₦airaland Forum

Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a patriot and democrat deemed it fit as the Chief Executive and Chief Security officer of Lagos state to visit and condole with the families of a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officer who was stoned to death by angry mob in Lagos on Friday, been November 30 around 5:00pm

The LASTMA Officer Ola Oyeshina was trying to decongest the traffic at Iganmu Sifax axis in Apapa, Lagos before he was stoned to death according to reports.

Reacting at his residence, Sanwo-Olu said; “We condemn these attacks on state workers trying to do their bit to make our state better.”

“May his soul rest in peace.”



https://ngg.ng/2019/12/03/sanwo-olu-visits-family-house-of-lastma-officer-stoned-to-death-in-lagos-see-photos/


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The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has on Tuesday at the Onikan Stadium for the DAY OF HONOUR for the late Mobolaji Olofunso Johnson, The First Governor/Administrator of Lagos State, renamed Onikan Stadium after the first Governor of the state, Mobolaji Johnson.

Extolling the virtues of the former Military administrator, Sanwo-Olu described him as a distinguished man and a great patriot and an accomplished administrator who re-engineered the modern Lagos.

Onikan Stadium, Lagos, is now Mobolaji Johnson Stadium.

Details shortly….



https://ngg.ng/2019/12/03/breaking-onikan-stadium-renamed-after-mobolaji-johnson/


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Nigeria doctors working with the Lagos state government under the auspice of Medical Guild, have rejected the Lagos state government’s new minimum wage, declaring that the new wage is less their expectations.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reported that, the decision of the Lagos state Medical doctors was made known by the Chairman of the Guild, Dr Babajide Saheed at a media briefing on the scientific conference planned to take place on December 3 and 4 respectively in Lagos.

The Medical Guild is an association of Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State government.

Responding to questions, the Chairman of the Guild, Dr Babajide Saheed said they never agreed on any minimum wage as the guild was not present or represented during the negotiation. He further claimed that, their salary negotiation and agreement cannot be concluded when they were not there.



https://ngg.ng/2019/12/03/lagos-doctors-rejects-new-minimum-wage/


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President Muhammadu Buhari has informed the world that his government is yet to establish any date for Nigeria Borders reopening. This emanates as a result of news going round that Nigerian borders with her neighboring countries specifically Benin and Niger Republics will be reopened on January 31,2020.

The President further stated that the border closure situation would remain until the there’s a physically noticed change.

Remember how ngg.ng reported that the Nigerian Federal government had closed her borders with neighboring West African countries since August. The government further explained that the border closure was a measure to stop the illegal movement of people, dangerous arms and smuggling of food items especially staple foods into the country thereby boycotting the payment of necessary levies or duties.

This situation the government said has also affected revenue generation in the borders resulting from smuggling.

He also stressed that is to ensure we have total control over what comes in.”

In October, Comptroller General of Nigeria Custom Service, Hameed Ali confirmed the border closure.

This was the first official confirmation of a full border closure.

Yesterday been Monday, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said that since the closure of the Nigerian borders, that the Nigerian Custom Service generates #8 billion daily unlike the daily #4.5 billion daily, when the borders were open.

According to Garba Shehu, President Buhari’s Spokesperson, the President said this when he received a delegation of Katsina State Elders Forum in his home in Daura, Katsina State.

“Two months into closure of Nigeria’s land border to curb smuggling activities, especially rice, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is betting on same measure to rekindle the agriculture sector.”

The government’s directive will save the country billions of naira on import bills.

Receiving a delegation of Katsina State Elders Forum at his country home in Daura, the President said the country’s domestic fuel consumption had dropped by more than 30 per cent, following closure of land borders.

The President commended the actions taken by the President of Niger Republic, Muhammadou Youssoufou, including the dismissal of officials and a ban on use of the country as a dumping ground for Nigeria-bound smuggled goods.

President Buhari noted that the measures taken by the President of Niger were helpful and supportive.

President Buhari acknowledged the hardship of border communities following the ban on sale of fuel at stations 20 kilometres to the border, a restriction that also saw to the closure of all fuel stations in his native home, in Daura, Katsina.

President Buhari had not given any date for the reopening of the land border between Nigeria, Benin and Niger Republics until the situation improves.




https://ngg.ng/2019/12/03/border-closure-buhari-says-no-date-yet-to-reopen-nigerias-borders/#sidr-nav


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Barcelona Football Club and Argentina Superstar playmaker Lionel Messi defeated Cristiano Ronaldo, Virgil Van Dijk and Saido Mane yesterday night at the 2019 Ballon d’Or gala night in Paris, France, to win his 6th Ballon d’Or making him the highest winner ever.

