₦airaland Forum

All the 50 medical students of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, are to get automatic employment, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. The appointment was approved by Gov. Kayode Fayemi. The decision of the governor was made known in Ado Ekiti yesterday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode.

The statement said the gesture was part of the present administration’s determination to return the lost glory of education in the state and reward academic excellence. It said the move was also in reaction to the incorrect news making the rounds that the university recently awarded its best graduating students a parltry sum of money.

“The attention of Ekiti State govermment has been drawn to a trending report in the social media on the value of an award instituted by a private organisation in Ekiti State University, Ado – Ekiti. “It is important to state that endowment of prizes and awards is strictly between the donor and the university authorities.

“In line with the administration’s culture of rewarding excellence, some first class students have had the fortune of been sent abroad on scholarship. “This is in addition to giving all Law School students and graduate students in other fields scholarships. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/50-graduating-medical-doctors-of-ekiti-varsity-get-automatic-employment.html

chai

If corruption was an issue of the presence of individual ‘rotten apples’ in the state, it would suffice to arrest such individuals to cleanse the system. That it is not so proves the story of the steel plant of Ajaokuta, Nigeria, where corruption has been the system for decades. With a new legislature and an impending cabinet, what next for Ajaokuta?

Several government changes, commissions of enquiry, senate committees, even arrests, have not been able to stop the bleeding of the tormented Ajaokuta steel manufacturing plant in Kogi State, Nigeria, the second largest in Africa and twelfth largest in the world, for the past four decades. When abundant resources of steel were discovered in the region in the early eighties of the last century, the new steel plant at Ajaokuta was seen as a promising project, meant to generate close to a million jobs and propel Nigeria finally into industrialised manufacturing.

But most of the ten thousand shiny new houses built for prospective mine workers and their families at the time are now abandoned and overgrown with weeds, connected by ghost paths where armed robbers hide. No less than four mining projects turned- plunder-exercises by old and new captors in the past thirty-six years have enriched individual politicians, their bankers and other wealth managers, who managed to lay their claws on the project.

It delivered some steel once, during the first six months of its operations in 1983, and never since. The revivals that weren’t When asked when Ajaokuta would start to produce steel again, the immediate past government minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, responded sagely that the roads in the area should be done up first, because if not, how were you going to transport it to customers? He was right: the roads in Ajaokuta, constructed in the 1980s, are now in a bad state. But remarkably, it was the first time anybody ever asked this question. As if it had never really been a plan to get any actual steel from the mine at the time of any of the other revivals. Today, expired asphalt disintegrates from the base of the expressway to Ajaokuta, exposing the white sharp-edged stones underneath.

The houses around the mining compound have lost windows, doors and corrugated roofing sheets. Behind a large faded gate one can still see the gigantic but now rusty machines, dilapidated factory buildings and abandoned tractors meant for the ambitious steel complex that was meant to change the economic story of Nigeria no less than four times. Wives and children of idling mine workers are hawking fried yam, plantain, corn, bean cakes and fast foods for passing travellers. The Ajaokuta steel plant was first almost completed in 1983. Russian Tyazhpromexport (TPE) had delivered the machines and heavy equipment; Germany’s Julius Berger had fixed the complex network of rail lines from the port to Ajaokuta, while the French had carried out the civil work, including road construction, housing estates, and other foundations for physical structures. The total investment according to a World Bank estimate was over US$ 7 billion.

But since all the contracts had included large slices for the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the money was finished then. “Ajaokuta was a drainpipe for the NPN government. Through Ajaokuta, money was being funnelled from the system into the party,” says Chief Paul Unongo (74), then Minister of Steel Development. “I was forty. I wanted the project to work. We produced steel for six months. But I was made to resign (through political pressure, TA) because I stood in the way of those who wanted to move money from Ajaokuta for selfish purposes.” I was made to resign because I stood in the way A later communication from the US Embassy on Ajaokuta’s history, captured by Wikileaks, confirms:

“According to the GON [Government of Nigeria] and Embassy contacts, since 1979 (the) Ajaokuta Steel Complex has been used as a mechanism to grant contracts to contractors performing substandard work at overinflated prices while providing senior GON [Government of Nigeria] officials with large kickbacks. The GON estimates it has spent at least US$ 5 billion on what was to be Africa’s largest steel production facility, while World Bank estimates put the cost at about US$ 7 billion (not adjusted for inflation). That (…) administration may have thought the project feasible, (…) but within a few months senior GON officials were already siphoning off millions in kickbacks from real and false contracts for the complex’s construction.”

The corruption surrounding the Ajaokuta construction had been so blatant that it contributed to the collapse of Johnson Mathey Bank of London in 1983. According to another Wikileaks cable, Johnson Mathey had acted as “a conduit to transfer hard currency for some party members in Nigeria. A few leading officials and politicians had amassed large amounts of money. They sought to transfer the money out of the country (…) by issuing import licenses (for fictitious items).” The collapse of Johnson Mathey, which had conducted much unsavoury business with many unsavoury clients globally (1), would inaugurate an era of stronger banking controls in the UK.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/vultures-of-steel-ajaokuta-where-corruption-is-the-system.html

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved to a later date judgment in the appeal challenging the academic qualification of President Muhammadu Buhari. A three-member panel of justices presided by Justice Atinuke Akomolafe-Wilson reserved the matter after listening to the arguments of lawyers in the matter.

