₦airaland Forum

By Yemi Itodo

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has threatened to expose more corrupt practices at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

This was, even as, the students' apex body in Nigeria has also called on President Muhammad Buhari, to stand on his ground and ensure the forensic audit of the Commission was not sabotaged.

Global President of NANS, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed the resolve of Nigerian students to embark on mass action, should anyone or group of persons attempt to disrupt the forensic audit.

"Forensic audit is not negotiable, any attempt by person or group of persons whose sharp practices in the commission is to frustrate the ongoing forensic audit will be met by mass action of Nigerian Students", Akpan said.

He stressed that, the outcome of the forensic audit would bring an end to the days of perpetual corruption in the commission and thereafter making the funds serve the people of the region.

Former Ag. Managing Director (MD) of the Commission, Ms. Joy Nunieh, has also made some allegations against the overseeing Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

But the NANS President, in his statement, lambasted Ms. Nunieh, describing her actions as conniving with enemies of Niger Delta, to perpetually keep the region in a state of underdevelopment.

Akpan said, the bold move by Senator Akpabio "has become a consistent threat of business extinction to those who have, over the years, made brisk business portfolio from the contracts of NDDC. This will no doubt generate mud and dust from the perpetrators which the honourable Minister and those tasked by Mr. President must be prepared for".

He said the student body was alarmed at the latest twist and outburst from Ms. Nunieh, wondering "why all these allegations and drama she is acting were not staged when she was in office as the Acting MD of the Commission".

Akpan stressed that, Ms. Nuneih's "attack on the personality of Senator Godswill Akpabio is seen as designed in connivance with the distractors who she originally called detractors while she served as acting MD.

"The same people who were hell bent on pulling down the promoters of the forensic audit from the inception have become frightened by the commitment and resolve to push on the assignment to fruition as directed by Mr. President. Ms. Nunieh has suddenly become friend with them and now their main character in the script.

"The person of Senator Godswill Akpabio who from our assessment is upright and has contributed immensely to development of democracy in Nigeria, as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the developmental projects he executed and his nationalistic attributes are testimonial", he added.

Akpan described as false, the allegation of diversion of scholarship fund, stressing that it was the current management of NDDC that harkened to the cry of Nigerian students who study abroad and were stranded for years, for lack of funds.

"As stakeholders in the Niger Delta, our frustration is that our students that have been stranded overseas just because of the commission's failure to pay their school fees that were duly budgeted for in the commission budget since 2016 which was only rescued through the intervention of the present IMC under Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei. The same Miss Nunieh has ignored the appeal of students and left them to suffer until Prof. Pondei came in.

"We are aware of the courageous efforts by Dr. Cairo Ojuigbo, the Executive Director Project as the only member of the IMC who prioritized the payment and visitation of Nigerian Students under the Commission's scholarship scheme. As a peace mechanism, he began the processes of mediation to assuage the feelings of abandonment of the best brains in the region sent on foreign scholarships.

"As an organization, we are aware he personally facilitated the payment of outstanding school fees that kept our students stranded in various countries and offered to attend some of the graduation ceremonies", Comrade Akpan submitted.

By Yemi Itodo

A group of civil society organisation, Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights, (PAIR), has expressed concern over what it described as a 'show of shame' by some ex-officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), over their 'wild allegations'.

The group at a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, voiced its opposition to the style adopted by a former Managing Director (MD) of the Commission, Ms. Joi Nuneih, describing it as overly dramatic and staged managed.

In the briefing, Iriogbe Emmanuel, Coordinator of the group and James Okoronkwo, National Secretary, called on the House of Representatives and Ms. Nuneih to allow the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari, rather than engaging in media trial.

According to the duo, Ms. Nuneih has weaponised ‘kidnap and sexual harassment’ in order to score some political mileage, which the PAIR described as unfortunate.

"We have since observed the unfortunate drama playing out in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and wish to state that facts have become obscured as the dramatic and playing to the gallery has taken centre stage.

"If those, especially Ms. Joy Nuneih, a former Managing Director of the NDDC, were out to expose corruption as has been alleged by them, then this unnecessary orchestrated drama would not be part of the 'fact finding' by the House of Reps.

"It is regrettable that those who parade themselves as saints are in themselves mired deep in rot, therefore, the determination to smear others with mud", the group stated.

The group alarmed that, "in all of the shouting, puffing and huffing, Ms. Nuneih is yet to tender any document to the House of Reps", adding that the House Committee itself was not clean in its conduct.

"While it is not cast in stone that some things may have gone wrong, Ms. Nuneih and her co-travellers should allow the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari go on. It is only proper that any grievances and allegations of wrong doing should be channeled to the audit panel and not the red herring all over the place", the group added.

The group submitted that the new management of NDDC, the Interim Management Committee and Minister of the Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio, should be allowed "some breathing space, to reposition a terribly battered commission".

By Oriri Peter

The Managing Director and Chief Executive (MD/CE) of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr Abba Bello have debunked the recent N50 Billion fraud allegation that has been circulating in the social media.

This was done through a Press Release signed by the Head Strategy & Corporate Communications, Mr. Tayo Omidiji on Tuesday 14th July, 2020.

According to the statement, “Most recently, a report has been trending on the social media claiming that a petition has been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for a probe of the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NEXIM Bank, Mr Abba Bello, over alleged corruption and mismanagement of the N50bn Rediscounting and Refinancing Facility (RRF), provided by the Federal Government.”

It further stated that the petition was filled by a faceless organization, named Citizens Committee for Corruption Free Nigeria (CCCN) and all attempt to track the organization through its unverifiable address proved abortive.

“The said petition was attributed to a faceless organisation identified as Citizens Committee for Corruption Free Nigeria (CCCN), whose address cannot be verified.
Given that the identity of the so-called CCCN cannot be ascertained, the initial reaction of the Bank was not to respond to the malicious lies, amounting to an unpatriotic act of disservice to the Bank and to the country at large.”

The Press Release further explained the activities of the bank and its current MD/CE to right the wrongs that have been registered in the minds of Nigerians and its stakeholders.

“However, since the perpetrators of the campaign of calumny appear to be relentless, the Bank has found it necessary to put the records straight and allay the concerns of our numerous stakeholders.
The current management of the Bank, led by Mr Abba Bello, resumed office in April 2017 to replace the erstwhile management, which was removed by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, over issues relating to gross incompetence, which had made the Bank almost insolvent, with huge non-performing loans, exacerbated by reckless abuse of process, insider related loans and lack of professionalism in loans administration, amongst other issues.”

“The immediate focus of the Bello-led executive management, therefore, was to retool the Bank and return the institution to its pride of place.
It is pertinent to note that three years after, the fortunes of the Bank have remarkably improved, with profits of N2.03bn achieved in 2019 and 1.09bn in 2018. This was against a loss of N569 million in 2017 and a much bigger loss of N8.03bn in 2016, which explains why the previous management could not produce an approved financial statement for three years, 2014 to 2016.
The N50bn, which was wrongly referred to as RRF is the Export Development Fund (EDF) released to the new management of the Bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to support export-oriented projects towards achieving the Zero Oil Plan of the Federal Government.”

“Following the release of the fund in February 2018, a total of 62 projects have been supported with a total amount of N52.9bn disbursed. The projects supported are reputable exporting companies with verifiable track records and many of them ranking highly on the list of Top 100 Exporters published quarterly by the CBN.”

“The loans granted are adequately secured, mostly with bank guarantees, and are all performing, with export proceeds received from 2019 to date amounting to $90.1 million and €80,000, translating to N34.8billion, from projects that have so far repatriated their revenues. In addition, an estimated 8,062 jobs have been created and/or sustained as a result of the intervention.
In the light of the foregoing, it is clear that some unscrupulous people are not happy with the current progress of the Bank and would rather prefer the status quo before the appointment of the new management to continue. Moreover, such individuals may not be happy with the spirited efforts of the Bank to recover the huge amount of bad loans which were booked by the previous management, a large proportion of which was insider related.”

The bank has called on the general public to ignore any report that speaks contrary to the above statement.

It is important to note that the bank is still focused despite the recent uprising and has recommitted to continue working hard to achieve its set goal which is to keep broadening Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings by funding credible export-oriented businesses in the non-oil sectors and by so doing, positioning Nigeria’s economy for growth.

Renowned for championing the cause of transparency and accountability in public service, the Citizens Committee for corruption-free Nigeria (CCCN) has tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe into the allegations of corruption, ineptitude, abuse of office and financial recklessness it has leveled against Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, the Managing Director of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).

