₦airaland Forum

eyeview:
Would you believe if I tell you that there are more Christians from Kaduna than Muslims.
Its a hidden secret. IBB and his cronnies discovered this fact in the census held during his regime but subdued it

Has he ever been to Kaduna?
I think we have just six to seven Christian dominated local government out of 23 in the state

God bless the lion king.

DELAYED BUDGETS HINDER COMPLETION OF PROJECTS -PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja said tardiness in passage of budgets by the National Assembly, sometimes lasting seven months, delay completion of projects across the country, urging more effort to speed up the process.

The President, who received a delegation of Eminent and Respected citizens of Niger State led by Lt. Gen. Garba Duba (Rtd) at the Presidential Villa, said the government’s achievements in ensuring better roads, rails, power and repositioning of the airports was in spite of the delays, praying for more understanding and commitment to infrastructural development.

“If the National Assembly takes seven months to pass a budget, then we should be commended for the much that we have achieved, and can still achieve.

“I personally feel very disappointed. I spoke with the leaders of the National Assembly on the issue that seven months is a long time to work on a budget,’’ he said.

The President said ongoing efforts to improve road, and rail networks across the country will be increased as infrastructural development remains paramount for improving the livelihood of Nigerians.

President Buhari told the delegation, which includes Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, military and traditional leaders, that his administration will pay more attention to the stretch of 2,150km federal roads in the state.

On security, he said, “we cannot manage our communities and societies without security. A lot of resources is being diverted to provide security instead of going into infrastructural development.’’

The President re-assured the delegation that his administration will stay focused on securing lives and property, fighting corruption and stimulating the economy for more progress.

President Buhari said the Minister of Agriculture and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria had been directed to increase monetary supports, through loans, to farmers in the next farming season, and ensure that farmers are not overwhelmed with the traditional demand for collaterals.

“Traditional institutions and families can serve as guarantors because we cannot continue with that colonial style of asking for collaterals that people don’t have,’’ he added.

The President commended the Chinese government for accepting to finance 85 per cent of Nigeria’s infrastructural development need.

“I thank you so much for coming. It is a good morale booster for me and the country that a State will bring a strong delegation to show appreciation for our efforts,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Lt. Gen. Duba, who is a former military governor, commended the President for the significant stride in repositioning of roads, rails and airports across the country.

He said Niger State still faced challenges of security along Jebba-Mokwa-Birnin Gwari-Kaduna roads, urging the President to reinforce surveillance on the routes and also direct more attention on the construction of federal roads in the state.

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who is also the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the President for providing exemplary leadership for the country.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 2, 2018

I repeat PDP? God forbid.

Naysayers I repeat PDP? God forbid.

PDP? God forbid.

Funnicator:
Fool

Bitter folk Get hailed

Antcolony:

Oh my goodness! What has happened to this man? A very vibrant politician has been reduced to nothing by El rufai. Your greatest error was to relinquish your position as the state APC chairman and accept to become El rufai's running mate. You have become irrelevant to El rufai, you cannot go back to your people because you have betrayed them, just pray the APC win the 2019 polls so that they compensate you with an appointment otherwise your ambition to run for kaduna south senatorial seat is dead on arrival.
Back to topic.
El rufai is the prime suspect. It is well know that the Agwam is always in opposition to the governor, he has refused to wear the emir regalia which has always been an issue and he was invited by the governor for a meeting where they had series of disagreement as regards the crises in kasuwan magani. He was abducted on his way back home. Who b mumu?

May you get healed

He paid tax of 10.3 Million naira for to national treasury in three years but will pay
30.1million per month for a foreign lobbyist that won't help them from failing. God forbid this rich people political party.

Even Obj children are also chanting sai Baba

President Muhammadu Buhari tonight received Olujonwon Obasanjo, son of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, at the State House, Abuja. Mr. Obasanjo is part of #PMB2019 Team.

OkaNaUbe:
Without a verifiable source, I won't believe this news.

Am from Kwara state and living in Kaduna that's my route to my homeland Offa, it is verified.

From Southwest I support no referendum no election in south east. So that by 2020 Buhari uproot them.

•As country mulls trip to the space
By Emmanuel Elebeke
The Governor General of Canada and world renowned astronaut, Julie Payette says Nigeria must continue to operate her own communications and Remote Sensing satellites to be able to share relevant data that can help solve some intricate problems.

Payette gave the advice at the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, in Abuja, recently, during her state visit to Nigeria.

She proposed the operation of both Communication and remote sensing satellite in Nigeria to enable the country gather data and share information about any natural disaster that may occur in the country with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problem.

According to the Canadian astronaut, the operation of such satellites allows for an opening for collaboration where the needs of Nigeria can be placed where all other communities working together would assist her in tackling her challenges.

