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 Politics › Biafra Is Fantasy – Charly Boy, Former Pman President by marryjesus(op): 3:37am On Jul 23, 2017 |
Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, His Royal Punkness and Area Fada, is a former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). The singer/songwriter, television presenter and producer has been very vocal on national issues in recent times. In this interview with select journalists, he airs his views on the state of the nation, blaming the failings of the country on corrupt political leadership. He warns that until Nigerians begin to demand and insist on good governance, the situation would remain unchanged, saying the #OurMumuDondo movement, which he is championing, is a national clarion call on all Nigerians to stand and fight as politicians will not fight for them. Oputa, who has consistently spoken against the agitation for Biafra, maintains his position on the issue and urges his kinsmen to “pause on the fantasy tagged Biafra for now”. Excerpts:https://www.google.com.ng/amp/sunnewsonline.com/biafra-is-fantasy-charly-boy-former-pman-president/amp/ 22 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Quit Notice: Don’t Go, Yerima, Arewa Youths Leader Begs Igbo by marryjesus(op): 8:00am On Jul 22, 2017 |
Leader of a coalition of Arewa youth groups that gave Igbo in the North October 1 deadline to vacate the region, Yerima Shettima is singing a new tune by calling for truce. In this interview with KENNY ASHAKA in Kaduna, the Northern youths leader urged the Igbo not to leave again. Let’s first of all correct the name because today you are called Yerima Shettima and tomorrow it is Shettima Yerima. Which is correct? No, it is Yerima Shettima. It’s your colleagues that call my name the way they want it. But it is actually Yerima Shettima. Your group is Arewa… (Cuts in) Arewa Youths Consultative Forum. That’s the group I represent as the National President. That’s the group you represent. Fine. But what does it stand for? Basically, the organisation was formed some 18 years ago or 18 years to be precise when there was a serious dichotomy between the North and the South when there were serious issues on ground during the Obasanjo regime. There were lots of problems after we came out of the popular June 12 struggle and there was agitation from the South West on the issue of the annulment of the 1993 election. There were lots of agitations that brought up organisations like the OPC and the rest of them. Subsequently in exactly 18 years ago, we formed a movement called Arewa Youth Consultative Forum under the guise and advices of our elders from the northern part of the country who felt that there was the need to have a strong organization such as the AYCF to build a bridge across board between the North and the South. At that time there was a serious dichotomy where there was communication gap. So there was the need to have an organization that would build bridges across the south east, south west and south south. So that was why there was the need for a young, vibrant organization to come on board. That was how they suggested and began to work on the frames, terms of references under the then leadership of M.B Abubakar and subsequently Chief Sunday Awoniyi under the guise of Maitama Sule of blessed memory who passed on recently. So there was the need to have somebody and group of young men who will build those bridges. At that time I was channeled to come to the south west more to ensure there was peace because we had our people in the south west and a lot of things happened at that time. We were able to form an alliance and good relationship with the south west organizations such as OPC under the then leadership of Gani Adams and Dr. Frederick Faseun. We did wonderfully well to the extent that that communication gap was actually worked on. We talked very well and started seeing issues from a cordial perspective without violence. It was to the extent that we resolved issues through dialogue. That is what today an average northerner in the south west is benefitting. We did not only end there, we extended our bridge building efforts also to the south south where we met a group like the Ijaw Youth Council, then under the leadership of Asari Dokubo before he went to the creek for the armed struggle. That also calmed nerves because at that time, when there is an issue in the North, specifically Kano or Kaduna when there is an attack on one person it became a national issue where also everybody will begin to attack from his quarters. So we tried as much as possible to build that bridge. I was also able to, at the same time, build the same relationship with the MASSOB leader, Ralph Uwazurike because we came up almost at the same time. All those I have mentioned were my contemporaries when you talk about struggle 18 years ago. Why did you then allow it to get to the stage where you now have to issue a quit order if you have this kind of excellent relationship? Couldn’t you have put a call through? Now, let us look back. I am one of those bridge builders that everybody knew my position when it comes to national issues. Nobody can take that away from me as far as Nigerian project is concerned today. And often times when I take decisions I don’t always look at myself as an ethnic or socio- cultural pressure group leader. I rather look at myself as a Nigerian. That’s how I look at things. So if there is an injustice against anybody in the south, even if it is under the northern leadership, I react. Everybody knows me for that. What prompted the recent happening was that if you look at my statements and how I define it was that recent happenings, time and events changed a lot of things, particularly with this new group called IPOB that came out less than two years ago. This is where my problem started with that particular group. I do not have any grudge against Igbo. But that particular group IPOB is my problem. So when I made a blanket statement I expected reactions and we got the reactions. Why would you want a reaction from such a statement? I want a reaction because that is what keeps us busy today. That is why everybody sat up. That is why everybody is concentrating, looking for a way out. I am glad at least a statement is being made and everybody now is keying to project Nigeria. Must you close the normal line of communication you established just to achieve a Nigerian project that threw the country into some forms of confusion. Couldn’t you have reached Ralph Uwazurike, the MASSOB leader since you have a link with him? MASSOB does not have a good relationship with the boy because the boy has completely run out of control. For the past five years now I have been attending Ojukwu Memorial Lectures under the leadership of MASSOB. They invite me and Major Al-Mustapha and co. Even this year, I am likely going to be there. We go there to make speeches. It’s an open day for us just like we mark June 12, Sardauna Memorial Lectures and other memorable occasions. We go to the event under the leadership of MASSOB’s Ralph Uwazurike who happens to be my very good senior brother and good friend. In fact we share a lot of things in confidence. We talk. Even when we talk about Nigeria and he has a different view about Nigeria I try as much as I can to persuade him against what he sees as injustice. He would tell me the only reason MASSOB was established is because they have been marginalized and Nigeria does not want us. I will tell him supposing we have a system in place that will look at the issue of injustice that you perceive to be against you in form of marginalization, we can equally have a system in place where we can build a country of our own where everybody will be considered as a first class citizen; nobody will be considered as a second class citizen and everything will be good for you. Supposing we have such a thing in motion what will you do? He would say well the only reason why we are doing what we are doing is because we have been marginalized. Nigeria does not want us. I will say God willing our generation will come to that and we will address the issue until this mad boy came; this small man in struggle because I have never known him in struggle. Let me say your group was instigated and funded by northern elders and… (Cuts in) No, don’t say that. Are you putting words into my mouth? No, I am only asking if the group is… You should ask me but don’t say it is funded by elders. You look at my age in struggle. I am too big to be funded by anybody. I came to that conclusion when you said some elders from the north saw the need to have a strong organization like the AYCF… (Cuts in) To build bridges. You are talking about a story of 18 years ago and you are comparing it with now. No. Those are two different things please. If you want this interview let us do it without sentiments. In that case conduct it properly so that we understand because you are saying this for public consumption. Eighteen years ago was a different ball game with the realities of what has transpired and what triggered my action. And I am telling you what triggered my action. I am telling you my relationship. I am not just somebody anybody pushes around. My 18 years of struggle, proper struggle apart from the NADECO struggle and whatever I did when I was a student. Now to get to where I am, you should have known that nobody can push me to do anything at this age, even here in the North, in the northern stakeholders; even the elders. Nobody would have asked me to do anything negatively without me being convinced to do that thing before I do it. So, nobody influenced my recent decision. My recent decision was borne out of frustration with this young man who goes around abusing my identity, my community, my people, undermining a country called Nigeria. I am a strong Nigerian, proudly a Nigerian. This man came from nowhere. He is never our class in struggles. I don’t know where he started his struggle, but he came out and within one year and suddenly because unfortunately the government made it easy for him to become popular; otherwise, Kanu is not an issue. Who do we blame? The government to an extent; to have even in the first place arrested this man, somebody who is being influenced by drugs. Who is Kanu in the circle of struggles? So to me it is high time when somebody behaves like a mad man and you behave like a gentleman you realize that this gentleman is getting out of hand undermining everybody, abusing everybody. You cannot… I am proudly a northerner and that’s my identity. I cannot be a leader at my level and allow this man to be talking and abusing the sensibilities of my people and you expect me to fold my hands. As a leader of the youths, it’s impossible. Can you say the other groups in the coalition have the same ideology with you? Of course; that is why I am the leader of the coalition. If we do not agree we would not have had the coalition. And the 16 organizations that form the coalition are popular organizations in the northern region, just like I am. But based on experience and struggle they unanimously endorsed that I lead this movement. So it is a coalition. That is why we call it Coalition of Northern Groups. full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/quit-notice-dont-go-yerima-arewa-youths.html 1 Share
