The acting Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, has ordered the arrest of the hoodlums who attacked four policemen attached to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team in Ogoja community, Cross River State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said the cops, who sustained machete cuts on their heads and bodies, were in the community to arrest robbers who stole a bus when they were attacked.


He said the attack, which occurred on April 17, was masterminded by one Ikenga, described as a receiver of stolen properties.

Mba said, “Four police officers attached to the IGP Intelligence Response Team unit were seriously and grievously wounded, with deep machete cuts on their heads and other parts of their bodies.

“The detectives were investigating the case of a stolen Toyota Sienna bus earlier reported by the Master Chapel Church, a Pentecostal church based in Lagos.

“They had, after a painstaking investigation, arrested four male suspects – Peter, Ben, Ebuka and Johnson.”

The suspects, who were implicated in the crime by police investigation, were said to have confessed to stealing the vehicle.

They allegedly stated that they sold the bus to another suspect in Benue State, who further claimed to have sold it to Ikenga in Ogoja for N250,000.

Following the confession, the detectives had proceeded to Ogoja where Ikenga was apprehended and the stolen vehicle recovered.

Shortly after his arrest, the suspect reportedly raised the alarm in his native language, which attracted his gang members who attacked the policemen.


“The officers were savagely butchered by these armed gangs. Consequently, Ikenga, the notorious crook, escaped with the stolen vehicle,” the police said.

The IG, while condemning the attack, warned that the police would not tolerate attacks on its personnel and facilities.

He enjoined traditional rulers and community leaders not to allow such attacks to take place in their domains “as they would be called to account.”


A source in the IRT told Akelicious that the cops could have defended themselves by killing the thugs, adding that the officers took caution to avoid being blamed.

“Ikenga’s thugs hacked the policemen with machetes and sticks. The operatives had guns and could have easily killed them. But they did not do that because if any of the gang members had died, the story would have been different today,” he added.

Our correspondent gathered that three of the policemen had been discharged from the Makurdi General Hospital, Benue State, where they were rushed to for treatment.

The fourth cop, identified only as James, who reportedly sustained serious injuries, was said to be receiving treatment at the hospital.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/ig-orders-arrest-of-hoodlums-for.html

The last winner of the popular music competition, MTN Project Fame, is Okiemute Ighorodje. Since she won in 2016, it seems the show has been rested.

However, speaking with Sunday Scoop, the music instructor on the show, Benneth Ogbeiwi, better known as Uncle Ben, said the show was not rested because it ran into troubled waters. He stated, “Project Fame didn’t end. I am sure it was the vision of the telecoms company to build other areas of the economy. They have a foundation to run and they must be committed to their customers too. The show lasted for nine seasons and it could continue at some point. I am sure it will be brought back to the screen, but it is time to build a bigger picture, which is our country.”


Pressed further, he insisted that he wasn’t aware of any crisis or mismanagement. “I only know that they needed to put all their resources into other aspects of the entertainment industry and the well-being of Nigerians.”

Ogbeiwi stated that he was happy with his decision to focus more on teaching music even though he started as a singer. He said, “People appreciate what I do for the young ones and I am proud of myself too. I thank MTN and Mr. Femi Ayeni of Ultima Studios for believing in me and giving the younger ones a chance. The reality show has contributed a lot to the entertainment industry; people still go online to see past editions.”

Uncle Ben, who is presently the Dean of the Hymnodia gospel reality show, said when the initiator, Kufre Ekanem, sold the idea to him 10 years ago, he felt it was amazing. He said, “I remember those days when we went to church with our hymn books. We sang most of the hymns at home; so, why can’t we turn it into a reality show and improve our spiritual lives? I have been with the contestants for 13 weeks and they have improved greatly. This takes them away from social vices including drugs and armed robbery.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/project-fame-hasnt-ended-uncle-ben.html

Billionaire business mogul and President of Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote and former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu will be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees by Ahmadu Bello University at its 41st convocation ceremony scheduled to hold in Zaria on Saturday, April 27. All the awardees will be recognized for their immense contribution to the overall development of Nigeria and humanity in general. Dangote will be conferred with honorary Doctor of Letters while Comrade Sunmonu is to be honoured with honorary Doctor of Science. During the occasion Dangote will commission 10 blocks of student hostels consisting of 360 rooms at Site II of the university. The blocks of student hostels were constructed and donated by Dangote to alleviate the acute shortage of student accommodation in the university. An itinerary for the institution’s 41st convocation ceremony made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by the Public Affairs Directorate, Ahmadu Bello University said activities for the convocation would commence on Tuesday, April 23 with the unveiling of ABU new signage at the university’s Main gate and North gate all in Samaru, Zaria by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Garba. Also on Tuesday, according to the itinerary, there would be a town and gown meeting where management staff as well as leaders and elders of the neighboring communities would discuss issues of mutual interest. Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu is expected to commission a number of projects all over the university on Friday, April 26. The projects include a twin deanery building for faculties of physical and life sciences, Geology Department extension, ABU Business School extension, Biochemistry Department extension, Area G internal road and Site II entrance gate. The Friday activities will be rounded off with a convocation lecture by former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. The lecture entitled ‘It’s all about the Human Capital … Stupid’ is to be chaired by Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/dangote-sunmonu-bag-abu-honorary-degrees.html