Cristiano Ronaldo who has been his closest rival has 5 Ballon d’Or. He was not present yesterday at the gala night.




https://ngg.ng/2019/12/03/lionel-messi-wins-2019-64th-ballon-dor-making-it-his-6th/


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At the Federal Executive Council meeting yesterday presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed said the increase in Inflation in the Month of October from 11.24% in August-September to 11.61% in October is caused by border closure.

The Minister acknowledged that Nigeria’s annual inflation rate increased to 11.61 percent in October 2019 from 11.24 percent in the previous month, reaching the highest since May of 2018.

Further speaking, Hajiya Ahmed Zainab said the borders closed in August this year would be re-opened as discussions with neighbouring States had reached an advanced stage.

The minister said the federal government expected the outcomes of the discussions and agreements would make each party to respect the protocols they all committed to in order to open the borders again, stated that “What we are doing is important for our economy.”


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/28/nigeria-fg-has-blamed-border-closure-as-cause-of-inflation/

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Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday approved the implementation of #35,000 New Minimum Wage for Lagos workers employed by Lagos state government.

This was made known in a circular by the state’s Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola on Wednesday. Okunola said Sanwo-Olu, in his determination to improve the welfare and wellbeing of public servants in Lagos State, had graciously approved the implementation of the new minimum wage with effect from 1st November, 2019.

The Head of Service of Lagos, Okunola further said, salaries have been delayed beyond the usual 23rd day every month for the month of November because the government want to effect the New Minimum Wage Payment.

The agreed New Minimum wage between the federal government and organized labour is #30,000.

This step taken by the Lagos state Governor is a landslide achievement which will improve the livelihood of Lagos government employees and also a step towards motivating them to be more committed to their responsibilities.



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/27/sanwo-olu-approves-the-commencement-of-35000-new-minimum-wage-in-lagos/


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BILL TO ALLOCATE 40% OF NIGERIA’S ANNUAL BUDGET TO CAPITAL PROJECTS: REPS SPEAKER’S SPONSORED BILL SCALES SECOND READING


Capital projects are long-term, capital-intensive investment project with a purpose to build upon, add to, or improve a capital asset. Capital projects are defined by their large scale and large cost relative to other investments that involve less planning and resources. As this definition implies, it means that capital projects execution and completion are the bedrocks of developed societies of the world as such they are to be observed as paramount.

This the Nigerian House of Representatives deemed fit to allow this bill to scale through the first and second reading. This bill when become law will allow the allocation of 40 percent of the country’s annual budget to capital projects in Nigeria.

This is a Bill seeking to provide 40 per cent of the country’s annual budget for capital projects in the next 10 years.

The Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who sponsored the Bill, described it as an economic stimulus Bill.

Speaking at the plenary Wednesday, he said that the reason why there were abandoned projects all over the country was as a result of the paltry sum allocated to capital projects.


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/27/bill-to-allocate-40-of-nigerias-annual-budget-to-capital-projects-reps-speakers-sponsored-bill-scales-second-reading/


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soloenzo:
On Wednesday at the National Assembly gate in Abuja, scores of protesters were seen carrying different placards agitating that the bill known as the Social Media Bill which has passed second reading be dropped with immediate effects.

The protest started around 9:25 a.m. Wednesday. And according to sources, they have taken it upon themselves to continue the protest for days until the bill is dropped.

Two major groups anchoring this protest are the ‘take it back movement’ and ‘concerned Nigerians. Prominent among the human right activists there is Deji Adeyanju, a former convener of our mumu don do.

Addressing journalists, Deji Adeyanju, one of the conveners of the protest, said the action would, henceforth, be frequent.

He said apart from the protests, there would be online actions which would involve sending text messages, calling and sending mails to every senator.

He added that this would be followed by “individual name shaming and picketing. We will assign tasks to different members (of our group) to go to their (the senators) homes. Let their children see what their parents are doing.”

Placards seen were having inscriptions like “If you can’t stand the smoke. Get out of the kitchen”, “Only a repressive regime muscles the media”, “#SayNoToSocialMediaBill, we are not in tyranny century”, “If we can’t say what we think, in a democratic society, then it is not democracy”, “Do not gag me”, “Free Sowore”.

They were however addressed by two senators, senator Uba Sani (APC, Kaduna Central) and Yakubu Oseni (APC, Kogi Central), the senators spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Senate promising the protesters that the senators will always respect democratic principles.



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/27/social-media-bill-2-groups-deji-adeyanju-leads-protesters-to-national-assembly/


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On Wednesday at the National Assembly gate in Abuja, scores of protesters were seen carrying different placards agitating that the bill known as the Social Media Bill which has passed second reading be dropped with immediate effects.

The protest started around 9:25 a.m. Wednesday. And according to sources, they have taken it upon themselves to continue the protest for days until the bill is dropped.

