₦airaland Forum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Ezr70eUuE


https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/i-am-not-jubril-buhari.html

National Assembly staff under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), had fixed Dec. 4 to stage a protest over unpaid salaries and allowances.

Mr Suleiman Haruna, the union’s Secretary-General, announced this in a statement in Abuja.

Haurna said the first phase of the protest would take place between Dec. 4 and Dec. 8.

The association said the move had become necessary following nonchalant attitude of the national assembly leadership to toward their demands.

He explained that the action would be a blend of protest and picketing of offices within the assembly, adding that the union would not tolerate default from members.

According to him, the action will commence between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily within the stipulated days.

Haruna explained that members were demanding to be put on the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS).

“Also, all pending staff promotions and conversion letters should be released with arrears fully paid on or before Dec. 31.

“The association has already issued a two-week ultimatum to the management to fulfill these demands or face strike,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/unpaid-salaries-allowances-nass-staff.html

A police inspector attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Ikeja on Wednesday allegedly shot dead an official with the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) while controlling traffic.

Sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the LASTMA official, named Adeyemo Rotimi, was shot dead at Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos.

NAN gathered that the LASTMA official was shot dead when he challenged the policeman, identified as Joseph Oki, for disobeying traffic rules.

NAN learnt that the victim, popularly known as ‘Baba Ibeji’, had stopped the police inspector who was driving a cream coloured Highlander jeep with registration number plate LSR 277 BJ to allow free flow of traffic.

It was gathered that the LASTMA official reportedly scolded the policeman for flouting traffic rules.

According to sources, the policeman, who felt insulted by Adeyemo’s warning, allegedly pulled a pistol and shot the LASTMA official in the eye, killing him on the spot.

NAN learnt that the policeman attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by the mob.

It was gathered that some policemen in the area reportedly rescued the FSARS officer from the angry crowd who also damaged his vehicle.

Contacted, Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Chike Oti, did not deny the incident.

“I am writing a release on the incident,” Oti said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/breaking-fsars-operative-allegedly.html

The Federal Government has so far raised about N10.5 billion from the savings bond since the establishment 18 months ago.The Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha, disclosed this during a panel discussion at the 2018 African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) held in Lagos yesterday.

According to Oniha, the savings bond was introduced in March 2018 to attract more retail investors into the capital market and deepen financial inclusion. She said the DMO was studying the possibility of adopting the use of phones as practiced in Kenya to ensure that retail investors participate directly in government securities.

The DG, who spoke on the theme, “Pathways to Inclusive Growth in Africa, Digital Finance, Financial Literacy, Inclusion and Democratisation of Wealth” said: “From the 18 months of the creation of the FGN savings bonds, we have been able to raise N10.5 billion and attracted 13,200 retail investors into the market. As you know the DMO borrows on behalf of the government. One of our objectives is to be able to issue our securities in a timely manner and at a very minimal cost.”

On the use of technology in government securities, she said: “The issue around what technology can do in terms of raising capital is extremely important to us. We, traditionally for a long term, have been serving only a segment of the market, which includes the institutional investors and foreign investors.

“There is no buy side from the retail investors because they need to be knowledgeable and familiar to invest in the sovereign bond. So we then try to introduce a retail product and we call it FGN bond. The essence of that product is to promote financial inclusion primarily because part of the financial system strategy and inclusion is clearly the major objective of creating that product so as to attract small investors into the market and also use it as a means of mobilizing savings into the financial sector.

“So we kept the amount very small at N10,000 so many interested investors can buy a saving bond, and the securities are short term between two to three years and we backed it up with a bit of investors sensitization and road shows.”

Oniha stated that a lot needed to be done in order to attract local investors that exited the equity market during the global financial crises back to the stock market and boost financial inclusion.

According to her, the present administration is committed to partnering with the capital market to promote initiatives and create products aimed at accelerating inclusive growth.

The Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Mr. Alex Okoh stressed the need for government to create enabling environment for business to strive.

According to him, the BPE would continue to initiate reforms and ensure that the success recorded in the telecoms industry is replicated in other sectors of the economy.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/fg-generates-n105b-from-savings-bond-in.html

The former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has told his successor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, that he can’t find any incriminating evidence the government could use to nail him, even if he is probed by the present administration.

A statement by Fayose’s Media Aide Lere Olayinka in Ado Ekiti, saidhe did not engage in corruption that could warrant any threat from Fayemi against him, adding that the records are there to vindicate him that he served Ekiti well.


Fayose, who was reacting to Fayemi’s statement on Monday that he was not interested in probing the ex-governor and that he has left him in the hands God, said: “He (Fayemi) should rather be sincere enough to tell the public that he has checked all the books and found nothing incriminating against me.”

In the statement issued Tuesday, Fayose described Fayemi’s new position that he was not interested in probing him as an afterthought, saying: “After going through all the books and could not find anything incriminating, he is now saying he won’t probe, who is telling him not to probe?

“Has he forgotten that it was at the same State House, Abuja that he said on July 19, 2018 that he was going to probe me? So what has changed other than the fact that he has failed in his desperate bid to get evidences of corruption against the former governor?

“Fayemi should act like someone with conscience for once by letting the people know how he has been carrying operatives of the EFCC up and down, looking for what Fayose did and did not do. He should tell Nigerians how he harboured EFCC officials in the Government House for over two weeks, lavished millions of naira on them and also misled them to go about sealing off properties belonging to innocent people in Ado Ekiti under the guise that they belong to Fayose.

“The fact is that Fayemi has found nothing against Fayose and that’s why he has adopted a face-saving tactic.”

Fayose said further: “No one is asking Fayemi not to probe his predecessor. He is the one who was not bold enough to appear before a duly constituted probe panel, Fayose is not afraid and that was already demonstrated by the former governor’s unprecedented submission of himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) less than 24 hours after he left office.

“Let him set up a duly constituted judicial commission of inquiry today, Fayose will personally appear before the panel.

“We only hope that Fayemi too will do the same when he is eventually kicked out office so that he can explain how he acquired those multi-billion naira properties in Lagos, Ilishan Remo in Ogun State, Abuja and abroad.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/you-cant-find-any-evidence-of.html

The All Progressives Congress (APGA) has said that it will commence its presidential campaigns on December 6 in Awaka, Anambra State.

The decision to flag off its campaign for the 2019 presidential election was reached at strategy meeting between the Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and members of the campaign committee of the party at the Government House in Awka at the weekend.


The National Chairman of APGA, Victor Oye confirmed to Akelicious
Oye who replied Akeliciouss enquiry through a text message said the party has consulted with stakeholders nationwide.

A source told Akelicious that the national leadership of APGA will use the occasion to formally unveil the manifesto of the party to Nigerians.
The party will be seeking to extend its presence from Anambra to other parts of the country.

The source said that the party was hoping to consolidate on its landslide victory in the last governorship election in Anambra state by working for an impressive outing at the presidential poll as well as governorship and legislative elections in 2019.

