₦airaland Forum

The Kaduna State Government says it will go after underperforming private schools and shut them as part of efforts to promote quality education in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Makarfi, made this known in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Makarfi said the state government would digitise the location of all private schools in the state.

According to him, the step will enable the ministry track and monitor the operations of private schools in the state, with a view to ensure that they all operate within the minimum acceptable standard.

“We will soon go after them. Those that are doing what they are supposed to be doing by their establishment, we will encourage them to continue.

“However, we will certainly close down those that are only there to make money, while those that are not ready to meet up the required standard will be given some time to make amends.


“We will not allow a situation where the future of our children will be jeopardised by enrolling them into schools that are not prepared to provide the expected quality education.”

Makarfi added that he would work towards strengthening the education system by improving monitoring and supervision.

He said that steps would be taken to ensure that teachers do their job diligently and children were learning.

He added that steps were being taken to motivate and empower teachers to do more in terms of delivering quality and impactful teaching in public schools.

“I am happy I came at a time when Gov. Nasir el-Rufa’i has approved the employment of additional 7,600 qualified teachers for public secondary schools in the state.

“I am happy I came at a time when the state government, with support from Islamic development Bank is building six science secondary schools, two in each senatorial district of the state.

“I am also happy I took over when the state government is making heavy investment in education and all we have to do is to ensure that the resources are judiciously utilised, and teachers do their work diligently.

“We will equally improve on our resource mobilisation, coordination and supervision, and create linkages and communication to facilitate the achievement of the education sector strategic plan,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/kaduna-govt-sets-to-go-after.html

The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, has approved the appointments of Karage Mamman and Ola Awoniyi as his Deputy Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on Media, respectively.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Assistant to the president of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Mr Mohammed Isa.

Other appointments approved by Lawan, according to the statement, were that of Abubakar Sidiq Usman as Special Assistant on New Media; Kabir Adamu as Special Adviser on Security and Intellegence, and Muhammad Mukhtar Yawale as Special Adviser on Health.

All the appointments are with immediate effect.

The 58-year-old Awonyi, according to the statement, is a graduate of University of Ibadan where he obtained a B.Sc in Psychology and holds Masters in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (MLC),and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD), both from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

He also obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from International Institute of Journalism, Abuja in 1997.

He worked with Nigerian Tribune for over a decade before he joined the services of Agence France-Press (AFP), where he is the Head of Abuja office.

The new Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Karage, according to the statement, is a graduate of University of Sokoto where he obtained Bachelor of Arts (Education).

He retired as Director in Federal Ministry of Education in 2018.

On his part, Usman, popularly know as Abu Sidiq, according to the statement, graduated from Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he obtained both his first and second degrees.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/lawan-appoints-sa-media-deputy-chief-of.html

Femi Falana, Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist has warned the Federal Government of Nigeria against its violent approach to handling members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria who are protesting the continued detention of their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, despite numerous court orders issued for his release.

Falana expressed concerns over the method the Federal Government had adopted in a statement on Tuesday. The legal luminary said the continuous detention of Elzakzaky and killing of peaceful Shiite protesters by security forces could lead the country into another bloody war that it could not afford.

“This nation cannot afford another war of insurgency which is being provoked by the contemptuous conduct of the federal government in the handling of the case of the Elzakzakys,” Falana said.

Speaking on the arrest and detention of Elzakzaky and his wife Malama Zeinab on December 12, Falana said over 1,000 Shiites were reportedly massacred by soldiers on the orders of the Nigerian Army high command and given mass burial in an unmarked grave in Mango village, Kaduna State over allegations of attempt to assassinate Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

He said, “Even though the leader of the Shiites, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, was not at the scene of the attack, his residence was invaded by the rampaging troops two days later. The troops set the house ablaze, shot at El-Zakzaky and his wife, Malama Zeinab El-Zakzaky and killed three of their sons in cold blood in their presence. As if such barbaric assault was not enough, the army arrested and held El-Zakzaky and his wife in custody before handing them over to the Department of State Services. At that stage, the houses of El-Zakzaky and other leaders in Zaria were demolished by the Kaduna state on the orders of Governor Nasir El Rufai.

“After the massacre of the Shiites and the demolition of the houses of their leaders, the Kaduna state government instituted a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the violent attack.


“The detained El-Zakzaky was prevented from responding to the allegations made against him and his group at the inquiry. But the judicial commission found that there was no plan by the Shiites to assassinate General Buratai. It was also revealed at the panel that the 347 Shiites were massacred by the army in violations of the Army Rules of Engagement and the Geneva Conventions.

“Apart from condemning the brutal massacre of the Shiites, the judicial commission recommended that the culprits be prosecuted.

“Instead of implementing the recommendation by prosecuting the well-known murderers the Kaduna state government turned round to charge over 300 Shiites with the culpable homicide of a soldier who was killed by his colleagues during the attack. But the defence team convinced the Kaduna state high court to free the Shiites as they were not involved in the commission of the offence.

“Accordingly, the charge was dismissed for want of evidence while the trial court proceeded to discharge and acquit all the defendants. Meanwhile, the suit challenging the illegal detention of El-Zakzaky and his wife was decided in their favour by the federal high court on December 2, 2016.

“The presiding judge, Kolawole J. (as he then was) directed the Federal Government to release the couple from unlawful custody, pay them N50 million reparation and provide them with a temporary house since the army had burnt down their residence. But the Buhari regime has characteristically treated the court orders with arrogant contempt.

Curiously, the Court of Appeal has refused to hear the application to commit the Director-General of the State Security Service for contempt of court! Upon our legal advice, the Shiites approached three separate high courts to challenge the violation of their right to assemble and protect peacefully.”

He added that despite the orderly nature in which the Shiites had conducted themselves, the Federal Government, through the army, was operating with impunity to disrupt the group’s peaceful process.

“The Shiites won the cases against the Federal Government as the courts upheld their fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly. But out of sheer impunity, the army has killed about 50 Shiites at Abuja for protesting against the continued detention of El-Zakzaky and his wife.

“As the federal government could no longer justify the illegal detention of El-Zakzaky and his wife it directed the Kaduna state government to file a charge against them. Hence, they have been charged with culpable homicide at the Kaduna state high court for the death of the same soldier.

“Pending the trial, the team of local and international physicians who examined El-Zakzaky and his wife on the orders of the trial court confirmed that their health has deteriorated and recommended that they are allowed to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment. In particular, El-Zakzaky has lost an eye while he is the process of losing the other one.

“The wife can no longer walk as a result of the gun wounds inflicted on her during the military attack of December 2015. Without adducing any reason whatsoever the federal government has ignored the recommendation of the physicians.

“The Shiites are currently protesting the refusal of the Buhari regime to release El-Zakzaky and his wife from custody to enable them to travel abroad to receive urgent medical treatment at their own expense.

“El-Zakzaky must not be allowed to die due to medical neglect as it may provoke a crisis of monumental proportions. Therefore, the federal government should implement the unanimous resolution of the House of Representatives for the release of El-Zakzaky and his wife without any further delay.


