₦airaland Forum

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will need another strategic session in Dubai, in order to present a new alternative ahead of the 2019 polls.


APC Spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the assertion in reply to a statement by PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to resign.

Atiku in a communique made on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, noted that Buhari’s recent assessment of the nation’s economy, in which he stated that it had gone out of control, was enough evidence that the president had failed.


However, disagreeing with Atiku, Issa-Onilu said, “It is very amazing that two months into the election, PDP is still not presenting any alternative governance agenda before the people of this country.

“Sadly, the main opposition party appears at a loss as to how to face Nigerians knowing they would have to explain why they so badly mismanaged this country at a period of surplus.”

The APC went on to reveal some of the achievements of the Buhari-led administration, via their official Twitter handle.

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2019-presidency-apc-reacts-to-atikus.html

The federal government has stated that talks with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have so far been fruitful, expressing optimism that the ongoing strike by the university teachers, which has paralysed academic activities in the universities nationwide will soon be called off.

The government’s optimism, according to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, is predicated on the federal government’s consideration of some of ASUU’s demands, including the submission of the union’s list of outstanding payments, and the identification of some areas in the universities in need of revitalisation as contained in the signed 2009 agreement.


The minister said talks with the union have so far been productive and fruitful, adding that the federal government was optimistic that the strike would soon be called off to pave way for students to resume academic activities.

He said: “There are areas that are still outstanding which we are going to address on the 17th. We have the issue of shortfall of salaries, that of some federal university workers. ASUU has given a list to the office of the Accountant General.

“We agreed that by Wednesday that the list will be checked to find out really whether those universities were actually paid and they have to be visited and paid the outstanding lecturers there. So, the Accountant General’s office is to come back to us.

We have also the issue of Earned Academic Allowance and the issue of revitalisation. These are issues of 2009 agreement. We will look into the consideration and we have identified one area of the fund for revitalisation.

“The federal government organs will be contacted and we do expect that we will have some words for ASUU. Same goes for the earned allowances. We will make sure that the issue of the outstanding amounts is handled in a way that all parties will be properly accommodated,” he said.

Ngige revealed that during the talks, the quality of graduates from state-owned universities was brought to focus with a view to upgrading the standard of education in order to meet with global standards.

He said state owned universities are not producing graduates that can be employed as several are lacking in competitive skills. He said the federal government through the ministry of education will engage with the Nigeria Governors Forum and will chart a way forward.

“We also discussed the issue of state universities and since education is on concurrent list, the universities should be properly funded and staffed, so that we do not produce half baked graduates from those universities. And towards realising that, the ministry of education will engage the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The minister of education is taking steps towards that direction and will organise that interaction.

“Engaging them directly and giving professional advice is what the ministry will do. These are some of the issues we discussed and to me; the discussions were fruitful. We want the children to go back to school,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), has vowed to vehemently resist any attempt by the federal government to privatise public hospitals in the country. The union warned that privatisation of public hospitals is a threat to the survival of Nigerians in terms of health.

The MHWUN President, Biobelemoye Josiah, handed down the warning while donating items worth about N2 million to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Durumi, a community in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Insisting that it was the responsibility of the government to provide affordable healthcare services to the people, the MHWUN president said: “What we are saying is that public health institutions are institutions of public good. These are institutions that are meant to provide healthcare for the downtrodden, the poor and the vulnerable.

“But there is a conspiracy by capitalists to ensure that they take these health facilities from the reach of the common man in the guise of privatisation. We are not against a private man using his own money to build a health facility, equip it and keep it for the affluent, especially those who have looted our country and have made it big.

“They can establish these hospitals for them, but they should leave the public hospitals for the common man.Public Private Partnership (PPP) has failed in the health sector worldwide. There is no PPP that can make malaria treatment cheaper.



“Go to all the hospitals that PPP has been introduced in Nigeria; it has taken healthcare away from the reach of the poor and the vulnerable,” he said.

More reports at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/fg-optimistic-ASUU-strike-will-end-soon.html

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has reacted to the outcome of the vice Presidential debate, held in Abuja.


Akelicious had reported that on Friday night, five candidates contesting for the vice presidency, engaged in a debate.

Those who participated were, Yemi Osinbajo (APC) Peter Obi (PDP) Umma Getso (YPP) Alhaji Abdulganiyu Galadima (ACPN) Khadijah Abdullahi-Iya (ANN)


Their responses and opinions drew mixed reactions from Nigerians.

Reacting, Saraki commended the PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Peter Obi for reeling out facts to show Nigerians that the country needed to work again.

He tweeted, “Tonight, @PeterObi, the Vice-Presidential Candidate of our great party, @OfficialPDPNig, reeled out the facts.


“He showed Nigerians across the nation why we need to #GetNigeriaWorkingAgain! #2019Debate.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/saraki-reacts-to-outcome-of-vice.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, set aglow, the presidential Christmas Carol held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Aside Adeboye, the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, many state governors attended the Carol.

The Carol tagged “Christmas Praise Concert”, was also attended by Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha.

The first Bible reading taken from Luke 2:18 –18, was read by Mrs Victoria Gowon, wife of the former Head of State, Gowon, while the second reading taken from Isaiah 7:14–15, 9:6–7, was read by Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State.
The Gospel lesson taken from Luke 2: 1–7, was read by SGF, Mustapha.

In his Christmas message, Adeboye thanked God for peace in Nigeria and prayed God to continue to protect the nation and bring lasting peace to it.

He prayed for God’s mercy on the nation and committed the 2019 general elections into God’s hands.

In a special intercession, Pastor Seyi Malomo, Chaplain, State House Chapel, prayed for Nigeria and its leaders especially, President Muhammad Buhari, who would mark his birthday on Dec. 16.

The congregation was thrilled by renditions from various choir groups, including Aguda House Choir, Aso Villa Chapel Choir, Aso Villa Chapel Children Choir, Plateau Unity Choir and Praise Chorale, Lagos, among others.
Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the carol, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, said his take away from the carol was that God should lead Ekiti people to freedom.

On his part, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, said that God was bringing hope to Nigeria despite its numerous challenges.

He said that Nigeria was moving on the part of progress.

Also in attendance were the governors of Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, royal fathers, clergies, captains of industry and members of the National Assembly.

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/photos-governors-join-adeboye-gowon-at.html

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Thursday warned the presidency not to instigate a press war, saying taking former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to the cleaners over his political views could attract a comprehensive retaliation from Obasanjo’s camp.

Fani-Kayode, who served under Obasanjo, said the presidency ought to treat the former president with absolute respect, otherwise his associates would have to respond and that might not augur well for the image of President Muhammadu Buhari.


The presidency rapped the former president over his searing criticism of the Buhari administration, saying it no longer had respect for Obasanjo because he had become inconsistent.

Buhari’s media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, had told State House Correspondent that the administration would no longer take Obasanjo seriously because he had changed his mind severally on the matter of the next president of Nigeria, saying the former president was confused.

But responding Thursday, Fani-Kayode said the presidency was precipitating a messy media war and warned it to pull back.