The appeal was filed by three Nigerian citizens: Kalu Kalu Agu, Labaran Ismail and Hassy Kyari El-Kunis seeking the disqualification of Buhari on the grounds of false information on his educational qualification made in INEC Form CF001. The suit was dismissed by a Federal High Court on May 2.

At the hearing on Monday, Buhari’s counsel, Abdullahi Abubakar, asked the appellate court to dismiss the appeal for being statute barred having not been filed within the mandatory period stipulated by the law. But counsel to the appellants, Ukpai Ukairo insisted that President Buhari was not educationally qualified to contest the February 23 presidential election, adding that copies of his certificates were not attached to form CF001, submitted to INEC for clearance to contest the election.

He denied that the suit was statute barred, explaining that it was filed on November 5, 2018 within the 14 days allowed by law. Counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babatunde Ogala sided with Buhari and urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/a-court-reserves-judgment-in-buharis-certificate-case.html

Current market price can’t sustain production, experts say Crisis looms in the maize production line as local farmers grapple with the continued fall in the price of the produce across the nation’s markets, Daily Trust investigations have shown. The situation is being compounded by the unabated importation of maize despite its being locally produced with surplus.

In 2017, some multinational agro-companies were given temporary waivers to import maize in order to bridge the gap in poultry feeds production.Though, government sources said the waiver only covers the period of the feed crisis, the importers are still doing brisk business at the expense of local producers. Watchers in the sector believe that because of the powerful nature of the importers, they have continued the importation un-checked, which is forcing down the price of maize as well as causing glut in the local market.

“These people, mostly multinational agro-companies, are so powerful. They operate like cabal and they can virtually get what they want from the government even if it is going to affect locals, who only live on what they get from their farms,’’ an agriculturist, Mr. John Oyebode, told Daily Trust on phone Tuesday night. bleeding because of their inability to find good prices for their produce, the waivers granted to some companies to bring in thousands of metric tonnes remains active. The National President of Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Alhaji Bello Abubakar Funtua, had observed that the modest contributions of maize farmers, if complemented by other large-scale maize users, will comfortably create more than one million on-and-off-farm employment in the maize sector alone. He said importation of maize in any form is counterproductive to agricultural development and should be discouraged in its entirety.

Another maize farmer, Pastor Tunji Adenola, who is a former national president of the association, described importation as economic sabotage coordinated by enemies of Nigeria. “We are organized in such a way that whatever quantity of maize someone needs, we get it for them. Why are they interested in importation when we have this produce here?” he queried. Maize everywhere with no buyers Funtua raised the alarm that there is glut of maize in the market with farmers even begging to sell what they have at the current price without buyers.

He said maize production has increased from 15 million metric tonnes in 2015 to 20 million metric tonnes in 2018, adding that the required quantity of maize by all processors in Nigeria was eight million tonnes. A maize farmer, James Kolo, also expressed worry that for some time now, farmers have faced a serious challenge because when they produce maize, the poultry, and fish farmers, including the breweries complained that our maize had a high concentration of aflatoxins, which affect their farms.

“As I’m speaking with you, we have on ground – from last year’s Anchor Borrower the programme, over 10,000 metric tonnes of maize that have been returned as payment by farmers but we have been unable to sell it,” he stated. Also speaking recently in Abuja on the subject, the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Mr Kabiru Mohammed, said the bank’s strategic cooperation with maize farmers resulted in massive production. “As I’m talking to you now, there is a glut in the market on maize because so much has been produced,’’ he said.

Why the current price can’t sustain maize production A look at the cost of production per hectare in Nigeria shows that there are very little farmers can make under the current price regime. An agronomist, Shehu Arowolo, said for a maize farmer to record gain, the price of 100kg bag of maize must be from N10,000 and above, insisting that no meaningful gain can be recorded under the current price of between N7,500 and N8000 depending on the market. He gave an estimated cost of production per hectare to be around N314,000 which averagely can give 40 bags of maize or even less. In the breakdown, he said the cost of land preparation including plough, harrow and ridges can cost N100,000, seeds both hybrids and others- N10,000, Agro chemicals-N26,000, Labour involving planting, thrashing and bagging-N100,000 and transportation-N18,000.

The agronomist, who observed that adequate fertiliser is required for successful maize farming, said an hectare would require about eight bags of NPK fertiliser, which go for N9,000 per bag in the open market and two Urea bags of fertiliser to topdress after four weeks and it costs N7,000 per bag. He said the total amount needed for fertiliser would be around N100,000. Mr Arowolo said if that hectare gives about 40 bags, which is not likely, the farmer will sell them at N320,000 base at the current market price of N8,000 per bag.

The agronomist said it was discouraging for farmer to get N320,00 from an hectare of farm he spends about N314,000 on. He said all things being equal, from the estimate, the farmer would only make N6,000 profit throughout the whole year. “How do you expect such farmer to remain in production when there are other crops he can grow and reap more? That is the challenge in the maize subsector today and no one is talking,’’ he said.

The National President of Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Alhaji Bello Abubakar Funtua, also believes that the current market price of maize in the market can’t sustain production. “Presently, the price of maize is not more than N80,000 per tonne and even far less in some areas. At N80,000 per tonne it can be obtained in markets in South-South, South-West or South-East….in the northern region it is less than that,” Funtua stated. Last year, it cost more than N120, 000 in some places but this year, there is a sharp drop and the gap is widening as the prices are dropping even further to N7,500 – N 7,000 per 100kg bag.

