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Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory have asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the inauguration of the 43 ministerial nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari. Following the nomination of the ministers and their screening and confirmation by the Senate in July, the president set August 21 for their inauguration.

But in a motion brought on behalf of the FCT natives by Musa Baba Panya Esq on Thursday, the lawyer is asking the court to restrain the president from conducting the inauguration over the exemption of FCT Indigenes from the list. Panya contends that the President is in contempt of a Court of Appeal judgement delivered on January 15, 2018 compelling him to immediately appoint an indigene of the FCT as Minister of the Federation. He contended that having “brazenly scorned the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of office twice subscribed by him as mandatorily required by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the consequence of which he is no longer a fit and proper person to continue holding office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for same reason as liable to vacate the said office.”

He also demands the sum of N500m as exemplary damages and N10m as legal costs against President Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation. Meanwhile, Justice Taiwo Taiwo has fixed the motion to Monday, August 20 for judgement.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ministerial-list-fct-natives-ask-court-to-stop-inauguration-remove-buhari.html

The Federal Government has said that the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has declined preliminary checks to be carried out on him. The FG also alleged that the IMN leader requested to be allowed to check into a 5-Star Hotel instead of being admitted in the hospital

This was revealed in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture Dcns. Grace Isu Gekpe, who confirmed that the Indian authorities have expressed willingness to return the IMN leader back to Nigeria with immediate effect for fear of his internationalising his group’s activities in the country. She said Zakzaky’s cry that he is being held in circumstances worse than when he was in Nigeria should be disregarded because since arriving in India he has refused to subject himself to preliminary medical checks. “It is to be noted that Zakzaky particularly chose Medanta Hospital, India.

However, on reaching Dubai, Zakzaky began to display ulterior motives against laid down procedures”, she added. “He requested that his passport be handed over to him but the state officials would not budge to his pressure. The situation became worse in India as he refused to subject himself to preliminary medical checks. In addition, he demanded free movement and access to visitors of all kinds as well as requested to be allowed to check into a 5-Star Hotel instead of being admitted in the hospital.”

Mrs Isu reiterated that the request was refused on the grounds that he came into the country for medicals and not as a tourist (more so that his visa was issued on medical grounds and not for tourism).” He also demanded that Police protection be withdrawn from him by the Indian authorities”, she noted. “Against medical ethics and standard practice, he requested to nominate Doctors of his choice to join the ones tasked by Medanta Hospital to perform medical treatment on him and his wife. This created a stalemate, which the Hospital insisted that he would not dictate to it on the choice of medical personnel to carry the required medical treatment”.

“Frustrated by his antics, the Indian authorities have expressed willingness to return him to Nigeria with immediate effect. This is on the account that they will not allow him use their country to internationalise his group’s activities”. “Against this background, the Nigerian government wishes to commend the stand of the Indian Government as well as apologise to her for the unruly behaviour of Zakzaky. Similarly, the attention of the public and indeed the international community is hereby drawn to these unfortunate developments,” Gekpe said.

She further noted that government was ready to undertake the prosecution of Zakzaky through due process if and when he is returned to the country adding that “his foul cry that he is being held in circumstances worse than he was in Nigeria should be disregarde

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-declines-zakzakys-request-to-lodge-in-5-star-hotel.html

sai baba....

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday laid a foundation for the construction of Galaxy Mall‎ worth N3.9bn to be built within 18 months in the state. The Governor said the Mall is a public-private partnership between the State Government, Amsalco, a private firm and the United Bank for Africa.

Speaking at the Contract Signing and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Galaxy Mall, El’rufai said the Mall is being built on four hectares of land and will have 7,491 square metres of lettable space. ‎He explained that upon completion, the mall will have space for one major anchor tenant, three cinemas, six restaurants, 48-line shops and over 360 car parking bays.

“Having a decent mall in a city is a quality of life issue, giving people more options for shopping and relaxation. But a mall also expands economic opportunity, for farmers, suppliers, sellers and the workers that will be recruited to build it and to run the facilities therein. Therefore, we expect that this project will be completed on schedule,” he said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kaduna-el-rufai-to-construct-mall-worth-3-9-bn-naira.html

The National Assembly has been urged to commence the process of electoral reforms and constitutional amendments. Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who made the call on Wednesday in Sokoto, said the process would provide the legal framework that would deepen the nation’s democracy.

He stated this when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ketil Karsen paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Sokoto. According to him, the process would ensure that all the innovations introduced in the current electoral process were captured in the reform.