He gave a hint of what was in the offing, “Actually, if anybody is confused, it is President Buhari, who his own wife says is not in control of the government entrusted to his care.”

“One minute he is running the affairs of the country, and the next minute, according to his wife, two powerful, faceless and unelected men have hijacked the government, have taken control and have pushed him aside.”

Fani-Kayode said as a former special assistant on Public Affairs to Obasanjo between 2003 and 2006, there was very little that he did not know about him or his tenure, adding that the former president deserved to be treated with respect.

According to him, Obasanjo remains the father of the nation and one of the most productive and successful presidents in the history of Nigeria.

He said, “I read with dismay the comments from the presidency about former President Obasanjo. I want to serve them a note of warning. They should leave Obasanjo alone and keep him out of their sights if they do not want a really messy press war.

“When they needed him in 2015, they begged him to be their navigator and they bowed before him and kissed his feet. They even called him their navigator but now they say he is confused and not to be taken seriously simply because he has seen through them and dumped them.

“It is not their fault. They reaped where they did not sow and if not for the likes of the Obasanjo that they are now insulting they would never have smelt power in 2015.”

He said the record of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government in public office stinks as they have failed woefully.

Fani-Kayode further stressed, “Some of us knew it would come to this because we saw through them even then and we knew that they are nothing but a bunch of self-seeking opportunists and ingrates that are not fit to hold power let alone steer the affairs of a great nation like Nigeria.

“Not one of them or their principal is fit to lick Obasanjo’s shoes let alone talk about him that way.
“Respect begets respect. Leave Obasanjo out of your mess and face your election campaign or else we will take the kid gloves off and teach you the lesson of your lives.”

Presidential spokesperson, Shehu, had told reporters that whoever Obasanjo chose to support in the 2019 elections was irrelevant, as the former president had publicly changed his mind on the matter several times over the past few months.

He said, “Former President Obasanjo denounces one person today and supports that same person the next day. When it pleases him, he brings God into the matter and uses that as his excuse for whatever position he has chosen.

“We have learnt not to take his utterances seriously anymore. We know that the slightest wind can make him change his mind again. After all, this is the same man who publicly tore his party registration card barely four years ago, and he now claims to be backing the same party.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/obasanjo-dont-instigate-press-war-fani.html

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) says Federal Government must conclude all legal processes for the implementation of the 30,000 minimum wage before Dec. 31, to ensure its implementation by Jan. 1, 2019.

NECA President, Mr Muhammed Yunusa, disclosed this at a briefing shortly after the associations’ governing council meeting in Lagos on Thursday.

Yunusa said the N30, 000 minimum wage would lift workers’ purchasing power.

“Payment of the agreed new minimum wage will increase total demand and ultimately stimulate economic activities.

“Government should be focused on how to broaden the nation’s revenue base, ensure the viability of the states of the federation and curb or eliminate wastages,” he said.

Yunusa said it is not uncommon to hear outcry of inability to pay by some employers but it is for each and every employer including government to focus inward to effect the necessary adjustment to be able to pay.

He said the ability to pay should not be an issue if there is efficiency, effectiveness and prudence in the administration of the government resources.

On the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA), Yunusa said that it was not in support of the agreement because it has a potential of damaging local businesses as well as the national economy.

“Stakeholders have said that signing the agreement is dangerous as it is a neo-liberal policy initiative, aimed at opening our seaports, airports and other businesses to unbridled foreign interference.

“AFCTA will further drag the comatose real sector into extinction. The once thriving textile industries have become ghosts of their former self,” he said.

Yunusa said the organised private sector rejects the ratification of AFCTA until its dues of market access and enforcement of rules of origin among other concerns are resolved.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/minimum-wage-neca-tasks-fg-on-jan-1.html

Three suspected armed robbers were on Monday evening burnt to death by residents of Amana community in Obanliku LGA of Cross River state.


Members of the community teamed up, arrested the suspects and set them ablaze while the remaining gang members escaped.

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said the gang has been terrorizing the area and its environs for long and they could no longer stand their attacks so they decided to mobilize.


“They have been causing serious havoc in Obanliku and its environs and we have been waiting for them and they finally entered our domain in Amana, we were able to clamp down three of them while five others escaped.

“We had to make sure justice was served because they have killed, maimed and raped us a lot of times in the community and we know that if they are handed over to the police they might go scot free after all said and done.

“We don’t want them to come back and continue their trade and as we speak we are combing the area for others because we know they have not gone far and we will be waiting for them also if they return to Amana ever again. We are really tired of their menace and we want this to be a lesson to all criminals that we will show no mercy if they are caught,” he said.


When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident and expressed disappointment, stressing that nobody has the right to take life no matter what has happened.

“I am aware of the incident in Amana Community in Obanliku LGA and we are on top of the situation but nobody has the right to take life. Life is too precious, for God sake we have laws and we live in a civilized society.

“We have been sensitizing people yet they have failed to listen to us because they feel they don’t get justice. But the act is barbaric, it’s archaic and very demonic, the public should desist from it because it is inhuman to do such.

“The public should learn to have confidence in the police because no criminal that will be kept after investigation without been charged to court, they should understand that life is precious and it belongs to God, they should stop jungle justice,” she warned

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/photos-angry-residents-burn-three.html

In a desperate bid to be part of the ongoing digital switch-over process in Nigeria through the act of illegality, a South African broadcasting company has allegedly smuggled an obnoxious amendment into National Broadcasting Commission Act submitted to the Committee on Information of the House of Representatives.

It was gathered that after the Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mallam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu had signed the amendment to be sent to the National Assembly, a fifth columnist surreptitiously working for the South African company smuggled the despicable amendment that foreign companies should be part of the process into the act.

As fate would have it, a staff of the committee who saw the discrepancy drew the attention of Kawu who swung into action to stop the act of impropriety.

At the public hearing organized by the Committee on Information of the House of Representatives on the legislation to amend the act towards strengthening the commission and making it more effective to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria, participants were unanimous in condemning the detestable action.

The NBC boss, however, stated categorically and unequivocally that the sub section be removed.

“The provision is contrary to the ongoing Digital Switch-over (DSO) programme of the federal government of Nigeria in a government white paper on the report of Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) on transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting in Nigeria,” Kawu said.

Stakeholders also opposed the proposed legislation whereby the decisions of the commission are subjected to legislative approval.

The question that has pertinently begged for an answer is why the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Chairman of Digiteam were not invited to the public hearing while the Managing Director of Multichoice, former Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission, Emeka Mba and the Managing Director of Startimes were invited.

It was alleged that this foreign broadcasting company has perfected plans to bribe the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, with money running into seven digits to have its way but those close to the speaker described him as a man of high integrity who would not taint his reputation for act synonymous with illegality.

A source close to the Speaker says ‘Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara is a man that believes in the sovereignty of Nigeria and that this amendment is to enslave Nigerians to foreign interest, it will not see the light of the day.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/uncovered-how-foreign-company-secretly.html

Popular search engine, Google, on Wednesday released the most searched data by Nigerians for the year 2018.


The list revealed the year’s major moments and top trends based on searches conducted in Nigeria.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is Nigeria’s top trending politician on Google in 2018.