She said, “having a communication satellite and remote sensing capabilities in Nigeria opens doors to a lot of collaborations. If there is a remote sensing demand on ground because of the flood or natural disaster, every nation that has remote sensing satellite will provide data, whoever has satellite at the time will now provide the data so that the authorities will use that data to tackle the disaster? Nigeria is in that group.

She said that although there are lots of works on ground, but having the proper data from space has the capability of providing solutions to problems.

“One of the most important thing is that when you have a project like that, it inspires the young generation to study science and technology and eventually become engineers and professionals.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu admitted that the visit may not only help science and technology grow in Nigeria but could also help the younger ones study science and technology in schools.

Onu, who described Payette as a great woman of knowledge promised that Nigeria’s space programme will progressively advance to the expected end.
“Our space programme is progressing satisfactorily. I am very proud of the work NASRDA has done over two decades of its existence.

“As a government, we are committed to space research and development. We will ensure a master plan for NASRDA which includes having Nigerians in the space. It is a vision we will pursue vigorously because we know that through space science and technology we will be in a position to have positive impact on so many aspect of our economy, be it in communications, environment, defence, health or education.

“By the size of our country, space is important to us, having the largest population and largest market in Africa. It is important to join the rest of humanity to explore space now. Through Space research and development, so many important discoveries have been made,” he said.
Imperative Of Driving Research And Innovation For Industry

Onu also revealed that “Nigeria has been cooperating with so many countries, including Canada in the area of space research and development. We will like to continue in that collaboration. Canada has been a very good friend of Nigeria and we want to deepen that relationship and partnership.”

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of her personal collections from the space; Training Model of the Canadian used by all astronauts in preparation for their work in space; Photo of her wearing the Patch of her second mission to space on international space station; among other items to space among others.

Earlier, the Canadian Governor and her delegation met with teams of graduate students at the master’s and doctorate levels and teachers who presented the findings of their cutting-edge research. She also delivered remarks where she described her own career path and the importance of science and innovation.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/canadian-governor-general-payette-explains-why-nigeria-must-own-communications-satellite/

By Our Reporters

LEADERS of Organised Labour, workers and their civil society allies, yesterday, trooped into the major streets across the country as part of the sensitisation of workers and Nigerians for November 6, 2018 commencement date of a nationwide indefinite strike to compel government to peg a new minimum wage at N30,000, threatening “no N30,000 new minimum wage, no votes” in 2019 general elections.
Labour

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and United Labour Congress of Nigeria, ULC, had declared yesterday, a day of national mourning and sensitisation of workers and Nigerians ahead of the November 6, start date of a nationwide strike.

The federal and state governments have since declined any N30,000 minimum wage agreement.

Lagos

In Lagos, protests rally which kicked off from Ojuelegba Bridge, through Ikorodu Road to Gani Fewehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, crippled activities on the ever busy road causing heaving gridlock on both sides of the road and its environs.

The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as “No minimum wage, No work from November 6”, “Minimum Wage of N30, 000 not negotiable”, “Minimum wage will boost Nigerian economy’, “Upward review of Minimum wage will not trigger inflation”, “Ngige and governors do not own Nigeria, Nigeria belongs to all workers,, “N30,000 minimum wage, no more, no less” among others.

Addressing the protesters at the Maryland roundabout and at Ojota freedom park, leaders of the protesters and President of ULC, Joe Ajaero, declared that from November 6, it would to total war with government until the N30,000 new minimum wage was achieved.

According to him, whatever the governors meeting yesterday came out with would be of no effect unless they agreed to implement the N30,000 minimum wage, insisting that there would be no more negotiation because the Tripartite committee appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, had finished its assignment and submitted its report to the President.

He said: “We are on the road because of government insensitivity to the welfare of workers and Nigerians. We are on the road to sensitise workers and Nigerians about the November 6 commencement date of a nationwide indefinite strike. We are on the road to tell the government that enough is enough.

The November 6 will be the mother of all strikes in Nigeria. Posterity will judge us if we fail to rise up to defend Nigerian workers. We are on the road to the government that no N30, 000 minimum wage, no votes. There is no good healthcare and electricity tariff is far more than 18,000 minimum wage and the tariff continue to increase.”

Similarly, a Vice President of NLC, Amechi Asugwuni told Nigerians to stock food stuff and other necessities ahead of the November 6, strike.

Stock up foods, Labours tells Nigerians
According to him, “the struggle is to defend the people of this country and the mourning day is to sensitise workers and other Nigerians to stockpile food stuff and other necessities in their houses because once we commence the strike, there will be no going back except government agree to our terms and conditions. The minimum wage is a legitimate right for Nigerian workers.

Abuja

In Abuja, labour leaders frowned at Federal Government’s delay in the process of promulgating new National Minimum Wage for workers in the country.

