and other stakeholders of the party happily welcome the decampees and their principal. He assured them of an equal treatment noting SDP as a party that respects social justice and equity.
The Chairman decorated Ekeigwe with the party’s muffler and flag and re-assured him of the party’s resolve to deliver him during the general election.

In his speech Ekeigwe while accepting the party ticket lamented over the betrayal he suffered in the hands APGA leadership and her gubernatorial candidate noting that God will judge everyone at the appointed time.

According to him “It is really unfortunate that because of money, people in the name of politics can betray their conscience and act as if they are God. My good people of Ehime Mbano, I am waiting for ban on campaign to be lifted because I am hot and am ready for the election. Today is for celebration and happiness. I am a fighter. I will emancipate you people from the bondage and enslavement of selfish political leaders. There is hope on the way. I feel your pains. I am a victim. Keep your PVC. You don’t know the worth of your PVC. If you cannot stand the heat you better not near the kitchen” he advised.
Ekeigwe an American trained democrat and administrator was also accompanied to the event by members of his campaign organization christened -Apostles of Change even as he expressed gratitude to SDP for given him succor and also believing in him.
In his speech, Chief Anthony Ikekwe, the Director General of Apostles of Change said they are in SDP because of their principal whom he described as a man of impeccable integrity with a divinely driven passion of serving Ehime Mbano people.

Ikekwe lampooned APGA leadership in the Imo State for allegedly murdering sleep through impunity, imposition and betrayal of justice noting that the campaign organization is deeply rooted in all the eleven wards of the council area and with passionate followership willing to deliver their principal.

While Chief Magnus Orjiakor, a political icon in the area said that time has gone, when people vote for political party instead of personality noting that political parties in Nigeria have no respect for their manifestations.

Orjiakor revealed that the next political dispensation will be driven by personality antecedents rather that the political party the person belong.

Meanwhile, Chief Tony Anyanwu (AKA Tony Ocha) and Mr. Adolphus Ezeji described the candidate as a man of the people who if given the mandate will ensure robust, effective and qualitative representations of the council area.
They enjoined the populace to vote for him due to his track records of achievements in terms youth and women of empowerment and patriotism in matters affecting the state constituency.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/breaking-5000-apga-members-dump-party.html

Do you think this is right?

See reactions below...
More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/photo-of-david-backham-kissing-his.html?m=1

Senators were sharply divided Wednesday over the authenticity or otherwise of the alleged non remittance of N177billion operational surplus made by the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) into the consolidated federation account.

As the Senate resumed plenary, a member of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Mohammed Hassan (Yobe South), drew the attention of the Senate to the allegation through a motion moved in accordance with Senate standing orders 42 and 52 .


In moving the motion, Hassan emphasised that against the spirits and provisions of the 1999 Constitution and extant laws of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the agency kept to itself N177billion operational surplus it made from accruing revenues in the 2017 fiscal year without remitting it into the federation account.

According to him, the committee discovered that the agency, in its budget defence of the performance of the 2017 budget in April this year, got N303billion as total operational revenue out of which N125billion was taken by it as operational cost as allowed by extant laws but refused to remit the balance of N177billion realised as surplus into the federation account

He went further to say: “This, to me, and by extension, the Senate, should not be condoned because the Committee discovered this seven months ago and ordered the agency to do the needful which it has not done up till now.

“Attention of the Senate is being drawn to this impunity because six months down the line, the agency has not complied with the directive of the committee or communicated to it on the matter in anyway.”

Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South), at this point, cautioned the Senate from believing the allegation made by Hassan, saying there are three categories of income derivable into accounts of any public agency .

He therefore advised the Senate that it would be premature for it to attach legislative seriousness to Hassan’s allegation since the figures he quoted are not clear to be in the category of perceived income, drive income or accrued income.

“Mr. President (Senate president), as a lawyer, I studied taxation law, so we should not be in haste to conclude on the submission Hassan has just made,” Na’Allah said.

Hassan’s allegation against the NPA was further punctured when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Sani Yerima ( Zamfara West), disassociated himself and other committee members from the allegation.

According to Yerima, Hassan, as a member of the committee, did not raise the issue at any of the committee sittings before raising the alarm on the floor of the Senate.

“As chairman of the committee, I am not aware of this allegation raised against NPA by Hassan, and I don’t think any other member of the committee is aware as well,” he said.

Also contributing, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North), urged the Senate leadership to compel the committee members to meet over it before bringing it up for general debate on the floor of the Senate in line with procedures and processes of law making.

At this point, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, directed the Marine Transport Committee to look into the allegation and report back within three days.

Also yesterday, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede as Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Committee on Anti- Corruption and Financial Crimes headed by Senator Chukwuka Utasi (Enugu North) for the consideration and confirmation of Olukoyede as EFCC scribe.