The Head of EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Karsen said he held talks with Sokoto Governor on issues of security, health, education, environment, gender streamlining as well as, development challenges in Sokoto state and future support of the EU to the state. Karsen said they also spoke on the need for early reform of the Electoral Act.

He revealed that during the discussions, Tambuwal highlighted efforts being made by the governors in the zone towards addressing banditry and other forms of insecurity. The Ambassador stressed that peace provides opportunity for development

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/commence-electoral-reforms-constitutional-amendment-process-governor-tambuwal-tells-national-assembly.html

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued warning to airlines over the resurgence of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). This followed the World Health Organization (WHO’s) declaration of Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Consequently, the NCAA directed all operators, especially airlines operating regional and international flights into the country, to exercise a high level of vigilance. Spokesman of the NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said the directive was contained in a letter signed by the NCAA Director General, Capt. Muhtar Usman to all airline operators. In the letter, NCAA directed airlines’ Pilots in Command (PIC) to report to Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected case of communicable disease on board their flight in line with Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4).

The NCAA explained that in case of a suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are required to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms as required by the regulations. Thereafter, completed forms are to be submitted to the Port Health Services (PHS) of the destination aerodrome, NCAA said.

The authority also directed operators to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country in the event of death of a patient. “Airlines are to report to NCAA in writing any suspected case of communicable disease on board any flight,” the NCAA said. Airlines were also advised to “ensure they have on board valid and appropriate number of First Aid kits, Universal Precaution Kits (UPKs) and Emergency Medical kits in line with Nig.CARS 7.9.1.11 and 7.9.1.12.”

They were also required to refresh the knowledge of their Crew members (flight deck and cabin crew) for improved and sustained proficiency in handling and communication with ATC of any suspected case of communicable disease on board. The authority said the ATCs shall immediately communicate to Port Health Services (PHS) any report of a suspected case of communicable disease on board aircraft in line with Nig. CARs 18.8.22.4. The NCAA said it expects strict compliance with the directives, adding it will collaborate with all relevant agencies to prevent the incursion of Ebola or any communicable disease into the country.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ncaa-issues-ebola-alert-to-airlines-calls-for-vigilance.html

A police officer is appearing on the Nigerian version of Big Brother despite bosses refusing her permission. The Metropolitan Police said it was carrying out an internal investigation after PC Khafi Kareem, 29, went on the programme “without authority”.

Scotland Yard said she had been granted unpaid leave for an “unrelated reason”. But spokesperson for Ms Kareem said she would “comment on the matter when she can”. Television channel Africa Magic said Ms Kareem joined Big Brother Naija to “do societal good”.

A profile of Ms Kareem on its website reveals she would spend the prize money, reportedly worth N30 million (£68,000), on hosting a travel show in Nigeria, as well as investing in charitable causes. Ms Kareem and seven other contestants are currently nominated for eviction. Her social media pages have been encouraging viewers to “save her”. The off-duty officer has also posted a statement requesting UK’s Sun newspaper to withdraw an article that alleges she faces the sack for having sex with another contestant on the show.

She said the paper had not contacted her for her side of the story and the article was damaging to her image. The Met said Ms Kareem had been granted unpaid leave ahead of appearing on the show, but her request to take part in the programme was denied. A spokesman said: “A PC, attached to the Met’s transformation command, requested permission to take part in a reality television entertainment show in Nigeria. Permission was not given. “The Met is aware that the officer has since appeared on the show without authority.

“The Met does not support the officer’s appearance nor does she represent the Met whilst appearing on the show.” The force added that any officer found to have breached police standards of professional behaviour could face misconduct proceedings. In its statement Africa Magic said: “Police officer Khafi Kareem believes that you can have it all if you believe in yourself.

She is not only hoping to win the prize money but she wants the exposure that being in Big Brother Naija House brings so that she can do societal good. “What people don’t know about her is that she is secretly talented in spoken word, singing and dancing. She is an Ekiti native who resides in London.” (BBC

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/london-police-officer-joins-big-brother-without-permission.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that the rehabilitation of the two Port Harcourt Refineries were still ongoing. Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affair Division disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja, on Monday.