Speaking, President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, said “We call on the Federal Government to take necessary steps to ensure the enactment of a new national minimum wage act as we cannot guarantee industrial peace and harmony.”

Wabba explained that the new national minimum wage was both legally and materially due since 2016, saying “the Minimum Wage Act prescribes a five yearly cycle of review.”

He also said coupled with the delay, the increase in the pump price of petroleum products by over 85 per cent and the devaluation of the Naira by 100 per cent in 2016, have massively affected the cost of living.

According to him, the exchange rate and inflation rose to an all-time high, rendering the N18,000 unjustifiable as basis for continued national minimum wage.
“Given the realities of our economic condition, the least any worker should earn is N30,000,” he said.

Also, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, TUC president, said implementation of the national minimum wage was imperative as workers in the country were faced with hard times.
Kaigama called on the Federal and State Governments to do the needful as N30,000 was not too much for them to pay workers as minimum wage.

“They cannot say they do not have money; the political office holders have the money and also the government. We also know how much they are putting into politics and the forthcoming general elections.

“Workers are not slaves but rather they create the wealth of the nation, they cannot continue to suffer. After all the minimum wage is long overdue,” he said.

Bayelsa ready to pay N30,000
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Government, assured civil servants in the state of its readiness to pay the N30,000 minimum wage being demanded by the organised labour if it was generally accepted.

Governor Seriake Dickson gave the assurance yesterday in Government House while receiving protesting delegation of leaders and members of the organised labour.

Represented by the State Head of Service, Mr Luca Obiri, he noted that already the state government had set up modalities for the implementation of whatever decision reached with Labour.

His words: “I want to assure Bayelsa workers that government is in support of your quest for new minimum wage. The N30,000 minimum wage will be implemented by the state government. In an anticipation to that he (the governor) has directed the Head of Service and the state Finance Committee to start working out the modalities for the implementation of whatever decision that is agreed will be adhere to.”

I will pay any amount adopted as minimum wage—Ortom

In Benue, Governor Samuel Ortom, promised to pay any amount agreed upon by the negotiating committee on minimum wage.

Ortom spoke in Makurdi, when members of organised labour visited him to register their support for the upward review of wages.
Ortom, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Terwase Orbunde, said that he was not against the upward review of workers’ minimum wages “in spite of the current economic challenges bedeviling the country.”

He said: “I will work in line with the outcome of the new minimum wage committee. I am known for championing improved welfare for workers. I did it when I was the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area. When I came on board as governor, primary school teachers were not receiving the N18,000.00 minimum wage. I stepped up their salaries without waiting for them to mount pressure on me to do so. I wanted them to be at par with other civil servants in the state.”

Ekiti gov says Labour’s agitation legitimate
In Ado-Ekiti, Governor Kayode Fayemi of the state, described workers, agitations as legitimate and worthy of being given considerations by governments.

This came as workers marched round some major streets in the state from Mobil Filling Station in Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti to the Governor’s office.

Fayemi, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Biodun Omoleye and the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, said: “My government as you all know is labour friendly. The agitations for new National Minimum Wage is legitimate and let me tell you, my government will never allow workers to go hungry again by working without getting their pay. The present wages you are taking can no longer take you half home, as responsible government, we must listen to your voices. We will take your demands to the Governors’ Forum and we will put up a voice for you there.”

In Anambra, no pay, no work, no votes
In Awka, Anambra State, labour leaders also resolved to down tools on November 6, unless the demand for a Minimum Wage of N30,000 was implemented, saying “no pay, no work no vote.”

President of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Associations, NASU, Chris Ani, who led the protest, spoke at New Freedom Square, Awka.

He lamented that “the N30,000 equals N1000 per day for a worker and is equivalent to N50 per day for a family of six that contends with rent, school fees electricity bill, transportation and tax.”

Ogun

Also, in Abeokuta, protesting members of organised labour shut down some part of the state as they marched through major streets of Abeokuta, to sensitise the citizens of the state ahead of the impending nationwide strike over the minimum wage.

They warned they would proceed on total strike from November 6, 2018, if the government failed to accept to pay the N30,000 minimum wage being demanded.

Labour seeks end to oppression in Oyo
Led by the state chairmen, NLC and TUC, Mr Waheed Olojede and , Mr Emmanuel Ogundiran, Labour protesting in Ibadan, said: “We are saying no to oppression; Nigerian workers say it is our rights to earn what we deserve and that is why we are on the streets today.”

“My colleague has said it, come the 6th of next month, there will be total cessation of work, no Nigerian worker should, upon our directive, upon the directive from the national leadership, stay at home; be you a press man, they may say you’re essential, are you being paid for what you’re worth?”

Kogi

In Lokoja, Organised labour in Kogi State, insisted that workers would not accept anything less than N30, 000 minimum wage.

