Friday, June 29, 2012
Queries over states’ selective adoption of federal laws
NIGERIA’S skewed federalism has remained a knotty issue both at home and abroad. This month (June) alone, it has featured significantly at conferences and ...http://tinyurl.com/7nq9ndp
ICPC arrests pensions task force official, Maina faults Senate
THE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested an official in the office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HoS), Mr. John Agabi Emmanuel, for http://tinyurl.com/d9gk6p5
Fashola wants illegal aliens’ sacked
A GROUP of prominent Nigerians under the platform of the National Summit Group (NSG) has called on the Federal Government a... http://tinyurl.com/d5pfqfr
Reps order Dana Air to pay families of crash victims
THE House of Representatives has ordered the authorities of Dana Air to commence the immediate payment of the required compensation to families of the victims of the aircraft that crashed in Lagos on ... http://tinyurl.com/d4949ov
Gunmen kill Plateau PDP chief, wife, child
Babalola: NASS should reject UNILAG renaming
Super Mario Balotelli takes Itallian Giants to Final - Euro 2012
Bad Boy Balotelli takes his country to final of Euro 2012, after betting the German machine with his two strike goals that saw them ahead after 90 minutes of play.
Jonathan rates reforms high, tasks Customs on terror war
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday used the 119th/120th sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council/World Customs Organisation (WCO) holding in Brussels, Belgium, to present his scorecard to the i... http://tinyurl.com/cws33ks
Reps’ panel grills Lawan, summons Femi Otedola
EFCC vetting oil subsidy report, says Jonathan
‘How CBN, SEC, AMCON frustrated capital market probe’
THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Ethics and Privileges yesterday began an investigation int...
http://tinyurl.com/6t7suqx
Thursday, June 28, 2012
TERRIFIED residents of the Kano metropolis wore gloomy faces
yesterday morning as they woke up to the devastation caused in the city
by terrorists.
Armed men, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, attacked five police stations with explosives with 17 persons feared killed. Three members of the group were allegedly arrested during the attacks on the police formations.
Two civilians and two suspected insurgents also died during the clashes and explosions in Yobe State.
The Kano Police Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, told journalists yesterday that some extremists launched sporadic attacks with bombs and assault rifles on Dala Police Division, Jakara Police Barracks, Gwaron Dutse Police Division, Challawa 52 Squadron and other places.
The terrorists allegedly planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in some of the affected places.
He said at the Dala Police Station, the insurgents numbering over 30 attacked the facility but were repelled by the police, who killed 10 of them.
The attackers, he said, came in a Volkswagen Golf, a Toyota and a bus in which the sum of N100,000 was recovered.
Idris said at the Jakara outpost, which has been out of use since December 2011, three of the gunmen were killed while a Police Corporal, Saidu Umar, lost his life, adding that another officer, Sergeant Baba Williams was injured.
The commissioner said an attempt by the terrorists to invade the Gwauron Dutse Prison was foiled with no life lost or damage done to the building. He added that the police were able to take control in the Challawa 52 Squadron attack, but residents said the area was under severe bombardment with the entire place filled with smoke from the burning structure.
Another suspected attacker died in a private residence at Panshekara where his shattered body was found after an explosion occurred in the area, Idris said, adding that “we are investigating the matter with a view to finding the owners of the building to give us a link.”
As at yesterday morning, there were still sounds of explosions and gunfire in the metropolis amid intense check on motorists and security patrol of the streets.
Most residents preferred to stay indoors and lamented that the terrorists had made life unbearable for them while security agents continued to intimidate them.
In Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, gunmen attacked a police outpost in Sabon Pegi ward and killed two civilians as well as injured a woman and her child during gun exchange with the Joint Task Force (JTF).
Two of the suspects were killed by the JTF, while one was arrested in the 30-minute fierce gun battle that spread to the campus of the Federal Polytechnic in Damaturu.
The state Police Commissioner, Patrick Egbuniwe, yesterday said: “There were attacks on a police and military posts by suspected gunmen, where two civilians were killed in the Sabon Pegi ward and the Federal Polytechnic staff quarters.”
He said that in the 30-minute gun battle between men of the JTF and the police, stray bullets hit a woman and her child, injuring them in their limbs.
Egbuniwe said there were pockets of armed assailants still hiding in the communities in the metropolis, warning that the police and JTF would raid such hideouts, which pose serious threats to security of life and property.
He said the JTF did not record any casualty during the attacks.
Suspected terrorist also struck on Tuesday night in Taraba State killing three persons, including a policeman in Wukari Local Council.
The gunmen numbering over 30 also bombed three new generation banks, a police station and a branch of a brewery firm.
The affected structures, which were badly damaged, have been condoned by security personnel deployed from Jalingo, the state capital, in the council.
The gunmen, according to witnesses, stormed the town at 10.00 p.m. and operated till 4.00 a.m.
The state Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Maishanu, told The Guardian in Wukari that one of the three victims was “a policeman.”
He said “the police command wishes to inform the public that last night at about 21:30 hours, suspected gang of armed robbers numbering about 30 attacked some locations in Wukari town.”
The robbers ”attacked GT Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank, the Divisional Police Headquarters and Area Command Office in Wukari almost simultaneously exploding large quantity of explosives on the targets.”
At the Wukari General Hospital, where the victims are receiving treatment, medical personnel stopped journalists from talking to them.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has read the riot act to trouble-makers in the state. It warned them to desist from actions capable of instigating violence, saying that security agents had been put on the alert to deal such persons.
The government’s action was prompted by video clips being circulated through phones apparently to instigate the residents against the state.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Reuben Buhari, the government said its attention had been drawn to a “one-minute video clandestinely being circulated within Kaduna State by some faceless people,” noting that “the content of the video, which shows grainy images of heap of dead bodies being handled by security forces is basically meant to deliberately tarnish the image of the state, truncate the peace-building process in place and pit the adherents of our two major religions against each other.”
He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, it is pertinent to mention that the scene in the video was not shot in Kaduna State as can be seen from the abundance of neem trees in the background and the accent of some of the people in the video is completely alien to people of Kaduna.”
Armed men, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, attacked five police stations with explosives with 17 persons feared killed. Three members of the group were allegedly arrested during the attacks on the police formations.
Two civilians and two suspected insurgents also died during the clashes and explosions in Yobe State.
The Kano Police Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, told journalists yesterday that some extremists launched sporadic attacks with bombs and assault rifles on Dala Police Division, Jakara Police Barracks, Gwaron Dutse Police Division, Challawa 52 Squadron and other places.
The terrorists allegedly planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in some of the affected places.
He said at the Dala Police Station, the insurgents numbering over 30 attacked the facility but were repelled by the police, who killed 10 of them.
The attackers, he said, came in a Volkswagen Golf, a Toyota and a bus in which the sum of N100,000 was recovered.
Idris said at the Jakara outpost, which has been out of use since December 2011, three of the gunmen were killed while a Police Corporal, Saidu Umar, lost his life, adding that another officer, Sergeant Baba Williams was injured.
The commissioner said an attempt by the terrorists to invade the Gwauron Dutse Prison was foiled with no life lost or damage done to the building. He added that the police were able to take control in the Challawa 52 Squadron attack, but residents said the area was under severe bombardment with the entire place filled with smoke from the burning structure.
Another suspected attacker died in a private residence at Panshekara where his shattered body was found after an explosion occurred in the area, Idris said, adding that “we are investigating the matter with a view to finding the owners of the building to give us a link.”
As at yesterday morning, there were still sounds of explosions and gunfire in the metropolis amid intense check on motorists and security patrol of the streets.
Most residents preferred to stay indoors and lamented that the terrorists had made life unbearable for them while security agents continued to intimidate them.
In Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, gunmen attacked a police outpost in Sabon Pegi ward and killed two civilians as well as injured a woman and her child during gun exchange with the Joint Task Force (JTF).
Two of the suspects were killed by the JTF, while one was arrested in the 30-minute fierce gun battle that spread to the campus of the Federal Polytechnic in Damaturu.
The state Police Commissioner, Patrick Egbuniwe, yesterday said: “There were attacks on a police and military posts by suspected gunmen, where two civilians were killed in the Sabon Pegi ward and the Federal Polytechnic staff quarters.”
He said that in the 30-minute gun battle between men of the JTF and the police, stray bullets hit a woman and her child, injuring them in their limbs.
Egbuniwe said there were pockets of armed assailants still hiding in the communities in the metropolis, warning that the police and JTF would raid such hideouts, which pose serious threats to security of life and property.
He said the JTF did not record any casualty during the attacks.
Suspected terrorist also struck on Tuesday night in Taraba State killing three persons, including a policeman in Wukari Local Council.
The gunmen numbering over 30 also bombed three new generation banks, a police station and a branch of a brewery firm.
The affected structures, which were badly damaged, have been condoned by security personnel deployed from Jalingo, the state capital, in the council.
The gunmen, according to witnesses, stormed the town at 10.00 p.m. and operated till 4.00 a.m.
The state Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Maishanu, told The Guardian in Wukari that one of the three victims was “a policeman.”
He said “the police command wishes to inform the public that last night at about 21:30 hours, suspected gang of armed robbers numbering about 30 attacked some locations in Wukari town.”
The robbers ”attacked GT Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank, the Divisional Police Headquarters and Area Command Office in Wukari almost simultaneously exploding large quantity of explosives on the targets.”
At the Wukari General Hospital, where the victims are receiving treatment, medical personnel stopped journalists from talking to them.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has read the riot act to trouble-makers in the state. It warned them to desist from actions capable of instigating violence, saying that security agents had been put on the alert to deal such persons.
The government’s action was prompted by video clips being circulated through phones apparently to instigate the residents against the state.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Reuben Buhari, the government said its attention had been drawn to a “one-minute video clandestinely being circulated within Kaduna State by some faceless people,” noting that “the content of the video, which shows grainy images of heap of dead bodies being handled by security forces is basically meant to deliberately tarnish the image of the state, truncate the peace-building process in place and pit the adherents of our two major religions against each other.”
He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, it is pertinent to mention that the scene in the video was not shot in Kaduna State as can be seen from the abundance of neem trees in the background and the accent of some of the people in the video is completely alien to people of Kaduna.”
