₦airaland Forum

The trial of Azibaola Robert, a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan began Tuesday, June 28, 2016 with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presenting its first witness, Ibrahim Mahe who gave account of how he transferred $40million to ‘One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited’, a company allegedly owned by Robert.


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Robert and his wife, Stella are standing trial on a 7-count charge before Justice Nnamdi O. Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and corruption.

Mahe, a retired permanent secretary, special services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while being led in evidence by counsel to EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that, he did not know the first and second defendants (Robert and Stella), but got to know the third defendant, One Plus Company through a transaction.

Narrating how he got to know the company, Mahe stated that, “on August 20, 2014, the National Security Adviser endorsed a memo to me which originated from the Office of the Director of Finance and Administration of the ONSA detailing the bank details of one company called ‘One Plus’ and the purpose for which the company was to be paid a sum of $40million (forty million US dollars).

“The NSA instructed me to prepare payment and I prepared the payment mandate for the $40million in favour of ‘One Plus’ for the signature of the NSA. I sent it to the NSA, he signed and sent it to back to me and subsequent action was for me to counter-sign the mandate and then send it to the Central Bank of Nigeria for Payment”, Mahe said.

The PW1 had earlier told the court that his responsibilities involved matters that had to do with the office of the NSA. He said that the Special Services Office responsibilities in relation with the Office of the NSA has to do with matters relating to finances of the entire “Intelligence Community” which included the Department of State Service, National Intelligence Agency and ONSA.

According to him, permanent secretary, Special Security Office was responsible for co-ordination of the annual budget of the members of the Intelligence Community.

“After formulating the budget, the Accountant General releases the funds of the ‘Intelligence Community’ through an account that is domiciled with the Special Security Office from where it is distributed to the various end users”, Mahe further stated.

He told the court that his office served as a warehouse for funds of the ‘Intelligence Community’ and went further to explain how funds were utilised.
“When funds get into the account, the NSA is informed of the arrival of the funds and proposal on the distribution to the various agencies is made to him. When he approves, the monies are sent to the end users”, said Mahe.

The case has been adjourned to July 4 and 5, 2016 for continuation of trial.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/dasukigate-40m-paid-jonathans-cousins-company-account-witness/

Hi.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 arraigned Nenadi Esther Usman, a former Minister of Finance and Director of Finance PDP Presidential Campaign Organization in the last general election; Femi Fani-Kayode also a former Minister and Director Media/Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization; Danjuma Yusuf and Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Limited before Justice M. S. Hassan of the Federal High Court Lagos, on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, corruption and making cash payments exceeding the amount authorized by law.
The accused were alleged to have stolen and illegally disbursed about N4.9 billion Naira belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria for political and personal uses.

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The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them.

Part of the charge reads:
“That you, NENADI ESTHER USMAN, FEMI FANI-KAYODE, DANJUMA YUSUF and JOINTRUST DIMENTIONS NIGERIA LTD on or about the 8th day of January, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to indirectly retain the sum of N1,500, 000,000.00 (One Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) & 4 of the same Act.

‘That you, NENADI ESTHER USMAN, DANJUMAN YUSUF AND JOINTRUST DIMENTIONS NIGERIA LTD on or about the 9th day of January, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly retained the sum of N300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Naira ) which sum you reasonably ought to have known form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: corruption, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) & 4 of the same Act”..
In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo asked that trial commence immediately and that the case be given accelerated hearing..
However, counsel to accused: Fred Orbih (SAN), Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), and S. I. Ameh (SAN) for first. Second and third accused respectively, informed the court of their applications for bail. But Rotimi said he needed time to respond to the applications and urged the court to remand the defendants in prison custody pending the consideration of the bail applications.

Justice Hassan ruled that “since the prosecution was only served bail application yesterday, and in the interest of justice, it will be fair if the prosecution is given the opportunity to respond”. He therefore ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody and adjourned to Friday, July 1, 2016 for hearing of bail applications. EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/court-remands-fani-kayode-others-prison/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 arraigned Nenadi Esther Usman, a former Minister of Finance and Director of Finance PDP Presidential Campaign Organization in the last general election; Femi Fani-Kayode also a former Minister and Director Media/Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization; Danjuma Yusuf and Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Limited before Justice M. S. Hassan of the Federal High Court Lagos, on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, corruption and making cash payments exceeding the amount authorized by law.
The accused were alleged to have stolen and illegally disbursed about N4.9 billion Naira belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria for political and personal uses.

[img]http://i0.wp.com/www.nta.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Femi_fani_kayode.jpg?zoom=1.5&resize=250%2C369[/img]

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them.

Part of the charge reads:
“That you, NENADI ESTHER USMAN, FEMI FANI-KAYODE, DANJUMA YUSUF and JOINTRUST DIMENTIONS NIGERIA LTD on or about the 8th day of January, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to indirectly retain the sum of N1,500, 000,000.00 (One Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) & 4 of the same Act.

‘That you, NENADI ESTHER USMAN, DANJUMAN YUSUF AND JOINTRUST DIMENTIONS NIGERIA LTD on or about the 9th day of January, 2015, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly retained the sum of N300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Naira ) which sum you reasonably ought to have known form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: corruption, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) & 4 of the same Act”..
In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo asked that trial commence immediately and that the case be given accelerated hearing..
However, counsel to accused: Fred Orbih (SAN), Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), and S. I. Ameh (SAN) for first. Second and third accused respectively, informed the court of their applications for bail. But Rotimi said he needed time to respond to the applications and urged the court to remand the defendants in prison custody pending the consideration of the bail applications.

Justice Hassan ruled that “since the prosecution was only served bail application yesterday, and in the interest of justice, it will be fair if the prosecution is given the opportunity to respond”. He therefore ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody and adjourned to Friday, July 1, 2016 for hearing of bail applications. EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/court-remands-fani-kayode-others-prison/

Ten trainees of Student Pilot Course 41B have completed their ab-initio pilot training at 301 Flying Training School (FTS), Kaduna.

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The Defence Head Quarters reports that the the 301 FTS new batch of 10 students pilots will soon move to the next phase of their training.

The graduands, awarded certificates over the weekend, are now ready to proceed for Basic Flying Training (BFT) on the fixed wing aircraft at 303 FTS Kano or similar facilities abroad.

The graduating students were among the 25 original members of Student Pilot Course 41 that was later divided into two batches of 12 and 13 students.

Six members of the first batch of students, constituting Student Pilot Course (SPC) 41A, were sent for rotary wing flying at the International Helicopter Flying Training School, Enugu.

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The remaining six, comprising 4 Nigerians and 2 Liberians, continued their training in 301 FTS and completed the course in 2015.

Thereafter, the Nigerian officers proceeded to 303 FTS for BFT while their Liberian counterparts are presently undergoing further training at the International Aviation College, Ilorin. The remaining 3 members of SPC 41B are currently in the United States undergoing further training.

In addition, 28 members of SPC 42 have commenced their flying training at home and abroad. There are 10 officers each in United Kingdom and South Africa, and 8 at the International Aviation College, Ilorin.

The remaining 14 trainees are to take after the graduating members of SPC 41B for their ab-initio flying training at the 301 FTS, Kaduna.

Meanwhile, the graduands have been advised not to rest on their oars as they enter the next phase of their military flying training.

Speaking as Guest of Honour at the graduation ceremony, AVM Mukhtar Muhammed (retired) gave the advice while addressing the graduating student pilots.

“ You must know that this is just the beginning of your journey.