“The farmers are begging for at least N10,000 per 100kg to enable them go back to production but that plea might not see the light of day because of the waiver given to some companies to import, coupled with the country’s weak strategic grains reserve system,’’ he said. The ways out Experts believe that for the government to address the problem, the waivers approved for some people to import maize must be revoked to give room for local patronage.

An Agronomist, Mr Shehu Arowolo, said thousands of local maize farmers must be protected to guarantee self-sufficiency in maize production. He also called for the strengthening of the Nigeria Commodity Exchange on where the farmers can sell their grains with minimum price tag. The Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Mr Kabiru Mohammed, had also called on government to come to the rescue of the farmers through its strategic reserves programme that is being carried out on a yearly basis.

“The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, give out contract for the supply of such grains to the farmers. When that is done, farmers will have the market for their goods and they will be encouraged to do more,” the MD said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/imports-low-prices-hurt-maize-farmers.html

The Presidential Election Tribunal on Thursday opened hearing in the petition filed by the PDP and it candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory with 883 exhibits from Niger State admitted so far. INEC led other respondents to object the admissibility of those electoral materials as exhibits. Justice Mohammed Garba has asked counsel to respondents to objections at a later stage. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/presidential-election-tribunal-so-far-admits-883-exhibits-in-pdp-atiku-petition.html

Governor Nasir el-Rufai has sent to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the name of his Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity, Samuel Peter Aruwan and 10 others as nominees for appointment as commissioners. A statement from Sir Kashim Ibrahim House said upon confirmation by the legislature, the commissioners will run the 14 ministries created in June through an Executive Order.

“All the 11 nominees served in various positions in the first-term of the government. Picking insiders is a deliberate decision to enable the nominees hit the ground running and assist the government to achieve its targets for the second term,” the statement signed by Aruwan, said.

Speaker of the Assembly, Aminu Shagali, yesterday, read out the names of the nominees on the floor the house, saying they would be screened today.Those on the list included Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani (Ministry of Local Government Affairs); Idris Samaila Nyam (Business, Innovation & Technology); Shehu Usman Makarfi (Education); Ibrahim Garba Hussaini (Environment & Natural Resources); Kabir Muhammad Mato (Sports Development); Balaraba Aliyu-Inuwa (Public Works & Infrastructure); Samuel Peter Aruwan (Internal Security & Home Affairs) and Fausat Adebola Ibikunle (Housing & Urban Development).

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/el-rufai-nominates-spokesman-10-others-as-commissioners.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that a formidable team is required for him to deliver his campaign pledges to Nigerians. Speaking when he hosted members of the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) at the State House, Abuja, he said he would work hard to leave the country better than he met it.

Buhari also assured Nigerians that a firm foundation for future generations is being laid. “While there will be those who are determined to drag us back to the bad old days, your visit is timely. It is a exactly a month ago that I was sworn in for a second term in office and the task ahead for the next four years will require a formidable team,” he said.

Describing the BMO as a key communication in the information management asset to his administration, Buhari said their efforts are commendable. “We have just come off a rigorous electioneering campaigns during which I visited all the 36 states of the federation campaigning, seeking the votes of Nigerians and telling them what we have done in the last four years. “I campaign on three simple premises not different from those of 2015; to tackle insecurity, to promote economic diversification and to fight corruption.

Fulfilling these three promises are fundamental to taking Nigeria to the next level. “I assure you that I am resolute on fulfilling these promises and will leave Nigeria will be a far better place than when we came. “It is not an easy job to sell the administration’s successes, we are doing unpopular things and facing powerful individuals and taking on vested interest who are accustomed to the corrupt era. But we must do things the right way, if we promised change, then we must deliver it. This is regardless of whose interest is touched. There must be a manifest departure from the old order. “We are making significant progress and these are evident for all to see.

Despite attempts by enemies to twist and bend facts, most Nigerians know the truth. “I acknowledged your steadfastness in telling the story of this administration’s successes. We will continue to intensify our efforts and ensure that our promises to Nigerians are kept and fulfilled,” he said. Reiterating his determination to end security challenges, Buhari said his efforts are to make Nigeria a peaceful and a prosperous country.

Earlier the chairman of the BMO, Omoniyi Akinsiju, said the Buhari administration has performed more than his predecessors. “Despite twisted narrative about clashes between farmers and pastoralists, your administration has shown the most commitment towards ending these decades-long conflicts; it has produced several strategies and plans aimed at providing a sustainable resolution.

“We are conscious of the need to push your achievements beyond elitists boundary to the millions of silent and media underserved Nigerians at the base of the pyramid. We are resolute that this must be done. We, therefore, respectfully, seek the strengthening of our organization, by a strategic reinforcement of our capacity – through the leadership of Messrs Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu and Laolu Akande,” he said.

Daily Trust reports that Tunde Thompson, a journalist who was imprisoned during the military era of Buhari, under the decree 4 was among the BMO members.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/i-require-formidable-team-to-deliver-buhari.html

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday alleged that the funds siphoned by the immediate past administration in the state was making the state experiencing technical bankruptcy. Makinde spoke in his office when he received members of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan led by the Pro-Chancellor of the institution and Chairman of Council, Dr Waklek Mutka.