For the first time since the demise of its leader, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, APGA elected a presidential candidate, Major General John W.T Gbor (rtd) for the 2019 general elections. Gbor hails from Benue state while his running mate Chief Chukuweke hails from Imo state.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/apga-flags-off-presidential-campaign.html

Rep Edward Pwajok, Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, says the motive behind the bill to declare June 12 as Democracy Day instead of the current May 29 has no political coloration.

The lawmaker, who represents Jos North/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau, made the clarification on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that a Bill for an Act to Amend the Public Holidays Act Cap p40, LFN, 2004 to delete item 5 of the schedule which declares, May 29 as Democracy Day, and substitute it with June 12 as Democracy Day on Nov. 22 scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

President Muhammadu Buhari had, on June 6, directed that the nation’s Democracy Day would henceforth, hold on June 12 as against the current arrangement where the ceremony holds on May 29.

Pwajok, who sponsored the bill, said although President Buhari made a pronouncement on making June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day, it must have legislative backing to take effect.

He dispelled the insinuations that it was politically motivated with the intent of buying votes ahead 2019 general elections.

According to him, I am the sponsor of the bill; I am not even going to contest any election in 2019.

“So which votes am I going to buy because I am the sponsor of the bill. It is not even President Buhari that brought the bill.

“Left for President Buhari, maybe, he thought it was okay to make that pronouncement but looking at it as a legislator, we know that it needs a legislative backing.

“Without legislation, it cannot work. We have to amend the existing law to accommodate it.

“Even I that sponsored the bill, I am not a Yoruba man.

“So I don’t have any political benefit from sponsoring this bill. There are many other bills that I sponsored.

“There is no pecuniary interest; there is no political motive behind it. This one is just purely on a national interest,” he said.

Pwajok, who urged Nigerians to look at issues beyond the primordial sentiment, said it was disheartening that opposition parties would always read motives to issues.

“So to me, this country is in need of this declaration. Look at how happy the members of family of late MKO Abiola were when they heard about that pronouncement.

‘’I am not a member of Abiola family.

‘’So the question is, when is the best time to declare June 12 as Democracy Day if you are afraid of insinuations,” he said. NAN

Full report at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/bill-to-declare-june-12-democracy-day.html

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has advised Nigerian politicians to guard against hate speech and negative behaviours that might affect the outcome of 2019 general elections.

Its Board Chairman, Mallam Ikra Bilbis, gave the advice at a two-day workshop for broadcast media organisations on Monday in Sokoto.

He identified some of the challenges that could mar peaceful elections to include hate speech and attacks on personality of contestants rather than issue-based political campaigns.

Prof. Jubril Ibrahim, in his presentation on“Presentation of Tapestry Hate Speech Research”, urged NBC to review the laws to guard against hate speech.

Ibrahim urged media organisations against spreading hate speech as it could destroy the election and the country if not well checked.

Prof. Umar Pate, who delivered a paper on “2019 General Elections: Divisive Rhetoric and Use of the Broadcast Media”, said media organisations should be watchful and not air or participate in the spread of hate speech.
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, Mr Bello Goronyo, praised the media for playing vital role in the continued unity of the country.

“I appreciate your cooperation and encourage you to continue to be the watchdogs for success of the forthcoming 2019 general elections,” he said.

The theme of the workshop is ‘Media coverage of 2019 elections: challenges, regulatory framework and the way forward for a more democratic society.”

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/nbc-warns-politicians-against-hate.html

President Muhammadu Buhari and will be joining over 80 Heads of State to attend the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP24.

The conference will be held in Katowice, Poland from December 2 – 14, 2018.

The conference is organized by the Bonn-based UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC/ UN Climate Change) and is presided over by Poland.

The key objective of the meeting is to adopt the implementation guidelines of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

Climate experts say the meeting is crucial because it ensures the true potential of the Paris Agreement can be unleashed, including ramping up climate action so that the central goal of the agreement can be achieved, namely to hold the global average temperature to as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In 1992, countries joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as a framework for international cooperation to combat climate change by limiting average global temperature increases and the resulting climate change, and coping with impacts that were, by then, inevitable.

By 1995, countries launched negotiations to strengthen the global response to climate change, and, two years later, adopted the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol legally binds developed country Parties to emission reduction targets. The Protocol’s first commitment period started in 2008 and ended in 2012. The second commitment period began on 1 January 2013 and will end in 2020.
There are now 197 Parties to the Convention and 192 Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.
The 2015 Paris Agreement, adopted in Paris on 12 December 2015, marks the latest step in the evolution of the UN climate change regime and builds on the work undertaken under the Convention. The Paris Agreement charts a new course in the global effort to combat climate change.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/buhari-80-heads-of-state-to-attend-cop24.html

Elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Leaders Vanguard, has called on police authorities to expose and prosecute those behind the stealing of more than 2,000 permanent voter cards, PVCs, and burning of police stations in Okobo local council of the state recently.


Addressing newsmen in Uyo, leaders of the group, Senator Aniette Okon said it was worrisome that months after the incident, police authorities are yet to fish out the culprits or perpetrators of the crime, warning that this could be dangerous for democracy in the country.

Okon, who described the ‘sudden’ removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abang following the crises in the state House of Assembly by the police high command as a ploy to cause trouble in order to take the state by force warned the APC led federal government that the people will resist such move if it ever happened.


“One would expect the police to openly condemn, investigate and bring to book perpetrators of such crimes rather than open their arms to embrace criminal accomplices under the guise of interventionist agencies. This clandestine renovation stinks to high heavens.

‘’The carting away of 2,045 PVCs from INEC office in the same Okobo by these usual felons.



“This constitutes a huge threat to the credibility and smooth conduct of the upcoming elections in the country,” he stated.

He described the incident as an act of high treason, an attempt to destroy democracy and impose the will of the minority on the majority of the Akwa Ibom people.


“The invasion of the Assembly, by thugs aided by the police, exposed Nigeria to the whole world as a crude entity where political misfits ride roughshod over decency and all moral pillars have collapsed.


“Allegations of culpability of the same suspects in the burning of the police station and killing of young Akwa Ibom men have yet again exposed the unholy relationship between law enforcement and federal agencies to the detriment of the constitution and the people,” he explained.


Okon however, called on residents and indigenes of the state to exercise restraint but be vigilant in order not to allow selfish politicians to introduce tension and violence into the 2019 general elections.

“Our appeal is always to implore Akwa Ibom people to remain calm, peaceful but very vigilant as usurpers, warmongers and unscrupulous politicians desperate to scuttle the peace they could not promote or maintain in their time are lurking and provoking the Almighty God by their demonic quest for power, brandishing their much touted federal might.


“But we must at this point urge the federal government and law enforcement agents to discharge their duties without fear or favour as “Power truly belongs to God” and the peaceful disposition of Akwa Ibom people should never be mistaken for cowardice,” he concluded.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/expose-those-who-stole-2045-pvcs-from.html

The Atiku Progressive Association (APA) has prescribed former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar of the opposition Peoples Democraroc Party (PDP) as the solution to the alleged failure and misgovernance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.