He will be contesting in the 2019 presidential election, with Peter Obi as his running mate, hoping to displace the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari who is also seeking re-election with the All Progressives Congress ticket.

“This year’s most searched news event was the Osun elections, which gripped national attention in September due to alleged incidents of voter intimidation and interference,” a statement by the company read.

On the list of most searched people is also famous on-air-personality, the late Tosyn Bucknor.


Tosyn Bucknor.

Recall the popular OAP recently died due to complications from sickle cell.

Most searched people:

1. Alexis Sanchez

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

3. Meghan Markle

4. Stan Lee

5. Philippe Coutinho

6. Atiku Abubakar

7. Tosyn Bucknor

8. Avicii

9. Aisha Abimbola

10. Sylvester Stallone

More at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/atiku-tosyn-bucknor-fever-assurance.html

Nigerian Senate The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Ronke Sokefun as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Other members of the board include Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, Alhaji Garba Bello, Bri-Gen. Josef O. J. Okoloagu, Mustapha Adewale Mudashiru, Mr. Adewale W. Adeleke.

The appointments of other members of the board were also confirmed after the presentation of the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim.

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, charged the newly confirmed board of the NDIC to live up to expectations.

He said, “This is a very serious agency and as such, I congratulate the chairman and members on their confirmation and I do hope that these very responsible Nigerians will live up to the expectations of this Senate and serve their Fatherland responsibly.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/senate-confirmed-keyamo-others-as-ndic.html

A 40 year old Kadoma man is now battling for his life after taking battery acid twice on different occasions after catching wife having quality time with separate lovers.

The man, Reggies Chiyanike from Rimuka high density in Kadoma, Zimbabwe is said to be in a critical condition at a Kadoma hospital after taking the toxic substance a few days ago.

iharare.com reports that a relative who declined to be named said for Chiyanike’s wife cheating is now routine.

“The wife is unfazed by countless suicide threats by the husband and continues to cheat. In fact her cheating has become more of a lifestyle than a hobby.

“She was first caught pants down on her matrimonial bed and the hubby drank battery acid, but was lucky to survive. This time she was caught enjoying quality time with a different man prompting the man to take battery acid again,” said the source.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/man-drinks-battery-acid-after-catching.html

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has condemned the arrest of 51 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who held procession in Jewish regalia on some streets of Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The suspects were 10 females and 41 males, who police said disguised as Jewish worshippers to confuse the people of the state.

The Abia State police command had claimed they were out to cause disorder and breach the peace in the state.

But in a swift reaction, the suspects maintained that they were Jewish adherents performing one of their religious obligations of end of year procession and was not out to cause any trouble.

A terse statement yesterday by the leader of MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Madu, described what the people did as being in conformity with the Jewish religion and deserved the support of his group.

He said: “They are Jewish faithful in solidarity with the Biafran cause. What they did was right. We support them.


“Even the other religious bodies such as Catholic and Anglican have their own periods when they hold their own procession ceremonies. They performed their religious obligation and they have sympathy for Biafra.

“We were not involved but we support what they did.”

Earlier, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has condemned what they called “the arrest and continued clampdown on Jewish worshipers who were doing peaceful rally and sensitisation for Biafra referendum.”

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/massob-backs-ipob-blasts-police-over.html

The Presidential candidate of Accord Party, Isaac Babatunde Ositelu, has warned that the economy of Nigeria is in a dire straits, saying that it requires an astute manager to give it a positive turn around at this critical period.

Ositelu however made it clear that the person that can make this turnaround is certainly not President Muhammadu Buhari, and as such, he has asked Nigerians to reject him at the polls to save the country.

The Accord Party Presidential hopeful said that he would solve the humongous economic challenges by focusing on agriculture and industrial development. According to him it does not require rocket science to determine what the nation needs to move forward.


He said that by adopting the backward integration economic policy, he could reverse the trending rural-urban migration currently plaguing the nation. He stressed that the economic activities to be generated in each geo-political zones of the country would help to stem the population drift from the rural areas to the urban centres.

He however, said that for Nigeria to come out of the present state of despair in its socio-political and economic travesty, the electorates must reject the candidacy of Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Ositelu, who says he has the solution to the nation’s economic problems, the comprehensive policy document of his government will ensure the provision of reliable and clean energy in the various critical masses across the country, saying that industrial parks and markets as well as manufacturing hubs across the country would be given focused priority in the provision of electricity, portable water and critical infrastructure that will help to grow and develop the nation’s economy.

Ositelu said that his government would carry out the mapping of the nation’s current and future manufacturing hubs, industrial parks and markets so that information sharing critical for support services could be easily accessible for operators in the various sectors of the economy. He assured that building and sustaining the rural roads would be given a pride of place in the policy drive to connect the nooks and crannies of the economic roadmap of his government.

On agriculture, which he said can be the mainstay of the nation’s economy, Ositelu promised to turn Nigeria to the food basket for the West Africa sub-region during his tenure as the President of the largest populated country in Africa. He assured that not only will the nation be self-sufficient in food production for local consumption, Nigeria would also embark on export of food crops to countries in the sub-region.

He said that Nigeria is blessed with very resourceful and enterprising population, excellent weather and expansive land area good enough for large scale food productions. According to him, the tertiary institutions; particularly the universities of agriculture and the relevant stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, as well as, financial institutions would be networked to form a coalition of support system in the sector.

Ositelu stressed that with the resources available in the country, hunger ought to be a rare feature of the nation’s socio-economic make up. According to him, the visionary plan of the Accord Party is to have hunger banished from the land by the guarantee of, at least, two meals for every citizen of Nigeria.

He said that the political leadership of Nigeria needs a break away from the old order that plunged the country into the abyss of low self-esteem, hunger, disease and backwardness as a nation. He said that the recent rating of Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world and its latest ranking as the third most terrorised nation of the world, are demeaning for the potentials and the huge image of Nigeria as a nation.

Promising a new beginning and a fresh start that would lift the nation out of the woods, he said that if voted into power as the next President of Nigeria, he would embark on economic rejuvenation that will bring prosperity to all parts of the country. Ositelu said that the economic blueprint of his party would focus on empowerment for the energetic and youthful population of Nigeria.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nigerias-economy-in-dire-straits.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has completed the mausoleum in honour of Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe, what the Peoples Democratic Party failed to do during all its 16 years in power.

Azikiwe, a foremost Nigerian nationalist died on 11 May 1996, during the Abacha administration. He was 92 years old.

A Mausoleum was to be erected in his honour. A contract was awarded and work started 21 years ago.

In 16 years of the PDP in control of Nigerian affairs, Zik was totally forgotten, his memory consigned to the dustbin of history, by the rapacious regime, even as members helped themselves to the commonwealth and looted the treasury. The mausoleum was abandoned and it became the playground of all kinds of reptiles.

It took the Buhari administration just in three years, to face the project squarely, despite dwindling finances of the country and deliver the mausoleum.

Last Monday, Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Raji Fashola was the mausoleum site in Zik’s famous town of Onitsha, Anambra State to declare the project completed, 21 years after.

Fashola, who came in company of Dr. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Productivity described the completion of the project as `promise kept’.

