 Politics / Ex-biafran Soldiers Cry Over Unpaid Rehabilitation Money by fkaz(m): 10:53am On May 29, 2015 |
As President Goodluck Jonathan takes his exit today, Biafran war veterans have appealed to the in-coming administration of Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and facilitate the release and payment of over N1billion 2011 budgetary allocation said to have been approved and made available by the Federal Government for reintegration and rehabilitation of pardoned ex-Biafran soldiers.
The body, who spoke through its leader, Paul Udeh Okonkwo, yesterday, in Nnewi, Anambra State said the N27billion, which was approved at the same period for the rehabilitation of the ex-militants from the Niger Delta had since been released to them and wondered why the ex-Biafran war veterans should be marginalised.
He said: “We have every reason to suspect that someone or group is sitting on the money.
“It is on this note that the pardoned ex-Biafran soldiers, who are living heroes are begging our new President, Buhari to unravel the mystery that surrounds the non release and implementation of the payment.
“We appeal to Mr. President to please make it one of his early assignments to prevail on the authorities concerned to release the money to the poor pardoned ex-Biafran soldiers, who are dying because of hardship.”
He noted that some of their members were amputees and deformed by the war in various ways who needed help to survive.
“The gesture of the out-going administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan brought hope and relief to the ex-Biafran war veterans but the relevant authorities in charge of the implementation and release of the budgetary allocation to them have planned to scuttle the good intention of Mr. President. This is not fair by any standard,” the ex-Biafran soldiers’ leader concluded. http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=122036 
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| Politics / Re: Two Children Die Of Hunger In Ibadan by fkaz(m): 9:55am On May 22, 2015 |
WombRaiders:
How can a 20 year old be the biological mother of a 16yr old.
Southwest junk journalism Wonderful! Is it that you can't read or you are unable to comprehend? |
| Politics / Re: Two Children Die Of Hunger In Ibadan by fkaz(m): 9:04am On May 22, 2015 |
Mogidi:
A lot have died in Osun state as well, my God what's happening in the SW? There you go again, you want to tribalize the issue. You are not even ashamed of your uncle mr Madagu who gave birth to late Munachi who can't take care of his child and your sister chinonye who brought her 16 years old younger sister Amarachi Ukoha down to Ibadan, only to die of hunger. Mr Ayokunle, a yoruba man in his nature is only accommodating  your sister who fled from his village to Ibadan for survived, but only to come and compound to mr Ayokunle problem and you are happy typing trash. |
| Family / Re: Two Children Die Of Hunger In Ibadan by fkaz(m): 8:26am On May 22, 2015 |
irunoko:
Chaiii no wonder ladies hate poor men with perfect hatred.
By the time you complete 39 years as a single woman, you will learn to love poor a man, just sit down inside your poverty and wait for rich man who will come & marry you. @topic is it a crime for the lady to find something doing to earn a living also? |
| Family / Two Children Die Of Hunger In Ibadan by fkaz(m): 7:11am On May 22, 2015 |
Many people were shocked yesterday that two children starved to death on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The discovery followed an unscheduled visit by the state police command to Celestial Street in Agbowo.
The street is densely populated with sparse lines of demarcation, typical of similar densely populated city neighbourhoods. The area is close to the nation’s premier university, the University of Ibadan (UI).
Despite the area’s proximity to affluent neighbourhoods, the children could not get help, according to their host.
When the police convoy arrived in the area, surprise was written on the faces of residents and passersby. Many followed their vehicles to find out if a heavy crime had been committed in the area.
But they soon discovered that Amarachi Ukoha, 16, and Munachi Madagu, three, died because the breadwinner of the family, Mr Kunle Ayoola, could not feed them.
He also failed to provide the medical treatment for them because he had no money to take to the hospital.
Ayoola, 20, said he could not help the children because of his poor income, adding that those who could help were also unavailable.
He is married to Chinonye, also 20. They have an 18-month old baby. Chinonye had Munachi for her first husband and brought him to her new home. Her younger sister, Amarachi, 16, came to live with them.
She was said to have died of hunger, which was compounded by diarrhoea when the family was preparing to bury Munachi.
Both died in an eight-room bungalow. They were thought to have been struck by a strange illness that caused their death. But Ayoola confessed that death visited them because he could not feed them. Munachi’s photo showed that he was malnourished.
Ayoola said: “I think they died as a result of poor medical care. I tried my best to save them but there was no money. The only people that could help were not at home when I visited them.”
The family man gathers metals from dustbins and dump sites and sells them at Ogunpa Market in Ibadan. But the income, according to him, is so small that he could not afford to feed his family well.
He said he earned about N500 whenever business was good. But that was a far cry from meeting the basic needs of his six-member family, which includes his maternal grandmother.
Ayoola said: “I sell scraps at Ogunpa Market. I make between N500 and N1,000 daily when business is good. I did not learn any work before starting the scrap business. I dropped out of school in Primary Six because there was no money.”
The scraps seller said he was making efforts to bury Munachi when he approached the priest of a church opposite the house for advice. But the man advised him not to bury the boy because he was not his father. He took him to the police station to report the death.
But before the police arrived the house, Amarachi had also passed on, complicating the case for Ayoola. The deaths were reported to Police Commissioner Muhammed Katsina later in the day.
The priest, Most Superior Evangelist Tosin Otakoya, said: “On Tuesday, one boy called Kunle Ayoola, who is living in front of my church, came to me and said one of his babies had died. I asked if the baby truly belonged to him and he said no. I told him he had no right to bury the baby unless his dad authorised him to do so. When we tried to get the baby’s father on phone and the number was not going, I told him to go to police station and report himself because he could not keep the body in his house.