With 44 days to the inauguration of newly elected leaders at the federal and state levels on May 29, 557 aggrieved candidates in the 2019 general elections have joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the cases they filed before the election petitions tribunals across the country. The highest number of petitions of 235 came from candidates who vied for offices in the state legislatures followed by the House of Representatives’ 202 cases, Senate (88), governorship (29), and the presidential election (three). A document obtained by Akelicious from INEC showed that as of April 8, 2019, a total of 557 cases were filed in various tribunals with the commission joined as respondent. A breakdown of the petitions at the state levels showed that Sokoto State has the highest figure of 49, followed by Anambra, Benue, Cross River and Zamfara States with 35 cases each. The next on the chart are Kano 27, Ogun 26, Nasarawa 26, Plateau 24, Bauchi 23, Abia 21, Delta, Imo and Taraba States with 19 each, and Lagos State 16. Katsina State has the least petitions of two while no case was filed before the tribunal in Jigawa State. In the presidential election, three court cases were filed against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari. The breakdown of the cases as instituted against INEC and other candidates in Abia showed that there are seven for the state assembly, seven for House of Representatives, Senate (three) and governorship (four). In Adamawa State where 12 petitions were filed, three are for the state House of Assembly, seven for the Lower House of the National Assembly, Senate (two) and none yet against the governorship. Akwa Ibom State has 12 court cases, one in the House of Assembly, House of Representatives (eight), two for Senate and one against the governorship polls. A breakdown of the 35 cases in Anambra State revealed that 19 candidates are contesting their defeat in the state assembly polls, House of Representatives (eight), Senate (eight) and governorship none. In Bauchi State, the House of Assembly tops with nine cases followed by House of Representatives with seven petitions, Senate (seven), and none yet against the governorship race. There are 10 court cases in Bayelsa State with the House of Assembly having only one petition, House of Representatives (six), and Senate (three). The gubernatorial election will hold on November 2, 2019. The 21 petitions in Benue State are House of Assembly (eight), House of Representatives (nine), Senate (four), and governorship none yet. In Borno State, there are seven petitions, with three against the House of Assembly elections, House of Representatives (two), Senate (two), governorship none. The litigations from Cross River State are 25 – House of Assembly, 10, House of Representatives 10, Senate five, and governorship none. Delta State has 19 court cases: House of Assembly five, House of Representatives nine, Senate four, and governorship one. Ebonyi State has six cases: House of Representatives three, Senate one, and governorship two. In Edo State, nine cases have been filed: House of Assembly three, House of Representatives four, and Senate two. The governorship election will hold in 2020. Ekiti State has five court cases: House of Representatives four, and Senate one. There was no governorship election in the state. The petitions from Enugu State were 12 with the House of Assembly accounting for two, House of Representatives seven, Senate three, and none against the governorship poll. The FCT has a total of three cases: Senate one and area councils two. Gombe State has seven petitions with only one for House of Assembly, House of Representatives two, Senate one, and governorship four. The breakdown for Imo State is House of Assembly one, House of Representatives 10, Senate nil, governorship two. Only 12 cases were filed in Kaduna State: House of Assembly two, House of Representatives six, Senate four, and governorship none. The breakdown of the petitions in Kano State are House of Assembly 16, House of Representatives 11, Senate nil, governorship being awaited. Katsina State has only two petitions: House of Assembly one, House of Representatives nil, Senate nil, and governorship one. Three cases were filed in Kebbi State with the House of Assembly having two, House of Representatives and governorship one. Kogi State has 13 court cases: House of Assembly one, House of Representatives nine, and Senate three. The governorship election will hold on November 2 this year. Kwara State has three court cases with the House of Assembly accounting for one, and governorship two. For Lagos State, there is one House of Assembly case, House of Representatives 11, Senate two, and governorship two. The breakdown for Nasarawa State is House of Assembly, 10, House of Representatives six, Senate six, and governorship four. From Niger State came five petitions with the House of Assembly leading with three and Senate two.There is none yet for governorship as at the time of this report. Ogun State has 19 House of Assembly petitions, House of Representatives three, Senate three and governorship two. INEC will defend itself against four cases in Ondo State: House of Assembly one, House of Representatives two, Senate one. In Osun State where there was no governorship election, there are five cases with the House of Assembly accounting for three and House of Representatives two. The breakdown for Oyo State is House of Assembly, 15, House of Representatives 12, Senate four, and governorship one. In Plateau State, the House of Assembly led with 13, House of Representatives eight, Senate three, and governorship none yet. Rivers State has only four cases: House of Representatives three, Senate one, and governorship none yet. The breakdown for Sokoto State’s 49 court cases is House of Assembly, 36, House of Representatives 10, Senate three, and governorship none yet. In Taraba State, there are 19 petitions: House of Assembly 11, House of Representatives five, Senate two, and governorship one. The figure for Yobe State is three with two for House of Representatives and Senate one. There is none for governorship at the moment. The litigations for Zamfara State are House of Assembly, 21, House of Representatives eight, Senate four, and governorship two. Meanwhile, Akelicious gathered that INEC voted the sum of N1.9billion for legal fees and payment of external solicitors to handle the 557 cases which it has been joined. Even though a committee has been set up by the commission to source for both internal and external lawyers to represent it at the tribunals, the sum of N1.796 billion is for professional fees and expenses for external solicitors, and honorarium for the legal officers. The 2019 INEC Election Project Plan showed that the amount for governorship petition was pegged at N4.5million X 20; senatorial petitions, N3million X 45; House of Representatives N2.7million X105; state House of Assembly, N1.350million X 244 while honorarium for in-house lawyers is seven per cent of the fees payable to external solicitors.” About N6 million is budgeted for pre-election cases. About N26.5 million will be spent on monitoring the hearing of election petitions and appeals across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT while N99.5 million is voted for the compilation and production of the updated electoral legal framework including the code of conduct for external lawyers and staff. A separate N25 million is set aside for the prosecution of electoral offenders. Speaking to Akelicious, INEC’s director, Information, Gender and Voter Education, Barr. Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, said that the commission has set up a legal team to represent it in court. “The committee is made up of both internal and external lawyers that are representing the commission in the court cases. I don’t know their numbers now but we will make it available once all processes have been completed,” Uzzi said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/inec-battles-557-court-cases-over-2019.html

The Federal Government has granted approval to three consortia to participate in the financial bids opening for the acquisition of 100 per cent shares in Afam Electricity Generation Company.

A statement by Amina Othman, Head, Public Communications, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on Monday in Abuja, said that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) gave the approval after its first meeting in 2019, held on April 12.

The companies were Diamond Stripes Consortium, Transcorp Power Consortium and Unicorn Consortium.


According to her, the three consortia met the benchmark score of 750 points after evaluation in accordance with the criteria set out in the Requests for Proposal (RfPs).

She said that other decisions taken by the council included approval for Quest Electric Nigeria Limited to proceed to the financial bids opening stage for the re-privatisation of the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC).

It also approved the appointment of Lead Capital Consortium as Financial Adviser for the restructuring, recapitalisation, and partial privatisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

The council appointed Vesta Healthcare Partners as consultants to carry out diagnostic review of the Nigerian Health Sector.

It delisted Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja from post Privatisation monitoring by the BPE.

Also decided on was the privatisation of the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) through a strategic core investor sale and commencement of the process of listing it in the schedule of the Public Enterprises (Privatisation & Commercialisation) Act 1999.

Othman said that the privatisation of Afam Electricity Generation Company, which encapsulates, Adam Power Plc and Afam Three Fast Power Limited, could not be concluded during the first round of the power privatisation in 2013 due to issues stemming from gas supply to the plant.

“Following the termination of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed between Taleveras (the then Preferred Bidder) and BPE in 2016, council at its first meeting of 2017 held on August 22 and 23, approved the privatisation of the enterprise based on a strategy to be recommended by the Transaction Advisers.

“For the YEDC, although it was successfully privatised and handed over to the core investor in 2013, a force majeure was declared in 2015 by the core investor citing insecurity in the North-East region of the country.

“Following this, the company was duly repossessed by the Federal Government,” she said.

According to her, it is expected that the successful bidders will be responsible for operating the generation and distribution companies.

She said they would also make the necessary investments to improve the generation and distribution networks and customer service in line with the objectives of the federal government set out in the National Electric Power Policy (NEPP).

The BPE was created through the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act 1999, to diversify the economy and strengthen the private sector as Nigeria’s engine of growth and economic driver. (NAN)

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/fg-approves-100-acquisition-of-afam.html

There has been so much public uproar condemning both the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian governments after the execution of a Nigerian woman, Kudirat Adeshola Afolabi, who was found guilty of drug trafficking.

While Nigerians insisted Afolabi was only a victim of drug syndicate group at Nigerian airports, both governments maintained she was actually guilty of the crime.

Following Afolabi's execution, it was revealed that another Nigerian, Saheed Sobade, was facing the prospect of death in Saudi Arabia after being nabbed with 1,183 grams of cocaine powder in Jeddah, a Saudi Arabian port city on the Red Sea and gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities Mecca and Medina.

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria responded to widespread criticism of Afolabi's execution by insisting that all legal and judicial procedures were observed.

"It is well-known for all those interested in travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that the penalty for drug trafficking is the death sentence and the said sentence is applied on all persons convicted without any exceptions, as long as the evidence is established against them, and this is conveyed to every person prior to his trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it said.

As things stand, at least 23 more Nigerians, according to TheNation, are destined to suffer Afolabi's fate, having been convicted for flouting the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Control Law, issued under Royal Decree No. M/39 dated 8/7/1428AH, which is punishable by death.

They were arrested between 2016 and 2017 at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Jeddah and Prince Muhammad bin Abdu- Aziz International Airport, Madinah.

THE LIST

Adeniyi Adebayo Zikri

Tunde Ibrahim

Jimoh Idhola Lawal

Lolo Babatunde

Sulaiman Tunde

Idris Adewuumi Adepoju

Abdul Raimi Awela Ajibola

Yusuf Makeen Ajiboye

Adam Idris Abubakar

Saka Zakaria

Biola Lawal

Isa Abubakar Adam

Ibrahim Chiroma

Hafis Amosu

Aliu Muhammad

Funmilayo Omoyemi Bishi,

Mistura Yekini

Amina Ajoke Alobi

Kuburat Ibrahim

Alaja Olufunke Alalade Abdulqadir

Fawsat Balogun Alabi

Aisha Muhammad Amira

and Adebayo Zakariya

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/full-names-of-23-nigerians-on-death-row.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has again taunted the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded elections, Atiku Abubakar, for dragging President Muhammadu Buhari to the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.


APC’s spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in an interview with several reporters over the weekend, insisted the party was not bothered about the possible outcome of the court process.

Issa-Onilu claimed that Atiku cooked up the numbers he purportedly got from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) server but noted the extra one million votes he awarded to Buhari.