“During the build up to 2015 general elections, President Muhammad Buhari made commitment that he would complete Azikiwe’s mausoleum, today Mr President has kept his words and we are happy,” he said.

Fashola said though equipment of the monument was yet to be accomplished, the federal government would before long do the furnishing.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Ngige who also spoke, described the completion of the Mausoleum as sign of `Mr President’s open and fair leadership style’.

“As a South East son, I am happy that this project for the memory of our late father and son was finally completed, it is a big honour done to our people by Mr President,” he said.

More photos at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/photos-zik-mausoleum-buhari-built-that.html

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew to 1.81 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms in the third quarter of 2018, driven mainly by the non-oil sector, which contributed 90.62 per cent.

When compared to the third quarter of 2017, which grew by 1.17 per cent, the NBS in a report released yesterday said this year’s figure represents an increase of 0.64 per cent.

It added that the second quarter of 2018 witnessed a growth rate of 1.50 per cent, an increase of 0.31 percentage point, stressing that quarter-on-quarter, real GDP growth stood at 9.05 per cent.


The NBS also said that in the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N33, 368, 049 million in nominal terms, pointing out that the performance is higher when compared to the third quarter of 2017, which recorded a GDP aggregate of N29, 377, 674 million.

This, it explained, represented a positive year-on-year nominal growth rate of 13.58 per cent.

“This growth rate is higher relative to growth recorded in the third quarter of 2017 by 2.88 per cent and higher than the preceeding quarter by 0.01 per cent with growth rates of 10.70 per cent and 13.57 per cent respectively.

“The Nigerian economy has been classified into the oil and non-oil sectors. In the third quarter of 2018, the nation recorded an average daily oil production of 1.94 million barrels per day (mbpd).

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/non-oil-sector-grows-nigerias-gdp-to-18.html

Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the commencement of recruiting new officers into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for Police Constable (PC).

The recruitment which began Thursday, November 29 2018, would close on Friday, January 11 2019.

“Selection is strictly on merit and the application process is free,” Police spokesman Abayomi Sogunle said in a tweet.


According to the PSC, applicants must be Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 25 to apply.

A minimum of O’level results or its equivalents with at least five credit pass with English and Mathematics in not more than two sittings is eligible to apply.

Applicants must also be of good character and must be without any criminal record and conviction.

Interested persons are advised to ensure they have a functional email address and phone number and keep a unique ID that will be sent to confirm their application.

Multiple entries by a phone number would amount to disqualification from the recruitment.

Interested persons are to apply at nigeriapolicecareers.net

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nigeria-police-begins-recruitment-of.html

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday gave an insight into how it intends to undermine the fortunes of the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2019 poll.

Spokesman of the party, Malam Lanre Issa –Onilu, told reporters that President Muhammadu Buhari’s integrity, coupled with his performance in the last three years would form the major plank of the APC campaigns against the PDP and Atiku.

Issa-Onilu, who faulted the notion that the bickering amongst chieftains of the APC was responsible for the lull in party’s campaigns, flayed the PDP for making an issue out of the biting poverty amongst Nigerians.


“We don’t have any problem at all with our campaign. We are very okay. When you say campaign, rally is just an aspect of it. There are many other platforms we use to engage with the people. It is not that we will not hold rallies, we will go round the country unlike what the PDP is doing. We expect the PDP to go to the zones and apologize profusely and demonstrate remorsefulness which they have failed to do. And they keep going to the zones to organise campaign rallies to insult the people.

“ But when we go, we will be doing two things. The campaign for the APC is about two issues. The character of persons who have come forward to say they want to rule us. We are going to bring character into focus. And for the candidate of PDP, we won’t go too far. The best person to review who you are is your boss, the person under whom you worked. President Olusegun Obasanjo is the best person to review the character of his vice president, Atiku Abubakar. And he copiously did that in his book.

“We would bring that into focus. He told us he found him to be a very unreliable person, somebody that cannot be trusted, somebody who compromises the system for personal gains and we have evidence of that. So we must bring that into focus.

“The second leg of our campaign would be stewardship. We have been in government for over three and half years. We are going to give stewardship. Every kilometer of road that we have done is a reminder to the 16 years of waste under the PDP. Every kilometer of rail track we have laid is a reminder to the 16 years of wastefulness under the PDP.

“All the abandoned projects that we have finished, the issue of diversification that for four decades, including 16 years of PDP, became mere mantra has become a reality now. Check our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is no longer a mono-product economy. It is now an economy that you have contribution from agriculture and from solid minerals, making solid impact in our GDP. That is diversification.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/how-we-intend-to-tackle-pdp-atiku.html

Following the death of Alhaji Hassan Abubakar II, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment , Alhaji Ibrahim Jibril, has emerged the 13th Emir of Nasarawa emirate in Nasarawa state.

The 12th Emir, ABubakar II, died in November.

The new Emir was pronounced by the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Mr Haruna Osegba, on Thursday in Lafia.

He said Gov. Umaru Al-Makura, had already approved the selection of Jibril as the successor to late Abubakar 11.

The Nasarawa emir has over 30 years of working experience, 25 of which were spent as a Land Officer in the administration of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Jibril is a land reform specialist, a former Deputy Director, Development Control Abuja, and has worked with more than 5 FCT Ministers.

He was once the Director of Land Administration Department of the FCT.

He was a seasoned technocrat with specialisation in urban renewal, spatial data management and land information system Nasarawa Geographic Information System (NAGIS) where he became known as the “NAGIS’s Brain Box.”

Termed as a workaholic, strict disciplinarian, experienced and a corrupt-free technocrat by his colleagues and those whom have worked with him, Ibrahim holds the highly ranked traditional title of – Wamban Nasarawa.

Osegba said the governor has met with traditional rulers to ratify the decision of kingmakers from the emirate.

He disclosed that the meeting also ratified the selection of Mr Lawrence Sylvester Ayih, as the new ‘Abaga Toni’ of Toni kingdom to succeed his late father, Dr Sylvester Oho Ayih, who died in September 2017.

The commissioner said the governor was satisfied with the choices of the kingmakers and commended their maturity during the selection process.

He also congratulated the new first class chiefs for ascending the throne of their forefathers and wished them a happy and prosperous reign in their chiefdoms.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/minister-becomes-emir-in-nasarawa.html

The Federal Government has begun the sale of its second tranche 7-year N100 billion Sovereign Sukuk, the Debt Management Office (DMO), said on Thursday.

The offer circular, which was obtained from its website, said the seven year Islamic Sukuk, referred to as Ijarah is at a rental rate of 15.74 per cent and would be due in 2025.

The bond, which is aimed at funding road infrastructure across the six geo-political zones, is payable semi-annually.

Subscription for the bond, which is guaranteed by the government, will close on Dec. 17.


The circular said subscribers could purchase N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N10,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter with First Bank and Islamic wealth manager, Lotus Capital managing the sale.

The DMO said it qualified as securities in which trustees could invest under the Trustee Investment Act and as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act (CITA) and Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) for Tax Exemption for Pension Funds.

