In as much as i believe in the youth to rule, Sowore is not the better candidate to represent the youth, The president has tried by signing the not too young to run into law, what the youth should do is to sit and watch how things are been done, that will prepare the youth for the task ahead

The pdp does not have to drop some and leave some, they should just understand that they dont have a reliable candidate come 2019, the aspirants in the pdp are not qualified to rule Nigeria, most of them have been involved in corrupt cases, they are the reason why this country is in mess

The principle of checks and balance was really put into use by this administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to uphold and improve the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s judicial and electoral institutions to enhance democratic culture in the country.

I don't see Buhari losing come 2019, this is because he has achieves a lot in less than four years and the patriotic Nigerians who believe in his administration will definitely want to vote him for the continuation of this projects come 2019

I believe that the APC has what it takes to rule the state, Omisore is a man that wants the best for his people, he has said that the decision was made “after due consultations with his party leaderships and members in all the 30 local government areas of Osun State. the apc actually deserve it, Adeleke is popular no doubt, but more is needed to govern a state.

At this stage, the defection is not really the problem any longer, the APC has already done what they have to do to win the peoples vote come 2019, gradually the evil and desperate people that have been causing problems will be leaving one after the other, i think this is a good one for the APC.

Sowore is an individual that is entitled to one vote, He has influence on the people no doubt, he has said that his people should vote for the party that share the same idea with his people, he has said that the decision to work with the APC was arrived at based on the condition he gave that any party that is ready to uphold SDP’s core values would gain his support which is pretty commendable.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved $64 million for power supply to communities around the Escravos area in Delta State.

This was disclosed Wednesday by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, at the end of FEC meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr Kachikwu said the execution of the contract will stop the N18 million spent monthly by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to provide power to the area.

Escravos is located in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. Communities likely to benefit from the provision of power supply include Ugborodu, Ogidigben, Jala, Madagho and Ajidubu.

Escravos also hosts to two major multinational oil companies, Shell and Chevron.

While Shell has three flow stations (Sagara, Otumara and Ogidigbe), Chevron has its flow station offshore.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/286534-fec-approves-64m-contract-for-escravos-power-supply.html

I have always known that it is a scam and I like the fact an in-house person has as well confirmed this. Nigerians should beware

I earnestly wonder why the PDP are acting all jittery. This is not the first time an election re-run is taking place. They should stop raising unnecessary alarm and giving our nation a bad name

It is quite unfortunate how Saraki and Dogara now run the affairs of the NASS like its their personal business. Here they are again seeking political offices as though Nigerians are fools

This again shows our President is an advocate for peace...They wouldn't have picked a better person...Kudos Mr President

Indeed the era of looting and corruption is over. And all culprit must be brought to book

This wont help the pdp in any way, omisore is a single individual that can cast only one vote, the apc is actually doing the needful come on Thursday, He should let the osun people decide, his desperation can make him do anything, the APC should be watchful.

It's funny how Saraki and his gang has decided to play politics with matters of National interest, Nigerians knows that he is trying to buy time with this delay. This man is one of the major problems faced by this administration.

This is a good move by the federal government, this will improve the standard of living not only in that sector but in Nigeria at large. The president should be commended for settling the debt the nation owes those retirees . the change movement is really taking its course.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate release of N20billion so that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU) can revitalise public universities.

The development was confirmed on Monday by Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance.

The news came simultaneously as Ahmed was announcing the President’s approval for the “immediate release” of N22.68bn as part of retirement benefits of ex-workers of the Nigeria Airways Limited (in Liquidation).

“To ensure that these Presidential directives are duly implemented in line with extant Financial Rules, I have constituted a Committee to be headed by the Secretary of Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), Dr. MK Dikwa (Mni),” she added.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/09/24/breaking-buhari-gives-ASUU-n20bn-revitalise-public-universities

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N22.68bn for the payment of retirement benefits to former workers of liquidated Nigerian Airways Ltd.

The amount which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari is about 50 per cent of the N45.3bn entitlements of the former workers of the company.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed said this on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance.

Apart from the N22.8bn for the former aviation workers, she said that the sum of N20bn was approved for the education sector.

She said, “Upon my resumption of office as the minister of finance,some pending fiscal issues in the aviation and education sectors were immediately brought to my attention.

“As such, I took it as a challenge to quickly address key issues regarding the settlement of existing claims in both of these sectors.

“Consequently, upon this, I am happy to inform you that Mr President has graciously approved the sum of N22.68bn and N20bn to aviation and education sectors respectively.”

The minister said the initial outstanding retirement benefits due to ex-workers of the Nigerian Airways based on their submission was N78bn.