“I enjoin you therefore to sustain the same attitude of rugged determination as you continue with the next phase of their military flying training”, said the former Military Governor of Kaduna State.” He said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar added his voice to the call on the graduands not to rest on their laurels but to strive for greater excellence as they move on to the next phase of their flying training.

The Chief stated that the present NAF administration is committed to building capacity and has continued to receive the necessary backing from the Federal Government, one of which, he noted, is the provision in the 2016 budget for the acquisition of 10 Super Mushshak Trainer aircraft from Pakistan.

The trainer aircraft, which are to be inducted into 301 FTS to enhance the quality of ab-initio programme, has capacity for full spectrum of military flying training.

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In a related development, the graduation ceremony was used to commission new set of projects on NAF Base, Kaduna as part of the ongoing efforts towards uplifting and upgrading facilities on NAF Bases.

The newly commissioned projects include residential accommodations, road network and recreational facilities, some of which were named after fallen heroes.

The objective of the ongoing massive infrastructural development is to provide an enabling environment for personnel so that they could put in their best and move the NAF forward to fulfil its assigned constitutional roles and accomplish its mission in the most effective and efficient way.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/naf-pilot-graduands-move-next-phase-training/

UMUAHIA (FIC’s Report) – Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has called on Abians not to panic, but to remain calm over the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on Monday in favour of Mr. Uche Ogah against him, in the case of alleged falsification of tax receipts.


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Governor Ikpeazu, who said that he has faith in the Judiciary and rule of law, added that he will appeal the ruling, as he has instructed his lawyers to file appeal immediately against the said judgment.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Enyinnaya Appollos, in his reaction to the ruling, said there was no cause for alarm, as the Governor remains in office until he tries all other available windows for him to appeal the case.

He maintained that the issue of falsification is strange, as the Governor was in the State Government’s Service for about three years. The Governor noted that as an appointee of Abia State Government from 2011 to 2014, when he served as General Manager, Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), and first Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Aba and Environs respectively, before his resignation in October 2014 to contest the Governorship election in the State, that within this period, his taxes were deducted at source, and when he had need of his tax clearance in 2014, he applied to the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, and was duly issued with his tax receipts for the period in question, reiterating that he had no reason forging tax clearance that was presented by the State Board of Internal Revenue.

The Plaintiff, Uche Ogah had approached the court to challenge the tax clearance the Governor presented, arguing that it was falsified.

Governor Ikpeazu however, maintained that he remains the Governor of the State, according to law, and he will await the final determination of the matter by the appellate court.

Uche Ogah was the runner up in the People Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship primaries in Abia State

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/abia-governor-gov-ikpeazu-says-dont-panic-will-appeal-ruling/

Wife of Nigeria’s President, Mrs Aisha Buhari has called for cultural transformation and an end to inhuman widowhood rites imposed on Nigerian women.

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Mrs Buhari said widows must henceforth not be subjected to any form of discrimination or sexual abuse.

She made the call in Lagos at the celebration of the Widow’s Day, organised by the United Nations Information Centre and Hope for Life Foundation.

She lamented the life-threatening widowhood rituals to which Nigerian women were subjected to and insisted that such must stop.

Empowerment
Mrs Buhari, who was represented by Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, equally advised widows to seek economic empowerment to live above cheap temptations.

Delivering the UN Secretary-General’s address, Director of United Nations Information Centre in Nigeria, Mr Ronald Kayanja commended Lagos State Government for providing the model to follow, regarding the welfare of women and children.

He also urged everyone to support the widows by not stigmatizing against them.

Virtues of Ramadan
In another development, Mrs Buhari, at a different event where she was represented by Mrs Ambode, called on Muslims across the country not to abandon the spirit of Ramadan even after the fasting period.

While distributing Ramadan gifts to members of Nasirul-Lahi Fathi Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, Ansar-ul-deen and the Hausa community in Lagos, Mrs Buhari noted that the call became imperative in view of the need to encourage the people to imbibe right virtues.

“Ramadan represents love, peace, forgiveness, peaceful co-existence and extending helping hand to the less privileged, hence the need for sustenance of such virtues; the holy Prophet held those tenets in high esteem and lived his whole life around them, the entire sacrifice of fasting would only achieve its purpose if Muslims continue with those principles beyond Ramadan,” she reiterated.

Love and unity
Mrs Buhari further said that Nigeria was in dire need of peaceful co-existence, unity and mutual love to strengthen the social bond and to help the country overcome all challenges.

“As Muslims, we must carry on the banner of love, peace, friendship and mutual co-existence beyond the season. It is only by doing so that we can strengthen the social bond between us and keep the country united to overcome all challenges,” she added.

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Wife of Lagos State Governor & representative of Hajiya Aisha Buhari, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (2nd right), assisted by Mrs. Fatima Adeniji-Kazeem (right), presenting Ramadan gifts to members of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria in Surulere - Alhaji Gbaye Agbomeji (left); Alhaja Sikirat Kioki (2nd left); Alhaja Nimota Bamebe (3rd left) and Alhaji Iskeel Ola Yusuf (3rd right) on Monday, June 27, 2016. by Eniola Ajayi
Wife of Lagos State Governor & representative of Hajiya Aisha Buhari, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (2nd right), assisted by Mrs. Fatima Adeniji-Kazeem (right), presenting Ramadan gifts to members of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria in Surulere – Alhaji Gbaye Agbomeji (left); Alhaja Sikirat Kioki (2nd left); Alhaja Nimota Bamebe (3rd left) and Alhaji Iskeel Ola Yusuf (3rd right) on Monday, June 27, 2016.
by Eniola Ajayi
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Missioners of NASFAT, Sheik Abdullahi Akinbode thanked Mrs Buhari for her kindness and for staying connected with people at the grassroots.

He assured that the beneficiaries would use the fasting period to re-connect properly with Allah and carry the principles of the holy month beyond the period of fasting.

Confidence O.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/president-wife-advocates-rights-widows/

Nigeria’s Education Minister, Malam Adamu Adamu has reiterated that the ban on Post Unified Tertiary matriculation Examination is with immediate effect, and under no circumstance should any institution violate the directive.


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Post Unified Tertiary matriculation Examination, otherwise known as Post-UTME is conducted by Tertiary Institutions for admission into Universities and other higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.
While giving the directive on Monday in Abuja, the Minister explained that although he had made the issue known earlier, but emphasis has become necessary in order to ensure that no stakeholder is left in doubt as to government position on the Post UTME matter.

He said the responsibility for admission into public tertiary institutions lies solely with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and under no circumstance should any institution take over the responsibility by proxy.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any educational institution after secondary education is regarded as a tertiary institution. Therefore all tertiary institutions, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Universities or by whatever name it is called after secondary education must be subjected to admission through the JAMB. At the end of probationary admission by JAMB, the candidates can be cleared (screened) for final admission. For any institution with a shortfall in admission, such institution can revert to JAMB for supplementary admission. Clearing in this case (screening) entails only the verification of certificates of the candidates, JAMB scores, and any other physical examination to ensure that such candidates are not cultists. After this, the candidates are qualified for matriculation. Such screening should be at no cost to the parents or students and should be done upon resumption in order to avoid unnecessary travels in search of admission,” the Minister explained.

Malam Adamu decried the situation where final year students in Nigeria secondary schools are subjected to too many examinations all in one year, describing it as traumatic, exploitative and absolutely unnecessary.

According to Adamu, mere admission into the University does not guarantee any student the award of a degree until such a student successfully goes through a minimum of eight examinations (for 4-year courses) or ten and twelve examinations (for 5 and 6 year courses), among other requirements.