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| Travel › Bus Crash Kills 28 In Northern India by marryjesus(op): 10:49am On Jul 20, 2017 |
At least 28 people were killed Thursday after a bus plunged into a deep gorge in a Himalayan region of northern India popular with tourists, police said. The accident occurred around 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the hill resort of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh state, said police superintendent Soumiya Sambasivan. “28 people have died and seven are injured. All the bodies have been identified,” she said. The bus was taking around 40 people from Kinnaur district towards Solan when it rolled roughly 200 metres down a gorge to the banks of a river river. Images from the scene showed emergency workers conducting a rescue operation with the help of local volunteers. Last week, 16 pilgrims died in a bus crash in neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir state, while in April 44 people were killed in Himachal Pradesh in a similar accident. India has some of the world’s highest traffic fatalities with more than 150,000 deaths annually due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving. more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/bus-crash-kills-28-in-northern-india.html
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| Foreign Affairs › Breaking-brazil Ex-president Silva’s Accounts Freezed by marryjesus(op): 10:01am On Jul 20, 2017 |
Brazil’s central bank has frozen four bank accounts belonging to ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva due to his recent conviction on corruption charges. The assets in question amount to more than 600,000 Brazilian reals ($190,000), according to the office of Sergio Moro, who last week sentenced Silva to 9½ years in prison in connection with a sprawling graft probe involving state-run oil giant Petrobras. Moro also barred the ex-president from using three apartments, a piece of land and two cars linked to him. None can be sold until there is a final ruling on the case. In a statement, Silva’s defense denied any wrongdoing and called the decision illegal and abusive. The former president — who is commonly known as Lula — remains free pending an appeal. “This decision makes all Lula’s assets and values unavailable to him, which hampers his and his family’s ability to live. It is yet another arbitrary decision among many others committed by the same judge against former president Lula,” his lawyers Cristiano Zanin and Zuleika Martins said. His defense has repeatedly called the graft conviction politically motivated and a plot to sideline Silva, a front-runner for next year’s presidential election according to recent polls. Moro said in his ruling that he requested the freezing of up to 10 million Brazilian reals, but the bank said it only found what was in the four accounts. The judge said the measure was necessary “for the reparation of damages that originated in the crimes.” “It was not possible to trace the rest of the bribes paid in connection with the corruption at Petrobras,” Moro wrote. “It is possible it has been used to illegally finance electoral campaigns.” Last week the judge also seized a beachfront apartment in the city of Guaruja, Sao Paulo state, that is the centerpiece of the corruption and money laundering case against Silva. The apartment is valued at about 2.2 million Brazilian reals ($700,000), according to investigators. Moro, who is hailed as an anti-corruption hero by supporters and loathed as a zealot by detractors, said construction company OAS promised to give the apartment to Silva as a bribe for three contracts with Petrobras. more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/breaking-brazil-ex-president-silvas.html
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| Politics › Breaking-gov-obiano Threatens To Arrest Ipob Leader, Nnamdi Kanu by marryjesus(op): 9:49am On Jul 20, 2017 |
Executive governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano, on Wednesday warned the secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra to stay out of the state during the November 18 poll. The governor threatened to go after anybody who would pose a threat to the poll, no matter how highly placed.Obiano insists that there would be election in the state, said the pro-Biafra agitators had no powers in the law to stop the poll. He warned those planning to disrupt the election to have a rethink or be ready to face the full weight of the law. He said “We are going to go after them, we will deal with those who said there would be no election in the state decisively. “People are free to vote candidates of their choice, you can see that in Anambra state today people now sleep with their two eyes closed,” he insisted. IPOB had threatened that there would be no election in Anambra state and the entire South East zone. It was also gathered that IPOB had planned to attack campaign rallies in the state to create fears in the people about the poll. more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/breaking-gov-obiano-threatens-to-arrest.html
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| Crime › Navy Arrests Two Vessels With Suspected Stolen Diesel by marryjesus(op): 6:07am On Jul 20, 2017 |
A merchant vessel, MV SHIRLEY and Motor Tanker (MT) Vine allegedly laden with 745 metric tons of stolen AGO, popularly known as diesel, have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy. The vessels, which were arrested along with their 14 crew members by operatives of the Nigeria Navy Ship BEECROFT, were handed over to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). While MT VINE with six crew members was laden with products whose flash point was higher than the specification of the regulatory agencies, MV SHIRLEY with eight crew carried low quality products. At the handover, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abba, said MT VINE was arrested on June 9, at about 1:30am, on its arrival at SB BAKARE Jetty, Kirikiri, to discharge the about 600MT of AGO it was carrying. He disclosed that the flash point of the product was higher than that specified by DPR and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), adding that the colour of the product was off DPR standard as indicated by lab analysis. “When the vessel’s haulage was checked, it was discovered that MT VINE was carrying about 600MT of AGO as against the 400MT quantity authorized. For MV SHIRLEY, it was arrested around 6:10p.m. on April 19, at Lagos anchorage for allegedly dealing in petroleum products illegally. “The vessel was laden with about 145MT of AGO without valid documents for carrying petroleum products in Nigerian waters. Samples of the products were taken for laboratory test to ascertain its quality and the result indicated that the sample did not meet DPR/SON specifications, which indicated that it might have been refined illegally. ” he said. Abbah reiterated that the navy in its renewed efforts to purge maritime domain of illegalities, would not tolerate any fraudulent activities. “The command has zero tolerance for every form of criminality in its area of responsibility. Defaulters are advised to desist from such acts or face the wrath of the law.” more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/navy-arrests-two-vessels-with-suspected.html
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| Sports › Fg To Compel Brands To Sponsor Local Leagues, Says Mohammed by marryjesus(op): 6:01am On Jul 20, 2017 |
Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the Federal Government will amend the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code to compel brands to sponsor Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The Minister made the assertion at the close of the “Two-Day Creative Industry Financing Conference’’, sponsored by the ministry in conjunction with “Think Tank Media and Advertising’’ which closed on Tuesday in Lagos. “We will amend the NBC code to ensure that our Premier League improves. “We will make sure that in the Code, if you spend one million dollars to support a foreign football club like Manchester United in Nigeria, you will not be allowed to air that programme unless you spend 30 per cent of that money to promote Nigeria’s league. “Some beverage companies in Nigeria support Manchester United (Man U), Arsenal and others and spend about six million dollars a year,’’ he said. “I then asked the question, how much of their products are being consumed over there? “I was also told that a particular brand of Nigeria Beer is supporting several premier league teams to the tune of seven million dollars a year. “We can imagine if they give us just 30 per cent of that, we will fix our stadia. “I know they are going to attack me on this but I am not made a minister to sustain the economy of other countries.’’ He said the government could no longer tolerate the situation where people continue to develop the economy of other parts of the world from the sweat of Nigerians and at the expense of Nigerian economy. The minister also clarified an earlier statement credited to him on the amendment to NBC Code to discourage production of Nigerian movies and music abroad. “At that meeting, I said that I will work to amend the NBC code to ensure that if a product is designated a Nigerian product; it must be produced in Nigeria. “I didn’t say that henceforth, all music and films will be produced in Nigeria. All I said was that if a programme is designated as a Nigerian content programme, we will amend the code to ensure that it is produced in Nigeria,’’ he said. He added that if the law says that a programme shall have 60 per cent Nigerian content, the producer could not go ahead to shoot such outside the country for Nigerian viewers. “Of course, they will come and say that you do not have infrastructure and that is why they went outside to shoot. “I asked if it is not the same programme you went to shoot outside Nigeria because we have epileptic power that you will bring back to show to us in Nigeria. “Then, with which power are you showing the programme? “I promised Nigerians that I am going to create one million jobs in three years and I can’t do that if they start exporting jobs to other countries,’’ he said. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/fg-to-compel-brands-to-sponsor-local.html