The first refinery in Port Harcourt was commissioned in 1965 to process 60,000 barrels of oil per stream day (bpsd), as well as the second plant commissioned in 1989, which has a capacity of 150,000 bpsd. NAN reports that both refineries have a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per stream day making it the biggest oil refining company in Nigeria. They both had the last Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) in 2000. Ughamadu said that the rehabilitation was part of government’s effort to get the refinery working, adding that the consultant and the contractors engaged by the NNPC were still on ground working. “The rehabilitation effort in the Port Harcourt Refinery is still on and the contractors are there with the consultants and ENI is equally there.

“ As we said earlier, we are funding the rehabilitation from internally generated revenue, because all our effort to get external financiers did not work because their terms were not in terms with what we expected,’’ he said. He said that the contractors were still working within the time frame and might conclude what they were doing before the given time frame. “Our expectations are that after the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery, we will kick-start that of the other two refineries. “We just want to use the Port Harcourt as an example,’’ he added. NAN reports that in March 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Italian oil giant, ENI and NNPC in Rome.

In the MoU, ENI was committed to the refurbishment of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Also, in March 2019, the former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru led the Federal Government delegation to inaugurate the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt refineries.

He said that the rehabilitation would be in two phases, adding that both the ENI and the original builders would participate in the process. According to him, it is part of government’s effort to achieve 90 per cent local refining capacity. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/rehabilitation-in-ph-refinery-still-ongoing-nnpc.html

Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, yesterday decried what he called palpable hardship in the country that requires the urgent actions of the federal and Kaduna State governments to bring succour to Nigerians. He gave the advice while delivering his Sallah message at his palace, saying that governments at all levels need to pay serious attention to the welfare of Nigerians.

“The suffering requires the attention and assistance of the governments at both federal and state levels. Similarly, we are urging our people to continue to promote peaceful coexistence. Fulani herdsmen and farmers should respect the interest of one another. People are also urged to avoid rumour mongering and give maximum cooperation to security agents.

“Kaduna state, local governments and the House of Assembly should take measures that would bring about development in the areas of agriculture, animal husbandry and education. “If these sectors are giving necessary attention, they are capable of bringing about peaceful coexistence and the end effect is improvement in the lives of our people,” the emir said.

While he called on government to buy surplus of farm produce after harvest in order to assist the less privileged in time of need, Idris urged residents to always report outbreak of any epidemic to relevant authorities. The emir also advised residents to always monitor the movements of their children in order to stem the habit of drug abuse that is rampant among the youths.

As part of the Sallah festivities, the first traditional durbar was staged yesterday where horse riders displayed their skills amidst the applause of residents. The two raka’at Eid prayers were peacefully observed at different parts of the ancient city.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/our-people-are-suffering-zazzau-emir-says.html

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to emulate the Holy Prophet by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by him. In a Sallah message on Sunday, Governor Wike said Eid-el-Kabir is a season of love, peace, friendship and sacrifice. He urged all Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance which will promote peace across the country and enhance national development.

He assured the people of Rivers State that the state government will work with the security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrate the Sallah in peace and harmony. He congratulated the Muslim community in Rivers state on the Sallah celebration, assuring them that his administration will continue to partner with them to move the state forward. The governor thanked the state’s Muslim community for the consistent support that they have always extended to his administration.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/wike-felicitates-with-muslims-on-eid-el-kabir.html

As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today, President Muhammadu Buhari has advised that the greatest commitment to Islam was for them to put its virtues into practice by making justice and righteousness the guiding principle of their everyday life. Buhari in his Sallah message, urged Muslims to be the mirror through which others see the good virtues of their faith.

“Islam is a religion of peace and we should avoid violent extremist ideas that give Islam a wrong name because our conducts leave more lasting positive impressions than what we say by word of mouth. “Violent extremism is the greatest challenge facing Islam today and the only way we can neutralise its evil influence is to distance ourselves from the activities and teachings of those who preach indiscriminate violence against innocent people.

And this flies in the face of the teachings of Islam,” he said. President Buhari advised parents to protect their children from the deadly exposure to violent extremists who manipulate and exploit them for their own evil agenda. “Boko Haram became a deadly force and a major security scourge because Muslim societies were indifferent from the beginning to the activities of extremist preachers who manipulate innocent and gullible followers. “Extremism is like a cancer, which must be detected and destroyed from its early stages of growth,” the President said.

Buhari, however, assured Nigerians that Boko Haram terrorism, kidnappings and other forms of banditry, “would be dealt with uncompromisingly until we see the back of these evils plaguing our country.” “Despite occasional setbacks, the Boko Haram militants have been so militarily weakened and scattered by our Armed Forces that they are no longer in a position to occupy any part of Nigeria, let alone hoist their flag and impose their reign of terror longer than 24 hours,” he said. Meanwhile, President Buhari and his Guinean counterpart, Alpha Conde will today celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah in Daura.