It will also be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and on FMDQ Over-The-Counter (OTC) platform and be classified as liquid asset by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It is also certified by the Financial Regulatory Advisory Council of Experts (FRACE) of the CBN, the circular said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government had in 2017, raised a N100 billion 7-year debut Sukuk bond for the financing of 25 road projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nigeria-issues-n100b-sovereign-sukuk.html

Nigeria’s National Electricity Commission (NERC) on Thursday disclosed that all Nigerian homes will have access to prepaid meters by 2020.

NERC chairman James Momoh made the disclosure on Channels Television ‘Sunrise Daily’ show.

“With all the mechanisms we have put in place, I am certain that every Nigerian home that wishes to have prepaid meter can have it by 2020,” Momoh said.

Current Nigeria government claim it is supplying 7000 megawatts of electricity generation, having improved it from 3000 where it was in 2015.

However, other African countries boast of better electricity supply than Nigeria. South Africa, which has 56 million population compared to Nigeria’s 180 million has a total domestic electricity generation capacity of 51,309 megawatts.

Momoh stated that the current Muhammadu Buhari led government since 2015 had been working on providing Nigerians with stable and affordable electricity.


“Thanks to president Buhari who has worked to make a big change in Nigeria to improve our quality of service, because money is now being invested rightly to make sure power is available,”

He also stated that other African countries had become envious of Nigeria due to monetary investments by the Buhari government.

“We want to ensure that the customers have the power supply that is affordable, accessible to them and available at all times.”

He, however, called for patience from Nigerians on the delivery of the prepaid meter as “This is not trivial, this is not easy in a growing economy like Nigeria, but we have to provide power to Nigerians.”

Although, some members of the Nigerian public had blamed the government for instability in the electric power supply, but the NERC boss said the responsibility of circulating power lies in the hands of distribution companies.

He said, “The reliability and affordability of power have been paid for. Supply is done through a designed chain through the distribution company.”

Momoh assured Nigerians that the government have placed guidelines to ensure supply of quality electricity irrespective of social status.

“We at NERC enforce rules and regulations to ensure that the power you receive is of high quality and it is available to all customers whether you are rich or you are poor. We are doing all things necessary for power to be available,” Momoh said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/prepaid-meters-to-be-available-to-all.html

The National Population Commission (NPC) has raised an alarm that about 70 per cent of births are not registered in the country.


The NPC also said it was constrained by inadequate staff and paucity of funds as factors hindering birth registration.

This was disclosed by Musa Rashid, Bauchi State NPC Director, during a one-day Media Engagement and Sensitization for Promoting Awareness of Birth Registration Relevance in Communities, for journalists; organised by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, in Bauchi.


Rashid said, “The National Population Commission does not have the adequate manpower to take birth registration to the doorstep of every child; affects both capacity and logistics.

“NPC also does not have sufficient financial power to take birth registration to every child.”

He however said there are sectors which by virtue of their mandate can reach children with birth registration, for example the traditional sector.


The Director also said it was expedient for the commission to collaborate with Non Governmental Organisations like UNICEF and the media to ensure that the message gets to its desired recipients (the citizenry) the people at the rural areas.

He maintained that the keeping of births and death records were well documented during the era of Native Authority, but however said that because of the aforementioned challenges, there is the need for the collaboration.

Rashid also stated that birth certificate is obtained free, and no charge should be paid.

Presenting a paper titled: ‘Understanding Relevance of Birth Registration and the Reasons for Intersectoral collaboration in BR and in Specific Terms, the Role of the Media in Continuous Awareness Creation’ a UNICEF facilitator, Victor Sule said, “Birth Registration is the only means to provide a child with a national identity, as an unregistered child does not exist legally.

“A birth certificate is evidence of a child’s existence and is essential to ensure child access to all other rights.”

He called on the media to help in the enlightenment of the citizenry about birth registration.

Participants were drawn from Plateau, Gombe and Bauchi states.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/70-percent-of-births-not-registered-in.html

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), will support the establishment of at least two more modular refineries in Nigeria.

It is also planning to participate in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) value chain if the conditions precedent, are in place, as well as drive the infrastructural development of the industrial parks, and finalise the review of Offshore Rig Acquisition Strategy.

The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Simbi Wabote, said this at the 8th Practical Nigerian Content forum in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital yesterday.


He said in 2019, the 10-year Research & Development roadmap will be launched for implementation.
He added: “We promised to put in place third party monitors to enhance compliance monitoring in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the industry. I am happy to report that after a very thorough tendering and selection process, we have kicked off the programme tailored along Sections 64 and 65 of the NOGICD Act. We also commenced the forensic audit of remittances to establish compliance with the provision on Nigerian Content Development Fund.”

According to him, Nigeria has continued to serve as resource country for the development of Africa Local Content Policy.

He added: “In 2019, we plan to validate and prioritise opportunity sectors for local content development. Regional marketing of some of the infrastructures is being developed such as the FPSO Integration facility will be further pursued.

“We will also ensure the posting of the 20 trained marine personnel for one year international sea time in fulfilment of the requirement for the Certificate of Competency.”

Speaking on the achievements of the NCDMB, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said also commendable are the Board’s efforts to participate in the gas value chain.

“I am aware of ongoing discussions to support the establishment of LPG gas manufacturing plants and LPG depots. I believe the Board will also be a key player in the flares to value scheme being put in place as part of our gas policy. On our part, we have rolled up our sleeves to put in place and implement frameworks that are beginning to deliver the type of outcomes we desire in our industry,” Kachikwu said.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, Kachikwu said the country has managed to stabilise our business environment and stem the tide of decline.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/ncdmb-to-support-establishment-of-two.html

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, has disclosed that the federal government is looking to grow the tax revenue base in the coming years by N900 billion from offshore assets through the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularisation Scheme (VOARS).

The minister revealed this in Abuja at the third annual conference on financial fraud, electoral fraud and cross-border crime organised by Forensic Insight and the Nigeria Police Force.


Malami, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Financial Crimes, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, said, “It is also expected that the VOARS will earn significant revenue for the federal government of Nigeria estimated conservatively at 2.5 billion Swiss Francs (approximately over N900 billion), and yield a new expanded tax base from which FGN will earn future tax revenue.”

Although he noted that the federal government was worried by the criticisms that trailed some of its anti-corruption and asset recovery policies, he insisted that most of the backlash was driven by selfish motive.

Speaking particularly on attacks that greeted the issuance of the Executive Order No. 6 of 2018 on the Preservation of Assets Connected with Corruption, Malami said since its issuance in July 2018, the Order had been greeted by series of litigations challenging its constitutionality.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on July 5, 2018, signed Executive Order No.6 directing relevant enforcement agencies to ensure that persons undergoing corruption trial do not have access to their properties suspected to be proceeds of corruption.

With the Order, such assets valued at N50 million and above (subject to investigation or litigation) are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful or statutory means including appropriate orders of court, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.

The minister lamented that the Executive Order 6 has come under serious criticisms even by ordinary Nigerians whose interest the policy seeks to protect, adding that contrary to assumption by critics, the Executive Order No. 6 has the legal backing of the law.

