₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, over the killing of over 40 persons at a gold mine in the state.
The meeting, which was held inside the president’s office at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, lasted 40 minutes.

Bandits had attacked Bindin village in the state and reportedly killed over the gold miners.
Yari later confirmed to State House correspondents that he discussed the incident with President Buhari.
“That (the killing) was what I discussed with the President,” the governor said
Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/buhari-meets-yari-over-zamfara-killings/171040.html#KCXIUemryjF5kc8z.99

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the United States President-elect, Donald Trump, saying that he looked forward to working with him to strengthen the already established friendly relations between both countries.
This is just as diplomats and international relations experts shared their opinion on they expect from a Trump presidency as it relates to Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.
Republican candidate Trump will succeed President Barack Obama as the 45th US president after a stunning victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.President Buhari’s congratulatory message was contained in a four-paragraph statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in which he also extended his good wishes to the president-elect on the onerous task of leading the “world’s strongest economy.”
“The President looks forward to working together with President-elect Trump to strengthen the already established friendly relations between both countries, including cooperation on many shared foreign policy priorities, such as the fight against terrorism, peace and security, economic growth, democracy and good governance,” the statement said.
Buhari also congratulated American citizens on the outcome of the election which, he said, was keenly observed by all true lovers of democracy and those who believe in the will of the people.
How Trump’s victory will affect Nigeria
Speaking on Trump’s victory, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, expressed optimism that US laws and institutions would protect Nigerians and Africans in the US, stressing, however, that “clearly, we should be prepared.”
He advised the leadership of Nigeria and Africa to promote policies in the interest of the citizens, saying “The important thing is for the leadership of our continent to put the people ahead of anything else and if the link between the people and the leadership is strong, then we will survive the decision by the Americans to elect Donald Trump.”
Gambari, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said such interests would encourage development and reduce the flow of African citizens to western countries, adding that “as Africans, we have survived slavery, colonialism, apartheid; I think the strength of the African people will enable us to survive any negative consequences arising from this results.”
“The Africans in the diaspora are the sixth region in Africa as being decided by the African Union, so we have to be supportive and look out for them.”
Also speaking, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a professor of political science, described Trump’s victory as a worrisome development, adding that it would be difficult to predict Trump’s policies toward Nigerians or Africans in the diaspora and the continent itself.
Akinyemi, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, said Trump’s win“brings uncertainty into international politics because the world now has to deal with a man who is inexperienced, does not understand the complexities of international politics and has no respect for anyone who is not white or American; I think that is dangerous.
“There has always been an ugly side to the U.S. just as there is with every country in the world but the good side in the U.S. has always prevailed so that in tackling American problems, the interests of the U.S. are not defined in antagonism to the interest of the whole world.
“But this victory of Trump is a victory of the ugly side of the US,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Amb. Dapo Fafowora, former Nigerian ambassador to the UN, however, said Trump’s victory was a lesson to Nigerians and Africans to remain in and contribute to the development of their countries.
Fafowora said Africans needed to reduce their reliance on world economic powers, adding that “there is nothing in his [Trump’s] background to suggest he has any durable interest in Africa.
“When people go abroad, they contribute to these foreign countries; one must agree that conditions are difficult but if Nigerians abroad work half as hard as they do in abroad in Nigeria, we will be a better country.
“I think it is a good development for Africa that we should look inwards and try to develop ourselves without relying on any major economic power.”
He will take office as the 45th President of the U.S. on Jan. 20, 2017 and Pence will take office as the 48th Vice President.
‘Trump’s presidency will be chaotic’
Nigeria’s former Ambassador to North Korea, Ambassador Sule Buba, said “The election of Donald Trump against Hillary Clinton will really affect America’s international affairs or foreign policy because he is an amateur and an aggressive person unfit to be President of a powerful country. But I hope he will change for the better and embrace peace instead of impunity by an adult with youthful exuberance.”
The diplomat said he was disappointed with the result as opinion poll results favoured Clinton before the election.
Ambassador Sule Buba said, “The administration of Donald Trump is going to be chaotic, but urged that Trump should change to a leader for the interest of America and the world.”
The diplomat said Hillary Clinton would have been a better president than Trump, but said he respects the choice of the American populace.
Saraki, Ekweremadu task Trump
Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy Senator Ike Ekweremadu yesterday tasked the President-elect of the United States (US) Donald Trump to sustain his country’s relationship with Nigeria.
In their separate congratulatory messages, the lawmakers congratulated Trump and urged him to work for democracy, global peace and prosperity.
“I look forward to working with President-Elect Trump to continue the strong U.S.-Nigeria relationship and to address our mutual interest in defeating global terror networks, rooting out corruption and strengthening the institutions of governance,” Saraki in his statement.
For his part, Ekweremadu said “I urge better bilateral deals for Nigeria by the incoming Donald Trump presidency. I have no doubt that the people of Nigeria and, indeed, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are willing and ready to work with the incoming U.S government for the good of both nations.”
APC, PDP react
The two biggest political parties in Nigeria -the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – have also reacted to Trump’s victory.
The APC congratulated Trump on his victory.
The APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said yesterday that Americans had voted for the change which Trump preached, adding that “There is nothing much that the party would say than to congratulate them.
“Like the APC, Trump preached change and Americans bought into the change by electing him.”
The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ‎congratulated Trump, and urged him to formulate policies that would benefit Africa after assumption of office.
The spokesman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye in a statement yesterday, said ‎Trump’s victory came ‎against many odds and showed the strength of democracy in the US.
“We also urge President-Elect Trump to quickly formulate policies that ‎will ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between the US and Africa ‎in general, and Nigeria in particular. At this time, the US and Nigeria must work harder to deepen mutual security and economic interests,” the party said.