The Senate at a ‘Committee of the Whole’ considered the report and approved the appointment of Olukoyede, who until now, was the Chief of Staff to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

The upper legislative chamber had last Tuesday stepped down the confirmation of the appointment of Olukoyede as Secretary of the EFCC.

This was due to the rejection of the report presented by Utasi by a member of the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Isa Misau (Bauchi Central), who said only three out of eight members of the committee signed the endorsement page of the report.

In his defence, Utasi said most committee members could not endorse the report due to their involvement in oversight functions in other committees.

Senate President, Saraki, at this point, advised the committee chairman to meet with other members of the committee after plenary last Tuesday to iron out the grey areas and re-present the report yesterday.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/senators-disagree-over-alleged-non.html

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has donated N7 million to 11 churches in support of their projects with N2 million of the amount going to Christ the King Catholic Church, Okene and N500, 000 each to other churches in Central Senatorial district of the state.

Alhaji Abdulmalik Abdulkarim, the Director-General, Bureau of Information and Grassroots Sensitization, disclosed this in a statement he issued in Lokoja on Tuesday.

He said Bello announced the donation during a service to round-off the centenary celebration of the Christ the King Catholic Church, Okene, adding that the money was meant to assist the churches in their various projects.

Bello, who was the Special Guest of honour at the event, congratulated the church on its 100 years of existence in Ebiraland and pledged to donate coaster bus to aid its evangelism.

Abdulkarim quoted Bello, as commending the past and present leadership of the church for immense contributions to peace and harmony in Ebiraland and urged other churches to emulate the church by preaching the gospel of love, peace, unity and religious tolerance.

According to Abdulkarim, the benefiting churches are: Gospel Assembly Church, Nagazi, Adavi, Mountain Crusader Church, Ihucheba, Adavi, St. Andrew Anglican Church, Lafia, Okene, Deeper Life Church, Obehira, and St. Paul Anglican Church, Okengwe.

Others are: Christ Apostolic Church, Oboroke, Okehi, St. Peter Anglican Church, Ihima, Gospel Assembly Church, Iruvusechi, Eganyi, First Baptist Church, Ajaokuta and Catholic Church, Ogori.

In his remarks, the Parish Priest of the Christ the King Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Awolumate, commended the governor for his personal presence at the centenary celebration of the church.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, in his speech called the church to continue to pray for divine guidance and protection, for the governor, the people of Ebiraland and the state in general.

The Dean, Okene Deanery of the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Ododo Jude, on behalf of other churches thanked the governor for the donations and urged him continue to work for the progress and development of the state.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/gov-bello-donates-n7m-to-churches-in.html

The Buhari Campaign Council has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is not evading debate but will only participate if he is convinced that the circumstances and rules for such debate are germane.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had challenged the president to a live debate with its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on critical sectors ahead of the 2019 presidential election.


The party noted that Buhari had been mortally afraid of debates, adding that he should accept to face its candidate, Atiku, in a general debate organised by independent bodies at any venue of his choice.

However, Buhari’s campaign team responded yesterday describing PDP’s challenge as mere grandstanding.

He said that President Buhari will at the appropriate time decide on his participation in the debate after being availed of all the details and circumstances for such an exercise.

Keyamo said: “ First of all, let me say that the PDP has been in the habit of running away from political debates. So they should not come and tell us that they are some kind of super human who wants to debate at all times.

“Obasanjo ran away from debate, Jonathan ran away from debate during their time, so PDP has a history of running away from debates.”

The Buhari campaign Spokesmen further explained that contrary to the insinuations being made by the PDP, the office was yet to receive the formal invitation for a debate ahead of the 2019, adding that it would always assess the circumstances behind any debate before accepting to or rejecting it.

Keyamo also said that at the moment his office was yet to receive formal invitation to the debate but that he will check with the office of the Director General of the Campaign Organisation to know if the organisers have sent such invitation.

According to Keyamo, the PDP is trying to claim what it does represent based on its antecedents.

“They should not come and deceive Nigerians that they are the debaters, they are not the debaters. At the right time we will let them know, when we know all the circumstances surrounding the debate whether we will accede and not.

“By the time we know how the debate is being organised and the rules of the debate, then we will let Nigerians know whether we will debate or not.

“At the moment he said that the campaign office does not know the details of the presidential debate, adding that it will take a decision on whether to participate or not after studying the rules,” he added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/buhari-not-afraid-of-debate-says.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Ebonyi State has raised the alarm over the increasing rate of apathy by residents on the state regarding the ongoing Permanent Voter Cards collection exercise.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof. Godswill Obioma, during an interactive session with the civil society in the state lamented the low turn-out of prospective voters to collect their PVCs.

Stating that the commission had recorded a staggering number of PVCs lying unclaimed in various local government areas of the state, the electoral umpire outlined the details to include; Afikpo North, 7, 391 uncollected PVC; Afikpo South, 7315; Abakaliki, 29,569; Ebonyi – 16,884; Ezza North 5283; Ezza South – 5300; Izzi – 1,748; Ikwo – 10,978; Ivo – 6,895; Ohazara – 4785; Ohaukwu, 9056; Onicha -7433; Ishielu – 7849.