One month after, no justice yet for family of lady shot by police
Dismissed police Corporal, Emmanuel Okujo, and his lover, Patience Isabor, have been transferred to the X Squad at Alagbon in Lagos State.
The duo, who have been in the custody of the Lagos State Police Command since May 2012, were Thursday last week transferred to Alagbon following directives from the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, that the case be thoroughly investigated by crack federal detectives.
Okujo and Patience have been answering questions from detectives attached to the Lagos State Intelligence Bureau after they turned themselves in for the attempted murder of Blessing Isabor.
Okujo was subsequently made to undergo an orderly room trial where he was dismissed from the police while Patience was questioned over her role in her sister’s shooting.
The lovers were expected to be charged to court for attempted murder and conspiracy but this has not happened over one month after their arrest.
They are still been held by the police.
A police source stated that the case was transferred to Alagbon following a petition by the Isabor family.
When contacted, Steven Isabor, the uncle of the ladies, stated that the family is aware that the case has been transferred to Alagbon.
Steven said: “We wrote a petition to the IGP about the case and how it was handled in Lagos. So that was why the case have been transferre. We are asking for justice and we know that justice will prevail.”
Steven added that Blessing, who was allegedly shot on her cheek by Okujo, is still receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
Okujo, until his dismissal, was attached to the Ifako Police Station at Bariga.
He allegedly shot Blessing with his police rifle on February 10, 2012 at the ladies' residence at 12, Ifateyindo Street, Ifako, and also absconded with Patience, who is pregnant for him.
The incident was awash in the media and after more than three months of being on the run with Patience, Okujo turned himself in at the State Investigation Bureau Department.
He claimed that the shooting "was the work of the devil."
The duo, who have been in the custody of the Lagos State Police Command since May 2012, were Thursday last week transferred to Alagbon following directives from the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, that the case be thoroughly investigated by crack federal detectives.
Okujo and Patience have been answering questions from detectives attached to the Lagos State Intelligence Bureau after they turned themselves in for the attempted murder of Blessing Isabor.
Okujo was subsequently made to undergo an orderly room trial where he was dismissed from the police while Patience was questioned over her role in her sister’s shooting.
The lovers were expected to be charged to court for attempted murder and conspiracy but this has not happened over one month after their arrest.
They are still been held by the police.
A police source stated that the case was transferred to Alagbon following a petition by the Isabor family.
When contacted, Steven Isabor, the uncle of the ladies, stated that the family is aware that the case has been transferred to Alagbon.
Steven said: “We wrote a petition to the IGP about the case and how it was handled in Lagos. So that was why the case have been transferre. We are asking for justice and we know that justice will prevail.”
Steven added that Blessing, who was allegedly shot on her cheek by Okujo, is still receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
Okujo, until his dismissal, was attached to the Ifako Police Station at Bariga.
He allegedly shot Blessing with his police rifle on February 10, 2012 at the ladies' residence at 12, Ifateyindo Street, Ifako, and also absconded with Patience, who is pregnant for him.
The incident was awash in the media and after more than three months of being on the run with Patience, Okujo turned himself in at the State Investigation Bureau Department.
He claimed that the shooting "was the work of the devil."
Euro 2012: Spain qualifies for final
Spain on Wednesday evening qualified for the final of the Euro 2012 football championship.
The Spanish team did this at the expense of Portugal.
The Spaniards won 4-2 via penalties after the regular and extra time ended 0-0.
The European defending champions will play the winner of the second semi-final match between Italy and Germany in the final.
The Spanish team did this at the expense of Portugal.
The Spaniards won 4-2 via penalties after the regular and extra time ended 0-0.
The European defending champions will play the winner of the second semi-final match between Italy and Germany in the final.
Mainstreet Bank, defunct Afribank sacked over 600 staff
Mainstreet Bank, defunct Afribank sacked over 600 staff. The
sacked staff were paid off with just 2 months basic salary and were
forced to sign undertaking that they would not sue the bank. The
executive directors were spread out in various regions, heavily guarded
by Mopol while sharing the letters. It was a very pathetic sight, as staff that had spent over 20 years in the bank, left with
nothing. It is very unfortunate.
Can someone in the government do something about this foolish thing... Do we want families go hungry or robbery, because some peoples lives depend on this job...
Can someone in the government do something about this foolish thing... Do we want families go hungry or robbery, because some peoples lives depend on this job...
Houses, roads submerged after overnight downpour in Lagos, Ogun
The rain lasted for several hours on Wednesday night, leading to massive flooding in many parts of both states.
Many roads were blocked as a result of the huge traffic that ahd to meander through flooded roads.
A section of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway at Ijaiye on the outskirts of Lagos was cut off on both sides, leading to a gridlock.
Many road users were forced to return home or seek alternative routes while others remained at the spot, waiting for the flood to abate.
A portion of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road by Mobil Filling Station was submerged, as were some areas in Mafoluku and Oshodi.
In Ogun State, parts of Ibafo, Mowe, Olowotedo and Asese were submerged.
Road users had a hard time accessing inner areas of these districts as floods covered bridges and roads.
More details later.
Tips For Driving Through Lagos Floods
It has been raining since 2am in most parts of lagos and from Accu
weather satellite pictures it seems it is a tropical rainstorm. There a
flash floods even on major roads. Hope ya all are fine and not too badly
impacted? The truth is , any one who has no serious business outside
should work from home today.
Please drive with care and use the following tips as you wade through the flood waters
1. Switch off your AC and ventilate the car by rolling down your windows (Secure level)
2. Avoid speeding through water as you may loose traction and control
3. Drive with steady movement and do not attempt to rev the engine inside flood water it increases the prospects of displaced water going through electrical and other systems
4. Avoid jerky movements
5. Pray to your God!
6. When you get through, do not attempt to speed and dry the engine immediately because you would have lost a great level of efficiency in your braking system, avoid using your horn until it is dry and avoid using your AC and other external electrical stuff until they are dry
7. When you get to your destination try and steam your vehicle for a few minutes to allow all the necessary components to dry off
Just in case the vehicle stalls. it is safer to stay inside to avoid water entering your car and wait for help to push out the vehicle. Do not attempt to start the car or use it until it is checked by a mechanic or certified engineer
I drove through the flood at car wash Iyana oworo inward Lagos island.......it was baaaad saw all sorts of new cars and old and even a CRV dead in the water.
Wish you safe motoring and my heart goes out to those who are already impacted.
Please drive with care and use the following tips as you wade through the flood waters
1. Switch off your AC and ventilate the car by rolling down your windows (Secure level)
2. Avoid speeding through water as you may loose traction and control
3. Drive with steady movement and do not attempt to rev the engine inside flood water it increases the prospects of displaced water going through electrical and other systems
4. Avoid jerky movements
5. Pray to your God!
6. When you get through, do not attempt to speed and dry the engine immediately because you would have lost a great level of efficiency in your braking system, avoid using your horn until it is dry and avoid using your AC and other external electrical stuff until they are dry
7. When you get to your destination try and steam your vehicle for a few minutes to allow all the necessary components to dry off
Just in case the vehicle stalls. it is safer to stay inside to avoid water entering your car and wait for help to push out the vehicle. Do not attempt to start the car or use it until it is checked by a mechanic or certified engineer
I drove through the flood at car wash Iyana oworo inward Lagos island.......it was baaaad saw all sorts of new cars and old and even a CRV dead in the water.
Wish you safe motoring and my heart goes out to those who are already impacted.
Stakeholders set agenda for new NNPC boss
Some stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, on Wednesday, advised
the new Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC), Mr Andrew Yakubu, to enthrone transparency and
accountability in the industry.
The stakeholders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that cleansing the industry was not enough, saying that some officials of the supervising ministry should be involved.
Mr Afe Mayowa, President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) said that Nigerians were yearning for transparency and accountability in NNPC.
He advised the new helmsman to overhaul the NNPC business module which created room for corrupts practices.
NAPE President urged the NNPC boss to strengthen the corporation’s internal structure in order to restore confidence to the industry.
Mr Folorunsho Oginni, chairman, Lagos State chapter of PENGASSAN, said that the sack could not be an issue as the president had the right to sack and appoint anybody.
“But the sack should have been across board by including the head of the Ministry of Petroleum which the subsidy probe is centered on,” he said.
Mr Samuel Ibiyemi, the Editor-In-Chief of the NewsDirect newspaper, said that the appointment of the chief excutive of NNPC was in the right direction.
Ibiyemi said the oil and gas industry needed an experienced hand that understood the terrain and the operations of the corporation.
He said that Yakubu’s experience as a former managing director of the Warri Refinery made his appointment elating.
Mr Mike Osatuyi, National Secretary of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), advised Yakubu to retain the good relationship with the association.
The stakeholders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that cleansing the industry was not enough, saying that some officials of the supervising ministry should be involved.
Mr Afe Mayowa, President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) said that Nigerians were yearning for transparency and accountability in NNPC.
He advised the new helmsman to overhaul the NNPC business module which created room for corrupts practices.
NAPE President urged the NNPC boss to strengthen the corporation’s internal structure in order to restore confidence to the industry.
Mr Folorunsho Oginni, chairman, Lagos State chapter of PENGASSAN, said that the sack could not be an issue as the president had the right to sack and appoint anybody.
“But the sack should have been across board by including the head of the Ministry of Petroleum which the subsidy probe is centered on,” he said.
Mr Samuel Ibiyemi, the Editor-In-Chief of the NewsDirect newspaper, said that the appointment of the chief excutive of NNPC was in the right direction.
Ibiyemi said the oil and gas industry needed an experienced hand that understood the terrain and the operations of the corporation.
He said that Yakubu’s experience as a former managing director of the Warri Refinery made his appointment elating.
Mr Mike Osatuyi, National Secretary of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), advised Yakubu to retain the good relationship with the association.
Tussle over Dangote’s NSE presidency shifts to supreme court
The legal tussle over the propriety or otherwise of the election of
Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the President of the Nigerian Stock
Exchange(NSE) has shifted to the Supreme Court as the shareholders of
African Petroleum (AP) Plc have asked the apex court to set aside the
judgment of the Court of Appeal in Lagos, which made way for the
business mogul to resume as NSE president.