Two major groups anchoring this protest are the ‘take it back movement’ and ‘concerned Nigerians. Prominent among the human right activists there is Deji Adeyanju, a former convener of our mumu don do.

Addressing journalists, Deji Adeyanju, one of the conveners of the protest, said the action would, henceforth, be frequent.

He said apart from the protests, there would be online actions which would involve sending text messages, calling and sending mails to every senator.

He added that this would be followed by “individual name shaming and picketing. We will assign tasks to different members (of our group) to go to their (the senators) homes. Let their children see what their parents are doing.”

Placards seen were having inscriptions like “If you can’t stand the smoke. Get out of the kitchen”, “Only a repressive regime muscles the media”, “#SayNoToSocialMediaBill, we are not in tyranny century”, “If we can’t say what we think, in a democratic society, then it is not democracy”, “Do not gag me”, “Free Sowore”.

They were however addressed by two senators, senator Uba Sani (APC, Kaduna Central) and Yakubu Oseni (APC, Kogi Central), the senators spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Senate promising the protesters that the senators will always respect democratic principles.



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/27/social-media-bill-2-groups-deji-adeyanju-leads-protesters-to-national-assembly/


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On Tuesday, a Bill to review Criminal Code Act for rape and kidnapping sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu has passed second reading.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu wants Criminal Code Act Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, amended.

It seeks to have the portions of Sections 218 and 221 of the Criminal Code deleted; to amend the definition of rape as contained in Section 357, and also, to increase punishment for kidnapping in Section 364.

In her lead debate on the bill, Mrs Tinubu pointed out that rape as defined in the main Act made it a crime committed against women alone.

According to the Criminal Code, a man commits rape when he has carnal knowledge of a woman against her will, without her consent, or if that consent was gotten by coercion.

She said, “The Criminal Code Act defines rape in Section 357 as an offence against women. However, times indicate that there are incidents of non-consensual sex perpetrated against the male gender.

She opposed that definition as grievous because it perpetuates the socio-cultural belief that men do not need to consent to sexual acts. She further argued that we must ensure that our laws and jurisprudence evolve with the rest of the world.

She argued that for kidnapping, Section 364 gives a punishment of imprisonment for a term of 10 years where a crime of kidnap is established.

Her bill agitates and proffers a life sentence for persons found guilty of kidnapping.”

She backed up this argument by saying that armed robbery’s punishment is 21 years imprisonment or death. She said things stole by armed robbers are replaceable things but kidnapping involves the stealing of human breath, how then will punishment for armed robbery be more than that of kidnapping? she further agitated for life imprisonment for kidnap when established by the relevant law enforcement agency after thorough investigation.


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/27/a-bill-to-review-punishment-for-rape-and-kidnapping-in-senate-passes-second-reading/


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The Nigeria Senate has postponed the passage of the 2020 appropriation bill till first week of December.

This was announced at Tuesday’s plenary session by the Senate President Ahmed Lawan, that the budget will now be passed in the first week of December.

The senate had planned its passage for Thursday, November 28.

This postponement comes following the chairman of the senate committee on appropriations, Senator Jibrin Barau comment at the plenary session that “the committee was not ready to submit the treated budget proposal for consideration, and pleaded that they be given more time.”


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/26/2020-budget-passage-ponsponed-till-december/

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The Kogi state Police Command said it has made some arrests of suspected killers of Kogi state PDP women leader Mrs Salome Abuh, who was gruesomely set ablaze in her house at Ochadamu, Ofu Local Government Area of the state, on November 18, two days after the Kogi state governorship election which Governor Yahaya Bello of the All Progressive Congressive was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

This was revealed to the press by spokesman for the command, Deputy Superintendent of Police William Aya while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Lokoja on Monday.

Aya said the arrests were made on Friday and that the arrested suspects are facing interrogations to unravel the cause behind her murder and those primarily behind her murder.

He said that the outcome of the investigation would be made public as soon as it was completed.

NAN reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Sunday directed the police to arrest the killers of Mrs Abuh Salome with a view to bringing them to justice.



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/26/nigeria-police-arrest-suspected-killers-of-pdp-women-leader-in-kogi/


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MTN PLC in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy has announced that Nigeria is the first West African country to experience the unveiling of the 5G Network.

This immersive demo and experience will travel across three Nigerian cities to showcase the capabilities of 5G and its potential to enable economic growth, and social inclusion.

Speaking shortly after taking a tour of the exhibition booths, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, underlined the potential of 5G for sustainable growth.

Pantami said he “believe as long as we are able to handle the potential challenges, the deployment of 5G is very critical to our economy because of so many advantages of 5G, the issue of latency, speed and many more.”