“I said it was not ideal for him to bury a boy that he did not father. On getting to the station, I met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and explained the situation to her. She volunteered to go to the house with me. When we got to the house, we met another 16-year-old lady, who was already dead, on the floor. It was strange to us.
“So, she contacted the Area Commander and the police commissioner to come to our rescue. The Area Commander came and evacuated the two bodies to the mortuary. I noticed these people died of poverty. They had nothing to eat or money to take care of themselves. The lady and that baby were sick and there was no care before they died.” http://thenationonlineng.net/new/two-children-die-of-hunger-in-ibadan/ |
| Politics / Unpaid Salaries: Strike Imminent In 18 States by fkaz(m): 6:28am On May 22, 2015 |
There are strong indications that workers in 18 states may start an indefinite strike on Monday over unpaid salaries.
The General Secretary of the NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday in Abuja, said that the congress had sent its task force team to various geo-political zones of the country.
According to him, the strike has started in Plateau State, adding that a similar exercise will begin in Cross River State and others on Monday.
The National Administrative Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress had, on March 19, 2015, set up a task force to pursue payment of salary arrears owed workers by some state governments.
The report of the task force, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondent, showed that 19 states are owing salaries and pensions.
Ozo-Eson told our correspondent that the NLC had sent its task forces to the affected states and directed those who were being owed to begin strike.
He said, “The various Task Forces are working. Plateau is on strike, Cross Rivers is going on Monday; the various task forces are working.
“A team is leaving for Benue to commence action; they are now free to commence action and we are supporting them.”
The report of the Task Force of the NLC revealed that while some of the states had paid salaries of workers up to date, they were owing arrears of pensions running into months.
The states owing salaries or pensions are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Cross River, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, and Kogi.
Others are Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers and Zamfara states.
However, a look at the report reveals that Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, the FCT, Gombe, Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto and Taraba are not indebted to their workers.
The report stated that Abia State had not paid salaries of workers of the State Teaching Hospital for nine months.
The state is also said to be owing workers of the Hospital Management Board eight months’ salary; Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, six months; Abia State Polytechnic, five months; local government workers, four months; and teachers, three months’ salary arrears.
It was stated that while Enugu State had paid salaries of civil servants up to date, parastatals were owed 12 months’ salaries and pension and gratuity remain unpaid since 2010.
Others states owing are Osun State with six months’ salary and pension arrears; Plateau with six months salaries and seven months pension; Benue with five months salaries and four months pension arrears; Kogi with four months of pension and salary arrears; and Oyo which owes three months salaries and between five and 11 months of pension arrears.
Also among the states which are likely to owe salaries and pension of workers into the incoming administration on May 29 are Ekiti with three months of unpaid salaries.
Jigawa is owing judiciary workers a month salary arrears in 2015.
Ondo owes one month salary and pension, while Ogun is owing one month salary and 52 months of unremitted pension deductions to the Pension Fund Administration.
Although Zamfara State has paid workers’ salaries up to date, the salaries of workers who were recruited in 2014 have not been paid.
The NLC Task Force also stated that Rivers State owes one month of workers’ salaries and three months of pension while Kano has yet to pay newly employed teachers for three months.
However, the Task Force report was silent on the status of Yobe and Ebonyi on the ground that there was no information on them. http://www.punchng.com/news/unpaid-salaries-strike-imminent-in-18-states/ |
| Politics / Re: Shut Up, PDP Governors Lavished State Funds On You – Tuface Told by fkaz(m): 5:42pm On May 20, 2015 |
betty202020:
let him bring back those monies and gift before condenming pdp. Is it because pdp failed. A prostitute is better than 2face in this issue. 70% money 2face can boast of today is from pdp connection. Finally you guys are saying PDP is the bedrock of tuface marriage life, chaiii daris god oooooo
Please take Note, one of PDP achievement in the last 16yr was to assist 2face to have a successful marriage ceremony 1 Like 1 Share |
| Politics / Jonathan A Prodigal Son, Say Kinsmen by fkaz(m): 2:54pm On May 20, 2015 |
The people of Ogbia Local Government in Bayelsa State, President Goodluck Jonathan’s home council, have described him as a prodigal, who has no balls to call his contractor friends to order and has allowed the community dotted with many uncompleted projects.
Angry that they have nothing to show for Jonathan’s reign as Nigeria’s president, they have demanded an apology from him for the abandoned and uncompleted projects in the area.
The demand came via a resolution at a meeting Monday by some Ogbia communities who threw their weight behind Comrade Oniekpar Ikuli, the Ijaw Youth Council Director of Mobilisation.
From the proceedings of the meeting, it was not President Jonathan alone the Ogbia people have grudges against.
They also have grudges against Barr. Azibaola Robert, the CEO of Kakaatar Engineering Limited, said to have been the main contractor for most of the abandoned projects. The communities said they are supporting Ikuli to sue Robert to redeem payment for services rendered for Jonathan’s campaign.
The case will be heard at an FCT High Court on the 28th of May, 2015.
The Ogbia people said for the six years they were privileged to have produced the President, the area has little or nothing to show for it, as most of the jobs approved were awarded to companies owned by Jonathan’s friends.
They said the contractors have refused to execute the jobs and Jonathan has equally refused to call them to order.
Top on the list is Kakaatar Engineering Limited, a company formerly known as Mangrovetech Engineering Limited which controls over 80 per cent of the contracts in the area that have been abandoned.
They said this agitation became necessary as the government of their son winds up and their only hope now is the belief that the fear of General Buhari will be the only reason these contractors might resume work in the area.