“Why should anyone bother about such fallacious allegations contained in Alhaji Atiku’s affidavit? That is a theatre of the absurd.

“Well, there is something to laugh about in its absurdity. Is it the purported figures PDP claimed to have fetched from INEC server? Is it the figures he awarded himself?

“Well, to be fair to him, he extended his generosity to us in APC by awarding extra one million plus votes to our over 15 million votes.

“Of course, we do not need such concocted figures. We are satisfied with what the electorate voluntarily gave us during the elections,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/2019-elections-apc-attacks-atiku-over.html

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, and his Finance Ministry counterpart, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, yesterday, in Washington DC, assured foreign investors that with elections over, Nigeria is set for faster growth.

At a high level business meeting with US business community held under the auspices of the Corporate Council for Africa (CCA), Udoma told investors that Nigeria is on the path of diversified inclusive growth and President Muhammadu Buhari in his second term is focused on consolidation and further expansion of the investor-friendly policies of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

CCA is at the forefront of strengthening and facilitating the commercial relationship between the United States and Africa.

“Oil prices are stable and the convergence in foreign exchange windows has helped in reducing inflation and rebuilding external buffers. 2017 was better than 2016, just as 2018 was better than 2017, and 2019 will be even better,” he assured investors.

While indicating that the economy is projected to grow by 3.01 per cent in 2019 with single digit inflation at 9.98 per cent, the Minister said Nigeria is focused on economy diversification in partnership with the private sector, explaining that with the development of Special Economic Zones, the intention was to exploit comparative advantages of the six geo-political zones and the 36 states by establishing six Industrial Parks and 109 Special Production and Processing Centres.

https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-set-for-faster-growth-says-udoma/amp

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has threatened to jail yahoo boys who take delight in defrauding their countrymen through the use of mobile phones warning them to desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law. Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta issued the threat days after the commission concluded its 103rd Consumer Outreach Programme held by the commission to educate Nigerians on the latest trend used by internet fraudsters to defraud people of their hard earn cash via mobile phones on the internet. The commission promised to make life uncomfortable for all internet fraudsters so as to put a halt to defrauding people with use of mobile phones. Speaking on the theme, “Mitigating Effect of Cyber Crime: The Role of Telecom Consumers,” the NCC boss averred that the use of mobile phone to defraud was nothing but sabotage to the nation’s economy. The commission boss urged all cell phone users not to fall a prey to the tricks of cyber thieves who devised all strategies to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. Danbatta, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, Alh. Ismail Adedigba, stated that because of the high rate of cyber crime which has almost become the order of the day in recent times, the commission is out to leave no stone unturned to ensure that those behind cyber crimes of any kind are brought to book to face the wrath of the law. The NCC boss stressed that the commission would stop at nothing to ensure that sanity is brought to the system. Danbatta who spoke on the theme, “Mitigating Effects of Cybercrimes: The Roles of Telecom Consumers”, maintained that the topic was necessary so that telecommunication service consumers can become educated to become aware on the danger posed by cyber fraudsters. “In line with our mandate to continuously educate and enlighten the consumers on industry issues, the theme of this event: ‘Mitigating Effects of Cybercrimes: The roles of Telecom Consumers’ has been carefully chosen in order to sensitize telecoms consumers first, on the rising wave of cybercrime in its various forms, the danger it poses and second, the role which telecoms consumers are expected to play in reducing the impacts of cybercrimes on them,” the NCC boss added. Danbatta stressed that the commission has put in place the Internet Code as an intervention strategy to secure the country’s cyber space “against imminent threats from “cyber attackers,” as well as take care of issues related to online child protection, privacy and data protection. He said, “While the regulatory intervention and other initiatives are ongoing to sanitize our internet space, telecoms consumers, majority of whom now use internet-enabled and other smart devices, must play their roles.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/ncc-threatens-to-jail-yahoo-boys.html

The House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to establish the Fishery Institute of Nigeria, NGO for fisheries research, education and cooperative training in Nigeria to enhance the agricultural sector.

The institute will be responsible for the broad functions of research experimentation, sample application and patenting, education and training, among others.

Rep. Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers-PDP), who disclosed this on Friday while speaking with newsmen in Abuja, said that the bill was passed on Thursday.

Awaji-Inombek emphasized that the bill having been thoroughly looked into by the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions as well as the House Committee of the Whole before being passed, would address challenges faced in the fisheries sub-sector.


He said that the institute would be responsible for the conduct of basic and applied research of national and strategic importance for sustenance of brackish water culture system.

He also said that the institute would act as a repository of information on brackish water fishery resources with a systematic database.

The institute, the lawmaker said, would direct the process of species and system expansion in Nigeria brackish water aquaculture.

He further stated that the institute would provide for human resource development, capacity building and skill development through training, education and extension.

Awaji-Inombek also said that the institute would conduct research into brackish water quality management, pollution control and fisheries resources economy and marketing.

He added that the institute would also improve and enhance the livelihood of the creek dwellers with emphasis on youth and women.

The lawmaker said that, ”the institute seeks to draw it’s funding from around subvention from the Federal Government, monetary gifts, research grants or aids and contributions from national and international organisations.

”The institute will also be funded through internally generated revenue from research breakthroughs, product and services provided at the ratio of 75 per cent – 25 per cent for the institute and the Federal Government,” he added.


The bill scaled through third reading in the House of Representatives and had been sent to the Senate for concurrence before transmission to the President for assent.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/house-of-reps-passes-bill-on-fishery.html

Justice Fidelis Aniukwu in Anambra State High Court Awka has declared defendants discharegd and acquitted over the case of Ozubulu Church massacre.

The prosecuting counsel, according to the judge, could not prove the allegations leveled against the defendants beyond reasonably doubt.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/ozubulu-church-massacre-suit-defendants.html

The explanation by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to the effect that it made the process of replacing lost, stolen or damaged Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards more stringent in order to protect telecommunications consumers is quite cogent.

This is more so considering the rising spate of cyber crime and the general insecurity in
the country In a statement penultimate week in Lagos, the NCC Director, Zonal
Operations, Amina Shehu, said before replacing a SIM card, consumers
are required to identify themselves properly through court affidavit, national identification card (or other valid IDs), SIM pack, among other requirements.

She said the process was reviewed and made more stringent, to ensure that telecom subscribers are well protected from being victims of SIM swap fraud. Ms Shehu said the commission has found that, at times,
a subscriber might be having issues with his or her phone number, thinking that it is a network issue.

She added that by the time the subscriber discovered what is happening, money would have been fraudulently taken out of his or herbank account. According to her, SIM swap or replacement has a lot of issues attached to it because, often times, a lot of people who are not the owners of some numbers do SIM swap at various customer centres of
the service providers,

“There have been cases of fraudulent activities done on people’s bank
accounts, as a result of SIM swap and the victims often complain to the
commission, expecting that NCC will compensate them.

“To stop this SIM swap fraud, the commission in 2017 developed
guidelines on SIM replacement, which sets water-tight rules for telecoms
consumers to replace their SIM card when there is a need for it,” she
said.

She said that consumers are frowning at being asked to bring court affidavit, national identification card (or other valid IDs), SIM pack, among other requirements. Ms Shehu said that the regulatory body
has noted that there is likelihood by subscribers to think that network providers are putting them through stress to have their SIM replaced.

“But what telecoms consumers should know is that they must appreciate the fact that information being required from them is to establish that anybody coming for SIM swap proves that the number
requested to be swapped belongs to him/her.

“Consumers should immediately report to their respective banks to block their accounts, once they lose SIMs linked with their bank accounts,” she said. The director said the commission has other initiatives aimed at
protecting the consumers, which include the activation of the Do-NotDisturb (DND) 2442 Short Code to curb unsolicited text messages.

She said with NCC’s toll-free line 622, consumers can report complains pertaining to unresolved issues with service providers to the commission. Ms Shehu said with 622, subscribers can report quality of service, billing
issues, mobile number portability (MNP) as well as issues revolving around data descriptions and renewals.
She urged telecommunications consumers to be ambassadors of the commission by assisting to pass the information to people to be aware of such consumer-centric initiatives.