In a petition addressed to the Chairman of the anti-graft agency and signed by the Director of Anti-Corruption Unit of the CCCN, Bagudu Mohammed, the group fingered Bello for corporate fraud concerning the 50 Billion Naira rediscounting and refinancing facility provided by the Federal Government by approving loans for himself and other top management members of the bank through the use of proxy companies and depositing part of it in fixed deposit accounts and sharing on monthly basis, interest accruing therefrom.

The petition similarly described as fraudulent, Bello's claim to have disbursed 22 Billion Naira as loans from the 500 Billion Naira stimulation facility domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria saying it was disbursed with the sole intent of receiving kickbacks.

Determined to sustain its anti-corruption Crusade especially against public office holders, the CCCN further accused Bello of skyrocketing the loan approval limit for the MD of NEXIM Bank and two other Executive Directors from One Hundred Million Naira (N100M) to Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250M) indicating an increase of one hundred and fifty percent (150%) so as to fraudulently amass to himself and his conspirators, large sums of public funds for unjustifiable reasons in the disguise of loan disbursement.

The petition has similarly questioned the leadership credibility of the NEXIM Bank Boss whose work experience has largely been tied to banking and not development financing while lamenting further that non of the Executive Directors have got basic knowledge of banking which have monumentally contributed to the Bank's current inability to manage liabilities and undertake projects of economic significance as it used to be the case.

Under the management hands of Abubakar Abba Bello, the petitioners said the international trade bank has lost its glorious reputation due to gross ineptitude and an insatiable desire for corporate fraud and corruption and have called on the EFCC to recover the illegally shared funds as well as those in fixed accounts with the interests accruing on them, while also undertaking a probe into beneficiary companies of the bank and the shadow directors behind them. The petitioners were bold to finally call for the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the NEXIM Bank MD and his cohorts.

By Yemi Itodo

The House of Representatives has described as "fake news" and "gross misinformation", the reports that over 50 Lawmakers tested positive to CoronaVirus.

Some online Media publication had alarmed on Tuesday with the headline, 'Panic at National Assembly As Over 50 Lawmakers Allegedly Test Positive For COVID-19', the publication which had already caused great panic at the National Assembly complex.

But the Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, in a statement Wednesday morning, said there was no time about 50 Members of the National Assembly tested positive to COVID-19, urging the public to disregard the news.

"Members of the National Assembly could fall prey to Covid-19, just like any other person. It is therefore, unconscionable to attempt to weaponize this against the institution especially when the source of such strange information is a phantom", Hon. Kalu said.

He stressed that, it was necessary to prevent undue panic in the society "because the abovementioned publication could not be further from the truth.

"We wish to state that there has not been any panic at the National Assembly as alleged in the publication, and that to the best of our knowledge, it is absolutely untrue that 50 lawmakers tested positive to Covid-19.

"The House is certain that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidential Task Force remain the most credible sources of data with regards to this pandemic and should be referred to for fact verification before misinforming the public".

The Spokesman stated that, "the scourge of Covid-19 has impacted all countries of the world, including every state, community and individual without exception. However, it is but a sickness and not a criminal sentence on infected people.

"Therefore, it should not be an offence to be sick or a crime to be infected, and people who have passed through infection or recovery should not be stigmatized for nobody knows whose turn it will be tomorrow.

"The National Assembly and our leadership have been at the fore of the battle to reduce the impact of this pandemic on the people of Nigeria. At the battlefront, occasional casualties are inevitable, especially when the warriors are not super human".

While cautioning Journalists to always crosscheck their facts before going to the press, Rep. Kalu reiterated that, though "the House of Representatives still works 5 days a week at committee level, it has been sitting only once a week since the pandemic broke".

He clarified that Tuesday’s adjournment until next week was consistent with its Covid-19 safety precaution and has nothing to do with the reported panic within the National Assembly complex.

As a stepping stone to strengthen the capacity of the State Health care delivery systems, Hon. Jafar Muhammad the Honourable Minister of Health Kebbi State alongside Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko the Director of Medical Services Kebbi State Ministry of Health paid a courtesy visit to the National Hospital Abuja on 23rd June 2020.

Hon. Jafar said to update health educational development in the State, there is a need to find a way, to work together formally by signing an MOU with the National Hospital to bridge the gaps in the State’s Health sector.

Dr. Jaf Momoh the Chief Medical Director CMD National Hospital acknowledged the presence of the visiting team. He said that the team mission is a welcome development to already existing mutual relationship between the Governor and Wife of the Governor of Kebbi State.

He enumerated various career development programmes that the State Government can key in within priority areas such as: Post Graduate trauma Training, Oncology Nursing, Neprology Nursing and other Residency programmes.
Already, an informal and cordial relationship exists with the state as 4 intensive care nurses were trained as an emergency preparatory measure at the peak of Covid 19 crisis.
Dr. Aisha Umar Director Medical & Clinical Services CMAC who proceeded to take the team round.

The CMAC led the team to the Trauma centre. The Kebbi State team met with the various Heads of units at the trauma conference room who gave brief overview of their units and the training programmes both short and long-term undergone in the prestigious institution.

Dr. Shehu Bello Koko emphasised the Governor’s need to strengthen the health care delivery system in the State by improving human capacity. He commended the management for the impactful training given to the nurses sent during the covid 19 situation.


The Unit Heads gave a brief course breakdown:

1. Nursing Unit runs a yearly post basic nursing school. (Umar Aliyu – Heads of Nursing Trauma.)

2. The Anesthetics Unit train post graduate doctors and Anesthetic technicians trained and retained in the hospital. Hands on training in Intensive care.
(Dr. Osazuwa – Heads of Anesthesia)

3. The Peadiatrics and Neonatal Unit carries out a hands on practical exposure training for nurses and short posting for doctors
(Dr. Mairami – Heads of Peadiatrics)

4. The health records unit runs an ICT health record keeping to enhance quality data collection.
(Mr. Razak Adiyu – Heads of Medical Health Records)

5. The unit runs a functional dialysis Centre to treat kidney diseases either renal dialysis, transplant and other mode of treatment for patients. Nurses are trained on short courses afterwards go on full term courses. The have a robust unit to send medical officers for training.
(Dr. Galadanci – Heads of Internal Medicine.)

6.Dr. Kamaldeen Jimoh, a Consultant Radiologist also reiterated the need to have a second phase ( after 2years) of radiology training for medical officers across the state.

At the end of the briefs, both team agreed to having a brochure listing courses offered, the duration and requisite criterion whilst the other party ensured to draft an MOU capturing all facets of the Hospital programmes.

A few pictures were taken as Dr. Aisha Umar led the entire team on a tour to the Trauma ICU, Bronx Unit, Theatres, Wards and Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit.

Source: PARTNERSHIP: National Hospital Abuja & Kebbi State Government To Enhance Health Care Delivery

https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/07/07/partnership-national-hospital-abuja-kebbi-state-government-to-enhance-health-care-delivery/

An Abuja based Security Strategist and Management Consultant Mr. Stephen Obochi Okwori has critically stated the way forward to security challenges affecting the Nation

Mr. Okwori in his article noted that Nigeria is the most populous African country. Its multiple security challenges, for instance, the nefarious activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist groups, kidnapping, and banditry have created so many crises and as a result, have spread to other neighboring African countries.

Before now, Nigeria has been grappling with some internal security challenges, but the advent and actions of these terrorist groups, armed bandits and kidnappers have destabilized and destroyed the Northern part of Nigeria, specifically the North-East and North-West.

The sad and very unfortunate thing is that these terrorist groups and armed bandits have killed tens of thousands of people including security personnel, and have caused millions of people to have fled their homes and towns and even become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their own country as a result of their flagrantly wicked activities. The direct consequence of these challenges is that the North-East and North-West regions have been plunged into a severe humanitarian crisis, which has left millions of people in dire need of humanitarian aid.


Although military forces and other security agencies have been trying to tackle this over a decade-long Islamist insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West, despite all their efforts, the heinous activities of these terrorist groups and armed bandits kept resurfacing.

These challenges have been persistent and I think the security forces have run out of strategies, ideas, and tactics to combat the menace. From all indications, it is obvious that the social contract the government went into with its citizens to protect their lives and property have failed, and as it stands, there is a trust deficit in the people towards the government concerning promises they have made to protect them.

Also, another major concern is the Sambisa Games Reserve popularly known as the Zambia forest and the Mandara Mountains that harbor these Islamist insurgents. The forest covers approximately 60,000 square kilometers, stretching across six states in the North-East from Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa states and right up to some parts of Kano. The forest means nothing to Nigerians anymore, it has been a stronghold for the terrorist because that is where they have their camps; and it signifies terror. Insurgents always run back into the samba forest or Mandara mountains anytime they strike and finish their slaughtering, killings, bombings, or kidnapping of harmless and innocent citizens.