Some of the awarded jobs they are begging Kakaatar to execute are:
*.Shore erosion control works at Akipilai, Ayakoro and Otuoke
towns awarded by the Ministry of Transport at a cost of N7,503,344,599.
*.Construction of 2000 rooms hostel at Federal University, Otuoke at a cost N4 billion. It was awarded by NDDC.
*.Otuoke/Ikima Internal road network of N4 billion awarded by NDDC.
*.Opume/Okoroba 9.5 Km Road at the cost of N10 billion.Also awarded by NDDC.
*.Bayelsa State Cargo Airport (Sandfilling) 4 Million Cubic of Sand at N10 billion.
The Ogbia people said they have compiled all the abandoned projects in a petition they are giving to the EFCC, since Jonathan has refused to call his friends to order.
Outside Ogbia and Bayelsa, Kakaatar is also linked with various contracts. Some of them are: NIMASA awarded
shipbuilding/dockyard construction (civil and infrastructure), Delta State at the cost of N18,457,283,591.91.
FCTA awarded provision of engineering infrastructure, Kyami District, Abuja at the cost of N60,887,492,656.65. Others are FCT awarded Karshi-Ara road in FCT at a cost of N4,097,185,656.30 and Federal Ministry of Works awarded 14km Mbaise-Ngwa road in Imo state at the cost of N2.94 billion. http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/05/20/jonathan-a-prodigal-son-say-kinsmen/ 
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| Politics / FG Seeks Secret Trial Of Biafra Activists by fkaz(m): 11:47pm On May 19, 2015 |
The Federal Government has applied for closed-door trial in the treason charge against Benjamin Onwuka, a lawyer and 11 others, members of the Biafra Zionist Federation, a group campaigning for the secession of eastern Nigeria from Nigeria. The excised territory will be declared as Biafra, like the one declared 48 years ago.
At a resumed hearing on Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Enugu, the prosecuting counsel, Mr David Kaswe, prayed the court to exclude members of the public from further hearing on the matter.
Kaswe said that the application when granted would enable his remaining witnesses to testify in the matter.
He said two of his witnesses that had yet to testify in the matter were not disposed to doing that in the public as they had received threats to their life.
The prosecuting counsel said that the application was in the best interest of justice.
The Defence Counsel, Mr Olu Omotayo, opposed the motion on the grounds that the matter commence in the full glare of the public.
He said that the court would err if it granted such application as according to him, there had not been any breach of order since the commencement of the trial.
At the resumed hearing, the court admitted as exhibits 46 empty bottles of beer, 25 litres of petrol, 15 cutlasses and six CD tapes.
A Prosecution Witness, Cpl. Michael Udemba, said that the exhibits were recovered from the suspects on the day of their arrest.
Udemba said that the empty bottles and fuel were to be used as explosives to set the premises of Enugu State Broadcasting Service ablaze.
The Judge, Justice D.V. Agishi, adjourned the matter till June 10 for ruling on the closed-door trial application and continuation of hearing.
The suspects have been in custody since June 2014. They were arrested for alleged invasion of ESBS in an attempt to make a broadcast for the secession of Biafra.
In 1967, the military governor of Eastern Nigeria, Emeka Ojukwu had driven the region to self rule, as Biafra. But the rebellion was crushed three years after by Nigeria’s Federal forces 
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| Politics / Hate Campaign Not Responsible For Pdp’s Defeat – Fani-kayode by fkaz(m): 11:12pm On May 19, 2015 |
Mr Femi Fani-Kayode has debunked claims that hate campaign by some members of PDP Presidential Campaign Orgnaisation caused its loss at the March 28 presidential election.
Fani-kayode, who served as Director of Media and Publicity of the organisation, spoke with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said President Goodluck Jonathan would have lost the presidential election by at least 10 million votes but for the intervention of his campaign team.
He was reacting to recent accusation by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) that the electoral misfortune that hit the party after the 2015 elections was due to hate campaigns by the party`s campaign organisation.
Fani-kayode, who described some members of the party`s NWC as “enemy within us”, alleged that two members of the committee were working for the opposition in the course of the election.
He described most members of the NWC as ignorant of party campaigns, adding that the campaign organisation “stood up for the party, fought for the President and did not betray the cause.”
While calling for the resignation of the NWC, Fani-Kayode defended the media strategy used by the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation.
He also exonerated the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State of blame in the loss of the party.
Fani-kayode contended that while Jonathan was constantly under serious hostile pressure during the campaigns, the First Lady encouraged the organisation and inspired its members more than anyone else.
“I do not want to rock the boat out of respect for our President and our party elders; otherwise I would say a lot more that will shock the nation and the party faithful.
“I have a whole file on it which we compiled during the campaign. Two members of the NWC specifically were actually working for the APC and were on their payroll’’, he said.
Their job, he added, was to destroy the PDP fortunes, expose its secrets, create discord in its ranks and undermine the efforts of the campaign organisation in the media campaign.
“That is just one shocker and there are plenty more. The time to talk is not now. That time will come.
“You will be shocked by what we know about these people and their sordid efforts to stop Jonathan and betray their own party.
“The truth is that the NWC has to go and I add my voice to that of Govs. Aliyu Babaginda, Sule Lamido, Ayodele Fayose and that of so many other people’’, he said.
He added that there was need for a change at the top if the PDP was serious about forging party unity.
“This is critical to restoring its fortunes, redeeming it and winning the election in 2019.’’
Fani-Kayode, who described the APC media machine as awesome, maintained that for the first time since the establishment of APC, they were put on the defensive by the PDP presidential campaign organisation.
He, however, added that the PDP “must remain free of acrimony, united and focused”, stressing that they must “throw out the bad eggs in the NWC.