Justice Lambo Akanbi of a Federal High Court in Lagos, it will be recalled, nullified Dangote’s election as NSE president, on the ground that it was in violation of a subsisting order that parties should maintain status quo in a suit filed by some aggrieved shareholders of AP Plc against Dangote, a stock broking firm, Nova Finance and Securities Limited and others over the allegation that AP’s share prices were manipulated.
This decision was, however, overruled by the Appeal Court following an appeal lodged by Dangote against the ruling of the lower court.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal set aside the decision of the lower court and held that there were no bases for the decision of the lower court.
On the nullification of the NSE president election, the Court of Appeal held that since the court was wrong to order parties to maintain status quo, there was no need to annul the election.
However, the aggrieved AP shareholders, dissatisfied with the appellate court’s decision , asked the apex court to set aside the judgment.
Justice Lambo Akanbi of a Federal High Court in Lagos, it will be recalled, nullified Dangote’s election as NSE president, on the ground that it was in violation of a subsisting order that parties should maintain status quo in a suit filed by some aggrieved shareholders of AP Plc against Dangote, a stock broking firm, Nova Finance and Securities Limited and others over the allegation that AP’s share prices were manipulated.
This decision was, however, overruled by the Appeal Court following an appeal lodged by Dangote against the ruling of the lower court.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal set aside the decision of the lower court and held that there were no bases for the decision of the lower court.
On the nullification of the NSE president election, the Court of Appeal held that since the court was wrong to order parties to maintain status quo, there was no need to annul the election.
However, the aggrieved AP shareholders, dissatisfied with the appellate court’s decision , asked the apex court to set aside the judgment.
Create special court to try terrorism cases, Senate tells FG
IN its efforts at proffering solutions to the current security threat
to the unity of the country, members of the Senate have asked the
Federal Government to create a special court to try cases of terrorism
and strengthen laws relating to other forms of insecurity.
This was part of resolutions reached at the end of the retreat organised for senators at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as they tasked the Federal Government that war on corruption should be intensified at all quarters.
The resolutions also called for the strengthening of terrorism and insecurity-related laws, as well as increase logistics supports to Borno and other states affected by security challenges, even as they charged the Federal Government to enhance bi-lateral and multi-lateral network in curbing terrorism.
Proffering more solutions to Boko Haram problem, the retreat resolved that the Federal Government should intensify measures to create more employment opportunities, to reduce poverty and number of idle youths in the society.
The 15-point commu-niqué, which was endorsed by Senator Ndoma Egba, the chairman, communiqué committee, Senate Retreat 2012, observed among other things that to counter terrorism in the country, there must be new legislations and re-examination of existing legal framework on security.
It, therefore, called for effective national security, saying that it was crucial for meaningful and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The communique also called for partnership with the international community to curb cases of insecurity and terrorism which, according to it, was imperative, given the international dimension and connections of terrorist organisations.
“In addition to the current measure being pursued by the government, there is the need for dialogue as feasible solution to addressing and resolving the Boko Haram attacks, while the sect should be encouraged to embrace dialogue as well,” the communiqué stressed.
This was part of resolutions reached at the end of the retreat organised for senators at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as they tasked the Federal Government that war on corruption should be intensified at all quarters.
The resolutions also called for the strengthening of terrorism and insecurity-related laws, as well as increase logistics supports to Borno and other states affected by security challenges, even as they charged the Federal Government to enhance bi-lateral and multi-lateral network in curbing terrorism.
Proffering more solutions to Boko Haram problem, the retreat resolved that the Federal Government should intensify measures to create more employment opportunities, to reduce poverty and number of idle youths in the society.
The 15-point commu-niqué, which was endorsed by Senator Ndoma Egba, the chairman, communiqué committee, Senate Retreat 2012, observed among other things that to counter terrorism in the country, there must be new legislations and re-examination of existing legal framework on security.
It, therefore, called for effective national security, saying that it was crucial for meaningful and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The communique also called for partnership with the international community to curb cases of insecurity and terrorism which, according to it, was imperative, given the international dimension and connections of terrorist organisations.
“In addition to the current measure being pursued by the government, there is the need for dialogue as feasible solution to addressing and resolving the Boko Haram attacks, while the sect should be encouraged to embrace dialogue as well,” the communiqué stressed.
Reps kick against sale of NITEL
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday kicked against the
privatisation of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), saying
that the previous privatisation exercise of the Federal Government was
nothing to write home about.
A member of the House, Honourable Chris Azubogu had, through a motion entitled "Need to privatise Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) separately,” asked the House to support the motion, but members took turn to condemn it, claiming that the motion was anti-people.
While leading the debate on the motion before it was killed, the lawmaker had implored the House to mandate its committee on communications to investigate the mode of unbundling and make recommendations to the House within four weeks.
He added that it was unfortunate that efforts by the Federal Government to privatise NITEL and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) since 2001 with the liberalisation of the telecommunication industry had failed to yield meaningful result.
Going down memory lane on government's effort to privatise the company, the lawmaker said "the first attempt was in 2002 when Investors International London Limited (IILL) offered $1.137 billion to acquire Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), but defaulted in paying the bid price and therefore lost the opportunity.
""Further aware that when the first attempt failed, Bureau of Public Enterprises, under the leadership of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, took formal steps to outsource management of NITEL by engaging Pentascope of The Netherlands to manage the pioneer telecommunications company with the expectation of the Dutch firm to expand NITEL in 2003 by creating more landlines and providing at least allegedly 500,000 lines for the mobile arm but that never happened," he said.
Speaking further, Azobogu said that the cancellation of the $500 million acquisition by Transcorp or the acquisition of 51 per cent equity of NITEL in 2006 as well as the unsuccessful $2.5 billion acquisition of 75 per cent equity process initiated by New Generation Telecommunication Consortium of China, which was cancelled, following the group's inability to pay the bid price.
To this end, he said the "delay in the sale of NITEL and Mtel has led to monumental loss of funds and job opportunities to Nigerians and has prevented additional investments in the telecommunications sector."
He stressed that "it is becoming unrealistic to expect a fair market value for the full price of NITEL\Mtel, especially as investment conditions in Nigeria and around the world are yet to improve since the capital and financial market crisis of 2008\2009 and 2010.”
Supporting the motion, Adams Jangaba and Ndudi Elumelu called on the House to move in the direction of fast-tracking the sale of the telecommunications company, but Honourables Kamil Akinlabi, Haruna Kigbu and Ayo Omidiran, kicked against the motion, saying NITEL should not be privatised.
Specifically, Akinlabi said that several attempts had been made to privatise NITEL/MTEL but it seemed the spirits of Nigerians were against the sale, claiming it would create a lot of security implications.
When the motion was put to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Emeka Ihedioha who presided over the session, majority of the lawmakers voted against it.
A member of the House, Honourable Chris Azubogu had, through a motion entitled "Need to privatise Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) separately,” asked the House to support the motion, but members took turn to condemn it, claiming that the motion was anti-people.
While leading the debate on the motion before it was killed, the lawmaker had implored the House to mandate its committee on communications to investigate the mode of unbundling and make recommendations to the House within four weeks.
He added that it was unfortunate that efforts by the Federal Government to privatise NITEL and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTEL) since 2001 with the liberalisation of the telecommunication industry had failed to yield meaningful result.
Going down memory lane on government's effort to privatise the company, the lawmaker said "the first attempt was in 2002 when Investors International London Limited (IILL) offered $1.137 billion to acquire Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), but defaulted in paying the bid price and therefore lost the opportunity.
""Further aware that when the first attempt failed, Bureau of Public Enterprises, under the leadership of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, took formal steps to outsource management of NITEL by engaging Pentascope of The Netherlands to manage the pioneer telecommunications company with the expectation of the Dutch firm to expand NITEL in 2003 by creating more landlines and providing at least allegedly 500,000 lines for the mobile arm but that never happened," he said.
Speaking further, Azobogu said that the cancellation of the $500 million acquisition by Transcorp or the acquisition of 51 per cent equity of NITEL in 2006 as well as the unsuccessful $2.5 billion acquisition of 75 per cent equity process initiated by New Generation Telecommunication Consortium of China, which was cancelled, following the group's inability to pay the bid price.
To this end, he said the "delay in the sale of NITEL and Mtel has led to monumental loss of funds and job opportunities to Nigerians and has prevented additional investments in the telecommunications sector."
He stressed that "it is becoming unrealistic to expect a fair market value for the full price of NITEL\Mtel, especially as investment conditions in Nigeria and around the world are yet to improve since the capital and financial market crisis of 2008\2009 and 2010.”
Supporting the motion, Adams Jangaba and Ndudi Elumelu called on the House to move in the direction of fast-tracking the sale of the telecommunications company, but Honourables Kamil Akinlabi, Haruna Kigbu and Ayo Omidiran, kicked against the motion, saying NITEL should not be privatised.
Specifically, Akinlabi said that several attempts had been made to privatise NITEL/MTEL but it seemed the spirits of Nigerians were against the sale, claiming it would create a lot of security implications.
When the motion was put to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Emeka Ihedioha who presided over the session, majority of the lawmakers voted against it.
Nigerian Embassy’s account in US not frozen - Bank
OFFICIALS of the Manufacturers and Traders Trust Bank (M & T
Bank), United States (US), on Tuesday, disclosed that bank accounts of
the Nigerian embassy were at no time frozen, adding that the accounts of
the embassy was only closed to allow them meet up with the new
government’s regulations on money arriving from abroad.
This disclosure came few days after President Goodluck Jonathan, during a presidential media chat on national television and radio, directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate accounts of the Nigerian Embassy in the US, over alleged money laundering.
The president was reacting to a newspaper report that the US government had frozen the embassy’s accounts in the US over allegation of money laundering.
However, contrary to media reports that the accounts were frozen due to money laundering activities, the vice-president of M&T Bank, Mr Peter Senica, said “at March 31, 2012, the Nigerian Embassy received a cheque for the balance on the account, minus any service charges if any,” adding that “the account of the embassy of Nigeria had no red flag for money laundering activities.”
Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, in an online chat on Wednesday, acknowledged the closure of the account by M & T Bank, but denied any allegation of money laundering activities, saying that “we have never operated any accounts with Wells Fargo and Bank of America.