There is no doubt that the issues concerning subscriber registration or re-registration are central to national security and thereby requires severe regulatory framework to keep it under firm control as well as ensuring a
high level of compliance.

It is evident that insecurity in the country has heightened in recent times, especially the Boko Haram insurgency in the
North-east, the banditry and rampant killings in Zamfara state in the
North-west as well as kidnappings, armed robbery, cyber crime and other
forms of criminality across the country. It is instructive that the NCC had recently accused banks of complicity
over the increasing wave of SIM swap fraud in the country. Director,
Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) at NCC, Mrs. Felicia Onwuegbuchulan,

said the regulator has not given the telcos a clean bill of health on the matter, insisting that it is curious how services actually disappear from victim’s phones giving credibility to the directive of the fraudsters for
victims to switch off their phones.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly elected executives of Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF), the Executive Secretary, Association of Licensed Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbolahan Awonuga, noted that telecos should not be blamed for losing cash to fraudsters through SIM swap. He said victims should blame their banks for whatever happened to the money kept in the custody of the banks.

Similarly, the Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said recently that 2.4 per cent of banking revenue was lost to fraud cases. According to Adelabu,
Nigerian banks lost a total of N159 billion to electronic fraud between 2000 and the first quarter of 2013. While quoting from the 2013 Global Fraud Report, he revealed that Africa retained its position as the region
with the largest fraud cases.

Consequently, the stringent measures adopted by the NCC, Nigeria’s communications regulatory agency, should be viewed on the backdrop of the danger posed by a loose or casual SIM card registration and reregistration process. We, however, call for the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders, including banks, security agencies and subscribers, with the NCC to curb the wave of SIM card swap fraud in the country.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/curbing-sim-card-swap-fraud.html

Imo State House of Assembly, yesterday passed a motion to look into the circumstances that led to the fire incident at the Imo Airport. The motion which was raised at the floor of the House of Assembly by the member representing Isu State Constituency, Mrs Ngozi Obiefule, was seconded by Mr. Ikechukwu Amuka, representing Ideato South. After the deliberations, the Speaker of the House, Acho Ihim set up a committee of five members led by Mr. Obinna Egu, representing Ngor Okpala State Constituency. He said the committee has till April 16, 2019 to report back to the House. Other members of the committee included Ngozi Obiefule (Isu) Ken Agbim (Ahiazu) Chukwuemeka Lloyd (Owerri North) and Ukoha Bruno (Ezinihitte). According to the speaker, the committee has the responsibility, “To visit the airport to ascertain the extent of damages; to assess the cause of the fire incident and get back to the House. “The committee should arrange the visit to the airport and get back to the House and present their findings on the 16 day of April 2019.”

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/imo-assembly-to-probe-cause-of-owerri.html

The Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Mr Matthew Kolawole, said on Thursday that the state government was using N840 million monthly to service loans inherited from past administrations in the state.


Kolawole revealed this in Lokoja at a media parley with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He said that the amount was sourced from the state’s allocation from the Federation Account.


According to him, the Gov. Yahaya Bello’s administration inherited huge debts from loans obtained by previous administrations in the state.

Kolawole said the loans accrued during the tenure of Alhaji Idris Wada, when the amount for servicing was about N700.

The speaker said that the amount increased to N840 million with the loans obtained by the regime before the present administration.


He explained that the debt servicing had adversely affected the payment of workers’ salaries and the overall development of the state.

Kolawole said that Bello’s administration inherited four months’ salary arrears owed to state government workers, and 34 months arrears owed local government workers.

He maintained that while the immediate past administration paid between 25 and 30 per cent of local government workers’ salaries, the current regime had been paying 65 per cent of the salaries.


“The governor is presently working out plans to clear all outstanding salaries owed to state government workers in the next two months.

“It is not easy to run a state like Kogi with a huge debt profile, and so Gov. Bello is doing his best to uplift the living standard of its inhabitants,” he said

Kolawole said that the state government would soon create over 10, 000 job opportunities through the Omi Rice project which would be inaugurated in the next two months.


On his recent reelection to represent the Kabba-Bunu State Constituency at the state Assembly, Kolawole said he owed his victory to God Almighty and his constituents.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/kogi-how-gov-bello-spent-n840m-monthly.html

Issues of rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria came to fore on the floor of the Senate Wednesday eliciting strong condemnations from lawmakers.

At the session, lawmakers were told the crisis in Zamfara state had left in its wake 22,000 widows and 44,000 orphans since it broke out in 2011.

And to this end, the upper legislative chamber resolved to set aside N10billion in the 2019 budget as intervention fund for tackling the problem of insecurity and the resultant humanitarian crisis it had caused in the state.

For management of the fund, Senate asked the federal government to set up an ad-hoc committee to be known as Presidential Initiative on Zamfara with a 10-year lifespan for coordination of programmes aimed at addressing humanitarian crisis arising there from.

These were sequel to a motion sponsored to that effect by Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC Zamfara Central).

Marafa, who rose through orders 42 and 52 of the Senate standing rules to move the motion, said the problem of insecurity in Zamfara state, was deteriorating on weekly or even daily basis, a development he said called for urgent national action and legislative intervention from the parliament.

He said heinous activities of different categories of mindless criminals or killers in the state like armed bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers among others were creating serious humanitarian crisis in the state that must be addressed very urgently.

“Since 2011, as a result of the unabating activities of the criminals in the state, roughly estimated 11,000 males who left behind, average of 22,000 widows and by extension, 44,000 orphans have been killed. These figures are just by conservative estimates because the figures are far, far higher.

“The bandits , especially heavily armed kidnappers, operate with little or no resistance in Gusau, the capital of the state, making less than 75% of people in Zamfara not to be sleeping in their houses.

“The situation has nothing to do with politics because my own blood sister was brutally murdered in her matrimonial home in February this year and even two of my cousins outside the state capital few weeks back,” he said.

First to contribute to the debate was Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who commended Marafa for always bringing the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara to the front burner in the Senate .

“The primary purpose of government as clearly stated in Section 14 (1b) of the 1999 constitution as amended is all about security and welfare of citizens. Any government that cannot make provision for these has no business in governance.

“For government to tackle the security problem headlong, the abnormality of Nigeria being the only federation with centralised police must be addressed.

“It has been suggested and said in this hallowed chamber that long lasting solutions to myriads of insecurity challenges in the land is creation of state police. The earlier we embrace it the better for the country,” he said.

Making similar submission, Senate Chief Whip Olusola Adeyeye ( APC Osun Central) said the nation’s problem was the constitution itself, which by its provisions, he said, puts on ground an over centralised federation or better put, unitary system as against federal system of government .

He said as long as the problematic constitution is not amended by way of removing policing from exclusive list to concurrent list to pave way for state police, criminality at local levels would continue unabated.

“How on earth would a supposed federation have 68 items on its exclusive list and just 12 ambiguous and nebulous items on its concurrent list. Provisions of this constitution make mockery of Nigeria as a federation and the earlier it is addressed the better because every crime is local and solution to it is local,” he said.

Other lawmakers like Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan (APC Yobe North), Deputy Leader Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC Kebbi South), Shehu Sani (PRP Kaduna Central), Mohammed Hassan (PDP Yobe South) and Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP Taraba South) condemned the spate of insecurity in the land in their various contributions.

In his remark, Senate President Bukola Saraki said there was need for policing to be localised in fighting all manner of crimes at the local levels.

He said: “From the contributions we have had, I think it is key that we begin to look at the problem and look for long-term solutions.

“More importantly is that we must go back to what a lot of us had been advocating here that there is need for us to have state or community police. It is the way forward. Otherwise, we will continue to run into these problems.

“On the area of oversight, there is a lot also that we need to do to ensure that we hold the security agencies accountable, and we need to move very fast in this area.”

NAF pounds bandits’ strongholds

In a related development, the Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has continued to record successes in its renewed air offensive against armed bandits in Zamfara state and its environs.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said this in a statement Wednesday in Abuja.