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/buhari-we-look-forward-to-working-with-trump/171033.html

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Donald Trump - 232 electoral votes Hilary Clinton - 209 electoral votes

5:15am

Donald Trump - 216 electoral votes Hilary Clinton - 197 electoral votes.

4:54AM

Republican Donald Trump has won the key state of Florida. This has increased his lead to 197 electoral votes compared to Hilary Clinton's 131 votes.

4:50am

Republican candidate Donald Trump's lead over Hilary Clinton has narrowed down over the last one hour, with Clinton beginning to claim some swing states as well as key democratic states.

So far, Donald Trump still leads with his 168 electoral votes compared to Hilary Clinton's 131 electoral college votes.



4:15am

As the race in the United States gets into its final stages, both candidates are not letting anything to chance as they are in a very stiff competition.

Already, Republican Donald Trump is ahead with his 168 electoral votes to Democrat Hilary Clintons 109 so far called.

Both candidates need 270 of the electoral votes to win.

Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/updat-u-s-elections-tight-race-as-polls-enters-last-stages/170847.html#ibDLCvqqkmf1iuWQ.99

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President Muhammadu Buhari has said corruption will kill Nigeria if it is not fought by government and Nigerians. The President said this Monday when he launched four special anti-corruption postage stamps at the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)headquarters in Abuja. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr Babachir David Lawal, the President also said corruption and corrupt practices had become so endemic in the country that the nation’s corporate existence was being threatened, adding that virtually all sectors of the economy are in one way or the other affected. “Needless to say that it has impacted negatively on the country’s reputation and created obstacles to local and foreign direct investments. Our nation’s economic growth, global competiveness, general development and upliftment of our citizens have remained stunted. The effects of corruption cannot be over emphasised”, he said. President Buhari said corruption must be fought lest it kills the country. “As a nation, if we truly desire to survive, it is imperative that we fight and get rid of this monster before it kills us all”, according to the president. According to him, to allow corruption to blossom is to aggravate poverty and inequality which could lead to loss of faith in political leadership and engender criminality. He therefore, urged all Nigerians to join the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility.
Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/buhari-corruption-will-kill-nigeria-if-not-defeated/170522.html#BCHE6yTAIAFeSpvD.99

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The National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday approved the commencement of academic programmes at the Borno State University, Maiduguri.

Prof. Abubakar Adamu, the NUC Executive Secretary, announced this during the formal presentation of a letter of request by the Executive Governor of Borno State, Gov. Kashim Shettima, in Abuja.

Adamu said that the university was expected to start admitting new students with the hope of graduating them in the next four years.

With this development Borno State University becomes the 44th state government-owned and the 144th in the university system in the country.

“After listening to the passionate speech by his Excellency on the restoration projects in Borno, particularly the reconstruction and the restoration of the structures and infrastructures of education in Borno, it is my pleasure to convey the decision of the National Universities Commission in the letter signed today, Nov. 7, 2016, the recognition of the Borno State University.

“Sequel to the formal presentation of the relevant gazetted law, academic brief and physical master plan and a satisfactory report from the advisory review source assessment visit, Borno State University located in Maiduguri, has been recognised as the 44th state university.

“It is the 144th university in the Nigerian university system,’’Adamu said.

Earlier, Shettima stressed his commitment to invest in education so as to ensure quality and affordable education for the citizens of the state and Nigerians in general.

Shettima said that in the physical development of the university, a contract of N3.4 billion was awarded for the constructions of five faculties.

He listed the faculties to include Science, Social science, Management Science, Arts and Education as well as hostels among other facilities.

Shettima noted that having a standard state university would promote effective learning, adding that the government would not compromise standard.

“A state university should not be a glorified secondary school.

“If we are serious about rebuilding and repositioning Borno State for the future, there is need to provide quality and affordable education for our teeming population of uneducated youths.

“We are here to present our letter of request to establish Borno State University, which contains the master plan of the physical development of the university that is already being implemented at a significant proportion.