Conde yesterday joined President Buhari who had arrived Daura on Friday. The Guinean president landed at the helipad located at the GRA area of Daura via a Presidential Chopper around 5:17pm. He was received by President Buhari, Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk, and other dignitaries. From the helipad, the President and his visitor walked to the residence, a distance of about 10 minutes.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/showcase-virtues-of-islam-promote-national-unity-buhari-urges-muslims.html

Women are pivotal elements of every society. They are the gearbox that moves the society forward, especially in a democratic dispensation. Without them, a society will hardly function properly. Many of them in Borno State, and indeed, Nigeria, are well educated, have good managers and are responsible. They, therefore, deserve to be given responsibilities in all human endeavours, especially politics. Although they are relatively respected and treated well, however, due to social, cultural, religious or political reasons, they are hardly given the mantle of leadership through election or appointment, even if they have the capacity to deliver. It should be remembered that a woman can rule; she can be a president, governor or any political appointee.

The history of Borno politics is dotted with courageous and capable women who performed excellently, especially from 1999 till date. It is because of the realisation of the impact of women in the society that, when the United Nations declared 1975 as International Women’s Year, attention on gender issues shot up, which later gave birth to the fourth world conference on women in 1995 in Beijing, China.

The Beijing conference recommended 35per cent allocation for women in political positions, power and decision making. But Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is not close to achieving that, in view of the number of female appointees in his government. During the administration of former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, women participated actively in politics with little hindrance. They were not left behind in many decisions taken by the then governor. It is worthy to note that the administration of former Governor Kashim Shettima also encouraged women by supporting them to hold key public and political positions, such as commissioners and special advisers/assistants.

Although Governor Zulum has not completed appointments into his government, the list of his commissioner nominees, which has only two women, is enough to tell you that women might not have many political positions in this administration, not to talk of the 35per cent as recommended by the Beijing conference in 1995. The list of the nominated commissioners has generated different comments by women groups, expressing fear that government would not embrace women in its decision making process.

It is pertinent to remind the governor, politicians and other political officeholders that women can effectively hold political offices and even perform more wonderfully than them as evident in the positions they held previously at both federal and state levels. A former president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet said, “When one woman is a leader, it changes her. When more women are leaders, it changes politics and policies.’’

The former president’s statement on women’s participation in politics is enough to tell the entire world that engaging women in the act of governance brings positive development to a nation. A lot can also be achieved in the years ahead if concerted efforts would be made towards strengthening and supporting women in politics by appointing or electing them into various strategic positions.

Governor Zulum should, therefore, reciprocate women’s unwavering support for his government by giving them a reasonable number of positions so that they will help him in taking Borno State to the next level of development.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/borno-politics-and-the-fate-of-women.html

The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has sent his best wishes to all Muslims in the state as they celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, saying his administration was no longer owing workers. In a message he signed by himself on Saturday, the Governor claimed he had paid all cleared civil servants in the state to July this year.

“My New Direction administration has done its best in the last three and a half years to implement our New Direction Blueprint, our agenda for moving Kogi State forward to the ‘Next Level’ on all fronts. “I am therefore, overjoyed that we have been able to update to July, 2019, payments to every cleared worker. “It is heartwarming to note that today, Kogi State government no longer owes its Civil Servants. We intend to keep payments prompt going forward,” he said. Governor Bello claimed he was not running for a second term on sympathy, but on a record of landmark achievements, and the need to consolidate them.

“I will refuse any ambition, in myself or in any of my aides, which comes at cross-purposes with our collective aspirations for greatness in Kogi State neither will I permit any sectional agenda to take root, both within and outside government,” he assured. Governor Bello urged politicians to rise above unpatriotic selfish interests and divisive agenda in their words and actions as the governorship election comes close. He urged Muslim in the state to rededicate and commit themselves to the injunctions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad for piety, sacrifice, honesty, charity and generosity to the less privileged, impartiality in governance and true justice for everyone.