“We have nothing to do with the laundering of money on behalf of state governors or other Nigerian public functionaries. The leadership of the Nigerian Embassy in the United States respected the financial policies of the host country and will never encourage fraudulent activities such as corruption and money laundering.”
He said the closure of the account was “a problem faced by many embassies and missions in the US currently, owing to the strict guidelines given to banks by the provision of the Patriot Act.”
An officer at the US Department of Defence and former president of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in Diaspora (NMPD), in Washington, DC, Mr Femi Soneye, also said “the United States has tough legislation against terrorism and financing, the Patriot Act has, in recent times, made a number of changes that are now making it difficult for banks in the US to manage the accounts of foreign missions, it’s not a problem of the Nigerian Embassy. It has affected over 51 embassies in the US, including France, China, and other nations.”
Soneye absolved the ambassador of any money laundering allegations, adding that “the Nigerian Embassy was given a cheque for their balance by the bank, as given to China, France and other countries, including the Vatican.”
This disclosure came few days after President Goodluck Jonathan, during a presidential media chat on national television and radio, directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate accounts of the Nigerian Embassy in the US, over alleged money laundering.
The president was reacting to a newspaper report that the US government had frozen the embassy’s accounts in the US over allegation of money laundering.
However, contrary to media reports that the accounts were frozen due to money laundering activities, the vice-president of M&T Bank, Mr Peter Senica, said “at March 31, 2012, the Nigerian Embassy received a cheque for the balance on the account, minus any service charges if any,” adding that “the account of the embassy of Nigeria had no red flag for money laundering activities.”
Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, in an online chat on Wednesday, acknowledged the closure of the account by M & T Bank, but denied any allegation of money laundering activities, saying that “we have never operated any accounts with Wells Fargo and Bank of America.
“We have nothing to do with the laundering of money on behalf of state governors or other Nigerian public functionaries. The leadership of the Nigerian Embassy in the United States respected the financial policies of the host country and will never encourage fraudulent activities such as corruption and money laundering.”
He said the closure of the account was “a problem faced by many embassies and missions in the US currently, owing to the strict guidelines given to banks by the provision of the Patriot Act.”
An officer at the US Department of Defence and former president of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in Diaspora (NMPD), in Washington, DC, Mr Femi Soneye, also said “the United States has tough legislation against terrorism and financing, the Patriot Act has, in recent times, made a number of changes that are now making it difficult for banks in the US to manage the accounts of foreign missions, it’s not a problem of the Nigerian Embassy. It has affected over 51 embassies in the US, including France, China, and other nations.”
Soneye absolved the ambassador of any money laundering allegations, adding that “the Nigerian Embassy was given a cheque for their balance by the bank, as given to China, France and other countries, including the Vatican.”
DANA Air crash: Management contacts 118 families of victims
DANA Airline spokesman, Mr Tony Usidamen, said on Wednesday in Lagos
that its management has made direct contact with 118 families of the
victims involved in the crash of June 3.
Usidamen, who said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), added that nine embassies had also been contacted for the foreign victims.
NAN recalls that DANA Airline plane crashed into residential buildings at Iju-Isaga, Lagos, on June 3, killing all the 153 passengers on board, as well as some residents of the buildings.
He said the victims’ families and embassies have been sent letters of condolence and insurance documents, which would facilitate the payment of their compensation.
He further disclosed that as of June 25, the company had received completed insurance forms for 34 of the victims, “two of which are members of staff.”
The spokesman said investigations into the cause of the accident was still ongoing, adding that management would continue to offer assistance to investigating authorities.
“DANA Air shares in the pains of the affected families and continues to offer every form of assistance required by the hospital authorities and overseas laboratories.
“We shall ensure the process is completed as soon as possible, so that the families can lay their loved ones to rest,” he said.
He added that 98 per cent of DNA samples had been successfully collected and dispatched to a UK laboratory for testing.
Usidamen debunked rumours that expatriate members of staff of the airline had left the company’s employment since the incident.
“Of the over 450 staff of the airline, most of whom are Nigerians, not one has left the company’s employment,” he said.
According to him, some of the expatriate members of staff are among the airline’s officials currently assisting the investigating authorities on the crash.
“All DANA Air staff are voluntarily assisting in one way or the other, especially with respect to visiting the affected families and providing information on processing of insurance claims,” he said.
Usidamen, who said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), added that nine embassies had also been contacted for the foreign victims.
NAN recalls that DANA Airline plane crashed into residential buildings at Iju-Isaga, Lagos, on June 3, killing all the 153 passengers on board, as well as some residents of the buildings.
He said the victims’ families and embassies have been sent letters of condolence and insurance documents, which would facilitate the payment of their compensation.
He further disclosed that as of June 25, the company had received completed insurance forms for 34 of the victims, “two of which are members of staff.”
The spokesman said investigations into the cause of the accident was still ongoing, adding that management would continue to offer assistance to investigating authorities.
“DANA Air shares in the pains of the affected families and continues to offer every form of assistance required by the hospital authorities and overseas laboratories.
“We shall ensure the process is completed as soon as possible, so that the families can lay their loved ones to rest,” he said.
He added that 98 per cent of DNA samples had been successfully collected and dispatched to a UK laboratory for testing.
Usidamen debunked rumours that expatriate members of staff of the airline had left the company’s employment since the incident.
“Of the over 450 staff of the airline, most of whom are Nigerians, not one has left the company’s employment,” he said.
According to him, some of the expatriate members of staff are among the airline’s officials currently assisting the investigating authorities on the crash.
“All DANA Air staff are voluntarily assisting in one way or the other, especially with respect to visiting the affected families and providing information on processing of insurance claims,” he said.
Traffic officials kill student in Rivers over N30,000 bribe
THE Rivers State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), a
human rights and pro-democracy group in southern Nigeria, has raised
the alarm over an alleged extra-judicial murder of a university student
in Port Harcourt, the state capital, by some public traffic officials.
The group made this known to AkanimoReports on Wednesday, even as it commended the police in the state for arresting and charging four officials of the state Road Traffic Management Agency (TIMARIV) over the alleged murder of Tasie Nyenke, an engineering student of the state University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt.
Chairman of the group, Steve Obodoekwe, also alleged that some top government functionaries made “desperate moves’’ to secure the release of the traffic officials without prosecution.
Six TIMARIV officials, according to the CLO, last May 19, at the Rukpokwu axis of the capital city, violently attacked Tasie, 34, beating him to a pulp before bolting away with his car.
“The late Tasie was driving his car, a Passat car with registration number Edo AG 573 AGD when the car developed a fault which forced him to stop to find out what was wrong.
“As he opened the car bonnet to check what was wrong, the six TIMARIV officials, operating in a bus arrived and immediately pounced on him, pressed his head on the engine and started forcing the bonnet to close. They demanded the sum of N30,000, bribe from him. They accused him of wrong parking. When he tried to explain, they started beating him angrily.
“After the attack, the young man literally crawled home and went to bed. He never woke up again. His lifeless body was recovered from his room at Rukpokwu in the morning of June 21, when the family members, in conjunction with the police broke into his house. He was taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where autopsy was done.’’
The accused were arraigned on Monday, June 25, before a Port Harcourt Senior Magistrate Court, on a two-count charge of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The trial magistrate ordered that they be remanded in prison custody.
The group made this known to AkanimoReports on Wednesday, even as it commended the police in the state for arresting and charging four officials of the state Road Traffic Management Agency (TIMARIV) over the alleged murder of Tasie Nyenke, an engineering student of the state University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt.
Chairman of the group, Steve Obodoekwe, also alleged that some top government functionaries made “desperate moves’’ to secure the release of the traffic officials without prosecution.
Six TIMARIV officials, according to the CLO, last May 19, at the Rukpokwu axis of the capital city, violently attacked Tasie, 34, beating him to a pulp before bolting away with his car.
“The late Tasie was driving his car, a Passat car with registration number Edo AG 573 AGD when the car developed a fault which forced him to stop to find out what was wrong.
“As he opened the car bonnet to check what was wrong, the six TIMARIV officials, operating in a bus arrived and immediately pounced on him, pressed his head on the engine and started forcing the bonnet to close. They demanded the sum of N30,000, bribe from him. They accused him of wrong parking. When he tried to explain, they started beating him angrily.
“After the attack, the young man literally crawled home and went to bed. He never woke up again. His lifeless body was recovered from his room at Rukpokwu in the morning of June 21, when the family members, in conjunction with the police broke into his house. He was taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where autopsy was done.’’
The accused were arraigned on Monday, June 25, before a Port Harcourt Senior Magistrate Court, on a two-count charge of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The trial magistrate ordered that they be remanded in prison custody.
$20,000 disappears at Lagos airport screening point
That the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is a government
organisation enmeshed in corruption has again been confirmed following
the arrest of the organisation’s two security officials by the Inspector
General of Police monitoring team on Wednesday for stealing $20,000
from a passenger’s baggage.
The security officials, who have been flown to Abuja on the order of the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, were said to have stolen the money from the baggage of an airline operator during the screening of his baggage at the screening point of the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal one.
According to the airline operator who does not want his name in print for now, trouble started when he was to board a 6.5 a.m. flight on First Nation to Abuja to perform a national exercise.
Getting to the screening point of the departure hall of the MMA2 terminal, as expected, he positioned his hand luggage on the screening machine and walked through the screening being conducted on passengers by the FAAN security officials.
When the flight was announced, he took his hand luggage and proceeded on board without knowing that the security officials had removed $20, 000 from his luggage.
However, the bubble burst when the airline operator tried to bring out his complimentary card which he wanted to give to a long-time friend whom he met on board but discovered that his money was gone.
The airline operator, who said his money was still intact at the screening point, said at that point, it was impossible for him to disembark from the aircraft as the gangway was already closed by the cabin crew hence, he decided to put a call through to the managing director of FAAN who said he was in Abuja but directed him to contact the director of security in FAAN.
But despite the complaints made by the passenger, neither the FAAN chief nor his director of security was forthcoming as they failed to communicate with him for a whole week.
Sensing that the management of FAAN was not interested in his case, he decided to report the matter to the police IG, who asked him to forward a letter of complaint to his office and copy the Minister of Aviation, Stella Adaeze Oduah.
