Palm wine tapper hacks wife to death in Imo
dailytrust.com.ng Aug 31, 2019 12:03 AM

The Umuoduku village in Oboama Autonomous Community, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of Imo State was thrown into confusion and wailing early yesterday when a palm wine tapper, Mr. Richard Anochirionye (alias ‘Okpoka’), hacked his wife to death with a plank.

Daily Trust Saturday was reliably informed that the man had patiently waited till all his male children went out before he reportedly sent his daughter on an errand apparently to enable him execute his secret agenda.

A source said the trouble started yesterday morning when the man had a serious misunderstanding with the wife over a matter, prompting the wife to hit his mouth repeatedly with a persistent threat to kill him.

“He waited until their children were all out of the compound. Then he tricked their daughter to go and buy something for him but before she could return, the wife was clubbed to death,” revealed a native who didn’t want his name in print.

Daily Trust Saturday recalls that in July 2017, the same man, Okpoka, was said to have bought 25 litres of petrol with which he reportedly set the family houses ablaze due to the sale of his motor-cycles by his sons without his knowledge.

One of the burnt houses was a five-room bungalow while the other was a three-bedroom building, according to an indigene of Oboama community, who added that the compound is directly opposite the Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA Stadium.

Our correspondent gathered that before the wine tapper burnt the houses, he went round the village and announced to whoever cared to listen that his children should return his two motor-bikes or else he would take an action that would make front-page news in the newspapers.

“He even contacted the village heads – the chiefs and nzes – threatening that if the children did not bring back his motor-bikes with which he goes about his palm wine business, he was would take a very drastic action on them, an action he said they would live to tell till the end of their lives,” the source told our reporter.

Reports say Okpoka had gone on exile to his maternal home since 2017 when he allegedly committed the arson. However, after the children erected another building, he returned recently only to club the wife to death.

A source said after returning from the errand, the daughter saw her mother’s corpse on the ground and raised the alarm which attracted residents who rushed to the scene and eventually caught the man who was quickly handed over to the police.

Okpoka, said to be a former commercial driver who later became a palm wine tapper, was said to have been nursing bottled-up anger towards members of his nuclear family since his motor-bikes were sold, according to a native.

The woman’s corpse was deposited in the mortuary at a neighbouring community, Ibeku in Aboh Mbaise LGA of the state.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Imo State Police Command, Mr. Orlando Ikokwu, said he would contact the DPO of Ezinihitte Police Station and get back to our reporter, but up till the time of filling this report, he did not get back or answer his calls or message sent to his telephone number.

Source:
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/palm-wine-tapper-hacks-wife-to-death-in-imo.html/amp

RIPAN to begin sale of rice at N13,300 per bag

The Rice Processors Association of Nigeria on Thursday said the association has agreed to sell rice for between N13,300 and N14,000 per bag.

The association also expressed support for the Federal Government’s closure of the land border with Benin Republic and other neighboring countries.

President of RIPAN, Mohammed Maifata, said this during a chat with journalists in Abuja.

He said, “We are not going to take advantage of the border closure for ourselves by hiking the price of rice.

“As such, we all agreed that we are going to sell our rice from now on at N13, 300 minimum and maximum, because for some, their location is very far from the paddy and so very difficult for them to operate — but upon that, there is no Nigerian rice that will be sold above N14, 000 at factory.

“This is the commitment we made to government and we are determined and we are willing to keep to our words God willing. Any contrary activities is not from us as we expect saboteurs to take advantage of the situation. But we assure you that this will be our price.”

He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its current fight against smuggling of the commodity, and called on various security agencies who are mandated by the current directive to intensify the fight to check the various porous borders.

Maifata said the move was needed to address the rising case of rice smuggling into Nigeria from neighbouring countries.

It described the border closure as “long overdue,” noting that it was done in the best interest of the economy.

The association said the action of the government had suddenly returned life to the rice value chain, as the hitherto subdued mills have resumed operations within one week of the border closure.

Source:
https://punchng.com/ripan-to-begin-sale-of-rice-at-n13300-per-bag/amp/

Gunmen kidnap Action Alliance National Chairman, Udeze, in Abuja
tribuneonlineng.com Aug 30, 2019 8:37 PM
•Abductors trick him with bank alert

Chief Kenneth Udeze
Unknown gun wilding men on Friday morning struck at Dutze Alhaji, a suburb of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory’ FCT, and whisked away the National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA), Chief Kenneth Udeze to an unknown destination.

Informed Police and family sources told Tribune Online that the victim was tricked to the spot where he was abducted with bank alerts which indicated that a huge amount of withdrawals he did not authorized had been made in his account domiciled with the Zenith Bank branch in Dutse Alhaji,

It was gathered that trouble started when Chief Udeze reportedly received the bank alerts of the heavy withdrawals and sensing trouble he quickly rushed to the bank to find out was going on only for him to walk straight into waiting hands of his abductors.

One of the sources revealed that on sighting the victim in company of his driver, the abductors armed to the teeth smartly ushered him into a waiting black SUV and zoomed off to an unknown destination.

One the sources, however, raise the alarm that the abduction might be unconnected with recent political developments in Imo state over the last governorship election in the state

When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the FCT Police Command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah confirmed the story, saying that the Command has launched a massive manhunt for the abductors.

While assuring that the Command would go to any length to track down those behind the dastardly act, Manzah appealed to the members of the public with useful important information about the criminals to assist the Command with such information which he promised would be treated as confidential

This came just as the Coalition of Opposition Political Parties under the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, raised the alarm over the safety of Chief Udeze, a member of the Coalition.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by Comrade Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the Spokesperson of the Coalition, demanded the immediate release of the victim and the probe of some political actors in Imo state over the incident.

According to him, “we are genuinely worried over the safety and wellbeing of Udeze knowing that for politicians to get desperate enough to the extent of kidnapping political opponents then urgent action from the Police and all other security forces backed by the prayers of Nigerians can be the only saving grace of Mr Udeze

“We demand the immediate release of Mr Kenneth Udeze from captivity and call on all security agencies in Nigeria to swing into action and secure his release from his kidnappers

“We also demand the Sen. Rochas Okorocha and Uche Nwosu cross-check with their thugs and direct the immediate release of Mr Udeze before the long arm of the law catches up with them. We warn that nothing untoward should happen to Mr Kenneth Udeze.

Source:
https://tribuneonlineng.com/gunmen-kidnap-action-alliance-national-chairman-udeze-in-abuja/amp/

JUST IN: Lagos task force intercepts 123 men traveling in 3 trailers
sunnewsonline.com Aug 30, 2019 4:42 PM
JUST IN: Lagos task force intercepts 123 men traveling in 3 trailers
Chioma Igbokwe

Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and other Offences, this afternoon intercepted 123 unidentified men packed in a suspicious manner inside three heavy-duty trailers using a large number of motorcycles numbering 48 as cover.

The men who were hiding inside the truck concealed themselves in such a way that attracted the suspicion of the task force who began to question their mission in the city.
The men were intercepted inward Ojodu-Berger axis just at the edge of the Ogun-Lagos states border as they made their way into Lagos State.

It was not clear whether the men arrested were Nigerians or foreign nationals. But the Chairman of the task force, CSP Olayinka Ebgeyemi confirmed the arrest of the huge number of men when he was contacted by our correspondent.

Source:https://www.sunnewsonline.com/just-in-lagos-task-force-intercepts-123-men-traveling-in-3-trailers/amp/

Wike Approves Employment Of 10,000 Teachers »
.ng Aug 30, 2019 8:34 AM


Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Thursday said he has approved the employment of 10,000 teachers to boost the quality of education in the state.

He declared that his administration was committed to creating access to basic education for rural and oceanic communities of the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the World Bank Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) on Thursday, Wike said that the state government embarked on the reconstruction and furnishing of rural schools to encourage parents to send their children to school.

He said: “In the last four years, we have reconstructed and furnished 253 Basic Schools in the state. These schools are located mainly in the rural and oceanic areas. We reconstructed and furnished these schools to give our children access to quality education”.

Wike explained that his administration abolished every form of fees in primary, junior and secondary schools to encourage parents to educate their children.

“I have abolished every form of payment in primary, junior and senior Secondary Schools because many parents are poor and they cannot afford these payments.

“We have taken the burden away from them so that poor parents can conveniently send their children to school,” he said.

He added that the state government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has trained over 3000 teachers.

“Basic Education is key to the development of the state. SUBEB is awarding contracts for the furnishing of schools slated for 2018. After that of 2018, we will award 2019 contracts for the furnishing of schools.

“We are expecting more enrollments in schools, with the investments and progress that we have made,” he said.

He said that there are 1315 Basic Education Schools in Rivers State, pointing out that the State Government is working hard to transform the schools through phased interventions.

Earlier, National Programme Coordinator, World Bank Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), Prof Gidado Tahir said that they were in Rivers State to interact with officials of the State Government to improve access to basic education.

He said that the size of the challenge in Rivers State was manageable because of the quality investments made by Governor Wike.

He said: “You have been part of this process. Talking to you is like speaking with the converted. The money for this programme is there to be accessed.

“We are looking forward to a wonderful collaboration with the Rivers State Government to achieve the required success.”




Source:
https://www..ng/news/wike-approves-employment-of-10000-teachers

Ohanaeze reacts to Okorocha's Arrest, Reveals what will happen to Imo State If...


Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, OYC, has reacted to Senator Rochas Okorocha’s citizens arrest by the Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

ABACITYBLOG reported that the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mr Uche Onyeaguocha, gave the order after the Chairman of the Recovery of Government Properties, Mr Jasper Ndubuaku, was allegedly assaulted at Okorocha’s residence.

Onyeaguocha, also, said that the state had also placed Okorocha on security watch and urged Imo citizens to arrest him and alert the government whenever they found him in the state.

However, reacting to the news, OYC said, order to arrest Okorocha by the Imo citizens is an invitation to anarchy and may plunged the state into chaos which the federal government may have no other option than to declared a state of emergency in Imo.

The statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, further revealed that the order is an invitation to Anarchy capable of truncating the Democratic Government of Governor Ihedioha if not reversed immediately.

“We envisage that such a “Citizen’s Arrest” Order is time bad as the Governor is planning to celebrate his first 100 days in office irrespective that we condemned the assault of the Imo Chairman on Asset Recovery Committee, Hon Jasper Ndubuka by thugs allegedly working for Senator Okorocha, but We call on immediate intervention of the South East Governors and Igbo leaders as We ask Imo State Religious leaders, Traditional Rulers, State House of Assembly to Join Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide to interface with Governor Ihedioha and Senator Rochas Anayo Okorocha, and Urge Imolites especially the Youths to suspend any action impending on the outcome of the peace parley with the duo.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide beg Senator Rochas Anayo Okorocha to stay away from the state at the moment until the dust settles down, we believe that Governor Ihedioha will see the wisdom and rescind on the decision to arrest Okorocha, and Urge him to suspend the activities of Jasper Ndubuka committee on recovery Govt assets until the situation is under control, We will not allow any South East State to be under control of a sole administrator Under State of Emergency, Ohanaeze declared.

Source:
https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/30/ohanaeze-reacts-to-okorochas-arrest-reveals-what-will-happen-to-imo-state-if/?amp

Anniversary: Okowa gives automatic employment to choristers

I’ll triple youths empowerment programmes, if re-elected –Okowa


Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday approved the employment of 14 choristers into the state civil service.

This is coming on the heels of agitations for recall of about 3,500 civil servants who were suspended in 2015 over alleged irregularities in their recruitment process.

However, Daily Sun learnt that 14 Deltans have been serving in the state Government House Chapel as members of the choir in the past six years.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service to mark the 28th anniversary of the creation of the state, Okowa urged the Head of Service (HoS), Reginald Bayoko, to ensure the choristers are posted to relevant ministries.

Okowa told the HoS that he had already sent the names of the beneficiaries to his office for due process to be followed in the recruitment exercise.

The governor said the state is more united after 28 years of its creation, and appreciated all stakeholders for their respective roles in knitting the people together despite differences in ethnic, religious and political inclinations.

“We realise the need for fairness and equity in our dealings and we will try to stay on that trajectory. In partnership, we can strive better and everybody must contribute to make the difference,” Okowa said.

The governor, however, expressed worry over the collapse of the family unit, saying the trend, if not reversed, portends grave danger for both the state and the country.

Source:

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/anniversary-okowa-gives-automatic-employment-to-choristers/amp/

Hope rises for James Ibori, Diezani Madueke!
dailytrust.com.ng Aug 25, 2019 12:15 AM

Sai Baba’s newly reconstituted cabinet is the real anti-corruption council. Some old wine preserve better in new wineskins. Jesus wasn’t a brewer; he was a carpenter’s son! Evidently, there are different versions of Naija. The Naija of General Buhari’s first term vision is completely different from the reality painted by the ‘pressboys’. This is Buhari’s own verdict: “We have exited the country from recession, restored economic growth, curbed inflation and shored up our external reserves (sic). As a result, we have witnessed eight quarters of consistent growth over the past two-and-a-half years, providing more opportunities for Nigerians.”

As I listened to the speech, I kept wailing – Hallelujah. I didn’t read the Punch titles accusing Canada of ‘stealing’ Naija’s lazy youths and the retort from those youths loudly saying they are happy to be ‘stolen’. Caveat emptor, Canadian prairies could be scenic in summer, they are brutally cold in winter!

Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Lagos miracle man who lost the Midas touch after overflying the lagoon is back with reduced responsibility and a promise to submit a budget in two weeks. Ground no level after February’s contestable elections. In the weeks between the lapse of BRF’s old mandate and its renewal, government has tinkered with buying back or is it selling its power shares? Fashola doesn’t have to take the flak for reversing religion and science in letting darkness overcome the light. That honour is now transferred to Sale Mamman and Jedi-Agba as his sidekick.

As returnee science and technology minister, Ogbonnaya Onu would soon unveil the Naija super-pencil. I understand it is laser-guided and would visibly write in the skies. If anyone reads Mene, Mene Tekel Upharsin in the clear blue sky, they should not panic – Onu’s pencil, promised since 2015 would be the numbered uncounted wonder of Bubu’s second term.

As promised, Buhari retained some old faces, rehabilitated those once written off and hired some newbies.

You would have sworn that Rauf Aregbesola’s religious hands can’t handle grease but he has promised to soil the fingers of staff at the interior ministry as he addresses insecurity. Expect a greasy template from the new minister of public holidays! Disappointed that people loved London pizza more than Benue yams, Audu Ogbeh took a bow. His brief falls in the hands of Sabo Nanono who studied business administration but having no industry to administer ended up as a farmer.

Our good friend, Adamu Adamu is back in education or is it the lack of it? This time around, he won’t be negotiating with ASUU, NASU and NAMU, the brief goes to Chris Ngige who packs the potency of a negotiating dynamite as he tackles labour matters. Gbemisola Saraki is in charge of transportation, long live the Chinese construction company.

To the brand new old hands – Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo rises from the ashes of a write-off since serving Ekiti between 1999-2005. This comeback kid now handles trade and investment. He’ll have his hands full as global investors prefer trading where electricity is a pipedream. The Otunba has beautiful Mariam Katagum for inspiration if he ever needed one.

Not many people would forget the duo of Godswill Akpabio and Timipre Silva. At a time his political enemies would want him buried in the avalanche of criticism for the things he did and didn’t do, Godswill crossed the floor of the sinnate and became the president and the ruining party’s favourite. Subsequently, the corruption charges against him dropped like ripened mangoes in a windstorm. Having washed in the party’s Pool of Siloam, he is now sent to oversee the entire Niger-Delta, the home of oil. Akpabio is unlikely to change priests soon – seeing his first name works. His enemies have lived to see him become a minister of the feral republic. He is in good company with mercurial Festus Keyamo whose loyalty to Pa Bubu is unrivalled anywhere in the Niger-Delta. Somebody shout hallelujah!

Only the image of Sadam Hussein holed up in his attic matches that of Timipre Sylva when the old EFCC called at his Abuja home years ago ago. The hard-working ex-governor of Bayelsa lost several houses (some counted 48) and was written off by his foes. Out of the APC pool he regained his houses and what the palmerworm and caterpillars had eaten. As the snail laps the earth with the same mouth with which it insults the gods, Silva’s enemies would now have to call him Honourable Minister. He is closest to Muhammadu Buhari’s heart in the petroleum ministry.

My own colleague, Sunday Dare is the new Baba Ewe of Naija as Youths minister. Dare dresses and speaks well. Sadiya Umar Farouk is pioneer boss in the new ministry of disaster management and humanitarian affairs. Paulen Talen is out of rehab. Rotimi Amaechi, the only minister who doesn’t like money is back, so is Hadi Sirika, the man who created a paper airline and flew it in London. Lai is back in his base.

A cabinet like this instils hope in James Ibori’s big return to national limelight. It tells Diezani Alison-Madueke to never give up. Sinners become saints rising from the APC Pool of Siloam. Masha Allah! In the abracadabra world of Naija politrics, only Alamieyeseigha’s hope of redemption is buried until the day of resurrection. If you live long enough, find the road to APC, being written off as ‘finished’ is nothing, in the same place where you were called ‘not my own,’ you’ll be pronounced as ‘beloved’.

Source:
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/hope-rises-for-james-ibori-diezani-madueke.html/amp

Appeal Court orders Tribunal to reenlist AA
punchng.com Aug 23, 2019 5:44 PM

Uche Nwosu
Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri

The Court of Appeal in Owerri has Ordered the Imo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to reenlist the Action Alliance as the 2nd Petitioner in the petition brought by the AA governorship candidate, Uche Nwosu, in Imo State,

The Presiding Judge, Justice Owoade JCA, dismissed the objections of the Respondents and allowed the Appeal filed by Nwosu against the ruling of the Tribunal that allowed AA to pull out of the petition challenging the election of the state governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

The Tribunal had granted the prayer of AA to pull out the petition brought before it challenging the election of Ihedioha.

Apart from Nwosu, Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress and Senator Ifeanyi Araraume are equally challenging the emergence of Ihedioha as governor.

Source:
https://punchng.com/appeal-court-orders-tribunal-to-reenlist-aa/amp/

PDP Caucus Calls For Nullification Of 27-Yr Old Commissioner Nominee In Oyo State

The 27-year old Oluwaseun Fakorede was recently nominated by Governor Seyi Makinde and has been screened by the Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday, during the assembly’s plenary.

The chairman of the PDP in Ibarapa North, Mr Samuel Adigun, while speaking with newsmen said the people of Ibarapa North are not satisfied with the nominee as he is seen not to be part of the party.