“In order to survive over the next four years as a party, we must make the necessary changes at the top; otherwise we will be utterly decimated.
“The present leadership of the party, particularly its information organ, has no chance of standing against an APC Federal Government because they are weak and lack understanding and courage.
“They will be savaged beyond belief and torn apart if they try it because they do not have the stomach, the grit, the appetite or the wherewithal for a long drawn fight’’, he said.
He held that instead of preparing to defend the party faithful and fortunes of its members over the next four years, they were making allegations and alienating many party leaders.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/hate-campaign-not-responsible-for-pdps-defeat-fani-kayode/ |
| Politics / Re: Dino Melaye Shows Off His Lamborghini & Home by fkaz(m): 10:56pm On May 19, 2015 |
1 Like |
| Politics / Re: Dino Melaye Shows Off His Lamborghini & Home by fkaz(m): 4:34pm On May 19, 2015 |
Charly68:
This man is using his number 6 to make good money. He is receiving alot of cool cash from his NGO supporters from abroad. Many Nigerians though he is just making noise like that but the truth is for every noise he makes he earn cool Dolars for it. Brain and brown . My thought, Dino is a WHISTLE-BLOWER who is been founded by big politicians, businessmen and international bodies. That job is lucrative, if you have all necessary arsenal @ your disposal |
| Politics / Re: Man Who Started Buhari Handshake Controversy Pictured Dancing With A Female by fkaz(m): 3:37pm On May 19, 2015 |
“They Have Started Digging The Pictures I Took During
My University and NYSC Days, Trying To Find My
Faults.
The guy is a crook, the picture is a recent picture dated december 2014, not up to a year and he is talking as if he took the picture a decade ago 13 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics / Re: Dino Melaye Shows Off His Lamborghini & Home by fkaz(m): 2:28pm On May 19, 2015 |
goodgate:
He's been a business man since before politics. What kind of business is Dino melaye into? |
| Politics / Re: Dino Melaye Shows Off His Lamborghini & Home by fkaz(m): 2:26pm On May 19, 2015 |
kay29000:
Can you imagine...a public officer has a Lambo. That car cost like $200...That's like 40 million Naira. Na wa o! And he has the guts to show it off. Anyway,if you have problem lasting long in bed, hit me up on BBM- 7C22F6EC. Bros na you give Dino public officer? |
| Politics / Re: Asari-Dokubo Convenes A Meeting On The Next Phase Of The Niger Delta Struggle by fkaz(m): 2:24pm On May 18, 2015 |
Mogidi:
They needed change and we needed change too, lets change to groundnut and cocoa production.
Enough of the environmental damage. Where was Asari when ISAAC BORO fought on the side of nigeria army against the Biafrans? Today the man is a HERO for delivering the Ijaws from the hands of Biafrans and you are here celebrating him also. 6 Likes |
| Politics / 3,900 Migrants, Others Arrested As S’africa Begins Crackdown by fkaz(m): 12:29pm On May 18, 2015 |
More than 3,900 people, including 1,650 migrants, have been arrested in South Africa during a police crackdown following April’s deadly xenophobic violence, authorities have said.
“We are satisfied that we have stabilised the situation and further loss of life has been prevented,” the government said in a statement released on Sunday.
“Security agencies continue to work around the clock to protect both foreign nationals and South African citizens against any attacks.”
Some 2,260 South Africans have also been arrested on a variety of charges since the operation began.
“We will, in the next weeks and months, accelerate our efforts to take back public buildings that have been hijacked, either by foreign nationals or by South Africans; rid our townships and villages of drugs… that are destroying the lives of many young people,” the government statement said.
The crackdown came after at least seven people were killed as mobs hunted down migrant workers from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and other African countries, forcing hundreds of terrified families to abandon their homes.
The arrests of the so-called “illegal” migrants have prompted concerns that the government is fanning xenophobic sentiment, though authorities have denied that the operation targeted foreigners.
In April, authorities launched a joint operation between the police, Ministry of Home Affairs and the army, targeting undocumented foreign nationals across the country. Human Rights groups and activists have described Operation Myala, that has resulted in at least 750 arrests so far, as “state xenophobia”.
The police operation was strongly criticised during a rally on Saturday in a migrant neighbourhood in Johannesburg.
http://www.punchng.com/news/3900-migrants-others-arrested-as-safrica-begins-crackdown/ |
| Politics / Re: Oil Platform Fabrication: Ijaw Youths Draw Battle Line by fkaz(m): 11:52am On May 18, 2015 |
theV0ice:
@the bold, don't you think it's also Mr Jadesinmi's prerogative to site his investment in an environment where he feels it's safe and better for his operations? remember he's a private citizen and the FG didn't give him a dime to establish it.
before LADOL was set up, Oil companies used to send these projects outside Nigeria. Is Lagos not closer to you in the ND than taking the project to say a place like Aberdeen or Florence? What i expected GEJ to do is encourage the young ND guys he's empowered financially to set up something similar in bayelsa then get the oil majors to give them some of the contracts that emanate from the industry from time to time. I'll be very surprised if no ND youth works at LADOL which is 1000 times better than the Asari example i used.
Not asking a man to move his life's work at a whim just to tell your people you remember them when he was on sleeping and dulling mood for the 5 years of his presidency.