The Minister expressed worry over reasons why any university would not be satisfied with examining a student for eight, ten or twelve times for the award of a degree, but would rather sort to conducting entry examinations.

He said Universities are at liberty to expel any student who fails to meet up with the requirements of the award of any degree enrolled for.

The Minister also stated that there has been no empirical evidence to show that since the inception of Post-UTME, Universities have been having better quality students, but that students are still being expelled on a yearly basis for low performance even as they gained admission through Post-UTME.

Plight of parents/Guardians
Furthermore, Malam Adamu said he is deeply concerned about the plight of parents/guardians who spend fortunes on transportation, hotel accommodation, examination fees and sundry costs, just for their wards to gain admission into Universities, that such practice negates the Buhari Administration’s resolve to make education affordable for Nigerians.

The Minister said he is also mindful of reported cases where some staff of tertiary institutions take undue advantage of the girl-child in her quest to gain admission into the system.

He acknowledged some cases where parents die in the process of travelling to secure admission for their wards, and never live to see those children through, a situation he described as painful and avoidable.

compliance
The Minister has however directed the National Universities Commission (NUC) and appropriate departments in the Ministry to communicate the directive to relevant agencies and institutions to ensure strict compliance.

Malam Adamu warned higher institutions that have already advertised for the conduct of the Post-UTME under any guise to stop the exercise immediately as any university caught conducting Post-UTMNE will face appropriate sanctions.

“if any tertiary Institution has already conducted Post-UTME, such an exercise stands annulled and money taken from such candidates must be refunded immediately,” the Minister added.

Confidence O.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/minister-reiterates-ban-post-utme/

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria is paying dearly for incompetence in managing high revenue that accrued from oil, particularly over the past decade, and for allowing the decay of critical infrastructure.


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Speaking in the State House, Abuja, on Monday, while receiving the Chief Global CEO of Unilever, Mr Paul Polman, the President said his administration was working very hard to change the structure of the Nigerian economy battered by several years of mismanagement.

”We refused to save for the rainy day. Now the rain is beating us. No money, no savings, nothing. And we are thoroughly wet from the rains,” he said.

President Buhari said Nigeria was paying the price for turning herself into a mono economy, but gave the assurance that the country would soon be able to feed herself, and even export, with the current emphasis placed on agriculture.

He also gave the assurance that the Federal Government would fast-track the implementation of strategies to ease doing business and attract more investors into Nigeria.

“We want to create jobs, and supporting manufacturing is one way to do it. As soon as we have stabilized our budget, I would personally be interested in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the generation of essential raw materials,”the President said.

The Chief Global CEO of Unilever said the conglomerate had been in Nigeria for 93 years, making it the oldest manufacturing concern in the country.

“Our products are more Nigerian than other Nigerian brands. Despite the economic downturn, there are opportunities to further advance our business here. The situation to invest and continue to invest here is very encouraging,“ Mr Polman said, adding that Unilever had invested about N15 billion in Nigeria in the past three years.

Nnenna.O

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/poor-economic-situation-caused-mismanagement-president-buhari/

The Nigerian Senate says it is still working on Gender Equality Bill and presently creating more opportunities for the bill to be fine tuned.


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Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and Tetfund, Senator Binta Masi made this known in Abuja while speaking on the development of Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards for the studies of Gender and Transformative Leadership programme in Nigeria Universities.

Senator Masi also said that Gender Parity should rather be considered in Nigeria to avoid abeyance of the gender equality bill with religious beliefs in the country.

She emphasised that the Nigerian constitution is not gender bias adding that every Nigerian is equal in the constitution irrespective of their gender.

“The Nigerian Senate did not throw away the gender equality bill but there are areas that needed to be fine tuned to avoid it from being in abeyance with the two religious beliefs we have in the country”

“When you talk about giving a woman an inheritance rights ,biblically and also in the Quran it has been taken care of so it shouldn’t be then we look at gender parity instead of gender equality which obviously men are running away from it but when we say gender parity it can be 60% to 40% i believe like this we are starting somewhere”

Speaking on the Academic benchmark for the studies of gender and transformative leadership, Senator masi said the essence is to bring equality of children irrespective of their gender.

On Gender and Transformative Leadership Curriculum, UNESCO Regional Director, Dr Benoir Sossou, said Nigeria is the first to integrate studies of the programme into her Universities system

Sossou disclosed that the Gender and Transformative Leadership curriculum has been developed and contextualised in 2014 for Nigeria by 40 experts .

He said that the curriculum would be introduced to Professors and Lecturers in all Nigerian Universities.

“The finalised Gender Transformative Leadership modules will be adopted as a General Studies as Course in Universities in Nigeria”

“The workshop will create opportunity to exchange and adapt the Gender and Transformative Leadership modules in Nigeria universities curricula.

Speaking on the importance of the Course to Nigeria Universities, The Deputy Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission, Professor Chiedu Mafiana ,said the development of the Benchmark will help the youths in critical thinking on governance and politics .

“It will help youths in Nigeria in respect of gender opportunities, it will also help in eradicating gender barriers in the country”

“the programme will also create opportunities for youth in Colleges of education and technology”

Nnenna.O

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/national-assembly-fine-tune-gender-equality-bill/

The Presidency has washed its hands off the trial of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Mr Ike Ekweremadu and two others.


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In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the presidency said it was ” saddened by the fact that the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, claims there is “now a government within the government of President Buhari”, which has allegedly seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue a nefarious agenda.”

The statement says that the claim by Senator Saraki would have been worth the while if it had been backed with more information.

“If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the“government within the government,” it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.

The presidency is of the opinion that the allegation is not even worth the paper on which it was written, “as anybody can wake from a troubled sleep, and say anything”.

The stand of government is that, the law should take its course.The Attorney-General of the Federation is the Chief Law Officer of the state. It is within his constitutional powers to determine who has infringed upon the law, and who has not Pretending to carry an imaginary cross is mere obfuscation, if, indeed, a criminal act has been committed. But we leave the courts to judge”.

The statement debunked the claim that President Muhammadu Buhari was anybody’s stooge, describing it as “not only ridiculous, but also preposterous. It is not in the character of our President”.

It would be recalled that the senate president , his Deputy Ike Ekweremadu and two others are standing trial for alleged forgery of senate election by-laws that brought them to power.

Some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress had petitioned the police alleging that the senate laws had been changed to favour the accused.

After federal high court granted them bail, Dr Saraki personally signed a statement in which he accused President Muhammadu Buhari of being behind his ordeal in what he calls “trumped up” charge.

The case has been adjourned to July 11 2016.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/presidency-debunks-senator-sarakis-allegations/

MUAHIA (FIC’s Report) – Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has launched a programme to provide free mid-day meals to pupils in public primary schools in the State, making Abia one of the three States that serve free school meals in public schools. The others are Osun and Kaduna States.

Tagged Abia Free School Meal Initiative, the programme, which is in the pilot stage, is a public/private sector scheme that will be partly funded by Government, donors, farmers and other partners, who have a stake in running the scheme.

At the flag-off ceremony, held at the Amapu Ntigha Primary School, in Isiala Ngwa North local government area, Governor Ikpeazu pointed out that the scheme is one way for public spirited individuals and companies to come together with Government and guarantee better health and learning environment for the leaders of the future. He said this generation owes it a duty to safeguard the next generation and provide them with conducive atmosphere, for them to grow and contribute positively to society

Governor Ikpeazu enumerated numerous benefits of the free school meal to include nurturing healthy children, high academic performance, assist parents by reducing the pressure on household budgets for food, and boosting the local agricultural economy, as all items to be served will be sourced from local farmers and producers.