The security officials, who have been flown to Abuja on the order of the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, were said to have stolen the money from the baggage of an airline operator during the screening of his baggage at the screening point of the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal one.
According to the airline operator who does not want his name in print for now, trouble started when he was to board a 6.5 a.m. flight on First Nation to Abuja to perform a national exercise.
Getting to the screening point of the departure hall of the MMA2 terminal, as expected, he positioned his hand luggage on the screening machine and walked through the screening being conducted on passengers by the FAAN security officials.
When the flight was announced, he took his hand luggage and proceeded on board without knowing that the security officials had removed $20, 000 from his luggage.
However, the bubble burst when the airline operator tried to bring out his complimentary card which he wanted to give to a long-time friend whom he met on board but discovered that his money was gone.
The airline operator, who said his money was still intact at the screening point, said at that point, it was impossible for him to disembark from the aircraft as the gangway was already closed by the cabin crew hence, he decided to put a call through to the managing director of FAAN who said he was in Abuja but directed him to contact the director of security in FAAN.
But despite the complaints made by the passenger, neither the FAAN chief nor his director of security was forthcoming as they failed to communicate with him for a whole week.
Sensing that the management of FAAN was not interested in his case, he decided to report the matter to the police IG, who asked him to forward a letter of complaint to his office and copy the Minister of Aviation, Stella Adaeze Oduah.
Oil theft probe: Reps threaten to arrest Petinrin, Ibrahim •As DPR boss calls for stiffer penalty for oil thieves
THE House of Representatives panel probing the upsurge of illegal oil
bunkering activities in Nigeria’s coastal region, on Wednesday,
threatened to wield the big sticks over the failure of the Chief of
Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin and the Chief of
Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim, to appear before it.
The House leadership had, through a resolution, mandated its joint committee on Petroleum Upstream and Navy to probe the oil theft, but the two security chiefs failed to appear in person, as directed by the committee, but, instead, sent representatives.
At the session of the panel on Wednesday, chairman, Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Honourable Ajibola Muraina, warned that the committee would not hesitate to issue a warrant of arrest on the two senior security officers if they continued to ignore the invitation of the panel.
According to him, “we are not ready to deviate from our rules and we are not going to allow any junior officer to make the presentation because we don’t want a situation where statements would be mis-interpreted. We want the security chiefs to come and brief us on matters of security as it relates to illegal bunkering.”
He said if the security chiefs insisted not to appear, “we would not hesitate to apply the law, we have the power to issue warrant of arrest, depending on what we want, we are not bound to follow that, but I warn again that whoever is invited to this public hearing should appear.
He threatened further that “by tomorrow (today), if the CDS and the CNS are not here, I will not hesitate to take appropriate measure as this committee deems proper.”
Meanwhile, the Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Austine Olorunsola, while making his presentation before the panel, proposed a stiffer penalty for oil thieves.
He called for joint efforts among the various stakeholders and government agencies to checkmate the illegal oil bunkering in the country.
The House leadership had, through a resolution, mandated its joint committee on Petroleum Upstream and Navy to probe the oil theft, but the two security chiefs failed to appear in person, as directed by the committee, but, instead, sent representatives.
At the session of the panel on Wednesday, chairman, Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Honourable Ajibola Muraina, warned that the committee would not hesitate to issue a warrant of arrest on the two senior security officers if they continued to ignore the invitation of the panel.
According to him, “we are not ready to deviate from our rules and we are not going to allow any junior officer to make the presentation because we don’t want a situation where statements would be mis-interpreted. We want the security chiefs to come and brief us on matters of security as it relates to illegal bunkering.”
He said if the security chiefs insisted not to appear, “we would not hesitate to apply the law, we have the power to issue warrant of arrest, depending on what we want, we are not bound to follow that, but I warn again that whoever is invited to this public hearing should appear.
He threatened further that “by tomorrow (today), if the CDS and the CNS are not here, I will not hesitate to take appropriate measure as this committee deems proper.”
Meanwhile, the Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Austine Olorunsola, while making his presentation before the panel, proposed a stiffer penalty for oil thieves.
He called for joint efforts among the various stakeholders and government agencies to checkmate the illegal oil bunkering in the country.
Signage advertisement in Oyo State in deplorable state - Ajimobi
THE governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has said that the
current state of outdoor and signage advertisement in the state was
deplorable and needed urgent attention.
He said the state Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) was fully supported by the state government to deliver its promise of transformation and restoration.
Governor Ajimobi said this through his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mr Femi Oyedipe, during the OYSAA forum held in Ibadan, on Wednesday.
Also speaking at the forum, the Director- General of OYSAA, Mr Yinka Adepoju, informed the outdoor space practitioners that lawlessness would no longer be tolerated.
He said the current state of outdoor space in the state was nauseating and appalling.
Mr Adepoju said that “it is now an offence punishable under law to practice outdoor advertising in the state without being only registered by the agency.
He said the state Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) was fully supported by the state government to deliver its promise of transformation and restoration.
Governor Ajimobi said this through his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mr Femi Oyedipe, during the OYSAA forum held in Ibadan, on Wednesday.
Also speaking at the forum, the Director- General of OYSAA, Mr Yinka Adepoju, informed the outdoor space practitioners that lawlessness would no longer be tolerated.
He said the current state of outdoor space in the state was nauseating and appalling.
Mr Adepoju said that “it is now an offence punishable under law to practice outdoor advertising in the state without being only registered by the agency.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Ivory Coast wins over $4 bln IMF/WB debt relief
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank said their boards had approved a reduction of $3.1 billion in debt owed by Ivory Coast, which represents a 24 percent reduction of the west African nation's external debt.
The statement from the institutions added that the world's top cocoa-producing nation would get a further $1.3 billion under an initiative of multilateral debt relief.
"The boards of both institutions have established that the country has made ??good progress regardinghttp://alturl.com/rmys8
The suspended Director General of The Securities and Exchange
Commission, SEC, Ms Arunmah Oteh, yesterday, denied opening several
accounts for Project 50 in which she is being investigated.
Speaking exclusively to Vanguard, she said: “I thank your
media for your desire to hear from me without publishing report that is
not authentic. I will not comment now about an ongoing investigation.
However, my track record of the highest levels of integrity and probity
speaks for itself...
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Boko Haram has killed more Muslims – Ningi
Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Abdul
Ningi, has dispelled the belief that Boko Haram is an Islamic sect
whose goal is to kill Christians in the country.
Ningi, who spoke to our correspondent in
Uyo, venue of the Senate Retreat on Tuesday, said the violent group had
not been selective in their targets, saying many Muslims, including his
uncle, had been killed by Boko Haram.
He said, “I am a victim of Boko Haram. My uncle was killed by the sect; he was a former Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
“So, if people are saying that because you
are Hausa, Muslim or a northerner and that you are in sympathy with the
activities of the sect, I will say it is not true.
“If it is true that we are in sympathy with
the sect, how come the statistics on the ground shows that more Muslims
have been killed in the attacks by the sect than the Christians?”
The lawmaker added, “What we as senators
from the North should do at this retreat is to make our southern
counterparts know that the Boko Haram has a different belief from other
muslims. What they preach and do is beyond our understanding and
conclusion. This sect is more dangerous than any security agencies by
going after those who talk against them.”
Meanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria
National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, hailed the retreat, saying it was
capable proffering solutions to the lingering security challenges in the
country.
New electricity tariff will over-burden Nigerians, says group
FRIENDS-In-Progress, a non- partisan organisation comprising of
Nigerians from all over the world has called on President Goodluck
Jonathan to look into the new electricity tariff , which it described as
over-burden on Nigerians.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, the group insisted that any increase in the energy tariff should only be contemplated when electricity generation and supply has improved substantially.
Also, it noted that it would only be meaningful when at least 50 per cent of the old meters have been replaced with prepaid meters, which enables a more accurate measurement of consumption.
The group alleged that the current system of estimating usage is clearly unreliable, resulting in consumers paying more than the electricity consumed.
They warned that the new tariff would place further pressure on the finances of millions of already struggling families and businesses and further alienate the people from a government, which they believe has failed woefully in its sworn duty to protect them and improve their living standards.
The organisation also called on the president to stop the energy saving bulb distribution project stating that providing free energy saving bulbs should not be a priority for now, especially in the light of the millions of naira that are likely to have been earmarked for the project.
According to the statement, “saving bulbs at this time will definitely be considered as a pathetic and cynical attempt to band-aid the massive ill-effects of government as government can ill afford to do this at a time when a lot of work is being done to cut costs and reduce government spending.
“The obvious solution would be for the relevant organisations within the sector to encourage the use of the bulbs by educating the populace on the benefits and advantages of energy conservation.
“It is quite unbelievable that the government is even considering this increase when the power situation has not improved, despite the billions of naira invested in the sector,” the group added.
The statement, therefore, advised the government to encourage private sector-led Independent Power Projects (IPP) and invest in improving the existing power infrastructure.
Once the electricity problem is resolved, they insist, the Nigerian economy would naturally experience a massive revival and this will reduce inflation and the dependence on foreign imports, while reducing pressure on Forex reserves.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, the group insisted that any increase in the energy tariff should only be contemplated when electricity generation and supply has improved substantially.
Also, it noted that it would only be meaningful when at least 50 per cent of the old meters have been replaced with prepaid meters, which enables a more accurate measurement of consumption.
The group alleged that the current system of estimating usage is clearly unreliable, resulting in consumers paying more than the electricity consumed.
They warned that the new tariff would place further pressure on the finances of millions of already struggling families and businesses and further alienate the people from a government, which they believe has failed woefully in its sworn duty to protect them and improve their living standards.
The organisation also called on the president to stop the energy saving bulb distribution project stating that providing free energy saving bulbs should not be a priority for now, especially in the light of the millions of naira that are likely to have been earmarked for the project.
According to the statement, “saving bulbs at this time will definitely be considered as a pathetic and cynical attempt to band-aid the massive ill-effects of government as government can ill afford to do this at a time when a lot of work is being done to cut costs and reduce government spending.
“The obvious solution would be for the relevant organisations within the sector to encourage the use of the bulbs by educating the populace on the benefits and advantages of energy conservation.
“It is quite unbelievable that the government is even considering this increase when the power situation has not improved, despite the billions of naira invested in the sector,” the group added.