“Finally, it would be recalled that the Boko Haram sect declared war on the people of Nigeria in 2009 following the cold murder of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf by the Police. Since then the nation has known no peace. This nation cannot afford another war of insurgency which is being provoked by the contemptuous conduct of the federal government in the handling of the case of the El-Zakzaky.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/continuous-detention-of-elzakzaky-will.html

The Ondo State Government has upgraded its School of Health Technology to College of Health Technology, Akure.

Dr Jibayo Adeyeye the Special Adviser to the state governor on Health matters disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Akure.

Adeleye explained that the upgrade followed the signing of a new law on the operations of the institution by Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He said that the development would enable graduates of the College to qualify for the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Scheme.

According to him, with the new law, the college will equally have the capacity to access the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and other endowment funds to improve on its infrastructure.

He recalled that the institution was established by the Chief Adekunle Ajasin administration which was the first civilian administration in the state.

He said it is heartwarming that Akeredolu has now come to improve on the accessibility of the institution to train health technologists.

Adeyeye said that the status scale-up of the institution and other landmark achievements of Akeredolu administration will ultimately in no distance future make the state the medical hub for training and retraining of health professionals across cadres in Nigeria.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/ondo-state-upgrades-school-of-health.html

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved an innovative multinational financing program for Distributed Energy Service Companies (DESCOs), which would see 900,000 households in sub-Saharan Africa – about 4.5 million people – gain access to solar power by 2025.

The AfDB said this in a statement, adding that the DESCOs’ Financing Programme promotes securitisation financing techniques to address barriers to accessing finance for DESCOs, while supporting their growth and expansion into existing and new markets. The programme will also facilitate local currency financing for DESCOs and provide local lenders with risk mitigation instruments to support them.

Elaborating on the programme, Wale Shonibare, the Bank’s Acting Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate Change, and Green Growth said the Bank would provide critical technical guidance and credit enhancement to DESCOs and local financial intermediaries.



“Accelerating access to universal, affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for underserved populations requires innovative financing solutions. Innovations such as receivables-backed financing structures provided by the programme are vital in the Bank’s efforts to unlock private sector participation and local currency financing for the energy sector,” Shonibare said.

The programme will contribute to installation of an estimated 45 MW of distributed solar PV which will provide clean energy access for 900,000 households by 2025 (4.5 million people). It will also create approximately 6,000 new direct jobs, mainly for the youth, and contribute to avoidance of nearly 37.08 kilotons of CO2eq emissions per year.

The design of the program supports the Bank’s Financial Sector Development Policy and Strategy and Industrialisation Strategy Flagship program to grow liquid and effective capital markets, and support innovative financing mechanisms.

Stefan Nalletamby, the Bank’s Director for Financial Sector Development, said the program would help build capacity within DESCOs and local financial intermediaries in executing securitisation structures and other innovative frameworks for accessing finance. “It will also promote financial inclusion by availing consumer financing to customers in rural areas, building credit history, and encouraging the uptake of mobile payment solutions,” Nalletamby added.

The board approval follows the approval of a EUR 50 million guarantee facility and EUR 6 million technical assistance grant by the European Fund for Sustainable Development (part of the European External Investment Plan).

“Solar home systems present commercially viable, climate resilient, and modern solutions to provide clean energy access to off-grid populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. DESCOs have seen extensive growth owing to the rapid proliferation of mobile banking and pay-as you-go (“PAYGO”) technologies that allow low-income customers to pay off their purchases over an extended period of time. This program will enhance the impact of DESCOs by enabling them to access financing that is tailored to their operations. It is also a great example of collaboration between the European Commission and the African Development Bank,” said Dr. Daniel Schroth, the Bank’s Acting Director for Renewable Energy and Efficiency.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/afdb-approves-new-financing-programme.html

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned “the harassment, intimidation and unfair treatment of the former acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Elizabeth Karatu and called for a probe.



She was reportedly barred from gaining access to her courtroom to deliver certain judgment by an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), who claimed he was acting based on the directive given to him by the management.

SERAP urged the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad to: “publicly condemn the unfair treatment of Justice Karatu.

It also urged the acting CJN to urgently refer the matter to appropriate authorities for a prompt, thorough and effective investigation in order to ensure that those responsible for this unlawful act are named and shamed and brought to justice.”

In a video clip, Justice Karatu is heard saying: “I am the most senior judge in this court and I am here to deliver my judgement. Can you imagine? Which management gave you the order? Today is my last day to be here and it is my right to be here. I have come to deliver my judgement. As far as I am concerned, everybody in this court is my junior and I need a courtroom to deliver my judgment.”

SERAP in a statement today by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, said: “Barring Justice Karatu from delivering judgment is an intolerable act of intimidation against the highest judicial authority in Kebbi State at the material time. Regardless of any allegations that may have been levelled against her, it is clear that Justice Karatu has been unfairly treated by the apparently unlawful actions of the Kebbi State governor, Mr Atiku Bagudu and the NSCDC barring her from gaining access to her courtroom to rule on cases.”


According to SERAP, “Barring Justice Karatu from gaining access to her courtroom is entirely incompatible with the sacred principle of judicial independence, and the failure by the authorities to observe important procedural guarantees here is a textbook case of executive rascality. SERAP will vigorously pursue justice in this case, to ensure that this shameful act does not affect the work of other judges or undermine their ability to freely and effectively perform their judicial duties.”

“The NJC should immediately set up a panel to thoroughly and effectively investigate the alleged role played by the new acting Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Suleiman Mohammed Ambursa in the unfair treatment, harassment and intimidation of Justice Karatu, and if there is sufficient and relevant admissible evidence, to ensure appropriate disciplinary measures and sanctions against him.”

“The apparently arbitrary actions by governor Bagudu and the NSCDC also amount to an unlawful interference with Justice Karatu’s private and professional life, contrary to the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

“The Nigerian constitution and these human rights treaties afford legal protection against arbitrary interference by the authorities, including in Kebbi State. The unfair treatment and intimidation of Justice Karatu, apart from being incompatible with the rule of law, has had tangible consequences for her material well-being and her family.”

“Such arbitrary and illegal actions expose judges at both the federal and state levels to political and executive pressure, endangering their independence and impartiality.”

“Under our laws, judges can be removed only in accordance with an objective, independent procedure prescribed by law. Any sanctions or disciplinary procedures for judges must ensure sufficient separation of the judiciary from other branches of State power and provide appropriate guarantees against abuse and misuse of disciplinary measures and sanctions to the detriment of judicial independence.”

“Judges must be free to carry out their professional duties without political interference and must be protected, in law and in practice, from attack, harassment or persecution as they carry out their professional activities.”

“Courts play a major role in the fight against corruption, and ensuring that victims or potential victims of human rights violations obtain effective remedies and protection, that perpetrators of human rights violations are brought to justice.”

“But when judges are unfairly treated, the role of the judicial system to act as check and balance on the other branches of government, ensure that laws of the legislative and the acts of the executive comply with the rule of law, is seriously eroded.”