He said: “The air strikes, which were intensified on 8 April 2019 with the deployment of additional aircraft, are aimed at flushing out the bandits from their hideouts in Sububu, Rugu and Kagara forests, amongst others, whilst ensuring the protection of the lives and properties of citizens in the North-west of the country.

“On the first day of the intensive operation, the ATF conducted coordinated air raids against multiple identified armed bandits’ hideouts at Doumborou, Sububu, West Malamawa, Baturia Pond and Rugu forest, where several bandits were neutralised and their camps destroyed.

“Yesterday, 9 April, 2019, the ATF conducted waves of attacks against several targets. The first wave struck three armed bandits locations within Sububu forest as well as another camp in Kagara forest. Targets attacked in the second wave were notable armed bandits’ hideouts at Kamarawa, Kunduma and Tsamare hill, while the third wave focused on armed bandits’ hideouts in Doumborou.

“The ATF also provided close air support‪ to surface forces of Sector 2 to enable them move into the attacked areas to mop-up the fleeing survivors and recover their weapons. In all, the ATF degraded eight camps and neutralised scores of armed bandits.

“‪Reports indicate that, as a result of the air strikes, ‪some of the bandits are fleeing towards the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic‪. Accordingly, the ATF is liaising with relevant authorities to ensure the bandits are prevented from escaping through the southern part of Niger Republic.

“The NAF, in consonance with surface forces and other relevant authorities, will sustain its efforts to end the scourge of banditry and other related threats to life and safety in the North-west of our dear nation.”

IGP on Katsina mandate

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the police and other security agencies to end banditry and kidnapping activities in Katsina state within the shortest period of time.

Acting Inspector General of Police Muhammed Abubakar Adamu, said this Wednesday in Katsina during a tour of frontline local governments affected by banditry in the state.

Adamu said as a result of the ongoing military onslaught against kidnappers and armed bandits in Zamfara state, most of the armed bandits had relocated to Katsina state, killing dozens and abducting many others in the last one week.

He said it was on this basis President Buhari directed the police and other security agencies to launch a coordinated operation to rid the troubled states in the North-west region of kidnappers and armed bandits.

The IGP further said ‘Operation Puff Adder’ which the police launched in Katsina state earlier in the week, was aimed at clearing the Rugu forest to secure the eight frontline local government areas under the siege of kidnappers and bandits.

During a visit to Government House Katsina, the IGP appealed to the state government to sensitise its people on the need to cooperate with the police, particularly by providing useful information to Special Forces that would man ‘Operation Puff Adder.’

In his remarks, the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, said the state government would participate fully in the operation to rid the state of armed banditry.

He said the state was providing vehicles, houses and allowances to police officers as a way of supporting the personnel in their fight against banditry and kidnapping.

Meanwhile, the IGP led a team of Assistant Inspectors General and senior police officers in the zone to Batsari, Safana and other local government areas to inspect the ongoing operation being carried out with the participation of Civilian Joint Task Force that include local hunters and members of the vigilante groups.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/22000-widows-44000-orphans-now-in.html

The Mumuye people from Yoro and Zing local government areas of Taraba state on Monday called on Governor Darius Ishaku to appoint the present state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. David Ishaya Kassa, as new the Secretary to the State Government.

Istisfanus Wuyemu, who made the call while briefing newsmen in Jalingo said the appointment of Kassa as SSG would bring more of government presence to Mumuye land.

“If this government will want to help us, they should bring in someone who knows the people, someone that has open door that our people can walk up to him and be accommodated,” he said.

He explained that appointing Kassa would be double honour done to the people of Adamawa by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/taraba-mumuye-urges-ishaku-to-appoint.html

Residents of Suleja local government of Niger state, a neighbouring town with the Federal Capital Territory ‘FCT-Abuja’ have vowed to team up with the police to bring crime rate to stand still.

A cross section of residents made this known Monday while on a courtesy call on the Area Commander in-charge of Suleja, ACP Isah Musa Rambo.

They reiterated commitment to support the police in the area of logistics, noting that security is a collective responsibility that required the contributions of all and sundry.

Spokeperson of the group, the PCRC chairman of Madalla, Rev. Taiwo Olamofe commended the police authorities for posting the new Area Commander to Suleja just as he reiterated commitment of members of the PCRC to work hand in hand with the police to ensure crime rate is reduced to the barest minimum.

Contributing,the patron of Kwankwashe community, Alh. Raji Salihat tasked the residents to cultivate the culture of providing useful information to the police to enable them nip crime in the bud.

Responding, the Area Commander thanked residents of the area for identifying with the police even as he assured them that the command under his watch would be encouraging them to fully participate in community policing.

He tasked community and religious leaders to be vigilant at all times and report suspicious movement of strangers in their environment.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/suleja-residents-partner-police-to.html

The Federal Government yesterday disclosed that persons in the upper echelons of Zamfara were complicit in the recent spate of killings in the state.

Last week, armed bandits killed over 50 people in the state, resulting in a wave of condemnation, a government ban on mining activities linked to the crisis, and the announcement of security operations to stop the bloodletting.

But “in spite of the concerted efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies,” the Federal Government said, “Some unpatriotic persons, including highly placed traditional rulers in the areas, were identified as helping the bandits with intelligence to perpetrate their nefarious actions or to compromise military operations.”


Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali made this known in a statement issued by his spokesman Col. Tukur Gusau yesterday.

“The Ministry of Defence therefore wishes to warn any person or group of persons who choose to connive or sympathise with the bandits to perpetrate crime against the law-abiding citizens to henceforth retrace their steps or face the full wrath of the law,” the minister said.

According to him, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria have been directed to deal decisively with anybody identified as helping the bandits under whatever guise, no matter how highly placed the person or persons may be.

The statement reads further: “The Ministry of Defence wants to once again use this medium to assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with other security agencies, will continue to protect the life and property of law-abiding citizens of this country. The general public is also requested to cooperate with the Armed Forces to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.”

This came as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed dismay over the disturbing cases of crime and violence in parts of the country.

“The President Buhari-led Federal Government has no solution to the security challenges of our nation, which has festered under its incompetent watch. This is the very reason Nigerians are anxious for the retrieval of our stolen presidential mandate, which they freely gave to Atiku Abubakar, at the tribunal, so that our nation can have the benefit of a purposeful government that is alive to its responsibility of ensuring the security and wellbeing of the Nigerian people,” the party said in a statement by National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan.


The party said it was heavily grieved by the pain, anguish and horror Nigerians have been subjected to by marauders, following the failure of the Buhari’s administration to provide adequate security in the country, despite the huge resources at its disposal.

It tasked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to give account of the whereabouts of the political mercenaries it allegedly imported into the country from neighbouring countries, particularly Chad and Niger Republic, in the build-up to the 2019 general elections.

“This demand is predicated on fears in the public space of the possible involvement of the imported political thugs, who assisted the APC to unleash violence on Nigerians during the elections, in the heightened acts of banditry in our nation,” the PDP said.

It lamented that the Federal Government has failed to exert enough commitment in protecting the lives of Nigerians and curbing the bloodletting and kidnapping of compatriots in Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Bauchi and other states.

“We have been proved right that President Buhari and the APC do not believe in their campaign promises,” said PDP.

Meanwhile, Acting Inspector General of Police (IG) Mohammed Adamu yesterday announced that the police would introduce more practical strategies to end the security challenges in Zamfara.

He disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of situations in Gusau, the state capital.


He described the suspension of mining activities as part of the new steps to tackle insecurity. “We understand that there is a growing relationship between the criminals and those engaged in mining activities and we have also identified other collaborators to the criminals whom we will soon arrest,” he said.

He vowed that the force is “determined to break all links to criminals while the operation to flush out the bandits continues in all parts of the state.”

In his remarks, Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari commended the Federal Government for its effort at solving the problem.

Yari, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Shinkafi reiterated the administration’s willingness to partner organisations in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

He urged the police boss to deploy more personnel to the state, noting that a current engagement of 8,500 youths from the 17 emirates of the state was aimed at complementing the Federal Government’s efforts.