Asari like a lot of other Nigerians have businesses abroad like you said which is why we shouldn't frustrate a Nigerian who sites his investment in Nigeria even if it's not in the ND
Thanks for your civility by the way  Well said |
| Politics / Re: Oil Platform Fabrication: Ijaw Youths Draw Battle Line by fkaz(m): 7:29am On May 18, 2015 |
When you read the story of the court case on thisdaylive, you will realise that the whole issue is between LADOL and INTELS. The new NPA chairman sanusi lamido Adobayero appointed by goodluck jonathan is said to be a stake holder in INTELS and INTELS is the company managing the three terminal port in niger-delta where he want LADOL to relocate it properties to. Sanusi Adobayero is working for his own personal interest and not for niger-delta, i hope buhari sack him when he assume office. 1 Like |
| Politics / Outraged Nigerians Blast Govt Over 6.4% Unemployment Claim by fkaz(m): 8:12am On May 17, 2015 |
Despite rampant unemployment across the country, the Nigerian government says the proportion of people without jobs has plummeted dramatically from 28 per cent to just 6.4 per cent, meaning France has a higher percentage of unemployed people than Nigeria, and the United States and United Kingdom barely managed to beat Nigeria by a mark.
Unemployment rate in France stands at 10.6 per cent, while the U.S. and U.K. have 5.5 per cent each.
Nigeria’s new rate, unveiled this week by the National Bureau of Statistics as the outcome of a revised methodology for calculating unemployment, has angered many Nigerians.
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Yemi Kale, had announced on Thursday that Nigeria’s unemployment rate, which stood at about 28 per cent by the 4th quarter of 2014, crashed to the new rate.
The revised methodology for computing unemployment statistics reduced Nigeria’s official work hour benchmark from 40 to 20 hours a week, leaving the possibility of categorising millions of underemployed Nigerians “employed”.
Work hours are the average number of hours a person is expected to complete in a week to be considered employed.
Nigerians who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES described the new figure variously as “delusionary”, “politically motivated”, “unserious” and “fallacious”.
Mr. Kale said if his bureau relied on the International Labour Organisation, ILO, which sees the “unemployed” as persons in the labour market who put in less one hour at work per week, Nigeria’s rate would have plunged further, and virtually all Nigerians would be seen as employed.
A revision of the ILO definition to Nigeria’s initial 40 hours per week, Mr. Kale said, resulted in an unemployment rate of 23. 9 percent in 2010, a figure many Nigerians dismissed as false.
But government experts considered that figure inadequate, arguing that persons who put in as much as 39 hours per week cannot be considered unemployed.
The NBS boss noted the difference between unemployed and “not having work”, saying that only those within the working age of 15 and 64 years and looking for work, but cannot find, are considered unemployed.
“When those in the age brackets of 0-15 years and 65 and above are removed, all others in the economically active population who are not working are either not available or willing to work, not unemployed, like student and full-time housewives,” Mr. Kale said.
Outraged Nigerians React
For the Country Director, PLAN International, Hussaini Abdu, the 6.4 per cent rate is far from realistic. He said 34 per cent would be close to the true figure.
“The truth is that the NBS has been under tremendous pressure from the World Bank and the Minister of Finance to review these indices,” Mr. Abdu said. “The review was basically to reduce the negative expression about unemployment, just as they said poverty level was 53 percent.”
Mr. Abdu said unemployment statistics are too serious to be politicised, particularly at a time Nigeria is having a political transition.
“Changing figures on paper does not reduce the number of the unemployed in the job market. This is a very unserious way to deal with a national problem. If we say unemployment is 6.4 per cent in Nigeria, are we saying we are better off than France, UK and U.S. with higher unemployment figures?
“How do we explain to millions of young Nigerians out in the street looking for jobs? Is government telling them that what is their major problem is not too much a problem? Mr. Abdu stated.
A former President-General, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN), Peter Esele, was not amused either, as he described the new rate as “fallacious and deceitful”.
“If government’s is to be believed, it should reflect in the amount of tax they are collecting”, the labour leader said. “This is the globally acceptable standard for measuring employment situation in a country.
“If government is saying almost the entire population are employed and it is not reflected in the tax collected, then something is wrong with the government.”
If one considers the U.S., Mr. Esele said, one hour job for a week would be enough for the person to live very well with his earning, pointing out that in Nigeria’s case, one hour’s work is dependent on other people.
“If government is saying the unemployment situation is 6.4 percent, does our standard or quality of living the same as those places they are copying? The figure is a huge fallacy,” he said.
The Chief Executive Global Analytics Consulting Limited, Tope Fasua, who described the 6.4 per cent unemployment figure as delusionary, said the situation is not one that Nigerians would be deceived, as everybody knows the truth.
“We have passed the stage of always wanting to look good. The experience with the Minister of Finance about the economy should be enough lesson for us. We cannot continue to want to look good when we are faced with a serious problem.
“We say Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, and one of the fastest growing in the world. What’s the reality on ground?” Mr. Fasua asked.
He said the country’s assessment of unemployment situation in the country should begin from secondary school, where a greater population of youths in the past used to begin to look for job immediately out of school.
Government should pay special attention to this group of people, as they are ones doing the odd jobs, selling things at bus stops and are easily attracted to crimes as a result of poverty.
The Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ), Eze Onyeknpere, described the 6.4 per cent figure as unreasonable estimate, which he does not want to waste his time commenting on.
“When we look around and see our brothers, sisters and relations either without jobs, because there is none to look for, or they have been sacked, we don’t know what else one can say about unemployment,” he said.