Last week, a trending video clip showed an official of the NSCDC barring Justice Karatu, from gaining access to a courtroom. The judge, who was billed to retire on July 5, was supposed to rule on cases on July 4, her last day in office. Mrs Karatu, until her retirement, was the most senior judge in Kebbi State judiciary. The civil defence official barricaded the road as he prevented the senior judge and her police orderly from gaining access to the court premises.

Justice Karatu, a Christian, was appointed acting chief judge of Kebbi State in October 2018, following the retirement of the former chief judge, Bala Mairiga, who left the bench the same month. The Kebbi State House of Assembly refused to confirm Mrs Karatu as the substantive CJ after the state governor, Atiku Bagudu, sent her name to the House, for confirmation.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/justice-karatuserap-seeks-probe-of.html

A coalition of pro-Biafra groups namely Biafra Independence Organization(BIO) Igbo Revolutionary Movement(IRM) Eastern Peoples Renewal(EPR) Biafra Clergy Network (BCM) and others has united against the Federal government’s proposed Ruga settlement for Fulani herdsmen in Igbo land.

According to a press statement by the group’s secretary, Emeka Ibekwe, which was made available to our correspondent, the group also called on other tribes as well as organisations to join hands in the fight against Ruga, which it described as a common enemy.

The statement further noted that “the latest implosions of Fulani’s onslaught, with the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari against the South, calls for urgent and proper reactionary measures.

“Now is the time to build more synergies among the leading pro-Biafra groups, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Igbo governors and traditional, religious, political and opinion leaders of Igbo land. This not the time of apportioning blames against one another. Our people must avoid provocative and inciting statements that pitch one against another.

The group, however, absolved governors of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State of endorsing Ruga in their respective states, warning those behind the rumour to desist as that is capable of jeopardising the cooperation exiting among various Igbo groups to fight Ruga.

“This inciting falsehood against the governors is capable of jeopardising the synergistic approach to disband these foreign marauders called Fulani herdsmen.

“We challenge the traditional rulers and president generals of the host communities of these lands allegedly given to Fulani herdsmen by state governors to show proof of evidences that their state governor gave out lands to our enemies. Ndigbo must know that the strength in unity of purposes is far greater than a sectional strength of one and his group.

“We also hail southeast governors for banning open grazing of cows in Igbo land. We urge them to emulate their Abia State brother, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in his vision in establishing Enyimba Economic City in Aba. We advise our governors to establish mechanical and technological villages across Igbo land to enable our unemployed youths to develop their talents.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/biafra-groups-unite-against-ruga.html

Ghana is the latest country to be granted a visa-free status by the South African government.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has added Ghana to a list of seven countries whose nationals will be permitted to enter South Africa visa-free. Nigeria was not included despite the large volume of trade between the two countries.

South Africa announced in September 2018, that it was finalising a number of visa waiver agreements with other countries including Ghana to allow travellers to enter the country without a visa.

According to the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, citizens of the seven countries are able to enter South Africa without a visa.

“Tourism will soar if we relax visa requirements for entry into South Africa. We know that Tourism is very important for job creation,” he said today at a briefing in South Africa.

“Out of the 193 countries who are member states of the United Nations, the Department has granted visa-free status to 75 countries. Of these 16 are in our continent and are SADC members and 59 are from all over the world.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/south-africa-ignores-nigeria-grants.html

The House of Representatives has advised the federal government to urgently engage the Shiite group otherwise known as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in order to amicably resolve their grievances with a view to avoiding a repeat of what gave birth to the Boko Haram crisis, which the country is currently battling to curtail.

The advice followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu on Tuesday’s invasion of the National Assembly by members of the Shiite movement which left nine police officers injured and several valuables destroyed.


This is coming as the House wednesday constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate and monitor the recruitment activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

In his prayers, Elumelu had, among other things, called for a thorough assessment of the internal security of the National Assembly, compensation for officers who were affected and hospitalised during the invasion.

He also moved that committees on Police Affairs and Internal Security should ascertain if security officers attached to the assembly are insured against occurrences such as what happened on Tuesday and if not to include them under group personnel accident scheme and workmen compensation.

In their various contributions to the debate, the lawmakers tasked the government to handle the situation with seriousness and prevent it from escalating as the Boko Haram crisis.

Speaking against the background of his experience in the emergence of the Boko Haram crisis, the Chief Whip, Hon Mohammed Monguno, representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, said: “There are danger signals coming from the present crisis of the Shiite sect going about clamouring for the freedom of their leader.”

“Those of us that are coming from Borno State, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency can vividly recall that the Boko Haram crisis started the same way the Shiite sect are now masquerading themselves in all the nooks and crannies of not only Abuja but all over the country in the name of marching for the freedom of their leader.

“There is need to nip this crisis in the bud so that it will not snowball into full-blown bloody crisis that is going to affect the whole country,” he said.

In his contributions, Hon. Bamidele Salam representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Osun State, also urged the government to be very futuristic about the Shiite matter and “address the root cause of this brewing insurgence.”

According to Salam, “the man, El-Zakzaky whose freedom they are asking for, what we have in the public space; he is being held against several pronouncements of competent courts of jurisdiction in Nigeria.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. I want to urge the federal government to please dispassionately look into the matter of this leader of the religious group and allow the rule of law to take its course while not condoning any act of violence,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Hon. Onofiuk Luke representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, who raised a point of order premised on Section 4(1) (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said the debate on the Shiite invasion of the National Assembly should not be narrowed down to when the members of the legislature are threatened.

He said: “It is very paramount that we must call a spade a spade. There is a rule of law and we must look at that rule of law. We must look at the root cause of that movement. If the court has given an order that the leader of that movement should be released, I think we should ask the federal government to act accordingly so that things must be done properly.

“So, I am appealing that on this issue, we should not only think of preserving only the sanctity of the premises, the chambers or the members of this legislative house. We should look at how to address this problem so that other Nigerians in other cities like Kaduna, in the city of Abuja, away from the National Assembly are protected,” he submitted.

Dachung Musa Bagos representing Jos South/Jos East federal constituency, Plateau State also expressed fears that if the issue is not addressed with seriousness by the government, the lawmakers might one day run for their lives leaving the mace, which is the symbol of authority.

“The federal government should rise to see that the issue of the Shiite group is treated with all seriousness because so far as far as I am concerned it has been treated with levity. We need to see how this issue will be treated as a national issue, because if we are not careful another Boko Haram will rise from another angle,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives wednesday constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate and monitor the recruitment activities of the MDAs of the federal government.

The House ad-hoc committee chaired by Hon. Wole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, was set up to investigate allegation of job racketeering raised in the motion of ‘’urgent national importance’’ by Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi — representing Panshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Plateau State.

He noted that despite the fact that the federal civil service, the public service and the public sector are the single biggest employers of labour in Nigeria and account for the funding of most homes in Nigeria directly and indirectly, Nigerians are not getting jobs based on merit.

According to Gagdi, “numerous reports have indicated that the Federal Character Principles are not always followed, adding that these openings are not always filled competitively, rather, they are always filled based on certain social, political, ethnic or religious sentiments.