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| Education › Waec Releases Results, 59.22% Pass by marryjesus(op): 8:21pm On Jul 17, 2017 |
Precisely 59.22 per cent of 1,559,192 candidates who wrote the May/June 2017 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) made credits in five subjects, including English and Mathematics. Announcing the results yesterday (today) at the WAEC headquarters in Lagos, the Head of National Office (HNO), Mr Olu Adenipekun, said the performance was a significant improvement compared to last year, which was 52.97 per cent and 2015, which was 38.68 per cent. “There has been a significant improvement and it is our hope that this will continue and not just be a fluke. We hope schools will take advantage of this to prepare students better for the examination,” he said. The HNO also said the council would begin conducting examinations for private candidates twice in a year from next year. Adenipekun however said two categories of candidates will have to wait for some of their results either to be released or cancelled. Candidates in the first group (95,734) has some of their results being processed because of errors traceable to them while 214,952 others are being investigated for involvement in examination malpractices. “The results of 214,952 candidates, representing 13.79 per cent of the total candidature for the examination are being withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice. The cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate committee of the Council in due course for consideration. The committee’s decisions will be communicated to the affected candidates through their schools,” he said. Adenipekun said WAEC was able to achieve its Project 60 target of releasing the result 60 days after the examination ended thanks to improved ICT facilities and training of its workers. He added that the Council would work towards even earlier releases in future. “We came up with Project 60, a self-imposed time limit for candidates to wait for release of result after the examination. We are hoping to be able to release the result even faster. We are looking at 45 days next time,” he said. Regarding the conduct of two separate examinations for private candidates yearly, Adenipekun said the decision was taken at 65th Annual Council Meeting of WAEC member countries in Abuja in March. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/waec-releases-results-5922-pass.html
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| Politics › Un Opposes Forced Return Of Nigerian Refugees From Cameroon by marryjesus(op): 5:44am On Jul 17, 2017 |
The United Nations (UN) has opposed the Cameroonian government’s “forced repatriation” of 130, 000 Nigerian refugees to the border towns of Banki, Gwoza and Pulka in Borno State. According to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the repatriation is in gross violation of the tripartite agreement of voluntary return of refugees signed on March 2, 2017 in Yaounde between Nigeria and Cameroun. If Cameroon insists on expelling Nigerian refugees, their influx in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps is going to worsen the congestion already being experienced. Besides, the plan shall erode the authority of the UN to make laws on refugees worldwide. The UNHCR regional representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Liz Ahua, flayed the action at the weekend during an emergency meeting with representatives of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and civil society groups at the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Maiduguri . She said that over 800,000 Nigerian refugees were accommodated at Minawawo resettlement camp, while 50,000 others were randomly resettled in Cameroon alone. The eight-year Boko Haram insurgency has displaced about 2.6 million people who are taking refuge in neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroun. “The Cameroonian government has severally claimed that the refugees from Nigeria currently taking refuge in Kolofata, Minawawo, Marua and other communities in Cameroon constituted security and economic threats to its corporate existence,” Ahua said. The UN official said that most of the communities liberated by the military were not safe for the “repatriation and return” of refugees to their country. “Although some categories of Nigerian refugees in Cameroon have voluntarily returned, or indicated their interest to return, forcing refugees to return at this critical moment is going to do more harm than good while responding to humanitarian crisis in the North-East. “UNHCR wants a situation where it will be responsible for facilitating return of refugees, but not by force, in line with the convention earlier signed between the two countries. “There is a convention and we in UNHCR will not allow anybody or government to flout the agreement concerning the plights of refugees,” Ahua said. On condition for repatriations, the UN official said: “Until shelter, health care services, economic recovery, livelihoods, basic services, peace and security are fully restored in Banki, Pulka, Gwoza and Kala Balge, among other affected Nigerian border communities, as enshrined in the tripartite agreement, UNHCR will not be in support of forced repatriation. This is not how business is done; as agreed between the two countries. “The issue of refugees is not peculiar to Cameroon; we have Nigerian refugees in Chad, Niger and other African countries due to Boko Haram crisis. There is no justification for Cameroon to dismantle our agreements by forcing traumatised Nigerian refugees out of that country for now.” The SEMA chairman, Ahmed Satomi said that the state government with support from the Nigerian Army, other security agencies and humanitarian partners, facilitated the repatriation of the over 800,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon in the last two years. According to him, most of the repatriated refugees were not officially registered in camps. He urged the Cameroonian government to exercise patience and abide with the tripartite agreements. He said the Borno State government would ensure the return of all displaced persons to safe communities. Meanwhile, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, has charged the Nigerian government to play its central role in the fight against Boko Haram and to ensure with its armed forces the total defeat of the terrorist group. He gave the charge at the ‘Bastille Day’ celebration of the French National Day in Abuja. Gauer said besides the fact that Nigeria’s neighbours are countries with limited financial and military resources, these nations are also confronted with other security threats in other parts of their territories. Chad, Sudan and Central African Republic, for example, have problems they find it difficult to control. Niger, on its part, has problem with money and also issues of terrorism which explains why they cannot dedicate all their means to fight Boko Haram as they must also confront the other threats. He explained that the G5 Sahel force, which was built on the same model as the multi-lateral joint task force, requires member-states to dedicate one battalion each, which means to effectively combat Boko Haram, Nigeria needs to play its central role especially because Boko Haram started in Nigeria. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/un-opposes-forced-return-of-nigerian.html
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| Politics › Group Seeking Recall Of Saraki Are Not Known In Party – Apc by marryjesus(op): 7:51pm On Jul 16, 2017 |
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in llorin West Local Government Area of Kwara on Sunday dissociated itself from those calling for the recall of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki from the senate. Alhaji Suleiman Bala, the APC Chairman in llorin West Local Government Area told journalists in Ilorin that the group and its members were not known by the party. Bala, who spoke to journalists at a special prayer held for Saraki, condemned the call for the recall of the senate president. He described their action as calculated attempt to retard the steady progress in all facets of development of the country. “Those calling for the recall of our leader, the Senate President are not known to us; in fact they are not from Kwara “, he said. The chairman said the prayer was organised for Saraki to seek God’s continued protections over him and guidance at all times. The special prayer which was led by the Chief lmam of llorin, Alhaji Mohamned Bashir featured recitation of several portions from the Quran News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in attendance at the special prayer session were APC chieftains from the local government and the state. more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/group-seeking-recall-of-saraki-are-not.html
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| Crime › Man Arraigned Over Robbery Of N60,000 Phone At Bus Stop by marryjesus(op): 2:53pm On Jul 12, 2017 |
A 35-year-old man, Fatai Adeboye, who allegedly robbed a blackberry phone valued at N60,000 at a bus stop, was on Wednesday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun. Adeboye, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of stealing. Police Prosecutor Chudu Gbesi told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 5 at 2.00 p.m. at Ijoko near Ota. Gbesi said the accused robbed the complainant, Hannah Akinwande, of a Blackberry phone valued at N60, 000 at a bus stop in Ijoko. “But the accused was caught and handed over to the police,’’ he said. The offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun. The accused, however, denied the charge.The Senior Magistrate, Mr S. O. Banwo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of the N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. He said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and also produce evidence of tax payment to Ogun Government. The case was adjourned until Aug. 24 for hearing. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/man-arraigned-over-robbery-of-n60000.html
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| Politics › Ntdc Boss Tasks Media On Positive Reportage Of Tourism Sector by marryjesus(op): 2:40pm On Jul 12, 2017 |