In his words: “His father is a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). What has he contributed to PDP that will warrant his nomination as a commissioner-nominee? We have other qualified PDP members that can be nominated by the governor.”

Responding to the call for his nullification, Mr Fakorede said it was an internal matter that would be settled in due course.

“We are going to resolve the issue in due course. It is an internal problem which we are going to address appropriately with our leaders in question.

“By God’s grace we shall have a fruitful deliberation with them and all the leaders of the party will intervene,” he expressed optimism.

In his remark, the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyi noted that the nomination of the 27-year old commissioner was part of the manifestation of not too young to run bill in the state.

“His nomination should be seen as a welcome development for all youths, which has driven home the manifestation of the not too young to run bill in the state. This should be supported by all irrespective of political affiliations,” Mr Ogundoyin observed.

Vanguard

Source:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/pdp-caucus-calls-for-nullification-of-27-yr-fakorede-as-commissioner-nominee-by-makinde/

Buhari directs varsities to enrol on IPPIS
tribuneonlineng.com Aug 22, 2019 3:13 AM
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has directed that all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), including universities, drawing their personnel cost from the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) must enroll in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, made this known during a meeting with university-based unions convened in Abuja by the executive secretary of National Universities Commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed.

The AGF explained that the meeting was a continuation of previous meetings, including the meeting with vice chancellors, registrars and bursars of federal universities held on Tuesday, 18 June, 2019.

Idris revealed that the presidential directive had been duly complied with by the Nigeria Police, the para-military and the armed forces.

He said that he was not unaware of fears expressed in the university community on the policy in relation to university autonomy and the peculiarity in such payments as sabbatical leave, part-time programmes, staffing of new programmes, visitation, payment of out-sourced services and earned allowances.

According to NUC’s weekly bulletin obtained by Tribune Education, the AGF said though the fears were genuine, they were unnecessary as the system is flexible enough to accommodate all those peculiarities.

He said a centralised payroll would be prepared by individual universities but coordinated by IPPIS, while the total management of the human resource would rest squarely on the universities.

Idris reassured the participants that it would not in any way compromise the autonomy of universities, adding that all deductions such as the National Housing Fund (NHF), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), check-off and other dues deducted from staff salaries would be remitted to the appropriate accounts as and when due.

He said all the grey areas had been duly considered during the previous meeting in June and six resolutions were reached – including the need for interaction with other stakeholders, particularly the staff unions.

The AGF also said that there was a need to set up a committee to look into issues of funding of out-sourced services through the Federal Ministry of Education, and how IPPIS could accommodate all peculiarities relating to universities.

“It is a known fact that as of today, IPPIS has a current staff count of 755,422 from 561 MDAs as against 235,858 in 2015. This tremendous increase in enrolment has created a cumulative savings of over N273,809,842,071.99 on IPPIS platform between 2017 and 2018.

“This fund would have been lost, but is now available for government to deploy for other uses,” he declared.

The executive secretary of the NUC and chairman of the meeting, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, in his remark, further clarified that the objectives of the presidential directive were to engender transparency, accountability and probity in government expenditure as well as centralise the payroll systems of the Federal Government.

He explained that enrolling in IPPIS would be beneficial to both the government and the unions.

He enumerated some of the advantages to include facilitating easy storage, updating and retrieval of personnel records for administrative and pension processing, ascertaining the actual personnel emoluments of the Federal Government, and aiding manpower planning.

He solicited the cooperation of the unions towards achieving seamless enrolment in compliance with the presidential directive.

However, the ASUU president, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, expressed the fear that if implemented, IPPIS could erode university autonomy and the powers of university councils.

Also in their contributions, the presidents of SSANU and NASU called for wider consultations and enlightenment on the policy.

Source:
https://tribuneonlineng.com/buhari-directs-varsities-to-enrol-on-ippis/?amp_markup=1

SSAUTHRIAI threatens strike over minimum wage
punchng.com Aug 14, 2019 2:00 AM

The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions has called on the Federal Government to obey the National Industrial Court of Nigeria’s judgment on the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Scale or face a nationwide strike.

The group made the demand in a communiqué signed by the acting President of SSAUTHRIAI, Benjamin Akintola, and General Secretary, Moshood Akinade, after its National Executive Council meeting at Ibadan.

While calling for “the total review of Pension Reform Act 2014 to allow retirees access their lump sum (100 per cent) as well as prompt payment on retirement”, the organisation demanded “the immediate implementation of National Minimum Wage of N30,000 across board without further delay to ensure industrial harmony”.

The workers lamented that despite the July 22 2013 judgment of the NICN on the skipping of CONRAISS 10, some of the research institutes had refused to comply.

The group named some of the agencies as the National Atomic Energy Commission, Abuja, National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency, Kaduna, and National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, llorln.

The communiqué reads, “We therefore call for the implementation of the judgment for research institutes and to pay all arrears, failing which the affected institutes will be directed to embark on strike.”

The union also told the Federal Government to honour its agreements with the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Unions and Joint Health Sector Unions.

They included payment of 12 months’ arrears of 53.37 per cent salary increase and release of the conditions and scheme of service for federal research institutes, projects and Federal Colleges of Agriculture and submitted to the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation since February 2014.

SSAUTHRIAI called on the Federal Government to review the Act establishing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to include Colleges of Agriculture and also to re-classify Colleges of Agriculture as polytechnics, instead of being classified as Monotechnics by the National Board for Technical Education.

Source:
https://punchng.com/ssauthriai-threatens-strike-over-minimum-wage/amp/

Friction in local governments over fiscal autonomy, accountability
guardian.ng Aug 14, 2019 4:05 AM

President Buhari flanked by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and other aides as he signs the bill on LG autonomy.

Barely one month after he was inaugurated for a second term in office and days to the inauguration of the 9th session of the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari, gave assent to a bill that allows states’ judiciary to directly access funds to their credit, and no longer through the state governors.

Prior to that auspicious development, Buhari had also, at the tail end of his first term, granted similar fiscal autonomy to local government councils, thereby freeing the third tier of government from the apron strings of powerful state governors.

Expectedly, the new lease of life granted to the various arms and layers of government threw up mixed reactions from stakeholders. For quite some time now, the intricate mix of fiscal management in local government councils have been at the root of unending arguments between stakeholders in both local and state governments.

For instance, no sooner had President Buhari put pen to paper acceding to the fiscal freedom for local governments than a group known as Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM) issued strong reservations about the efficacy of the policy statement.

AILM specifically said the Local Government Autonomy Bill signed into law by the President does not seem to be “in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State and its people.”

In a statement signed by its leader, Prince Emmanuel Sam, AILM described the law as idealistic and programmed to fail, contending that while it appears ideal to grant financial and administrative autonomy, “the reality on ground makes its implementation near impossible.”

Sam further lamented that the new law presents a new set of challenges in local government administration, saying that it must be resolved in order not to bring chaos, conflict and insecurity in Akwa Ibom State, even as he argued that “there was no thorough assessment of the economic impact the development will have on states.”

AILM accused the Federal Government of double standards, noting that while Buhari was in a hurry to sign Local Government Autonomy Bill into law, he was reluctant “to address a fundamental matter such as federalism that affects the very existence of the country.”

The group also expressed fears about possible job losses at the LGAs as fallout of the new development, stressing that the same way one state cannot transfer its workers to other states, local governments will not accept indigenes of other local governments. But while AILM was full of lamentations, Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr. Abel Diah, was full of praises for the new law, maintaining that granting local government autonomy “would lead to dynamic and active parliamentary democracy, (which is) the fulcrum for the attainment of dividends of democracy to Nigerians.”

Diah further stated: “We should prepare ourselves to face the challenges that will come our way and bring progress and prosperity for nation-building. With this law, democracy is gaining ground and heading towards success.”

NFIU angle, implementation hiccups
THE Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, explained in an interview that the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) law empowers the unit to monitor withdrawals, movements of funds, and everything that deals with finances as it affects the country.

He said the government ought to be interested in how funds are used, noting that funds have become instrument of destabilization in most countries, adding, “So, it is important that as Nigerians we to follow up and keep in mind how funds are moved within the system. It can destabilize the economy and the security architecture of the nation, so we have to be very careful.”

It is also the thinking in government quarters that for a long time state governors rendered local government funds as sources of easy money for political mobilization and other excesses. But, while local governments are basking under the euphoria of the recent fiscal autonomy granted it by the new law, there are no indications that the policy will usher in a new era of rural development in the states.

In Rivers State, for example, Governor Nyesom Wike, who was a two-term chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, lamented that despite huge allocations to the 23 councils, none of them could boast of capital projects. Indeed since 1999, Rivers State has remained averse to granting local government autonomy, as it is believed that that could lead to instability of governance at the grassroots.

The 8th State Assembly, which voted overwhelmingly against autonomy for councils, had argued that granting financial autonomy to councils might usher in again the era of zero allocation, where councils could barely pay workers’ salaries. The Guardian checks revealed, for instance, that monthly allocation for June from the federation account was paid directly to the accounts of the 23 local government areas of the state. Chairmen of both Eleme and Khana local government areas, Philip Okparaji and Loolo Lahteh, confirmed the fact.