“If urgent steps are not taken to investigate and monitor these recruitments, it could result in poor output and performance in the civil and public service, arising from the sentiments that may lead to unqualified and poorly motivated workforce.

“Being the biggest employer of labour in Nigeria, numerous Nigerians look forward to obtaining gainful employment with the federal government. Consequently, millions of candidates fill the federal civil service forms with the hope that they will be lucky to be called upon or recruited.

“Though the federal government lacks the capacity to employ most of these number of candidates, however, there is the need for the few openings available to be filled competitively and based on the federal character principles enshrined in the constitution”, he explained.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/shiites-dont-create-another-boko-haram.html

A teenager, Nonso Okereke, was on Wednesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into a Wema Bank account and stealing N4 million.

Okereke, 19, is standing trial along with one Emeka Onumba, 36, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The defendants, whose residential addresses were not given, however, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate A.O. Alogba.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ingobo Emby, told the court that the duo committed the offences sometime in January at Wema Bank Plc Headquarters, located at 54, Marina St., Lagos Island.

Emby alleged that the defendants hacked into an account of Wema Bank, fraudulently transferred N4 million into various accounts, and later withdrew the money and shared.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.


The magistrate granted them bail in the sum of N400, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum who must have N500,000 in their bank accounts.

He adjourned the case until July 18 for trial.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/read-how-teenager-hacked-into-wema.html

The Federal Government has approved the appointment of Malam Abdulrasaq Balarabe as the new National Coordinator of Fadama III AF.

Mr Bashir Dayyabu, the National Communication Officer, National Fadama Coordination Office, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Dayyabu said that the announcement came through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

According to the statement, Balarabe graduated from Usman Danfodiyo University with a BSc in Agriculture from 1987 to 1991 and MSc in Agricultural Economics.

He began his career as Agricultural Officer in the Federal Department of Agriculture from 1993 to 1996 and moved to Agricultural Project Monitoring and Evaluation Unit as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.

Balarabe later moved to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources Project Coordinating Unit as Assistant Coordinator.

He was Special Assistant to the Project Coordinator from 2014 and later became Agricultural Advisory Service Specialist.

Balarabe had a 20-year work experience in the agricultural sector such as planning, monitoring and evaluation and in the area of operations, support and advisory services coordinator of the project.

He also attended various international and local trainings and short courses to build strategic capacity to carry out technical responsibilities

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/fg-appoints-balarabe-as-new-fadama.html

The Nigerian Army has called for more effective collaboration between security agencies and the people to tackle crime in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

He made the call in the late hours of Saturday on the sideline of a camp fire ceremony organised to mark the end of the 2019 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Sarham decried the upsurge in criminality across the country and expressed optimism that ongoing efforts to end insecurity would be successful with synergy from stakeholders.

“The division will remain highly committed to ensuring peace and security in our Area of Responsibility (AoR) in line with Nigerian Army’s constitutional roles.

“To this end, we seek continuous synergy and cooperation of all security agencies as well as relevant stakeholders in tackling security threats in our AoR and the nation at large.

Sarham, represented by the Commander of 6 Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen. Adeola Kalejaiye, listed some of the insecurity the army was tackling to include kidnapping and cultism.

“Other present day challenge facing the army ranges from insurgency, ethnic crises and banditry; which threaten the corporate existence of our nation.

“So, we solicit the support of our sister services and all security agencies to participate actively in joint efforts to subdue these challenges,” he appealed.

The army officer said that NADCEL was organised yearly to mark the day the Nigerian army was founded as well as used to reflect its achievements since its establishment.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/army-seeks-more-support-on-internal.html

The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan has felicitated with Super Eagles’ for beating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 3-2 in the on-going 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Lawan said the victory which advanced Nigeria to quarter-finals of the tournament was well-deserved considering the high skills and dexterity exhibited by Super Eagles.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity quoted the President of the Senate saying, “Coming behind, after taking the lead, to beat Cameroon reinforced what our Eagle are known for; never to be counted out until the final whistle.

“This victory could never have come at a better time than now when Nigeria is desperately looking for a unifying act.

“Your victory today as usual has brought all Nigerians irrespective of the divide to stand solidly behind you in prayers and encouragement”.

He urged the players not to relent until they achieve final victory by wining their subsequent matches.

While congratulating the players and the technical crew, Lawan said, as head of presidential delegation to the tournament he would ensure that all their needs are promptly attended to.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/senate-president-ahmed-lawan-hails.html

Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday congratulated the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola on his affirmation by the Supreme Court as the duly elected Governor of the State.

Ambode, in a statement signed by his media aide, Habib Aruna, said it was a well-deserved victory and an affirmation of the mandate given to Oyetola by the people of Osun State on September 22, 2018.

“I congratulate my brother, Governor Gboyega Oyetola on this resounding victory at the apex court. It is not only a victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also an attestation to the fact that the judiciary remains the last hope for the common man.”

“With this victory, I strongly believe that it would enable the Governor to focus on delivering on his campaign promises and implementing policies that would make life more comfortable for the people of Osun State,” Ambode said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/oyetolas-victory-at-supreme-court-well.html

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has vowed to suspend or dethrone any traditional ruler who used his throne to cause crises in his community.

He also warned that any monarch that refuses to expose and report any cult or criminal activities in his community would be sanctioned.

Obiano spoke yesterday, when he presented certificate of recognition to the new traditional rulers of Ochuche Umuodu in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Igwe Vincent Ijomah and Igwe Ben Anachie of Umunnachi in Dunukoffia Local Government Area.

The governor, who lamented the rate of cultism and sundry crimes in various communities urged the traditional institutions to inculcate good virtues in the youths.

He said the monarchs should help the government and security agents to checkmate crime by reporting their activities to security agents, especially those smoking Indian hemp and causing crises.

Governor Obiano warned the traditional rulers to shun infighting and work together to ensure peaceful coexistence in their communities.

The governor said it was the power bestowed on him in section 4,5, 6, 7 of traditional rulers law of the state to issue certificate to traditional rulers after being selected or elected and presented to him by the community.

In response, the traditional ruler of Ochuche, Igwe Ijoma promised to lead with the fear of God to carry everybody along.

He, however, assured the community that he would not disappoint or betray the trust reposed in him by selecting and crowning him as their royal father.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/anambra-to-sanction-traditional-rulers.html

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed his cousin, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu as his Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora and Foreign Relations.

The appointment of Jermaine was not made public, but was displayed on the official Instagram page of Lagos Tourism.

On the official page, Jermaine was introduced as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora and Foreign Relations.

He and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and other officials received a delegation from the World Tourism Cities Federation.

Jermaine is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR) and the prestigious John Maxwell Team. He is an international award winning motivator, musician and management/leadership consultant and the CEO of Diaspora PR & Picture Perfect PR.

He is the Public Relations Officer of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK and one of the top 100 Nigerians in the UK, a recipient of the Public Service & Community Leadership Award at the Nigerian Centenary Awards UK 2014. He is passionate public speaker, keynote speaker and MC at corporate and social events.