Mr Folorunsho Coker, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has called on the media to be positive in their reportage of the tourism sector. Coker made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. “Let us partner in the redefinition of the country’s tourism sector, in a positive way. “The media is the voice and eyes of Nigeria and whatever it says about the country will be the way others will see it. “It is high time the press start to report positive things about our tourism sites and opportunities,’’ Coker said. According to the NTDC boss, before now, advertisements were through television and radios but now the social media has taken over. He noted that, face book alone has over two billion subscribers adding that if a picture is posted; about two billion people would see it. Coker maintained that looking at it through the spectrum of tourism; it shows that tourism cannot do without the new media. “Media is the oxygen that tourism breeds and it is the media that can grow the industry in positive ways.’’ He said that in as much as the repositioning and promotion of the tourism lies with the NTDC, there was the need for effective collaboration with the media towards achieving optimum goals. Coker therefore called for wider partnership in creating the right impression about the country and patronage of home-made products. The D-G said it was time to strengthen the foundation of domestic tourism to encourage inflow of tourists from other countries to boost the revenue of government. He said, “NTDC would start effective collaboration with stakeholders in the tourism industry such as the hotels, media, airlines and others in terms of corporate government and regulations.’’ “We are optimistic that the collaboration would drive domestic consumption of home-made products, create new channels of tourism market, employment among other advantages. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/ntdc-boss-tasks-media-on-positive.html
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| Politics › Osinbajo Holds Secret Meeting With President Buhari In London by marryjesus(op): 5:56am On Jul 12, 2017 |
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday secretly travelled to London in the United Kingdom where he held a meeting with ailing President Muhammadu Buhari.This is coming as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) holds tomorrow. The Acting President presides over the Council. Details of the unannounced trip were not made known at press time by officials of the presidency.Osinbajo had earlier attended the Presidential Quarterly Business Forum which held in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The venue of the two leaders’ meeting in London was not disclosed, but a tweet by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande on his handle last night indicated that Osinbajo met with President Buhari in London and was expected to return to Abuja immediately. “Acting President Osinbajo meeting with President Buhari in London today (yesterday), and returning to Abuja immediately afterwards,” the spokesman tweeted last night. Buhari had two months ago travelled to London for an undisclosed medical follow-up with his doctors in that country. The development has continued to heighten the political atmosphere in Nigeria with uncertainty surrounding his date of return.At the Presidential Quarterly Business Forum held in Abuja, yesterday Osinbajo assured Nigerians of an expected turnaround in the economy in the next 12 to 18 months with renewed government focus . According to him, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is poised to deliver on the promises it made to the people.The acting president, who said government had identified critical areas to deal with and was working hard on providing solutions, stressed the need for a synergy between the government and the private sector with a view to moving the country to a higher pedestal. “When Mr. President launched the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (EGRP) sometime in April, one of the things that he emphasised was the fact that we have made up our minds as to where we are going. “We have the discipline to be able to do so, but this is a complex environment, it is a complex economy and I think that we must trust the government.“ I have said it repeatedly that in some sense, we are fortunate to have a leader like the president who, at least we know, is straightforward and honest, and committed to ensuring government money is spent the way it should be spent, and that people don’t do what they like. “To that extent, I think we have the right environment at least in terms of government discipline to be able to deliver on the promises that we have made. We say to the private sector that we have enough willing and able partners.” According to Osinbajo, “There is no way we can ever be perfect. I mean government is a behemoth where there are so many problems and issues. But do not doubt for one moment our commitment to ensuring that we are able to deliver on the promises that we have made. “I believe very strongly that Nigeria will turn around. I have no doubt in my mind that if we are focused, even in the next 12 to 18 months, we will certainly see a turnaround. I want you to join us in being able to ensure that this happens to the Nigerian economy.” While noting that commitment must come from both the government and the private sector, the acting president explained that what government had done was to “identify certain critical things that must be done. We know that there are certain things that if we do them, they will move the nation forward. “Those things include stabilising the macro economic environment, energy sufficiency, power and petroleum, improving transportation infrastructure and achieving food security. On each of these items, certainly progress is being made, and of course, fighting corruption, controlling government expenditure, controlling leakages and all of that.” Earlier, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, had stated that government could not provide essential services, attributing the situation to the lean size of the budget. Adeosun explained that Nigeria’s budget which is six percent of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP), is the lowest compared to that of its peers in Sub-Saharan Africa, and one of the lowest in the world. “Our budget size is too small and that means we can only pay salaries in some cases. We don’t have money to deliver essential services. There simply isn’t enough money in government to do what government wants to do.” According to her, not enough tax is being paid in the country. Fielding questions from State House correspondents after the meeting, Vice Chairman, Mainstream Energy Solution, Ismaila Isah Funtua said that government must increase electricity tariff if it must have uninterrupted power supply in the country. He said that the electricity generating companies (GENCOs) declined to speak openly at the meeting with Osinbajo because they believed that serious decisions could not be taken at the forum. “We asked for a private meeting where serious decisions could be taken. Whether government likes it or not, they have to review the tariff of power in this country. “This is my cell phone, you pay for it even before you make use of it. And nobody is controlling their tariff, they charge what they want and all of us we have at least one cellphone.“Therefore, government needs to do the needful. If government wants power, then they cannot continue subsidising for people.” more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/osinbajo-holds-secret-meeting-with.html
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| Politics › Osinbajo Appoints 19 Judges For National Industrial Court by marryjesus(op): 5:45am On Jul 12, 2017 |
The Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has approved the appointment of 19 judges for National Industrial Court of Nigeria.The appointment was based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC). According to a statement issued yesterday by the Director of Information, NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, the newly-appointed judges would be sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Friday, July 14, 2017. The judges include Targema John Iorngee from Benue State, Namtari Mahmood Abba (Adamawa), Nweneka Gerald Ikechi (Rivers), Kado Sanusi (Katsina), Adeniyi Sinmisola Oluyinka (Ogun) and Abiola Adunola Adewemimo (Osun). Opeloye Ogunbowale A. represented Lagos State; Essien Isaac Jeremiah (Akwa Ibom), Elizabeth Ama Oji (Ebonyi), Arowosegbe Olukayode Ojo (Ondo), Ogbuanya Nelson S. Chukwudi (Enugu), Bashir Zaynab Mohammed (Niger) and Galadima Ibrahim Suleiman (Nasarawa). Others include Bassi Paul Ahmed from Borno State, Danjidda Salisu Hamisu (Kano), Hamman Idi Polycarp (Taraba), Damulak Kiyersohot Dashe (Plateau), Alkali Bashar Attahiru (Sokoto) and Mustapha Tijjani, representing Jigawa State. In another development, the House of Representatives yesterday urged the Acting President to swear in the two ministerial nominees already cleared by the Senate on the request of President Muhammadu Buhari. The members gave him one week to abide by their resolution. more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/osinbajo-appoints-19-judges-for.html
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| Politics › No Hiding Place For Kidnappers In Cross River, Says Navy by marryjesus(op): 1:48pm On Jul 11, 2017 |
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Calabar, Rear Admiral Victor Adedipe, has pledge to weed out kidnappers that have held the Cross River State siege in recent times. Responding to a question on securing the many creeks in Calabar, which most of the kidnappers are suspected to operate from, Adedipe said that they were going to ensure there is no hiding place for them. “I assure you that within the creeks which we operate for whatever information we get as pertaining to any of those outlets we are going to weed them out,” he said. Adedipe, who was speaking after a familiarization visit to facilities of the Command in Calabar and Akpabuyo local government area said by his assessment, they would be able to sustain the high level of security on ground. He said they would work with other security agencies to ensure peace is sustained. Adedipe who had taken over the mantle of the Command from Rear Admiral James Oluwole two weeks ago had warned criminals under the area of operation to desist henceforth as Navy will not relent in ensuring they are brought to book. The FOC said he was coming on board with fresh and renewed vigour to add value to the achievements his predecessor has put on ground. “The constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Navy has not changed. Principally it is to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity in the maritime environment and more importantly to protect the national strategic assets that are within the confines of the area of operational responsibility of the ENC. I can assure you that coming on board, one is coming on board with fresh and renewed vigour to add value to what my predecessor has done in furtherance of the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff to ensuring that peace is further sustained within the area and ensuring those who are planning and constantly attacking our national resources are put on check,” he had said. Facilities visited included the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Akpabuyo; Atimbo Navy Barracks; Akim Navy Barracks; Nigeria Navy Reference Hospital; Nigeria Navy Primary School Ikot Ansa; and the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory headquarters in Calabar. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/no-hiding-place-for-kidnappers-in-cross.html