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/26/nigeria-becomes-the-first-west-africa-country-where-mtn-unveiled-5g-network/


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The Delta state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa made this known at the 2019 General Harvest at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Anglican Communion, Abuja, the governor stressed that the “whole world was moving away from capital punishment as a penalty for an offence.”

He noted that it would not be right for the country to resort to death penalty at this time and age.

Okowa said: “I condemn hate speech in totality but we shouldn’t be moving in that direction; it is not the right part, more so, when people could misjudge the intentions of whosoever is making a speech.

“We may not know who will be the determinant at the end of the day and what will constitute the entirety of the hate speech.”

“So, you may just find innocent souls dying for nothing and this are souls created by God and not by man.”


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/25/governor-okowa-kicks-against-death-penalty-for-hate-speech/

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A bill to regulate falsehood and manipulation of information through the social media titled ‘Anti-Social Media Bill’ introduced by the Ahmed Lawan led Senate which passed through first reading last month, has on Wednesday scaled through second reading at the senate.

The bill titled ‘A bill for an Act to make provisions for the protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations and for related matters 2019’, which was first read on November 5, scaled second reading after the lead debate by the sponsor of the bill, Senator Mohammed Musa.

After listening to contributions by some senators in support of the bill, the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Judiciary headed by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, which is to report back to plenary in four weeks.


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/20/anti-social-media-bill-scales-through-second-reading/

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Burden of Service, the explosive best seller, authored by Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke has continued to generate frenzy on the news space.

The tell-it-all memoir has garnered interesting reviews globally, as the Ex AGF revealed some unusual secrets that went down during his time in Service.

The book is a wonder box of highly explosive revelations on a number issues of national concerns, including the infamous Malabu OPL 245 oil well scandal.

Find below some interesting and shocking excerpts from the book:



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/20/photos-shocking-excerpts-from-ex-nigeria-agf-adokes-book-burden-of-service/

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The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) on November 17 had declared David Lyon of APC winner of the November 16 election after defeating Duoye Diri of the PDP with huge margin.

However, there are factors that must be considered that played their role towards the defeat of the PDP by the APC. From 1999 when Nigeria returned to civil rule, the PDP had been in power in Bayelsa state until Saturday’s election which ended PDP’s 20 years reign.

Stakeholders have to consider the following key factors which maybe considered played prominent role in the defeat of the status quo;

WEAK AND UNPOPULAR CANDIDATE FIELDED BY PDP:

Duoye Diri after winning and edging out the popular Chief Timi Alaibe failed to gain popularity and favour in the sights of Bayelsa supporters. Diri defeating Alaibe was a surprise from the opposition APC who were eager and determined to take over the state. This unpopular Diri fielded by the PDP led to their downfall in Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa. This factor is the ultimate in any polity of a political party is ready to win an election.

Remember in September how APC’s former spokesperson Timi Frank predicted PDP’s downfall in the state because of this factor.

PDP’s UNRESOLVED INTERNAL CRISIS

Since 2015, the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) had been in crisis which contributed to the lose of Ex-President Jonathan’s defeat by APC’s Buhari in 2015 presidential election. Since then, the PDP has not been the same. This internal crisis affected the PDP in Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa. Remember how the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Speaker, Emmanuel Isenah was impeached in October. This impeachment of the speaker also affected the PDP’s performance in the Saturday governorship election.

PDP MEMBERS MASSIVE DECAMP TO APC

Few days or barely a week to the governorship election in Bayelsa state, key PDP chieftains and stakeholders, decamped massively to the APC. This contributed massively to the defeat of the PDP by the APC in the state.

LACK OF STRONG SUPPORT TO THE PDP BY GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Following the issues between Goodluck Jonathan and the state governor, Governor Sarieke Dickson, the ex-president of Nigeria shifted his ground and support to the opposition APC by voting for APC and Lyon in the governorship election. This was not hidden as the ex-president was clearly seen voting for Lyon’s APC. Many analysts viewed his action as a way to punish or get back at Governor Sarieke Dickson and his inability to carry party loyalists along because of his authoritarian system of ruling as governor of the state.

After the result was announced and INEC declaring APC’S Lyon as the winner of the election, Jonathan and his family were seen jubilating and celebrating Lyon’s victory as governor elect of Bayelsa state.


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/19/key-factors-that-contributed-to-pdp-lost-in-bayelsa-governorship-election/

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President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Bayelsa APC and the victorious governor elect, David Lyon on his victory in the just concluded Bayelsa gubernatorial election yesterday.

The president’s message to the Bayelsa Governor elect;

“I most warmly congratulate the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Bayelsa election, David Lyon, on his impressive victory. I look forward to working with the incoming government to improve the lives of the people of Bayelsa State.”

“I commend the people of Bayelsa for generally exercising their right to vote in a peaceful manner, notwithstanding the violence in some areas. Sadly the violence led to some deaths, particularly before the election. My deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.”