Jermaine was named 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year at the Ann Shine Awards, and City People’s 2015 top 10 Influential young Nigerians in the UK. He is the recipient of the Best Young Leaders Award at the prestigious BEEFTA Awards UK; Emerging Leader Award at the International Achievers Recognition Awards, ICONs award, among others.

Jermaine is a business consultant with Eunisure and holds a PG Diploma in International Business and Management from Bradford University UK and bags a Masters Degree in Public Relations & Strategic Communication at Europe’s Largest Public Relations University, Leeds Beckket University.

He worked in the human resources department of RMS TNS, a leader in research and development industry in Sub-Saharan Africa. He also worked in E-learning unit of the Human Capital Development Department of one of Nigeria’s banks; Skye Bank Plc, now Polaris Bank.

He also has business interests real estate investments, having obtained a Bsc Hon degree in Estate Management from University Of Lagos

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/sanwo-olu-appoints-cousin-as-ssa-on.html

The Presidency has said President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to nine more bills passed by the 8th National Assembly which were transmitted to him for assent.

Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang, listed the bills to include: Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Defences Bill, 2019 and Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria Bill, 2019.

Others are National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (Establishment) Bill, 2019, National Agricultural Seeds Council Bill, 2019, Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment), Act, 2019, Federal Capital Territory Primary Healthcare Board (Establishment) Bill, 2019 and Federal Capital Territory Hospital Management Board (Establishment) Bill, 2019.

Enang explained that 19 bills passed by the 8th National Assembly and transmitted to the president did not sail through the process of assent.

The bills are Adeyemi Federal University of Education (Establishment) Bill, Federal University of Education Kano (Establishment) Bill; Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Establishment) Bill’ Federal University of Education Zaria (Establishment) Bill, National Security Agencies Protection of Officer’s Identity Bill, 2018, Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management (Establishment) Agency Bill, 2018, Environmental Managers Registration Council of Nigeria Bill, 2018 and Industrial Development (Income Tax Act) (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Others are Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill, 2018, Animal Diseases (Control) Bills, 2018, Good Samaritan’s Bill, 2019, Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria Bill, 2019, National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Bill 2019, Federal University, Wukari (Establishment) Bill, 2019, Warehouse Receipts and other Related Matters Bill, 2019, Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency Bill, 2019, Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (Fiscal Incentives, Assurances and Guarantees Bills, 2017, Nigerian Film Commission Bill, 2019 and Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2019.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/buhari-signs-9-bills-into-law-presidency.html

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) church is not a member of its CAN family following the rape allegation levelled against its Senior Pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo.

In press statement signed by National Legal and Public Affairs, CAN, Evang Barr Kwamkur, Samuel Vondip, the body condemned the act and admonished pastors in the country to distance themselves from rape and any act of infidelity.

“CAN is deeply concerned about the ongoing rape allegation saga arising from a confessional statement by a former female member of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Mrs. Bisola Dakolo, against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, the senior pastor of COZA.

“The association recognises that COZA, to the best of our knowledge, is not a member of any of the families that belong to CAN. CAN, as an association; it is equally sad that there have been recurrent allegations of rape and infidelity against some gospel ministers and other Christians as well.

“While efforts must be made to get to the root of the matter through thorough investigation, the association condemns totally, any act of infidelity either by a pastor or any member of the church of God.”

CAN frowned at immoral relationships in the society and said the acts are against the teachings of the Bible and the church.

“We urge all ministers of the gospel to shun all appearances of evil especially, unregulated closeness to persons in the church. Rape by every standard is sinful and an act of wickedness.

“We do not know for sure whether or not some or all of the allegations of rape and illicit relationship leveled against members of the clergy are true; we strongly appeal to all Christians to avoid blackmail against any brother or sister in the church for whatever reason. All of us must avoid making ourselves vulnerable.

“The association understands the challenges of preachers who, by virtue of their position as parents of all in the church, may stand the danger of being accused. All Christians, leaders most especially, must be circumspect in the way they walk, not as unwise but as wise.”


CAN called on the security agents and the judiciary to redouble their efforts in prosecuting the various cases of rape and other heinous crimes that are presently bedeviling our society without fear or prejudice.

“CAN recognises that this must be a very trying time for the ladies who leveled allegations against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and on the other ministers whose stories are trending presently.

“We pray for them that to the extent to which they are true and sincere, God would strengthen and comfort them in their fight for justice. The association equally recognises that this is a very hard time for the Christian church in Nigeria, especially for worshipers in COZA and all other churches whose pastors are accused.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/07/rape-allegations-can-disowns-coza-church.html

The troubles of the outgoing administration of Rochas Okorocha in Imo State are far from over as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, said that it is investigating a case of money laundering against it during the last governorship election in the state.

EFCC’s zonal head for South East, Usman Imam during a briefing disclosed how their operatives, acting on tip-offs, blocked accounts belonging to the state government in the build-up to the election.

He spoke while highlighting the activities of the zone in the first quarter of the year, Imam said their timely intervention saved the state over N5bn that would have been deployed for vote buying by the Okorocha’s administration.

He revealed that about N8bn from the Paris Club Refund bailout meant for payment of workers’ salaries was warehoused by the government, only to begin frittering it on the eve of the election for phoney reasons, prompting the anti-graft agency to block the accounts.

“About N7.9bn is what had been blocked, although with pressure, subsequently, about N2.5bn was released for salaries. On the whole, we have over N5bn of those funds blocked; we are following up to see what actually happened. Honestly, what we discovered was that within two days, N700m was withdrawn in cash; N200m on the first day and N500m on the second day and all these monies were disbursed in a manner that was honestly unpalatable. Distribution to school teachers; I don’t know, schools that you were not funding and you wake up on the eve of the election and withdrew N500m cash and start distributing N1000 each or so to teachers. Whatever that means, I don’t know.

“When we came in, we were able to save about seventy something millions of the funds that we discovered were not disbursed, we also blocked it. People are still answering questions as to who asked them to move those monies, monies that were blocked at the banks.

“The sad story about this was that these monies were the intervention funds; the bailout funds that the Federal Government released to states to pay salaries when they were having problems paying salaries. They didn’t utilize that money to pay the salaries; they warehoused it and kept it until the election period, they started attempting to draw down the money. Whatever happens, we have saved over N5bn of that money, as we talk, two weeks to handover. Probably, the next government would have that money to use it better. There are a lot of other general investigations going on in Imo right now,” he stated.


He said the directive by EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu for proper monitoring to forestall money laundering during the election actually paid off.

He also said that the zone had in the course of investigations from January till date, recovered the sum of N102, 322, 630; and USD6, 450.

In addition, he stated that investigations were on to ascertain whether the 30 different brands of cars they seized were actually proceeds of crime or not.

The zonal head who said they received a total of 557 petitions in the period under review noted that 127 of them were approved and under investigation, while 230 were rejected on the grounds of being civil in nature, falling under other agencies’ mandates or already in court.

He announced that the commission has recorded 28 convictions this year as against 14 in 2018, adding that 45 of the cases were fully investigated and suspects charged to various courts in the region.

However, the EFCC is contending with 16 civil suits emanating from the zone, he added.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/n8b-bailout-fund-why-were-probing.html

The Federal Executive Council(FEC) on Wednesday approved the sum of N970.2 million for the provision of residential accommodation for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The meeting lasted late into in the night.