“These virtues and the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir will surely stand our state in good stead as we continue our journey into the Next Level in fulfillment. May the blessings of Almighty Allah be upon all our compatriots who have undertaken the Hajj this year, on those of us who could not for one reason or the other, and upon our dear state, Kogi,” he added.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kogi-state-government-no-longer-owes-its-civil-servants-governor-bello.html

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Nigeria is gradually improving in harnessing solar energy for development. The emerging renewable off-grid energy sector, being driven by the Rural Electrification Agency, is poised to generate significant impact for Nigerian markets, unserved and underserved communities, teaching hospitals, and institutions of higher learning. Determined to provide uninterrupted electricity to Nigerian students through off grid power plant, Ebonyi State stood still for the President Buhari-led administration, when on Friday August 2, 2019, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo led other dignitaries to the commissioning of 2.8MW first solar hybrid power plant at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) in Ebonyi State.

The multi beneficial project is the first to be commissioned of the 37 universities and 7 affiliated teaching hospitals under its Energizing Education Programme (EEP), which was implemented by Rural Electrification Agency (REA). EEP is a federal government intervention focused on developing off-grid, dedicated and independent power plants, as well as rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure to supply clean, reliable power and renewable energy. Over 7,700 students and 1,819 faculty staff at FUNAI will have access to clean reliable energy. This programme will undoubtedly improve the quality of education, research and health care services at the federal universities and teaching hospitals across the country. The commissioning culminated in the graduation of twenty all female STEM participants who received certificates of completion for renewable energy training, launching of 7.5 KM of solar powered street lights for illumination and safety, as well as a world class training center for renewable energy.

FUNAI is one of the Energizing Education Programme Phase 1 university projects that will deliver clean and sustainable energy to nine federal universities and one University Teaching Hospital using solar hybrid and/or gas-fired captive power plants. The multi-million naira solar power plant under Energizing Education Programme (EPP), which parades state-of-the-art facilities such as 2.8MW first solar hybrid power plant, 8mwh capacity battery bank, inverters and power panel, world class training centre and transformers, is the outcome of collaboration between the Rural Electrification Agency, Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Universities Commission, and executed by Sterling & Wilson, a solutions and services provider that provides business solutions for solar, wind energy, transmission & distribution, hybrid energy storage and turnkey data centers to organizations across the world.

In his remark, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the project being commissioned would provide sustainable decentralized energy to the entire campus, improve education and create a better university experience for both students and staff. “Gone are the days when students read at night with candles, lanterns and torches. Our young people are willing to learn and they have great aspirations. It is our duty to aid them to accomplish their goals by providing a conducive learning environment for them.

I am glad to be a part of this great feat. As additional components of this remarkable project, we are also commissioning a renewable workshop/training center to promote renewable energy training and installed over 7.5KM of street lighting to enhance security and safety within FUNAI campus. Our students will not only reap the benefits of clean, reliable and affordable electricity, they will also receive hands-on training on renewable energy which can be applied beyond the walls of this university.”

Commending the federal government’s efforts in promoting and encouraging women, Osinbajo gave kudos to Damilola Ogunbiyi-led administration at the Rural Electrification Agency for initiating female STEM internship under energizing education programme. “We hope that this experience will inspire them to undertake STEM related careers, including careers as engineers and project managers. I want to use this opportunity to congratulate all of them for this great achievement.”

Emphasizing the government’s assurance not to rest on its oars until electricity becomes accessible to every Nigerian student, Osinbajo stressed that the multi beneficial project under Energizing Education Programme would last for the next four years as the train of progress moves to Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano State and Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, where it would commission other projects over the next couple of months.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ebonyi-hails-rea-as-fg-commissions-first-solar-hybrid-power-plant.html

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has approved the release of N152.6 million for payment of May/June 2019 West African Examination Council (WAEC) registration fees to 23, 323 indigent students. The Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to the governor, Isa Gusau, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Maiduguri.

The governor said that the approval was in compliance with established sponsorship policy initiated by the state government. He explained that the policy entailed provisions for the state government to contribute 45 per cent and local governments contributing 30 per cent while students are to contribute 25 per cent of the cost of the examination registration fees. Zulum said the gesture was sequel to a request by Mohammed Abacha, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.

“I expect the contributions from the state and local government councils will inspire the students’ preparations for future examinations and dedicate themselves to studies. “I also expect that the government efforts will encourage parents to play their critical roles to support the learning and good characters of their children and wards,” Zulum said. He tasked school administrators and teachers to uphold high standard in teaching and preparations of students for examinations especially the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), to achieve academic excellence. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/gov-zulum-approves-n152-6m-waec-fees-for-24-323-indigent-students-in-borno.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sacked the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Cross River State, Dr. Frankland Briyai, for violating provisions of the Constitution on his appointment. The National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, said this on Friday in Abuja in a statement.