He said the programme will naturally spur local production of foodstuffs like “öfada” rice, as farmers try to meet the increased demand for local rice, beans and eggs, which are staple of the free school scheme.

The Governor revealed that Government is also considering ways of helping farmers grow capacity to meet the demands. Stakeholders in the agro-processing business are mulling plans of a large scale rice processing plant.

While thanking donors and partners for their support, Governor Ikpeazu called on more individuals and companies to give back to society, by contributing towards the sustenance of the programme.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Prince Chris Igwe commended the Governor and his wife for initiating the programme, and thanked all who are contributing to the scheme.

Other stakeholders and partners, including Mr. Raymond Aliga, Mr. Eric Oppa and Commissioner for Education, Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji, all lent their voices to the need to sustain the programme.

The Governor, dressed in chef’s clothing, supported by his wife, later served the children with rice, beans and eggs to signify the commencement of the programme. He also donated school bags, books and football to the benefiting pupils.

Earlier in the event, wife of the Governor and her NGO, Vicar Hope Foundation, had flagged off a State-wide deworming programme for school pupils, as a precursor to the free meal.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/gov-ikpeaz-introduces-ree-school-meal-initiative/

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state says he will appeal the ruling of the Federal High Court that ordered him to vacate his office.


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Ikpeazu added that he has already advised his lawyers to file the appeal.

The governor was ordered by The Federal High Court, Abuja, to vacate his office immediately on Monday.

The Judge, Justice Okon Abang, gave the order when he delivered a judgment in a case instituted by Samson Ogah of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday in Abuja.

Ogah had accused Ikpeazu of submitting false information in his tax clearance certificate to the party during the governorship primaries in the state.

Abang ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Ogah as the duly elected governor of Abia.

He said the court relied on the Supreme Court decisions in the case of Obi vs INEC and Ameachi vs INEC to make the consequential order.

The court said that Ogah, a PDP gubernatorial aspirant in 2015 election in Abia, was entitled to the certificate of return in the election held in April 2015.

“Dr Okezie Ikpeazu is hereby ordered to vacate office as governor of Abia immediately relying on the decision of the Supreme Court in INEC vs Obi,’’ he held.

Abang held that the tax clearance certificate and income tax receipts submitted by Ikpeazu were unknown to the law and made him ineligible to contest the poll.

He held that the 2011 tax clearance certificate and income tax receipt submitted to INEC before the 2014 PDP primaries contained false information.

The court said that Ikpeazu’s appointment letter as General Manager, Abia Passenger Integrated Scheme on July 18, 2011 spelt out his salary and entitlements.

“The earnings of the second defendant based on the letter of appointment by single calculation in 2011 for five months 12 days is N493 or N546, 669 if not assigned government vehicle.

“The tax payment submitted by the second defendant didn’t reflect this figure,’’ the court held.

Abang further held that the tax certificate indicated the gross earnings of Ikpeazu for 2011 to be N1.14 million and the income tax was assessed on this figure.

He also held that the date on the tax receipt filed by the governor was on a Saturday, adding that Saturday, even in Abia was a public holiday.

The court said that Ikpeazu did not file his tax clearance in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and that all payments he made preceding the 2014 primaries were made in one day and not as and when due.

Abang held that Ikpeazu perjured when he said that he had fulfilled all the requirements to contest the 2015 elections.

This, he said, was because he had failed to provide a tax clearance certificate that was known to the law.

He added that the governor was not qualified to be the candidate of the PDP in the primaries of 2014 and was also not qualified to be fielded as the candidate for the 2015 election.

He held that Ogah was the qualified candidate to contest as the candidate of the PDP for the 2015 election and his name ought to have been forwarded INEC as the PDP candidate.

He said that Ikpeazu did not win the PDP primaries as he was not eligible or qualified to contest the poll.
He also awarded N100, 000 cost in favour of the Ogah.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/ikpeazu-appeal-sack-court/

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, claims there is “now a government within the government of President Buhari”, which has allegedly seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue a nefarious agenda.


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This claim by Senator Saraki would have been more worth the while, if it had been backed with more information. If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the “government within the government,” it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.

But as it stands, the allegation is not even worth the paper on which it was written, as anybody can wake from a troubled sleep, and say anything.

The statement from the office the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina stated that the Attorney-General of the Federation is the Chief Law Officer of the state. It is within his constitutional powers to determine who has infringed upon the law, and who has not.

Pretending to carry an imaginary cross is mere obfuscation, if, indeed, a criminal act has been committed. But we leave the courts to judge.

“To claim that President Muhammadu Buhari is anybody’s stooge is not only ridiculous, but also preposterous. It is not in the character of our President” Adesina claimed.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/senator-saraki-fictive-cabal-adesina/

The Interior Minister, Rtd Lt General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau CFR PhD has described as unacceptable the escape of awaiting trial inmates from Kuje Prison on 25th June, 2016. While lamenting over the unfortunate incident that resulted in the escape, the Honourable Minister has vowed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, to avoid it reoccurrence in any of the nation’s Prisons.


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Meanwhile an investigative panel has been set up to investigate the incident, while the Controller General of the Nigeria Prison Service was also directed to work closely with the Police, the Immigration Service, the Department of State Security Services, and other security agencies to ensure speedy re-arrest of the fleeing fugitives.

A statement from the Press Secretary to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Osaigbovo Ehisiemnmen showed that the Interior Minister has directed the CG Prisons Service to urgently carry out an appraiser of the security arrangements in the nation’s penitentiaries and emplace measure that would make such escape impossible.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/prison-break-interior-minister-condemns-escape-trial-inmates-kuje-prison/

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria is paying dearly for incompetence in managing high revenue that accrued from oil, particularly over the past decade, and for allowing the decay of critical infrastructure.

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Speaking at the State House, Abuja, Monday, while receiving the Chief Global CEO of Unilever, Mr Paul Polman, the President said his administration is working very hard to change the structure of the Nigerian economy battered by several years of mismanagement.

”We refused to save for the rainy day. Now the rain is beating us. No money, no savings, nothing. And we are thoroughly wet from the rains,” he said.

President Buhari said Nigeria was paying the price for turning herself into a mono economy, but assured that the country would soon be able to feed herself, and even export, with the current emphasis placed on agriculture.

He assured that the Federal Government would fast-track the implementation of strategies to ease doing business and attract more investors into Nigeria.

“We want to create jobs, and supporting manufacturing is one way to do it. As soon as we have stabilized our budget, I would personally be interested in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the generation of essential raw materials,” the President said.

The Chief Global CEO of Unilever said the conglomerate had been in Nigeria for 93 years, making it the oldest manufacturing concern in the country.

“Our products are more Nigerian than other Nigerian brands. Despite the economic downturn, there are opportunities to further advance our business here.

“The situation to invest and continue to invest here is very encouraging,” Mr Polman said, adding that Unilever had invested about N15 billion in Nigeria in the past three years.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity)

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/economy-rain-beating-us-president-buhari/

The Military has warned the public to be vigilant and security conscious following the coordinated military offensive against the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists in Sambisa forest which has made the fleeing terrorists disguising as vigilantes or hunters to evade easy detection.


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The terrorists, after been smoked out of Sambisa forest, in their desperation to wreak havoc on innocent Nigerians and to remain relevant, devised a new tactics of dressing like vigilantes or hunters to deceive unsuspecting members of the public of their true identity.