Ahmed said that the accommodation was important because the NCS, being a para-military organisation, was trying to ensure that its members of staff were kept in barracks.

“The Nigeria Customs got approval today for acquisition of residential accommodation for the staff of the service.

“What the Customs is acquiring is an estate that has a total of 42 flats and the total cost is N152 million per block of six units.

“The approval that we got today is in the total sum of N970.2 million inclusive of VAT.”

She said that the NCS, in its desire to upgrade its services to international best practice in information and communication, also got an approval to procure modern communication gadgets.

She listed some of the gadgets as HF radios, BHF radios, walkie takies, cable towers and accessories.

The minister said that the gadgets were necessary for the Nigeria Customs to enhance its end to end encryption of messages delivery to avoid tapping by unscrupulous elements, smugglers and their cohorts.

“The need has become necessary because of increased onslaught by the service on smuggling and other illegal economic activities.

“The contract that was approved is in the total sum of N247.907 million inclusive of five per cent VAT and the equipment will be delivered within a period of eight weeks.”

Ahmed said that the third paper that was approved for the ministry was an automation project that it had been working on for a very long time.

According to her, the Project Lighthouse is an initiative of Ministry of Finance—a data warehousing system that is integrating different tax related data for the purpose of accurate and effective revenue assessment.

She said the project would also serve in the determination of assets and income status for both corporate and individual tax payers.

“It will help us improve on our tax revenue collection efforts both at the federal and states level.

“The total project cost is in the sum of N710 million,” she said.

On his part, FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, said that FEC approved the award of contract for the construction of a secondary road linking the town of Dangara to Yaba within Kwali Area Council of FCT.

He said that the road was a continuation of the administration’s infrastructure development which covered the city itself and the surrounding satellite towns.

Bello said that the contract was awarded in the sum of N1.8 billion inclusive of five per cent VAT and timeline of 18 months.

The minister said that contracts were also awarded for supply of equipment and purchase of water tanker for some agencies under the FCT.

“The second projects is a project for the supply of heavy duty equipment for use by the Development Control Department of FCT under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

“These equipment are used by the Development Control to effect needed adjustments to buildings and structures that have contravened set regulations particularly the Abuja MasterPlan which we all know is something that we guard jealously.

“The contract is at the cost of N147.2 million

“The third approval was for the purchase of water tanker and water tenders-four each for the FCT Fire Service.

“It is meant to improve of the complement of equipment and facilities that they have so that they will be in a better position to react to fire incidences so that there will minimal loss of life and damage to property,” he said.

Bello said that third approval was for the sum of N725 million

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/fec-approves-n9702m-for-nigeria-customs.html

Okorocha, according to a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, gave the assurance when members of the Joint Transition Committee paid him a courtesy call on Monday, at the Government House, Owerri.

He advised the members to ensure their priority was the best interest of the state, urging them to do all that could be done to move the state forward.

The governor said that the essence of the committee was to ensure the incoming administration was well informed on the activities of the outgoing government, to guard against persons who might want to take advantage of the gap.

He said that their work would make the incoming government more grounded in taking decisions.

“Let me remind all of you seated here that you are all Imolites and the interest of Imo far outweighs that of anybody. I wish all of you well, and urge you to make sure you succeed in this process of transition.

“I do know that when there is no proper handover, accounts can miss and some property of government will be lost in the process. That shouldn’t be the case, because at the end of it, Imo will be the loser and not any individual.

“Government is a continuum, and when one stops, another takes over, and this is a very important issue we must all know,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Joint Transition Committee, Mr Mark Uchendu, said the committee had taken off smoothly.

Uchendu expressed gratitude to the governor for allowing the joint committee members to use government facilities in carrying out their assignment.

In his contribution, the co-chairman of the committee, Mr Chris Okewulonu, said their meetings so far had been fruitful, assuring the governor that the transition would be peaceful.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/gov-okorocha-promises-smooth-transition.html

The Police in Lagos said on Monday that they have rescued a two-year old baby girl kidnapped on March 24 in a Mountain of Fire Ministry Church at Agege in Lagos.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest on Monday in a statement, saying that two suspects were arrested while attempting to collect a ransom.

Elkana said that at about 8:00 a.m. on Monday, acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, Igando Police Station, CSP Taiwo Kasumu, led his plain clothed surveillance men on the trail of the suspects.

He said the suspects had abducted the baby, one Esther Ojo, two years old, from the MFM Regional Headquarters at Agege on March 24, 2019 at 12:30 p.m.

“The kidnappers, one Nwaigbo Magnus and Sixtus Osunwoke Egwim, already demanded a ransom of an undisclosed amount from the parents of the baby and the church.

“The kidnappers continued to change the venue of the collection of the ransom within the Igando axis for over four hours, until they were rounded up by the police.

“Upon interrogation, the DPO followed up on available information and the baby was recovered from a hidden den and reunited with the parents, Mr and Mrs Jame Oladipo Ojo, and other well wishers, all crying for joy,” he said.

The image maker said the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate and charge the suspects to court.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/police-rescue-kidnapped-2-year-old-baby.html

Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production says it is compelled to shut down the 97 kilometer Nembe-Bonny oil export pipeline due to discovery of additional leaks.

Mr Mathew Ndianaabasi, Spokesman for Aiteo, announced the shutdown of the facility in a statement on Monday pending the tracing and fixing of the additional leaks on the line.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the oil firm had announced the restart of oil exports from the facility on May 3 after fixing the identified leaking point.

Also, the Commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, while inspecting the vandalised line stated that six suspected vandals that breached the line on April 21 died in the fire that followed the explosion.

Ndianaabasi said that oil spill response team has been deployed to the leakage area at Awoba in Rivers to contain the oil discharged into the environment.

According to him, less than 24 hours after starting up the NCTL from repairs of identified leak points occasioned by activities of oil thieves, 2 new leak points were reported along the line near Awoba Riser Manifold.

“Our emergency response process was immediately activated, and containment boom deployed to limit oil spread on bodies of water whilst efforts to identify cause of incident and repair has been initiated.

“Consequently, all injectors have been advised in accordance with NCTL shutdown procedure to shut-in production into the NCTL immediately.

“Appropriate Oil Leakage/Spillage Notification Report will follow shortly to DPR/NOSDRA,” the spokesman said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/aiteo-shuts-down-nembe-creek-oil-export.html

President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mr Bello Shagari

( NNN) The National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has passed a vote of confidence on its president, Mr Bello Shagari, in recognition of his leadership attributes.

and called for improved autonomy for the council.

The Southeast Organising Secretary of the council, Mr Izunna Agwuncha made the disclosure in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria in Owerri on Monday.

Agwuncha said that the NEC passed the vote during its meeting in recognition of Shagari’s leadership attributes which he said had given the council a long desired facelift.

According to Agwuncha, the NEC identified Shagari’s leadership strengths to include his clear vision of the yearnings and aspirations of today’s youth, strong willpower and dogged defence of the NYCN constitution.