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| Politics › Jackals, Hyenas Around Buhari ’ll Go, Says Aisha Buhari by marryjesus(op): 3:50am On Jul 11, 2017 |
President Muhammadu Buhari is getting better and will soon be back, going by his wife Aisha’s statement yesterday in London. The President’s wife last week travelled to London to be with her husband, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ailment. She has also been carrying out other assignments. President Buhari left the country on May 7 for another round of treatment. He spent more than 50 days during his first medical vaction in London. On his return, he told the nation that he had never been that sick in his life adding that he underwent blood transfusion. But he did not disclose his ailment. On her facebook page yesterday, Mrs Buhari, in a response to the July 6 post by Senator Shehu Sani, expressed herself in a figurative manner, using the animal imagery like the senator did. She wrote: “God has answered the prayers of the weaker animals. The hyenas and the jackals will soon be sent out of the kingdom. We strongly believe in the prayers and support of the weaker animals. “Long live the weaker animals. Long live Nigeria.” Director of Press in Mrs Buhari’s office Mr. Suleiman Haruna, said yesterday that the post was on the president’s wife’s “verified facebook page”. As at 10pm, about 257 people had made comments on the post, most of which were wishing President Buhari quick recovery. Senator Sani (Kaduna Central) wrote on his facebook page on July 6. “Prayer for the absent Lion King has waned; until he’s back then they will fall over each other to be on the front row of the palace temple. “Now the hyenas and the jackals are scheming and talking to each other in whispers; still doubting whether the Lion King will be back or not. “Now the Lion king is asleep and no other dare to confirm if he will wake up or not. It’s the wish of the hyenas that the Lion King never wakes or comes back so that they can be kings. It’s the prayers of the weaker animals that the Lion King comes back to save the Kingdom from the hyenas,the wolves and other predators.” The senator is believed to be referring to those who are scheming to become president in 2019, criss-crossing the country in moves to taking advantage of the president’s absence. Some people who are holding political positions are also believed to be undermining the system to position themselves in the president’s absence. The President’s wife also yesterday posted her photograph speaking at an event in London. She wrote under the photograph: “Today I attended the Babatunde Osotimehin Memorial Lecture at County Hall, London. “It was an honour to have spoken about his achievements at all levels and his commitment towards women and children all over the world.” more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/jackals-hyenas-around-buhari-ll-go-says.html
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| Politics › Retired Justice Highlights Genesis Of Nigeria’s Challenges by marryjesus(op): 7:58pm On Jul 10, 2017 |
A retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Usman Muhammad, says neglect of history and the numerous lessons contained in it was the genesis of myriad of challenges plaguing Nigeria. Muhammad spoke in Sokoto at the opening of the second National Conference of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the conference is: ”History, People, Religion and Culture of Kebbi (Kabi) Kingdom since 1515”. Muhammad, who was the chairman of the occasion said: ”This neglect covers nearly all levels of our educational system. “It is disheartening that History, in spite of its relevance to the life of individual and group and its contributions to national development, we learned, has been phased out of the school curricula. “If what we continue to hear about the fate of History in our schools is true, then, this is shocking news for the nation, as we are merely helping to either erode or erase our own identities.” In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State announced a donation of N30 million as a grant to the institution by three states- Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara- for further researches into the defunct Kebbi, Gobir and Kabi Kingdoms. Tambuwal also challenged the nation’s universities to help in proffering possible solutions to the problems bedeviling the nation. His Kebbi State counterpart, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, called for urgent revival and imbibing of values and ethics that the nation’s forefathers used to build a solid foundation for it. ”They include honesty, dedication, patriotism, peaceful coexistence, respect for one another, piety and patience,” he said. The keynote speaker, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (APC-Kebbi North), called for a spirited fight against corruption, the revival of local industries and the training of youths in modern skills. ”We must dig deep into our history to bring forth our values and traditions in the task of tackling the major problems facing us today and building our future. ” These include knowledge and scholarship, selfless leadership and strength of character, as well as tenacity, sense of purpose, religious faith and multiculturalism, among others,’’ Abdullahi said. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, said that the contributions of ancestors of the defunct Kabi Kingdom and their successors in building a virile society for the last five centuries were unparalleled. Zuru promised the university’s resolve to continue to discharge its mandate of diligent teaching and learning, as well as helping to solve societal problems. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/retired-justice-highlights-genesis-of.html
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| Business › Son Shuts Seven Firms Over Substandard Steel by marryjesus(op): 7:45pm On Jul 10, 2017 |
The Chief Executive Officer of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Osita Aboloma, on Monday said the agency has shut seven steel companies “in the last few months.” Aboloma said the use of substandard steel and other building materials had led to loss of many lives and property. He stated these at a seminar organised by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Ikorodu Unit, for steel manufacturers and other stakeholders in building Aboloma, who was represented by SON’s Sectional Head, Mechanical Department, Abdulrasak Oyewopo said the agency shut seven out of the 41 rolling mills registered with it for various reasons. He said: “In our efforts to ensure quality of products, all steel bars produced locally have identification marks that will enable SON to trace them to the manufacturer. “The incidence of building collapse has been a serious concern. Governments and other stakeholders are making efforts to curb the menace.” BCPG National President, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, blamed high quantity of metal scraps for rampant building collapse. He spoke on the theme: “The Importance of Quality Flat Sheets and Steel Reinforcement Materials in Construction Industry.” Awobodu noted that the quantity of iron ore ought to be more than that of metal scraps in construction steel to achieve quality. He said: “But the rising cost of production has turned metal scraps as the major component in steel production instead of ore (billets). “It has to be 70 per cent ore and 30 per cent metal scraps, which is permitted in any steel production. “These days, there are many inferior steel producers, who use 100 per cent metal scraps, even when they know that certain scraps are not ideal for steel production. “Building collapse is worrisome; we have submitted some major reasons we know to the Lagos Statement Government for urgent action.” Awobodu also said there was the need to ensure that rolling mills had Fatigued Testing Machine to ensure quality steel. According to him, many laboratories in Nigeria only conduct one-sided test – mechanical test – leaving chemical test undone; hence, poor quality steel in circulation. “The reality is that the quality of steel is better controlled from the source, that is the rolling mill, rather than relying on laboratory test of few samples,” he said. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/son-shuts-seven-firms-over-substandard.html
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| Celebrities › My Two Singles Are Doper Than Mcgalaxy's Two Albums Says Cynthia Morgan by marryjesus(op): 11:47am On Jul 10, 2017 |
According to Cynthia Morgan, her two singles are doper than Mc Galaxy's two albums. Both artistes engaged in war of words on social media last week. Apparently, Cynthia is not done with attacking Mc Galaxy. She came on twitter this morning to defend herself after someone cautioned her not to attack Mc Galaxy who has two albums compared to her 'only two singles'. See her tweets below more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/my-two-singles-are-doper-than-mcgalaxys.html
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| Politics › 300,000 Idps Benefit From Naf Free Medical Service In Two Years – Cmo by marryjesus(op): 11:40am On Jul 10, 2017 |