According to secretary general of the APA, Balarabe Oshiafi, poverty, insecurity and disillusionment have taken over the country as the huge goodwill and expectations expended by majority of the citizenry in 2015 on Buhari have been squandered.

Stating emphatically that “Buhari has failed Nigerians”, Oshiafi pointed out that Atiku’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is to empower the citizens and revamp the economy.

He recalled Atiku’s promise is to “encourage and foster business creation with National Entrepreneurship Development and job creation programme”.

Lamenting the state of the polity in the current dispensation, the APA scribe said that “in Nigeria today, patriotic fervour in the citizenry has taken flight, hatred, mutual suspicion, hunger, unemployment, veiled corruption, religious bigotry, disenchantment, disillusionment, tribalism, nepotism, assymetric warfare, killings, kidnappings and general insecurity pervade the land”.

He added that, “Truth be told, this is the reality we are constrained by irresponsible leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to live with today. It’s not that some of these vices were not present before Buhari came back in 2015. But they have reached unprecedented heights under his watch.

“Of all the indices of failure of this government, the one that should really have pricked his conscience and make him to apologise and resign is that of insecurity. The number one duty of government is the security and welfare of the Citizenry.


“The rest entail management of resources for socio economic development. Where are the remaining Chibok Girls? Many more of our compatriots are still in the kidnapper’s den.


“Under Buhari’s watch, a General, General Alkali was kidnapped and killed in a scandalous manner. Many of our soldiers who go to war front in the North East do not return home to their loved ones. The rate of insecurity in Nigeria today is becoming unbecoming.”


He added that majority of Nigerians “have kept faith with the conviction that today’s President of Nigeria will bring about the desired change as against the reigning change that we very much need to change today”.

Stating that, “And so we soldiered on. Even when he said he won’t contest again after losing to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Jonathan, we encouraged him. We would not budge. We believed that he is truly the Mai Gaskiya (Truthful Person) who would fight corruption across board and engineer development.

“Sadly, under his watch today, major sectors of the economy are wobbling to say the least. All that he claims to be doing is fighting corruption. Is recovering so called looted funds tantamount to fighting corruption? What has happened to the recovered looted fund?”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/atiku-answer-to-president-muhammadu.html

Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Abubakar Yahaya, who chopped off the left wrist of another man, Mohammed Jafar following a fight over a girlfriend. I’m open to constructive criticism, but…— Okorocha The Command Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Othman Abubakar (SP) disclosed this in Yola yesterday. Abubakar, aka Asia, of Geriyo Junction in the Bypass area of Jimeta, Yola, and Mohammed from Demsawo, also in Jimeta, engaged themselves in the fight that involved their respective friends over one Mariam Boni. During the fight, Abubakar had an upper hand by using a machete to chop off Mohammed’s wrist. According to Police report, the fight started when Mariam, who was Abubakar’s girlfriend, decided to end the relationship, while Mohammed became the target of attack because she chose him as her new lover. The police said they swung into action immediately after the incident, which occurred during the week and were able to arrest Abubakar, while Mohammed has been hospitalised. The suspect alongside others who were arrested for other crimes were paraded at the Police Command headquarters in Yola by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/man-chops-off-another-mans-wrist-over.html

A political group supporting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 general elections in the country, has thrown its weight behind the proposed partial privatisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and other sectors of the economy to strike balance, equity and fairness across the geo-political zones of the country.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after a meeting of the group, the national co-ordinator of Atikulated Movement, Mr. Ezugwu Samuel Ngwu said the group frowned at the call from some quarters and interests groups that the proposed partial privatisation of NNPC be withdrawn from the policy document of the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), noting that the group stands on the proposed partial privatisation of NNPC, reiterating the fact that with the level of corruption going on in NNPC, it is pertinent to deregulate the sector and allow private enterprises a chance to thrive. “The privatisation of the existing refineries in the country would create opportunities for new ones that will be viable and efficient to meet the needs of the nation. ‘’Atiku has noted with keen interest that the major problem of Nigeria is unemployment. He has made it clear that he will employ 50 million Nigerians within the first quarter of his administration if elected.”

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/group-backs-atikus-proposed-partial.html

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is targeting 85 per cent of Abuja residents during the upcoming Yellow fever preventive campaign.

The Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCTA, Mr Abubakar Bappa, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bappa said the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other international donor partners would support the administration in the mass vaccination.

According to him, the international donors include the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

He said the campaign, which would be carried out in six states including the FCT, was scheduled from Nov. 24 to Dec. 7.

He said that the target age group was nine months to 44 years.

“The goal of the yellow fever preventive mass vaccination campaign is to reduce transmission by achieving 95 per cent coverage in implementing states and local government areas.

“This is in line with the strategy for the elimination of yellow fever epidemics by 2026.

“The mass campaign is based on the 2008 risk assessment which identified 20 states and FCT as high risk states.

“Similarly, the phase one of the yellow fever vaccination campaign was completed in 2014 and it targeted three states of Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Nasarawa, in which 10.4 million people were covered,’’ Bappa said.

He said in 2018, five cases of yellow fever were confirmed with three deaths out of 15 reported in the FCT.

“I have to let you know that the FCT is ready for this exercise as scheduled.
“The target population to be vaccinated in the FCT is 3,293,438; that is 85 per cent of the total FCT population.

“The total number of teams to be used in FCT is 1,342 including 171 special teams,’’ the official said.

According to him, the vaccination will take place at all government health facilities and temporary posts in chiefs’ palaces and other public places in the communities.

He said that the outreach teams would vaccinate eligible persons in churches, schools and other institutions.

Bappa said the FCTA would use the vaccination campaign to strengthen the state’s health system and immunisation programmes.

“We will strengthen the pharmaco-vigilance system for monitoring adverse effects following immunisation as well as implement a high quality vaccination campaign which takes lessons from previous campaign into consideration.

“The vaccination is by injection, given on the left upper arm. It is free and safe,’’ he said.

Yellow fever, the secretary said, was a viral disease usually of short duration, adding that in most cases, symptoms are similar to those of malaria fever including fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea and muscle pains.

He said for about 15 per cent of people, within a day of improving, the fever comes back with abdominal pain and liver damage causing yellow skin with increasing risk of bleeding and kidney problems.

Bappa said the disease was caused by the yellow fever virus and is spread by the bite of primarily an infested female Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

The Aedes Aegypti is a type of mosquito found throughout the tropics and subtropics.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/yellow-fever-campaign-fcta-targets-85.html

Deputy British High Commissioner, Laure Beaufils has urged Nigerians to encourage the empowerment of women and girls.

The envoy said the challenges facing Nigerian women and girls cannot be ignored and the society should not fail to take necessary action necessary action to empower them. She said the women and girls need empowerment to be able to overcome the challenges they face daily. The envoy spoke in Lagos during a reception to honour women in the Arts.

Beaufils said the event was meant to celebrate women, pointing out that the Deputy High Commission supported the vision of the convener because it was in line with what it does as consulate as a helping Nigerian women to acquire creative skill for income generation.