She said after a verification exercise by the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit and other relevant stakeholders in line with the condition of service of the liquidated Nigerian Airways Ltd, it was the sum of N45bn was agreed as the total retirement benefits to the affected staff.

“The ex-workers of Nigeria Airways Ltd in liquidation were not paid their retirement benefits for the past 15 years despite the liquidation.

https://punchng.com/breaking-buhari-approves-payment-of-n22bn-to-nigerian-airways-retirees/

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday approved the redeployment of four federal permanent secretaries to various ministries.

Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

She stated that Alhaji Mu’azu Abdulkadir, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel has been redeployed to Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Mrs Georgina Ehuria, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was now deployed to Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel.

“Mr Aliboh Leon, Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation was also deployed to Federal Ministry of Environment.

“Alhaji Suleiman Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, OHCSF has been deployed to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

She directed that all handing-over and taking-over processes should be done on or before Friday, September 28, 2018.

https://punchng.com/fg-redeploys-four-permanent-secretaries/

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for collaborative efforts among nations to fight human trafficking and smuggling of persons.

Buhari made the call at the 16th INTERPOL Conference on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling on Monday in Abuja.

He was represented by Mr Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary, General Service Office, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“Human trafficking requires our collective efforts to eradicate which destroying the future of our youths,” he said.
The President said that Nigeria was among the first set of countries to domesticate United Nations relevant protocols on trafficking in persons and smuggling of persons.

Buhari said that the protocols were at various times domesticated, resulting in the country’s enactment of the trafficking in persons prohibition law enforcement Act and eradication Act 2003 and the 1963 Immigration Act.

He said that the Immigration act empowered the service to combat the smuggling of migrants.

The president said that the country had recorded a landmark in the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

He said that the collaborative efforts of the country’s security agencies had resulted in several interceptions, arrest and prosecution and conviction of 359 traffickers and smugglers.

He urged the INTERPOL and relevant agencies to deepen already established collaboration in order to combat this modern day slavery to a stand still.



Buhari said that collaborative efforts across the international borders would go a long way to identify, arrest and prosecute traffickers and smugglers in their countries of origin.

He called on the INTERPOL to consider Abuja, Nigeria for the location of the proposed Strategic Service Centre.

“Nigeria is ready to play host to the centre and we will avail you with all the necessary assistance within the provisions of the law,” he said.

The president said that unless the country fight corruption, the little resources budgeted for development would be stolen by few elites, exposing the youths to poverty and becoming vulnerable to trafficking and smuggling.

He said that INTERPOL had launched a platform consisting of 110 countries and 150 specialists from immigration, customs and investigative units to exchange information.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 500 participants from 70 countries are attending the conference.

NAN also reports that more than 500 specialists from security agencies, non governmental and international organisations, public and private sectors are also participating.

https://punchng.com/buhari-seeks-collaborative-efforts-among-nations-to-fight-human-trafficking/

The Presidency, weekend, reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to complete the East-West Road project. Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters(Senate), Senator Ita Enang, gave the assurance at a special rally organised by All Progressive Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom North-East senatorial district to support the President’s second term bid and governorship ambition of Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Obong Nsima Ekere, at Uyo Township Stadium. President Buhari departs Abuja for New York ahead of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly on 23rd Sep 2018 Enang, who represented the President, disclosed that the Federal Government has also awarded contracts for the dualisation of Abak/Ekpara Akwa/Ikot Abasi Road, Itu/Calabar Road, among other projects in the state and its environ. Ekere’s promise Also speaking at the event, Obong Ekere, a frontrunner for the governorship ticket, said he would run a united and inclusive government anchored on agriculture, commerce and industrialisation of the state with a view to creating wealth for the people of the state if he emerges. His words: “I will promise you one thing; once you vote for me and APC government in Akwa Ibom State in 2019, we will run a unity government where all our leaders will be honoured. “We will run a government that will look at the interest of all the people of the state; a government that will create wealth in agriculture, commerce and industries. “The Ibaka Deep Sea Port has been abandoned. We must build it. It has the capacity to jump-start the economy and development of the state.” On his part, Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Umana Umana, commended President Buhari for his giant strides, saying the support for him was “truly well founded.” Chairman of the state APC caucus, Otuekong Don Etiebet, said: “I am calling on you (Governor Emmanuel Udom) to throw in the towel and come over and we shall accommodate you. But we have already a governorship candidate.” Also, Senator Godswill Akpabio pledged that an APC government would change the development index in the state for good.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/buhari-ll-complete-east-west-road-presidency/

The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service, to with immediate effect, put an end to the payment of fines by Nigerians holding dual citizenship at the nation’s International Airports.

The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.- Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, stated this in a statement issued by Dr Mohammed Umar, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, in Abuja.