Dr. Briyai joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC on Thursday to contest the Bayelsa State governorship race billed for November 2019. He disclosed this at a send-forth party held at the INEC office in Calabar.

According to him, the Bayelsa State born, on Thursday addressed the media that he has resigned his position as REC with effect from 8th August 2019 and joined a political party on whose platform he intends to contest the November 16, 2019 Governorship Election in Bayelsa State.

Okoye said that though this was done at the commission’s Cross River State office in Calabar, the commission is yet to receive any communication on this from Dr. Briyai. Okoye said that Section 306 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the resignation of such appointment takes effect on receipt of the letter of resignation by the appointing authority – in this case the President.

“While it is the right of any Commissioner or official of the Commission to resign his or her appointment and join any political party of his/her choice and to aspire for any office or position, INEC frowns at the use of its premises or facilities for any political purpose as this is unlawful and contrary to the Code of Conduct subscribed to by all its officials.”

“Following his declaration, the Commission has relieved Dr. Briyai of his duties as a Resident Electoral Commissioner and withdrawn all powers delegated to him. Consequently, the Administrative Secretary of Cross River State has been directed to oversee the office and take over the functions and duties of the REC until further notice,” Okoye said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-inec-sacks-rec-for-joining-apc.html

* Over 15,000 passengers affected globally

Hundreds of British Airways (BA) passengers in and out of Nigeria would have their flights operated on Thursday (tomorrow) over an IT failure, it was learnt.

The United Kingdom carrier has formally announced the cancellation of the flights to Lagos and Abuja in a global system glitch affecting over 15,000 passengers worldwide. BA operates 14 weekly flights to Nigeria – one daily in Abuja, the nation’s capital and Lagos. Reports say thousands of leisure and business travellers were stranded globally as the airline battles to restore the IT failure which has already forced the carrier to cancel flights to and from London.

Daily Trust learnt that the airline has already reached out to its Nigerian passengers informing them of the development via email and text messages. “Yes I can confirm to you that the airline has cancelled the flight and they have duly notified the affected passengers. They sent them email and text messages. And those who have already arrived the airport have been accommodated,” a source said. It was also learnt that the airline would operate four flights tomorrow to make up for the Wednesday’s cancelled flights.

Meanwhile, the airline in a statement this evening confirmed resolving the system issue. “We apologise to all our customers caught up in the disruption, and appreciate how frustrating their experience has been,” the airline said in a statement. The statement added: “Our teams have been working tirelessly to get the vast majority of customers on their way, with most of our flights departing.

“Our flights are returning to normal; however, there may be some knock-on operational disruption as a result of the issue earlier today. “We continue to advise customers to check www.ba.com for the latest flight information before coming to the airport.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/british-airways-cancels-lagos-abuja-flights-over-system-glitch.html

Some repentant bandits in Tsafe Local Government area of Zamfara, on Monday explained why they took up arms against the people of the area. The ex-bandits said at a peace meeting in Tsafe that they were harassed and intimidated by the police and vigilantes, locally known as ”Yan Sakai, into becoming bandits and kidnappers.

During the meeting held at the palace of the Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammadu Bawa, one of the bandits commanders, Hassan Dantawaye, said they were unjustly treated by the government and society. “We were forced into this, because apart from cattle rustling incidents we faced some years back, we also faced serious harrassment and intimidation from security personnel and ”Yansakai. “We cannot go to markets, our children cannot go to school, whenever they see our children or wives in town they killed them. “If security personnel arrest us, we have to spend alot of money before we are released, sometimes security agencies launch attacks on our homes and kill us without any offence.

“With this ugly trend, we have no option than to embark on kidnapping, attacks and others crimes”, Dantawaye said. Alhaji Madele, a fulani leader, however, thanked the state government for the dialogue and urged the security agencies to protect them from ”Yansakai and some security personnel who attack them unjustly in markets and towns. Madele said, “we have agreed to embrace peace and dialogue, we commend the commissioner of police for inviting us for this meeting”. The repentant bandits’ commanders also promised to release all captives in their custody.

Nobody will be attacked anymore, they pledged, adding that farmers in the area were free to go to their farms without any fear. The Chairman of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the area, Alhaji Yahaya Ahmad, assured of total support to the peace initiative. “As from today, no vigilante group or CJTF member would attack any fulani herder, we will abide by the state government’s directive in this regard. “Fulani herders are now free to come to Tsafe town and all major towns in this area.