In a statement from the office of the Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar stated the case of Kuda-Kaya village in Madadali community of Adamawa State where a group of Boko Haram terrorists, dressed like vigilantes, opened fire on elated people during a ceremony readily come to mind. The general public is hereby advised to be wary of unsubscribed services or presence of vigilantes or hunters in their neighbourhood in order not to ignorantly harbour killer gang in their midst.

Members of the public are also advised to be security conscious, at all times, and report promptly to security agencies of any suspicious persons or group of persons in their community or raise alarm, where necessary.


Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/terrorists-now-disguise-vigilantes-hunters/

Troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade under the auspices of Operation SHARAN DAJI of 1 Division Nigerian Army, have carried out fighting patrol to Kabaru village forest, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara against cattle rustlers and armed bandits.

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According to a statement the Army Spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, “During the patrol, the troops engaged armed bandits and killed 3 of them and wounded some”.

“The troops recovered 20 motorcycles, 4 empty cases of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 4 empty cases of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. Other items recovered include 1 mobile telephone handset, some rings and a bag containing local charms”.

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The troops also carried out similar operation in the forests at Kusa, Bayan Dutse and Gusami general area in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of the same state.

Although no armed bandit was killed, it is believed some of them escaped with gun shot wounds. 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-47 rifle magazine, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 motorcycles, 4 rustled cows and a machete were recovered.

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The troops also apprehended a suspected errand boy and informants to the armed bandits at Gusami village.

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Thereafter, the patrol team proceeded to Maganawa forest where they equally engaged the armed bandits and killed one of them and recovered 1 locally made pistol, a Dane Gun and 5 rounds of ammunition before returning to base.

ArmyPR/Nnenna.O

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/army-carries-clearance-patrol-zamfara/

The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Ibrahim K Idris, psc, mni has appointed DCP Don Awunah, fsi, as the new Force Public Relations Officer to replace ACP Olabisi Kolawole who was the Force Public Relations Officer from August 2015 to June, 2016.

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Until his new assignment, DCP Don Awunah, who is a seasoned and thoroughbred officer, was the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Homicide Section of Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) Abuja. He holds B.A degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos and M.A in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Benue State University, Makurdi. He is a Fellow of Institute of security Studies (fsi), Fellow of Institute of Corporate Administration, and Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

The outgoing Force PRO, ACP Olabisi Kolawole urged the media and the public to extend maximum cooperation to the new Spokesman, just as the new FPRO promised to work to increase the tempo of good relationship between the Police and the public in line with the policy thrust of the Nigeria Police Force. He could be reached on GSM No 09059202456, and email: Padotel@hotmail.com

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/inspector-general-police-appoints-new-police-spokesman/

There were 171 terrorist attacks and 541 deaths in Africa in 2009. In 2015 that had risen to 4,600 deaths from 738 militant attacks.


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THE number of Islamist militant attacks in Africa more than quadrupled from 2009 and 2015, as insurgents in northern Nigeria and Somalia stepped up their campaigns of violence, according to IHS Inc.

IHS Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre recorded 4,600 deaths from 738 militant attacks across the continent last year, while in 2009 there were 171 assaults and 541 fatalities, according to research it published on Monday.

Nigeria’s Boko Haram, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Somalia’s al-Shabaab were the most active groups, IHS said. Collaboration between Boko Haram and Islamic State, a battle between AQIM and IS over recruits and territory in north and west Africa, and the “continuing resilience” of al-Shabaab in the face of growing pressure, are emerging trends that suggest attacks could “further intensify,” according to IHS.

Boko Haram, which has been fighting since 2009 to impose its version of Islamic law in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, has changed tactics since making a pledge of allegiance to IS, the research group said. Increased use of suicide-bombings and “professionalisation of propaganda content,” are some of the main signs, according to IHS.

In competition

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which has killed more than 70 people since November in assaults targeting hotels in Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso, has turned to new, civilian targets after being mainly focused on Malian, French and United Nations troops in Mali, IHS said.

The group may be in competition against IS, “with a seeming willingness to escalate violence against a common target set” with each bidding “to outdo the other.”

While there’s been an international focus on IS and AQIM threats, the “ongoing and expanding threat” from al-Shabaab in East Africa has been “under-appreciated,” IHS said.

In 2015 and early 2016, al-Shabaab has “underlined its expanding capabilities in Somalia” by overrunning three bases used by an African Union peacekeeping mission, known as Amisom, on three occasions, “inflicting substantial casualties,” IHS said.

The al-Qaeda-affiliated group “has successfully isolated key military and peacekeeping positions through southern and central Somalia, enabling it to mass for such assaults and move into territory vacated by Amisom and local forces,” it said.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/islamist-militant-attacks-increase-rising-300-2009-2015/

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Muhammad Abdallah, on Saturday said the agency seized drugs worth N22 billion in 2015.

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This is contained in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, made available to newsmen in Lagos.

Abdallah, according to the statement, said that the threat of narcotics was real in the country.

”As Nigeria joins the World in marking International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, effort is needed against the threat posed by narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

”The estimated street value of seized narcotic drugs in 2015 is over N22 billion naira. The threat of illicit drugs is real and concerted effort is required to halt the activities of drug trafficking cartels.

”The agency in 2015 seized drugs weighing 903,624.56kg. Drug control is an important campaign that affects national security and public health.

”We must collectively rise up against drug trafficking organisation because its effect on children, youths, families and communities is unimaginable.

”There is need for a greater understanding of the effects of drugs by members of the public.

“NDLEA arrested 8,778 suspected drug traffickers comprising 8,143 males and 635 females in 2015.

”The drugs include cannabis, 871,480.32kg, psychotropic substances 30,652.93kg, ephedrine is 785.10kg, methamphetamine 410.82kg, cocaine 260.47kg, heroin 30.09kg and amphetamine 4.83kg.

”The agency also won 1,690 cases prosecuted in 2015. Nigeria is in the vanguard of the global crusade against illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse,’’ it said.

The statement said that the agency was committed to its obligations under the United Nations Drug Control Conventions and was playing a leading role in regional counter narcotics programmes.

”Nigeria is making significant effort in addressing the problem of drug trafficking and abuse. The NDLEA will continue to give drug control all the attention required for total victory,’’ the statement said.

It identified training and effective collaboration with stakeholders as some of the reasons for the giant strides recorded by the agency.

”We have made significant progress through training, strict law enforcement and effective collaboration with international and local partners.

”While consolidating on the gains recorded, efforts are ongoing to improve staff welfare, provide more logistics support and increase funding,” it said.

(NAN)

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/ndlea-arrests-8778-suspects-seizes-n22bn-drugs-2015/

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), on Friday, took over the assets of Afrijet Airlines Ltd. owned by Chief Vitalis Ibe, over an unpaid debt of almost N10 billion.

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This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Jude Nwauzor, Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos.

The statement said the takeover was based on an interim injunction granted against the airline by Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division.

It said, “the obligor owes AMCON nearly N10 billion. AMCON purchased the Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs), sometime in 2011 from the defunct FinBank and Bank PHB.

“The order also affects Ibe’s Continental Aviation Services Ltd., AMCON has since appointed Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), as Receiver/Manager. ”

The statement also said the receiver/manager at about 11a.m. on Friday simultaneously took possession of the assets of Ibe including Afrijet Plaza, the corporate head office of the airlines.

According to the statement, the office is located on Sheraton-Opebi Link Road Ikeja, Opebi, Lagos.