He said: “When I came in, we were looking for ways to keep the government running because technically the government of Oyo State is bankrupt.

“If I take it as a private entity, I won’t lend a dime to the government of Oyo State. I will ask them to start winding up proceedings. So, we have been looking for ways to keep the government running.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/oyo-technically-bankrupt-makinde.html

This life sef...rest in peace

Sai baba

Government of the rich and for the rich

Tears as Buhari’s in-law regains freedom after two months in kidnappers’ den Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar Uba, is a retired Customs Controller and a cousin of the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar. He is married to Hajiya Bilki, a niece to President Muhammadu Buhari, He is also the father of Fatima, who is married to the president’s Aide De Camp (ADC), Col. Mohammed Abubakar

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/photos-tears-as-buharis-in-law-regains-freedom-after-two-months-in-kidnappers-den.html

Police authorities in Kano have confirmed that the Magajin Garin Daura, Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, was rescued at Gangan Ruwa Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano state on Monday. Confirming the incident to Daily Trust, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Abdullahi, said the district head was rescued by operatives of the Inspector General of Police’s Operation Puff Adder Intelligence Response Team in collaboration with Kano State Police Command.

He said the operation took place around 20:00hrs on Monday.

Abdullahi added that Magajin Magari was rescued unhurt and arrest made while ammunition were recovered during the operation. He, however, said, “I cannot mention the number of suspects arrested because the operation is still ongoing. The area has been condoned off by our men.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/magajin-garin-daura-police-make-arrest-recover-ammunition-police.html

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asked former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to stand firm in the face of what he termed persecution by the present government. Atiku, in a statement on Tuesday by his Media Office, said it was wrong to use the instrument of state to “persecute” political opponents. ADVERTISEMENT He argued that Saraki, the Director General of his Presidential Campaign Organisation in the recently conducted general elections was one of the most investigated politicians in Nigeria, adding that he had been investigated and prosecuted all the way to the Supreme Court and has prevailed against his accusers.

“I stand against corruption in government, which was why my office personally facilitated the take-off of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), after it was created by then President Olusegun Obasanjo. “However, there is a huge difference between prosecution and persecution.

I am all for prosecuting the corrupt, but I believe it is wrong to use the instruments of state to persecute political opponent. “However, the revival of previously investigated cases, and the fact that Dr. Saraki was politically opposed to the administration of General Muhammadu Buhari seems to give strong grounds for objective bystanders to conclude that his current travails have gone beyond prosecution and are now tending towards persecution. “The laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are made for all and we fought for democracy so that the powers of the state would not be used to suborn tyranny and oppression.

“In the instance, I urge Dr. Bukola Saraki to stand firm and take solace in the fact that Nigerians still hold the constitution higher than any other authority.

“I urge all Nigerians, and especially those tasked with upholding the constitution and the laws of the land, to note that silence in the face of oppression is akin to acquiescence. I, Atiku Abubakar, will always stand up for the constitution and Nigeria,” Atiku said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/stand-firm-in-face-of-persecution-atiku-tells-saraki.html

‘N10bn budgeted for similar project squandered under Jonathan’

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and his Bauchi State counterpart Bala Mohammed yesterday said they are fully in support of the Ruga settlement project aimed at addressing the lingering conflict between herders and farmers in the country. The governors spoke to reporters after they met President Muhammadu Buhari separately at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In an interview, Lalong said the Ruga settlement should not generate controversy with the level of sensitization embarked upon. “I’m a member of the food security committee and I’m a member of the herdsmen/farmers committee. We have gone a long way on this issue. We have come to the conclusion that the only solution that can address the farmers/herders conflict is the ranching policy.

“Remember that at one time we have gone far when some people created controversies by calling it colony. Again we have gone far under the leadership of Mr. Vice President and then we are hearing some other things. What they are talking about is the same thing that we are talking about.

But when they mentioned Ruga, I think it’s particular to a particular tribe but what we are doing is all encompassing and for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said, adding that “in my state, we call it livestock something, it’s not Ruga and we have explained it to people.” Lalong, who is the chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, said they registered for the Ruga settlement project to address the farmers/herders crisis and create employment for the people of Plateau state.

“I have said particularly in my state that livestock rearing and animal husbandry is not a prerogative of one tribe, everybody must get involved in it and that is what I have done in our state when we registered for it. “We said we are going to put in structure in place to encourage youth and right now we are training permanent secretaries and retired civil servants who will also get involved in it so that we can address the insecurity we have in the nation,” he said. Lalong insisted that the federal government has not imposed the programme on any state. “Some states have been mentioned, yes those states applied. Those states said they have lands for it. It is not the federal government that is imposing it on any state.

It has not been imposed on any state, it’s voluntary.” On funding of the project, he said “It’s not only the federal government, the World Bank is involved, Africa Development Bank is involved. If you have a scheme like this, that can take people out poverty, that can bring revenue and address insecurity, you will need to go into it but with due consultations with your state.” The governor said former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan budgeted over N10bn for similar project but the money was squandered.

“Jonathan budgeted about N10bn but we didn’t see the money. If he had done it at that time, we will not be talking about farmers/herders conflicts now. “Under the scheme, the federal government is not taking anybody’s land, the land belongs to the state, it is the state governors who volunteered for the pilot scheme. “Don’t forget, the chairman of our committee is a southeast governor, Dave Umahi.