Another bothering issue is the kidnapping of persons by armed bandits and Islamist sect at random, it has assumed a national problem and a very worrying concern for Nigerians and Nigeria; this has produced psychological, sociological and financial impacts on the lives of victims and their family members.

This menace in Nigeria has become a very lucrative business that kidnappers collect as high as =N=100 million to =N=150 million as ransom, then as low as =N=50,000 depending on the strength and capacity of the victim(s). These kidnappers most times succeed in keeping their victims as long as the negotiation lasts, communicate with the victim’s family via mobile phones and they get away without being caught by security agents because the phone lines they use most times are not tracked.

These are some of the grave and unfortunate examples of the insecurity issues that the “Giant of Africa” will need to overcome to achieve its true potentials.

But unfortunately, we cannot keep doing things the same way and expect a different result.

Therefore, there is need for a paradigm shift from the current technologies that are in use, the strategies, tactics, and approaches that are in place to more improved and sophisticated technology, new strategies, ideas to be able to combat these menace causing us catastrophe in human and material resources.

From all indications, these security challenges need to be promptly nipped in the bud before it gets worse than what we are experiencing today, though some people may argue that the situation has already gotten out of hand.

Therefore, since security is everybody’s business, I would implore security professionals and organizations to come up with new strategies, ideas, approaches, and more sophisticated technology to help Nigeria security forces in the area of surveillance and assist them to have access to these ungoverned spaces and mountainous areas where these miscreants hibernate and use as camps or hideouts to perpetrate crime.

And I enjoin Nigeria security agencies to be open and welcome genuine security solutions from any professional or organization that could be of assistance in the fight against these security challenges because it has become obvious they cannot do it all alone.



(Stephen Obochi Okwori, an Abuja based Security Strategist and Management Consultant could be reached through www.sticmirac.com.ng).

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has charged the Dukku Barracks community to be wary of COVID – 19 pandemic, just as he intimated that the disease is real.

The governor gave the charge at 1 Battalion, Dukku Barracks, Birnin Kebbi, after observing the two rakaats Jumuat prayers, Friday.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, YAHAYA Sarki, he reminded worshippers in the Mosque that Coronavirus was still around and that the pandemic is still paralyzing social and economic activities globally.


Read Also: Road Projects: Gov. Bagudu Applauds Minister of Works

The governor cautioned that there was the need to continue to observe all the precautionary measures, to stop its futher spread.

He averred: ” That is why, any time, if I have the opportunity like this, I must implore the people to take measures against the pandemic.

“” The pandemic is not peculiar to Nigeria alone , it is prevalent all over the world.


” As i am talking to you now, nobody is sure whether the holy pilgrimage to Mecca will hold or not this year and schools have been closed, ” he said.

Bagudu further charged the community to continue to observe basic precautionary measures against Covid- 19, such as, hand washing, use of face masks and social distancing, among others .

He prayed and commended security operatives, especially the soldiers who put their lives on line, to bring to an end, the recurring security challenges facing the country.

The governor also extolled the existing cordial relationship between the civilians and the soldiers, as well as between Muslims and Christians in the state.

Earlier , the Chief Imam of the Dukku Barracks Mosque, Captain TK Hamisu, offered his sermon on the increasing cases of rape in the society.

He warned the perpetrators of the act to fear Allah, desist and repent, because, “the day of reckoning will come.”

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/22/coronavirus-gov-bagudu-charges-dukku-community-to-be-wary-of-its-spread/


Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/22/coronavirus-gov-bagudu-charges-dukku-community-to-be-wary-of-its-spread/

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has applauded Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola when he paid him a working visit on Tuesday in Abuja.

The governor said the visit was to thank the Minister for the progress of work on some Federal roads in Kebbi State.

It was also to explore how the state government can further hasten the progression of the crucial road projects, especially, the Koko -Yauri Road, and Gadar Zaima- Zuru -Gamji Road.

Governor Bagudu urged the Federal Government to award the Koko – Dabai Road, Kamba- Peka Road

He also requested a Federal Secretariat office in the state, which Kebbi being one of the few states in Nigeria without one.

In addition, the Kebbi state leader sought for the refund of state funds already spent on some Federal Roads.

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/18/road-projects-gov-bagudu-applauds-minister-of-works/

By Yemi Itodo

No fewer than 40 civil society groups, on Tuesday, shutdown Otukpo, Benue State in an awareness rally to end the scourge of RAPE in the community.

The group, which staged a peaceful protest under the aegis of Benue Coalition Against Rape, (BeCare), lamented that the area had recorded 8 new rape cases in the last one week, describing the development as worrisome.

Convener of the coalition, Prince Yemi Itodo, while addressing the gathering said the match was to create awareness about the dangers of rape and the need to put an end to the menace.

“This rally is aimed at speaking to the conscience of those who take pleasure in raping our women and to tell them its time to turn a new leaf.

"In the last one week, about 8 helpless girls were raped across various local government areas in Benue South, with only 3 suspects in police net", Itodo lamented.

He specifically mentioned the case of Ene and Dorcas in Otukpo; Maria and one other victim in Okpokwu and little girl that was raped inside the church in Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA, calling on the security agents to bring the suspects to book.

On her part, the Managing Director of Joy FM Otukpo Amb. Christabel Iyanya said the psychological trauma victims of rape go through should be enough reasons to end the menace.

“Just imagine the short and long term effect of the trauma, and trying to get them out of the trauma is always a big challenge.

“We want to appeal to mothers, please bring up your children in the fear of God and when they grow up they will not depart from it. That is the easiest way to permanently address the menace,” she said.

Founder of Restorer of Paths Care Foundation, and caregiver of a deceased rape victim, the late Ochanya Ogbanje, Evangelist Enuwa Soo decried the rising cases of rape in the Benue south district stressing that the protest would help create awareness about the dangers of rape in the district.

The protesters who bore placards with inscriptions such as, “we want strict law against rape”, “say no to rape”, “all rapists must face the law”, "justice for rape victims in Benue", etc, were mainly women, girls and boys, representing various organizations, including People Living with Disabilities (PWDs).

One of the PWDs, Mary Ejeh, who spoke to journalists, said they were the worst hit of rape, adding that, herself and others have been sexually molested by some male in the society.

The group matched through the town to the Otukpo Area Police Command; the Och’Idoma Square; Otukpo local government council secretariat and the palace of the first class chief, Otukpo/Ohimini; where everyone condemned the act and invoked the spirit of ALEKWU (gods of Idoma land) on perpetrators of RAPE.

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, First Lady of Kebbi State, has expressed support and commitment to the cause of ending rape and gender based violence in the State.

In a statement signed by it's head of communications, Muhammad Mikail, Dr Shinkafi Bagudu gave the assurance while participating in a Webinar titled “Mobilizing Actions against Rape and Sexual Abuse”.

The webinar which was organized by Women’s Right Civil Society Organizations in partnership with Actionaid, Nigeria and Canada brought together participants from different sectors to share experiences, assess the current situation and to create a roadmap towards ending rape and gender based violence in Kebbi State. “There’s fantastic representation from religious, civil, legal and political strata, this is exactly the platform to push for such a cause and I’m fully in support. There’s no better time than now”.


Dr Shinkafi Bagudu also assured the stakeholders of His Excellency, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu’s readiness to support the cause through signing and implementation of relevant laws. “The VAPP act was the last act passed during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan and it came through concerted efforts and support from H.E Senator Atiku while he was a legislator. For someone with such passion and commitment, I’m sure it’ll be domesticated in our dear State”. She said.

Niri Gorit, Coordinator of Actionaid Nigeria conveyed the readiness of her organization to support an end to rape and gender based violence in Kebbi State. “Kebbi state is one of the States that have been chosen by Actionaid Nigeria and Canada to strengthen the capacity of women’s right. These issues of rape and gender based violence are everywhere, not just in Edo State in the case of Uwa or Ibadan.

So far 11 states have domesticated the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act alongside the child rights act. The VAPP bill has passed second reading in Bauchi State with a push for its domestication in Edo State”. She further called for appropriate justice for perpetrators of rape and GBV. “When justice is served a perpetrator it serves as deterrent to those who might want to commit the same heinous crime. We want to see a committee set up on sexual and gender based violence with the key players in the State”

Hajia Rahmatu Gulma, Commissioner for Justice Kebbi State, shared key reforms the State has recorded and efforts made to create safe spaces and ensure access to healthcare by victims of GBV; “Here in Kebbi state we have reviewed our laws, section 259 of the penal code, prescribes life imprisonment. We have also come up with this bill that has taken care of the procedure for taking care of victims of rape particularly children, physically and mentally challenged children. Once a victim is taken to your hospital the doctor is duty bound to treat and report to the police, failure to do this the doctor is fined N500, 0000, the police also must take this up immediately”.