They can go to markets and anywhere else they so wish. “I am giving them the assurance that our members would not attack them any more”, he said. The state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Usman Nagoggo who chaired the meeting, described the security situation faced by the state in past as unfortunate. Nagoggo said, “I remember the day I arrived this state as commissioner of police, over 30 persons were killed in Shinkafi local government area.

“After identifying the measures to tackle the problem, the state government came up with the peace and diologue initiative with the warring parties as part of measures to provide lasting solution to the problem. “We embarked on consultation with Fulani leaders, Civilian JTF, and Vigilante Groups which led to the successes we are recording today. “From the inception of this diologue to date we have rescued over 300 kidnapped victims from the bandits without payment of ransom,” he said.

He added: “As I always say, most of the extra judicial killings and illegal attacks on communities were as a result of the actions of the outlawed vigilante group of “Yansakai, who were taking the law into their hands. “Our aim is to have sustainable peace and development in the state, therefore, all stakeholders should cooperate with us in this task. “I am also reissuing this warning that all activities of “Yansakai are suspended and nobody should take the law into their hands.

“Anybody found violating these directives would face the full wrath of the law”, the Police boss added. The Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammadu Bawa thanked the warring parties for attending the meeting and accepting peace. Bawa said the emirate would continue to support the state government to ensure that the diologue succeeds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state governor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle initated the peace dialogue as part of measures to end banditry, kidnapping and other crimes in the state. The meeting in Tsafe was attended by repentant bandits’ commanders, members of the CJTF, officials of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and members of the outlawed ”Yansakai local vigilantes.(NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-we-took-to-kidnapping-attack-on-communities-in-zamfara-repentant-bandits.html

The federal government has reiterated commitment to ensure speedy take-off of Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano state with a view to accelerating economic development of the states within the north-western region and the country at large. The Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Engineer Chidi Izuwah Snr gave the assurance when he led members of inspection team on a visit to the project site at Zawachiki quarters in Kumbotso local government area of the state.

The DG described Dala Inland Dry Port project as a catalyst for Trade Stimulation and Economic Development’ emphasizing that the commission would do all it could to eliminate all bottlenecks delaying its take-off. He said the country’s seaport facilities had been over-stretched, hence the need for establishing Inland Container Depots (ICD) for effective coverage of the hinterlands across the country.

The Chairman, Dala Inland Dry Port, Alhaji Ahmad Rabi’u expressed delight over the visit, saying it has rekindled hopes for the timely completion of the project which has been laid fallow over two decades.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-committed-to-take-off-of-kano-inland-dry-port-icrc.html

The police in Osun state on Monday stopped the revolution protest in Osogbo. Daily trust reports that some of the protesters were arrested by the men of Osun State Police Command at the popular Olaiya junction.

The leader of the protesters, Comrade Olawale Adebayo said the spate of joblessness, insecurity and hunger in the country warranted their call for revolution.

He added that the estimated electricity billing, epileptic power supply, destruction of farms by herdsmen have become unbearable. He also said that they were not happy that Osun state government imposed levies on artisans, Okada riders, drivers and traders in the state.

“We hereby maintain that we have inalienable constitutionally and fundamental right to peacefully protest this inadequacies,” he said.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/police-halt-revolutionnow-protest-in-osogbo.html

The oil-producing states are the most indebted across the country despite the huge derivation revenue accruing to them, Daily Trust investigations have shown. The oil states have a total domestic debt stock of N1.25 trillion as at March 2019, according to official data released by the Debts Management Office (DMO).

This is coming at a time figures from the Federal Ministry of Finance revealed that the nine oil states have collectively received N44.68 trillion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) as 13 percent mineral derivation revenue from June 1999 to December 2018. These figures don’t include the monthly statutory allocations and the revenue internally generated by the states. Based on the provisions of the Constitution, states are entitled to 13 percent of revenues derived from minerals exploited within their borders.

As well as receiving the derivation fund on oil produced on their lands, littoral oil states also get the same percentage from oil derived within a certain distance offshore. Six of the states – Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Edo– belong to the oil rich Niger Delta or South South region of the country. The others are Imo and Abia states from the South East and Ondo in the South West.