He explained that the Order became necessary to ensure fairness in prosecuting financial fraud cases, stressing: “There are several laws in Nigeria which permit the seizure and forfeiture of assets either temporarily or conclusively depending on the court ruling, unfortunately we observe that these laws have not been effectively implemented.

“The implication is that fraud suspects with huge financial war chest and our level of development coupled with the way the court system works around here, you are almost certain that nothing will come out of it because with limitless access to such funds, the suspects are able to influence the process.”

Despite the challenges, the AGF said the present administration was committed to the recovery of looted funds for the benefit of Nigerians.

Already, he said government has recovered N13.8 billion from tax evaders under its Whistle blowing programme, and another N7.8 billion, US$378 million and £27,800 in recoveries from public officials.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Forensic Insight, Mr. Awotunji Aworinde, said the three-day conference will among others, seek to analyse and evaluate anti-corruption measures of the Nigerian government, including the National Anti-Corruption Strategy document and their effectiveness in preventing corruption and corrupt practices.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/fg-targets-n900bn-from-offshore-tax.html

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the party will win the 2019 election in Imo and Ogun States with or without the Governors Rochas Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun, respectively.


The party chairman was reacting to reports of alleged anti-party activities by Amosun and Okorocha whose supporters have already dumped the ruling party.

Oshiomhole said the Governors had forgotten so fast that they lost elections before winning on the platform of the APC.


The former Edo Governor spoke when APC women leaders from Edo State and Abuja paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja.

Oshiomhole said, “Those who think our political future is tied to them; they are poor students of their own political history.

“Some of these people who talk as if they are invincible, they have forgotten that they have run elections in the past and lost until they abandoned their parties and joined us. So if they return back, history will repeat itself.


“Whether you are a big or small man, the rules are not supposed to discriminate. Our popularity in Imo and Ogun today is much higher. It is not that once you are a governor you have high electoral value.

“In Imo state today, APC will win more votes. My focus is on ordinary Imo voters because on that day, the governor would have only one vote, his son-in-law would have only one vote while his Commissioner for Happiness would have only one vote.

“But artisans, traders, teachers and workers whose salaries are not being paid have the same weight of vote and they are excited about the renewed possibility of a new government coming with fresh ideas free of all the encumbrances of the present system. So in Imo I’m very confident.

“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is from Ogun State. The state is one of the most enlightened States in Nigeria. They have a huge history; they are not in a political kingdom headed by one person.”

“If they were looking for true reconciliation, they wouldn’t have done what they did (defection of aides). That is not how democracy works. Nigeria must grow beyond this syndrome ‘I’m the governor, I will decide.’ You have only one vote. With due respect, I was once a governor. Overall APC is much stronger now.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2019-youre-poor-students-of-history.html

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, yesterday dismissed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as unfit to be entrusted with the presidency of the country, describing the main opposition party’s flag bearer as “a merry-go-round and carnival-like politician with no focus or mission.”


Speaking in similar vein Vice President Yemi Osinbajo expressed confidence that the APC would win the forthcoming presidential election, saying Atiku would be no match for President Muhammadu Buhari.
But in a swift reaction, the PDP presidential campaign said Tinubu’s statement could only come from an incoherent politician, who suffers from limited knowledge of politics and its dynamics.

One of the campaign’s spokespersons, Prince Kasim Afegbua, said yesterday that Tinubu’s put down of Atiku betrayed the APC’s mortal fear of the PDP candidate’s capacity to lead the charge against, what he called, “APC’s three and a half years of incompetence that has led to debilitating hunger in the land.”

Delivering a keynote address at the meeting of National Consultative Forum by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups held yesterday in Abuja, Tinubu said the PDP standard bearer, had changed parties so many times and collected so many membership cards that he had become unstable and confused.

The National Chairman of APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, who was listed as guest of honour at the event, however, did not show up.
According to Tinubu, “Atiku could build a house of the party membership cards he has accumulated. But one thing he should remember is that a man who builds a house of cards ought not to cast stones at a man who is building a house with a firm and true foundation.

‘’He should also realise that such a feeble house will collapse as soon as the wind of truth blows it.”
Tinubu also attacked Atiku’s campaign pledge to ensure 14 million new jobs yearly, and crashing of fuel pump price, describing them as lies that have no basis for actualisation.

The APC leader berated former President Olusegun Obasanjo for suddenly doing a somersault to endorse Atiku’s presidential bid after vowing never to support him, saying the move by the former president to mend fences with his former deputy was not a sincere one.

He dismissed the PDP’s call for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, describing it as blackmail.
Tinubu also spoke on the role being played by Senate President Bukola Saraki in the opposition party, describing him as a sell-out, who used APC’s mandate to negotiate with the opposition.

He used the occasion to highlight some of the achievements recorded by the APC-led administration and promised to provide the support group with campaign tips.
On insecurity, Tinubu said that the administration had largely succeeded in beating back the Boko Haram terror group though there had been some skirmishes of attacks that needed to be dealt with.

Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/again-tinubu-attacks-atiku-says-hes-not.html

The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Mohammed Sani-Omolori, has blamed the picketing of the National Assembly by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) on the non-release of the 2018 budget.

Omolori, who spoke with National Assembly media correspondents in the heat of the Tuesday protest, said it is not in the powers of the legislative arm to facilitate the payment the workers are agitating for.


PASAN made good its threat to picket the National Assembly for the non-payment of outstanding salaries and allowances of its members by sealing off the Senate, House of Representative chambers and sending lawmakers back when they arrived for legislative duties on Tuesday.

Reacting to the development, Omolori said: “I still insist that they need to be a bit patient with the system. Like I said in my reply to them, in an unprecedented manner, the presiding officers acceded, without hesitation to their requests for this increment. It was bargained with them and they captured it in the budget.

“So, how is it in their (lawmakers) powers, if the money is not released? And in any case, the reality on the ground is that it is not only the National Assembly that is suffering from non-release of funds. That is the reality of the Nigerian situation. So, I think we all have to be patient.”

According to him, “It is a matter that has been on for some time now and we have tried to explain to them; we approved salary increase for them which was captured in 2018 budget but as it is today, it is a common knowledge that the level of implementation of the 2018 budget, especially the new addition to the National Assembly, which has not been implemented – that is where we had hoped that the addition would be paid.

“So, to the extent that the money has not been released there is no way we can make the payment.

“We told them it is wrong and we tried to prevail on them to try to see through things in the correct way. As a matter of fact, I wrote a letter to them and I also had series of formal and informal consultations with their leadership up till yesterday (Monday) to make them back out of what is clearly an act that is not in tune with their own rules.”

Asked if he was worried by the action of the workers, Omolori said: “I am worried that in an institution that you think people should be able to look at things properly and then they are not looking at it, that is why I am worried.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/nassembly-blames-staff-protest-on-non.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) began its presidential campaign in Sokoto yesterday with a promise that Nigerians would get a better deal if they vote for its candidate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. National Chairman Uche Secondus described the huge crowd at the Atiku/Obi Northwest Presidential Campaign as a sign the party would sweep the polls in next year’s general elections. It was also evidence that the region has spoken its mind, he said.