However, the state and local government councils are yet to work out modalities on how payment of salaries of primary school teachers, primary healthcare workers, local government pensioners and traditional rulers would be made. This reality seems to echo the concerns raised by AILM.It would be recalled that in 2007, the administration of former governor Chibuike Amaechi, had taken over the responsibility of paying the salaries of primary school teachers and health workers from the council, all in a bid to ensure that there is stability in the polity.

Yet, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) remains vehemently opposed to financial autonomy for the councils as it seems comfortable with the current arrangement whereby the state government deducts primary school teachers’ and primary healthcare workers’ salaries at source. The state was paying over N2 billion as salaries to teachers and health workers during Amaechi’s era, because prior to that time, council chairmen were lamenting about zero allocation.

Eleme council chairman, Okparaji told The Guardian that although the councils were excited about the new fiscal policy, it has created some challenges for local governments in the state. Okparaji said: “We started receiving direct from the federation account this month for the month of June. Allocation meant for the local government was paid directly into the account of the local government. We are happy, but let me say there are certain challenges. You will find that primary school teachers, primary healthcare and pensioners’ salaries need to be paid. These are issues we need to resolve amicably with the state government so that they can get their money on time.

“Under Amaechi’s government, there was a law that as allocation comes in you withdraw at source to pay the teachers, primary healthcare workers and traditional rulers. But now we are getting the whole money. So we need to pay the traditional rulers; we need to pay primary school teachers; we need to pay the primary healthcare workers. We need to pay the pensioners and that is why we are still working out modalities for them to get their money early.

“We need to work out modalities to confront these challenges so that the traditional rulers can get their own five per cent and pensioners can get their money on time, because now local governments go to bank and withdraw only N500,000.00 per day. We don’t want traditional rulers to go through some cumbersome process to get their money.”

A source, however, informed The Guardian that for now, local government chairmen don’t know the total emolument of the teachers and healthcare workers because the state government had been saddled with that responsibility since 2007. But Okparaji said his main preoccupation was to see the speedy resolution of the issue of payment due to primary school teachers and healthcare workers.

“There could be some local government chairmen who could be overzealous and say they won’t pay,” he said. “We don’t want people to suffer in the process, and that is why the state came in to mitigate the suffering of these people. Now the allocation is coming to us and we believe that we will work out a modality where these people will take their salaries or payment.”On his part, Khana Local Government chairman, Lahteh said he was not really enthused by the new policy because it does not in any way enhance the financial fortunes of the council.

According to him, “We are not bothered about it, because the allocation we get through the Joint State and Local Government Account was the same allocation whether they come in directly or indirectly. There is nothing special about it. Whether it comes directly or indirectly, it is the same amount that comes to the local government. Those who are excited are those who don’t know how the system works. Here in Rivers State we get our money complete from the State-Local Government Joint Allocation Account Committee.”

Not minding whether councils get their allocations directly or not, there is no way of holding council officials accountable for their actions. For years, basic information about public expenditure at the local level has been kept as a closely guarded secret. Some past local government chairmen, who pleaded anonymity, lamented that one of the problems that has bedeviled the councils has been the incidence of too many deductions, such that after paying salaries they are left with nothing for capital projects.

Perhaps as a warning to council chairmen not to be carried away by the new policy of direct allocation, Rivers State Government, which oversights the council, has set up a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ipalibo Banigo, to investigate financial transactions of the councils. Banigo said the committee to audit and investigate the 23 local government councils was set up to reposition the third tier of government as a bastion of grassroots development. She stated: “The purpose of the exercise is not to witch-hunt anybody, but to re-position the local government councils as a bastion of grassroots development and democratic dividends. The local government is the closest tier of government to the people. Governor Wike wants to be sure that monies that get to the councils are used in the overall interest of the people.”

Similarly, while inaugurating a committee to look into the accounts of local councils and development areas in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, said his administration was committed to delivering the dividends of democracy, noting that the initiative was not to go after the immediate past administration, but to set the stage for proper take off of “our government.” Makinde said looking into the accounts of local government “is highly needed at this point when there is a paucity of funds and the need to re-strategise and define to means to fund activities of government.

“In fact, I must state that the committee we are inaugurating today is in pursuant to the Public Property and Funds (Investigation and Recovery) Panel Law, Cap 138,Vol.4 of Oyo State Law, 2,000.“Section 3 of the law states, thus, “Whenever it shall appear to the Government of the State that any person or body of persons in the custody of any property belonging to the government or any company in which the State Government has any interest however arising or is accountable to the government for any contract entered into or purported to have been entered into between him and the government or monies which he may have collected on behalf of or for the purposes of the government, the Governor may set up a panel to investigate or ascertain the identity and extent of such properties or fund and make order for recovery of such property or fund.”

The governor conceded that the local government “is the governments at the grassroots level are the closest to the people,” stressing that it is therefore important to take into consideration all matters that affect the people.

Development areas as blind spots
IN Nasarawa State, owing to the new impetus, some local government councils are kicking against the practice of sharing funds with the development areas created. The move is believed to be in strict compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on local government financial guidelines. The reasons put forward by the local government councils are that the development areas are not captured by the 1999 constitution and that the Federal Government allocates funds to respective local governments.

Meanwhile, the state government has complied with the new Local Government’s Financial Guidelines as directed by Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bala Sani, who disclosed this during the state’s LG Joint Account Committee (JACC) meeting, said the state government has fully complied with the directive in order to ensure prudence and accountability in the management of resources.He said the guidelines were put in operation since June 1, adding that the government has also set up the machinery to ensure its success, even as he disclosed that the JACC meeting still holds because money was not sent directly to LGAs account, but through the local governments joint account. Sani also remarked that Nasarawa State has development areas that are not recognised by the new guidelines and urged LG chairmen to share the allocation with the respective development areas.

He urged them to ensure that statutory deductions were considered on first line charges before any other expenses were made. He listed the statutory deductions to include salaries for traditional rulers, percentage for pension of retirees, money for training of staff at Local Government Service Commission. Others, he said, are salaries for primary school teachers to State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Primary Healthcare and Development Agency (PHCDA), among others.

The state’s Accountant-General, Zakka Yakubu, advised that LGAs should share the allocations with the development areas the way it was done in the past, noting, however, that the guidelines do not recognise development areas. He explained that the state’s law created the development areas from the local governments for administrative convenience, contending therefore that the development areas remain parts of the local governments.

Yakubu charged council chairmen to keep proper records of their expenditures to avoid violation of the guidelines.But in Bauchi State, the caretaker committee chairmen of the 20 local government areas are in search of legal redress as to why Governor Bala Mohammed disengaged them before the expiration of their tenure. A former caretaker chairman of Bauchi local government area, Alhaji Chindo Abdu, who spoke on behalf of the others, claimed that they were appointed by former Governor Mohammad Abubakar to serve for a period of nine months, insisting that their tenure ought to end by September this year. He recalled how Mohammed, issued a statement directing all political appointees to vacate their offices without cognisance of the law that appointed them immediately after taking over.

Although Chindo could not say whether the development followed the presidential directive on direct funding, he lamented that a letter written to the governor, through the Secretary to the State Government, reminding him of the duration of their tenure did not yield fruit.

While accusing the governor of withholding their salaries and allowances, the former caretaker chairman said: “Based on the appointment letters we have, we are to stay there for nine months. And those nine months will expire in September. This month has ended; there is no salary and entitlements, which we deserve. Base on that, we approached Bauchi State High Court to demand for our rights.”

Source:
https://guardian.ng/politics/friction-in-local-governments-over-fiscal-autonomy-accountability/amp

Flood renders 2, 000 people homeless in Imo
Part of the community ravaged by the flood.

Flood on Friday submerged over 66 houses and rendered about 2,000 people homeless in Orsu Obodo in Oguta Council Area of Imo State.

Member representing Oguta constituency in the state assembly, Frank Ugboma, who visited the community yesterday, called for intervention from relevant government authorities to resettle the displaced persons and alleviate their plight.

The lawmaker, who visited the flooded community to ascertain the level of havoc wrecked by the flood, who expressed regret on the incident urged Imo state government to provide immediate succor for the displaced people.

He said Oguta has been vulnerable to flood “This is the constituency I am representing our land is a flood prone area but I assure my people that I will surely present this problem to the floor of the house”, he said.

The lawmaker appealed to NEMA to intervene in the matter for both relief materials and other ways of assisting the flood victims.

The Head of Imo/Abia operations office of the National Emergency Management Agency, Evans Ugoh, called for demolition of houses built on waterways in the area.

Source:
https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/flood-renders-2-000-people-homeless-in-imo.html/amp

Ogun board, commissions sue Abiodun, allege illegal dissolution
punchng.com Aug 5, 2019 2:57 AM


Four statutory commissions and the education board have dragged the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to the National Industrial Court for their alleged illegal dissolution.

The four commissions and the board sued the governor; the state House of Assembly; the Attorney General and the state government for allegedly dissolving them, removing their names from the payroll of the service and allegedly preventing them from resuming at their respective offices.

The commissions and the board are the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission; Ogun State Civil Service Commission; Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission; Local Government Service Commission and Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board.

In the originating summons, the plaintiffs urged the court to declare as illegal the action of the governor and others who directed the permanent closure of their offices.

They also urged the court to declare the purported dissolution of the board and the commissions wrongful and not in accordance with the provisions of the enabling law and as such illegal, null and void and of no effect.

Already, the plaintiffs have obtained an interlocutory injunction restraining the governor, the Assembly and the other defendants from appointing or presenting any person for appointment as chairmen and members of the statutory bodies.