State chairman of NLC, Onuh Edoka, led the workers who marched through some streets in the state capital before they stormed Government House to meet with Governor Yahaya Bello.

Taraba

In Jalingo, Organised Labour in Taraba State, vowed to cripple the state from November 6, if government failed to accept to pay N30,000 minimum wage as agreed.
The protesters who started from the Ministry of Works in Jalingo to the Government house, threatened to shut down markets, offices among others in compliance with the strike scheduled to commence on November 6 if government fails to accede to their demands.

Enugu

Also in Enugu, leaders of organized labour in Enugu State, trooped to the major streets in the state to sensitise workers and Nigerians ahead of the November 6 strike to press home their demand for the N30, 000 minimum wage.

Mr Ben Asogwa, the secretary to Trade Union Congress (TUC) who spoke to pressmen at the Enugu State Secretariat, said “We are mobilising workers for the forthcoming nationwide strike to press home our demand for N30, 000 minimum wage.

I think it is in the domain of the media houses that the Nigeria Labour Congress presented N66, 000 for minimum wage and the end product after series of negotiation was N30, 000. The Federal Government refused to adopt it so we are hosting the rally because by mid-night Nov. 6, the nationwide strike will begin.

No Minimum wage, No vote in 2019 in C’ River NLC declares

In the same vein, leaders of organized labour in Cross River State, led thousands of workers both in the private and public sector to march through major streets in the state ahead of November 6 strike over a new minimum wage.

‘We are workers and have had prolonged negotiation with government for an increase in our salaries and this was agreed at 30,000 naira but surprisingly, the Minister of labour, Ngige after we had agreed came up again to ask for another round of negotiation and we say no to that kind of action.

“We are asking for increase in our salaries because we are tired of buying garri on credit, salt on credit, magi on credit and even the houses we live in we keep being asked to pack out because we cannot pay rents” Ita Ayi, State Secretary of the NLC told traders at the Watt Market.

Imo State

In Owerri, Imo State, labour leaders insisted on the implementation of N30,000 new national minimum wage.

In a sensitization rally in Owerri, NLC Chairman, Austin Chilakpu, said that N18,000 minimum wage was unacceptable to them and that it was for that reason they are demanding for increase of salary.

The workers in their hundreds marched round the major streets in the state capital with their placards, adding that there was no going back on their demands.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/minimum-wage-labour-draws-battle-line-with-govt-says-no-n30000-no-votes/

By David Odama

LAFIA—Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has warned against his name being linked to the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

Reacting to an online publication in the state, Al-Makura denied meeting with the PDP presidential candidate in Dubai as alleged in the publication.

Describing the allegations as irresponsible propaganda being sponsored in Nasarawa State over 2019, Governor Al-Makura said the calculated attempt is designed to smear his political position in his mother-party, APC.

His statement
According to a statement by his Director, Strategic Communications and Press Affairs, Yakubu Laimai, “the governor has never at any given time held a closed-door meeting in Dubai, UAE, with PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over 2019 general elections as published by an online media in the state.
“The claim that Governor Tanko Al-Makura has agreed to work for Atiku Abubakar to ensure he wins the presidential polls in Nasarawa State is not only a fallacy, distraction and attempts to sow seeds of discord in APC and with President Muhammadu Buhari, but a plan by the opposition to destroy the governor’s hard-earned good records in the state.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/count-me-out-of-atikus-presidential-ambition-al-makura/

NaijaRoyalty:
Buhari should respect court order and release the shite leader immediately.

because you're Nairaland ain't PMB. You don't even know anything about Shiite and their leader. Because you live in Kaduna.

For those who knows about Nigeria politics the deal is simple, support our return and we shall support yours all in disguise.

olaeffect:


Have you heard of 24hrs curfew for about 3 staraight days running?
Must you throwaway the whole right up because you have never stayed in Kaduna or know anything about the make up of kaduna and it's history as regards to ethnic and religious problems.
Bros, you have a right to an opinion, but you don't have the right to insult the wisdom of people that know more than you on many multilevel fronts.

trying to say? what's the wisdom in that gibberish story?
Mr stay in Kaduna what are

Someone from far away distance will compose gibberish and Pro-violence preaching just to heat up an already settled conflict, this is insanity, devilish.

You are far away from Kaduna and you're saying things you don't know anything about who started the killings in Kaduna? Who started blocking roads and killing commuters?

In Tudun wada 99% muslims area people were dealt with for coming out to watch ball, everybody is hungry, or did anyone tell you Muslims were allowed to move freely and were given food?

What nonsense. isn't the curfew for protection of lives and properties? what brings about Buhari and fighting corruption in this? this man is just speaking gibberish.

May people like you who preach hate and violence be destroyed in Jesus name.

Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday in Abuja , jocularly said he was learning the Shaku Shaku dance steps for campaigns ahead of the 2019 general elections .