“Violence during elections vitiates our commitment to demonstrate to the world and upcoming generation that we are a people capable of electing leaders in a peaceful and orderly manner.”

“I would like to urge Governor-elect Lyon to strive to carry along all the various interests, in the next phase of this journey. And to all those not satisfied with the outcome of the election, I urge you to seek redress through the constitutionally-established channels.”



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/18/president-buhari-congratulates-bayelsa-governor-elect-david-lyon/

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Yesterday been Sunday, the Lagos state government through the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency shutdown not less than eight worship centers which comprised Churches and Mosques in the state.

Dr Dolapo Fasawe, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), who led the exercise, said that the facilities were closed down to save the people from health crisis that might arise from the activities of the centres.

The LASEPA boss said that there would be no hiding place for any religious organisation, which failed to operate within the ambit of the law, regardless of their faith.

Fasawe said that mutual respect of views, culture and religion, which the annual tolerance day celebration symbolised, must be adhered to by all residents to foster peace.

She said that religious organisations were supposed to demonstrate good conduct, tolerance, brotherliness and good neighbourliness.

She assured residents of the state that LASEPA would not rest on its oars in bequeathing a good ambience to all inhabitants.

“Those recalcitrant organisations or worship centres, known to be disturbing the peace of Lagos residents, will face the full wrath of the law.



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/18/noise-pollution-lagos-govt-shutdown-churchesmosques/

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to declare a victor in the Kogi West Senatorial election, held Saturday, with Dino Melaye of the PDP and Smart Adeyemi of the APC, the main contenders.

Professor Olayinde Lawal, who is the returning officer declared the election inconclusive, though Adeyemi led Melaye with 20,570 votes, by scoring 80,118 votes, while Melaye scored 59, 548 votes.

Lawal said the margin between the candidates is lower than the 43,127 registered voters in 53 polling units of 20 registration areas in the zone where elections were cancelled.

Prof Lawal said that INEC will announce a new date for the conduct of a supplementary election in the 53 polling units before a winner can emerge and returned.


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/18/kogi-west-sen-district-inec-declared-election-inconclusive/

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Jubilations in Bayelsa state as David Lyon of the All People’s Congress has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the Governor elect in the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa.

David Lyon and APC pooled 352557 to defeat Sen. Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party who had 143172.

PDP had been the state’s ruling party since 1999. PDP's 20 years reign has therefore ended with APC's David Lyon's victory.



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/18/bayelsa-guber-david-lyon-of-apc-declared-winner-by-inec/

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“The unexpected happened just when I was the least prepared for it. I lost my only sponsor to a small ailment that became a herculean task for health workers to manage. What we learnt later was that there were no drugs at the pharmaceutical unit in the entire facility at the time, as government had yet to provide them. After losing her husband and my father, she had been shouldering the whole responsibilities with earnings from her petty trade, hoping I would take care of her upon my graduation”, this was the pathetic situation of a young man at the venue of what was supposed to be his happiest — convocation day.

As he sobbed narrating his ordeal, emotions drew in and those around joined in the consolations. While weeping uncontrollably, I hurriedly pictured in my mind, what an average Nigerian student goes through studying at that level of academic pursuit. Optimism in futuristic events is the propeller that keeps him going through thick and thin. The Nigerian student never minds passing through any tough times that may want to come his way, all he envisages is an assuring future that awaits him. The end would justify the means, so average Nigerian student thinks.

Conversely, it seems all hopes may have been dashed when juxtaposing the brave reality on ground with the expectations that keep fading daily. Like a dream of a dreaming Joseph who was, seconds away living in affluence suddenly wakes to find himself sharing the same bed with another hustling graduate in a room packed with few guys of like minds; he sees himself helplessly hopeless, he concludes that life is not fair and he loses his mind to depressive tendencies.

The Nigerian students who hitherto, have been sufficiently fed with lies and fables that there is an assurance of life-changing opportunities as soon as they come out of school. Take this to the bank, there are no jobs anywhere. How can there be jobs when our environment is not conducive enough for foreign investors to bring in their money and machines. Our governments make laws that not only scare potential investors away, but also impede existing ones from growing. Should you find any job, then be psychologically prepared to withstand all manners of pressures ranging from discrimination, exploitations, underemployment and corporate political games being played among major stakeholders in an organization.

In the public sector where politics and nepotism reign supreme, jobs are never given to merited applicants but sycophants and political beggars. The person you may think would help you get a job will have to know someone that will in turn know the eventual person in charge of job placement. You can see the pyramid of influence…

In Nigeria, that’s how we roll.