The statement, therefore, advised the government to encourage private sector-led Independent Power Projects (IPP) and invest in improving the existing power infrastructure.
Once the electricity problem is resolved, they insist, the Nigerian economy would naturally experience a massive revival and this will reduce inflation and the dependence on foreign imports, while reducing pressure on Forex reserves.
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DPR, NCDMB seek compliance on expatriate quota, others
THE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Nigerian Content
Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have forged a partnership to
ensure that compliance with Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content
Development (NOGIC) Act 2010 by operators and oil service companies is
met on expatriate quota management.
The collaboration, which is expected to be formally endorsed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, will see the two agencies hope to interface seamlessly, ensure industry compliance with section 33 of the NOGIC Act, minimise incidents of abuse and ensure optimal knowledge transfer to Nigerians from enforcement.
The committee is also to address the increasing incidence of staff disengagement by operators and design partnership model for critical information sharing between DPR and NCDMB to facilitate effective regulation of the industry.
It was also decided that the Act would be a key condition for participating in bid rounds and securing licenses, permits and approvals in the industry.
Managements of the two agencies, who agreed to ensure this at a meeting in Lagos recently, also set up a joint committee to design an interface model with regard to common mandates related to Nigerian Content development in the oil and gas industry.
The committee is expected to develop procedure for operationalising sections 3 and 7 of the NOGIC Act, which provides that compliance with Nigerian Content provisions, promotion of Nigerian Content development and submission of Nigerian Content Plan will constitute conditions for the award of licenses, permits and any other project in the oil and gas industry.
The Director of DPR, Osten Olurunsola commended NCDMB for the numerous achievements it had recorded within two years of its establishment, adding that Nigerian Content has been the shining light in the industry within the period.
He called for close collaboration between the two agencies, in a way that will be evident for stakeholders to see.
According to him, “when we are seen working together, people will find it difficult to play one agency against the other and when we have issues, we will examine them.”
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa maintained that the oil and gas industry can only make sustainable progress if all agencies of government connected with the sector have a common understanding.
“Once there are conflicting signals from NCDMB, DPR and NAPIMS, there will be problems. We want people from our offices to be acting on the basis of a common understanding of the laws and government policies.
In a bid to build a common understanding for its mandate, Nwapa said the Board had engaged several ministries, departments and agencies connected with the oil and gas industry and Nigerian Content implementation and had recorded immense successes.
Some of these MDAs include Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information and Technology, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, NIMASA, NDDC and NIPC.
He advised agencies of government against having the erroneous impression that collaborating with each other will lead to encroachment into their mandates, adding that any success recorded through such efforts will always be jointly shared.
The collaboration, which is expected to be formally endorsed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, will see the two agencies hope to interface seamlessly, ensure industry compliance with section 33 of the NOGIC Act, minimise incidents of abuse and ensure optimal knowledge transfer to Nigerians from enforcement.
The committee is also to address the increasing incidence of staff disengagement by operators and design partnership model for critical information sharing between DPR and NCDMB to facilitate effective regulation of the industry.
It was also decided that the Act would be a key condition for participating in bid rounds and securing licenses, permits and approvals in the industry.
Managements of the two agencies, who agreed to ensure this at a meeting in Lagos recently, also set up a joint committee to design an interface model with regard to common mandates related to Nigerian Content development in the oil and gas industry.
The committee is expected to develop procedure for operationalising sections 3 and 7 of the NOGIC Act, which provides that compliance with Nigerian Content provisions, promotion of Nigerian Content development and submission of Nigerian Content Plan will constitute conditions for the award of licenses, permits and any other project in the oil and gas industry.
The Director of DPR, Osten Olurunsola commended NCDMB for the numerous achievements it had recorded within two years of its establishment, adding that Nigerian Content has been the shining light in the industry within the period.
He called for close collaboration between the two agencies, in a way that will be evident for stakeholders to see.
According to him, “when we are seen working together, people will find it difficult to play one agency against the other and when we have issues, we will examine them.”
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa maintained that the oil and gas industry can only make sustainable progress if all agencies of government connected with the sector have a common understanding.
“Once there are conflicting signals from NCDMB, DPR and NAPIMS, there will be problems. We want people from our offices to be acting on the basis of a common understanding of the laws and government policies.
In a bid to build a common understanding for its mandate, Nwapa said the Board had engaged several ministries, departments and agencies connected with the oil and gas industry and Nigerian Content implementation and had recorded immense successes.
Some of these MDAs include Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information and Technology, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, NIMASA, NDDC and NIPC.
He advised agencies of government against having the erroneous impression that collaborating with each other will lead to encroachment into their mandates, adding that any success recorded through such efforts will always be jointly shared.
http://alturl.com/6iq4j
Chevron to address claims over rig fire incident
The incident occurred at Funiwa 1A natural gas well on January 16, (about 10 kilometres) off the coast of Nigeria.
A statement from the spokesman of the company, Deji Haastrup said that the company will address each claim on its own merit, adding that an independent body, comprising of representatives of the NNPC, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Bayelsa State government, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Regional Development Committees (RDCs) of communities, is being set up for the purpose.
Other participants include National Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
According to Haastrup, “the body will review all reports of environmental and health assessment and evaluate each claim on its individual merit.”
“Chevron has shared information about the incident and what caused it. The company has engaged government officials, NGOs, and residents of communities, listening to their concerns and explaining what happened and how the company is responding.
“CNL operates with the highest safety standards in the industry and is committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The safety of the people and the environment is one of our priorities,” the statement added.
The company announced recently that it has sealed and abandoned the shallow water Funiwa 1A natural gas well after completing the drilling of a relief well.
It stated that production at the North Apoi field, which had been shut in as a precaution, has also been restored and the field is now producing approximately 2,000 barrels of oil per day.
http://alturl.com/wvvgk
Stakeholders heighten concerns over declining oil reserves
Nigeria on a ‘growth’ journey without development
WHEN President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan assumed duties over one year ago, he pledged an economic transformation agenda that would redress the ills of the past and thereby promote the fortunes of the economy, on a sustainable basis.
Specifically, the aim of the transformation agenda was to create a strong, healthy, and high-income economy that will underpin much of what its citizens value and desire in life.
One of the strategies evolved to achieve the objective was the inauguration of an economic team made up of technocrats, businessmen and politicians.
Essentially, the team was mandated to, among other things, create an enabling environment that could attract foreign investors into the economy, but with curious silence on building good prospects for the local players.
With the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala serving as the Coordinating Minister of Economy, not quite a few Nigerians were optimistic that a new lease of life would soon be enthroned in the country.
Top government officials regaled around the globe with success stories about the management of the economy, moreso with economic growth rate being put at over 7.1 per cent — the third highest in the world after China and India.
But analysts, at the weekend, bemoaned the manifest “growth without development” saga being experienced by the populace, even as the ruling class and their collaborators in the private sector continued to revel in assessed opulence.
Indeed, despite high economic growth rate being brandished over the years, the reverse is the reality in terms of development, as manifest challenges in governance continued to compromise otherwise good intentions of budgetary provisions.
Micro-economic stability remains a victim of business-unfriendly monetary and fiscal policies, with the naira depreciating in the foreign exchange market almost on a daily basis, with the attainment of single-digit interest rate becoming a pipe dream.
The Director-General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf puts it succinctly: “The Nigerian economy presents a curious paradox.”
He explained: “Fiscal and monetary policies often work at cross purposes and have therefore not adequately impacted the prospects of the economy. The democratic structures and institutions, and the key players in the political space, rather than offer hope for a solution, have become a part of the problem.
“It is difficult for an economy to work in a society where there is a total collapse of values, which should form the very foundation of a normal society. It is also difficult for the citizens to have access to basic needs of life in a society with weak institutions.
“At the root of this national tragedy is poor governance quality; manifesting in lack of moral and intellectual authority, at various levels of leadership, to give direction.”
The Lead Director of Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere affirmed that a review of key monetary and fiscal policy indicators reflect discomforting scenario of the nation’s economy.
“The naira is depreciating by the day and currently exchanges for over N160 to the
dollar while the growth of foreign reserves has stagnated and is even being diminished.
“We currently have less than $38 billion in foreign reserves. The inflation rate is in double digits and is stated to be 12.7 per cent for the month of May 2012, while the National Bureau of Statistics has warned that the hike in electricity tariff, attendant downward pressure on crude oil prices and the high exchange rate could fuel further inflation.
“Lending rate to the real sector of the economy is also in double digits and indeed in excess of 20 per cent. The real unemployment rate is alarming despite statistics churned out by the National Bureau of Statistics. It should be in the neighbourhood of 50 per cent of the population who are qualified, willing and able to work. The
growth statistics is also troubling.
“Essentially, with no concrete and visible human and material development, coupled with a falling naira value in an import-dependent economy; it has become extremely hard to believe the growth figures that are in excess of six per cent being churned out by NBS. Indeed, the Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala recently warned Nigerians of the possibility of deep recession.
“Since money that should have been used for human and infrastructure development is being stolen and frittered away on a daily basis, the bottom is knocked off the implementation of fiscal policy,” he said.
The Managing Director of Lagos-based Marina Business School, Olayinka Odutola said ample evidence abound that the economic managers are falling short of expectations.
“The evidence is all over. If the economic managers have done a good job, why should we have rising unemployment, increasing poverty, high inflation, very weak naira which has been falling with impunity against the dollar, in the past few weeks? These are not encouraging signals at all. Why should the populace be suffering in the midst of plenty?
“We have been talking of financial reforms and a lot of energy and resources have been concentrated towards this. However, we have not paid the same attention to real sector reform. Even the few interventions from the CBN to the real sector, like the aviation sector bail-out fund, is presently being investigated by the House of Representatives due to the weighty allegation that some of the airline operators of the fund were believed to have diverted same to other purposes that are totally outside the contemplation of the fund provider. Where then does this take us?
“For us as a nation to achieve anything meaningful in terms of development, reform of the real sector is sine-qua-non. This will go a long way in tackling infrastructural deficit challenges. It will inevitably bring down the cost of doing business in Nigeria, which is currently too high as compared with many other developing countries, and emerging economies.