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/183054-outraged-nigerians-blast-govt-over-6-4-unemployment-claim.html 
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| Politics / Re: Presidency Orders Relocation Of $500m Port Project To Bayelsa by fkaz(m): 11:34am On May 15, 2015 |
Ababadada:
Whichever way you look at it the project suppose to be in Bayelsa. Lagos never have a drop of oil, bayelsa has been feeding the nation for over fifty years. Yet you are complaining this one project. If Buhari mistakenly reverse it, we will stiffly resist it. Who approve the project to be sited in lagos state at first? You think $500million investment is a joke that you can toy with anyhow? If you read the letter carefully, you will see that the president directed that the fabricating & integrating yards should sited in his own state bayelsa while the floating production storage and offloading(FPSO) vessel should be sited in either warri in delta state, calabar in cross river state or onne port in rivers state. If president jonathan is not trying to be mischievous or fooolin himself, why did he not site both the fabricating yard and FPSO in either warri or ph, Since he knows that bayelsa don't have port terminal which is very important. 2 Likes |
| Politics / Re: Presidency Orders Relocation Of $500m Port Project To Bayelsa by fkaz(m): 10:29am On May 15, 2015 |
kel4soft:
You should know about a topic before commenting. That project, I repeat, was never meant to be in Lagos State, it was just a ploy to win the votes of the SW that made Jonathan to site the project there. What BUSINESS are you talking about my friend? I doubt if you know the nature of the business before typing this gibberish. Mind you, I voted for Buhari. "CITING presidential order, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has directed the management of LADOL Integrated Logistics to relocate its ongoing $500million fabrication and integrated yards project in Takwa Bay within Apapa pilotage area in Lagos State to Aggey, Bayelsa State. But the company’s management described the directive as “shocking’’ and out of tone with the agreement it entered into with its technical partners and the federal government Did chief & mrs Oladipo jadesime enter any agreement with FG to build the company in bayelsa state? Who is financing the project? The company decide where they want to site their project and that is all. If the company refuse to go to bayelsa, jonathan should look for another investor simple, He can't force them. 6 Likes |
| Politics / Re: Presidency Orders Relocation Of $500m Port Project To Bayelsa by fkaz(m): 10:06am On May 15, 2015 |
CaptainOjemba:
Next time you are quoting Captain, always abstain from from insult, not everybody here is your mate Ok sir, but stop making comments that makes you look childish online. 3 Likes |
| Politics / Re: Presidency Orders Relocation Of $500m Port Project To Bayelsa by fkaz(m): 9:09am On May 15, 2015 |
CaptainOjemba:
Reverse it and touch the oil in delta? This is a big trap set for him. Which mumu trap are you talking about? The project is private public partnership, jonathan has fifteen(15) days to go, if buhari assume office may 29th and the company insist that they don't want to go to bayelsa. Buhari has know option than to reverse the project back to lagos, since the project is run by a private company. Jonathan should go and look for a private investor that will build that of bayelsa. 6 Likes |
| Politics / Re: Jonathan Orders $500m Oil Project Moved From Lagos by fkaz(m): 8:48am On May 15, 2015 |
SLIDEwaxie:
u really dnt understand what he stands to gain as royalty bro? there is both financial and societal gain on sighting it to bayelsa. besides, he will be a god amongst his people, they needed it most there. that's just one thing he got right for his people since he's been in politics Remember this is private public partnership project, if mrs jayesimi of LADOL decide not to go to bayelsa, that will be the end of the project. Jonathan should go and look for a new investor that will build that of bayelsa and allow that of lagos to continue, simple. |
| Politics / Re: Jonathan Orders $500m Oil Project Moved From Lagos by fkaz(m): 8:11am On May 15, 2015 |
SLIDEwaxie:
well, apart from the sentiment being attached there, I think Bayelsa needed it most. that state is a ghost Town and no work dey there.
its a good move though, but just to spite the SW.
who cares?  The question here is that, is the president just realising that the project is suppose to be sited in bayelsa state? Even when the project is already half way? Moreover this is a private/public project. |
| Politics / Jonathan Orders $500m Oil Project Moved From Lagos by fkaz(m): 7:29am On May 15, 2015 |
President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that a $500 million oil and gas investment project be relocated from LADOL Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Lagos to Agga in Bayelsa State,The Nationlearnt yesterday.
The project is a partnership between LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise and Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea.
The two companies are to build fabrication and integration yards for Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility for the use of local and foreign-owned oil companies.
The multi-million dollar project is in phases, and billed to be completed in the next five years.
The project is said to have reached an “advanced stage” before Jonathan issued a directive that it should be relocated.
The directive, contained in two letters dated April 27, was signed by Mr A.B Mohammed, a general manager with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Mohammed signed the letters on behalf of the NPA Managing Director, Sanusi Ado Bayero, who is believed to be a stakeholder in Intel, an oil and gas logistics firm in Rivers State– an allegation he has denied in newspaper advertorials.
The letters read: “Pleased be informed that Mr President has vide PRES/99/MT/2/22 of April 20 approved the FPSO project be relocated to Agga in Bayelsa State when the facilities to handle such operations are developed.
“In addition, the project can be conveniently located at any designated oil and gas terminal. Please be informed that Mr President has approved, henceforth, all oil and gas related cargoes must be handled only in the designated terminals in Onne, Warri and Calabar Ports.
The letters added: “In view of this, vessels coming to Nigeria with oil and gas related cargoes, excluding petroleum products, are advised to first go to the appropriate concessioned terminals to be cleared by Customs and other relevant authorities, terminal operators and shipping firms.”
The Managing Director, LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise, Dr Amy Jayesinmi, said the timing of the letters was wrong.
She said the directive was ill-conceived, and capable of destroying the gains made by the partners in the project.
She said the directive to relocate the project to Bayelsa was part of efforts to destroy the potential local operators who are bent on deepening their participation in the oil and gas sector.
She said the letter was diversionary in content, advising stakeholders not to allow their attention to be distracted.
Mrs. Jayesinmi said efforts were being made by oil and gas operators to build one of the biggest floating vessels in the world, as well as making Nigeria the oil and gas hub in West Africa, adding that nothing would frustrate that efforts.