The court ordered the parties to maintain the status quo.

In their arguments, the bodies said they were sacked illegally before the expiration of their five-year tenure as stipulated in the constitution.

Source:
https://punchng.com/ogun-board-commissions-sue-abiodun-allege-illegal-dissolution/amp/

Ekiti State Government has approved the absorption of 272 workers employed by former Governor Ayodele Fayose into the state civil service.
The government also re-engaged officers that were recruited in the State House of Assembly, but were sacked in 2014 by the last administration.
The decision followed the deliberation of the State Executive Council on a report of a committee saddled with the responsibility to review irregular appointments in the public service between 2014 and 2018.
It was alleged that Ekiti State Government has approved the absorption of 272 workers employed by former Governor Ayodele Fayose into the state civil service.
The government also re-engaged officers that were recruited in the State House of Assembly, but were sacked in 2014 by the last administration.
The decision followed the deliberation of the State Executive Council on a report of a committee saddled with the responsibility to review irregular appointments in the public service between 2014 and 2018.
It was alleged that the recruitment exercise didn’t go through due process, especially as it involved biometrics.
The recruitment exercise was allegedly hurriedly done, even up till the very night of the day of exit of the former governor.
Read also: Soldiers begin ‘operation-stop- and-search in Ekiti
It was on basis of that the Fayemi-led administration set up an executive committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, to review the appointments.
According to a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Head of Service, Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi, through his Press Officer, Mr. Rotimi Feyisina, “the approval covers the integration of 272 officers of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Service Commission who had been on manual payroll system to the biometric payroll system for payment of their salaries forthwith while their outstanding salaries are to be paid in four instalments.
“It also covers the re-engagement of 80 of the officers that were recruited in the State House of Assembly, but were disengaged in 2014 by the last administration, in consonance with available vacancies in the 2019 personnel budget.
Ajayi added: “The re-absorption of the House of Assembly officers is with effect from jement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Head of Service, Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi, through his Press Officer, Mr. Rotimi Feyisina, “the approval covers the integration of 272 officers of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Service Commission who

Imo North: Nwajumogu Leads Protest to INEC Headquarters over Certificate of Return
thisdaylive.com Jul 23, 2019 4:18 AM

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A candidate in the last National Assembly election for Imo North senatorial district, Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, yesterday led a protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where he demanded his certificate of return without further delay.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in his judgment had instructed INEC to “immediately issue the applicant, Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu a sealed certificate of return”, saying that “INEC does not have the power and right under any law in Nigeria to review or otherwise deal with any question related or connected to the declaration and Return of the Applicant for the Imo North senatorial district election held on February 23 and March 9, 2019 after the returning officer has taken a decision.”

But in a swift response, the commission said that it would not be stampeded into taking precipitate action or decision that may be detrimental to the electoral process and procedures.

While addressing journalists, Uwajimogu wondered why the commission refused to honour the court order three weeks after.

He said: “As law-abiding citizens we approached the Federal High Court, which about three weeks ago gave judgment in our favour demanding that INEC should do the needful. Up till today, INEC has refused to release the certificate.”

Uwajumogu alleged that there are people working in cahoots with some of his opponent and INEC to ensure that his certificate of return was not released.

According to him, “Some of other people who have been given certificate did not have to go through any committee before they gave them their own certificate of return, why is my own going through this process?

“When a proper court of competent jurisdiction has given an order, how do you refuse an order of court? What we are asking INEC is I’m here to collect my Certificate of Return today and INEC must produce my Certificate of Return today and I am asking them to do that to forestall the breakdown of law and order.”

Earlier, a group under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Imo North senatorial district had earlier gave 24 hours to the commission to issue certificate of return.

The Director General, Benjamin Uwajumogu Campaign Organisation, Mathew Omegara, in a letter addressed to INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that on no account should INEC be seen appealing against judgments, or taking sides with any political party.

Meanwhile, the commission has said that it would not be not be stampeded into taking precipitate action or decision that may be detrimental to the electoral process and procedures.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Educational and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, disclosed this when Uwajumogu, led a protest to the headquarters of commission.

He stressed that the commission has a history and record of obedience to order and does not make a distinction between order made in its favor and orders made against it.

Okoye noted that the commitment of the commission is to the rule of law and due process and the growth of the democratic process.

Source:

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/07/23/imo-north-nwajumogu-leads-protest-to-inec-headquarters-over-certificate-of-return-2/amp/

Garri Prevents Cancer! 5 Other Amazing Reason You Should Start Drinking Garri Daily
dailyadvent.com Jul 22, 2019 11:54 AM
Garri Prevents Cancer! 5 Other Amazing Reason You Should Start Drinking Garri Daily
Regarded as one of the most consumed meals in Nigeria, Garri has been seen as a meal that is just for the lowly or economically challenged ones, but on the contrary, the health benefit of Garri is far more incredible than the perceived notion given to it.

Made from tubes, roots of cassava plants, Garri contains proteins, iron, vitamins B and C, carbohydrates, and also starch. Aside from all these healthy nutrients contained in Garri, the leaves also contain calcium, fats, iron and protein.

The awesome nutritional benefit of this local food is a major reason why people should stop shying away from having this food to the fullest any time of the day.

Some have even concluded that Garri is one meal that is responsible for bad sight or gradual eyesight loss, against that notion, this local food helps and aids you good eyesight.

Let’s check out the enormous health benefit of Garri;

1 Helps Shred Weight;

Image result for Weight loss Nigeria
If you desire to have a charming physique, then drink Garri often. Although very starchy, it is low in calories and its richness in Cassava fibre help you stay full for a long time, which helps your stomach from desiring food now and then.

2. Helps Keeps Your Digestive System In Great Shape;

Related image
Rich in fibre which is not soluble in water, absorbing the toxin that finds its way into your intestine through any means. With this, it helps your intestine stay healthy and keeps it running appropriately.

3. Keep From Cancer;

Image result for Cancer Nigeria
Surprising but true the local food, Garri helps to prevent cancer. The leaves contain B12 which helps stimulates the content of the red blood cell, the loss of which almost always cause cancer.

4. Cures Diarrhoea

Image result for diarrhea nigeria
You’ve probably heard from your mum that you should soak and drink Garri whenever you’re stooling, guess, you think it’s stale and does not necessarily work, but here’s the gist, Garri still work wonders and amongst that wonder is that it still stops diarrhoea.

Related image
Next time you can’t control your constant visit to the toilet, kindly soak local Garri and much it till you’re fullest.

5. Helps your eyesight;

Image result for Good eyesight nigeria
Garri is very rich in Vitamin A and also Bakarotennya, that improves the health of your eyes and pavements future blindness or poor eyesight.

6. Full of Folate;

Image result for Folate nigeria
Pregnant women are always in great need folate and Vitamins C. One cup of Garri contains 15 per cent of your daily folate needed and also 47 per cent of the daily calcium you need, the two vitamins also help the body’s immune system.

Next time, you’re thinking to consume Garri, enjoy yourself to the fullest, it is healthy nutritious and the most economical food you can afford anytime any day.


Type Garri, if its your best meal…

Source:
www.dailyadvent.com/food/2019/07/22/garri-prevents-cancer-5-other-amazing-reason-you-should-start-drinking-garri-daily/

Killings: Police begin recruitment of 40,000 part-time constables August
punchng.com Jul 20, 2019 2:30 AM

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba
Adelani Adepegba, Abuja

As part of measures to halt the spate of killings and kidnappings in the southern part of the country, the police authorities have concluded plan to scale up the numerical strength of the force by injecting 40,000 part-time constables into the system.

As a result, the recruitment of the constables will begin in August, according to findings by Saturday PUNCH.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, who confirmed the development, explained that at least 50 persons would be recruited from each of the 774 local government areas in the country, adding that the recruitment exercise might kick off in August.

As part of measures to check rising insecurity in the face of insufficient manpower in Nigeria’s police force, the Force had in May concluded plans to engage thousands of Special Constables to work with conventional policemen in communities.

The police had presented the idea to the state governors who were said to have bought into the scheme.

The men, who will not be armed, are expected to handle charge room and administrative duties, crowd control, accident scene duties, alternative dispute resolution and other less sensitive and less risky functions.

They are expected to dress in police uniform but with a different force number to distinguish them from the regular cops.

It was learnt that respectable members of the society like pastors, imams, teachers, lawyers, journalists and youths would be considered for the volunteer job.

The constables, after receiving training in police colleges, will work on a part-time basis with regular policemen, he said, adding that this would free up more police manpower to deal with serious operation and other security issues.

Mba stated, “Our focus is to pursue a technologically-driven Police Force to reduce the number of policemen on the road.

So, we have decided to introduce the special constabulary system which involves the recruitment of voluntary citizens to work as part-time policemen.

“They would be recruited from their immediate constituency where they would work with the conventional policemen.

The Nigerian Police Force currently have over 300,000 policemen out of which significant number are guarding political officer holders and VIPs.

Meanwhile, Mba told Saturday PUNCH on Friday that the police had prepared a new operational order targeted at addressing the current insecurity situation in the country.

According to him, it involves the deployment of more personnel, as well as helicopters, drones, technical platform and other special equipment in the South-West, South-East and South-South regions.

Already, about 100 patrol vehicles have been acquired and are being customised with various communication gadgets and equipment to enhance the counter-kidnapping operation.