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said on Monday that no fewer than 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have benefited from its free medical services in two years. The NAF Chief Medical Officer, AVM Sale Shinkafi, who made the disclosure in Maiduguri, said that the patients received free treatment at the various medical outreaches organised by the service. Shinkafi said that the medical interventions included general surgeries, obstetrics, gynaecology and ophthalmology. He explained that exercise, conducted in Abuja, Yola, Maiduguri among others, enabled no fewer than 300,000 IDPs with different ailments to receive free treatment within the period. The chief medical officer disclosed that the command was currently conducting surgical operations on 300 IDPs in Borno. “The exercise is part of the NAF medical intervention designed to alleviate the surgical condition of IDPs in Borno State. “About 100 IDPs with special cases are selected each from three camps; Dalori, Banki and Bama, to benefit from the exercise. “This is part of a comprehensive intervention towards improving the health status of the IDPS”. Shinkafi added that NAF had also established two clinics at Dalori and Bama IDPs camps, noting that the health facilities were equipped with modern gadgets. The chief medical officer revealed that some 150 eye surgeries were done in Maiduguri in 2016 while over 35, 000 IDPs received free medical treatment in the area in the last two years. “More than 10, 000 IDPs were also treated at the NAF emergency center in Bama. “We are also providing psycho-social therapy to traumatized IDPs and cancer screening services,” he added. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/300000-idps-benefit-from-naf-free.html
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| Celebrities › Sarkodie Gave Me My First Opportunity - King Promise by marryjesus(op): 10:40am On Jul 08, 2017 |
Ghanaian musician King Promise has paid glowing tribute to Sarkodie for giving him the opportunity to meet other great musicians like Killbeat and Fuse ODG through hip-life musician. According to the "Double Trouble" hit maker, he met the CEO of "Sarkcess Music" Michael Owusu Addo better known as Sarkodie on the streets of Dzorwulu. The singer, who said he was with his friend Kuvie, a music producer, when they saw Sarkodie and walked up to him parked along the street. "We walked to him to tell him about the studio and the music that we do. Surprisingly, he got convinced with what we do and an hour later he climbed up the stairs with us," he told MzGee of Joy News. King Promise said the 'Bra' hitmaker listened to some of the songs and liked them. From that moment, we have been a family and it has been magical. King Promise has gone on to record hits like 'Oh yeah' which was produced by Killbeatz. He disclosed that from there on he has moved from strength to strength promising his fans there is more to come. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/sarkodie-gave-me-my-first-opportunity.html
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| Health › Use A Condom, MouthAction Is Producing Unstoppable Bacteria - Who Warns by marryjesus(op): 4:57am On Jul 08, 2017 |
The World Health Organization has warned the public to cultivate the use of condoms during sex as it's becoming dangerous for those who take part in MouthAction. It warns that if someone contracts gonorrhea through MouthAction, it's now much harder to treat, and in some cases impossible. Experts say the situation was “fairly grim” with few new drugs on the horizon as the sexually transmitted infection is rapidly developing resistance to antibiotics. According to WHO, about 78 million people pick up the STI each year risking infertility, while analysed data from 77 countries have shown gonorrhea's resistance to antibiotics was widespread. Dr. Teodora Wi, from the WHO, said there had even been three cases – in Japan, France, and Spain – where the infection was completely untreatable. She said: “Gonorrhea is a very smart bug, every time you introduce a new class of antibiotics to treat gonorrhea, the bug becomes resistant.” Worryingly, the vast majority of gonorrhea infections are in poor countries where resistance is harder to detect. “These cases may just be the tip of the iceberg,” she added. According to her, Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat, but it is the last that is most concerning health officials. Dr. Wi said antibiotics could lead to bacteria in the back of the throat, including relatives of gonorrhea, developing resistance. She said: “When you use antibiotics to treat infections like a normal sore throat, this mixes with the Neisseria species in your throat and this results in resistance.” Adding that 'In the US, resistance [to an antibiotic] came from men having sex with men because of pharyngeal infection. The Organization also warned that thrusting gonorrhea bacteria into this environment through MouthAction can lead to super-gonorrhea if there is a decline in condom use. They are now calling on countries to monitor the spread of resistant gonorrhea and to invest in new drugs. In the report, Dr. Manica Balasegaram, from the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership, said: “The situation is fairly grim. “There are only three drug candidates in the entire drug [development] pipeline and no guarantee any will make it out.” But ultimately, the WHO said vaccines would be needed to stop gonorrhea. Reacting to the report, Prof Richard Stabler, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “Ever since the introduction of penicillin, hailed as a reliable and quick cure, gonorrhea has developed resistance to all therapeutic antibiotics. “In the past 15 years, therapy has had to change three times following increasing rates of resistance worldwide. “We are now at a point where we are using the drugs of last resort, but there are worrying signs of treatment failure due to resistant strains has been documented.” more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/use-condom-oral-sex-is-producing.html
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| Politics › Court Dismisses Tompolo’s Suit Against Fg, Others by marryjesus(op): 5:59am On Jul 07, 2017 |
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday dismissed an application filed by Niger Delta’s former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, popularly known as Tomopolo, challenging the criminal charge filed against him by the Federal Government. Through his counsel, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Tompolo had approached the court seeking the nullification of Section 221 and 306 of Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJA) 2015, under which he was charged, arguing that the two sections violate his constitutional right to fair hearing. He had joined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff as other defendants in the suit. In the application, Tomopolo had also argued that both sections 221 and 306 were unconstitutional, claiming that they seek to prevent the court from exercising its jurisdiction to entertain any objections to a criminal charge and application for a stay of proceedings pending appeal. “Section 221 of the ACJA states that objections shall not be taken or entertained during proceedings or trial on the ground of an imperfect or erroneous charge, while Section 306 states that an application for stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before a court shall not be entertained.” In response, the counsel to the Federal Government, Idris Mohammed, had urged the court to dismiss the suit with a substantive cost, saying it was an abuse of court process.In dismissing the prayer, Justice Olatoregun stated that the Supreme Court had affirmed that whether a charge is defective or otherwise, an accused person is bound to first take his plea, adding that an interlocutory application cannot stop criminal trial. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/court-dismisses-tompolos-suit-against.html
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| Politics › Lalong Praises Plateau Subeb For Sports Development Efforts by marryjesus(op): 4:27am On Jul 07, 2017 |
The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has been commended for ensuring that pupils in public primary schools are given the opportunity to showcase and develop their sports talents. Governor Simon Bako Lalong gave the commendation during the grand finale of the second Public Primary School Sports Competition held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos. Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Lalong added that in the past the Board was identified more in rehabilitation of schools. Lalong said, “For the previous years SUBEB has been identified more in terms of rehabilitation of schools and provision of infrastructural materials. They are important but developing the mind and physical character of the students is also significant and I think that is another dimension that SUBEB has brought this in focus and I want to congratulate you on that.” He emphasised that the government is committed to developing talents in the state and will replicate what they have done at the primary level to the secondary and tertiary levels to enable the state to take its rightful place in the sporting scene of the country. “I also want to congratulate the participants. This is a competition. There must be winners and losers. But I have noticed that you have taken it as good sports men and women and I want to urge you to continue like that. I want to assure you that government shall continue to support and encourage those that excel,” he contended. The Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Matthew Sule, said that government has painstakingly, in all fronts in the past two years, tackled the challenges that have confronted that level of education. Sule stressed that, “In Plateau State, public primary school children were denied this experience for a period of over two decades,” emphasizing that such out-door learning activities, as well as arts and craft became alien to school life. He added that other in-door activities such as debating and quiz were ignored while teaching activities assumed the theoretical approach.“This was the scenario prior to the advent of this present administration. It was last year that the board re-introduced these activities among the children, schools and Local Government Education Authorities,” he said. The chairman added that the competition has featured football, athletics, arts and craft, debating and quiz, positing that all categories of schools had participated, including the physically challenged. After last year’s competition, he disclosed that a pupil from Langtang North local education authority was selected to be featured in the National Youth Football Team, which the Channels Television requested for a selected football team of children to participate in their tournament. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/lalong-praises-plateau-subeb-for-sports.html