“The conversation of interest is intended to explore contemporary dialogues surrounding different facets of time and events. Young female talents are making use of their creative work and would dominate what they need is encouragement, she said.

The convener of the event, Mrs Brenda Uphopho said when she had the dream to establish a world class festival that would provide a platform for young thespians in Nigeria, she never had a clue about the height they could attain.

She said they have surpassed her expectations. “Today the event has grown as it is now a combination of dreams aligned towards a unique goal of becoming a haven,” she said.

She noted that from little beginning with gele-tying, adire-making and ankara accessories, participants could be transformed into fashion line owners and exporters of cultural products if they can dream big and remain consistent. Uphopho expressed the determination to make Lagos the cultural hub of sub-Saharan Africa by 2024.

The Group Head Inclusive Banking, Access Bank PLC, Njideka Esomeju said the bank supported the initiative because it provided a platform for the banking firm to develop the society. Esomeju said the bank is committed to alleviating poverty by empowering women with talents to go to the next level and improve the living conditions of women who are seen as vulnerable group in the Society.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/nigerian-women-need-empowerment-to.html

Leaders from the South East were on a thank you visit to President Muhammadu Buhari over the construction of the long abandoned Second Niger Bridge.

The delegation led by Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and three governors were on the visit on the platform of South-East Governors’ Forum on Wednesday.

They appealed for the reduction of the completion period of the Second Niger Bridge from 42 months to 24 months.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Ebonyi, Mr Dave Umahi, said after a closed-door meeting that members of the forum were at the Villa on behalf South-East people to thank the president for the award of the N206 billion contract of the Bridge.

“We came to thank the president on behalf of South-East for the award of the second Niger Bridge to Julius Berger at the sum of N206 billion.

“We understand that N7 billion has been paid as mobilization.

“So, we came to ask the president if there is the possibility of paying up to 50 per cent of the sum and secure the other 50 per cent as bond.”

According to him, this is expected so that we can sleep with our two eyes closed and be assured that the job will not be abandoned.

“We also asked that the construction period be reduced from 42 months to 24 months. We made it clear to Julius Berger that it is achievable.


“We are also asking for economic free trade zone in Eyimba in Abia and he promised to come and commission it; the license has been given.’’

The governor disclosed that the meeting also deliberated on the state of Enugu international airport, saying that the president was urged to ensure the completion of the cargo section of the airport and extension of the runway.

“Of course, we talked about the Geometric Power Plant in Aba and we asked him to assist in resolving whatever the issues are so that power will be deployed to the industrial clusters in Aba and environs.

“We reminded him that the Enugu state government has done quite a lot on the issue of relocating major infrastructure that has been obstructing smooth operations of lives. We requested that he should take over the compensations of the affected lands.

“And of course, the issue of gas distribution should be linked to the five eastern states, to the industrial clusters so as to boost economic activities,’’ he added.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who also spoke to the correspondents after the meeting, said the visit by the leaders was remarkable.

He debunked the impression that the Federal Government was not doing enough for South-East people.

He, therefore, pledged that the zone would continue to be accorded their appropriate place in the scheme of things.

Mustapha reminded the people that their political investment in the re-election of Buhari in 2019 election would determine their fate in 2023.

He said: “we received very high-powered delegation today led by the Deputy President of the Senate and three of their governors and a deputy governor, and the Director-General of Forum of South-East governors.

“I think it is a remarkable visit because they came essentially to thank the president over the major activities that have taken place in the South-East.

“They appreciate the fact that the second Niger Bridge was a paper issue in the last five, six decades.

“They are convinced that the decision to complete the Niger Bridge is real; contract has been awarded by this government for N206 billion.

“It is a mark of appreciation for the leadership that President Muhammadu Buhari is providing for this country.

“The South-East is an integral part of this country; it must be accorded its appropriate place in the scheme of things and we believe strongly that this particular government has extended its hands of friendship to the South East.”

He expressed hope that South-East leaders would continue to cooperate with the government to ensure the development of their people and bringing prosperity, peace and tranquility to the area.

The SGF reiterated that the Buhari administration would continue to do everything possible to ensure speedy development of the zone as well as other parts of the country.

On whether Buhari solicited the votes of the South-East at the meeting, Mustapha said: “this obviously might not be most appropriate time.

“You remember there was a programme in the South-East where the president asked me to represent him and I flew the kite by telling the Southeast states that their quickest and easiest means to presidency is to support Buhari’s second term.

“This means that they can short-circuit the period in terms of only having him there for another four years.

“Whatever they do in 2019 will determine what will happen thereafter because politics is a game of numbers and it is like a cooperative society.

“Whatever you bring as an investment when dividends are going to be shared, you will get proportionate with your investment and your investment in politics is what you bring to the table.

“I urge the Southeast to look at this matter seriously that every time we have a presidency in Nigeria, it is negotiated in several ways.

“It is either negotiated by votes or what you bring to the table and you must negotiate from the position of strength. You can’t negotiate from the point of weakness.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/southeast-thanks-buhari-over-niger.html

Concerned by the crisis in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that members of his party are being intimidated in states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

This came as the House described as illegal, the election of the member representing Essien Udim state constituency, Mr. Nse Ntuen as a factional Speaker of the House by five members whose seats were declared vacant by the Speaker, Onofiok Luke last Monday. This was contained in a statement by the lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr. Ime Okon. The House condemned what it described as the absolute disregard for decency and the rule of law, adding that it would use legal means to ensure that decorum remained the guiding principle of the state legislature under the leadership of Onofiok Luke. Oshiomhole on his part, said: “It is a very disturbing development in some states where the PDP is misusing the police to undermine the basic democratic rights of APC members. “A typical example is what just happened in Akwa Ibom State where the commissioner of police colluded with the state governor to force APC members out of the state House of Assembly and the Commissioner went beyond the bound to duty to aid and abet what was clearly wrong. “It is not the business of the police to assist political authority to effect their bias as regards to issues of the House. We have a law and order. “If a governor wants extra legal assistance with the police, the Commissioner is not meant to oblige but that is what has happened in Akwa Ibom.”

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/a-ibom-assembly-crisis-pdp-govs.html

Mr Pius Udoh, Clerk of Anambra State House of Assembly has said that the request for sealing of the Assembly complex was to ensure safety of workers in the legislature.


Udoh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Awka, that the legislators failed to operate within the confines of the law guiding workings of the civil service in the complex to save lives and property.

He said that workers at the assembly complex required a peaceful and safe environment to enable them perform optimally.


“We have requested our workers to report to the office of Head of Service where schedule duties will be assigned to them.

“Assembly workers will remain in the office of the head of service till total peace and safety is reassured,’’ Udoh said.

The present leadership of Anambra State House of Assembly led by the new Speaker, Mr Ikem Uzoezie, had said that the police illegally sealed the complex and urged the Inspector-General of Police to call his men to order.


Uzoezie said that ordering civil servants working in the complex to report to the head of service office, was uncalled for, as there was no record of a violent incident or its resemblance that demanded such attention.