Speaking on the new counter-kidnapping operational order, Mba said, “It involves the deployment of special operatives and operational assets, including special equipment, helicopters and drones in the South-West, South-East and South-South regions to replicate the successes we have achieved in the North-West where kidnappings and killings have been checkmated by the police.”

The spokesman assured that Nigerians would, in the coming weeks, see the difference in the security situation in the South, adding that the security on the highways would also be re-jigged.

He explained further that there would be increased supervision of police operatives deployed for the counter-kidnapping operation, noting that the security system being put in place would be water-tight.

Mba added, “In the next couple of weeks, Nigerians would see the difference in the security system in the South as we ramp up our security system and take the battle to the criminals terrorising innocent citizens.”

Asked about the number of operatives that may be involved in the special operations, Mba declined, saying he would not disclose this for strategic reasons.

To strengthen the new operation, the police spokesman said they would partner with state governments in the region to ensure its success.

He said the arrangement to deploy helicopters and drones in the South-West would take priority as search for kidnappers and killer herdsmen continues.

The police will initially focus on Ondo forests as search for the killers of Mrs Funke Olakunri, the daughter of Afenifere leader, pa Reuben Fasoranti, continues.

Source:
https://punchng.com/killings-police-begin-recruitment-of-40000-part-time-constables-august/amp/

What is the difference between a bill, a law and an act?

In most countries around the world:—

A law is the generic term for any legal rule or regulation enforced by the government to regulate behaviour or activities in that society. The term can additionally mean a system of rules that are created and enforced by the government for the same purpose.

A Bill is proposed law — drafted by the government or by the lawmakers, to be debated and voted upon in the legislature, and if passed by that legislature, to be enacted into force by a certain constitutional procedure.

An Act is enacted legislation — the written law (the statute). The term ‘Act’ most usually means primary legislation — the principal statute enacted according to the lawmaking procedure by the legislature. Very often the Act will have secondary or delegated legislation (usually called “regulations” or “rules”)

Ihedioha promises traditional rulers 5% of LG allocations
punchng.com Jul 5, 2019 12:36 PM
Chidiebube Okeoma and Gibson Achonu

Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has promised to give five per cent of the monthly allocation of the local government areas in the state to traditional rulers.

The governor, who spoke at a meeting with traditional rulers in the state in Owerri, said the allocation was lawful and would help the royal fathers to develop their domains.

He equally promised to encourage full autonomy for local council administrations in the state, as well as the state House of Assembly.

“I have always stated that my government will respect the Constitution of Nigeria. We will do things in accordance with the rule of law. We will respect the constitution and ensure that what is due to the traditional institution, the local government areas and the legislature is given to them.

“The local government is the most important tier of government as it is the closest to the people.

“We will give full autonomy to the local government. The legislature will also have its autonomy. I will not interfere with the activities of the legislature. There will also be financial autonomy. We are doing this because we know that it is constitutional.

“I met a state where many things had gone wrong. But that is why we have come to rebuild. I cannot do this without the Ezes (traditional rulers). I urge you to join hands with me to rebuild Imo,” the governor said at the meeting.

Meanwhile, residents of Owerri, the state capital, have called on Ihedioha to prevail on the state waste management agency to urgently remove the heaps of refuse on Mbaise Road and other residential areas in the metropolis.

They described the refuse dumps as a health hazard.

Speaking to Southern City News on Friday, a resident, who gave his name as Mr Simon Osuji, said the heaps of refuse had been on the streets for over four weeks.

Osuji, a widower, who said that the refuse on Mbaise Road had led to sickness among members of his family, noted that his children had been admitted in hospital for two consecutive times.

He disclosed that the heaps of garbage on the road had made the metropolis filthy, disturbed free flow of traffic and affected business activities in the area.

“Many residential buildings are around the heaps of refuse; many of our children, owing to the repulsive odour have fallen sick, some of them had abdominal disorder, malaria, typhoid fever, among others.

“Personally, I have spent fortunes in various hospitals. My children cannot sleep if the generator is not on in order to drive away the repulsive odour and mosquitoes. We are dying in the area; we are, therefore, sending SOS to Governor Ihedioha to help us,” Osuji added.

Another resident, who simply identified himself as Solomon, described leaving the garbage on the road near residential buildings for weeks as wickedness and negligence on the part of the state government and relevant authorities.

He disclosed that the area was never a dump, and blamed the urban renewal programme of the past administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

“The urban renewal programme, which led to the blocking of Douglas Road and part of Mbaise Road for over six months, now led to the dumping of refuse indiscriminately by the aggrieved and embattled Imo people.

“The odour is terrible and negatively affecting our health. Ihedioha has come on board to inherit it. He should do something about this,” Solomon said.

When contacted on the phone, the General Manager of Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission and Special Adviser on Environment and Sanitation, Mr Alex Emeziem, said the government was designing a new project on refuse disposal in the state.

He pleaded with the residents to give the government four weeks to stabilise and bring out the new design to alleviate their suffering.

Emeziem said, “The outgone government of Rochas Okorocha did not leave any money for the incoming administration of Ihedioha. We, as a government, are pleading with Imo people to exercise patience for us to come out with the programme.”

Source:

https://punchng.com/ihedioha-promises-traditional-rulers-5-of-lg-allocations/amp/

NUT Kicks against Direct Allocation of Funds to LGs, Says Teachers will Suffer
By editor - 1 min ago
By Laleye Dipo in Minna
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has said that the plan by the federal government to give direct allocation of funds to local governments in the country could inflict a lot of sufferings on teachers who are the major employees of the local governments.
The NUT said the direct allocation of funds to local governments will also pose a lot of challenges to teachers especially in areas of payment of salaries and other allowances.
The Niger State chapter of the union raised the objection to the policy in Minna on Wednesday in a communiqué issued after the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held at the Teachers House in the Niger State capital.
“The SWEC in session express serious concern at the recent approval granted by the federal government on the direct allocation of local government funds to their respective accounts.
“The council further observes the challenges this development might pose to the payment of primary school teachers,” the communiqué stated.
Signed by the state Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Umar, and the Principal Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Garba Labaran, the union however suggested that to ensure regular and prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, under the policy “it should be placed on first line charge to SUBEB for onward payment to teachers”.
The SWEC in session, according to the communique “express support for the federal government’s directive to teachers yet to register and licensed by Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) to do so by the end of December, this year”.
It however observed what it described as “the disenfranchising factor” the computer based test pose to Arabic teachers during examinations and therefore called on the TRCN “to look into the issue with a view to addressing it”.
It commended the Niger State government for the implementation of “Domestic Allowance” to secondary school teachers on grade level 15 and above and appealed that such gesture should be extended to teachers at the primary school sector to boost their morale.
The communique express worry and serious concern at the continued delay in the commencement of the next batch of training and supply of Z-pad to the remaining secondary school teachers.
“The Council therefore calls on the Ministry of Education to as a matter of urgency prevail on the NGO to ensure that the second week of July 2019 promised by the NGO to resume the programme is strictly complied with,” it said.
It also congratulated Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matane on his appointment as the Secretary to the State Government and urged him to use his wide experience to move the state administration forward.

Source:

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/07/04/nut-kicks-against-direct-allocation-of-funds-to-lgs-says-teachers-will-suffer/?amp

Certificate Scam Rocks Ogun As 300 Teachers Risk Job Loss, Govt Fires 37
ABEOKUTA – Uneasy calm may have enveloped the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission as the new government in the state has technically disengaged no fewer than 37 Secondary School teachers.
The disengaged teachers, according to informed sources, were given the booth over alleged the result, documents and certificate falsification to secure job placements.
However, there are indications that over 300 teachers whose service records and certificates are equally on the verge of being shown the way out of TESCOM in the state.
The affected persons, it was gathered, were either expelled from their school or yet to graduate as of 2000 while some were yet to pass their courses in their various schools as at 2004 but presented fake certificates in order to secure employment.
Consequently, their names have been removed from the payment portal of the government without any formal letter of disengagement.
It was further gathered that many of the affected teachers have been in the state teaching service with fake documents for as much as 25 years with the least being 16 years ago.
Daily Independent gathered that about 50 teachers that secured employment into the civil service using fake certificates and documents have so far been apprehended and disengaged.
Sources hinted that of the 50 with questionable qualification documents, 14 returned to school to acquire a genuine certificate and presented the same within the period of their service.
About 373 more might suffer the same fate as their certificates were at various stages of screening, out of 8, 731 teaching and non-teaching staff members whose certificates were screened, it was further gathered.
According to investigations, trouble started when the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in October 2017 raised an eyebrow on the performance of teachers in the state through a monitoring team.
The monitoring and access team, it was gathered, was led by the then Chairman of TESCOM, three full-time Commissioners and all directors forming five teams across the State.
A source who was part of the team that spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity said many teachers were discovered to have performed below average while laying claims to unsubstantiated certificates or professional qualifications.
In December 2017, the source added that the agency wrote to the government seeking the permission to start verification exercise of all teachers and was approved by former governor Ibikunle Amosun.
It was further gathered that the government was initially reluctant because of the cost of verification as schools from within and outside the country demanded up to N10,000 as verification cost.
For instance, Ekiti State University was said to have requested for N9,000 cost per certificate; University of Nigeria, Nsuka N10, 000 while Olabisi Onabanjo University demanded N6,000 each, amongst others.
TESCOM was said to have proffered solution by levying all the teachers to pay N8,000 each for the verification exercise through their unions which include Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS); Nigeria Union of Teachers 9NUT); All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS); and Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institution (NASU).
Although the exercise is still ongoing, however, at the end of the first batch, 51 were caught with fake documents while the remaining 322 are still at various stages of clearance of their documents.
Another source within the agency further hinted that as soon as some of the disengaged teachers were confronted with the report from the various schools where they claimed to have graduated were said to have immediately excused themselves from their various schools while others confirmed and pleaded for leniency.
It was further confirmed that the immediate past governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun had earlier given an approved for the disengagement of the affected teachers from the Service in April 2019 effective May 2019.
The source further said that the remaining 322 that had issues with their papers were given the grace to go for clearance just as many ignored the opportunity but just eased themselves out of the system.
The source added “About 8,731 Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Certificates were verified across all the Tertiary institutions in Nigeria including Professional Institutions. Others with Certificate outside the country were also not spared.
“373 certificate holders were discovered to be having issues, however, 51 were declared by their institutions as fake or never emanated from the acclaimed institution or have been outrightly doctored. Out of the 51 people, 37 of them have been suspended from payroll with effect from May 2019 while the remaining people have been given another opportunity to clear themselves from their institutions further to wish their names will equally be suspended from the Staff Payroll.”
When asked on when the exercise will continue, the source said Governor Dapo Abiodun will determine the next line of action after a proper briefing by the agency.
One of the affected teachers, Erubami Oluwaseyifunmi who was a teacher in Ilaro declined to speak with our correspondent, saying the identity could not be ascertained.
All efforts to unravel the failure of the government to issue letters of disengagement and possible prosecution of the culprits proved unsuccessful for hours as officials refused to speak on the issue.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary in the Agency simply identified as D.T Dosumu kept our correspondent waiting and unattended to when an audience was sought with her.
Also, there were no principal officials of the agency like the Chairman and Commissioners on seat following the dissolution of the board by Governor Abiodun about two weeks ago as a new board is yet to be constituted.