Also, at a town hall meeting attended by Adamu, Yari said bandits had killed 3,526 persons in the state in the last five years. “Nearly 500 villages have been devastated and 8,219 persons injured. Some are still in critical condition.” He disclosed that over 13,000 hectares of farmlands were destroyed.

“The economy of the state has seriously suffered because thousands of shops were destroyed by the rampaging bandits who displaced thousands of our people from their places of abode, many of whom cannot sleep with their two eyes closed because of fear,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/traditional-rulers-behind-zamfara.html

Except the move drowns in the murky waters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) politics and the raging National Assembly (NASS) leadership crisis, the South-South geopolitical zone may produce the next deputy Senate president.

APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, declared yesterday that except for the Senate president and speaker of the House of Representatives, which have been settled, other NASS positions were yet to be zoned.

Oshiomhole, however, said that the South-South is being considered for the office of the deputy Senate president.
Mr. Simon Egbebulem, stated that APC was yet to zone the Senate top offices, but added that the South-South was in the picture for the office of deputy Senate president.


There were media reports that the party had already zoned the position to the South-South, especially to Oshiomhole’s kinsman, Senator Francis Alimekhena, who has been re-elected to represent Edo North Senatorial District in 9the Assembly.

The report accused him of trying to corner the office for Alimikhena, but the APC chairman described the insinuations as untrue.

Oshiomohole said: “Nothing like that has been done. Nobody has said this is the person for that position. But the party is working on how to share the position so that every part of the country will have a sense of belonging.

“They have started the process and the party is backing Femi Gbajabiamila and Ahmed Lawan for the position of Speaker and Senate president respectively but for other positions, the party is still working to sort out these offices,” he said.

Asked if the South-South was being considered for the deputy Senate presidency, the media aide replied affirmatively, but stressed that the final decision lies with the party.

Other major contenders for the office are Senators Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Oluremi Tinubu and Ovie Omo-Agege.

Omo-Agege is favoured to clinch the position because of his wide network within the APC coupled with tha fact that he has commenced intensive lobby amongst his colleagues.



Bago’s Speakership Bid Gains Traction

For the speakership of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago (North Central) has gained more support of those campaigning for the zone to produce the next occupant of the office.

They argued that since the Senate presidency has been zoned to the Northeast, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas (North-East) and the current House leader, Femi Gbajiabiamila, the purported APC’s anointed candidate, should step down for Bago because the Southwest has clinched the vice president’s slot.

Gbajiabiamila hails from Lagos State in the Southwest where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a prominent indigene.

Bago’s (APC Niger) supporters insisted last night that he is the best to represent the North Central zone, stressing that the region plays the balancing act in the nation’s politics and should not be denied the speakership slot for the fact it has never produced a presiding officer in the Green Chamber.

Already, the North Central Caucus of the Lower House has added its voice to the debate and clamour as it called on the APC to do justice to all concerned.

The caucus said: “We want to use this medium to acknowledge the supremacy of our party, the APC, in addressing the issue of zoning of positions in an equitable, just and fair manner that will foster unity and cordial relations among members of our party and our colleagues from the other political divides.

“We are confident of the ability and capacity of the national leadership of the APC to do right to all in order to advance national cohesion, balance of power and federal character.

“It is in this regard that we humbly wish to appeal to our great party to strongly consider the North Central geo-political zone for the position of speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly.

“We are mindful of the fact that events that surrounded the emergence of leaders of previous assemblies can provide ample guide for our great party to avoid past pitfalls and engender harmony, peace and stability in the House of Representatives as partners in progress with the executive,” the caucus said through Hon. John Dyegh (Benue) at a press conference.

Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase from Plateau State in the North Central zone is also in the speaker’s race.

Meanwhile, House of Representatives members-elect from Benue and Plateau States have endorsed the candidacy of Hon. John Dyegh (APC, Benue) for the speaker’s office for balance, justice and equality.

Dyegh is the fourth contestant to officially declare his intention forthe race. He is also the third member-elect from the North Central contesting the position after Bago and Wase.

https://leadership.ng/2019/04/08/s-south-may-get-deputy-senate-presidency-oshiomhole/

The Federal Government is introducing a funding mechanism to carter for patients with confirmed cases of Lassa Fever in the country, the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has said.

Ihekweazu made the disclosure on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He explained that the aim of the healthcare fund was to ensure that money does not become a hindrance for patients in accessing lassa fever treatment.


“We are making plans through the Basic Primary Healthcare Provision Fund, the new funding instituted by the federal government, to cover the cost of treatment of confirmed cases of Lassa fever patients.

“A process is ongoing on how to manage this and it is at the heart of discussion at all levels of government at the moment.

“The aim is to make sure that ability to pay is not a barrier to accessing the treatment for public health diseases such as lassa fever,” Ihekweazu said.

According to him, efforts are being made by the government through the NCDC to reduce the burden of lassa fever treatment on patients, pending the take- off of the healthcare fund.

The NCDC boss explained that “We from the federal government level have made sure that the core treatment costs are covered; of course when you are admitted in a hospital there are other costs accrued to you.

“What we have been doing with the Teaching Hospitals is to make sure that such cost is reduced to the barest minimum.

“In some cases we are able to treat patients absolutely free, in other cases they still have to pay.

“What we have ensured in all the treatment centres in Nigeria is that no patient has ever been turned away because of his or her inability to pay and no patient has been detained in any hospital for not being able to pay.


“So, eventually, either upfront or at the end of that treatment period, we ensure that everyone gets the treatment,” he said.

Ihekweazu urged Nigerians to adopt all possible preventive measures such as safe food storage principle and keeping a clean environment to ward off rodents.

He said: “You don’t need to be wealthy to keep your environment clean, so, the key thing is to get the messages out in all Nigerian languages that this is what you need to do to prevent the disease.

“Prevention is so much cheaper than cure because the illness can kill. This is a big financial burden for government.

“Even though the cost of lassa treatment is very high, we have carried the biggest part of that cost on behalf of the Nigerian government, and we have ensured that the core treatment cost of every Lassa fever patient is covered.

“Ribalvrin is a very expensive drug but we ensure that every confirmed case gets the drug free, but no matter how accessible you can make the treatment of lassa, it is always cheaper to prevent it.

“So, we are really encouraging people not to even get into the circle of treatment because even with all the resource in the world, we still cannot guarantee a great outcome.

“I can tell you that the best most effective, most efficient and most cost effective form of managing this disease is preventing it from happening in the first place,” he added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/fg-to-introduce-healthcare-fund-for.html

Home Grown School Feeding Programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria is now set to commence in Ekiti State.

Mr Ademola Obanise, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Home Grown School Feeding programme, gave the indication in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday while inspecting cooking materials to be distributed to selected vendors that would be engaged under the initiative.

The governor’s aide said pupils between Primary One and Primary Three would be fed under the programme, adding that the state government had keyed into the Federal Government initiative.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr James Owolabi, said government had prioritised the feeding programme for the pupils to start benefiting immediately.

He, however, clarified that the feeding exercise would be carried out once in a day.

Owolabi emphasised the need for a balanced diet for the pupils, saying this would help in no small measure to refresh their memories for quick assimilation.

The school feeding programme is part of a N500 billion funded Social Investment Programme announced by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, NAN reports.

The administration had said the programme was aimed at tackling poverty in homes as well as improving the health and education status of children and other vulnerable groups.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/president-buhari-sets-to-inaugurate.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged world leaders to work towards narrowing gaps in social and economic opportunities for citizens as the panacea to rising conflicts across the globe, attributing the Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria to lack of inclusion.


Speaking on Saturday in Jordan during the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, the President, who honoured an invitation by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, said rising opportunities of prosperity for some people while others struggle to survive trigger tensions and conflicts.

President Buhari said the changes taking place across the world in technology, population, migration, trade, and geopolitics had been yielding both positive and negative results in different parts of the world, calling for more collaboration across borders to alter tides of frustrations that fuel conflicts.

According to him, no region of the world has felt the full impact of these dramatic shifts and shocks like the Middle East and Africa – North and Sub-Sahara.