He said that these attributes had combined to earn the NYCN leader such awards as the Crans Montana new leaders of tomorrow 2019 award in Morocco and an award of excellence by the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development.

Others are an honorary fellowship award by the governing council of the Institute for Security and Forensic Studies, Nigeria and a recent appointment as coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council.

The NEC however, called for improved autonomy for NYCN so as to enable its helmsman administered the affairs of the council with sincerity of purpose in total compliance with the NYCN constitution.

“The NYCN president has exemplified clear vision, sincerity of purpose, willpower and ability to defend the constitution of the council.

“Little wonder he bagged the most influential young Nigerian award in 2018 and a plethora of awards and recognitions across Nigeria and beyond.

“This is why I raised a motion for a vote of confidence on him at our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday and as expected, the NEC gave it a well deserved nod in agreement.

“At the same time, we call for improved autonomy for the council so as to reduce distraction and enable our president focus on the pursuit of the general interests of the Youth in Nigeria”, he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/nycn-passes-vote-of-confidence-on.html

President Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Ben Okoli, says a Nigerian, Mr Okechukwu Henry, from Imo State, was stabbed to death by unknown South African robbers.

The NICASA president said this in a letter to the Consul-General, Nigerian Consulate Johannesburg, South Africa.

A copy of the letter was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.

Okoli said that the association was tired of sending Nigerians back home in body bags due to premeditated and organised crime against them in South Africa.

“Tragedy has struck the Nigerian community again, just after 4p.m. on Friday, May 3. Mr Okechukwu Henry was stabbed to death by unknown local South African robbers.

”The late Henry, a car dealer who specialised in used cars, lived in Middleburg Mpumalanga Province.

“Earlier before his death, some two local guys had indicated interest to buy his car – a white VW polo.

”They had negotiated the price and agreed to buy; late Henry had produced all necessary documents to seal the deal when suddenly the local buyers said they wanted to test-drive the car first before paying,” he said.

According to him, Henry obliged them but insisted he would drive along with them.

”As they drove out, he suddenly realised that they were robbers as they demanded for the key of the car.

”They attacked him and stabbed him several times, they took the keys but could not manage to drive away the car.

“Their action attracted the attention of people around and they ran away with the keys without the car,” he said.

According to him, Henry was rushed to hospital, but it appeared he had died at the scene.

He said that a case of robbery and murder had been opened by the NICASA Provincial chairman in Mpumalanga.

”Your Excellency, the attack on Nigerians has reached an alarming level and demands something urgent to be done to stem this ugly tide.

”Our nationals are under attack in South Africa. We are under attack from every angle.

He called on the Nigerian Mission to urgently intervene.

“We no longer feel safe, we have become like a trophy hunted by all.

“The Nigerian Citizens Association, South Africa, is disheartened by the frequent repatriation of the remains of our dear citizens,” he said.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/another-nigerian-stabbed-to-death-in.html

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said that press freedom in the country is not negotiable in spite all the direct violence and other challenges facing journalists.

Dogara said this on Saturday at a two-day conference organised by the Premuim Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, to mark the Press Freedom Day in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is: “Press Freedom in Nigeria – Violent Extremism, Rule of Law and the Media.’’

The conference was organised with the support of the British Council and the European Union (EU).

Dogara also described those who attacked the media through fake news as the “enemies of the people’’.

He said that they were bent on eroding the credibility of the press, saying they were as dangerous as those perpetrating violence against journalists.

The Speqker pledged the support of the parliament to the Nigerian press in its efforts to uphold fairness, objectivity and truth.

“As legislators, we will always stand up and speak out for pressmen and media outfits that uphold the ethics of fairness, objectivity, truthfulness and patriotism in their practice.

`I hope the 9th Assembly will dedicate itself to enacting enabling laws that will prioritise the protection and welfare of journalists to enable them do their work democratically.

“The theme of this year’s celebration is most apt as Nigeria now faces one of the worst periods of insecurity manifesting in violent extremism, rampant cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling.

“The media must constantly balance the need to inform the citizens with their equally weighty responsibility to ensure that their reports do not contribute to exacerbating an already dangerously tense and fragile situation.

“In all nations of the world, the citizens appreciate the role of the press to inform, educate and entertain as well promote accountability of the government to the people,’’ the lawmaker sai.

In his accessment of the relationship between government and the press in Nigeria under the present dispensation, he described it as banal.

“We are all witnesses to recurring examples of coercion, threats, brutality, arrests, incarceration and media shut down perpetrated by the state against journalists and their establishments.

“Instances of these draconian measures adopted by state actors abound during the recent elections held in parts of the country and the general elections,’’ he said.

Dogara, however, said that the organised press media in Nigeria had largely acquitted itself creditably, saying it had waged many memorable campaigns against tyranny and corruption.

“Our media practitioners definitely deserve some applause.

“But we will do better, if we never stop documenting and exposing all cases of oppression of journalist by enemies of open society who masquerade as democrats.

“If we never cease to demand that those in power must halt efforts to curtail press freedom and freedom of expression and above all, continue with courage to bring the laws and hold those in power to account,” Dogara stressed.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/press-freedom-not-negotiable-in-nigeria.html

A Muslim group in Ebonyi, the Da’wah and Guidance Bureau of Nigeria (DGBN) has commended the Federal Government’s intervention in securing the release of Zainab Aliyu from detention in Saudi Arabia.

The group gave the commendation in a statement by its chairman, Dr Haroun Aja in Abakaliki on Saturday.

Aja commended the role played by President Muhammadu Buhariin ensuring quick and unconditional release of Aliyu who was detained for alleged trafficking in hard drug; an offence which carries death sentence in the Kingdom.

In the statement titled, ‘RE: Release of Zainab Habib Aliyu from the Kingdom of Saudi detention to the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia’, he joined other Nigerians to commend the Nigerian leader for the prompt intervention.

“The Da’wah and Guidance Bureau of Nigeria(DGBN) hereby commends and congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari for successful diplomatic intervention that secured the release of Miss Zainab Aliyu from Saudi detention.

“We join millions of well meaning Nigerians and other Muslim groups to commend our president and the Federal Government for ensuring that Aliyu regained her freedom.

“We commend the action and efforts of all the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities that led to Zainab’s release on Tuesday, April 30.

“Once again, congratulations to the government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the achievement in this highly sensitive and delicate issue.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/muslim-group-lauds-fgs-intervention-on.html

A media expert, Mr Dan Agbese, on Saturday charged the Nigerian media to tackle national issues boldly by speaking truth to power, to bring the about desired changes.

Agbese, who was Chairman at the 2019 Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos, however, noted that the Nigerian media was struggling for survival and urged all hands to be on deck to rescue it.

He said that the media landscape in the country has been struggling for survival and that with dwindling revenues, the media industry must review its strategies to remain afloat, and stressed the need for collaboration between the various media organisations.

Agbese, therefore, called on media professionals to be modest and humble but to speak truth to those in power.

“It is wiser for us to cooperate so that they can continue to survive for now,’’ he said, urging that they should endeavour to rise to the various challenges confronting the nation, so as to bring about the desired revolution.