Source:
https://www.independent.ng/certificate-scam-rocks-ogun-as-300-teachers-risk-job-loss-govt-fires-37/amp/

I receive N750,000 as salary, says Lawan
enationonlineng.net Jun 25, 2019 7:06 PM
says no jumbo pay for Senators, Reps
Senate President Lawan salary
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday, said that contrary to insinuation, no member of the National Assembly receives jumbo pay.

The Senate President also asked the Presidency to submit the country’s annual appropriation bill in September or first week of October to enable the National Assembly to pass the budget within three months.

Lawan who spoke when he hosted the executive members of the Senators ’Forum in his office noted that the talk about senators and members of the House of Representatives receiving jumbo pay is not true.

Insisting that he is not receiving any jumbo pay, the Senate President said that his monthly take-home salary is N750,000.

He explained that funds are also provided to run his office.

He said, “We owe Nigerians everything. The National Assembly is going to be open to the public. I believe that the National Assembly will throw everything open to the public. Let Nigerians know what we are doing but one thing I want to emphasize here is that I don’t believe in anything called jumbo pay to the National Assembly.

“Members both in the Senate and the House receive what is their salary. I receive N750,000 as my salary but I need to function as a senator. My office needs to be properly funded. Therefore I cannot conduct my oversight without some funding.

“So I believe that Nigerians need to understand this. We need to continue to explain to Nigerians and I will also urge you to explain to Nigerians because they need to be kept abreast with happenings in the National Assembly.

“They deserve to know how their resources are being utilized and this is what we will continue to do. I believe that the National Assembly needs proper funding because the legislature is so critical to any development. When an institution is going to legislate on almost everything under the sun they should have the best and Nigerians should have the best outcome.

“The public also need to know what our functions and roles are. I believe that we should continue with the Open NASS. In 2018 we had the first version of the Open NASS where individuals, NGOs, were invited and we had a lot of activities with the public. We will continue with that. We will enhance it so that Nigerians can come to the National Assembly, see what we do and I believe that Nigerians would understand what we are doing here and why we attract some funding and continue to attract some funding. So we continue to do those things that will make Nigeria a stable and prosperous country where everybody would be proud to be a citizen.”

On the submission of the budget, Lawan noted that early presentation of the budget will give the National Assembly the opportunity to pass the budget within three months.

He added that early submission of the budget will enable the country to return to the January-December budget circle.

He said: “We don’t have any doubt. We know the challenges. We will work hard to solve the challenges. We will pass the budget in three months. All we require is for the Executive to submit the budget on time, at least September or first October.

“If that happens and we get it, we will pass the budget before Christmas. We need to return to the January to December budget circle.”

The noted that the National Assembly will take the oversight function seriously to ensure that heads of government agencies carry out their statutory functions effectively.

He said, “This kind of interaction is very important. It gives us the opportunity to share experiences. There are things that are challenging to us that we can share with you.

“The ninth Senate is a bipartisan Senate. What that means is that, we will remain focused and work for Nigerians. What we have done is to be patriotic. Nigeria is our constituency.

“The challenges before Nigeria are very massive. We need to work for the economy and ensure that things work for everyone.

“We don’t need to fight anyone. We will follow the path of peace. Any minister or head of an agency must function. At the end of the day, Nigerians should benefit from this.”

Chairperson of the Forum, Senator Khairat Gwadebe said that members of the Forum are always ready to support and partner the National Assembly in any capacity for the progress of the country.

She said: “You need to use your 20 years experience as a lawmaker to make a difference. Our main objective as a body is to work in strengthening the polity. We are very confident that your leadership will be good for Nigerians.”

Gwadebe added that the Forum was structured to promote good governance aimed at making the country stronger.



Source:
https://thenationonlineng.net/i-receive-n750000-as-salary-says-lawan/amp/

What is the difference between vice and deputy?

A “Vice” rank is a formal organizational executive position. A deputy can be any person, employee, agent, etc who is appointed & deputized to perform a specific role.

In law enforcement Deputy is a formal position in many cases, but in some other cases it is a temporary assignment authorizing an individual to participate in &/or execute a specific role.

In corporations, a deputy is usually a non executive level assistant tasked with a particular function. It could also be a temporary deputization of a lower level executive for a specific role.

We’re Still After National Assembly Mace Snatchers — Police
independent.ng Jun 23, 2019 3:18 PM
NASS Mace, Stolen Mace, apc government
Fifteen months after two suspected thugs allegedly led by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege invaded the Senate chamber and snatched the mace, the police have yet to conclude their investigation into the incident.

Findings in Abuja indicated that the police had been treating the incident as a cold case, believing new information could lead to the indictment of the Deputy Senate President.

The force took Omo-Agege into custody shortly after the incident on April 18, 2018.

He was subsequently released while an investigation was launched into the theft which generated a national uproar.

The lawmaker representing Delta Central was consequently suspended by the Senate for 90 days, but he successfully challenged the resolution in court which ruled that the upper chamber had no powers to suspend him.

The mace was recovered under a flyover near Abuja city gate some hours later where it was abandoned.

Six suspects arrested in connection with the incident were released by the police.

Our correspondent learnt on Saturday that although the case file had been shelved, the investigation “has by no means died.”

A police source said, “The case was dropped because we are yet to apprehend all the thugs who stole the National Assembly’s symbol of authority. Although Omo-Agege was detained briefly in connection with the theft and released on personal recognition, the investigation has not ended or closed.

“It could be revived anytime we have fresh facts or information. So, it is wrong to say the Senator is out of the woods on account of his emergence as Deputy Senate President. We could invite him for interrogation when the need arises; he doesn’t have immunity from criminal prosecution.”

Another source said the testimony of the former Divisional Police Officer in the National Assembly, CSP Abdul Sulu-Gambari, indicting Omo-Agege and others, was part of the evidence linking the suspects to the incident.

Sulu-Gambari in his testimony on May 9 before the joint Senate and House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate the invasion of the Senate, blamed the incident on the conspiracy among some security agencies and lawmakers.

But Sulu-Gambari was redeployed to Adamawa State while the office of the DPO at National Assembly was placed under the Inspector-General of Police by then IG, Ibrahim Idris.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, did not respond to repeated phone calls for an update on the investigation into the mace theft on Saturday. He had yet to reply a text message sent to him on the matter as of the time of filing this

Source:
https://www.independent.ng/were-still-after-national-assembly-mace-snatchers-police/amp/

How do I move YouTube offline videos onto an SD card or laptop?
quora.com Jun 21, 2019 4:57 PM

Rachit Mangi
Blogger (2016-present)
37w ago
There 2–3 method to transfer Youtube offline video. I have found my answer from Tricks N Tech where they have mentioned all the steps from starting to download Youtube offline video.

Here, Best thing about using the method shared in above site is,

You can download offline video to your SD card
You can copy / paste video to any device
You can play video using third party apps
You can share video with your friends
I hope my answer will help you.

Shashank Gupta
studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 Air Force Station Pathankot
37w ago
The YouTube offline videos are saved in the format which only YouTube app could read. So you can't move YouTube offline videos in SD card or laptop.

The other ways you can download YouTube videos is to use YouTube videos downloading software which can be found on Internet. You could also do so by inserting “pwn” before the youtube in the Youtube video link. It will redirect you to the page where you can download them in the format you want.