As you complete the mandatory but rather irrelevant national youth service, you will marvel at how those economic policies which you had crammed just to pass during your university days are so inconsistent with current happenings of things in your beloved country. It would look as if there is a conspiracy of human factors bent on frustrating your life for no just cause. I did a Mathematics topic surd as a college student, continued with indices and simultaneous equations in my first year as an undergraduate, forced to register and pass several other departmental and faculty courses but failed to pinpoint their significance on my personal development and by extension, to national benefit. Inventors and proponents of those theorems had something in mind —– to solve human problems. From their original postulations, it is expected that there should be some synergy between understanding those theories and applying them but unfortunately they forgot to exempt Nigeria when drawing out their formulations and conclusions. Policy makers and executors in saner climes are no more interested in how to memorize formulas, economics functions and theories; they apply them in real life situations to better their social life and economy.

Mark Twain, a foremost American writer and humorist in his quote said Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. Take up a skill which naturally interests you. The deed has been done. Mistake made cannot be unmade again. The sunshine outside is still capable of drying clothes if/when there is will and zeal. Being a graduate alone is one thing, becoming an employable graduate is another thing. Equip yourself with professional skills that will make you stand out among your counterparts. Age is most likely going to work to your disadvantage unless you are planning to or have falsified it already.

Unless you were born with a silver spoon, you certainly cannot be a graduate at nothing less than 27, this would have already been slowed down by administrative delays in public schools and labour-induced strike actions. That is the gap that being a professional might fill up. In being true to yourself, there are certain artisan skills that can be re-packaged and professionalized to suit personality and preference. It’s called branding. All you need is personalize it and you will be better for it.

My fellow compatriots, getting yourselves in what the state has criminalized will spell doom for you. You have had enough as an undergraduate; burning candles just to satisfy some egocentric and sadistic lecturers who derive pleasure in tormenting students’ lives. Evaluating our university teachers contribution in the overall working of our economy is what I have been finding difficult to come to terms with. While very few of our acclaimed University dons have been useful to the nation through effective consultancy services to the government in their areas of academic career, a large number of them are mere benchwarmers. Their certifications and professorships carry no weight and are of no substance. A lot of us resorted to finding other ways to finance our schooling to supplement whatever was occasionally sent by parents. It lacks common sense ending all of that within the arms and walls of the EFCC or any other financial crimes institution of the state.

May God bless the Nigerian youth….

Kola writes….


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/17/stark-realities-for-nigerian-graduates/

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Mr Olorunjuwon, nephew to Senator Dino Melaye who was shot yesterday at Ayetoro ward 1 unit 4, Dino’s polling unit by political thugs has been confirmed dead this morning by the Senator’s family.

This was made known by the Senator this morning via his twitter handle…

https://twitter.com/dino_melaye/status/1195951083211968513?s=19


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/17/kogi-election-dino-melayes-nephew-shot-by-pol-thugs-dies/

Jeff Bezos had ended Bill Gates’ 24-year run as the richest man in 2018 with a net worth of $160 billion.

NDTV reports that Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has officially surpassed Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos as world’s richest person on Earth with a net worth of $110 billion – according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Jeff Bezos had ended Bill Gates’ 24-year run as the richest man in 2018 with a net worth of $160 billion.

CNN report has it that Bill Gates regained the lead on Friday after Microsoft stock went up nearly 48 per cent this year, helping boost the value of his stake in the tech giant.

Amazon’s Cloud arm AWS losing $10 billion Pentagon project to Microsoft has also helped the Satya Nadella-led company gain on the stock market.


https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bill-gates-surpasses-jeff-bezos-reclaims-richest-person-on-earth-title-2133543?amp=1&akamai-rum=off

https://ngg.ng/2019/11/16/bill-gates-surpasses-jeff-bezos-reclaims-richest-person-on-earth/

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The attempt by the Buhari government to regulate Social Media through the introduction of Anti Social Media Bill which has passed Senate’s first reading continues to create confusion and generate huge criticism from the Nigerian Populace.

Femi Fani kayode, a former Minister of Aviation took his turn to severely criticize and continually to kick against this show of shame by this government trying to silence Nigerians and kill all oppositions.

Today, the former Minister of Aviation took to his twitter handle @realFFK to make his stand heard.

FFK said there is no amount of criticism that can stop this administration from regulating the social media platforms.

FFK said

No amount of criticisms will deter the government from going ahead with the proposed measure to regulate social media space.

– @Mohammed_Lai I expected no less from you & your boss. You came into power on the wings of social media and now you want to kill it. You will FAIL!

https://mobile.twitter.com/realFFK/status/1195357550583136257


https://ngg.ng/2019/11/15/anti-social-media-bill-fani-kayode-throws-shot-at-buhari-lai-mohammed/

Gossip is idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others; the act is also known as dishing or tattling.