In the same vein, Dr. Aisha Nana Adamu, a public health practitioner who shared the traumatic experiences victims of rape and gender based violence go through, hoped for the creation of safer environments for victims of GBV. “One of the difficult tasks of my profession is attending to victims of sexual assault. When it happens to minors, parents are reluctant to bring the children to the hospital sometimes and also the girls themselves. Many of the cases of sexual assault we see are relatives or friends of the relatives. It will be nice to create an environment where victims and their families can feel supported, access healthcare and to report in a timely manner”.



Dr Fatima Adamu “Tallafin Mata” while berating the high cost of marriages particularly in the northern region these days opined that marriages should be made less expensive to encourage intending men and women get married. Dr Adamu who moderated the session called for total reorientation of our family values such that women and girls are educated, economically empowered and taught independence and our boys are taught to respect and protect the women folk.

In bringing the session to a close, Dr Shinkafi Bagudu emphasized the need to take the advocacy beyond social and mainstream media; into the interiors of the most remote communities in the State. “Social orientation messages have to get to the grass root, traditional and religious leaders need to get to the core of this issue. Progressives and conservatives must find a middle ground to work together, tell them it is a punishable crime to have carnal knowledge of a 5 year old or to marry a 10 year old”. The Child health specialist thanked Kebbi State Ministry of Justice for the legal reforms they have been championing and also thanked various participants, CSOs; FIDA, Actionaid, NUJ, Traditional Council and religious clerics for lending their voices to such a noble cause.

By Yemi Itodo

As the global pandemic called Corona Virus continues to ravage the earth, Nigeria's iconic musician, Chief Bongos Ikwue, has called on Nigerian and world leaders to find the way to appease the earth.

Chief Ikwue gave the message at the weekend, to commemorate his 78th birthday anniversary, which was held at low key in Otukpo, Benue state.

In an open letter titled 'COVID-19: Now the Earth is crying, we have to listen', the music legend, like a Prophet, foretold that the only solution to the global scourge was for the government and privileged individuals to share what they have got with the less privileged in the society.

Read the full text here:

COVID 19: NOW THE EARTH IS CRYING, WE HAVE TO LISTEN.

“I believe the planet earth is wounded, it needs healing. This healing can only come when the (government and privileged citizens) in the world understands that the wealth of this world belongs to the world. Government and world leaders MUST find a way to appease the earth by evenly distributing the wealth of the world. (WODW) #wealthoftheworld.

"Corona virus (covid-19) has shown clearly that all the technologies of the world can and have failed.

"Now the earth is crying, we must listen. The warning bell has sounded, but are we listening?

"When we, for instance, set bushes ablaze, we set the homes of animals ablaze; that is where they live.

"This is my warning to those who care to listen. If I have your attention, thank you for listening at all.

"Let humility take charge of your life; arrogance is deadly.

"Arrogance kills the clean flow of pure knowledge into your being.

"You can destroy arrogance only by humbly taking charge of your life.

"Arrogance blocks innovation.

"Wealth has been defined wrongly.

"It is not defined by cars or lands or houses.

"We came here with nothing. We will leave with nothing.

"Everything you own will outlive you.

"You own everything if you share all you have with others.

"Until we destroy arrogance, it will destroy us.

"The extent of the wisdom of nature is far too great for us to comprehend.

"We must humble ourselves because arrogance contaminates purity".

Source: https://www.naijavoicenews.com/2020/06/08/bongos-ikwue-to-fg-78-the-earth-is-wounded/

In line with adage that says nothing is hidden under the sun, documents showing how the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio secretly lobbied to influence five projects worth N500m in the 2017 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had been made public.

The NDDC had recently come hard on the National Assembly, accusing it of intruding into the affairs of the Commission.

Its Director of Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, in his outing on a Television interview May 25, 2020, accuses the lawmakers of being responsible for the delay in the passage of the NDDC budget, "vandalization and rape of the Commission’s 2019 budget" and working against the ongoing forensic audit instituted by the Presidency recently; amongst other things.

The National Assembly had since reacted to the NDDC's allegations, saying it was the commission which was engaging in illegal and unauthorized spending.

However, Akpabio, in a letter dated August 7, 2017, addressed to the Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, had requested that five projects worth N500m be added to the budget.

Akpabio, the then Minority Leader in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, used his office to include projects not captioned in the 2017 budget proposal.

The projects include, fencing the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N200m.

Fencing of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene (Old site), Akwa North-West Senitorial District, at N100m.

The projects also include, entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Youths in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N75m.

Entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Women in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the cost of N75m and renovation of one hostel facility at University of Nsukka, Nsukka Campus at the cost of N50m.

According to credible sources in the Senate, that was not the first time the Honourable Minister was doing it, as he also did in 2016 and in 2018 fiscal years, "with no tangible evidence of implementation of those projects".

The NDDC is currently under probe for an alleged N40bn irregular expenditure by the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

The Commission has severally taken steps to ensure the probe didn't go on. But the National Assembly said it was poised to exercising its constitutional powers of oversight functions, in line with the principles of checks and balancing.

In line with adage that says nothing is hidden under the sun, documents showing how the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio secretly lobbied to influence five projects worth N500m in the 2017 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had been made public.

The NDDC had recently come hard on the National Assembly, accusing it of intruding into the affairs of the Commission.

Its Director of Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, in his outing on a Television interview May 25, 2020, accuses the lawmakers of being responsible for the delay in the passage of the NDDC budget, "vandalization and rape of the Commission’s 2019 budget" and working against the ongoing forensic audit instituted by the Presidency recently; amongst other things.

The National Assembly had since reacted to the NDDC's allegations, saying it was the commission which was engaging in illegal and unauthorized spending.

However, Akpabio, in a letter dated August 7, 2017, addressed to the Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, had requested that five projects worth N500m be added to the budget.

Akpabio, the then Minority Leader in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, used his office to include projects not captioned in the 2017 budget proposal.

The projects include, fencing the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N200m.

Fencing of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene (Old site), Akwa North-West Senitorial District, at N100m.

The projects also include, entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Youths in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, at the cost of N75m.

Entrepreneurship training on the use of modern farming implement for Women in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the cost of N75m and renovation of one hostel facility at University of Nsukka, Nsukka Campus at the cost of N50m.

According to credible sources in the Senate, that was not the first time the Honourable Minister was doing it, as he also did in 2016 and in 2018 fiscal years, "with no tangible evidence of implementation of those projects".

The NDDC is currently under probe for an alleged N40bn irregular expenditure by the Interim Management Committee (IMC).

The Commission has severally taken steps to ensure the probe didn't go on. But the National Assembly said it was poised to exercising its constitutional powers of oversight functions, in line with the principles of checks and balancing.

The last is yet to be heard on the rift between the House of Representatives and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as the House in its response to allegations levelled against it by the Commission accused the latter of ploy to deceive Nigerians about its financial improprieties.

The House in a rebuttal issued on Monday by its spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, noted that, contrary to claims by the NDDC that it delayed and padded the Commission's 2019 budget, it only compelled the Commission "to do the needful and render account to the Nigerian people."

The Executive Director, Projects and member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, in an interview on Arise Television, had alleged that the House delayed passage of the Commission's budget and also "vandalized and raped” the budget by adding ₦85bn Naira.

The House observed that the spurious and defamatory claims by Dr. Ojougboh were engineered to cast aspersions on its integrity and credibility, adding that the 9th House cannot speak to the activities of previous assemblies.

Read House of Representatives Full Rebuttal:

RE: DEFAMATORY STATEMENTS BY DR. OJOUGBOH, NDDC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The attention of the House has been drawn to certain statements by Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Executive Director, Projects and member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (“NDDC” or the “Commission”), in what can only be described as an unhinged television interview on Arise News. The House of Representatives understands that the spurious and defamatory claims made in that interview by Dr. Ojougboh were engineered to cast aspersions on its integrity and credibility. Therefore, while we cannot speak to the activities of the previous assemblies, it has become imperative for the 9th and present House of Representatives to issue the following rebuttal.

BUDGET DELAY
The claims by Dr. Ojougboh that the House of Representatives delayed passage of the 2019 NDDC budget are simply untrue and indicate a concerning ineptitude, ignorance and/or deliberate mischief by the Executive Director to deceive Nigerians about the financial improprieties of the Commission. When in reality, it has been the House pushing the Commission to do the needful and render account to the Nigerian people.