Dambazau, in the statement, said that the directive was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to make movement easy for Nigerians with dual citizenship to come into their fatherland unhindered.



READ ALSO: I am contesting Oyo South Senatorial seat, says Ajimobi

The statement quoted the minister as saying that ” as a new government policy, on no account should any Nigerian traveller holding dual citizenship pay fine for so-called overstay”.

The statement said that the minister restated that it was a crime to ask or pay any money in that regard.

Dambazau stressed that under the new policy, “citizens with dual nationality should only present both travelling documents of their countries of nationality to the immigration officials upon arrival and departure, regardless of whichever they are using to travel”.

He emphasised that the NIS should ensure immediate compliance with the new government directives as government would sanction any Immigration official found collecting such fines henceforth.

The statement said the minister further directed that Nigerians with dual citizenship should report any Immigration official who imposed such charges on them to the appropriate authorities.

https://punchng.com/fg-stops-levy-paid-by-nigerians-with-dual-citizenship-at-airports/

What else will you call a man that selfishly left a party to another and now back again. Garba Shehu clearly describe him

The simple reason why the PDP lost 2015 was because Nigerians wanted things done differently because they were tired of our national cake eaten by certain set of the populace. And it is glaring that corruption has reduced drastically. Nigeria is sure moving forward and backward never. The PDP is advised to sit back and learn proper governance

And this is same Donald Duke that thinks he can rule Nigeria...I laugh in Arabic

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), says it has sacked six of its officers for corruption and official misconduct.

NAPTIP’s head of press and public relations unit, Stella Nezan, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Mrs Nezan explained that the offences committed by the officers included arranging professional sureties for suspects for a fee and providing information about the operations of NAPTIP to outsiders for a fee.

She said the affected officers endangered the lives of their colleagues by so doing.

The spokesperson said some of the sacked officers were involved in the acceptance of bribes and aiding the escape of suspects.

According to her, others made sexual advances to victims of trafficking as a condition for rendering service to them.

She added that one of those sacked was absent from duty without official leave from July 2017 to May 2018, and was also involved in financial misconduct.

The spokesperson disclosed further that one officer was given compulsory retirement for various offences that were inimical to the operations of NAPTIP.

Mra Nezan noted that the offences were categorised under corruption, divided loyalty, sabotage and gross indiscipline, contrary to the civil service regulations.

“This development followed the recommendation of the management of the agency who have found them culpable for various offences.



“This is in line with the disciplinary actions and in-house cleaning embarked upon by the present management to enthrone discipline, dedication, loyalty as well as enhance the operations of the agency,” she stated.

Mrs Nezan said the management’s action was the peak of a series of internal disciplinary measures earlier taken in strict compliance with the provisions of the civil service rules and other extant labour laws.

She said that the attorney-general of the federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had since approved the dismissal of the officers.

The spokesperson quoted the director-general of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, as expressing sadness over the development.

She said that the sack of the officers would enhance the global trust in the agency and serve as a deterrent to others.

“Though it was a difficult decision for management, the agency had to take it as a step in the right direction.

“I am particularly sad over the situation, but the laid down procedures must be followed. The agency is very important not to only the Nigerian government, but the entire global community.

“So we cannot afford to do anything less. I believe that other officers of the agency will take dressing from this development,” she stated. (NAN)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/284690-nigeria-anti-trafficking-agency-sacks-six-staff-for-demanding-sex-bribes-from-suspects.html

IN order to avoid further migration of medical doctors abroad, the Federal Government yesterday appealed to state governors to employ more medical doctors in their respective states and ensure they are well remunerated for effective service delivery. Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole The Minister of Health, Prof.Issac Adewole who made the appeal at the 38th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the resident doctors in Ibadan said the Federal Government has put in place the third national health policy to reposition health sector and improve socioeconomic development of Nigeria. Adewole said: “Health is one of the sectors where you get good return when you invest in it. On our part, we are working hard to reduce matanal motality rate by 30pecent in the few years.” Speaking on many achievements of his ministry in the last three years, Adewole said no serious shortage of doctors in the country, adding that Nigeria has doctors than many countries in Africa. “I will tell you what the situation is in Nigeria and many other African countries. Data from Dental and Medical Services Council revealed that as of May 30th 2018, 88,692 doctors are registered with them. But only 45,000 are practicing. “That is ratio 1 doctor to 4,088. In South Africa, it is ratio 1 to 4, 000 persons. In Cameroon, it is one to 40,000. Our problem is huge imbalance between rural and Urban and diconect between the South and the North.50percent of our doctors can be found in Abuja and Lagos when many facilities in the rural area have no doctors.” “Another problem is that states are not employing them. My appeal is that state governors must employ dosctors. Though many states won’t get doctors because they are not paying them good salaries and good remunerations. “So His excellency ably represented, secretary to the Oyo state government, please use your position at the National Economic Council to appeal to other governors to pay our doctors their dues and wages. That is when you can get doctors. Also, they must equip hospital facilities right from toilet to laboratories.” Also speaking, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Lekan Alli lamemted the resurgence of massive brain drain in Nigeria health sector. He said health has been identified as a cardinal area of utmost importance in human capital and capacity development of his administration. Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Akinlawon Mabogunje decried the massive emigration of Nigeria medical doctors abroad. He said:”In more recent years, Nigeria had been under the attack by an epidemic of massive emigration of Nigeria health workers, most specifically nurses and doctors around the globe, the largest of it kind since 80’s. Currently, Nigeria battles with gross imbalance of doctors-patients ratio with current figure of practicing physician estimated at only 42,000 doctors for 180million population in the country.” The National President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Chinaka Ugochukwu appreciated the government and the members of the association for their support over the years.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/fg-implores-govs-to-employ-more-doctors-pay-proper-remuneration/