“We have the intention to request for two more additional establishments by 2017.

According to him, the law has been published in the official gazette of the Borno State Government since April 11, 2013.

He said that it was necessary to put in place facilities and infrastructure before commencing academic programmes. (NAN)

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/education/nuc-approves-borno-state-university/170540.html

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai has said some Nigerians are still supporting the Boko Haram insurgents as the military fights to bring an end to the over six years insurgency.

He made this known on Monday in an interview on the sideline of two day seminar on Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, themed: “Assessing the Threat of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria.”

Buratai, while commenting on the recent death of front line battle commander, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali, said: “this is a loss too many.”

He noted that: “It’s a challenge for all of us to ensure that the fight against insurgency receives total support from everybody.”

He said: “We need to work together and synergize together, fighting insurgency in Nigeria is a situation whereby, they have melted into the society and we have some elements within the society still supporting them clandestinely.”

“This is a loss too many, there must be collective effort by all Nigerians and indeed globally to ensure that terrorism is fought to the end,” he added.

He said: “the support of every Nigerian is key to the end terrorism, not only in Nigeria but globally, you know that not only in Nigeria, but ISIL also are supporting them. It requires total commitment of everybody.”

He also said defence and security is an issue that should be the concern of everybody, adding that it is an issue that should not be discussed as a political issue.

Also, fielding questions from journalists, John Pham, the Director African Center Atlantic Council said there are very few relationships in Africa that are strategically important to the United States as its relationship with Nigeria.

He said that is why they are interested in seeing firsthand what is being accomplished and what further needs to be done.

He said: “It important that our two sides get the opportunity to speak and understand better the pressures, the demands and requirements of each side that’s what our partnership is about.”

He added that: “I’m very privileged to be able to come to Nigeria, building the partnership we need for international security in the 21st century.”

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Army Chief said there have been many misgivings on the role of the Nigeria Army as it relates to human rights abuses, rules of engagement and treatment of civilians and IDPs.

Hence, he said is the need to conduct an assessment of the threats of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria with emphasis on the roles of the Army.

Buratai said a detailed assessment of the roles of the Army in handling the threats of Boko Haram insurgency will allay various misconceptions and misunderstandings and also redirect the priorities of the Army towards the attainment of the strategic endpoint.

He said: “In order to have a robust assessment, the views and contributions of allies especially our friends from Atlantic Council, are critical.”

A delegation from the African Centre Atlantic Council and the Nigerian Guild of Editors are to visit flash points of the counter insurgency efforts as part of activities scheduled for the second day of the seminar.


http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/-some-elements-in-society-still-supporting-boko-haram-buratai/170489.html

The absence of Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello from the public glare in the past two weeks has been generating concerns amongst people of the state.
Daily Trust reports that speculations were rife in many quarters that the Governor had travelled to Germany to treat an undisclosed ailment.

Our correspondent observed that the last public appearance of Governor Bello in the state was during the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Lokoja and inspection of Lokoja Water Works on October 22.

But the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo refuted claims that something went amiss with the health of the governor as been widely speculated.

Fanwo in a statement issued in Lokoja said: "I want to state clearly here for the avoidance of doubt that the rumour lacks any iota of truth. It is a reflection of the depth the enemies of Kogi State have gone in their desperate angst against fate.

"To put the record straight, the Governor is hale and hearty, healthy and unwavering in his vigour to make Kogi State the Confluence of Excellence".

Fanwo urged people of the state to discountenance the rumours, adding that the governor will return on November 12 from a two weeks' break which he said was earlier approved by the Kogi State House of Assembly.

"Let me also thank the good people of Kogi State for their love and sense of solidarity", Fanwo said.


http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/absence-of-kogi-gov-from-state-for-two-weeks-sparks-rumour/170488.html

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The Plateau State Inland Revenue Service (PSIRS) will start taking revenue from all taxable adults, including native doctors, its chief, Darshe Arlat has said.


Arlat told Daily Trust, on Sunday that the service has engaged the services of a firm to commence the enumeration of all taxable adults through a bio-metric capturing, with a target to locate and tax them.

The revenue chief said the enumeration will target the informal sector, particularly artisans, commercial drivers and their conductors and peasants, as well as native doctors.

The enumeration will be carried out in the sectors of Commerce, Transport, Tourism, Agriculture, Health and Education; all aimed at harmonizing revenue collection.

He said the target will erase double and multiple taxation in the state.

“By the time the service provider commences work around the state, we shall do away with multiple or double taxation, which have usually been the complaints of sizable number of tax payers,” he said.

He asked for the cooperation of artisans, but warned the consequences of default are dire.

He reminded defaulters of the existence of a special tribunal to try and fine them.

Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/plateau-to-start-taxing-native-doctors/170384.html#Yokr5cHAA6mgL8fD.99