It said he also took over the obligor’s asset at Plot 22, Jimoh Odutola St., off Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos, as well as his office at the Airport.

“The court order mandated the receiver/manager to also take over on behalf of AMCON any other offices, branches, stores and factories of Ibe.

“And his companies located and/or traced for the purpose of satisfying the indebtedness,” the statement added.

It said the court restrained Ibe and his companies from operating or tampering with the funds in his bank accounts under whatever name or guise in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria.

The statement said the court directed the Inspector General of Police to assist Elias in the enforcement of its orders, adding that no incident was however recorded during the enforcement.

“AMCON, under the leadership of Mr Ahmed Kuru, had recently increased the tempo of its recovery and was going after some of its 400 obligors whose total debts account for more than N4.5 trillion’’, the statement added.

(NAN)

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/amcon-takes-assets-afrijet-airlines/

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), on Friday, took over the assets of Afrijet Airlines Ltd. owned by Chief Vitalis Ibe, over an unpaid debt of almost N10 billion.

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This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Jude Nwauzor, Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos.

The statement said the takeover was based on an interim injunction granted against the airline by Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division.

It said, “the obligor owes AMCON nearly N10 billion. AMCON purchased the Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs), sometime in 2011 from the defunct FinBank and Bank PHB.

“The order also affects Ibe’s Continental Aviation Services Ltd., AMCON has since appointed Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), as Receiver/Manager. ”

The statement also said the receiver/manager at about 11a.m. on Friday simultaneously took possession of the assets of Ibe including Afrijet Plaza, the corporate head office of the airlines.

According to the statement, the office is located on Sheraton-Opebi Link Road Ikeja, Opebi, Lagos.

It said he also took over the obligor’s asset at Plot 22, Jimoh Odutola St., off Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos, as well as his office at the Airport.

“The court order mandated the receiver/manager to also take over on behalf of AMCON any other offices, branches, stores and factories of Ibe.

“And his companies located and/or traced for the purpose of satisfying the indebtedness,” the statement added.

It said the court restrained Ibe and his companies from operating or tampering with the funds in his bank accounts under whatever name or guise in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria.

The statement said the court directed the Inspector General of Police to assist Elias in the enforcement of its orders, adding that no incident was however recorded during the enforcement.

“AMCON, under the leadership of Mr Ahmed Kuru, had recently increased the tempo of its recovery and was going after some of its 400 obligors whose total debts account for more than N4.5 trillion’’, the statement added.

(NAN)

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/amcon-takes-assets-afrijet-airlines/

SETS UP TASK FORCE TO RECOVER N9.2BN OWED THE BOARD

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has approved the immediate removal of the Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Baba Shehu Lawan who has been replaced by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Omolola Olanipekun.


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The Minister has also approved the immediate removal of all heads of Department as well as Heads of Unit under the Board and directed their deputies to immediately take charge.

The Minister made these changes after he and the FCT Permanent Secretary; Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye met with the former management team of the AEPB.

Malam Bello directed the Director of the FCT Establishment and Training who was also part of the meeting to issue the new appointees with their appointment letters.

He warned that all lackadaisical attitudes to work must be stopped forthwith as Abuja must be rid of filth, street beggars, street hawkers and all other environmental nuisances immediately.

The Minister remarked that a lot of things are not going on well at the Board and further warned the new team to work to change the tide immediately.

Meanwhile, the Minister has also directed that the former management team of the Board be constituted into a Special Task Force on the Recovery of N9.8 billion Debt owed AEPB.

Malam Bello instructed that the new Task Force be headed by the former Director of the Board and was given 8 weeks to do the recovery into FCT Administration’s coffers.

At the meeting, the Minister also approved the appointment of Squadron Leader Abdullahi Adamu Monjel (Retired) to head a special team of 200 security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to assist in the enforcement of environmental laws in Abuja.

The Minister was however quick to warn the new management and special team to conduct their duties within the ambit of the law.

Malam Bello further warned that the FCT Administration will not tolerate any act of abuse of fundamental human rights of the residents in the discharge of their duties.

He urged them to diligently do their job by following and applying the law and due process.

The new Acting Director, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Omolola Olanipekun was formerly the Deputy Director, Environmental Degradation & Development Monitoring in the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.

Muhammad Hazat Sule, FCAI
Deputy Director / Chief Press Secretary,


Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/major-shake-fct-minister-replaces-aepb-management-staff/

Federal Government has urged retired Military officers to collaborate with their serving colleagues in the fight against insurgency in the country.


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The Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Dan-Ali (Rtd.) made the appeal at the passing out ceremony of military retirees at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Lagos.

Represented by Mrs Iro Ikenga, the Director Army, Ministry of Defence, also urged retirees to work with members of the military, even in retirement, to tackle insurgency in the North-east.

`You all know that the issue of security of our country in recent times is at its critical stage, as the military is now contending with insurgents in the North-east.

“As retiring members of the armed forces, a lot is still required of you wherever you find yourselves in the aspect of collaborations with serving members of the Armed Forces.

“You might also be required to collaborate with other security agencies of our father land to completely eradicate this threat of insurgency.

“And other criminal activities in our society,” Dan-Ali said.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to ensuring that service personnel were properly resettled after years of meritorious service to the nation.

“The government has continued to vigorously pursue a policy of due process, aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and rule of law.

“This in no doubt will culminate in the transformation of all spheres of our national life.

The minister advised the retirees to be prudent in the management of their retirement benefits, especially in the face of scarce human and material resources.

He, however, urged them to always exhibit exemplary character and to be good ambassadors of the military.

“You must uphold the highest standards of conduct, character, integrity, excellence, service and team work.

“As worthy ambassadors of the service, you will be held accountable for these standards even in retirement.

“You must therefore spread these values and virtues wherever you find yourselves,” he said.

The commandant of the centre, Air Vice Marshal, Mike Iloenyosi told the retiring personnel to be circumspect, as the society in which they are transiting to would expect much from them.

“You will be required to prove your worth in the way you relate within the community where you reside.

“For those of you that will go back to your country homes, you must be interested and be involved in any security arrangement within your community.

“’This is in view of the internal security challenges plaguing our country,” he added.

He also urged them to uphold the ethics of the military which include respect for constituted authority.

464 retirees passed out from NAFRC, 449 from the Nigerian Army, two from the Nigerian Navy and 13 from the Nigerian Air Force.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/federal-government-tasks-military-retirees-security/

Femi Adesina, Abuja: Since the appointment of Femi Adesina as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, he has applied himself to the job, making frantic efforts to defend the administrative policies of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. In this exclusive interview with Independent correspondent in the Aso Villa, INNOCENT OWEH, he dismissed allegations by the national assembly leadership that the Presidency was behind its many travails. He also spoke on why the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan abandoned several Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) signed with foreign allies, which could have translated to more development for the country.

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With the gloomy economy, workers are becoming tensed, and recently staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance protested over poor welfare issues, are you aware of their grievances?
I read the explanation from the finance ministry that what they are agitating for had been stopped by the previous government, that explains it. If there would be further explanations, I think its the ministry of finance that would do it, but I think what they have said satisfies me, it suffices for now
What would you say is the policy direction of this administration, especially on the economy?

It is that Nigerians need to look inward, all the luxuries that we can’t afford have to be cut off and that is simply what this government wants to do. There are 41 items under forex ban now, that already shows you the direction this administration is going.

Whatever we cannot afford and we can do without let’s cut it off. Why do we expend scarce foreign exchange on rice, cement, toothpick or tomato puree; on things that we can produce locally, so that already shows the direction the government wants to take the economy.