Gossip has been researched in terms of its origins in evolutionary Psychology, which has found gossip to be an important means for people to monitor cooperative releationships and so maintain widespread indirect reciprocity. Indirect reciprocity is a social interaction in which one actor helps another and is then benefited by a third party. Gossip has also been identified as aiding social bonding in large groups.

“This social skill has been passed down through generations and is still being used as a social tool. In essence, humans have been wired to gossip and where there are groups there is likely to be gossip,”

There are good and bad gossips

Good gossip
“Generally, good gossip typically serves the interests of the group and not those of the individual doing the gossiping,” said Dr Brown.

He explained that gossip can also orientate newcomers in the group to the rules and norms of the group. It can also be used as a tool for reminding group members of group values and as a means of punishing those that are not adhering to group norms.

Gossiping can also facilitate bonding, especially on an individual front.

This can occur if the information is shared with someone who you trust will not use it against you at another time.

‘Good’ gossip can also be used to warn someone of the potentially harmful behaviours of others, said Dr Brown.

“Some would argue that gossip about others’ negative attitudes and behaviours may motivate the listener to regulate their own similar behaviours and helps them act in a more socially appropriate manner should they recognise some of the gossip patterns within themselves,” added Dr Brown.

The majority of people tend to gossip with friends, family and people they trust and like, which indicates closeness.

Some examples of good gossip can include talking about how well a colleague or family member did on a project or exam, warning a friend if there is concerning behaviour directed towards them, or a mother warning a child about potential danger when she knows that a peer engages in inappropriate behaviours, said Dr Brown.

Bad gossip

On the other hand, some people find themselves gossiping to serve their one interest at the expense of others. This can be defined as ‘bad’ gossip.

“Gossip can be used to capitalise on others’ misfortunes and to use these against them during a time of vulnerability in order to advance the self’s interest,” explained Dr Brown.

Gossip is also a useful ‘political tool’ in organisations/institutions or social structures where people are competing for status or are attempting to remove someone out of a social group.

This widespread bad habit can also be used as a bullying tactic where rumours are spread in organisations, families or more widely, on social media.

“Some people engaging in bad gossip derive pleasure from shaming and slandering others and telling humiliating stories or using others’ misfortune for comic relief or to elevate the self,” said Dr Brown.

Unfortunately, most gossip takes this critical form.

Examples of ‘bad’ gossip include spreading malicious rumours or adding to the truth in a negative way that can benefit the individual doing the gossiping.

Reno Omokri a Nigerian Writer and Lawyer today talks about gossips and what it does to human lives.

In Reno Omokri’s words,

“When gossips tell you what others said behind your back, use your head, not your anger.

Ask them why those people felt comfortable saying it to them? Gossips are slippery. They provoke conversations and tell you only half the story.”



https://ngg.ng/2019/11/15/read-facts-about-gossipsgood-and-bad-as-one-must-be-gossiped-reno-omokri-reacts/

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The government of Nigeria has pledged to support the South Sudan Army the sum of $300,000 donation to the unified South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), it was learnt yesterday. The support is towards ending the conflict in South Sudan.

It is expected to be applied to the provision of food items and medicines to the Cantonment Sites, where the different armies from the African Union (AU) are being selected, trained and deployed as Unified South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

The Nation Newspaper reported that the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama made the donation while on a two-day special visit to Juba, South Sudan, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari A statement said the commitment is to reaffirm Nigeria’s support to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Onyeama was received on arrival by South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayrdit.


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https://ngg.ng/2019/11/15/nigeria-pledges-108450000-to-south-sudan-army/

As the Independent National Electoral Commission gears for the Bayelsa and Kogi states Governorship elections slated for November 16, Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari has urged all electorates to exercise their franchises according to the stipulations of the law. He advises all candidates and voters to shun violence and other malpractices that are common in African politics as it is usually a do or die affairs in Africa. The President also encourage law enforcement officers on election duties to allow voters to vote and avoid the intimidation and harassment of electorates. He further encourages law enforcement officers to punish violators according to legal provisions.

In the words of the President, “I call on voters in Bayelsa and Kogi States to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner and in line with the law in all situations.”

“Law enforcement officials must ensure that citizens are allowed to vote without harassment and intimidation and any attempt to steal or hijack ballots must be stopped using all legal means.”

“In all democratic elections, there are bound to be winners and losers and the elections in Bayelsa and Kogi will not be different.”

“All candidates should be ready to accept the outcomes and wherever they are dissatisfied, they should follow the due process of the law in seeking redress. There must not be a resort to self-help.”

The President concluded by wishing the people of Bayelsa and Kogi states a peaceful and violence free election on Saturday.