With due apology to those who are bringing the confusion, they should allow us to move forward and address this farmers/ herders crisis once and for all,” he said. For his part, Mohammed said Bauchi state is fully in support of the project. He said the support is, “because there are more Fulanis in the State, 60 or 70 percent of the population in Bauchi are Fulanis and therefore we must leverage on all these.

“We have illiteracy, insurgency and so many things that are bombarding us in terms of social challenges and security challenges. Definitely we will do that.” He said he met the president to discuss issues concerning Bauchi, adding “we must establish cordial relationship with the federal government because of the serious challenges that we have in development, social and security.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/plateau-bauchi-govs-back-ruga-settlement-project.html

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, has re-elected Nigeria’s Mohammed Barkindo as Secretary-General for a three-year tenure. The oil bloc also approved a nine-month extension for the global oil cut. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-opec-re-elects-nigerias-barkindo-as-secretary-general.html

Bandits were said to have killed seven people and kidnapped six others at 10 villages in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday. The villages were Pawwa, Katoge, Korawa, Dan Hayi, Gidan Mai Godiya, Gidan Dan Maarbi, and Yar Kuka. Many houses and shops were also said to have been burnt during the incident which happened between 5pm and 7pm. Those reportedly kidnapped were three women and three children. The incident yesterday sparked to a protest as irate youths took to the street blocking all access roads, forcing travellers from Sokoto, Kano, Katsina to divert to longer routes.

The protesters took the bodies of the victims to the palace of the district head of Kankara town. They accused security agencies of not doing enough to protect them. “There are over 10 police check points between Yantumaki and Kankara, but the villages along the said roads are being attacked daily with no response of security,” one of the protesters alleged. The security agencies had not commented on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/protest-as-bandits-kill-7-abduct-6-in-katsina.html

Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly Olakunle Oluomo says some state lawmakers blocked governors by deploying some tricks to secure President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent to the Constitution Fourth Alteration Bill. The bill granted financial autonomy and independence to the Houses of Assembly and the Judiciary.

Daily Trust recalled that Buhari signed the bill in June last year and subsequently set up a panel to ensure the workability of the amendment. Oluomo said the development had liberated the state legislatures which usually went cap in hand to get governors’ approval for their allowances and salaries monthly. The speaker blamed the practice on what he called “anomaly in Nigeria’s Constitution.” He was speaking in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at a strategic legislative luncheon organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

It had as theme ‘Legislative Agenda for Good Governance’. The activist-turned lawmaker said governors had “emasculated” legislators and even ensured that previous attempts to amend the constitution and give independence to the legislature failed. The speaker, however, hinted that he, alongside some fellow legislators from other states, connived and blocked the Governors’ Forum to ensure that Buhari signed the alteration bill last year. According to him, if state governors were aware of Buhari’s plan to sign the bill into law, they would have blocked it. “When Buhari wanted to sign the bill into law, we played some magomago (trick) with the governors. We ensured that the Governors’ Forum was not informed that the president was going to sign the bill into law. “So, we connived. I won’t mention names. Myself, somebody from Enugu, others from Katsina and Plateau states. We went, overnight, to the presidency and met a friend who was a legislator at the state level.

We told him ‘go and find a formula for us to get the bill assented before the Governors’ Forum knows,”’ he said. According to the Ogun speaker, “So, when they were taking the bill for Buhari’s assent, the governors were not aware.

If they were aware, they would have used it as one of the baits for him (Buhari) to get second term in office. “When they heard it has been signed into law, they went haywire. They said it would not work and it has not worked up till today,” Oluomo said. The speaker hoped Buhari would issue an Executive Order on the implementation of the autonomy, saying with that, legislators would demonstrate that “We’re not docile. We are not foolish.” “The moment that’s done, you will see revolution. Legislators at the state level are not docile.

They are not foolish. The truth of the matter is ‘you provide food for the dog, and you hold a stick.’ How would you allow the dog to eat the food? The dog will be afraid to eat the food. That’s why legislators have not been unable to perform. We have so many people like me but when you get there (State Assembly), you will be humbled,” he said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-we-blocked-governors-to-get-autonomy-ogun-speaker.html

The caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State yesterday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate former Governor Ibikunle Amosun over an alleged arms deal. Amosun had been enmeshed in controversy over some arms and ammunition he reportedly handed over to the police at the twilight of his administration in the state.

The spokesman of the party, Tunde Oladunjoye, in a statement in Abeokuta, said: “|Such collection of huge arms and ammunitions can only exist in the military barracks in Nigeria. Or how many AK47 or millions if bullets can the police in Ogun State boast of.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/alleged-arms-deal-apc-demands-amosuns-probe.html

Congratulations to Mr Dare

fake pastor sef...

The police on Friday arraigned a 52-year-old fake medical doctor, Olushola Ogunleye, who allegedly defrauded a patient of N148 , 000, in a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court Lagos. Ogunleye, is charged with impersonation, forgery, obtaining by false pretences and theft.

The Police Prosecutor, Anthonia Osayande, told the court that Ogunleye committed the offence on June 13, at 2 p.m. on the premises of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH ).