Supreme Court Removes Govs’ Rights To Sack LGA Chairmen, Councillors
independent.ng Jun 22, 2019 4:24 PM

The Supreme Court on Friday voided laws enacted by the states’ Houses of Assembly which allow governors to sack elected chairmen of local governments and councillors and replace them with appointed administrators, according to Therepublicannews.net reports.

It has become a tradition among governors to dissolve the Executive Councils of the states’ LGs and replace them with their appointees, who they call caretaker committees.

In a unanimous judgement of five Justices of the Supreme Court described the practice as “executive recklessness”, which must not be allowed to persist.

The judgment by the five-man panel, led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour was on the appeal in relation to the dissolution of the 16 Local Government Executives in Ekiti State, during Kayode Fayemi’s tenure.

The appeal marked: SC/120/2013 was filed by the Ekiti State Government.

It had Prince Sanmi Olubunmi (Chairman of Ido Osi LG and Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria – ALGON, Ekiti Chapter and 13 others as respondents.

Fayemi, (then) Minister of Mineral Resources reportedly announced the dissolution of the councils in a radio announcement on October 29, 2010, when the elected council officials still had up till December 19, 2011, to end their three-year tenure.

The Supreme Court, in faulting the law purportedly relied on by Fayemi, held that Section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which empowered the governor to dissolve local government councils, whose tenure was yet to expire, violated section 7(1) of the Constitution from which the state House of Assembly derived the power to enact the local government law.

Justice Centus Nweze, in the lead judgment, said: “There can be no doubt, as argued by the appellants’ counsel, that the Ekiti State House of Assembly is empowered to make laws of Ekiti State.

“However, the snag here is that, in enacting section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which empowered the first appellant to bridge the tenure of office of the respondents, it overreached itself.

“In other words, section 23(b) (supra) is violative of, and in conflict with section 7(1) of the Constitution (supra). “Hence, it is bound to suffer the fate of ll laws which are in conflict with the Constitution, section 1(3) thereof.”

The judge said Section 7(1) of the Constitution seeks to guarantee “the system of local government by democratically elected local government councils and conferred “sacrosanctity on the elections of such officials whose electoral mandates derived from the will of the people freely exercised through the democratic process”.

“The implication, therefore, is that section 23(b) of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration (Amendment) Law, 2001, which was not intended to ‘ensure the existence of’ such democratically-elected councils, but to snap their continued existence by their substitution with caretaker councils, was enacted in clear breach of the supreme provisions of section 7(1) of the Constitution.

“To that extent, it (section 23(b) supra) cannot co-habit with section 7(1) of the Constitution (supra) and must, in consequence, be invalidated.

“The reason is simple. By his oath of office, the governor swore to protect and not to supplant the Constitution.

“Hence, any action of his which has the capacity of undermining the same Constitution (as in the instant case where the first appellant, ‘Governor of Ekiti State and others’ dissolved the tenure of the respondents and replaced them with caretaker committees) is tantamount to executive recklessness which would not be condoned,” the judge said.

Justice Nweze said the tenure of the local government councils could not be abridged without violating the supreme constitutional provisions.

“Simply put, therefore, the election of such officials into their offices and their tenure are clothed with constitutional force.

They cannot, therefore, be abridged without breaching the Constitution from which they derive their force.

“The only permissible exception, where a state governor could truncate the lifespan of a local government council which evolved through the democratic process of elections, is ‘for overriding public interest’ in a period of emergency.”

He upheld the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal on the issue and adopted the orders made by the Court of Appeal on the case in its judgment delivered on January 23, 2013.

The Appeal Court had among others, ordered the Ekiti State Government to compute and pay all the allowances and salaries accruable to members of the dissolved councils between October 29, 2010 and December 19, 2011, both dates inclusive.

Justice Nweze directed the Attorney- General of Ekiti State to ensure that the orders of the lower court (Appeal Court) affirmed in his judgment, are complied with.

Source:

https://www.independent.ng/supreme-court-removes-govs-rights-to-sack-lga-chairmen-councillors/amp/

There’s no excuse for ‘crazy’ bills — FCCPC
vanguardngr.com Jun 21, 2019 10:39 PM
By Ediri Ejoh

THE Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, yesterday called on the Distribution Companies, DISCOs, to comply with the statutory estimated billing methodology enshrined in the Nigeria power sector reform act, saying there was no excuse for ‘crazy’ bills.

Energy
OMPALAN, Miyetti Allah partner for peace and investment(Opens in a new browser tab)

Director General/Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, made this call at the FCCPC/Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, town hall meeting held yesterday.

He stated that “We have made it abundantly clear that there is no combination of facts that can excuse billing people for the power they do not consume. Estimated itself has been redefined, abused and mischaracterized. We used to have estimated billings in the past and it wasn’t such a contentious issue.

“The problem is that estimated billing is becoming arbitrarily increasing and that is why metering becomes the only option. There are two things principles to addressing these issues, which is to follow the estimated billing methodology in the law which makes it more rational and reasonable. At the same time, the DISCOs have got to aggressively ramp up metering, after which the estimated billings will become more rational and reasonable.”

He also explained that the current tariff structure in the power sector was due for review.





Source:

TRAGEDY! Plane Crash In Hawaii Kills All Nine People On Board
gqbuzz.com Jun 22, 2019 12:28 PM
A light aircraft has crashed in Hawaii, killing at least nine people on board, officials say.

The twin-engine aircraft went down close to Dillingham Airfield near Mokuleia in Honolulu County. There were no survivors from the King Air flight, the Hawaii Department of Transportation tweeted.

Photos showed smoke billowing from miles away. It is not yet clear if the plane was taking off or landing. “Right now, the initial report is that there were nine souls on board,” an official told Hawaii News Now. “There’s no survivors.”

The Honolulu Fire Department said that they received reports of a downed plane at around 6:30 pm on Friday. According to its website, Dillingham Airfield is a joint-use site with the US army having first priority for air-land operations and helicopter night-vision training.

Source:
https://www.nairaland.com/5258619/photos-femi-kuti-opening-ceremony

Oyo NYSC member's suicide note to parents: I’m tired of life, forgive me
vanguardngr.com Jun 20, 2019 6:54 AM
By Ola Ajayi

Ibadan—A serving member of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr. Johnson Onyilo, who committed suicide in Ibadan, left a suicide note stating he was fed up with life and pleaded with his parents to forgive him for all the troubles they went through to see him through school.


Suicide
Kidnap of expatriates : Wike gives Andoni chiefs 3-day ultimatum(Opens in a new browser tab)

Onyilo, a 2018 Batch B Stream 1 NYSC member, was reportedly serving in Ibadan North-West Local Government Area of the state, when the incident happened.

It was further gathered that the deceased, who graduated from the Department of Accounting at the University of Jos, Plateau State, lived with his sister during his service.

Speaking with Vanguard in a telephone interview, the Public Relations Officer of NYSC in the state, Mrs Christy Olatoye, confirmed the incident, praying that “God protects our youths from the rampant cases of suicide.”

The remains of the young man are to be taken to Benue State later this week for burial.

He was said to have been posted to Oyo State with the number OY/18B/2337. JOS/2018/055264.

Olatoye said: “Yes, you are correct. He was living with his sister in Ibadan.

“He was serving in Ibadan North-West Local Government Area. But he has not been buried, he will be buried in Benue State next week.”

When Vanguard called the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gbenga Fadeyi, he said he was yet to be updated on the incident.

Source:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/oyo-nysc-members-suicide-note-to-parents-im-tired-of-life-forgive-me/?amp

Sacked Imo councillors sue Ihedioha, others
guardian.ng Jun 20, 2019 4:18 AM

Imo State governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha
• Group urges gov to give women adequate opportunity
• Okorocha chides Imo chief of staff

Suspended councillors of the 27 councils in Imo State have taken the governor, Emeka Ihedioha, to the Federal High Court, Owerri, to challenge their sack.

Also joined in the suit were the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Imo Commissioner for Justice and the House of Assembly speaker.

In the suit, FHC/CS/75/2019, the 604 former councillors sought an order restraining the defendants from terminating or abridging their tenure as elected legislators of the 27 councils in Imo or replacing them with transition committee members.

They also sought declaration of their suspension on June 3, 2019 by the House of Assembly as unlawful, null and void, considering that they were elected by their constituents and certificated by Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC).

Briefing newsmen in Owerri, yesterday, their leader, Godwin Nwankwo, said they were determined to resist the “recent illegality” by the Ihedioha administration.

Nwankwo said, “It is now unconstitutional in Nigeria for any governor or House of Assembly to dissolve or suspend duly-elected council executives. We are going to seriously oppose this illegality at any level.”

Ihedioha had said that his action was in conformity with the relevant laws and a means to sanitise the council administration in the state.

Meanwhile, Imo Gender Forum (IGF) has urged the governor to give women adequate opportunity to contribute to development and governance of the state.

The non-political women organisation made the point at a press conference in Owerri yesterday.

In another development, Okorocha has urged Ihedioha to sack his Chief of Staff (CoS), Chris Okewulonu, for asking him to shut up his mouth.

Okorocha, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser (Media), Sam Onwuemeodo, insisted that Okewulonu “lacked composure and discipline” to shut him up.

He added that such statement to a person of his calibre paints the CoS as one that was not properly brought up.

Source:
https://guardian.ng/news/sacked-imo-councillors-sue-ihedioha-others/amp