She added: “We got the two letters the same day: a day after the appointment of the new MD of NPA. I want to make it clear that we (LADOL) do not have problems with NPA because they are using our facility.
“NPA has an office in LADOL Free Trade Zone. NPA had severally said LADOL is the largest private investor in its facility. By the end of 2017, LADOL would have invested $500million in NPA facility. Technically, it is not appropriate for the project to be relocated to Bayelsa, the President’s home state.’’
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/jonathan-orders-500m-oil-project-moved-from-lagos/ 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics / Re: Ten Places Buhari Can Get A Trillion Naira Within 90days In Office by fkaz(m): 5:09pm On May 14, 2015 |
Although the out-going government has started recovering money from the biggest fraud in civil service and pension called "ghost workers. This is one area buhari administration need to look into when he assume office, most states governor today claim they can't pay workers salary, because the wage is too much and are now looking for bail out from GMB. But in my opinion, 50% of workers salaries are meant for "ghost workers , that is their latest conduit pipe for looting. This is where most politicians, permanent secretary, director generals are looting nigerian wealth, they are the biggest thief. GMB should carried out a comprehensive biometric screen to know the number of FG civil servant and pensioner on their payroll, if possible states and local government should also do the same, nigeria gov't will save a lot of cash and create employment for the youth. 20 Likes 2 Shares |
| Politics / Indonesian Embassy In Nigeria Receives Terror Threat by fkaz(m): 4:58pm On May 14, 2015 |
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir confirmed on Thursday that the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, had received a terror threat.
The Nigerian police are investigating the terror threat, which was
sent by a group identifying itself as MOG.
“In principle, all threats aimed at Indonesian embassies, consulates and diplomatic staff are taken seriously. We have a standard procedure to respond to such threats,” he said.
Arrmanatha explained that after receiving the terror threat, the embassy coordinated with Nigerian security authorities and was accessing to what extent the embassy, envoys and diplomatic staff would be affected.
He said the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Australia, received a similar terror threat recently and after adequate analysis, several certain steps were taken to minimize the threat.
http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/05/indonesian-embassy-nigeria-receives-terror-threat/ |
| Politics / Re: Mu’azu Wanted Ambode As PDP Gov Candidate – Akiolu by fkaz(m): 2:06pm On May 13, 2015 |
You just said Agbaje is your blood relative. Won’t your family be upset that you went against your own blood to support another person? I am supporting the progress of Lagos, I am not against him. After the election, I spoke to him in the morning. Alhaji Lateef Okunnu and I spoke to him and later that day, I heard that he congratulated Ambode. You know, there are some people that do things on their own while some others are influenced to do things. Agbaje is a very matured person and comes from a very good background but their own understanding of things is different from my own. A week to the governorship election, there was a meeting with Igbo leaders at your palace where you said they would perish in the lagoon if they did not vote for Ambode. Look, let me tell you something, if you know me, you will know the kind of person that I am. I am not God. I can be confident on some things and if it is the will of God Almighty, it will come to pass. But before that, what I know is that the people of Lagos suffered for no just cause, and those among them who are members of the PDP did not like the injustice (withholding of federal allocations) that was being meted out to the people of Lagos at that time but they did not want to talk. That is hypocrisy which is not good. At that time, I was confident according to the wisdom of God. It was on May 14, 2014 when I was invited to Ambode’s book launch. I asked them what book launch they were doing. I told them that they could call it a book launch if they wanted but I had seen it in my palace in Iga Idugaran that Ambode would be the next governor of Lagos State and that God would make it so. And I prayed to Olokun Olosa (the gods of the sea) to make it so and it came to pass. I am not God but with prayers and the support of everyone, you will see how well he will perform. And it is the wish of this present governor that the person taking over from him should do better than him. Governor Babatunde Fashola has done a lot. We are equal in the eyes of God but we are not equal in the love of God. So what is your relationship with the Igbo community? Some Igbo people are my very close friends like Pascal Dozie (Chairman, MTN Nigeria). Even the Obi of Onitsha came here to see me a few days ago. The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), and many others know the kind of person I am.
If you go to the Dosunmu and Nnamdi Azikiwe areas of Lagos Island, you will see my many valuable commercial properties. In fact, 99 per cent of them are occupied by Igbo people. All the medicine sellers in Isale Eko, nobody dare molest them in those areas because they know me and know that I will protect the Igbo traders.
Eze Odimegwu, who is a former CEO of Nigerian Breweries, is still my best friend and many others. When you go to a place, you have to respect the host leaders, particularly the traditional leaders there because you are coming to benefit from our success. The people of Lagos are the friendliest and most accommodating people in Nigeria. Those who orchestrated the entire incident (the lagoon incident) know themselves and I tell you, those who came here on that day understood me a lot and have even been coming since then. After we had that discussion on that very day, they all sat down and ate pounded yam and panla (fish) and drank wine. We were all in a happy mood. The few incurable bad people wanted to twist the issue for political gain and were talking nonsense. That is their headache. I don’t want to say much but the man who spearheaded this thing was the one that first approached me and said that he would bring some of the Igbo people that won election to me and that he wanted me to appeal to my son, Bola Tinubu, for him. He wrote a letter of appeal in his own handwriting and everything is still in my possession but I will leave that for now. His life is all about money but there is no happiness in that money and that is what is disturbing him now, pushing him here and there.