Insisting the PDP has the best candidate, Secondus said Atiku has all it takes to boost the nation’s economy, provide food, combat insecurity and solve many of the challenges facing the country.

Speaking in the Fulfulde and Hausa languages, Atiku told cheering supporters that having climbed to success from a humble beginning, he could replicate the pattern for Nigerians. He told the crowd he currently had 1,000 cows and urged the people not to be fooled by those who claim to have only 150 cattle, a veiled reference to President Muhammadu Buhari who is seeking re-election.


Also in a statement by his media office yesterday, Atiku condemned the killing of 50 policemen by bandits in neighbouring Zamfara State and called for a seven-day mourning in honour of the personnel. He sought the declaration of a state of emergency “not in Borno or Zamfara, but in financing the military and security services.”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan maintained that the PDP “is still the number one party in Nigeria.” He urged Nigerians to cast their votes for Atiku, saying the candidate has experience and capacity to tackle the country’s problems.

Others who took turns to explain why Atiku is the candidate of choice included Senate President Bukola Saraki; former National Chairman Ahmed Makarfi; Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal; Board of Trustees Chairman Wali Jibrin; former Governors of Jigawa State Saminu Turaki and Sule Lamido; and former Niger State Governor Aliyu Babangida.

This came as Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris declared a ban on the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons at political rallies. He also urged politicians to shun hate speech.He gave the warning in Ibadan, Oyo State, during an interactive session with political parties on security arrangements put in place for campaigns.

Represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police Agboola Oshodi-Glover, the IGP said the police would not fold their hands and watch any person or group breach the law. Some stakeholders in the southwest meanwhile have declared that Yoruba votes in the elections must be cast only for the candidate with a focus on restructuring.

Atiku has repeatedly said he would execute this agenda once he is elected.One after the other, speakers at a colloquium held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, yesterday, warned that the Yoruba nation must unite and not allow an opportunity to achieve the goal slip by.

A former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George, who organised the event, said: “The Yoruba people will never negotiate on the purity of restructuring. This federation, as presently constituted, is skewed and disproportionately unfair in the distribution of the national wealth. We insist on a balanced, equitable expanse where every section of the Nigerian society will be free and unhindered in the cultivation of their natural resources.”

Also, a Second Republic senator, Prof. Seth Akintoye, noted that the elections would afford the Yoruba a chance to redefine their destiny. According to him, “Many may not think or feel so, but the Yoruba civilisation is endangered. It is endangered to the extent that the country to which we belong is endangered. It is not part of the Yoruba to surrender to failure or poverty. But at present, we are going through a degree of poverty, hopelessness and failure that we have never seen before. The onus is on us to fight until we achieve success and overcome.”

The forum tagged, ‘Southwest Yesterday, Today and the Challenges of 2019’ was attended by Yoruba leaders including Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee on the 2014 National Conference Femi Okorohunmu; former Minister of Transportation Ebenezer Babatope; Senate Minority Leader Biodun Olujimi; Lagos State PDP Governorship Candidate Jimi Agbaje; and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele.

Similarly, urging the people to push for change, the national convener of Brighter and Better Nigeria, Prophet Isa El-Buba, regretted that the current administration is steeped in untruth. According to him, it is the “most corrupt government we have ever had.”

El-Buba, who is also General Overseer of the Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministry, told The Guardian in Jos, Plateau State, it was time the president resigned. “I am not contending with the government in terms of going to fight with the government. No. All I am saying is, if you are not competent to lead us, give way and we will get in the right people. That is all I am saying.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/why-northwest-should-vote-atiku-obi-by.html

As the 2019 campaigns draw near, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, has admonished gladiators to focus their electioneering on issues rather than adopting rhetoric that will further divide the people. The former anti-graft boss enjoined political leaders, especially those contesting elective offices, to rein in their supporters from perpetrating violence in any form, stressing that Nigeria needs peace and unity for a successful election next year.

This is just as All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, warned that the party and its candidates must not be made the whipping boy in the forthcoming elections in the state. Otti, whose name was published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the APGA candidate, said: “We are going to Abia this time with red eye; this is not 2015.”

Speaking when a group of Abia indigenes paid him a solidarity visit in Lagos, Otti said he would not allow a repeat of the events of 2015 Abia governorship campaign, where he was maliciously attacked by the ruling party.The APGA guber hopeful stated: “If they stop me from campaigning, I will stop them from campaigning. If you pull down my billboard, I will pull down your billboard. I have dropped the garb of gentility.


“It was an American author, Mark Twain, who said it is better to keep your mouth closed and let the people think you are a fool, than to open it and remove all doubts. But I will like to rephrase that by saying, ‘it is better to keep your mouth closed and let the people think you are wise, than to open it and make a fool of yourself.

“They have opened their mouths and we have seen that they are fools. Enough is enough. Abia people are completely fed up of almost 20 years of PDP misrule and are now poised to break the chain so as to enthrone a regime of progress and prosperity.”Waziri, who spoke while fielding questions from journalists at the sideline of an event in Lagos last weekend, said: “For me, I believe the elections will hold as scheduled. My only concern is the level of toxicity in the statements of some political leaders.

“This is not really good for the polity, especially now that election campaigns will formally begin in a matter of days from now. So, this is the time for every patriotic political leader most especially those aspiring for offices and who will be going round to mobilise the people, to avoid hate speech that is capable of inciting their followers and supporters to violence.


“We cannot afford to set the country on fire with our words because if the nation is set ablaze and the people are killed, there is no other Nigeria in Europe, America or Asia to call our country and there will be no citizens to lead and govern. I think the people will be more interested in their plans, programmes and agenda for them than toxic words that breed violence.”She said Nigeria has lost too many innocent souls to the orgy of violence in some parts of the country in the recent past, saying it could not afford to waste more human capital in the name of political campaigns and elections.

“It is a good thing that the recent spate of killings in some parts of the country is subsiding now. Our political leaders owe the masses the duty to maintain the peace so that we will not have to witness election related bloodshed, which may have more devastating effect on the socio-economic and political development of the country.”

Maintaining that integrity should be the main consideration for electing the next set of leaders in the country, the former EFCC chairman said that it is imperative if the political actors are serious about rapid growth and development, adding, “Naturally, from my background, it is obvious my answer to that is positive because if we don’t play up integrity, transparency and accountability in assessing those who want to lead us, then we must be joking about the future of the country. Only good and genuine leaders can build the future for generations yet unborn,” she declared.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/this-is-2018-not-2015-alex-otti-warns.html

The Nigerian Navy has continued the destruction of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, with the activation of a fresh onslaught, codenamed operation Ex Toru-Gbown (waterways protection) in the region.

During the exercise which had been on for four days, at least, 100 finished illegal refineries were destroyed while several new ones were demolished by a swamp buggy.


Commodore Felix Esekhile, Commander Nigerian Naval Ship, NNS Soroh, Yenagoa, who led the troops during one of the operations at Okarki, a border town between Bayelsa and Rivers, said the navy was returning to the large expanse in the creeks for the fifth time this year.

He said with the new facilities, including speed boats acquired by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft had been ramped up.