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has opened bids to pre-qualify contractors for its 2018 projects with over 1000 participating.

Ben Iloanusi, the NRC director of procurement, revealed this to journalists during pre-qualification exercise at the NRC headquarters, Ebute Meta, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Mr Iloanusi said about 1,000 submissions were received across the various categories.

“The projects numbering 12 as advertised recently by the corporation in some national dailies were bided for by over 1000 companies.

“The projects included emergency repair and maintenance of tracks, bridges and culvert, renovation.

“Also inclusive are upgrade of railway stations nationwide, procurement of locomotives, coaches, wagons, railway inspection vehicles and cranes, rehabilitation of locomotives and coaches.

“Others are procurement, rehabilitation and installation of equipment for mechanical, electrical, security, printing and ICT facilities; procurement of rolling stock consumables and spare parts and provision of insurance services,” he said.

The director further disclosed that the exercise may be concluded by the end of October as the procurement team had been directed to conclude the evaluation process in one month.

Niyi Ali, the director of operations, promised that the process would be transparent, saying the corporation will be fair to all in the pre-qualification and selection stages.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about N12 billion was approved by the Federal Government for the corporation’s projects in the 2018 budget.



Representatives of the various companies were on ground as the team verified the documents submitted by them amid tight security.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/284665-1000-contractors-apply-for-nigerian-railway-corporations-projects.html

Over 100 people have died in floods in several Nigerian states following heavy rains that caused the Rivers Niger and Benue to overflow, the National Emergency Management Agency announced Monday.

The emergency body, NEMA, declared national disaster in the affected states of Kogi, Niger, Anambra and Delta.

Eight other states are being monitored, the agency said. They are Taraba Adamawa, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Benue, Bayelsa and Kwara states.

”More than 100 people have died in floods,” Sani Datti, the agency’s spokesperson, told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

”The four states are in very bad condition; the remaining states are being monitored, but if the conditions of the remaining eight states (deteriorate) they would also be declared a national disaster,” Mr Datti said.

Nigeria has faced flooding in recent years, with hundreds killed and thousands displaced.

Details of the huge number of deaths were not immediately clear, but the BBC quoted NEMA as saying 40 people had died in Niger state alone.

Earlier, the Kano State Government had confirmed the death of 31 people and destruction of more than 10,000 houses during the recent flood disaster in 15 Local Government Areas of the state.

Ali Bashir, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Agency told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday that the cost of the disaster was estimated at over N5 billion.

On Friday, the North-west zone of NEMA said 53 lives were lost to flood in both Katsina and Kaduna states.



Ishaya Chonoko, zonal coordinator of the agency, gave the figures in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

According to him, the agency recorded 51 deaths in Katsina State, two in Kaduna State, while 30 persons were confirmed missing in Jibiya, a border town in Katsina state.

The Presidency said on Friday President Muhammadu Buhari had delegated authority to NEMA boss, Mustapha Maihaja, to declare a “national disaster’’ in the event that anticipated flooding turns a reality in parts of the country, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

The directive followed a warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that Rivers Benue and Niger had almost reached levels that resulted in flooding in 2012.

President Buhari later approved N3 billion for the first stages of preparedness, response disaster mitigation, the NEMA chief said.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/284149-nigeria-declares-national-disaster-as-floods-kills-over-100.html

Some persons obviously thinks Nigeria is a joke...Jumping from a party to another and seeking political offices all for selfish interest. But they should be aware that Nigerians ain't fools

Obasanjo should keep parading himself as the small God of Nigeria...But he should be aware that Nigerians ain't fools anymore cos we decide what we want

The immediate response of Federal Government on the recent flooding in Nigeria is highly commendable. Kudos to NEMA for taking necessary actions