“It is only the National Assembly that is constitutionally empowered to make such an order to seal an Assembly complex in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“Legislators held their normal meetings at the Assembly on Nov. 15 with over 25 lawmakers in attendance, including the former Speaker Mrs Rita Maduagwu (who for obvious reasons refused to join us).

He said that the lawmakers are being hindered from performing their legislative functions and urged the police to do the needful, as they could not seal the executive complex if there was no problem.

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/real-reason-anambra-assembly-was-sealed.html

Sen. Ali Ndume has said that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, will be a walkover for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections.

Ndume, Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, said the All Progressives Congress (APC)) was not perturbed by Atiku’s emergence.

The Senator maintained that Atiku was not a threat to the APC in any way.

“Next election is a walk over with Atiku.

“We were anxious when PDP was to organise their primaries but when Atiku emerged, we were glad for so many reasons.

“Atiku was our Vice President for eight years and he was one of the most powerful vice presidents we ever had and we know what he did.

“He was under former President Obasanjo and in his book `Under My Watch’, he voluntarily described who the Presidential candidate is.

“We all know where we were and where we are now. Had it been they are presenting a new person – someone that Nigerians do not know – that may be a threat.

“But with Atiku, no way.

“Let us analyse it. North West is where the president comes from and we are banking on our highest votes there and if you go to any part of the North West, you will realise that his popularity is unprecedented.

“Then if you go to North East, Buhari is a moral obligation,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that Atiku, in spite of coming from the North East, there was no record of him sending relief materials to people displaced by Boko Haram.

“We have to vote for him (Buhari) because we know where we were with the government of PDP.

“In my state, including my local government, my town and even my house were taken over by Boko Haram.

“It was the government of President Muhammadu Buhari that salvaged the situation and now my people are back to our local government.

“Those that are trying to take over from him or compete with him were there before.

“Atiku was the vice president and one of the richest Nigerians ever, but I cannot remember Atiku taking even a bag of rice to our people that are suffering in Borno and he wants to be our president.

“For me, this election is between Nigerians and the Nigerian corrupt.

“Atiku’s background is known. All the show of money from him, Saraki and others is what they got from politics, people’s money,” he said.

On fears that election campaign might be marred by violence, Ndume said APC would not be part of such.

He also said that President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the National Chairman of the party had admonished party faithful to shun violence, name calling but to focus on issues.

“When the `Next Level’ was launched by our presidential candidate and the president of the country, he specifically said we should go on with the campaign decently.

“That means no name calling, no insult, but concentrate on issues and during our convention, our chairman clearly stated that our campaign is going to be different.

“This is the first time APC government is campaigning for the second tenure so we want to campaign on issues and ideas.

“We do not want to campaign on personalities and we do not want to be involved in name calling as PDP is desperately trying to do.

“We will not join issues with them; they can only fight themselves,” he said.

The lawmaker warned Nigerians against voting PDP, saying it had nothing to offer.

He said “PDP is not new to Nigerians. They have a product that is known to Nigerians, a product that Nigerians rejected four years ago for obvious reasons.

“Now we have a candidate that the marketer of that product had rejected.

“We know what they did and as I said, we have been cautioned not to campaign on persons; but then, you have to speak the truth.”

More details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/buhari-will-walk-over-atiku-in-2019.html

Telecommunication operators in the country have raised the alarm that about nine states and the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja may be affected by imminent shutdown of telecommunication services unless the federal government intervene to stop the shutdown of their facilities in the country.


National chairman, Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo who led the national executives of the association to make the declaration in Lagos yesterday, said about 150 base transceiver stations have gone down as at yesterday afternoon due to lockdown of their masts in Kogi state over disputed charges and levies.

Adebayo disclosed that the lockdown of the telecom facilities was carried out by the Ministry of Environment and physical planning, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Kogi State Environmental Protection Board, championed by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS).


He said the issue could lead to a total communications shutdown in the entire Kogi State, parts of the Federal Capital Territory and possible impact on service availability in some parts of the following States: Nassarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Niger States. These are States sharing borders with Kogi State.

Adebayo also said the situation arose as a number of critical telecommunications sites belonging to ALTON members have been closed and sealed up by Kogi state government in an attempt to increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection.



“As result of these actions by the state government, our members are unable to refuel power generators in these sites, a situation which has led to outage of over 70 sites including hub sites across parts of Kogi State. Now, with likely impact on Nine States surrounding Kogi (namely: Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Niger states. These are states sharing borders with Kogi state), and Abuja the FCT inclusive.

“We are very concerned that this action has the potential of leading to a total telecommunications outage in Kogi state with neighboring states and parts of the Federal Capital Territory adversely impacted. To the best of our knowledge, our members have settled all statutory levies and taxes due to the Kogi state government and have taken necessary steps to comply with local laws that govern business activities within Kogi state.


“This situation is very worrisome and of great concern and we hereby call on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is driving the Presidential Enable Business Council on Ease of doing business in Nigeria to prevail on the Kogi State government to rescind its decision in order to prevent a total shut down in communications services in Kogi, FCT and other nine states of the federation which are now under threat due to what is happening to our network in Kogi state.” He also said the telecom operators have also made several overtures to KIRS in the past months in a bid to resolve the disputed issues amicably but the agency has remained adamant. “Rather than resort to the Tax Arbitration Tribunal for intervention as it is expected of a government agency, KIRS has resorted to subtle intimidation by getting the sites shutdown in a bid to coerce our members into accepting the illegal taxes and levies,” he said.


ALTON is worried that the action by KIRS will jeopardize communication services provided by us to security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces in addition and to other emergency and social services in Kogi and other neighboring states. This will include affecting communication links to Banks’ Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) across those states.


ALTON said the outage currently being experienced is already affecting the ability of their members to provide uninterrupted service delivery to commercial banks, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other critical agencies of government in the aforementioned locations.

“It is pertinent to note that the office of the National Security Adviser to Mr. President has in the past communicated to the 36 state governments on the fact that telecommunications sites are Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). They are critical socio-economic and security infrastructure. The agency had strongly advised against sealing them as such actions would have negative implications on national security,” the association’s chairman said.


ALTON said some the charges levied on their members in Kogi include Annual Right of Way (ROW) renewal, Social Services contribution, Employee Economic Development Levy, Mast site premises renewal, Fire service yearly renewal, Payment of environmental levy, Failure to submit an environmental impact assessment report.

Others are: Failure to register industry; Failure to submit environmental audit report every two years; Storage of petroleum products and radioactive materials without written permission from KSEPB; Failure to comply with setbacks to roads, power lines and rivers/streams; and Dumping of toxic or hazardous substances or hazardous substances or harmful waste without KSEPB approval.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/shutdown-of-telecom-services-imminent.html

The Association of Commercial sex workers, Kaduna State, have hailed Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State for lifting the curfew imposed on Kaduna following the crisis that rocked the town and environs.