Nigerians seem to have taken government deregulation policy in its stride, what informed this policy?

Not only do you have fuel prices coming down, it shows you that by the time the thing is in full stream, there is going to be competition in terms of prices and people will buy where they like and that very process itself would force down prices.
The executive have come under criticism from the national assembly as being behind its travails, what is your take on this allegation?

They are independent arms, the judiciary is independent, the legislature is independent of the executive, so if they are independent, how can one be behind the travails of another. It doesn’t add up. If you know this President you will know that he plays by the rules strictly. So, he will not have anything to do with undermining any other independent arm of government. Not this President. They can source their troubles to somewhere else, if they have any troubles, but not this President.

They are purely independent bodies, they just relate within the ambit of the law and constitution and I have no cause to believe that there is anything wrong with the relationship.
The 2016 budget is undergoing implementation, should Nigerians still maintain high optimism that they had at the inception of this administration?

Optimism is part of life, optimism keeps us going. By the time we lose optimism, we have lost everything. So, I expect that we continue to be optimistic. As clear as day follows the night, things will get better in Nigeria.

Buhari has obviously made his mark in tackling terrorism but Nigerians would like to know what gave him the impetus to deliver in a short time?

The difference is clear. Government is a continuum; we know where the last administration stopped. This government continued from there and we all know where we are now, where we are today is very far to where we were this time last year. In fact, there is almost no comparison between where we are now on the issue of terrorism and where we were this time last year.
How was the magic performed to quell the crisis?

You know the President himself is a retired General, so he knows what to do. He changed the leadership of the military, he arranged for retraining, arranged for re-equipping, he arranged moral booster for them and everything working together for good has led us to where we are now.

But challenges of IDPs have cropped up as a result of terrorism, how would the Federal Government address that issue as well?

You know that there are groups and agencies working with the Federal Government on that. There is also the Danjuma Committee set up to ensure that their plight is attended to. There are international organisations working in concert with the Federal Government on that, all I want you to know is yes, the issues of IDPs are being tackled. It is a major issue that is being attended to.

How far about the MoUs signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on his recent trip to China, has it been rested?

We came back from China with potential investments in excess of about $6billion dollars and it is work in progress now because it’s a process, we have signed the Memorandum of Understandings and we must come up with counterpart funding, which was what the Jonathan administration did not do; they signed most of the MoUs but they didn’t do their own part of funding. This government, despite the paucity of funds, will do its part.
We have heard that the railway transport programme resuscitated by the immediate past administration will come on stream by July, can you throw more enlightenment on that?

Yes, the Ministry of Transport is in a better position to tell you but I am aware because I have heard the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi saying that it will come on stream soon, so its a good development. Nigeria is making progress. That shows you the benefits of continuing with the policies and projects of the previous government because that was a project inherited and it was taken forward. A petty government could have come and discontinued it, no it was taken forward and we are in the verge of launching it. It shows you that government must always be large-hearted, broad minded enough to continue the good things it inherited.

You have been with the President as one of his media aides in the last one year, how would you describe your experience so far?

Fulfilling. I came to do this work in the first place because it is the President, the person of the President brought me. I am not a person that wanted to work in government but the person of the President was the attraction for me and I am happy doing it. I will serve him anyday.


Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/senate-forgery-case-count-president-buhari-national-assembly-crisis/

The Kwara State Government says it is doing everything in its power to rectify the ongoing but regrettable salary crises in the state brought on by the huge drop in federal allocation to all tiers of government across the country.

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In a statement issued in response to a press briefing by Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) on Sunday, the government said while it recognises the union as a stakeholder in the state, the positions it canvassed in the briefing do not reflect the reality on ground in the state.

The state government said while the unfortunate salary arrears currently being experienced in the tertiary institutions were mainly influenced by the drop in federal allocation, the immediate cause was the inability of the institutions to raise their share of the internal revenue to augment subvention as agreed with the government.

Nevertheless, the government has commenced the process of remedying the situation with the payment of 5 months’ arrears at the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies Ilorin while N50m was released to the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin last week, while the N17m balance will be released this week.

The remaining tertiary institutions in the state, according to the government, will be paid in the coming weeks as funds become available. The government, therefore, denied stopping subventions to the institutions, insisting instead that it has agreed on reduced allocations based on mutual milestones following due diligence on their finances.

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On the Kwara State Water Corporation, the government denied owing any of its verified workers, having recently cleared arrears, stressing that 40 isolated staff are owed salaries due to irregularities in their authentication.


The state government clarified that the drop in allocation at the local government by more than 50 percent, rather than the operation of the statutory Joint Accounts allocation Committee (JAAC), was responsible for salary arrears at the local government councils.

The government also assured the IEDPU that it was already working on its recommendation for a focus on agriculture and solid mineral development for diversifying the state’s economy, stressing however that these measures are long term and cannot be relied on to solve the current problems bedevilling all tiers of government in the country.

Finally, the statement restated Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s strong commitment to ending the salary crises affecting certain categories of workers in the state, including the ongoing verification of staff and the recent prioritisation of basic education teachers’ salaries in the distribution of local government allocation.
Muideen Akorede
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kwara State
(Media and Communication),

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/kwara-government-responds-iedpu-salaries/

LONDON — Spain warned us this would happen.

As it became clear early Friday morning that the UK public had voted to leave the European Union, Spain wasted no time in calling for “joint sovereignty” over Gibraltar, which is a tiny territory of Britain that Spain continues to claim sovereignty over.

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“The Spanish flag on the Rock is much closer than before,” Spain’s acting foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said in a radio interview.

Britain’s Europe minister David Lidington (who surely must be having the craziest day ever), rejected the idea, as did Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo.

But surely they must have expected this as Garcia-Margallo has already made it pretty clear that Spain was coming for Gibraltar if the vote went a certain way — and even stuck precisely to his timeline for doing so.

In the event of a vote for Brexit, “We would be talking about Gibraltar the very next day,” he told Spanish radio earlier this year.

Friday afternoon Picardo dismissed what the Spanish minister said as “irrelevant noises” and a “waste of breath,” after starting the day with a calm and rational tweet:

Follow

Fabian Picardo @FabianPicardo
We have surpassed greater challenges. It is time for unity, for calm & for rational thinking. Together & united we will continue to prosper.

5:33 AM – 24 Jun 2016
195195 Retweets

222222 likes

Gibraltar was the first to report its results in the referendum on EU membership. The territory of about 32,000 people voted to Remain by an overwhelming 96%. (It’s represented onMashable UK‘s Lego Brexit map by the little pirate on the bottom left corner.

Gibraltar has been a sticking point in British-Spanish relations for, well, hundreds of years. It was captured in 1704 and British sovereignty was established in 1713.

The “joint sovereignty” idea was mooted in 2002 but was wholly rejected in a referendum there. Nowadays thousands of people cross the border between Spain and Gibraltar every day for work, and the Brexit referendum result brings that freedom of movement into question.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/spain-wants-grab-gibraltar-brexit-uk-saying-not-fast/

The activities of online media, especially issues concerning defence and security, require caution, restraint and most importantly confirmation from the organisation before going to the press. In as much as freedom of information is one of the elements of democracy and good governance, issues of National security needs to be given special attention which in this case involves investigative journalism. Professionalism and balancing of stories should be one of the cardinal principles of good journalism, including the online operators.


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Also About Nigerian Army



We are giving this advice against the backdrop of a recent social media reportage on the Military activities which portrays negativity which we believe it’s not in our own interest to be doing that if truly we love this country for good.