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https://ngg.ng/2019/11/14/buhari-encourages-malpractices-free-election-in-bayelsa-and-kogi/

President of the Nigerian Senates, Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday, said government officials conniving with criminals involved in vandalising oil pipelines should be sanctioned and prosecuted if identified.

Lawan stated this in his remarks after the consideration of the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Pipeline Explosions during plenary.

The Senate President has directed the Senate Committee on Petroleum (downstream) to invite the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with a view to ensuring a review of security measures for pipelines in parts of the country.

reports that the Senate President has also called for the National Assembly to amend the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Act to prevent the activities of pipeline vandals that leads to explosions and deaths.

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https://ngg.ng/2019/11/13/senate-wants-nnpc-to-review-security-measures-for-pipelines-in-parts-of-the-country/

Professor Wole Soyinka on Wednesday has called on President Buhari to free Omoyele Sowore, a pro-democracy activist, who has been in DSS custody since August to spare the country from further global embarrassment.

The publisher of Sahara reporters whom since 2015 at the time Sahara reporters was found has been exposing government unrepresentative and corruption activities to both the local community and the global hemisphere.

Sowore’s unlawful arrest and detention has international recognition no wonder Washington post through Jason Relazan wrote about this happening in Nigeria and the emergence oppression unleashed upon journalists and freedom of speeches rights.

The Nobel Laureate in a statement on Wednesday, has sharply condemned the use of live bullets to disperse protesters calling for the release of Sowore.

Members of the Concerned Nigerian and the Enough is Enough were assaulted by the Department of State Services’ operatives.

A journalist with The Guardian and Yemi Adamolekun of EiE were brutalized.

Elongating his opinion, Sahara reporters reported that Soyinka said:

“It should become abundantly clear by now that civil society organizations, committed to the entrenchment of the rule of law and the defence of fundamental human rights must come together. This is not a new cry. They must meet, debate, and embark on a binding pact of tactical responses whenever these two pillars of civilized society are besieged by the demolition engines of state security agencies.

“The sporadic, uncoordinated responses as in the case of Omoyele Sowore, the absence of a solid strategy, ready to be activated against any threat — these continue to enable these agencies in their mission to enthrone a pattern of conduct that openly scoffs at the role of the judiciary in national life. Result? A steady entrenchment of the cult of impunity in the dealings of state with the citizenry – both individuals and organizations. The level of arrogance has crossed even the most permissive thresholds.

“It is heart-warming to witness the determined efforts of ‘Concerned Nigerians’ in defence of these rights. Predictably, the ham-fisted response of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) continues to defy the rulings of the court. The weaponry of lies having been exploded in their faces, they resort to what else? Violence! Violence, including, as now reported, the firing of live bullets. Why the desperation? The answer is straightforward: the government never imagined that the bail conditions for Sowore would ever be met. Even Sowore’s supporters despaired. The bail test was clearly set to fail! It took a while for the projection to be reversed, and it left the DSS floundering. That agency then resorted to childish, cynical lies. It claimed that the ordered release was no longer in their hands, but in Sowore’s end of the transfer. The lie being exploded, what next? Bullets of course!

“Such a development is not only callous and inhuman, it is criminal. It escalates an already untenable defiance by the state. As I remarked from the onset, this is an act of government insecurity and paranoia that merely defeats its real purpose. And now – bullets? This is no longer comical. Perhaps it is necessary to remind this government of precedents in other lands where, even years after the event, those who trampled on established human rights that generate homicidal impunity are called to account for abuse of power and crimes against humanity. The protests for Sowore’s release go beyond only acts of solidarity, they are manifestations of the judgment and authority of courts of law, under which this nation is supposedly governed. Either it is, or it isn’t. The answer stares us all in the face. The principles that now fall under threat implicate more than one individual under travail. They involve the very entitlement of a nation to lay claim to membership of any democratic, humanized union.

“Enough of this charade, nothing more than a display of crude, naked power. Release Omoyele Sowore and save us further embarrassment in the regard of the world. An apology to the nation by the DSS and the judiciary would also not be out of place. It would go some distance in redeeming the image of an increasingly fascistic agency and reduce the swelling tide of public disillusionment.

“Let the rule of law reign. Failing that, have the honesty to proclaim the death of ordered society. Then we’ll all know just where we stand.”

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https://ngg.ng/2019/11/13/sowore-soyinka-urge-buhari-to-set-sowore-free/

The All Progressive Congress National Chairman Adams Aliu Oshiomole has been suspended by Edo state APC.

The decision to suspend the state’s former governor and present APC National Chairman emanates following the vote of no confidence passed on him by the Chairmen of the APC in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State.

Report has it that the decision was necessary to prevent a repeat of what happened in Zamfara State, where the party was unable to field any candidate in elections.

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Source: https://ngg.ng/2019/11/12/adams-oshiomole-suspended-by-edo-apc/