Section 18(1) of the NDDC (Establishment) Act mandates the Commission to, not later than 30 September in each year, submit to the National Assembly its budget estimates for the following year. The House recalls that for more than 13 months after the time required by law, the Commission deliberately failed to submit its 2019 budget to the National Assembly for approval, choosing instead to engage in illegal and unauthorized spending to the tune of billions of naira. It took the intervention of the House, following a motion moved by Rep. Benjamin O. Kalu on November 26, 2019, to compel the Commission to present its 2019 budget. The House further recalls that on December 10, 2019, the date fixed for the budget defence, the Commission failed to appear with its 2018 budget performance report, a document critical to assessing its previous expenditures and approving its 2019 budget; as a result of which, the budget defence had to be stepped down. The Commission was only able to return with their budget performance report on February 5th, 2020 following which the House passed the 2019 budget 3 weeks after (February 27th, 2020).

The House states that the negligence and/or deliberate mischief of the Commission has also frustrated all efforts by the National Assembly to expeditiously approve the Commission’s 2020 budget. We recall that on April 28 and May 12, 2020, the National Assembly sent joint reminders to the Commission requesting copies of the 2019 budget performance report to enable it consider the Commission’s 2020 budget. Unfortunately, in a reply dated May 13, 2020, the Commission cited the COVID-19 pandemic as excuse for their failure to provide their 2019 performance report. This is curiously ironic considering that despite the pandemic, they have been able to access their offices to spend monies, handle sharing of palliatives, make payments in billions of Naira and undertake transfers, promotions and suspensions of public officers, etc. Therefore, till date, the Commission has refused to render an account of their 2019 budget expenditures to Nigerians.

BUDGET PADDING
Dr. Ojougboh’s claims that the House of Representatives “vandalized and raped” the 2019 budget by adding ₦85bn Naira are not only false, but paint a rather disturbing image of the Executive Director’s emotional state as well as his relationship with facts and reality.

Contrary to the allegations of padding, the House recalls instead, that it was forced to cut down the budget estimates from ₦409bn to ₦345bn when it was discovered that the Commission’s projected expenditures were unrealistic, having exceeded their revenue source by ₦63bn.

The House is also concerned by Dr. Ojougboh’s grave allegations attempting to indict President Muhammadu Buhari of influencing the 2019 NDDC budget by inserting the so called “President’s regional projects”. While we have a duty to remove any suspicious items identified in the budget, it must be stated that the House is not aware of any line items in the 2019 budget estimates bearing the name or indicating the personal interests of the President.

FORENSIC AUDIT
The insinuations by Dr. Ojougboh that the House of Representatives is against the ongoing forensic audit of the Commission are untrue and misleading. The House has always expressed its total support for the forensic audit ordered by the President.
This is further evidenced by the fact that it was the House at Committee level which added a provision for the forensic audit in the 2019 budget after discovering that the Commission’s original budget estimates failed to include a line for the forensic audit.

Echoing the sentiments of Nigerians, our only concern is as to the propriety of the appointment or supervision of the forensic auditors and also to ensure that any auditing process is done in accordance with the Constitution. The House insists that a supervision of the auditing process by the IMC or any other subjects of the audit, defeats the cardinal principle of natural justice, nemo judex in causa sua (no-one is judge in his own cause) and undermines the integrity of the investigation.

As the People’s parliament, the 9th House of Representatives remains committed to exposing corruption, inefficiency or waste in any aspect of the government. We state that our support for the forensic audit does not in any way silence or preclude our oversight mandate in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) (as altered) as both arms of government must continue to work according to the principles of the doctrine of separation of power. It is an exercise of the system of checks and balance and not a duplicity of effort. Therefore, the House will continue independent investigations in order to be equipped with information in anticipation of the outcome of the forensic audit.


Signed
Rep. Benjamin O. Kalu
Spokesperson, House of Representatives

By Yemi Itodo

As National Assembly set to interrogate the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over a N40bn contract scam; the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has called for non interference by the legislators.

The Senate had on Tuesday, set up an adhoc committee, following a motion by Senator George Sekibo (Rivers East), to investigate how the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC allegedly squandered N40 billion within three months.

The move has been criticised by many stakeholders, including youth bodies in Niger Delta, who felt the action of the National Assembly was targeted at interfering with the ongoing forensic audit at the NDDC, under the leadership of the overseeing Minister, Goodwill Akpabio.

A statement signed by its National President, Comrade Danielson Akpan on Friday, the NANS called on the National Assembly not to be "a clog in the wheel of progress of the Niger Delta".

The body expressed deep concerned that, "under the admirable leadership of the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the NDDC is again targeted for cheap blackmail".

The Union admonished the leadership of National Assembly not to allow itself be seen as the enemies of the Niger Delta People "or working at cross purposes with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari".

"It will be out of place that, instead of offering to the good people of the region support to achieve the same goals with President Muhammadu Buhari, who mustered the political will to order the evaluation of the impact of the NDDC on the lives of the average Niger Deltan via a forensic audit, the same which has received support from Governors of the region and Nigerians, the National Assembly is giving its hallowed chambers to people who are out to frustrate the forensic audit of the Commission which has commenced in earnest.

"The Leadership of NANS wishes to call on the National Assembly to reign in its covetous members suddenly turn alarmist. It has become needful in the midst of this pandemic to call on Hon. Akpatason, Sen. Peter Nwaboshi and Senator Sekibo, to concentrate on making laws that will uplift the living standard of the Niger Delta people, rather than engage in smear campaign and mudslinging of the Interim Management Committee and the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

"We are frustrated that just when there appears a glimmer of hope that the Commission would bring about sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, the National Assembly has constituted itself as a clog in the wheel of progress. When would development get to the creeks, the people, our siblings, students, poor, teachers, community, when would infrastructure be available for use by the residents of Niger Delta . We are tired of unending probe that only seeks to arm twist the management of the NDDC and probably make them to dish out more contracts to the Honourables and Distinguished which would end up not being executed but fully paid for as recently revealed.

"President Buhari has set the pace with IMC and Forensic Audit and we must follow, he has done it on behalf of the helpless women, mothers and young people of the region, we cannot go back.

"He has even chosen a tested performer, Senator Godswill Akpabio to lead the renewal of hope for our people. We cannot miss the response he will deliver, the legacy he will write on the sands of time, neither will the minister himself throw away the opportunity to right the wrongs done, from infrastructure to the well being of the ordinary people of the Niger Delta and by this the purpose of the commission and ministry would have been fulfilled by fast tracking the development of the region.

"The sons and daughters of Niger Delta deserve excellent not just good Leadership, so we cannot be thankful enough to Mr. President for chosing Senator Akpabio and the IMC, indeed desperate times deserve desperate measures, even the extension of their mandate speaks to the right leadership", NANS stated.

The Union, however, supported any move by the government to unearth the cause of underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region.

It said, " the IMC, having started on a sound footing, must be allowed to discharge their mandate without parliamentary intimidation. The National Assembly must strengthen the Commission through legislative support and the forensic audit must unravel and expose those who have engaged in contract racketeering to keep the region in a state of perpetual underdevelopment and turning the region into a theater of abandoned projects".

The NANS also lauded President Buhari, for the speedy approval of medical intervention in the fight against Coronavirus to the region, through emergency purchase Act.

Xenophobia: Reps want FG to evacuate Nigerians in China, investigate Chinese in Nigeria

By Yemi Itodo

The Nigerian House of Representatives, has urged the Federal Government to urgently evacuate all Nigerians who have tested negative to COVID-19 and are with valid passports and Visas in China, willing to return to Nigeria.

This was, even as, the Lawmakers unanimously resolved to investigate the validity of all immigration documents of every Chinese person and the expatriate quota of all their businesses in Nigeria, to ascertain the number of illegal and undocumented immigrants, with the view to repatriating them to China.

Spokesman of the Nigerian Parliament, Rep Benjamin Kalu and nine others successful moved this motion, at the resumed plenary of the Green Chamber on Tuesday, 28th April, 2020.

The resolution was said to be in line with the mandate of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to take actions to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians in China.

Recall that, as a result of the mutually beneficial diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and China, about 10,000 Nigerians, including investors, traders, workers and students currently reside in and around Guangzhou in the Guangdong Province of the Peoples Republic of China and have generated massive trade volume between the two countries, such that for 2019 alone the Nigeria-China trade value was worth over $8.6 billion.