“Paradoxically, the ranking of Nigeria as one of the countries with the fastest GDP growth rate in the world has not translated into development! The increase in GDP has not translated into significant reduction in unemployment, while the state of infrastructure still remains parlous, fuelling increase in poverty, diseases and related scourges.
“Meanwhile, the gap between the rich and the poor keeps widening by the day, leading to various social vices and increasing insecurity as already highlighted,” he added.
Ayo Olatunde, a Lagos-based analyst, expressed concern over security challenges assailing the economy.
The key sectors of the economy did not present outstanding performances. Efforts by the private sector to take the driver’s seat of the economy grew, but were crippled by the challenges of insecurity of lives and property.
The frequent reports of wanton loss of innocent lives and investment have significantly scaled down the enthusiasm of foreign investors and the productive population.
The economy has not picked swiftly as envisaged, and the political class has not paid more attention to the business of governance with the required will power.
It is clear that no one with good sense of responsibility would say that the economy managers of Nigeria have done well because there is no indication to show that the economy is well managed.
A long-term serving council member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. David V. C. Obi said the cascading fortunes of Nigeria’s economy could be better appreciated with an excursion into the country’s socio-economic history.
“After independence, Nigeria’s industrial landscape was the biggest in Africa. In fact, the nation was more industrialised than Malaysia, Indonesia and some East European countries, among others.
“In the 70s, the Olusegun Obasanjo regime, during the military era, established some automobile assembly plants around the country. Job opportunities were created while technological transfer was facilitated.
“Today, all the auto plants have closed shop while industrial estates vanished, with churches and warehouses for imported goods taking over from the ruins of the manufacturing plants.
“The rot set in when the Structural Adjustment Programme (under Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda, 1985-1990) was initiated in 1986, which ensured the continued depreciation of the naira.
“This, in particular, sounded the death knell of the industrial outfits, as we erroneously put in place, an economic strategy that would have been more suitable for an export-oriented economy — that has high volume production for external market.
“Also, it is not possible to grow the economy under the current interest rate regime.
“Until we have interest rate at single digit and naira brought to its highest realistic level, we will merely continue to be a country of lenders and currency exchangers without production base,” he explained.
Ikem Isiekwena, reacting on behalf of the “1,000 Points of Light”, a non-religious and non-partisan social initiative, lamented the unsavoury mortgaging of the future of younger Nigerians. He assertsed:
“That the majority of Nigerians are disillusioned and despondent is not state secret. That many generations to come will suffer anguish is a source of collective shame. That the two phenomena are somehow linked is the first realisation to be reached about the current state of Nigeria.
“One need only look out the window to see exactly how waste and mediocrity have sustained a generation starved in the circle of poverty of hope, ideals and the basic necessities of life. A generation that has no business in the pursuit of a good life can but only worry about daily survival from a short, nasty and brutish end.
“Our population, in the overwhelming majority, lives on less than a dollar a day. Decaying and obsolete infrastructure left by the colonialists is being replaced with redundant white elephants. The railways built by Lord Frederick Lugard and his compatriots have served generations of Nigerians far better than the budgeted trillions we read have been “invested” in our railways by our recent leaders.
“With a crumbling educational system, our children will not compete with their Chinese, Indian, Botswanian or Ghanaian counterparts. A nation with abundant energy resources, yet its people lack power.
“In extreme poverty, the ignorant are nurtured in social and religious intolerance - our diversity becomes a brutal burden, and a harvest of distrust, hate and blood. Our resources are a curse to us, yet prosperity for few. This few, the ruling class, will ensure this blind prosperity is sustained, while we the young majority will complain, again and again. But that is today. What of tomorrow?”
An Economist, Henry Boyo, pointed out that with an inflation rate of 12.7 per cent according to statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics for the month of May, and a relatively Monetary Policy Ratio pegged at 12 per cent, SMEs with their great potential for economic growth and employment generation will continue to remain prostrate, as a result of CBN’s payment model, noting that no economy has been known to grow with inflation and cost of funds at such high rates.
“Inflation is a silent plague, which gradually erodes the purchasing power of all income earners. The poor and those with static incomes are, of course, the major losers when this happens. Regrettably, instead of confronting this failure, the CBN, who has the prime responsibility for establishing price stability through its monetary policy model, has in reality become the instigator of inflation and price instability.
“The aim of monetary policy everywhere is to reduce inflation, foster a benign rate of cost of funds so that industries, particularly SMEs can borrow at between five and seven per cent and thereby stimulate rise in employment, create demand and grow the economy. Obviously, our CBN has failed to achieve these objectives with their monetary policy model since the mid 1980s,” he added.
Another economist and financial analyst, Dr. Kennedy Izuagbe noted that the free fall of the naira should not be a surprise to every discerning economic unit.
According to him, “as long as our productive capacity remains non-existent and a political class devoid of sound economic management skills, it could be worse. The CBN is doing its best in my own opinion, but I do think that the extraneous factors exerting pressures on the naira are more of political than economic issues.”
“Even for the increasing interest rates, poor infrastructure is still a central issue. As long as there is poor infrastructure, which accounts for over 50 per cent of the cost of doing business, interest rates will continue to increase. The options are clear. The government must be embrace fiscal discipline, block all the leakages in governance and weave time tested and home grown policies to move the economy forward,” he added.
Features of the Nigerian Economy
Bleeding profusely from corruption, and with observed no consequences for the perpetrators.
Collapsed basic infrastructures have collapsed, which weakens the capacity of the private sector to create jobs and wealth. It is tragic that a population of over 160 million have to depend on public power supply of less than 4000 megawatts.
Over 80 per cent dependent on imports for its basic requirements.
SMEs are almost completely disconnected from the mainstream of the nation’s financial system
Cost of funds is one of the highest in the world;
Weak inter sectoral linkages.
Over 70 per cent of the nation’s budget (at the various tiers of government) is committed to recurrent expenditure.
Unethical businesses are thriving while the ethical ones are struggling for survival.
Dependent on a single commodity for over 90% of its foreign exchange earnings, and thus highly vulnerable to global shocks.
Politicians and bureaucrats are wealthier than the entrepreneurs, because politics is more of a business than a call to service.
Over centralisation of the political structure diminishing the drive and incentive for political competition among states and led to complacency because of the ready source of revenue from the centre.
The public sector is crowding out the private sector in the credit market. Interest rate on government bonds and treasury securities is one of the highest in the world.
The government has a major difficulty in ensuring protection of lives and property.
Unbridled importation of finished without regard to extant regulations.
Does not provide level playing field for investors.
Actions and inactions of many public officials are driven by self interest than interest of the people and the nation.
Indigenous entrepreneurs are increasingly being marginalised because of the challenges of access and cost of capital.
•Source: Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Nigeria’s 24-member Economic Management Team
• President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chairman.
• Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, coordinator of the team
•Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Vice Chairman
• Minister of National Planning
• Minister of Trade and Investment
• Minister of Power, Minister of Petroleum Resources
• Minister of Agriculture
• Minister of Works
• Minister of Education
• Minister of Health
• Minister of State, Finance
• Minister of State, Health
• Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria
• Chief Economic Adviser to the President
• Special Adviser to the President on Monitoring and Evaluation
• Director-General, Budget
• Director-General, Debt Management Office
• Director-General, Bureau for Public Procurement
• Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission
• Honourary Adviser on Agriculture and Governor of Adamawa State, Muritala Nyako
• Honourary Adviser on Finance and Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi
• Honourary Adviser on Economy and President, Nigerian Economic Society, Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Atedo Peterside
• Chairman of Zenon Oil, Femi Otedola
• President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote
• Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
• President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Chief Kola Jamodu
The Economic Management Team was inaugurated on Thursday, August 18, 2011.
http://alturl.com/cw5sf
A harvest of death
THE rate at which people are dying in Nigeria is alarming. Even in
war times, I am not sure that people die in such large numbers on daily
basis.
Our people are dying prematurely from: diseases, extra
-judicial killings, terrorist attacks, ritual killings, kidnappings,
armed robbery, traffic accidents, plane crashes etc.A close look at some of these causes reveals that some deaths could have been prevented, if extra care had been taken.
The National Assembly should move to quickly to enact a Health and Safety Act; but if this has been done already, steps must be taken to ensure strict compliance with the provisions therein.
In the UK, the Health and Safety Act is a piece of legislation that enforces compliance with issues relating to health and safety – especially in the work place. This has helped to prevent accidents and needless loss of lives.
One would have thought that a country that takes seriously the well- being of her citizens would not allow an aeroplane that is not airworthy to fly. In some countries, it would have amounted to criminal negligence for an airline like DANA to fly airplanes without proper maintenance.
Our country should take measures to ensure that only road -worthy vehicles are allowed to ply the roads, and that pot-holes are quickly repaired.
When such legislation is in place, hospital authorities would be held accountable for deaths resulting from sub-standard care.
A little bit of care on the part of each citizen would help Nigeria reduce this harvest of death. Let each one do his bit to preserve the sanctity of human life.
http://alturl.com/qix97
Governor Fashola and the doctors
I have always admired Governor Fashola. Here is a man who has a heart for the people; he does what he says and says what he does. He contribibution to the transformation of Lagos in a space of 5 years is very commendable and impressive, almost legendary.
Governor Fashola must understand that he has built a legacy in Lagos that will stand the test of time. Thus, it will be fool hardy of him to seek to do anything that will undermine this legacy.
He has been quoted in the say that he has ‘no power’ to re-call the sacked doctors.
My advice to this great man is that he has more than enough power to re-call the sacked doctors. He must be courageous enough to reverse the decision and re-engage the doctors ASAP.
It is not the Governor himself, nor the doctors, who are the victims of the face-off. The victims are our citizens who are in urgent need of medical attention. Only God know how many have died in avoidable circumstances!
Industrial disputes are normal, but in a democracy like ours, it smacks of arbitrariness to disengage workers in a fit of anger.
Let the governor extricate himself from this unnecessary quagmire, because it is of no help to his reputation.
http://alturl.com/82xz7
Republican lawmaker challenges Obama’s executive privilege
UNITED States (U.S.) President Barack Obama’s executive privilege has been challenged by Darrell Issa, a key Republican lawmaker, over documents tied to a botched gun-running plan ahead of tomorrow’s House vote on whether to hold the country’s government’s top attorney in contempt of Congress.