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| Politics › Osinbajo’s Comments On Confirmation Of Appointments Not Fec’s Decision, Says Agf by marryjesus(op): 6:13am On Jul 06, 2017 |
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has distanced the Federal Executive Council (FEC), from Acting President Yemi Osinbajo’s recent comments wherein he challenged the powers of the Senate to approve federal appointments. Addressing State House Correspondents after the Council meeting presided over by Acting President Osinbajo yesterday, Malami said the subject bothering on the approving power of the Senate for appointments made by the executive as presented by Osinbajo did not at any time come up for the deliberation of the council. Malami who was joined by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and his counterpart minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, at the briefing said: “The fundamental consideration about the alleged statement is the fact that at no point ever did the FEC sit down to arrive at the decision in one way or the other as far as the issue of nomination or otherwise is concerned.’’ Lai Mohammed noted that the matter which came up at yesterday’s Council deliberation was on finding amicable resolution to any crisis that the issue may have generated. He explained that the executive has in place a mechanism for handling such issues when they arise. “The fact of the matter is that we have a very excellent mechanism for resolving whatever issues is between us and the National Assembly. ” He did not disclose the steps being taken to resolve the disagreement between the two arms of government. Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the Acting President’s remarks was misconstrued but disclosed that steps were already being taken to resolve the matter. He said the remark credited to Osinbajo about screening of nominees for appointments did not originate from the Acting President. According to the media aide, in compliance with the provisions of the law, the executive arm has been sending the names of its nominees to the National Assembly for screening and it will continue to do so. The Minister of Justice said FEC approved a new anti corruption strategy that would ensure enforcement and sanctioning of persons found guilty of corruption in the country. He said the strategy is intended to strengthen the enforcement and sanctions. Meanwhile, council also yesterday approved contracts worth N900 million for infrastructural developments in some districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Breakdown of the approval according to the FCT minister include N242 million for engineering infrastructure design for ring roads, N184 million Kabo district housing engineering design contract, and more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/osinbajos-comments-on-confirmation-of.html
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| Politics › Bala Mohammed Seeks Release Of Personal Effects From Efcc Sealed House by marryjesus(op): 5:53am On Jul 05, 2017 |
Justice Abubakar Talba of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gudu District, has fixed tomorrow for the hearing of the motion seeking the retrieval of personal effects from the sealed house of former Minister of the FCT, Mr. Bala Mohammed. This adjournment followed a prayer of Mr. Mohammed through his legal counsel, Mr. Frank Molokwu, asking the FCT Court to grant him entry into his house located at No. 1, Mukhtar Street, Asokoro, Abuja, which had been sealed off by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since May 2016, to enable him and other members of his household retrieve personal effects at the residence. Mr. Mohammed is seeking to retrieve from the house 35 sets of ‘babaringa’, 15 pieces of perfumes, 50 sets of leather handbags, 65 pairs of shoes, over 35 boxes of clothes, bed sheets, kitchen utensils and a BMW car. Mohammed, in the application filed on June 7, 2017, contended that he and his entire family members, as well as his domestic aides, were residing in the six-bedroom duplex at No. 1, Mariam Mukhtar Street, Asokoro, Abuja, until it was sealed off by the EFCC in May 2016. A supporting affidavit deposed to by a domestic aide to the former minister, Mr. Umar Usman, stated that the sealing off of the property was impromptu, and as a result, the family members moved to a guest house and have been surviving on few personal effects they had to purchase out of desperation. Usman further averred that, “That there are numerous items belonging to the family members trapped in the property, which if not recovered would be lost and constitute a huge economic loss to the respective owners. “That further to that, the personal effects of the defendant/applicant’s children namely: Fatima Bala Mohammed, Hauwa Bala Mohammed and Maimuna Bala Mohammed are trapped in the property. “That numerous gifts secured by the defendant/applicant’s wife, Mrs. Lami Bala Mohammed in respect of her charity/humanitarian works, meant for distribution to the less-privileged during this Ramadan period are currently trapped in the property.” The affidavit also stated that “none of the personal properties of the defendant/applicant” was connected with the charges preferred against the ex-minister and the proof of evidence”. It added that, “That the defendant/applicant and his family have been suffering a lot of hardship as a result of the deprivation”.Mohammed therefore prayed for, “an order granting the defendant/applicant and his family members entry to his premises currently sealed off by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in order to retrieve his personal effects and those of other members of his family.” While the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Ben Ikani, did not object the request of the defendant, he said he would respond to the application. He however added that the application should not be allowed to stall proceedings in the matter. He told the court that he could help facilitate the release of the items requested to the defendant. He then requested that he be allowed to call his first witness, an investigative officer, Mr. Ishaya Dauda. The court granted his request.Chris Uche (SAN), the lead defence counsel, after the witnesses had taken oath, informed the statement of the witness was not part of the proof of evidence served on the defense. The EFCC Counsel, Ikani, however said in response, that it was not made mandatory by the law law that he includes the said witness statement in the proof of evidence.He told the court that he could file an additional proof of evidence to exhibit the written statement of the witness but asked for an adjournment to enable him do so. The judge granted and fixed October 17, 2017 for the commencement of trial.Former Minister, Bala Mohammed, had been arraigned on a six-count charge preferred against him by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency alleged that Mohammed, while being the Minister of FCT, had in 2014 in Abuja accepted gratification of a house worth N550m situated at No. 2599 and 2600 Cadastral zone AO4 Asokoro District Abuja from Aso Savings and Loans Bank PLC. The EFCC further claimed the said house was a reward for performing his official duties, an act said to be an offence contrary to Section 18(b) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC) Act 2000, and punishable under Section 18 (d) of the same Act.He was also accused of abusing his office while being FCT Minister and Chairman, Board of Directors, Aso Savings and Loans Bank Plc.He allegedly used his office and position to confer corrupt and undue advantage to his associates by allocating four numbers fully detached duplexes and eleven numbers semi-detached duplexes valued at N314m through the Presidential Taskforce on the sale of government houses to them. The act was said to be an offence punishable under Section 19 of ICPC Act 2000.Bala Mohammed was remanded in Kuje Prison, Abuja, shortly after he pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him on May 10, 2017. He was thereafter granted bail in the sum of N500m on May 12, 2017. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/bala-mohammed-seeks-release-of-personal.html
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| Politics › Flooding: "No Cause For Alarm" -gov.rochas Okorocha by marryjesus(op): 8:33am On Jul 04, 2017 |
His Excellency Rochas Okorocha "HERO" says there is no cause for alarm on the issue of flooding in Owerri capital city as adequate arrangements have been made to forestall wreckage that might occur following the recent Meteorological reports on flooding in the coastal states of Nigeria. Owelle made this known during projects inspection with cross section of journalists @bank road, where there is an ongoing twelve lanes road expansion work.He maintains that,the Urban Renewal Program is still on course,saying "there is no longer traffic congestion in Owerri as it stands.The workaholic governor also inspected,the ongoing Alvan Pedestrian bridge,Amakohia bridge & Imo Modern International Market more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/flooding-no-cause-for-alarm-govrochas.html?m=1
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| Politics › Ipob Is Not A Religious Organization -ipob Tells Family Writers by marryjesus(op): 7:07am On Jul 03, 2017 |