But sometimes in April 8, 2020, photos and videos emanated across various social media depicting the institutionalized racial discrimination, maltreatment, xenophobic assaults, embarrassments, illegal detention and forceful eviction of Nigerians and other Africans living in Guangzhou.

Rep Kalu, while leading the debate on the motion, lamented that, "under the pretext of curbing the spread of COVID-19, which ironically originated in Wuhan, China, several kinds of maltreatments of Nigerian citizens in Guangzhou have been perpetrated by Chinese people and authorities.

"These include, wrongful confiscation of Nigerian international passports, prolonged and illegal detaining of Nigerians in the name of mandatory quarantining despite holding a certificate of clean health and no recent travel history, outright refusal to test or release the test results, and the eviction of Nigerians from their homes, hotel accommodations, refusal of entry into shops, pharmacies, restaurants and hospitals, including beating of Nigerians on the streets with no police intervention among others".

In the exercise of his function of protecting the interest of nationals of his sending State, as provided for under Article 5 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, the Nigerian Consul General, according to Rep Kalu, "was treated in clear violation of Article 40 of the same treaty which requires the receiving State to treat consular officers with due respect and to take all appropriate steps to prevent attack on their persons, freedom or dignity; this dignity was abused by the Chinese government when they ignored the request of the Nigerian High Commissioner to allow Nigerians back to their accommodation, access to hospitals or restaurants which led to the High Commissioner himself buying and distributing food to Nigerians who where hopeless and lying in the streets under the rain".

The Lawmaker also recalled the troubling case of Mr. Felix Awah Elijah, a Nigerian citizen and legal resident in China who mysteriously disappeared after his abduction and prolonged illegal detention by Chinese police authorities sometime around 6th February, 2019; and of which all letters and appeals from his Representative in the House, were ignored by Chinese Authorities.

The Spokesman contended that, the actions of the Chinese authorities do not reciprocate the favourable treatment enjoyed by their nationals in Nigeria who thrive and operate businesses, which in several cases, "completely disregard our extant laws on immigration and expatriate quota", but have instead, put a strain on the diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and China thereby endangering Nigerian businesses in China valued at billions of dollars.

It was therefore, resolved that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies should, "as a matter of urgency, ensure that all Nigerians who wish to return home, including Nigerians that only visited for business, Nigerians with any form of travel documents and identification, Nigerians with passports but expired visas, and Nigerians with passports and valid visas who have been ejected by house owners, Nigerians who have tested negative to Covid-19, are evacuated from China and quarantined upon arrival".

The House also urged, "the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to provide all necessary financial and other assistance to any affected Nigerian citizen in China who wish to seek redress in any local or international court for breach of fundamental rights, loss of property or any other actionable cause occasioned by their maltreatment or discrimination in China".

It will be recalled that, the Honourable Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Ahmed Jidda; undertook various independent and coordinated interventions, including meetings with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian, to register Nigeria’s displeasure with the incidents.

But the Republic of China has not shown any commitment to ending the xenophobic discriminations, while Nigerians in China keep languishing on daily basis.

A former APC governorship aspirant in the 2019 general elections, in Benue State Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of his former Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.


Comrade Okpokwu described Kyari as a faithful and dedicated servant that has put all his best to towards building a better Nigeria.

Below is Comrade Ogenyi's condolence message:


CONDOLENCE MASSAGE

His Excellency,

Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,

President,

Federal Republic of Nigeria,

State House, Abuja.


On behalf of myself and family, I sincerely commiserate with Mr. President, the All Progressives Congress, APC and Nigerians over the demise of the Chief of Staff to the President H.E Abba Kyari, whose sudden death occurred on Friday 18th April, 2020.


As a devoted Muslim, he died on a Friday, a holy day, translating the acceptance of his soul by the Almighty God.


Until his death, he was a very faithful servant of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the All Progressives Congress, APC and indeed Nigeria as a Nation. He lived a fulfilled life.


May the good Lord give Mr. President, the All Progressives Congress and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.



Please accept my sincere condolences.



Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi.

APC Governorship Aspirant (2019)

Benue State.

By Oriri Peter

A Coalition, comprising of the North Central Zonal Caucus of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Middle Belt Sociopolitical Youth Think-Tank, has lamented the socio-economic consequences of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and the association lockdown across the Country.

The Groups, in a joint statement signed by NYCN's Zonal Vice-President, Comrade Felix Onuh and Conveners of the Think-Tank, Comrade Jacob Ochulayi and Comrade Richard Haruna Yakubu noted that a majority of the Country's youth depended largely on earnings from their daily labour, a situation that has been made impossible by the current stay-at-home order by the Federal Government.

The Coalition notes, with dismay, the unavailability of any palliatives to cushion the effect of the lockdown, and regrets that the situation could pose a serious challenge to national stability.

The Youth Body noted that the primary obligation of the government was the protection of lives and property as well as ensuring an improved economic wellbeing of the people.

In the light of this, the Coalition called on governors of the North Central zone to establish world-class isolation/treatment centres and invest robustly on stimulus packages/palliatives through the provision of foodstuff, household items and cash transfers to vulnerable members of the society.

The Coalition further requested the inclusion of its leadership in Relief Committees in order to promote transparency and inclusiveness. It further implored that donations to be made should be devoid of all political and primordial sentiments, while canvassing for adequate measures that would forestall likelihood of embezzlement.

By Oriri Peter

As part of efforts to cushion the economic effect of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), the Member representing Ogbadibo State Constituency, Hon. Enemari patrick Peter, has made some donations to people of his constituency. The donations were presented to the 13 council wards of the local government area through Hon. Emmanuel Ogwuche the PDP state financial secretary and Hon. Idoko Obera Jacob the PDP councillorship aspirant of his ward.

The donations, ranging from cash to material items, were made on Thursday, April 9 2020 at the various ward level and major stakeholders.

Hon. Enemari, while presenting the gifts, urged all present to take appropriate preventive measures against the ravaging pandemic.

While sensitizing the people on the causes and symptoms of COVID-19, the State Legislator urged his constituents to report suspected cases to the appropriate authorities.

During the distributions, the Ad'ogbadibo chief Emmanuel Odeh fervently prayed for the house of assembly member for remembering his people. The community leaders of most of the communities visited expressed their joy haven witness the first concern during this pandemic period from the Hon.

Most of the political gladiators in the local government expressed their gratitude to the honorable.

By Yemi Itodo

A 54-year old Susan Okpe, who was said to be the Benue index case of Corona Virus, has cried on President Muhammad Buhari of Nigeria and the British Government, to evacuate her from Benue state.

Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom had on Saturday, 28th March, announced that Mrs. Okpe was the Benue's first recorded case of Corona Virus, also known as COVID-19.

Mrs. Okpe, a British Nigerian, arrived the country on Saturday, 21st March via Kenya Airway, for the burial of her mother slated to hold early next month.

According to a family source, Mrs. Okpe ran series of tests before leaving the United Kingdom with all results showing negative to COVID-19.

"When she arrived Benue State on the 23rd of March, she was running temperature, perhaps, due to the fatigue of traveling, an experienced Doctor was contacted and tests were conducted and she was being treated for malaria and typhoid.

"When the NCDC contacted me, on the invitation of the Benue State government, I gave my consent that she should be tested. But as I speak with you, none of us has seen the test result, not even the Medical Director of the Cottage Hospital who assisted the NCDC to get samples, has seen the result. We only got to see through the television where the Governor announced her name", the source hinted our reporter.

Meanwhile, in a message sent via WhatsApp to our reporter, Mrs. Okpe appealed to the Federal Government and the UK Government to move her out of Benue State.

"I have kept my cool, but am now sick with swollen gums, being stooling throughout the night, no nurses or medical attention. My crime is that am a British who came into Nigeria, particularly Benue State; felt feverish, took myself for check up because I have travelled longer than usual.

"After examinations, I was told by the doctor my temperature was high and I said keep me for observations as I did not experience any before I left London, passed from Lagos to Abuja my temperature was like any other passenger was being monitored by the authorities.

"Back to my self presentation and request for isolation which was done, I was told by the doctors that the standard procedure was to call for a test from the state ministry of health of which two gentle men came to do a throat and nose swoop.

"After two days, by now my temperature has normalised from 38:2 to 36:4 the record are there to be verified. Only to be told by the Doctor after asking why am I still kept in the hospital, a friend now came in to tell me that a press conference is being done with my name that I have Covid-19, on air, on social media, without my knowledge.

"I went mad as a human being and demanded to see the Medical Director who told me he was fighting for me; how, why and for what and with who I don’t understand, still fuming the next thing was armed men, ambulance and a siege round the hospital for me to be removed for what I don’t know.