Issa, chairman of the House Oversight Committee which last week voted along strict party lines to censure Attorney General Eric Holder, wrote to the president urging him to retract his decision to withhold key documents, or risk the appearance of a cover-up.
A former Secretary of State and National Security Adviser in U.S., Condoleezza Rice, at a fundraiser on Monday for ShePAC, a new platform that supports conservative female candidates, lamented what she termed as changing attitudes about opportunities for success in the United States and – without calling him by name – criticised President Barack Obama for announcing that his administration would selectively enforce immigration laws.
Rice said: “This is a truly consequential election. This is perhaps a turning point for the country. I’m very often asked to speak about the foreign policy aspects and there are some key important foreign policy issues before us.
“There are many foreign policy issues on the agenda, but we are not going to address any of those international challenges unless we get it right at home. And it’s not right at home right now, and the American people know it.”
Rice, whose name is increasingly coming up as a possible candidate to become Romney’s running mate, ended her talk with a shout-out to the former Massachusetts governor.
“America has a way of making the impossible seem inevitable in retrospect, and we’re going to do it again,” she said.
“We’re going to strengthen ourselves, our democracy at home, we’re going to strengthen our economy, we’re going to do it with great leadership like the people in this room and like Governor Mitt Romney, who will be a terrific president.”
Meanwhile, Issa, wrote in his letter dated Monday and made public yesterday, said: “Your privilege assertion means one of two things
http://alturl.com/5npvt
Bishops condemn terror attacks, okay self-defence
http://alturl.com/r4vqp
Jonathan fires NNPC GMD, others, Senators resume subsidy probe
Fiscal Commission tackles minister over budget
ALTHOUGH the
House of Representatives’ report on the same issue currently reels in
controversy, the Senate yesterday forged ahead on its investigation ofhttp://alturl.com/nv4zk
Jonathan to send birth control bill to National Assembly
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he may soon send a bill to the National Assembly on a birth control.
Speaking at the inauguration of Chairman and Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Jonathan urged that religious belief should not frustrate the policy.
Former Managing Director of Nigeria Brewery PLC, Chief Festus Odumegwu, was inaugurated as Chairman of the Commission and 22 out of 23 appointed Commissioners took the oath of Office and oath of Allegiance.
The President noted that Nigeria would not be the first country to make a law on birth control, adding that the issue of population regulation is very sensitive.
He said government cannot fold its arms until the country’s population becomes uncontrollable.
The President assured that government would carry out enough sensitisation before making the law controlling birth and population.
He also directed the NPC team to begin advocacy on birth control and promised government support and funding.
His words, “For us to plan properly, we must manage our population, but it is extremely sensitive, we are extremely religious people, either you are a Christian or Moslem.
“Both Christians and Moslems and even traditionalists believe that children are God’s gifts to man, so it is difficult for you to tell any Nigerian to limit the number of their children because they are gifts of God.
“It is a very sensitive thing but we must begin to think about it. We must begin to think about how we manage it
“The key thing is that how you will through your advocacy come up with plans and programmes that as a way of advocacy you begin to encourage Nigerians to have the number of children they can manage before government comes up with clear
policies and guidelines.
“First and foremost is the personal consciousness that people should get the family they can manage.
“Sometimes you get to somebody’s house living in a well furnished duplex. The husband and wife there may have two, three four children. The maiguard guiding them have nine children. That is the scenario you have.
“That means there is a segment of the population that knows that you must get a number that you can manage but the other segment of the population don’t.
“If you are use to military barracks you see that the officers, General this, Major General this, Brigadier this, Colonel this have three, five children but those that have no rank have eight,
twelve.
“This is the scenario. The people up, probably because of their level of education know that they must control their population, but the people down, because of the level of exposure and
education are still not aware that you must control your
population.
“So first and foremost, before government comes up with regulations, guidelines or laws, Nigerians must be made to know that we cannot continue to procreate and procreate even
though we know children are God’s gifts’’.
Please do not hesitate to leave your opinion in the comment section below.
Speaking at the inauguration of Chairman and Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Jonathan urged that religious belief should not frustrate the policy.
Former Managing Director of Nigeria Brewery PLC, Chief Festus Odumegwu, was inaugurated as Chairman of the Commission and 22 out of 23 appointed Commissioners took the oath of Office and oath of Allegiance.
The President noted that Nigeria would not be the first country to make a law on birth control, adding that the issue of population regulation is very sensitive.
He said government cannot fold its arms until the country’s population becomes uncontrollable.
The President assured that government would carry out enough sensitisation before making the law controlling birth and population.
He also directed the NPC team to begin advocacy on birth control and promised government support and funding.
His words, “For us to plan properly, we must manage our population, but it is extremely sensitive, we are extremely religious people, either you are a Christian or Moslem.
“Both Christians and Moslems and even traditionalists believe that children are God’s gifts to man, so it is difficult for you to tell any Nigerian to limit the number of their children because they are gifts of God.
“It is a very sensitive thing but we must begin to think about it. We must begin to think about how we manage it
“The key thing is that how you will through your advocacy come up with plans and programmes that as a way of advocacy you begin to encourage Nigerians to have the number of children they can manage before government comes up with clear
policies and guidelines.
“First and foremost is the personal consciousness that people should get the family they can manage.
“Sometimes you get to somebody’s house living in a well furnished duplex. The husband and wife there may have two, three four children. The maiguard guiding them have nine children. That is the scenario you have.
“That means there is a segment of the population that knows that you must get a number that you can manage but the other segment of the population don’t.
“If you are use to military barracks you see that the officers, General this, Major General this, Brigadier this, Colonel this have three, five children but those that have no rank have eight,
twelve.
“This is the scenario. The people up, probably because of their level of education know that they must control their population, but the people down, because of the level of exposure and
education are still not aware that you must control your
population.
“So first and foremost, before government comes up with regulations, guidelines or laws, Nigerians must be made to know that we cannot continue to procreate and procreate even
though we know children are God’s gifts’’.
Please do not hesitate to leave your opinion in the comment section below.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=275249
http://allafrica.com/stories/201206260139.html
Goal.com Hasselbaink: England were embarrassing against Italy and need to make drastic ...
Farouk Lawan Pleads For More Time To Return Bribe Money
Farouk Lawan has insisted before police investigators that he handed the
$620000 bribe money to Adams Jagba, House Committee Chairman on
Narcotics and Financial Crimes.
Dozens still missing, army joins Bududa rescue effort
http://tiny.cc/qi7hgw
Church announces Chris Okotie failed marriage
The flamboyant preacher and three times presidential candidate of FRESH Democratic Party had on Sunday announced the separation to his congregation.
The official statement signed by the spokesman for the church, Ladi Ayodeji, read: “Pastor of our church, the Household of God, Oregun, Lagos, Rev. Chris Okotie, announced his separation from Stephanie, his wife of four years, at the end of service last Sunday.”
Mr Ayodeji said both parties arrived at this decision after careful review of the prevailing circumstances which pointed to the fact that it is the best option for them at this time, adding that both Pastor Okotie and his wife, Stephanie, have agreed to be silent on detailed reasons for the separation.
“They also agreed not to divulge details of this incident for personal reasons,” the statement added.
Rev. Okotie thanked concerned friends and well-wishers and asked for understanding, while expressing the “hope that their decision would be respected as no further details would be given on this issue.”
On August 7 and 8, 2008, the pop singer turned preacher married Stephanie Henshaw. The wedding was a colourful celebration of the couple who had both been previously married.
Mr Okotie, a law graduate, had been divorced from his first wife, Tyna, for over a decade while then 38-year old Stephanie had tasted two earlier marriages and had three children from the earlier marriages. Okotie’s marriage to Stephanie was his second attempt at matrimony. He was first married to Tyna for 17 years, but the marriage packed up without any child.
Former Defence Minister Bello Haliru Mohammed will today handover the ministry to the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada.
Former Defence Minister Bello Haliru Mohammed will today handover the
ministry to the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada.
Mohammed was on Friday fired by President Goodluck Jonathan along with former National Security Adviser Andrew Azazi. Jonathan said Mohammed and Azazi were sacked to enable government keep up with dynamics of fighting Boko Haram insurgents.
Sources at the ministry said Mohammed will hand over to Obada at a brief ceremony in Abuja today. The former minister is expected to inspect military quarter guard parade to be mounted to honour him and make a valedictory address.
Obada with steer the affairs of the ministry as Jonathan shops for Mohammed’s replacement.
Minister of State for Health Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate says Nigerians spend about $6.256 billion per annum to access medical care abroad.
Minister of State for Health Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate says Nigerians
spend about $6.256 billion per annum to access medical care abroad,
regretting that some of the medical services Nigerians spend hard
currencies to access abroad are available locally.
Delivering a keynote address at a one-day private sector health summit
on ‘Unlocking the Market Potential of Nigeria’s Private Health Sector’
held in Lagos yesterday, the minister said “up to half a billion US
dollars leaves Nigeria annually in the form of foreign hospital
treatment; a recent study shows that $500 million is spent on medical
care in three sub-specialties alone; also a recent study shows that
about $250 million per annum is estimated to flow to providers through
health insurance system in Nigeria. By extrapolation, this points to
about $6.25 billion per annum flowing private health expenditure” he
said.
The minister also said most of the
facilities Nigerians access broad are privately owned, saying the
private health care sector in Nigeria should build capacity and provide
superiority services to attract Nigerians to stay home for medical care.
Part of the solution to unlocking the
market potential of the health sector, he said, is creating
opportunities for the financial institutions to invest in health care
delivery in Nigeria. This, according to him, will enable Nigeria to
harness the resources and expertise of our medical experts in the
Diaspora.
The second main constraints he said is
development and enforcement of regulation and policies that stimulate
the sector, reduce bottlenecks to effective private sector engagement
and cost of doing business in health care.
Reacting on the call by the
stakeholders in health care delivery for the government through Central
Bank of Nigeria to provide rescue funds for the health sector like other
sectors, he said while the option would be explored, government is more disposed to creating the enabling environment so several funding streams could flow in the health sector.
“Our private sector needs to up their
game in the quality of medical care that they provide so that Nigerians
will stay and access their care here in Nigeria, so we can retain our
foreign currency and grow our economy” he said.
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