President Buhari said terrorism around the world, including Boko Haram, had been significantly degraded, stressing that the insurgents no longer control any territory in Nigeria, but the country had been left with the task of rebuilding.

He told the gathering of leaders, entrepreneurs and economic experts that Nigeria’s population is one hundred and ninety million, and by 2050, estimated to hit three hundred and ninety million, making it the third most populous country in the world.

President Buhari said he spent the last four years tackling security issues in the country and implementing policies that make the economy more inclusive.

In his remarks, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan said inclusive growth will be of benefit to the entire world, especially when it creates enabling environment for youths and women.

The king of Jordan said opportunities must be expanded fast while noting that the challenges are not only problems to be solved rather they are opportunities for collaboration.

UN Secretary-General Secretary-General António Guterres said the world will be better off with stronger collaboration, commending Jordan for playing a historical role in restoring peace in the Middle East, especially between Israel and Palestine.

The founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, who congratulated President Buhari for his re-election for a second term, said discussions at the forum will focus on new ideas, entrepreneurship, innovation, environment, peace, and reconciliation.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/buhari-urges-world-leaders-to-close.html

Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, Femi Kuti has called for a reform of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), stating that they are meant to defend us and not kill us.

The entertainer expressed this view while addressing the media at the New Afrika Shrine, Lagos where a protest against police brutality took place on Friday, April 5, 2019.

Kuti said that the protest is not an attempt to undermine or scrap the Police Force but to demand a reform of the system that will make it work in the interest of the people and not kill them unlawfully.

The protest is coming on the heels of the recent killing of a young Nigerian man identified as Kolade Johnson. Johnson met his untimely death when a bullet from a sporadic shooting by a policeman hit him and killed him. Johnson’s only crime was for being in the right place at the right time as he was watching a football match at a viewing centre when the tragedy occurred.

Since the tragic death of Johnson, many Nigerians both home and abroad have renewed their call for scrapping the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the country. In the past a lot of Nigerians have shared their saddening experiences in the hands of the security unit with many stories on police brutality and unnecessary harassment.

Describing Kolade’s fatal shooting as one too many tragic excesses of the force that should not be condoned, Kuti said a change is important. He said,


“We’re not against the Police. We’re saying the complete orientation of the Police must change into positiveness. The Police works for us and must defend its citizens. The Police cannot go and kill its citizens. We pay our taxes so the Police must defend us. We’re not saying scrap the Police Force, of course, there’ll be crime. If Police is properly equipped then Police can protect us against crime.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/policebrutality-femi-kuti-calls-for.html

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it will build digital literacy centre to promote Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) progamme at the NYSC camp in Ussele-Uku, Delta.

The Director-General of NYSC, Maj-Gen. Sule Zakari, represented by the Director of SAED Department in Abuja, Mr Nuhu Kwanghe made this known at the ground breaking ceremony of the programme on Friday at the NYSC Orentation Camp, Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta.

Zakari said that the project would be beneficial to corps members, the community and assured the management of the camp of his commitment to the speedy completion of the digital literacy centre.

He said that the NYSC would not cheapen the SAED programmes by accepting proposal with shallow content from would-be stakeholders.

The Delta NYSC Coordinator, Mr Omotade Ayodele said that the deliberate investment by the Delta State Government coupled with the strategic intervention of the NYSC management would enhance the viability of the project.

Omotade said that when the project was completed it would be a model for all round complete and inclusive training of corps members.

He said that the construction of the four-room SAED center would assure management of its preparedness to ensure that varieties of initiatives was aimed at promoting skills training and self-reliant activities among corps members in Delta.

The coordinator commended the NYSC D-G and the management for choosing Delta State Permanent Orientation Camp among the pioneer beneficiaries of the initiative.

He assured the management that project would redefine purposeful collaboration with private concerns in critical operation of the scheme.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/nysc-to-build-digital-literacy-centre.html

A prosecution witness on Friday, told an FCT High Court in Apo, Abuja that Sen. Dino Melaye, damaged two police vehicles in an attempt to escape from custody,

The witness, ASP Dennis Agbi, member of the IGP Special Tactical Squad, made the allegation while testifying in the ongoing case of attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody and damage to police property, filed against Melaye.

Melaye, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, is facing trial on a six counts of attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody and damage to police property.

The witness informed the court that while on duty on April 24, 2018, a white-coloured Toyota Hilux with Registration No. MKA 603 GY, was brought for him to record as exhibit.

He further told the court that when he inspected the evidence, he discovered that the right headlight of the van and part of the vehicle bumper were damaged.

Agbi told the court that he marked the Hilux as exhibit NO. CER/STS/11/2018A in his records.The white-coloured Toyota Hilux with Registration No. MKA 603 GY brought to an FCT High Court.



He said that the second vehicle was a white Hiace bus with front right side mirror broken, and the left side back window glass, broken.

The witness told the court that the bumper CER/STS/11/2018B in his records.
After the inspection of the vehicles by the judge, they were admitted and marked as exhibits by the court.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Jovi Oghojafor, said that the Certified True Copy of the records of exhibit was not available to be tendered in court.

He further requested for an adjournment, to enable him to bring it at the next adjourned day.
Justice Silvanus Oriji adjourned the case until May 16, May 27 and May 28.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/dino-melaye-damaged-2-police-vehicles.html

Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communications, has said that the federal government will ensure free access to the internet in public places across Nigeria.

Mr Shittu said this in Abuja at a one-day stakeholders workshop on the role of the Public Internet Access for Economic Development.

“We are trying to ensure the vision of free Wi-Fi all over, particularly in public spaces, at the airport, schools and all that,” Mr. Shittu said on Tuesday.


Mr. Shittu said the government had been trying to ensure that internet accessibility is made available not just for privileged Nigerians but everyone.

“The Federal Ministry of Communication will ensure the privacy of beneficiaries of the free internet services is protected,” he said.

He said for this to be a reality, more investments are needed because the government alone cannot handle the financial responsibilities involved.

Mr. Shittu listed some of the challenges faced by the government in providing free internet services to include high cost of access, low broadband penetration, poor internet infrastructure, and poor enabling environment.

“The solutions to these challenges are beyond government’s intervention,” he said.

“In order to bridge the existing digital divide and encourage more Nigerians to participate in the global digital economy, private organisations and international partners are encouraged to support the government in different strategic ways.

“One of the models being adopted recently is the provision of free internet access by Public Internet Access Providers (PIAPs) in strategic locations to help more Nigerians connect to the internet in pursuit of social and developmental objectives for a return on investment (ROI) through advertisement or other means.

“This is expected to fuel some changes especially in creating jobs and help local SMEs compete with global brands.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/free-internet-access-for-nigerians.html

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP has assured that it will work with other organs of the party and its candidates whose mandates were allegedly stolen in the just concluded general elections to reclaim them.

Reading a communiqué at the end of the 65th meeting of the board held, yesterday, in Abuja, the BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, said the board also decried the militarization of the elections.

“The BoT notes with dismay, the systematic erosion of the gains made under the PDP administration in enhancing the credibility of the electoral process over the years, and frowns at the way all those gains are being distorted and eroded by the present administration.

“The BoT calls on all Nigerians, especially our teeming PDP supporters to stay calm and be law-abiding, as we believe justice will take its proper place despite the traumatization of the judicial arm of government by the present administration,” the board said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/well-reclaim-our-stolen-mandate-pdp-bot.html

Noble Youths Mass Support Association (NYMSA), an NGO, has congratulated the governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike on his re-election.

Mr Godwin Onmonya, the National Coordinator of the group, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada on Thursday, described Wike’s re-election as a victory for democracy.

Wike won the election with 886,264 votes, while Mr Biokpomabo Awara of the African Alliance Congress (AAC), who came second, scored 173,859 votes.

“I commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for doing the right thing in ensuring that that democracy prevailed.

“It is my conviction that his victory will pave way for a true democracy and a prosperous Nigeria that will deliver on the people’s mandate.

“On behalf of NYMSA, I congratulate Nyesom Wike on his well-deserved victory in the just-concluded Rivers Governorship Election,” he said.