“We must begin to do much more. We must start by speaking truth to power,’’ Agbese said.

He lamented worsening security problems in the nation and called on Federal and State Governments whose responsibility it is to tackle the issue to rise up to the challenge.

Agbese also lamented the rising unemployment rate in the country which he warned media stakeholders to guard against by evolving new strategies for the survival of the industry.

In a message, the IGP, Adamu Mohammed, said that the Police authority was doing its best to combat insecurity in the country.

Mohammed, who was represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, called for the support of all Nigerians to root out banditry, terrorism and all forms of criminality in the nation.

Earlier in her speech, the NGE president, Mrs Funke Egbemode, promised to create more interactive platforms to improve on communication and feedback between the Guild and its members.

She commended the efforts of past leaders of the guild and reeled successes recorded by her administration in the last two years, which she said included improvements in facilities, as well as the guild’s assets.

Egbemode said that the union had commenced the construction of a N500 million commercial plaza expected to serve as space for Abuja Editors and rental accommodation for some businesses.

“This current Exco inherited N50 million from the Femi Adesina administration and has grown it, as at Dec. 2018, to N59m,’’ she said.

Over 300 editors are attending the guild’s two-day 2019 Biennial Convention which is expected to elect new officers for another two-year tenure.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/05/agbese-tasks-media-on-industry-survival.html

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, has accused the National Assembly of towing with the nation’s security.

While appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily in Lagos, Falana faulted the lawmakers for not creating state police.

“With profound respect, the members of the National Assembly are toying with the security of our country.

“How can the Senate in this stage and time be passing resolution asking for state police? Or the House of Representatives requesting the President to come and address the members of the National Assembly on the security situation in the country,” he stated.

Falana’s statement follows a series of attacks and security threats in several parts of the country, notably bandits in some northwestern states and kidnapping for ransom.

The learned lawyer, however, believes that the creation of state police would help address the numerous threats considering the shortage of police personnel for the teeming Nigerians.

“Why have they (the lawmakers) not moved the motion for the creation of state police?” he asked.

While lamenting the spate of attacks, Falana recalled that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was empowered by the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration to bear arms in addressing security challenges then.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/national-assembly-is-toying-with.html

Spanish soccer legend, Carles Puyol will arrive Nigeria on a three-day visit from today, April 16, to Thursday, April 18. The ex-Barcelona captain is on an invitation from Heineken to lead the UEFA Champions League Tour connecting with customers and football lovers along the way. Puyol will be in Uyo for a consumer event and Heineken®’s Unmissable Match, as he will be playing as Captain of the Chairman Team alongside ex-Nigerian internationals, current NPFL wavemakers, Akwa United players and select consumers against a Shine Shine Bobo Team led by Nigerian football legend, Jay Jay Okocha. The 17th and 18th of April will however see the football superstar in Lagos for a tour as well as other planned encounters by Heineken®.

https://leadership.ng/2019/04/16/puyol-arrives-nigeria-today-on-3-day-tour/

A Non Governmental Organization known as ‘Women Coalition for Sustainable Peace and Viable Democratic gains’ in Bauchi state have threatened to embark on hunger strike if President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and National Chairman of the All Progressive congress (APC) interfere in the governorship legal tussle to influence tribunal in favour of the outgoing governor Mohammed Abubakar who filed a suit challenging the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate Bala Mohammed in the recent election.


The women flanked by their children stated this when they offered a special prayers in eid praying ground located at cattle market in Bauchi on Monday.


It would be recalled that Abubakar has recently claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari, vice president Yemi Osinbajo and APC national chairman Adams Oshiomhole asked him to go to court to challenge PDP’s victory.


But the women insisted that electorates in Bauchi have made their choice by voting Bala Mohammed saying their wishes should be respected.

Spokesperson of the coalition Fatima U Muhammad said “We want to embark on hunger strike if president Buhari, vice president Yemi Osinbajo and comrade Adams Oshiomole and their lieutenants did not remove their hands from enforcing the leader rejected by Bauchi people upon them, they should not do anything that will disrupt the peace enjoyed in Bauchi.

“We are not mindful that going to court is Governor Abubakar constitutional right but for him to say he has conceded defeat because he believe its Allah who gives power to whom he wishes and then at the same time he reversed himself and claimed that it was Buhari , Osinbajo and Oshiomole that asked him to go to court they even hired for Senior advocates for him this is a clear sign of conspiracy to ensure injustice against the Peace loving People of the State which we will not succumb to that ill conspiracy.”

She said they organized the special prayers to seek for Allah’s blessings and to seek for Allah’s help from the actions and in actions of the State outgoing Governor Abubakar who lost the last governorship effort to cause confusion in the State using the name of President Buhari directing him to challenges the choice of Bauchi people at the election petition tribunal.


Malama Salamatu bappa said Women and children and the entire state suffered the last four years spent by Governor Abubakar as Governor of Bauchi , because the state was governed in a process that is devoid of ideology, the Governor didn’t pay back the electorates that voted for him in to power in 2015, He did a great disservice to the people of the state by his refusal to execute meaningful projects or services that will improve the living standard of Bauchi people .

She said electorates in the state decided not to allow a repeat of another wasteful four years by Governor Abubakar, and the only way to do it is to use their voters card and voted what they called a failure government out of the Government House.


In their separates remarks Mallama Fatima Bala Muhammad and Maryam Aminu and Mohammed Bala pray to Allah to bring sustainable peace in the state and explained that Bauchi People decides through the ballot box never again to leave the destiny of their State in the hands of those who lack the vision, the motivation, and the capacity to drive the change the people of the state desperately need.

They also said “we have changed the leadership of our State. we need a leadership that would ensure justice and fair distribution of state resources and channeled it to the development of the State.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/women-threaten-hunger-strike-if-buhari.html

As part of effort to hold elected officers accountable on their
campaign promises, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Partnership To Engage, Reform and Learn-Engage Citizens Pillar PERL-ECP has engaged representatives of 24 constituencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and media platforms to brainstorm them on strengthening service delivery in Yobe state.

Declaring the workshop open on Monday, the PERL-ECP Northeast Team Leader, represented by Yobe Partnership Facilitator, Musa Waziri, said the workshop was to strengthen service delivery through facilitating effective linkages, documentation and follow up citizen’s charter to demand in the state.

The Lead Facilitator of the workshop, Dr. Uzochukwu Amakon from University of Nigeria, Enugu, said for any government to succeeds, it must give recognition to public participation and interest.

“Every good budget must have key information such as call circular, MTSS and MTEF, State budget draft estimates and state budget estimates. Others are state citizen’s budget, State Auditor and Accountant General reports, Public Account Committee report among others.”

He, further said public must hold elected officers accountable to
improve quality design, and the need for systematic and practical
approach noting that, participation of every citizen in budget process is a right.

Zara A. Lawan and Yusuf Aliyu who were participants at the workshop, said they have learnt new ways of engaging government officials especially, the misconception of virement which government transfer funds from one ministry to the other which is constitutionally wrong.

https://www.akelicious.net/2019/04/ngo-trains-40-constituency-reps-cso.html