"As someone who knows the principles of the law (weather it works in Nigeria or not I can’t tell), I said I was not moving without a reason, I was surrounded and to stop the embarrassment to my family and poor junior sister who I think is not fair on, I went down to speak with the Deputy Governor for thirty minutes and he assured me I was safe, will be cared for, though not sick with any symptoms, also that the following day the health commissioner and medical doctors from the state will come and see me.

"I told him that if the state is insisting that am ill I should be taken to Abuja to be tested, I have never in my life seen a staged played drama with human life and politics like this before, I want the world, Nigerians, Benue state to hear my side and verify am not a Covid-19 positive, left my children behind in London they are healthy till this moment", Mrs. Okpe cried out.

She pleaded with the authorities concerned to take her to any standard center and verify her claims, as there was no single facility in Benue to even handle or manage any case, should it be true that Benue had a case.

Already, our reporter gathered that, the Consulate General of the UK in Nigeria had been contacted by Mrs. Okpe, whose fundamental rights have been grossly breached and arrangements were underway to get the Presidency to help the British Embassy evacuate her citizen from Benue State, before it results to death.

By Yemi Itodo

Without prejudice to the importance of security to law, order, stability and the overall wellbeing of the Nigerian state, especially in a convoluted society battling a deadly insurgency, the bitter truth is that, the National Assembly of today is manifesting all the symptoms of a police state.

It is indeed an absurdity that this famed "peoples Parliament" as this critical and independent branch of government is often called, is today on the chokehold of an overbearing fully armed gun totting policemen. At the last count, the National Assembly is secured by over four hundred police officers, an unspecified number of officers of the Civil Defense Corps, smattering of soldiers and of course the internal security of the National Assembly controlled and marshalled by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

In a nation with a police-to citizen ratio of 1400, this is telling. Perhaps, apart from Fort Knox, Kentucky in the United States which houses America's gold bars and other national treasures, no other national institution is as protected as the National Assembly.

A first time visitor to the National Assembly will be shocked and startled by the invidious presence of regular policemen fanning out within the precincts of this hallowed institution. This is without prejudice to other police officers and other security personnel procured by senators and House members as orderlies and body guards. In the visual dimension, the visitor is confronted by the frightening specter of an over policed environment which is suffocating.

When French political philosopher, Baron de Montesquieu espoused the theory of the separation of powers in The Spirit of the Laws (1748), he argued that powers be separated so that no one could usurp complete power. He argued that if legislative and executive powers reside in one man, there can be no liberty.

By inference, for the National Assembly to function unencumbered, every step should be taken to protect its treasured independence. Security should be deployed in such a smart way that it should not create a siege mentality and impinge on its effectiveness in discharging its core mandate of legislation, oversight and representation.

The impression which is inexorably being created in the psyche of our lawmakers by the overbearing presence of security personnel may not be fully assessed within the space of this write up, but the point to be made is that, there are more effective and smarter ways of deploying security without damaging the reputation of the National Assembly as the people's Parliament or inhibiting the capacity of lawmakers to function under as the representatives of the people.

The word security comes from Latin lexicon, se and cura which means "Free from care or anxiety". The United Nations defines security as," freedom from fear, freedom from want and freedom to live in dignity". Governments have always been too willing to control society by force of arms. This impulse which many people see as understandable and necessary to the survival of the society, has in many instances, been counter-productive.

A heavily policed National Assembly does not necessarily translate to better security. The security as presently constituted is amorphous, disjointed and constitutes a nightmare in terms of coordination. Ordinarily, the security of the National Assembly should be under the leadership of the Sergeant-at-Arms but in realtiy, the police appear to be under the authority and control of their own internal command and control structure.

As a matter of fact, while defence and security budgets have ballooned over the years, the reality is that the world has become a more dangerous place. For instance, the military interventions in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan did not make these nations safer; it has plunged them into instability and chaos.

In the National Assembly, being strangulated by the security Armada, the overbearing security presence did not deter the invasion of the hallowed Chambers of the Senate by hoodlums who caused pandemonium and made away with the maze in 2018. In spite of this heavy police presence, offices of some lawmakers have been burgled and cars of some workers vandalized.

The world is becoming increasingly sophisticated in security, crime detection and prevention. Rather than choke the National Assembly with too many police personnel in the attempt to protect lawmakers and employees from harm and keep away intruders, the management should evolve smarter security strategies which will achieve the same security objective yet make National Assembly a friendly humane institution.

Such strategies should include, building security, which will deal with measures to render the building inaccessible to intruders. Apart from physical measures, smart technology should be deployed.

It also involves boundary security, which defines the avenues to control access to the National Assembly and the various measures put in place to protect the intellectual property.

The deployment of smart technologies such as CCTTV cameras and alarms with signs that the National Assembly is secure and being monitored is a deterrence to intruders with criminal intent.

Given the observed lapses, the recalibration of the security architecture of the National Assembly assumes even greater urgency.

And the time to do it is now.

(Yemi Itodo is the Chairman, National Assembly New Media Forum and can be reached through itodoyemi@gmail.com).

By Oriri Peter

Joy Fm 96.5 Otukpo has won the award of Most Listened Indigenous Radio Station in West Africa, organized by the West African Citizens Awards (WAFRIC).

The Station emerged winner at the event held at the Genesis Hotels and Suites, Ibadan, after trumping six other radio stations in an online contest that cut across other reputable stations in West Africa.

Mr. Hassan Hussain Ayodeji, founder of WAFRIC Awards, noted that the award was to honour Indeginous products in West Africa who have contributed positively to the development of the society through their various platforms, stating that the 2019 edition was the third edition.

The award was received by Mr. David Sapele Junior (DJ SAP) and Mr. Ramsey Agbo (Sports Machine) on behalf of the Organization.

In a statement, Managing Director of Joy Fm, Mrs. Christabel Ebugo Ogli Iyanya extend her profound gratitude to the organisers, those who nominated her Station particularly Nigerians and other Africans who voted her Station to emerged winner.

Mrs. Iyanya also said that the award has challenge them to do more by exhibiting more professionalism in the coming year.

She also noted that the Organization was open to partnerships with other reputation organizations across board.

By Adoga Gonna Samuel

Publisher of Naija Voice News, Peter Oriri has been conferred with the award of Face of Benue Social Media at Benue Hotels, Makurdi.

The award followed an online voting in which four people were initially nominated for the category.

The event was organized by the Benue Social Media Awards to honour indigenes of the State who have contributed positively to the development of the society, the event brought together important dignitaries such as the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Terver Akase and the Chairman, Governing Council of the State Polytechnic. Dr. Joseph Ngbea.

The award was presented to him by the Director of education Benue State Polytechnic who represented the state Commissioner of Education Prof. Dennis Ityavyar.In an acceptance speech, Mr. Oriri thanks the organisers and all those who voted h during the contest, the award was dedicated to God Almighty and all Naijavoicenews followers.

Other categories of the awards went to Ukan Kurugh Ukan, David Mzer, Olikita Ekani, Mathias Aende, Dr. Ushang Anenge, Rev. Dave Ogbole, Bobby Hills and others.

By Oriri Peter

Nigeria and West Africa's number one Senior Crown Leader, BF Suma, Mr. Ajisefinni Idowu Ibukun has, for the fourth consecutive time, been conferred with an Award of Excellence by the Organization. Mr. Ajisefinni who received the 2019 edition of the award in New York City had previously received same award in California in 2016, Los Angeles in 2017, Atlanta Georgia and Las Vegas in 2018.

Speaking with newsmen in his office, Friday, 13th December 2019, Mr. Ajisefinni noted that it was the Company's way of appreciating efforts of its leadership.

According to him, BF Suma, a pharmaceutical company is to establish a production plant in Nigeria, proposing that the project would be located in either of Lagos or Ogun states. He noted that the laboratory was for the discovery and development of new products intended to cure deadly diseases ravaging the world, adding that the Company was working hard to eradicate poverty in Africa.

The construction of the laboratory is coming on the heels of a recent launch of the Company's factory in New York.

In the words of Mr. Ibukun, "we can confidently say that BF Suma is taking a new shape and expanding daily. The most exciting part is that they have great plans for Africans and Nigerians at large. The new proposed production factory which will be situated in Nigeria will absorb thousands of Nigerian youth. Some will be gainfully employed while others will take up the network marketing opportunity and at the long run become financially independent."

Revealed: How Mike Okiro Converted Police Plaza To His Personal Use In Wuye, EFCC, Others To Grill Him.

By Umar Muhammad

Former Inspector General of Police, Chief Mike Okiro, has converted a property meant for the Nigerian Police Plaza in Wuye, Abuja to his personal property. The landed property was given to the police for a Plaza at Wuye by the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) when Okiro was the Inspector General of Police between 2007 and 2009.