Onmonya further described the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state as fair and expression of the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.

However, he called on Wike to support and encourage the less privileged in the country, through youth empowerment, sports and social development programmes.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/youths-congratulate-gov-wike-on-re.html

For alleged encroachment into the family land of approximately 339,178 hectares situated at Gan-un Village in Ifo Council of Ogun State, the Balogun Oko-Osi/Olubete royal family of Gan-un has instituted a suit against the governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

The governor was dragged to Ogun State High Court sitting in Ota alongside the attorney-general and some other unidentified persons as defendants in the suit. The traditional ruler of Gan-un town, Chief Babatunde Adenekan, and the head of Balogun family, Chief Nureni Farombi, sued on behalf of the family as first and second defendants.

The claimants alleged that Amosun had on September 1, 2018 erected a signpost ceding the land to the state government, warning that “trespassers will be prosecuted.” Expressing dismay on the action of the governor, the family noted that all overtures towards getting him to understand that the land belongs to them were unsuccessful.

They claimed not to have sold or consented to sell the land.“We were never at any time aware or put in the know or on notice of the interest of any defendant, either on grounds of compulsory acquisition, purchase, allocation or however adverse and or superior title that would have warranted the right to lay claim of ownership to any portion of the land.”

In their statement, the claimants averred that they were the rightful owners of the landed property measuring approximately 339,178 hectares (838,109 acres). “The land has devolved by inheritance from our ancestors who had been in possession and ownership from time immemorial and exercising every act of control on the land.”

They are, therefore, asking the court to award them N2 million per plot as general damages against the defendants, who are yet to file their defence.The matter has not been assigned.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/family-sues-amosun-others-over-land.html

The Benue House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the Establishment and Regulation of Abattoirs Bill into law.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new law prohibits the use of tyres to roast meat in the state.

NAN also reports that the passage followed diligent consideration of the bill, after the Chairman, House Standing Committee on Health, Mr. Adoga Onah (Oju 1 APC) led the debate on the bill.


Onah, while contributing to the bill, listed the health hazards of roasting meat or processing hide and skin with tyres.

“The practice of roasting meat with worn out tyres at abattoirs constitute health and environmental hazards to human.

“Tyres are made of synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, wire, carbon black and other chemical components which are unhealthy for human consumption.


“A report from the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reveals that tyres contain several heavy metals such as lead, zinc and copper that could be carcinogenic.

“A recent research also revealed the existence of high level of metal residues in goat and cow hides, after being roasted with tyres.

“Besides, tyres are non-biodegradable combustible materials which smoke is toxic and if ingested, could pose serious threat to the liver and the heart, leading to cardiovascular diseases and cancer,” Onah stated.


He, therefore, urged the house to pass the bill without further delay to forestall health and environmental hazards.

The Speaker, Mr. Titus Uba, who announced the passage of the bill, asked the Health and Agriculture ministries to effectively regulate the operation of abattoirs in the state by providing the standards for their operations.

“Such standards shall include structures for sewage disposal, water supply, hygienic environment among others,” Uba said.


He said in view of the danger posed by the use of worn out tyres to roast meat, butchers should henceforth use either firewood or grass to roast meat.

“A person guilty of an offence under this law is liable on conviction to a fine of N10, 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.

“In case of a subsequent offence, it is a fine of N20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years,” Uba said.


The Clark of the house, Mr Terse Agena, then read the bill for the third and final time.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/benue-assembly-passes-new-bill.html

In two years’ time, precisely by 2021, Nigeria hoped to have localised its Internet traffic by as much as 60 per cent, after hitting 40 per cent by end of last year.

The Chief Executive Officer, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), Muhammed Rudman, who disclosed to The Guardian at the weekend, noted that the growth rate of Internet traffic is a useful indicator of the health of the entire Internet ecosystem, as well as in measuring the development of the digital economy.

Though, localisation of Internet traffic by telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) has increased lately, Rudman believed that increased collaboration among stakeholders can actually bring the required rise in the traffic.


Accordingly, localising Internet traffic reduces the delays associated with routing local traffic internationally. By the move, the drop in latency increases speed and better quality of service to end-users.

An Internet exchange point (IX or IXP) is a physical infrastructure through which ISPs and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) exchange Internet traffic between their networks (autonomous systems).

IXPs reduce the portion of an ISP’s traffic, which must be delivered via their upstream transit providers, thereby reducing the average per-bit delivery cost of their service.

IXPN is an initiative of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that enables ISPs, telecommunications operators, content providers and educational institutions to exchange Internet traffic locally within Nigeria.

The Guardian investigation showed that countries including China, South Korea, Egypt, South Africa, among others, have at least 80 per cent to 90 per cent of their Internet traffic localised. Rudman believed that through collaboration, this is achievable in Nigeria.

The Guardian also gathered that the African continent is losing yearly about $800 million to routing Internet traffic abroad before coming back to the region. This means that huge amount of funds is wasted in Inter-African traffic. Africa spends more to oversees Internet carriers for them to carry African Internet traffic due lack of IXPs.

However, to curtail this huge spending, The Guardian learnt that the continent has increased its IXPs from 18 to 35 with about five exchange points in Nigeria alone.

Nonetheless, Rudman, who said larger percentage of the Internet traffic in Nigeria are still routed abroad, noted that the target of the exchange points was to ensure localisation of content created locally in the country and international content meant for Nigeria’s consumption are hosted locally.

The IXPN boss said localisation of Internet traffic would not only help reduce the pressure on the dollar is pushing on the Naira, but will also improve the latency of Internet services.


Recall that at a Telecoms Executive and Regulator’s Forum (TERF) organised by the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, two years ago, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said Nigeria was saving as much as N2 billion yearly from ensuring that ISPs route their data traffic locally through the IXPN.

According to Danbatta, for every Internet content hosted locally it saves us foreign exchange, which would have been paid to foreign companies, this ensures that local data centres flourishes, hence creating more jobs and increase technical competency for our engineers.

The Nigerian IXP is rated the second largest IXP in Africa, and it has become a very critical national resource that has made it possible for Nigeria to host critical Internet resources such as the E-Root, F-Root and J-Root Domain Name Servers (DNS).

Meanwhile, with the backing of the African Union (AU), the IXPN has become a regional exchange for West Africa.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/nigeria-achieves-40-localisation-of.html

Portraitures of popular Nigerian music act Davido, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg and female Nigerian artist Nike Okundaye, topped the list of works on display at the ” O’Sagacity art exhibition underway at the National Museum, Lagos.

The artist/exhibitor, Sunday Olaniyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that each of these people inspired his works, adding that he appreciated them for their contributions to the entertainment industry.

laniyi said that the portraitures of the celebrities would be handed over to them immediately after the exhibition.
According to him, 50 artworks were on display, including bead portraitures, beads, paintings, mixed media, aluminium foil and sculpture.

“I have some of my works exhibited as: Tough time never last; Moderation; Nose can’t smell the good and bad people; Mind your business; Back to sender.

“Also, Davido (OBO); Mark Zuckerberg; Chief Nike Okundaye; Fingers are not equal; Springforth; Tolerance and more.

“Sagacity means profound wisdom and it is this sagacious wisdom embedded in the Yoruba proverbs that lie at the heart of this exhibition.

” The morals and values in ancient African history are the guiding forces in my works and their relevance to contemporary times.

” These works are presented in form of proverbs to drive home morals behind each of the art piece,” he said.
Olaniyi said that due to the economic problems in the society, a lot of people had given up on their lives, engaging in frivolous activities and at the end becoming social defiant.

According to him, perseverance, patience and tenacious attitude could concur all forms of discouragements, depression, loss of zeal towards life and any other circumstance anyone could be confronted with.

” I want people to know that patience, perseverance and tenacity are those virtues to possess to undo life challenges and be successful, likewise outstanding.

He urged Nigerians to avail themselves of the opportunity to visit the exhibition to learn about Nigerian proverbs and virtues to possess in achieving remarkable goals in life.

The week long art exhibition ends on Saturday.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/davido-mark-zuckerberg-nike-okundaye.html