Shaku Shaku is a popular and contemporary dance style common among young Nigerians.

Osinbajo, who was the Chairman and Special Guest of Honour at the launch of Five Fascinating Books written by Funmilayo Braithwaite, in Abuja on Sunday, said a friend of his recently polled large number of votes just by dancing.

According to him , nobody knows what will work in Nigerian politics .

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the books — The Path of Fate, Echoes of Yesteryears, Politicrisis , The Golden Rules and Bonds of Destiny – were unveiled at Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

The vice- president said that he believed that reading the books would provide resolutions to a lot of the questions that were raised in the lives of Nigerians and in the lives of children.

He said : “ And hopefully, we will be able to find resolution to some of the questions raised in our political lives as well ; I know that is one of the reason Alhaji Shittu Kabir, Chairman , Advanced Peoples Democratic Party is here .

“ As matter of fact , for those of us who are politicians , when you see `Politicrisis ’; especially as elections approach , you might think there is a formula somewhere.

“ Kabir and I and are the opposite sides but we are here to learn ; I was saying the other day that politics in Nigeria is becoming very exciting ; you never know what works .

“ I can never forget my dear friend in one of the states who just danced his way through the campaigns; all he did was dance; he did nothing else but dance and he won 250, 000 votes.

“ So myself and Kabir are now learning Shaku Shaku; we have to learn ; who knows what will win. ’’

He lauded the author, saying she had very deep in reflecting on many of the difficult and wide range of issues.

According to Osinbajo, looking at what the author has done with the five books, it is very evident that a lot of her deep introspection has not left her .

He said that the author was constantly trying to answer the various questions of life.

The vice president said that some of the questions had to do with the value system in the society and how those values might appear to have collapsed over the years.

“ When you look at the questions she raised about children; bringing up children bullying and all of that ; children even been able to share their thoughts their visions with their parents.

“ Going into `Politicrisis ’ and all of that ; you will find out that the issues are always the same ; issues on integrity; how can we stand up for what we believe; competing and very difficult circumstances that we find ourselves.

“ How can we truly be ourselves; how can we truly express ourselves? It is a sort of things that you hardly find these days.

“ And , I am very pleased that despite all the challenges , Funmi continues to be the one doing a lot the thinking for us ; a lot of the reflection for us ; because society if guided by those who are able to think and reflect; those who are able to sit down and try to answer all these questions for us , ’’ he said .

Osinbajo said he looked forward to seeing the books in private and public libraries across the country as well as in various ministries of education for distribution to children.
(NAN )


https://punchng.com/we-are-learning-shaku-shaku-dance-steps-for-our-campaign-osinbajo/

I told a friend that PDP are corrupt, unrepentant, shameless, full of lies and tales, lack magnitude and directions. But he wouldn't listen just as many IPOB here on Nairaland.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said that the nation’s debt was $73 billion, a $10 billion increment from $63 billion the present administration inherited in 2015.

He made the disclosure in Ibadan on Saturday during the 9th Public Lecture of Sigma Club at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Mr Osinbajo delivered a lecture entitled ‘Developing the Nation Through Youth Empowerment.’

“In 2010 our debt was $35 billion, $41 billion in 2011, $48 billion in 2012, $64 billion in 2013, $67.7 billion in 2014, $63.8 billion in 2015, $57.8 billion in 2016, $70 billion in 2017 and $73 billion in 2018.

“The nation’s debt as at today was $73 bilłion, an increment of $10 billion from the $63 billion inherited in 2015,” he said.

Mr Osinbajo revealed that from oil, the nation earned $119.8 billion from 1990 to 1998, $481 billion from 1999 to 2009 and $381 billion from 2010 to 2014, while present administration has only earned $112 billion from June 2015.

“The earnings from oil from 2010 to 2014 were the highest recorded in the history of the country. This is a period when the price of oil per barrel sold from $100 to $114.
He said that the most important drain on the nation’s public purse was grand corruption, saying the nation would earn more revenue if such was addressed.

“In a 2015 transaction met by this administration, a sum of $67 million was made without a purpose for it. So also is another $292 million,” he said.

The vice president also listed lack of commitment to diversification of the economy as one of the problems which affected the economy.

On restructuring, Mr Osinbajo said that some of those clamouring for it were those who opposed their efforts on restructuring years back when they were in government.
“Let me explain my position clearly. I am not just an advocate of restructuring, there is no other government in Nigeria that has actively pursued restructuring such as we did when I was Attorney General in Lagos State.

“People talking about restructuring, if you ask them what they meant by restructuring? They won’t even know what it means and that is the problem we have to face,” he said.

The vice president narrated how he pursued issues of restructuring to the Supreme Court when he was the Attorney General in Lagos State.

According to him, “We started with fiscal restructuring, which is more of resource control. Should states control their own resources? We went to the Supreme Court. They argued that each state should control its own resources.”