Kaduna and environs recently witnessed security challenges that started in Kasuwan Magani in October this year and spread to other parts to the state capital resulting to loss of lives and property that made the state government imposed 24 hour curfew in the affected areas.

The Chairman of the Association, Justina Emmanuel, made the commendation in company of the Treasurer of the Association while briefing newsmen, saying the imposition of the curfew affected their businesses because they usually receive their customers from 8:30 pm to 12 am everyday.

“For the period of the curfew, our members across the metropolis suffered financial losses because of low patronage. Busy spots like Rabah Road, Nagogo road Barnawa shopping complex, waff road, Narayi pipeline and Independence way were deserted.

“We thank the governor for restoring peace back to the crocodile city and we call on all residents to live in peace and harmony for every business to survive.

“We have also resolved to cast our votes for El Rufai for his vision of making Kaduna State a peaceful place for all and sundry,” she emphasised

Recall that Kaduna state government lifted the curfew in Kaduna metropolis with immediate effect while others are still under the curfew.

The night-time curfew which had subsisted in the city since 31st October, 2018 has now been removed and residents are now free to go about their legitimate businesses at anytime of the day.

Samuel Aruwan, spokesman to Governor Nasir El Rufai on Media and publicity had disclosed this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/kaduna-commercial-sex-workers-hail-el.html

Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed some pumps belonging to Major Marketers’ filling stations including Mobil, Total, and NNPC Mega Station in Jos metropolis, warning their managers against such sharp practices as cheating that could betray the trust reposed on them.

Addressing journalists after going round to monitor the sales of the product in filling stations across the Jos metropolis, Operations Controller of DPR Jos office, Mr. Jerome Agada said, “As we approach the yuletide, we want to sustain the normalcy at filling stations particularly in Plateau State where we have passed through some flash of crisis in the past.


He said: “The Department is out visiting retail outlets; and today we have gone round a number of stations to ensure that their operational efficiency in terms of pump deliveries, functionality of their facilities comply with standard regulations, and out of the stations visited, six of them have committed offences that attracted sanctions.”

The stations include; Mobil Filling Station, opposite Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos Campus, AI’ Olabah Oil Co Nig. Ltd, Anglo-Jos, Tonimas Filling Station, Anglo-Jos, Total Filling Station, Dadin-Kowa, Jos, and NNPC Mega Filling Station, Secretariat Junction.

Their offences, according to Agada, include under-dispensing of the product to unsuspecting customers and malfunctioning pump nozzles used in dispensing, adding that they would be expected to pay the appropriate fines after which their sealed pumps would be unsealed.

Stressing that the DPR would sustain the tempo of the surveillance through the Christmas period into the New Year, Agada particularly cautioned the Major Marketers in the state to be wary of sharp practices to avoid the Department’s wrath.

Advising the affected stations to quickly attend to the issues that led to the sealing of their pumps, the Controller assured that there was no need for apprehension and panic buying since there are about 16 trucks of fuel coming into the state on daily basis, coupled with the fact that the depot in Jos was one of the strategic depots meant to store large volume of fuel to cushion effect of any shortage that may arise for any reason in the country.

He added that, “These strategic depots that store PMS can supply fuel to make up for any gap as we approach Christmas season.” He also said that at the end of October, the Jos depot had as much as 30 million liter of PMS in stock.

More reports at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/dpr-seals-nnpc-mobil-total-filling.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Diaspora has concluded arrangements to garner massive support for the party’s Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to ensure victory in 2019 General Elections.

The Director-General of the Atiku/Obi Movement in Europe, Mr Ojo Akogun, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

According to Akogun, only Abubakar can put the country on the path of economic growth and development again, hence, the need to mobilise support to ensure his victory at forthcoming presidential election.

READ ALSO: Misappropriation of funds: Court of Appeal orders ex-governor Jolly Nyame to pay N495m fine

He said that after a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, the group rolled out a plan of actions to support Abubakar in his campaigns to realise his goal of being the next Nigerian President.

“Nigerians in Europe have begun a mass echo for Atiku to make Nigeria work again. Atiku/Obi Movement in Europe is presently involved in mass campaign for Atiku Abubakar.

“Nigerians in the Diaspora, especially in Europe are strongly behind Atiku.

“Almost 80 per cent of Nigerians in Europe have endorsed Atiku Abubakar because we believe he will make Nigeria a better place based on his experience.

“We have told our people at home to vote for Atiku if they want us to come back home and invest,” Akogun said in a statement to NAN.

According to him, some members of the group, who have Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will come home and vote during the Feb. 16, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

He said that the support for Abubakar had become very imperative to make “Nigeria great again”.

Akogun, a veteran journalist and Publisher of Yoruba Newswatch Magazine, said that he would soon launch an online TV, Nigerian Network News Europe (NNNE TV) on behalf of the group.

“To achieve our aim, on behalf of the group, and Nigerians in Europe, we will be launching Nigerian Network News Europe (NNNE TV) which is set to take begin operation soon.

“The newly brand online Television broadcasting shall broadcast live from Brussels in Belgium and also commence broadcasting operations from Lagos, Nigeria later.

“The station shall focus on Social, Political and Economic developments in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

“Meanwhile Atiku/Obi Europe Movement shall be accorded utmost priority by giving prominence to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s ambition of becoming Nigeria’s next President in 2019,” Akogun added.

Akogun was a former Governorship aspirant in Ekiti 2018 election and the Director-General, Atiku/Obi Europe Movement-based in Brussels, Belgium.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/2019-diaspora-pdp-garners-support-for.html

Four members of a family in Ilorin were feared dead after the consumption of `amala’ meal, suspected to be poisonous.

Akelicious learnt that four others who took from the meal, had also been hospitalised at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).

The incident happened at Magaji-Ogo community behind Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, in Ilorin West Local Government Area.

A source told NAN that the victims took the meal on Sunday night before three of them were found dead the following morning.

According to him, the fourth casualty, who was the head of the family, died on Wednesday.

“Those feared dead are the family head, his sister and two children, while those recuperating in the hospital are the mother and three other children.

“The corpses of the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic rite. They were eight that took the meal.

“Though we are not sure yet of the cause of death, the meal was taken alongside amphibian and there is a suspicion that they died of poisoning.

“Officials from the state Ministry of Health were in the community to take samples of the meal for test but nothing was yet to be said of the findings,’’ the source said.

The family, NAN learnt, is an extension of the Histrict Head of Adewole, popularly known as Alangua Adewole in Ilorin.

Meanwhile, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, Director, Public Health and Disease Control in the state Ministry of Health, confirmed the incident.

He, however, said that the ministry was yet to identify the cause of the “ugly and unfortunate occurrence.”

Fakayode told NAN that samples from the meal were taken for laboratory investigation, which would be out within the next 24 hours.

“As it stands, it is difficult to say the cause until the result is out.

“However, we are definite that it is food poison because of the symptoms, but we are not sure of the food item that is culpable.

“We learnt they took these amphibian that they hawk around with it. So we are not sure if it is the source of the death because some of them are poisonous.

“Though we have not identified the culprit in terms of whether it is organism or chemical, definitely, it is a symptom of food poison.