“All in all, a total number of one hundred and twenty thousand, four hundred and eighty six (120,486) unclaimed PVCs are in different local government areas of the state,” he said.

Obioma noted that in 2015 the commission recorded one million, one hundred and seventeen thousand, seven hundred and seventy registered voters, while in the last Continuous Voter Registration, the commission recorded three hundred and fifty seven thousand, six hundred and seventeen registered voters, bringing it to the total of one million four hundred and seventy five, three hundred and eighty seven (1,475,387) registered voters in the state.


He further appealed to stakeholders to sensitise the people on the need to get their PVCs, and sensitise the people against vote buying and selling.

He added that the scourge, which had eaten deep into the fabric of the society had become a phenomenon that must be killed.

The INEC REC noted that the improvement in the smartcard reader had filled the loophole in the election process, stating that the menace of ballot snatching was now a thing of the past.

Obioma said, “In 2015 there was a disarticulation between INEC and voting; in 2019, INEC has closed that dis- articulation

“Those of them trying to go and snatch ballot boxes, you are completely on your own. If you think you are going to snatch ballot box or machine, we have already captured the result. A lot of people are still wallowing in the obsolete memory of 2015, which some of us have discarded in the laboratory of wasted papers. It is no longer as it is. So, all those gimmick and vices that gave rise to all sorts of inappropriate activities, have disappeared now. We, INEC, my colleagues who are here, have sworn to do the right thing and we have started to do the right thing.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/inec-120486-pvcs-still-unclaimed-in.html

Expectant of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Edo State tomorrow, residents of Benin City are excited to host the President in the state.


A cross section of Benin residents, who spoke to Akelicious , said they were eager to have the president in the state, even as checks around major government establishments showed buildings wearing a new look preparatory to the visit.

A visit to the Government House and other government offices in the state showed civil servants putting finishing touches to last minute arrangements for the visit.


The president is expected to commission the Edo-Azura Power Plant and attend the Chief of Army Staff Conference holding in Benin City.

A Benin resident, Mr Goodwill Efosa, said that he is anxious to welcome the President to the state, noting, “This is not the first time he is coming to the state, but I am eager to see him this time around because he has performed really well, in my own estimation.”



Another resident, Mr Osaze Moses, said that the President’s visit is always something to look forward to, as there are often fallouts from such August visits.

“For me, I think we might get something big from this visit. The President has shown to be very caring, especially for the poor. I just hope we get a federal government project from this visit.


That will endear Benin people more to the President,” he said.


Mr Moses added that, “The Benin-Abraka road is one federal government’s project that needs the president’s attention because it is a federal road.


The road is currently in a bad state and though Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured that he would fix the road, but I am of the opinion that the governor should continue with the good work he is doing on state roads and streets while the federal government is urged to reconstruct the Benin-Abraka road”.

He urged Edo people to look forward to positive outcomes from the visit as they have faith in his administration.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/pmb-visit-benin-residents-upbeat-as.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his condolences over the passing of the former Military Governor of North Central State, Brigadier-General Abba Kyari, (rtd).

According to a statement by his senior special assistant media, Garba Shehu,In a message to the the government and people of Kaduna, Katsina and Borno states on Sunday evening, President Buhari said “we are extremely saddened by the news of General Abba Kyari’s passing away, an officer and a gentleman for whom we have a lot respect.”

He prayed to Allah to accept his soul, and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left behind to bear the loss.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/president-muhammadu-buhari-mourns.html

The Founder and General Overseer of Friends of Jesus Global Mission, Owerri, Bishop Maglorious Enyioha, has described the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu as a young man who can hardly control his temper.

Enyioha however called on the Federal Government to take a critical look into the issues raised by Kanu.

Addressing a press conference in Owerri, the Imo State capital, over the weekend, the clergyman advised the Federal Government to adopt a more humane and practical approach to the growing agitation for Biafra, rather than the use of force.


Enyioha said, “The Python Dance, initiated and executed by the Nigerian Army, has become history. People died in the process but the agitation has remained. This calls for a more humane and practical approach than the use of force.

“The leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a young man that can hardly control his temper.

“Although Kanu may have spoken in some areas like a youth, government should however look critically into what he is saying.”


The Bishop also lamented that Nigeria has never known peace since its creation.

“We cannot allow this to continue ad infinitum. If we don’t want shedding of blood to continue, we should sit down and talk. Any land where innocent blood is carelessly shed, is cursed.

“Those who provide weapons to Nigeria are only asking us to kill our fellow Nigerians. They should instead, help us to conduct a referendum in Nigeria, instead of continuously supplying us arms and ammunition,” Enyioha said.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/nnamdi-kanu-can-hardly-control-his.html