“The states that argued in favour of autonomy for states to control their resources were the oil producing states in the country and Lagos State, while some others argued on the other side because they want to share oil money.

“We lost at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said no, that you cannot control your resources. If you are an oil producing state, take 13 per cent extra, which is derivation.”

He said that Lagos State further argued that it had ports and the ports served the entire nation, so the state should also take 13 per cent derivation which the Supreme Court objected.

Mr Osinbajo said that further argument led to the introduction of onshore and offshore law, which enabled the state to share from onshore resources.

“All this time, this was 2000, some of those people, including the presidential candidate of PDP, who is talking about restructuring, was the vice president then.

“They opposed every step we took. Of course, we were taking the Federal Government to court then. They opposed every step.

“The next thing we did was that the states should be able to create their own local governments, which is autonomy of states.
“So, we created 37 new local governments in Lagos. The president then, Chief Obasanjo, seized our local government funds and said we could not create new local governments,” he said.

He also narrated how they challenged the seizure at the Supreme Court and the court ruled in their favour.

“If you ask those people now talking about restructuring, none of them has done anything compared to what we have done. So, I am not a latter day convert to restructuring.

“I am an active practitioner of restructuring, and I have gone to the Supreme Court 12 times to test restructuring,” Mr Osinbajo added.
(NAN)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/292875-nigerias-debt-only-increased-10-billion-since-buhari-assumed-office-osinbajo.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said that the nation’s debt was $73 billion, a $10 billion increment from $63 billion the present administration inherited in 2015.

He made the disclosure in Ibadan on Saturday during the 9th Public Lecture of Sigma Club at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Mr Osinbajo delivered a lecture entitled ‘Developing the Nation Through Youth Empowerment.’

“In 2010 our debt was $35 billion, $41 billion in 2011, $48 billion in 2012, $64 billion in 2013, $67.7 billion in 2014, $63.8 billion in 2015, $57.8 billion in 2016, $70 billion in 2017 and $73 billion in 2018.

“The nation’s debt as at today was $73 bilłion, an increment of $10 billion from the $63 billion inherited in 2015,” he said.

Mr Osinbajo revealed that from oil, the nation earned $119.8 billion from 1990 to 1998, $481 billion from 1999 to 2009 and $381 billion from 2010 to 2014, while present administration has only earned $112 billion from June 2015.

“The earnings from oil from 2010 to 2014 were the highest recorded in the history of the country. This is a period when the price of oil per barrel sold from $100 to $114.
He said that the most important drain on the nation’s public purse was grand corruption, saying the nation would earn more revenue if such was addressed.

“In a 2015 transaction met by this administration, a sum of $67 million was made without a purpose for it. So also is another $292 million,” he said.

The vice president also listed lack of commitment to diversification of the economy as one of the problems which affected the economy.

On restructuring, Mr Osinbajo said that some of those clamouring for it were those who opposed their efforts on restructuring years back when they were in government.
“Let me explain my position clearly. I am not just an advocate of restructuring, there is no other government in Nigeria that has actively pursued restructuring such as we did when I was Attorney General in Lagos State.

“People talking about restructuring, if you ask them what they meant by restructuring? They won’t even know what it means and that is the problem we have to face,” he said.

The vice president narrated how he pursued issues of restructuring to the Supreme Court when he was the Attorney General in Lagos State.

According to him, “We started with fiscal restructuring, which is more of resource control. Should states control their own resources? We went to the Supreme Court. They argued that each state should control its own resources.”

“The states that argued in favour of autonomy for states to control their resources were the oil producing states in the country and Lagos State, while some others argued on the other side because they want to share oil money.

“We lost at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said no, that you cannot control your resources. If you are an oil producing state, take 13 per cent extra, which is derivation.”

He said that Lagos State further argued that it had ports and the ports served the entire nation, so the state should also take 13 per cent derivation which the Supreme Court objected.

Mr Osinbajo said that further argument led to the introduction of onshore and offshore law, which enabled the state to share from onshore resources.

“All this time, this was 2000, some of those people, including the presidential candidate of PDP, who is talking about restructuring, was the vice president then.

“They opposed every step we took. Of course, we were taking the Federal Government to court then. They opposed every step.

“The next thing we did was that the states should be able to create their own local governments, which is autonomy of states.
“So, we created 37 new local governments in Lagos. The president then, Chief Obasanjo, seized our local government funds and said we could not create new local governments,” he said.

He also narrated how they challenged the seizure at the Supreme Court and the court ruled in their favour.

“If you ask those people now talking about restructuring, none of them has done anything compared to what we have done. So, I am not a latter day convert to restructuring.