“But our suspicion is the amphibian. It could be preservatives that were used on the items that were used for the meal,’’ he said.

When a NAN correspondent sought confirmation of the Police in Kwara on the incident, its spokesman, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, said the command was not aware of the incident.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/4-family-members-die-others.html

The Delta Government has said that it will construct new hostels and renovate the existing structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in the state.

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa disclosed this on Thursday during a facility tour at the NYSC camp in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

Okowa noted that the hostel facilities currently in use in the camp were built more than 10 years ago.

He said, “I need to turn this place around urgently and within six months because corps members make a lot of inputs into the development of the state.”

The governor said that his administration was committed to the welfare of corps members serving in the state as part of its responsibility to the NYSC.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Benjamin Omotade who took the governor round the camp, lamented the security challenges posed by the non-availability of perimeter fence round the camp.

Omotade said that the hostels were crying for serious attention as corps members needed conducive environment due to their regimented life on camp.

He said that water was another challenge being faced in the camp as the existing borehole could not service the 50,000 gallon capacity tank needed at the camp.

Omotade who presented bunches of plantain to the governor as a gift said they were harvested from the plantain farm in the camp.

The state director appealed to the state government not to relent in its commitments to the activities of the corps.

He noted that the next orientation in camp would begin on Nov 19 and end on Dec 5, pointing out that there would be no camping until after the 2019 general election.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/delta-govt-to-renovate-nysc-camp.html

The Nigerian Army Artillery Corps on Thursday offered free medical treatment and donated 2,000 treated mosquito nets to Adara community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The outreach included health education, diabetic screening, dental consultation, eye screening and issuance of eyeglasses.

The three-day medical exercise is expected to end on Nov. 15.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai said the free medical treatment for the community was part of activities to mark the annual exercise Vulcan Glow six.

Buratai disclosed that no specific number of people are targeted but based on records, so far, over 1,700 people have been attended to and more are coming.

Buratai, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, solicited the support of the civil populace within their localities to enable it carry out its constitutional role effectively.

He explained that the outreach was part of the army’s efforts towards promoting civil-military relations and urged well-meaning individuals and agencies to emulate the gesture of assisting the downtrodden.

The army chief expressed delight over the large turnout of beneficiaries and assured that the exercise would be sustained.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/army-offers-free-medical-treatment-in.html

Shares of South Africa’s MTN Group rose by 2.6 per cent Wednesday, on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, following media report of a possible resolution and reduction of the $10.1 billion claims on it in Nigeria.



Bloomberg, while quoting a source, said the deal hasn’t been signed and could yet fall through.

On Tuesday, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Rob Shuter, had said that the telecommunications firm was doing everything within it means to resolve the issue amicably.


The Nigerian authority had asked MTN to refund $8.1 billion allegedly repatriated out of the country without due process and the Office of the Attorney-General, equally asked the telecommunications firm to pay $2 billion tax arrears.

Media report claimed that MTN may likely get a reduction from the $10 billion to about $800 million. However, a source very close to MTN told The Guardian, Wednesday that if MTN admitted to getting a reduction, “it would amount to the fact that telecommunications firm was culpable. Moreover, the case is in Court already, and they have a good case at hand. I don’t see where the $800 million would come in.”

But the Senate has condemned attempt by the Federal Government to reduce the $10.1 billion fine imposed on the communication giant, MTN, to $800 million.

The upper chamber said the planned reduction of the fine is a matter of interest to it, noting that although it was not particularly against whatever the government would want to do with the MTN fine, it should be intimated on why the reduction became necessary.

The Central Bank of Nigeria had in a recent statement by its Governor, Godwin Emefiele, hinted that it would reduce the amount it ordered MTN Nigeria to repatriate.

But Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, told reporters on Tuesday in Abuja that he was shocked when he was contacted that the CBN failed to implement Senate resolutions before conducting another investigation into the alleged infraction by MTN.

Ibrahim said his committee would immediately ask for CBN’s report on the matter to be better informed, adding that the only way Nigerians would know what transpired between the CBN and MTN on the $10.1 billion fine was through a detailed report.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/mtn-shares-rise-by-26-on-possible.html

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has called for the comprehensive reorganization of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

This follows the indictment of Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo and the Director General of NEMA in a N5.8 billion scam by the House of Representatives.

HURIWA also frowned at the ongoing squabble between the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Osinbanjo over the indictment.

HURIWA wondered why extensively damaging criminal allegations are being turned into a political wrestling match instead of the relevant agencies of government at the centre and the National Assembly to activate mechanisms to reform the corrupt infected system.
The association noted that, “Nigeria does not have the luxury of time to engage in political gymnastics by the political actors given that there are several national emergency situations that have happened all over the nation with thousands of Nigerians becoming internally displaced with no effective remedial redress mechanisms both at the centre and the federating units.”
In a statement signed and made available to DAILY POST by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA asked the Vice President and the Director General of NEMA to resign immediately or be suspended for three months or sent on compulsory leave pending the holistic determination of the subsisting allegations.

The association said, “They should subject themselves to transparent and open investigative activities by a combined team of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC); Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC); and the Code of Conduct Tribunal so as to ensure hitch-free probe of the extensively damaging allegations.”
HURIWA said, “EFCC alone can not guarantee a transparent given the affinity that exists between the acting Chairman of EFCC and the Vice President.”
HURIWA further applauded the All Progressives Congress, APC, dominated Federal House of Representatives for not capitulating to partisan pressure and undermine the investigation.
HURIWA, however, affirmed that the enabling Act setting up the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, needed to be reworked fundamentally to insulate the office from the institutionalized political interferences of the presidency given that the Vice President is listed as the Chairman of the governing body of the agency.
Besides, HURIWA has tasked the National Assembly to take up the national assignment of reforming the enabling Act that set up NEMA so as to provide for the appointment of a technocrat with no political affiliations to head the National Emergency Management Agency because of the strategic national functions that such a sensitive institution is created to perform.
The Rights group lamented that over the years, NEMA has been used as a politically manipulated national cake by the party in power to reward the patrons of the political party just as the Rights group stated that the current management is the worst because of the fact that the Director-General was basically rewarded for his contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We commend the visionary speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and the committee which began and completed the legislative probe of the monumental scandals within NEMA and has uncovered a spectacle of fraud and deliberate disobedience of the due process governing public procurement. Those indicted must be dealt with appropriately.
“This is a clear case of criminality and must not be reduced into the traditional brickbats between PDP and APC. The right thing must be done so as to properly refocus NEMA to deliver services qualitatively and equitably to all sections of Nigeria instead of the current position whereby it operates like a pro-North East agency.
HURIWA recalled that the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness offered insight into why it indicted Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the alleged diversion of N5.8 billion meant for emergency intervention in the northeast.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/alleged-n58bn-scam-resign-submit.html

Two hundred and twenty-seven less-privileged people and orphans have received free one-month computer training for self reliance organised by a group of corps members serving in Yobe State

During the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries, head of the group, Dahiru Abdu said aim for the training was to build and improve the capacity of the vulnerable group on Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for societal development.