She alleged that Ogunleye who posed as a doctor at the teaching hospital, fraudulently obtained the sum of 148,000 from the complainant, Odeleye Pete for surgery on his son.

Osayande also alleged that the defendant, forged prescription letter headed papers of LUTH, to carry out his unlawful act. The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of sections 287, 314 (1 ) 363 and 380 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. After the charge was read to him, he pleadd not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one responsible surety in like sum. Adelaja ordered that the surety must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. She adjourned the case until July 22 for substantive trial. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/police-arraign-fake-medical-doctor-over-n148-000-fraud.html

Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said his government legitimately purchased the 13 units of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 1000 units of AK 47 rifles, two million rounds of ammunition,1000 units of bullet proof vests and 500 bullet proof helmets and other security communication gadgets. Amosun, in a statement by his spokesman, Rotimi Durojaiye, said his administration got the approval from the Office of the National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He recalled that his government had committed “substantial funds” into procurement of hard and soft ware in 2012 in order to combat myriads of security challenges in the state. He said the security gadgets were publicly handed over to the then Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, in April, 2012.

He said it was remainder of gadgets that he handed over to the Commissioner of Police on May 28, but clarified that “Not a single AK 47 rifle was handed over at the event.” Amosun also said the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun, was the main supplier of some of the security assets, including the Armoured Personnel Carriers which he reportedly handed over to the police at the expiration of his tenure. But reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Abiodun Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun wondered why Amosun would mention his name in what he termed “arms scandal.”

“I read of Armoured Personnel Carriers – vehicles, not arms or ammunition. Did he default in supplying according to the terms of the contract? “What’s the motivation for bringing the governor’s name into the arms scandal? I consider it distracting or part of the grand plot to smear Dapo Abiodun.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/jonathan-approved-abiodun-supplied-ammunition-amosun.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the “reckless dismissal” of the alarming spate of kidnapping in the country by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo further confirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has no iota of concern towards the pain and suffering of Nigerians.

The opposition party in a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said by attempting to play down on the menace as not being “as massive as that”, Prof. Osinbajo demonstrated that the APC-led government are not connected with the people but only pretends towards them during electioneering.

“In dismissing the security problem, the Vice President is simply telling victims of kidnapping that as far as the APC and its administration are concerned, they have not suffered enough. “The PDP says that such anti-people disposition, as being witnessed under the APC, can only come from an uncaring and insensitive administration that does not have the mandate of the people.

“It is therefore unfortunate that instead of being remorseful and seeking solutions, Prof. Osinbajo is rather playing on the sensibility of Nigerians by attempting to justify his comment, which has been widely condemned by citizens from all walks of life. “Prof. Osinbajo has only succeeded in showcasing President Buhari’s incompetence and failure in securing the nation. “He has also ridiculed his office in the eye of the international community, who is well aware of the gravity of kidnapping and other security challenges confronting our nation.

“What has Prof. Osinbajo said to the families whose breadwinners have been killed by kidnappers and many more who are still languishing in kidnappers’ den? “When will the problem of kidnapping become “massive” for the APC administration when medical doctors, community heads, faith-based leaders, government officials and their relations, students, innocent school children, pregnant women and even expatriates are being kidnapped in various parts of the country? “While our party and indeed millions of Nigerians appreciate the efforts by our security operatives in fighting this menace, despite the operational challenges imposed on them by the incompetent APC administration, the PDP insists that President Buhari must bear the blame for the persistence of the security problems,” the PDP said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kidnapping-buhari-apc-have-no-concern-for-nigerians-pdp.html

Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has lamented the invasion of monkeys from the Osun Osogbo groove into the state’s hospital, Asubiaro in Osogbo, vandalized equipment at Trauma Centre. According to the hospital officials the monkeys domiciled in the bush behind the hospital vandalised the center. The hospital is near Osun Osogbo groove.

During his on-the-spot assessment visit to the hospital, the governor ordered the management of the hospital to submit a comprehensive report of the situation in the center to his office. He expressed worry that the Trauma Center in the hospital is out of use and promised to ensure full restoration of the facilities at the centre.

Oyetola assured that his government would address the problems identified in the hospital so as to put it into optimal use. He also said that his administration would complete the revitalization of 100 health centers in the state by next month The state government is revitalizing 332 primary health centers, one per ward, with the grants it received for its performance in the Save A Million Lives (SOML) Oyetola said: “We are here to inspect some of the ongoing Primary Healthcare Centers across the state and to assess the state of work done and the quality of the job. Some weeks ago, we flagged off the revitalization and rehabilitation of 332 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), out of which 100 of them are witnessing total turnaround already.

“Our intention is to ensure that each of the 332 wards across the state has a PHC and I must appreciate the fact that the federal government has been so helpful on this initiative. Health is wealth and no serious government will play with the health of its people because development revolves around it,” he said.

The Governor noted that the people of the state have a right to quality healthcare service and facilities, adding that the intention of his government is to ensure that people have access to quality health facilities wherever they live. He assured that based on what he has seen, the State Government in two to three weeks would deliver the first phase of the project. Oyetola was accompanied to the hospital by senior government officials.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/monkeys-invade-osun-hospitals-trauma-centre.html

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the February 23, 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday said the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal did not reject his request to check the INEC server as claimed by the Presidency.

Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement on Monday had praised what he called a “landmark ruling” of the Tribunal, which “rejected” the request by Atiku and the PDP to have access to INEC server used for the 2019 presidential election.