But Cross River which had hitherto earned 13 percent derivation money is no longer an oil producing state having lost its 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom after a Supreme Court ruling in July 2012. The oil-producing region also benefits from other interventionist agencies, like the Ministry of Niger Delta, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Amnesty Programme and oil companies. Analysis of FAAC statutory allocations in 2018 revealed that Delta state got N285 billion, Akwa State N272 billion, Rivers N237 billion, Bayelsa N192 billion, Edo N112 billion, Ondo N108 billion, and Cross River N91 billion.

The N1.2trillion debt trap The DMO data shows that of the N1.25 trillion debt stock, the six South-South states with a combined population of 21.04 million own N1.04 trillion. Their population figure amounts to 15.13 percent of the total Nigerian population based on the 2006 Census records. Rivers leads the pack with N225.59 billion, followed by Delta N223.44 billion, Akwa Ibom N199.77 billion, Cross River N167.25 billion, Bayelsa N133 billion and Edo N86.37 billion.

The three oil-producing states outside the South-South region with a total population of 10.1 million owe N217.66 billion within the period. The states are Imo with N97.85 billion, Abia N62.85 billion and Ondo N56.96 billion. N44 trillion revenue in 19 years Daily Trust analysis of FAAC records show that the nine states raked in over N44 trillion as derivation revenue during the 19 – year period. Akwa Ibom got N1.47 trillion, Bayelsa N1.09 trillion, Cross River N278.12 billion, Delta N39.9 trillion, Edo N84.54 billion and Rivers N1.44 trillion. Others are Abia N69.19 billion, Imo N69.59 billion and Ondo N258.02 billion. States take loans they don’t need – Senator Many states go for loans they don’t actually need, former chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Loans, Shehu Sani said. He said the states obtained loans to embark on projects that can’t repay the loans. “The oil states go for loans because the creditors are willing to give them because of their apparent liquidity,” the senator said.

Mr Sani said because the state assemblies don’t debate loans, the governors are free to take loans at will. He said some governors take loans to execute projects they can execute with their budgets. He said some states like Edo and Cross River have taken so much loans that they are now ineligible for further loans. Daily Trust findings have shown that most of the projects the oil states executed with the large chunk of the loans are mostly white elephant projects. For instance, the Cross River’s multi-billion Tinapa project is now moribund. Also, the multi-billion 30,000-seater Akwa Ibom International Stadium can’t generate any revenue let alone defray its cost.

Other mega projects embarked upon by the oil states include the ongoing Agge Deep Seaport by the Bayelsa state, the N41 billion Ibom Specialist Hospital in Akwa Ibom, among others. Other abandoned projects include the 18-storey multi-billion naira Bayelsa Towers Hotel, N120 billion Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, Uyo; the 200-bed multi-billion naira General Hospital in Benin which is yet to begin operations nearly three years it was commissioned, among others.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/oil-states-stuck-in-n1-3trn-debt-trap.html

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has warned anyone who intends to participate in the Omoyele Sowore-led ‘RevolutionNow’ protest to stay off the streets across the state. Wike, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said that Rivers State was not part of the #RevolutionNow protest.

The governor said: “Rivers State does not subscribe to what the #RevolutionNow protest represents and Rivers State is not part of the protest”. He directed security agencies in the state to arrest anybody involved in the #RevolutionNow protest and also take all necessary steps to prosecute such persons immediately.

Wike also urged parents to ensure that their children are not misled by agents of Sowore to participate in the illegal protest. “All council chairmen are directed to be at alert. If they suspect any illegal gathering, they should report to the security agencies for immediate action,” he said.

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/stay-off-rivers-wike-warns-revolutionnow-protesters.html

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China has commenced the export of used cars to Africa, Asia and Europe, with Nigeria one of the destinations for the first batch of 300 cars. The country’s Ministry of Commerce had, in a statement, announced that it had cleared 10 cities to begin the export of second-hand cars to global markets, apparently with a view to driving domestic vehicle sales, which contracted last year for the first time since the 1990s.

Until now, China had been uninvolved in selling used cars abroad, but it now hopes to start benefiting from the booming global used vehicle market, which recorded an estimated sale of 39.3 million vehicles in 2017, up 1.8 per cent from 2016 sales, outstripping the 17.1m figure for 2017 new vehicle sales, which dipped by 2 per cent on the 2016 sales figure.

In Nigeria alone, used vehicle imports accounted for 80 per cent of all vehicle sales in 2016; in Kenya, more than 96 per cent of vehicles imported in the same year were used vehicles. The statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce noted the huge growth potential in the global second-hand car export market.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/china-begins-export-of-used-cars-to-nigeria.html

Good for her