“The training is also in a bid to challenge the youth to become active citizens in performing their social responsibilities in Yobe state alongside the bid to make them ICT conscious and economically independent,” he stated.

According to the group leader, they are dedicated to finding solutions to critical societal problems by contributing to the work of ICT vocational entrepreneurship and community development.
The beneficiaries were taught computer appreciation, data processing and information technology, English Language proficiency as well as JAMB computer-based test training.
“During the training, we have encountered so many problems in the process of delivering our development training and these problems range from lack of good generating sets, inadequate computers, electric regulators, projectors among others,” Abdu disclosed.

The best graduating student, Fatima Umar Gaidam, was awarded a free scholarship to study in any university of her choice, courtesy of the former Yobe State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Saleh Aliyu Bagare.
Meanwhile, 24 computer sets, one power generating set plus the sum of N200,000 were donated to the group by guests who graced the occasion.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/nysc-corps-members-train-227-yobe-youth.html

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 18 states attracted 65 projects worth $73.08 billion in the first three quarters of this year, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) has disclosed.

The parastatal, in a report on its website, gave the 11 sectors that got much attention during the period to include mining & quarrying (43 per cent of the total value); construction (25 per cent); manufacturing (23 per cent); as electricity; gas; steam; air conditioning supply; transportation and storage, accounted for three and five per cents.

The NIPC document covered investors from 17 countries. The United Arab Emirates came tops with 25 per cent followed by France’s 22 per cent. Nigeria got 20 per cent, United Kingdom, 13 per cent; China (eight per cent) while the balance 13 per cent went to other nations.


The agency charged with encouraging, promoting and coordinating investments in the country further reported that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was biggest beneficiary of the investments, nicking 26 per cent. Rivers, Bayelsa, Katsina and Akwa Ibom states followed with 22 per cent; 16 per cent; three and two per cents, while the remaining states settled for 31per cent.

The most active month was September where 12 projects valued at $20.39 billion (28 per cent of the total) were announced. The top 10 announcements fetched $68.1 billion, representing 93 per cent of the whole.

The NIPC releases its Intelligence Newsletter every six-day to appraise investments in the various sectors.

The report was based only on investment announcements in its newsletters from January to September 2018, though might not be exhaustive.

Nevertheless, the document gave a sense of investors’ interest in the Nigerian economy in period under review.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/18-states-abuja-get-73b-projects.html

The United States government has said that Nigeria needs urgent economic rejuvenation that will outstrip its population.


According to the US government, Nigeria must accelerate its economic growth opportunities not only for its population, but also for the fact that the country helps other African countries.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington, made this comment yesterday while speaking at a two-day workshop on election reporting organised by the US Embassy for political reporters in Abuja.


The envoy insisted that if Nigerians collectively stand for economic growth, the country will develop. He, however, lamented that half of the nation’s GDP is from oil and Customs revenue, which are sometimes embezzled by public office holders.

According to him, for Nigerian youths to get the maximum benefit of Nigeria as the fastest growing economy in the world, there must be economic restructuring.

“It’s not all about you,” Symington said, referring to the economic rejuvenation he prescribed for Nigeria, adding that “it will be for the good of the African continent”.

He noted that “Nigeria must grow its economic opportunities faster than the population,” even as he pointed out that as a country that has been helping other nations, Nigeria’s economic acceleration will help Africa.


“So, it’s not all about you alone. It’s about Africa. When democracy is threatened in any part of Africa, Nigeria always sends help. You are not only thinking about your ship, but you are thinking about the citizens of the world”, Symington said of Nigeria.


“If there is a failed leadership, citizens must ask themselves what they are doing to make it better. What are you doing to ensure the ship gets home,” Symington added, referring to citizens contributions to nation building.


“The people must ensure the ship gets home,” Symington said, noting that the media has a big role to play in linking the government and the people.

“You must connect the people and the leadership in a democracy,” Symington told journalists, urging them to adhere strictly to their responsibilities.


While decrying the menace of the farmers/herders clashes, Symington said the media must pass information that makes a difference not only on the elections, but also on how conflicting communities can live together happily.

The envoy challenged Nigeria to sustain the gains of the nation’s nascent democracy in the 2019 general elections, even as he urged the media to regulate the political discussion so that it is not distorted and derailed.



“If the discussion is going wrong in the nation’s political space, change it,” Symington urged the media, adding that it is the key to sustainable democracy.

“They create the platform. They create the engine and water for it to sail. They also determine if the ship will sink or sail,” the US envoy said of the media.


According to Symington, the media must ensure that the information flow between leaders and the citizens is one that will unite the nation.


“As media practitioner you are not just to pass message, but a message full of thought, inspiration and content,” the envoy said.


“It is up to everyone to break uninformed conversation and focus on the truth. Every day that I am here, I am reminded how important Nigeria is to the comity of nations.

“The role Nigeria has played in ensuring peace cannot be over emphasized. All across West Africa, Nigeria has ensured that peace is restored to nations where peace is threatened. Nigeria has always intervened in the entire crisis and ensures that peace is brokered.


‘’What happens to Nigeria, happens to all of us; your influence remains like that of a pilot. And it can be sustained by having a robust press. The world is watching and I am begging you,’’ Symington added.

He called on the government to educate, train, mentor, motivate and inspire its citizens.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/nigeria-needs-economic-rejuvenation-us.html

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), says it is ready to negotiate with government toward ending its one-week old industrial action.

Its President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, who was guest on TVC News Breakfast show on Tuesday, also advised government to establish an education bank for proper funding of universities.

He regretted the attitude of government to the university lecturers’ demands, saying that letters notifying government of the strike, which were submitted to the education and labour ministries on Nov. 5, had not been replied.

“We wrote to inform the ministries that we had resumed our strike. We told them that we had resumed the strike we suspended in Sept. 2017 because government failed to implement agreements we signed.


“The ministries signed to acknowledge receipt of the copies we gave them, but none has written a reply to us,” he said.

He accused the political class of strangling primary and secondary education in Nigeria, saying that 24 states had failed to access the Universal Basic Education Commission funds for 2018.

According to him, that has left UBEC with more than N60 billion that states have yet to access.

Ogunyemi observed that the federal government, which had consistently allocated seven per cent to education in the last two years, was not sincere in the claim that it was declaring a state of emergency in the education sector.

“The Federal Government suddenly woke up from slumber and announced a state of emergency in the education sector. It also promised to allocate 15 per cent of its budget to the sector. We find this unbelievable and deceitful.

“We feel that the `sudden’ promise has more to do with the fact that we are in an election year,” he declared.

He alleged that the ruling class in Nigeria had no concern for the education of the poor.

NAN reports that the lecturers had resolved to remain at home until their demands, which include proper funding of the universities, are met.

Other demands included the payment of full salaries by state-owned universities, payment of earned academic allowances, among others.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/11/ASUU-wants-fg-to-negotiate-with-union.html