He warned all those still involved in the illegal business to exit the area of responsibility of the command, vowing that the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, had directed that all the illegal refineries should be flushed out.

Esekhile added that his area of responsibility had made the entire space uncomfortable for the oil thieves, reason he said they are moving to the outskirts of the state.

He disclosed that the Navy had also discovered massive production of illegal fuel in Oluasiri, where hundreds of crude oil cooking drums were destroyed.

Also during the operation, which was monitored by Akelicious, Commodore Joseph Akpan, Chief Staff Officer (CSO) Central Naval Command, said the exercise was to consolidate on previous ones, assuring them that the Navy would not relent until the menace is tackled head-on.

“This is a swamp buggy operation in our push against oil theft and all other forms of illegalities involving crude and refined products.

“We have recorded some successes and let me reiterate just like the FOC said during the inauguration of this operation in Warri that this is also to test the combat-readiness of specific bases under the AoR of the Central Naval Command.

“You can see that we have destroyed this same area before and all the attempts they are making to reconstruct them” he said.

Akpan warned all those involved in the illegal business to retreat or face the consequences of their actions.

He said: “This is to send a signal that the command will not relent in our efforts to put everything available, including intelligence, to make sure that these illegal refineries are not revitalised”

He advised all the peace-loving people of the affected areas not to fret during the operation, but warned that all those involved in the operation of illegal refineries will be stopped by all legal means.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/navy-vows-to-rid-ndelta-of-crude-oil.html

As part of efforts to increase road safety awareness and to reduce the rate of accidents on Nigeria roads, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) yesterday, launched what it described as the first government own signage plant in Nigeria.


The need to build the facility, according to the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, was necessitated by a research carried out in 2014 by FRSC on Nigerian highways which were characterised by ‘‘improper sings and signals’’ leading to recorded road crashes by motorists.

In his address, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, commended the effort of staff of FRCS under the leadership of Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, saying the federal government is committed to a road network that would ensure the safety of motorists on the road.


He noted that one of the salient observations of any first timer in any foreign country is the road signage and signalling system, followed by traffic behaviour.

He also noted that before the advent of his administration, many of the nation’s highways were either without road signs and signals and those that had were inadequate and wrongfully placed, a situation he said ‘‘added up to the records in road traffic crashes in the country”.

The President, who explained that the gains being recorded today by the FRSC was part of his campaign promises, which was hinged on the ‘‘rejuvenation of the country’s standard road signage and signalling to help create order in our highways, providing essential information to road users, thus helping them navigate the road and prevent crashes’’.

While he appreciated the achievement recorded in the short period of the existence of the infrastructure, he called on FRSC and the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing for synergy ‘‘to constantly carry out robust monitoring and evaluation of the impact from time to time, to guide the government’s road transport policy”, noting that the government is committed to roads infrastructure beyond the signs and signage as it is ensuring that all contractors are adequately mobilise to complete the various projects at hand.


Earlier in his opening remarks at the at the signage plant in Gwagwalada, while thanking all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project, Dr Boboye explained that ‘‘road traffic signals are major components of road network that enhance communication between the roads and users and are therefore not supposed to be ambiguous for an average road user, hence the Corps had to swing into action”.


He noted that the plant has not only met up with the national road signs need but also has the production capacity which is aligned to the UN conventions on Road Signals.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/frsc-launches-signage-plant-in-abuja.html

The Lagos State Police Command has found two children, Nadia Mutana, six, and Khalifa Mutana, three, who were allegedly abducted from school last Monday by their nanny, identified as Busayo.


The two schoolchildren were said to have been found in a location near the Seme Border in Benin Republic on Sunday.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Chike Oti, said in a statement that investigation revealed that Busayo was a member of a kidnap syndicate, who gave her out as a domestic help to unsuspecting parents.

He added that when she finally got a job with the Mutanas, she wormed her way into the children’s hearts and won the trust of her employers, which enabled her to carry out the kidnap.

Oti stated, “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the two children of Mr and Mrs Aneru Mutana of Gbagada Phase 2, Lagos, kidnapped on November 26, 2018 by their domestic help, simply identified as Busayo, were found today, December 2, 2018, in the early hours at a location close to the Seme Border in Benin Republic.

“The said Busayo was on November 26, 2018, instructed by Mrs Mutana to go and pick the children from school and take them home as she (Mrs Mutana) wasn’t able to do so due to the nature of her job.

“Unfortunately for the madam, the domestic help had carefully planned how to kidnap her children, a six-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl, and executed her wicked plan effortlessly, because she was known to the school authorities and was familiar with the children.

“Investigation so far revealed that Busayo is a member of a kidnap syndicate, who gives her out as a domestic help to unsuspecting parents.

“When she finally landed the job, she wormed her way into the children’s heart and won the trust of her employers. Once she got to this stage, she bared her teeth.”


According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, warned households interested in engaging the services of domestic helps to beware of whom they were dealing with.

He added that the commissioner reiterated his earlier warning that employers ought to carry out thorough background checks on persons they were bringing to their homes and profile them in order to make investigation easy for the police should the need arose.

“The command reasonably believes that Busayo may not be her real name. However, it wishes that Nigerians should take cognizance of her face and alert the nearest police formation of her location and if possible, arrest and hand her over to the police,” Oti added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/2-lagos-schoolchildren-kidnapped-found.html

Students in Nigeria universities have lamented the lingering strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to press home their demands, saying the prolonged strike is having negative effects on their studies.


The students who spoke at separate interviews with Akelicious said they are more disturbed by the inability of the federal government and ASUU to reach an agreement on the lingering strike which has crippled academic activities.

Akelicious’s visit to the University of Lagos, one of the affected institutions showed that the bubbling daily activities that take place at the university has come to a standstill as few students were seen around the campus.


Our correspondent who spoke to one of the students a postgraduate student that gave his name as Tope Omogbemi, said that the strike had distorted activities in the school.

He said the postgraduate students were mostly affected by the ongoing strike because they were already towards the end of their programmme, while some who were happy to have concluded their program weren’t able to defend their project as some supervisors are no longer attending to the PG students.

Also for some PG students the examinations that ought to take place for some programmes have been suspended.

Supervisors are no longer attending to the PG students. Some that were happy to have concluded their program weren’t able to defend their project as a result of the strike,” he said.


He pointed out that the strike is not only affecting the academic aspect of the school but also having socio economic implication as a lot of business activities has been affected.


“Take for instance People selling to take care of their family, now that there are no economic activities they will not be able to make sales and be able to take care of their family. Therefore when the strike happens it affects families too,” he said.


Oyetunde Eniola, an undergraduate student of UniLag stated that the strike wasn’t really affecting the undergraduate students as they were on break when the strike commenced but they were supposed to resume 19th of November but now they don’t know when they will resume.

She said, “I am doing petty jobs which are not really nice you know there is nothing in the country to work with, they should resolve their issues lecturers we don’t want to stay long in school.


We don’t know when we are going to resume and there is nothing we student can do about it. We signed indemnity form here so we can’t do anything we can’t fight we can’t protest.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/students-decry-lingering-ASUU-strike.html