Okiro since then converted the land to a personal property instead of being put to use by the Nigerian Police Force, the property is located at Mike Okiro's close, Wuye, Abuja.


The former Police Chief who was sacked some months ago from his position as Police Service Commission Chairman also gave one of the buildings to the Presidential Support Committee PSC headed by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio to cover up the mess.

A retired AIG who spoke in anonymity said, the Land is for the Nigerian Police Force not Mike Okiro but as at now, it belonged to Okiro because he has converted it to his personal use. He believe the Buhari administration may retrieve it for the benefit of all Police officers.

He further task all relevant agencies especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission ICPC to grill him and all Civil society groups should raise up to this challenge of public officers acquiring public properties.

As of the time of filing this report, Mike Okiro did not take his calls nor respond to text messages hence all efforts to reach him proved abortive.

By Yemi Itodo

An anti-corruption group known as Citizens Committee for Corruption-Free Nigeria (CCCN), on Sunday, came hard on the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, for redeploying a deputy governor to the sensitive Monitory Policy Directorate.

Mr. Okwu Joseph Nnanna, who was suspended alongside four other directors in March 2016, for defrauding the CBN in FOREX scam, was the deputy governor, Financial System Stability (FSS) Directorate.

It was gathered that, the suspended Nnanna responded to some spam emails without first cross-checking the authenticity of the mails and following CBN stringent payment process before authorising the release of funds when the governor and several senior officials of the bank were on a flight to China.

According to a THISDAY report, the sum of $441,000 was initially lost to the scammers. $251,000 was however blocked and recovered, leaving a balance of $190,000, which had already been cashed by the fraudsters.

Despite the huge fraud uncovered by the CBN, Mr. Emefiele, in April 2018, redeployed the suspended deputy governor to the Monitory Policy Directorate, to oversee Monitory Policies .

In a statement issued Sunday afternoon by the Director, Anti-Corruption Unit of the CCCN, Alh. Bagudu Mohammed, the anti-corruption group frowned at the rationale behind keeping Nnanna in such a sensitive position, at a time President Muhammad Buhari's war against corruption was yielding fruitful results, stressing that, people with integrity should be placed in such offices, to get Nigeria back on track economically.

"The CBN Governor is seen as one of the major backbones of the Buhari led administration, judging by his programs in alleviating poverty in Nigeria.

"Since Nnanna became the head of Monitory Policy Directorate, the five hundred billion naira (N500Bn) Non-Oil Stimulation Facility is yet to be disbursed to promote the Non-oil trade in boosting the Nation's economy.

"The big question is, what is the Deputy Governor of the CBN who was suspended for FOREX fraud is still doing in the Central Bank of Nigeria? Why is he redeployed to the Monitory Policy Directorate at a time Mr. President is diversifying the economy to boost Non-oil trade as an alternative to the predominant oil economy?

"Nigerians want to know the relationship between Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Okwu Nnanna and why he is still in the bank", the statement reads.

But in his reaction Sunday night, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, Director, Corporate Communications of CBN, said the group should not be taken seriously, describing the statement as "ridiculous" and a "blackmail".

Okoroafor said, "This matter had been handled and settled long ago. The President had ordered the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. Dr. Nnanna and all other officers of the Bank had been suspended to make for unfettered investigation.

"The case had been investigated and Dr. O J Nnanna and all the officers involved were NOT found culpable and they were cleared accordingly. The IGP had submitted his report to the President who ordered the recall of Dr. Nnanna and the rest. This is public knowledge.

"The authors of this story must be some of these jobbers peddling blackmail stuff. I urge you to disregard this story as it’s only an attempt by blackmailers to ridicule your publication".

Meanwhile, the group has warned, that, should nothing cogent is done to redeploy the suspended deputy governor, a protest letter would be written to President Buhari, which would predate a daily occupation of the CBN complex in protests.

The CCCN, however, pledged its readiness to support President Buhari to achieve his aim of ridding the country of corrupt elements.

By Yemi Itodo

Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) has successfully concluded arrangements with the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI), to run academic programs for its officers and members of the public, on consultancy basis.

To this end, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Corps and the institution, via the university’s Consultancy Services Unit, in collaboration with the Standard Trust Educational Consulting firm (UICSU/STEC).

In a statement signed Wednesday by the Corp's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Patriot Millicent Umoru, the Peace Corps shall be running Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) programs, on behalf of the institution.

Peace Corps of Nigeria, a youth based organization registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), also enjoys consultative status with the United Nations and the ECOWAS, with core interest in orienting youths and students at educational institutions.

Patriot Umoru stated that "the MoU is part of Peace Corps of Nigeria’s efforts to enhance the academic qualifications and subsequent career progression of its teeming members nationwide.

"It is also in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 17, which relates to Expanding Access to Quality Education and Forging Partnerships for the Attainment of the SDGs, respectively".

According to the MoU, "members of PCN will be offered the unique opportunity to acquire an expedited and cost-efficient Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Post Graduate Diploma from Nigeria’s premier university, in Peace Building and Conflict Management; Political Science and Public Administration; Mass Communication and Journalism;
Industrial Relations and Personnel Management; Safety and Security Management; English and Foreign Language (French); Transport Management; Public and International Relations.

"The MoU stipulates that all serving members of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, who possess the Ordinary Level Certificate (SSCE) or its equivalent, shall be offered admission into the appropriate Diploma Programme.

"Serving PCN members with University Diploma, National Diploma, NCE or their equivalents shall be eligible for admission into the appropriate Advanced Diploma Programme.

"Serving PCN members with Advanced Diploma, HND, B.Sc. or their equivalents, will be admitted into the appropriate Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programme".

Umoru said all serving PCN officers shall
enjoy highly subsidized course registration and tuition fees, for all categories of the aforementioned academic programmes.

"All serving PCN officers who have completed the mandatory one-month Initial Training and Orientation will be eligible for admission to study Peace Building and Conflict Management at the appropriate levels, irrespective of their previous programmes of study, as the course aligns properly within the purview of operation of the Corps.

"For PCN staff seeking admission into the Advanced Diploma or PGD categories of the other academic programmes, they are required to possess lower qualifications in a related discipline", she added.

The statement said all graduating students under the scheme will be awarded their certificates at the university’s convocation ceremony, which will take place on predetermined dates.

According to Umoru, application and registration under the programme is currently ongoing in the 36 State Commands of the Corps and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, stressing that registration is expected to officially close on the 31st November, 2019.

By Oriri Peter

The Fleet Entrepreneurship Development Centre (FADEC) has conferred an award of Emerging Leader of the year on Mr. Oche Gordon, founder G12 Foundation G12.

The award ceremony which took place at the Nigerian National Merit House, Maitama, also served as an avenue for the launch of a book titled ''The Passion Driven Entrepreneur," written by Comrade Wisdom Obekpa.

In an acceptable speech, an elated Mr. Oche thanked the organisers for finding him worthy for the award, stating that it was a call to do more for the youth.

Oche noted that since Government could not, on its own alone, do everything for the youth wing, it was important to encourage and support the youth in their ideas. He further encouraged the youth not to give up on their endeavours.

Notable dignitaries at the event included Amb. Dickson Akoh, National Commandant of Peace Corps; Paul Harrison Ogbole (SAN), amongst others. Similarly, students of the University of Abuja and Idoma Youth Coalition Group sent in their Representatives to honour the awardee.

By Okehie Chioma

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on Wednesday 16th of october at Sheraton hotel Abuja, rolled out drums to recognise and honour their members who were elected or appointed into government.

So many of their members are into these positions and this body has seen it as an opportunity to drive down to these members the urgency needed to see the pharmacy law signed into an act.

The president of the association pharm Sam Ohuabunwa used this occasion in his welcome speech, to lament the not signing into law the pharmacy act inspire of the several decades the association has been existing.He further said that with the 25,000 membership, of the association, that all necessary assistance are at the disposal of their members to aspire to any level in Government.

Among those recognised and honoured are senator (Pharm) Matthew A. Uroghide, Senator representing Edo South, Senetorial District, Senator Sadiq Umar Suleiman, Senator Representing Kwara North Senetorial District. Honorable Ikengboju Gboluga Dele,pharm(Dr) Otive Igbuzor, Hon Pharm Dr G Nnamdi Okafor, Hon. Pharm Obinna Chris Emeneka and a host of others who are Commissioners, special assistants, Directors, Managing Directors and Executive Secretarys.

It was a time of networking among members present. The honorees said they would use their positions to move the profession to its place of pride.