About four Igbo have been elected to the House of Representatives and House of Assembly in Lagos. What is your view of this new trend of non-indigenes dominating Lagos politics? Well, if they say they have won, then good luck to them. And if it is the choice of the people for these candidates to represent them, they should go and represent them in the best interest of Lagos and Nigerians. The man that allegedly promised to hand them the deputy governorship slot and four commissioner positions and elevate the status of Eze Ndigbo to that of Oba of Lagos has since denied it. It was all a political gimmick because I am sure they know that he was only deceiving them. As a matter of fact, prominent traditional rulers in the South-East have been writing us to say that they are not happy about the large number of Eze in Lagos and they are not happy that we recognise them here in Lagos. I told them that Lagos accommodates everybody but if they want to behave in excess and go beyond their bounds, we will bring them to order by the grace of God. If Agbaje contests again in 2019 or 2023, will you give him your blessing? He is a Nigerian. He can contest 20 times. It is his inalienable right to contest and God Almighty and any occupier of this house, anything he feels will be in the best interest of his people is who he will bless. What do you see of President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat?
I am not hiding it. I have personal respect for President Jonathan and he has the highest regard for me and he knows my stand on the politics of Lagos. When he came to Lagos to campaign, I did not hide my admiration for him. He came to pay homage to me here in the palace before campaigning. I first met him when he came with the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Yar’adua’s brother and I were very close. I took Arabic lessons in their late father’s house in Ikoyi when he was a Minister for Lagos Affairs. Yar’adua came with my good friend, Bode George and on that day, I saw that sign of leadership on Jonathan and I told them to bring a special chair for him. But whatever you have is what you use in winning. When a matter is in court, I should not comment on it. By the grace of Almighty Allah and my ancestors in this house, the Governor-elect, Ambode, will rule for eight years with a good performance. http://www.punchng.com/politics/muazu-wanted-ambode-as-pdp-gov-candidate-akiolu/ 4 Likes |
| Politics / Mu’azu Wanted Ambode As PDP Gov Candidate – Akiolu by fkaz(m): 2:05pm On May 13, 2015 |
Out of the numerous governorship candidates in Lagos State why didyou choose Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress as your candidate?
It is only Almighty Allah that knows everything. Let me be honest with you, I do not play politics. But if you look at things, you have to consider what is best for the development of your people and the one that can bring good tidings for your people. From 1999 to 2007, when Bola Tinubu led the government, it was by the grace of God and prayers of Lagosians and my ancestors that saved us from what somebody who I don’t want to mention did. I will not mention his name because I have been persuaded by our highly respected Awujale in Ijebu Ode, and Tinubu. Sincerely, if I disclose some things, it will shake this country. I am not afraid of anything, I swear by Almighty Allah. But a tortoise does not come out completely from its shell; you only see its head. When that problem (withholding of Lagos State allocation) started, I prayed to God. In my life, I do not condone criminality and I don’t encourage it. Somebody somehow, because of his desperation and because he felt after Almighty Allah in Nigeria, it is himself, wanted to destroy by all cost, Tinubu and some other people but as God would have it, that didn’t happen. What Ambode displayed at that time impressed me. Despite all the tribulations, he stood firm and his loyalty and commitment to the progress of Lagos State impressed me and since then, I have been having my eyes on him that may be in the future, if the opportunity presents itself, and he has the opportunity of becoming something in Lagos, I will encourage him in his aspirations.
You said you don’t play politics. But would you have supported Ambode if he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party?
Well, I can tell you in all honesty, I went to Mecca as the head of Nigerian delegation and I met the present Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu. He is someone I have known for a long time. He is a very close friend. In Mecca, there was nothing he did not say to convince me to support his party. He told me support him but I told him what Almighty Allah had shown to me regarding Ambode. He said I should convince Ambode to defect to the PDP and they would adopt him as their candidate but I said I no. I told him that I did not hate the PDP. Some very good people there are my friends. The late Funsho Williams was very close to me and I had a very high regard for him. He was a peace lover. When he was murdered, I was shaking. Some top PDP chieftains were arrested over his murder. By the grace of Almighty Allah, I, the Oba of Lagos, requested and demanded that they be released. I went to the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti to shout at the police to release them because one officer said something which I would not want to disclose and I said that if anything happens to the former Minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, I would expose them and I was instrumental to his release. He is still alive and is still my very good friend. I was in his house about two weeks ago and he comes here every time. So, it is not a question of hate. My concern is the growth, development and the best for Lagos and Nigeria.
But you once said it was not the will of God for the PDP to rule Lagos. Does it mean that if a qualified person from the PDP steps forward, that person can never be governor?
There are still good people in the PDP. I am not saying that. Don’t misquote me. There are many good people like Ade Dosunmu and even Jimi Agbaje, who is my blood relation. But it is unfortunate because there are some things I don’t want to disclose. Their hatred of Bola Tinubu is the mistake they are making. He is an individual they don’t understand. You know Jesus said in the Bible that ‘Father please forgive them for they know not what they do’. And the Tinubu that they wanted to destroy, see what God has helped him to do for Nigeria. The Bible said the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. The art of politics and getting things done for now, can only be done through Bola Tinubu, which they do not understand. Some people say I always agree with him and it is because they do not know me. I have no friend or enemy and I don’t have a reservoir of knowledge but God has found me worthy. We argue on many occasions and at times, he suggests reasonable things which I concur with but sometimes, I will convince him to accept my own and as a son to a father, he has no choice but to obey me. 5 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics / Re: Group Condemns Appointment Of Non-Yoruba As NPA Boss. by fkaz(m): 9:01am On May 13, 2015 |
The probability that president Muhammudu Buhari will sack service chiefs, board chairman & members, nigeria ambassadors and relieve a lot of director general(DG) their appointment, when he assume office may 29th is very high. Since all of them were appointed under president goodluck jonathan regime, buhari need his own men to saddle those position, no need to dissipate energy on this issue.
1 Like 1 Share |