It has come to the notice of the Family Writers Press that some groups of gullible saboteurs and enemies of light have been going round, making some derogatory and blasphemous statements, trying to link the sacred image of the supreme leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra {IPOB}, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the entire Biafran struggle to religion. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has never for one day refer himself as Jesus neither does Biafra agitation have any religious undertone whatsoever. Linking IPOB supreme leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as Jesus is not just barbaric but also malicious, obnoxious and detrimental to the image of Jesus Christ. This is a means of diverting the attention of the good people of Biafra who are mainly Christians from the fact that Christ is the Saviour of the world whereas the IPOB leader was anointed by the Almighty Chukwuokike whom Christ is the Son. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was sent to liberate Biafrans from the shackles of the Hausa-Fulani oligarchy. He is here to restore the true identity of Biafrans which existed before the coming of the British. Biafra restoration is for the purpose of liberation and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the anointed messenger. There is no doubt that everyone has his or her freedom of worship no matter the kind of religion of anyone's choice. Having known that, it will interest us to let the blessed people of God{BIAFRANS} to know that those blasphemers are trying to corrupt their interests of pulling out of slavery by exulting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu above Jesus in order to bring the agitation to ridicule. We must also note the great danger that will befall us, should we fail to resist every form of divide and rule antics by all the dead on arrival jihadists who have vowed to islamize us via the help of our good for nothing eastern leaders. Nnamdi Kanu is God's sent and we all know that. His passion and love for Biafrans made him reject all kinds of material wealth offered to him by agents of slavery known as the advocates of one Nigeria. He made this sacrifice so that we might be free and have liberty including the generations unborn. We should beware and be more reasonable enough to note that those ranting and referring him as Jesus or exalting him above Jesus are doing that in order to cause commotion so that our enemies will use the avenue to score cheap goals. We are the Indigenous People of Biafra {IPOB}, a formidable group of freedom fighters, the chosen children of Chukwu Abiama {GOD} and our leader is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and he does not have any other name besides the one given to him by his parents which we all know. We do not and shall never have anything to do with religious interference or any other agenda other than to restore Biafra. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/ipob-is-not-religious-organization-ipob.html
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| Politics › Fg’s N140b Debt Threatens Pencom’s N7.2tr Target by marryjesus(op): 6:26am On Jul 03, 2017 |
A plan by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to boost funds contributions from N6.4 trillion to N7.2 trillion by the end of 2017 may be jeopardised by the current pension outstanding estimated at N140 billion. The Guardian learnt that the Federal Government’s agencies are on top of the list of pension debtors, while private entities are following the trend. This situation, according to experts, would truncate the PenCom’s agenda if urgent actions are not taken to recoup the debts. Also, the Federal Government that has failed to remit its workers’ contributory pension is under a moral burden that may prevent it from sanctioning other employers that are guilty of the same offence. Experts alleged that the N140 billion government’s debt has already been deducted from workers’ salaries but it is now a liability for the government to remit it into the PenCom account. Stakeholders in the sector who spoke to The Guardian on the development said the funds could have increased by a minimum of N1trillion in the current year, while they expect it to grow beyond N7.2 trillion, if the debtors remit funds as at when due. An industry analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed concern that the funds should have been growing with an increase of at least N50 billion and in some cases even more on a monthly basis in the last two years. The source alleged that the Federal Government did not help matters by the accumulation of about N140 billion pension arrears under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) and Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), even as some states and companies in the private sector are still defaulting in remittance to the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of their workers. The reason for the constant growth in pension assets, according to The Guardian source, is that pension contributions are made on a monthly basis to the RSAs of employees, while the PFAs also make a lot of profits from investment of these funds in Federal Government bonds, stock market and other less risky windows, which also go into the pension funds pool. However, with some states now ready to join the CPS and the readiness of the Federal Government to settle some of its arrears, as well as the PenCom going after defaulting employers, experts said this could push the fund even beyond the targeted amount. The Director General, Ondo State Pension Commission, Jaiyeola Olowosuko, said because the contributions are made every month and new sets of people are regularly subscribing to the scheme, the funds will keep growing. On the investment income that has increased the volume of the pension funds to N6.2trillion, the Chairman, Pension Funds Operators of Nigeria (PenOp), Eguarekhide Longe, said that of the amount, over N2 trillion is investment incomes, meaning that the managers (PFAs) of that money have received over N3 trillion pension contributions in the last 12 years and that they (pension funds operators) have added over N2.5 trillion to it from investments they made. “It shows that the money has been active. The philosophy of managing this money is to add to it. It means that the money has been used profitably. You will find out that the money is being used by the managers for the right objectives, so that when workers retire, they earn their money seamlessly,” he pointed out The Director, Centre for Pension Right Advocacy, Ivor Takor, said it was possible for the PenCom to realise the N7.2 trillion target before the end of this year, revealing a plan by PenCom to establish a micro pension scheme as part of plans to grow the contributory funds. According to him, some PFAs are making money from investment of the pension funds and some of the profit goes back into the pool, which increases its volume. Takor, who is a former member of board of PenCom, appealed to the Federal Government and states to pay their pension arrears to redeem the lost image of the new pension scheme that has been recently criticised for various reasons, among which is the multitude of arrears owed, as was the case in the old scheme. He applauded the steps taken by PenCom by partnering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as other relevant agencies to prosecute defaulting employers, stating that this would boost compliance in the private sector that will make the funds grow more. On what has kept the funds safe, PenCom cited prudent management, noting that no fraud has been recorded under the scheme. According to the regulator, the Pension Reform Act, 2004, which was the governing legislation of the CPS, was repealed and re-enacted in July 2014. The new law re-enacted some crucial provisions of the repealed 2004 Act, including the establishment of the CPS as well as PenCom as the sole regulator and supervisor of pension matters in the country. “Among other significant revisions, the PRA 2014 introduced some innovations in the pension system, instituted a stiffer regime of sanctions and penalties for infringements, made upward review of the minimum rate of pension contribution in order to enhance the value of pension pay-outs, and expanded the coverage of private sector employees under the CPS,” it stated. The Founder and Promoter of the First Guarantee Pension Limited, (FGPL), Nze Chidi Duru, during a visit to the Rutam House, corporate headquarters of The Guardian in Isolo, Lagos urged PenCom to invest the funds in infrastructure to boost economic development of the country. He attributed the large infrastructure deficit in key sectors of the economy to population growth, demographic changes and urbanisation which have increased the demand for social amenities in the country. more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/fgs-n140b-debt-threatens-pencoms-n72tr.html
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| Politics › Again, Aisha Visits Buhari In London Tomorrow by marryjesus(op): 5:55am On Jul 03, 2017 |
Wife of the president, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari will, tomorrow, return to London, the United Kingdom, to visit her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on medical vacation. In a statement by her Director of Information, Suleiman Haruna, Mrs. Buhari will first stop over at Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, to make a symbolic appearance at the meeting of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) today. She will also join other members to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the organisation, and seize the opportunity to reiterate voting rights of Nigeria in upcoming election. Mrs. Buhari, who is expected to leave Addis Ababa for London tomorrow, assured Nigerians she will convey to the president, the best wishes of Nigerians and their fervent prayers for his quick recovery. She visited her husband on May 30, 2017 and returned on June 6. On her return, she conveyed the president’s appreciation to Nigerians, for their prayers for his recovery and disclosed he will soon return to Nigeria as he was recuperating fast. more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/again-aisha-visits-buhari-in-london.html
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| Politics › Ambode’s Wife Empowers 103 Widows by marryjesus(op): 5:55am On Jul 02, 2017 |
The founder of Hope For Women In Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEN), Mrs. Bolanle Ambode has empowered 103 widows; to make them self reliant and better cater for their children.The first lady of Lagos State said that after a careful analysis, it was realised that though all the widows need support, but the same type of assistance cannot work for everyone because of age differences and circumstances around them. “Based on this, the beneficiaries were divided into three categories as follows: Those that require skill acquisition, those that require equipment support to stabilise their businesses and those that require financial assistance to expand their businesses.” She said that her foundation decided that it would be best to train the younger widows, for them to have particular skills they can rely on, to generate regular income by themselves. “It is the objective of this programme to properly educate and enlighten these women on their matrimonial rights under the law. We cannot pretend to be ignorant of the cultural and social problems that women face upon the death of their husbands, including accessing whatever was left behind by their loved ones.” The equipment distributed include deep freezers, refrigerators, generators, whipping machines, industrial gas cookers, professional cameras, photocopiers, grinding machines, bag-sewing machines, oven and embroidery machines among others. full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/07/ambodes-wife-empowers-103-widows.html
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