“I am an active practitioner of restructuring, and I have gone to the Supreme Court 12 times to test restructuring,” Mr Osinbajo added.
(NAN)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/292875-nigerias-debt-only-increased-10-billion-since-buhari-assumed-office-osinbajo.html

Atlanticfire:
Osibanji and APC is just using figures to confuse their fellow zombies.

Nigeria has always measured debt by external debt burden.

That has always been the focus because external debt put more strain on the economy.

From the report the op is quoting, Nigeria external debt was 10.316 billion dollars in 2015
In 2018 the external debt has more than doubled to 22.083 billion dollars


To hid the crazy external borrowing of the federal government under Buhari, they have also decided to lump the state external debts together with FG external debts.

They should simply tell us the FG external debt in 2015 and the FG external debt in 2018.

Lying liars

Must you defend lies and tales? Can't you for once hide your face? At least accept this fact, the Premium time has exposed many illegalities in this country and they are not stopping, why can't you accept this fact?

Niger state non
Kwara state non
Kaduna state non

I can recall vividly the projects dey destroyed
Kwara state: Bacita sugar, paper mill jebba, Jebba to Ilorin expressway destroyed, Offa to Ilorin expressway destroyed.
Kaduna state: Textile industries in Kaduna, poultry farm along Zaria road.
Niger state: Kagara to Jebba expressway destroyed, Tegina to Minna destroyed, Minna to Suleja destroyed, Sulejà to Dikko destroyed.

Kai am tired of counting jare and am yet to start.
PDP= Project Destroyed Party

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere, has been assured of victory in the 2019 election.

The assurance came from the member representing Ikono State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Udofia, during his official reception into APC.

Udofia said, “Obong Nsima Ekere has, over the years, demonstrated competent leadership which positions him as the most qualified governorship candidate ahead of 2019.”

He said his former party, the PDP, and the Akwa Ibom State government had made the 2019 elections to be an easy contest for the APC.

“The State Government does not believe that the people of this state deserve better leadership. We are just tired of the bad leadership in this state. We gave them time to change their ways to no avail. Ikono people will sweep PDP away in 2019.

With what I’ve seen so far, Obong Nsima Ekere, should not lose sleep, let him prepare for swearing-in because Udom Emmanuel is defeated”, the lawmaker said.

“We need a government that will build roads in Ikono, appoint our people as Commissioners and Special Assistants and give us a sense of belonging. Ikono is marginalized, and we shall pay them back in 2019”, he declared.

The legislator, alongside 2,008 defectors, was presented by the Ikono Chapter Chairman, Elder Ubong Inyang, to the State Chairman of the party, Mr. Ini Okopido, who was represented by the Deputy State Chairman, Dr. Ita Udosen.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/akwa-ibom-lawmaker-dumps-pdp-for-apc-assures-ekere-of-victory/

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday ordered the Nigerian Army to pay the sum of N 1, 250, 000 and publish a written apology in at least two national dailies to a Nollywood actress , Ebere Ohakwe, as compensation after she was beaten up by men of the Nigerian Army in February 2017.

Ohakwe, popularly known as Jewel Infinity , was travelling in a public bus from Port Harcourt , Rivers State to Onitsha, Anambra State when operatives of the Nigerian Army stationed at Omagwa axis of the Port Harcourt Airport Road stopped the vehicle for a routine stop- and- search and, in the process , physically assaulted her.

The Federal High Court presided over by Justice Adamu Mohammed had earlier ruled on the matter in March 2018.

Mohammed had ordered the defendants ( Nigerian Army) to pay the sum of N 1m to the plaintiff as compensation for infringing on her fundamental human rights.

But the Nigerian Army through its counsel filed an application to the court to set aside the judgment and resume fresh hearing.

Counsel for the plaintiff , Chime Chime , in a counter-application , urged the court to dismiss the defendant’ s submission.

Mohammed, however , struck out the application of the Nigerian Army , stating that it lacked merit.

The judge awarded N 250, 000 against the defendants in addition to N 1m the security outfit was expected to pay to the victim , as well as a written apology to her to be published in at least two national dailies.

https://punchng.com/army-to-pay-actress-n1-25m-for-assault/

LEKE BAIYEWU

The All Progressives Congress caucus in the Senate has started pleading with their colleagues who failed to get tickets to contest the 2019 senatorial election not to dump the ruling party.

Some members of the caucus told SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday that the APC leadership might withdraw names of candidates already submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission and replace them with those of the aggrieved sitting senators in order to pacify them .

It was also learnt that the lucky APC senators were currently seeking audience with President Muhammadu Buhari with a view to asking him to reward the loyalty of some of their colleagues who couldn’ t get return tickets by considering them for appointments in 2019.

The Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan , and several other APC senators , who spoke to SUNDAY PUNCH , allayed the fears of their colleagues who are considering defection.
They pleaded with them to wait for the INEC ’ s final list .