It’s the same profession that calls for professionalism and balancing of stories in the process of reportage. The military is not in any way trying to stop the reporting of its activities but ethically the media ought to contact the military to confirm their side of the story with a view to achieving fair reportage and credibility. We all know the power of media for mitigating crisis situation like the one we are having in our country and it should be used as such. Nigeria is our country and we must make it a peaceful place to live .

We are not going to blow our trumpet, but the military has been trying in areas of openness, transparency and dissemination of its activities nationwide as against what used to be in the past.

Video of Nigerian Army


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R78lcXIVsOU

The media should endeavour to report positively, not only on military, but any other sector in the society, which is considered and perceived to be doing well and working for the growth and upliftment of our dear nation. We are giving this advice against the backdrop of a recent social media reportage on the Military activities which portrays negativity which we believe it’s not in our own interest to be doing that if truly we love this country for good. We are not going to blow our trumpet, but the military has been trying in areas of openness, transparency and dissemination of its activities nationwide as against what used to be in the past. Therefore, our door is opened, round the clock, for inquiries and clarification of any military matters.

Nigerian army using Motorbikes to Counter-insurgency(PHOTO: Nigerian Army)


All hands should be on deck to bring Nigeria out of its present predicament which the media and other well meaning organisations have good roles to play. Cooperation and understanding should be the key word in this direction not antagonism, as it does not do anyone any good.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/journalism-101-according-nigerian-army/

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman(Abuja): The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to another round of campaign of calumny against the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai and his family by some unscrupulous elements as contained in Sahara Reporters story titled “Revealed: Buhari’s Chief Of Army Staff, General Buratai, Wives Own Dubai Property”, alleging that Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Tukur Buratai, and his two wives are joint owners of a Dubai property that was paid for in one transaction posted on the website, this evening.


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PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (L) AIDED BY VICE-PRESIDENT YEMI
OSINBAJO IN DECORATING THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, MAJ.-GEN. TUKUR BURATAI
WITH HIS NEW RANK OF LT.-GEN, AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA ON
THURSDAY (13/8/15).
5927/13/8/2015/ICE/CH/NAN


For the unscrupulous elements and their cohorts, these campaigns would prod the Nigerian Army and indeed the Chief of Army Staff to continue to serve the nation diligently and with utmost zeal.

It is important to know that these baseless allegations were not new. In March this year, some groups of individuals under the aegis of “Concerned Citizens”, tried same smear campaign to their disappointment, it could not fly, because it is not true.

General Buratai was never near either Defence Headquarters or Army Headquarters in 2013. It is pertinent to also note that he was never a Director of procurement in Army Headquarters as alleged. As a matter of fact, the Nigerian Army never had a Directorate of Procurement till when he established one last year when he became Chief of Army Staff.

You will recall early this week, there was similar campaign of calumny by yet another online news medium, The Cable, in which among other things, it alleged that wounded in action Nigerian Army personnel were abandoned by the Army, government and the nation which is not true.

It is a fact that the Buratai family have two properties in Dubai that were paid for instalmentally through personal savings three years ago. This, along with other personal assets have consistently been declared by General Buratai in his Assets Declaration Form as Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Commander and as Chief of Army Staff.

Therefore, the latest round of smear campaign by Sahara Reporters is one of the series of campaigns of calumny by these faceless individuals to malign the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army. Yet, typical of blackmailers and mischief makers despite failures, they did not give up, hence they now found a willing accomplice reputed for muckraking like the Sahara Reporters. The online news medium this evening uploaded another campaign of calumny allegedly based on a petition by obviously fake and non-existent group it described as “Concerned Soldiers and Officers From the North East”.

The allegations contained in the Sahara Reporters write up are baseless and not correct. It is a fact that the Buratai family have two properties in Dubai that were paid for instalmentally through personal savings three years ago. This, along with other personal assets have consistently been declared by General Buratai in his Assets Declaration Form as Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Commander and as Chief of Army Staff.

It is pertinent to state that the Chief of Army Staff does not have any account with Skye Bank as alleged, let alone making deposits in the imaginary bank account to the tune of the amount stated in the write up. Similarly, he has not been involved in any form of shady or dishonest transaction, not to talk of “contract scam”.

In addition, General Buratai was never near either Defence Headquarters or Army Headquarters in 2013. It is pertinent to also note that he was never a Director of procurement in Army Headquarters as alleged. As a matter of fact, the Nigerian Army never had a Directorate of Procurement till when he established one last year when he became Chief of Army Staff.

In a bid to rubbish the hard earned reputation and good name of the Chief of Army Staff, these blackmailers will stop at nothing hence all these kinds of mudslinging.

It is pertinent to state that the Chief of Army Staff does not have any account with Skye Bank as alleged, let alone making deposits in the imaginary bank account to the tune of the amount stated in the write up… It is really worrisome that some people could condescend so low to fabricate baseless allegation against the Chief of Army Staff for reasons that could best be described as mischievous.

It is really worrisome that some people could condescend so low to fabricate baseless allegation against the Chief of Army Staff for reasons that could best be described as mischievous. It is equally worrisome that Sahara Reporters could lend space for this obvious mischief. We really do not believe that it is because the price is right.

Consequently, the public and indeed all well meaning persons should disregard this round of campaign of calumny against the Chief of Army Staff and similar ones because they are baseless and unfounded.

For the unscrupulous elements and their cohorts, these campaigns would prod the Nigerian Army and indeed the Chief of Army Staff to continue to serve the nation diligently and with utmost zeal.

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/nigerian-army-respond-false-publication-chief-army-staff-general-buratai-army/

National Universities Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is conducting a Pilot Graduate Tracer Study of selected universities in the Nigerian University System.


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Objective of the Study

The main objective of the study is to trace the employability status as well as on the job satisfaction of Science and Engineering graduates of the under-listed universities from 2009 to 2014 in comparison with their skills and knowledge acquired from the university.
The study also focuses on the Petro-Chemical and Steel Sub- Sectors of the economy which is in line with the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIPR) of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
List of Selected Universities whose Graduates Can Participate
1.) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi;
2.) Bayero University, Kano;
3.) Federal University of Technology, Akure;
4.) Federal University of Technology, Minna;
5.) Federal University of Technology, Owerri;
6.) Modibbo Adama Uni. of Technology, Yola;
7.) Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka;
8.) Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife;
9.) Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta;
10.) Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi;
11.) University of Benin, Benin;
12.) University of Calabar, Calabar;
13.) University of Ilorin, Ilorin;
14.) University of Jos, Jos;
15.) University of Lagos, Akoka;
16.) University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri;
17.) University of Nigeria, Nsukka;
18.) University of Port Harcourt;
19.) University of Uyo, Uyo;
20.) Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto;
21.) Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo;
22.) American University of Nigeria, Yola;
23.) Bells University of Technology; Ota;
24.) Bowen University, Iwo;
25.) Redeemers University, Mowe;
26.) Igbinedion University; Okada;
27.) Adekunle Ajasin University;
28.) Ambrose Alli Uni., Ekpoma;
29.) Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti;
30.) Enugu State Uni. of Sc. & Tech;
31.) Kano Uni. of Sc. & Tech;
32.) Ladoke Akintola Uni. of Tech;
33.) Lagos State University, Ojo;
34.) Rivers State Uni. of Sc. & Tech;
35.) Covenant University, Otta;
36.) University of Ibadan, Ibadan;

Source:http://www.barbaric.com.ng/national-universities-commission-partners-unido-pilot-graduate-tracer-study/