But Atiku in a statement today by his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Ibe, argued that “What the honourable Tribunal said is that it is still at preliminary stages and the main case has not begun and that the matter of granting access to inspect the INEC server is not relevant to the preliminary stages. It is a matter to be adjudicated upon when the case proper is being heard.” Atiku said the celebration by the Presidency was therefore premature.

“Their giddiness has even blinded them to the eye witness testimony given to multiple media in interviews by staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission that there is indeed a server and that they actually submitted results and accreditation through it. “In their rush to claim a Pyrrhic victory, the Buhari administration missed out the fact that the 2019 budget has multiple line items for procurement, maintenance and service of the server they claimed does not exist. “Furthermore, the statement tried to spin the recent verdict on the election passed by the EU election observers.

For the avoidance of doubt, what the EU report said is that the 2019 elections had significant defects and fell short of expectations. It should be noted that one of the issues they raised is the attempt to muzzle not just the media, but more importantly, the judiciary. “In the light of this, we remind those who are gloating in their ignorance that ‘he who laughs last, laughs best’. “The last has not been heard of this matter and we eagerly anticipate the actual ruling of the Tribunal when the case proper begins,” he said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/just-in-my-request-to-inspect-inec-server-not-rejected-atiku-tells-presidency.html

.

Top federal civil servants are grumbling over the delay in the release of the result of the promotion examination they sat for in July last year. The promotion examination was conducted for both professional and administrative cadres in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for them to be promoted to the next level.

It was gathered that some senior staff of the Foreign Service who are due to be appointed as ambassadors also sat for the exam. Eleven months after the exam was conducted by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), the result has not been released, thus stagnating the career progression of the affected top civil servants.

The exam was written by three categories of civil servants, Chief Administration officers who want to be promoted to assistant directors (level 14 to 15), assistant directors to deputy director (level 15 to 16) and deputy directors to directors (level 16 to 17). It was also gathered that while the result of the 2018 batch is being awaited, the time for the conduct of the 2019 examination was just a few weeks away.

The exam scripts, our correspondent gathered was marked at the office of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)office, Abuja, months ago, as against the usual venue, the Public Service Institute (PSI), Kubwa, Abuja. Some of the affected civil servants lamented the delay, calling for the immediate release of the result. One of them said the development has negatively affected their morales and created bad blood in the federal civil service. “The prayer of everybody is to attain the peak of his career. Over the years, we have put in our best and now when we are about to attain the pinnacle of our career, this obstacle is being created.

“We sat for the exams in July and traditionally the result was to be released in November last year but almost a year after we sat for it, the result has not been released. It is worrisome that nobody is saying anything,” he said. An assistant director who is also affected said the delay in the release of the result was not portraying the FCSC in a good light. “What’s the justification for the delay? Nothing. Any further delay in the release of our result will create a serious problem in the system. However, a source close to the FCSC said the delay was initially as a result of lack of quorum by the commissioners.

The spokesperson of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Mrs. Felicia Eniola Babaoye, told Daily Trust in Abuja that the issues would soon be addressed. According to her, the new management of the commission has been working, holding a series of meetings, to ensure that that the issues were worked out.

She said the management would soon come public on the outcome of the development.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/federal-civil-service-results-not-released-11-months-after-exams.html

Thousands of primary school pupils under the influence of their parents and teachers tend to skip either Primary 6 or Primary 5 classes and proceed to secondary school, Daily Trust investigation has shown. However, experts said most of these “high-ability pupils’’ come to regret the action later, because apart from missing the vital lessons of primaries 5 and 6, they apparently find themselves smaller and younger-looking, than their classmates and after graduation, have to wait and attain the traditional age of admission before they get to higher institutions. Grade skipping not acceptable – Experts

While many parents and teachers interviewed, agreed that skipping grades is the safest way to go, education experts say the practice, which is mostly common in private schools, is not acceptable because pupils involved are emotionally unprepared for the upper classes. Director, Department of Quality Assurance, FCT Education Secretariat, Salihu Omehi Yahaya, said it is compulsory for pupils to attend primary 1 to 6 classes before they can be admitted into JSS1 but writing common entrance exam, as the prerequisite of admission into JSS1, is unnecessary.

He said pupils looking for admissions into unity colleges are allowed to take Common Entrance Examination, principally, to select suitable candidates for admission. “What we know, based on the 6-3-3-4 system and later 9-3-4 system (Universal Basic Education) is that there shouldn’t be any Common Entrance Examination any longer; but automatic transition from primary to junior secondary school, determined by continuous assessment. And that is what operates in the FCT. Once a pupil completes Primary 6, his name is taken to the FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC) and given admission into JSS 1. In the case of Unity Schools, the National Examination Council (NECO) prepares entrance exam, to be able to select the best candidates.” He said the first competitive exam a child has to write under the system, is the Basic Education Certificate Examination, done in JSS3 before getting into Senior Secondary School. However, basic schools are required to give testimonial certificates to pupils who completed primary education. The director said it is “wrong for any primary school to operate only primary 1 to 5 classes, rather all basic schools must have primary 6 classes. It is also wrong to start primary 1 lesson at nursery level because the curriculum was planned based on age and needs of the pupils in each class.