The APC and other political parties had submitted the list of their candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2019 general elections to INEC .

When he discovered that his name was not on the list , Senator Shehu Sani ( Kaduna -Central ) defected from the APC to the People’ s Redemption Party last week.

Another defection was recorded in Rivers State last week for the same reason , where Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu ( Rivers West) dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC.

INEC has however created a window for political parties to substitute the names of their Senate and House of Representatives candidates by November 18.

Lawan, who said he had yet to see the list submitted to INEC , stated, “ We are still working hard for our colleagues – senators and new members from the House of Representatives – to get their nominations because they have shown loyalty , commitment and dedication to the ( Buhari -led) administration and the party. The reward for the loyalty is to give people nominations at this point. ”

Also , Secretary of the Parliamentary Support Group , Senator Ovie Omo -Agege, who said majority of APC senators had been rewarded with tickets , however , noted that he was aware of certain peculiar cases in some states where , he admitted, it was not easy for Oshiomhole to protect the interests of some lawmakers .

Omo -Agege added , “ Leaving the party at this time because of the outcome of the candidates’ list submission, I think , is premature . I will advise my colleagues , whose names were not forwarded on that Thursday, to be calm and give the National Chairman the chance and the opportunity to continue with his reconciliations .

“ This is just the first component of that exercise ; the party still has up to November 18 to make substitutions. I think the submission is a work in progress. ”

The lawmaker stated that he could only confirm his name and others from Delta State as being on the list of candidates submitted to INEC.

He said , “ I am not so sure who and what states have challenges yet, but as far as I know , I believe that the majority of my colleagues , who have challenges, scaled through, with the exception of a few. Beyond my name, I don’ t know who else is on the list and who is not .

“ However , I know that the National Chairman , who was very resolute in his determination to ensure that the promises made to us that serving senators would get return tickets , has , with the backing of the Presidency , fulfilled his pledge. ”

In the same vein , Senator Ali Ndume urged aggrieved APC senators to remain in the ruling party, while urging the Buhari- led administration to seek ways of accommodating the lawmakers in the government in other capacities .

Ndume said , “ Honestly , Adams Oshiomhole tried his best to return as many of us as possible but he had to deal with issues that are local. Most of these challenges senators have are from the home front.

“ There was not much that the party could do because most of those who could not make the list are those who had issues with their governors . Other than that, the party was willing to reward loyalty with assistance. However , there are a few cases that were not possible .

“ My advice is not only to the national leadership of the APC but also to the government , that they ( aggrieved senators ) should be carried along . The senators , who could not make it but are loyal , should be carried along .

The government is big and they can make their contributions in various ways . The government is very large ; they should find proper rooms for them ( senators ) after. ”

Ndume stated that how the APC and the Buhari- led administration handled the case of aggrieved senators would determine if they would dump the ruling party or not .

Also , Senator Kabiru Marafa told our correspondent that he was satisfied with the decision of the APC not to recognise any of the party’ s factions and candidates for Zamfara State .

He warned the national leadership of the party not to recognise any list as bearing the names of candidates from Zamfara State as there was no primary or consensus by members of the state chapter .

Marafa said , “ That one is a painful thing but is it the reality. Whether I am okay or not, that is what happened . And it is not the fault of the NWC; it is our fault – we , the local players in Zamfara . We could not put our acts together to allow the APC panel to conduct the primaries. ”

https://punchng.com/pro-buhari-senators-seek-juicy-offers-for-aggrieved-lawmakers/

Gibson Achonu , Owerri

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has taken exception to the remark of the Acting Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Mallam Lanre Issa - Onilu, who described him as a bad loser in politics.

Issa- Onilu, had in a statement on Thursday, described some APC governors including Okorocha as bad losers in respect of the governorship primaries of the party.

A statement issued in Owerri on Saturday , by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor , Sam Onwuemeodo explained that Okorocha , contrary to what Issa- Onilu would want people to believe and other governors , are working for the progress of the party with the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole.

The governor observed that disagreements with the party leadership were bound to arise and advised the National Publicity Secretary on the need to exercise caution in order not to create a wrong impression .

Okorocha warned against castigating governors , who worked for the party from the onset, insisting that Issa -Onilu misfired by doing so and had sent a bad signal to the world .

Okorocha however , advised Issa- Onilu to acquaint himself with proper information on the Imo APC case to avoid feeding the public with falsehood that might snowball into a conflagration.

He recalled that Oshiomhole cancelled the results of the primary conducted by Ahmed Gulak -led committee and set up a new committee headed by Ibrahim Agbabiaka , which conducted a fresh primary .

According to the governor , “ the governorship primary conducted by the Agbabiaka- led committee threw up Uche Nwosu as the APC candidate in the state”

https://punchng.com/okorocha-replies-apc-im-not-a-bad-loser/