And those who finish secondary or primary schools at lower age will not have the emotional balance required in the upper stages.” Ideally, primary education starts at age 5 or 6, he said. An official of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) in Abuja, said primary 5 and 6 pupils of between the ages of 9 and 12 are enlisted in JSS1 after writing an entrance exam prepared by the colleges. The exam, he said, is done to test the innate abilities and potential of applicants. Pupils must attend primary 6 – Don Speaking on the matter, a senior lecturer with the Federal College of Education, Zaria, Dr. Ahmed Bello said children are expected to start primary school when they turn six and they must attend Primary 6 before they are placed in JSS1. He said it is wide off the mark for pupils to leave out primary 6 or 5 and start JSS1 outside their normal age group, because age requirement is vital in grade placement. He said, “missing primary 6 lessons can affect child’s academic performance and can lead to frustration.

” Parents do so to save cost –Teacher A basic school teacher in Lokoja, Glory Ocheje, said some parents ‘push’ their children in primary 4 and 5 to sit for Common Entrance Examination when they find that such pupils are brilliant. According her, other parents, due to financial difficulties, encourage their children to skip some classes in the basic education level so as to save costs. A parent, Onogwu Sule, also said brilliant pupils in private schools are sent to JSS1 by parents to save costs. She also identified age as one of the factors, explaining that some parents, who feel that their children appeared older in age in their present class, often find a way of making them skip such class to a higher level not minding whether such child can cope in his new classes.

It has negative impact – Educationist An educationist, Mrs Mariam Ategbe, said not allowing pupils to go through the normal processes in their early stage of education would have some negative implications on their learning in the future. She said such children can experience inferiority complex amongst their mates in secondary school while those with low IQs will have difficulties coping with their subjects in the new class. Mrs Ategbe maintained that the physical maturity of children is critical in their educational development, hence, the need for parents to avoid rushing them through the education system. Some teachers and parents in Benue State said that pupils in primary 4 and 5 classes are moved to JSS1 based on the their excellent academic performances. A parent, Rose Ejembi, said girls are mostly encouraged to skip classes because they grow faster “For instance, I discovered that pupils start pre-primary school early in life these days but they leave late. My daughter started at age two but at primary four, she was already 10 and grown so big. If she is allowed to complete primary six, it then means she would likely leave secondary school at 18. “And you know, what it means to start battling with JAMB and other related examination bodies for university admission.

So, I decided to let her leave at primary four for secondary school. She had initial challenges of coping which affected her a little but I got her a private teacher to meet up, she is coping now. Private schools, especially try to waste our children’s time so as to make more money. It wasn’t like that in the past. I went to school at the age of six and finished primary school before 12,” Ejembi said. Another parent, Attah Ede, said pupils are encouraged to take Common Entrance Examination at Primary 5 due to their brilliant academic Performances. The teachers advise their parent to move them up the ladder. Ede added that his son skipped primary six because he was brilliant but had little trouble catching up during his first year at the secondary school. It has no benefit – SUBEB The Information Officer of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Sar Erdoo, said there are no benefits to derive from the hasty decision to push pupils from primary four or five to JSS1. “From my interaction with many mothers, they said their children are getting old so they have to leave the primary school.

But I think the children should be matured. Government is not ignorant of that fact when it pegged certain age limit for pupils to complete primary education. “I know those who lagged behind because they left primary school at four or five. Some of these pupils go faster than their mates but don’t pass SSCE and those who waited to complete primary school usually over take them. So they need to be matured all round,” Erdoo said. Another educationist in Lagos, Dr. Samson Ayodele, said parents want their children in private schools to skip grades to save cost due to economic hardship. A former Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu said parents emulate what others are doing without necessarily thinking of the intellectual and emotional development of the child.

“A child may be brilliant but does not have the developed capacity to cope at a later day,” she said. She called on government to firmly frown at such practices and urged on all relevant stakeholders to address this issue through continuous advocacy to sensitize parents, guardians and schools. A teacher with Vicwin Preparatory School in Lagos, Mr. Nic Uzor said some private school owners have abolished basic 6 class, because it records less number pupils as many have left at class 5. Ahmad Mahmud is a class teacher in one of the state schools in Kebbi State, said it is bad for parents to allow their children to be moved from either primary 4 or 5 to JSS1. “The children, you would observe, are not usually ready and prepared for such upward movement because of their age. Again, their brain might be overstretched and in many instances the parents are disappointed by their performance.


Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/thousands-of-pupils-skip-primary-5-and-6-to-jss1.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured Nigerians that the end of armed banditry and insecurity challenges bedeviling the country are insight. Buhari in a statement by Garba Shehu, commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara State on the recent infiltration of bandits, who killed several innocent citizens in Tsafe Local Government Area of the State. The president while condemning the incident, he described the bandit attacks as callous and despicable.

He assured the people of Zamfara and other Nigerians who have lost loved ones to violent attacks that the government, under his watch, will soon bring such dastardly acts to an end. Commending the new administration in the State for putting in new security measures to curtail the activities of criminals and bandits, he urged them not to despair but to see the latest attack as a challenge to step up collective actions to rout the enemy, in partnership with the Federal government.

Buhari, while urging law enforcement agencies to take prompt and timely actions against the wicked attackers, he appealed to citizens to have faith in the security agencies by giving them useful information on plans and the movements of the bandits.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/end-of-banditry-others-insight-buhari.html