A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
THE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, came down hard on senior lawyers and others in the public service using human rights to shield corrupt people from prosecution and justice.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, who was represented at a formal public presentation of a report on impact of corruption good health delivery, noted that the commission believes that corruption is the biggest impediment to respect for human rights in Nigeria.
The report titled: "Health in decline: Human Rights Impacts of Corruption in Nigeria's Health Sector," was launched by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation.
The report also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to, "encourage anti corruption commissions and agencies to pro actively launch and follow through investigations into credible allegations of corruption in the Ministry of Health including, investigating other pervasive allegations of corruption in the health sector in greater depth and promptly and satisfactorily concluding any pending investigations on corruption in the spending of budget allocations and international aids to the ministry."
Prof. Angwe, who was represented by Mr Wahab Oyedokun, said: "We recognize that we have to fight corruption to ensure human rights. There is a problem in the human rights community. The problem is that we have pretenders in the human rights and legal communities using the platform of human rights to advance corruption and to shield corrupt elements in our society.
"It is our responsibility to expose and delegitimise these pretenders and to make sure that our citizens recognize that fight against corruption and impunity of perpetrators is really the cause to promote human rights. This is the right course to take as a human rights advocate."
He noted that the constitutional guarantee of presumption of innocence is a shield and not a sword, and corrupt officials cannot claim not to be tried because they have human rights, especially given the massive stealing of our commonwealth.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Friday expressed confidence in the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to fix Nigeria.
Tambuwal has also maintained that,Nigeria would soon exit the current recession. Tambuwal spoke to newsmen in Sokoto shortly after the conduct of two prayer sessions to mark Nigeria's 56th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
He said:" Nigerians have unshaken confidence in Buhari to salvage Nigeria. "We should continue to cooperate and support to take Nigeria to greater heights.""
Tambuwal further implored Nigerians to continue to support leaders, at all levels. He also urged Nigerians to sustain their fervent prayers, for sustainable peace, unity and Socio-economic prosperity.
" There is no country like Nigeria in the whole of the world in terms of human and material resources. " Nigerians can excel in all endeavours and anywhere they find themselves,globally. " Nigeria will also continue to provide leadership to Africa, as well as blossom as an indissoluble country.
" Nigeria is currently just passing through a developmental phase, just like many other nations like USA had done,"the governor, averred. The first prayer session was conducted at the 1 Brigade Centeal Mosque, Sokoto,led by Cpl Abdullahi Yunusa and Sheikh Buhari Sirriddawa.
The second prayer session held at the Presidential Lodge,Sokoto,was led by the Rural Development Commissioner,Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu.
The two sprayer essions were attended by Gov.Tambuwal and his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu as well as other top officials. The Sultan of Sokoto, Akhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, was represented by the Galadiman Gari, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru.
The two private accounts of Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti in Zenith Bank will remain frozen until Nov. 7.
This followed the adjournment till Nov. 7 of the suit in which the governor sued the EFCC for freezing his accounts. At Friday's hearing, Fayose's lead counsel, Chief Mike Ozehkome, and that of the EFCC agreed on the adjournment date.
The accounts had been frozen since June by the EFCC. At the resumed hearing, Ozehkome, who led 10 other lawyers, argued that the EFCC lacked the constitutional powers to so apply punitive measures on a governor that still enjoyed immunity until the end of his tenure in 2018.
He argued that the freezing of the governor's accounts based on mere hearsay and unsubstantiated allegations of fraud lacked the backing of the law. The counsel said only a declarative evidence of court of competent jurisdiction could act in the way of EFCC.
He said blocking the governor's accounts without being found guilty by a court amounted to convicting the governor before putting him on trial. The counsel said the exparte order which the EFCC claimed to be relying upon in blocking Fayose's two accounts had been grossly abused, adding that such an order was not expected to last longer than few weeks.
"My Lord, my client's accounts were frozen in June and we are now in September, making a total of four months altogether.
" As far as we know, the principle of exparte order which is meant to last for a while has been grossly abused here. "This is because as you can see, my client has been unjustly subjected to both psychological and mental torture, as if to say judgment must come before trial,'' he said.
He demanded that a sum of N5 billion be paid by the EFCC to the governor as aggravated damages. The counsel also asked the court to vacate an earlier order of a similar court which empowered the anti-graft body to block the governor's accounts.
But EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, insisted that the decision of the anti- graft agency to freeze Fayose's accounts followed due process.
He pleaded with the court to give him enough time to study the counter argument of Fayose's lead counsel which was presented to the court for more than three hours. Justice Taiwo consequently adjourned ruling in the case till Nov. 7.
By Egufe Yafugborhi WARRI – NIGERIA’s first female Vice Chancellor and Professor of Mathematics, Grace Alele-Williams along with four others were Friday honoured by the 20th Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwole’s first conferment of chieftaincy titles since his enthronement last year.
The Warri monarch at his Palace said the five titles given out were precursor to more titles he would roll out to other deserving recipients over the coming weeks running till end of November as part celebration of his first coronation anniversary.
Ogiame Ikenwole said, “Before people have been coming to me and talking eagerly of chieftaincy titles. I told them I was just settling down and titles will come at the right time. I appointed a search committee to locate deserving recipients.
“What you are witnessing today (Friday) is the result of the work that committee has done. From now till end of November, every weekend, more titles will be coffered on deserving recipients.
“The conferment of titles in this kingdom is strictly on merit. I made it clear from the very beginning that only credible people who have interest and unity of Itsekiri at heart will be bestowed with chieftaincy titles. That is what we have demonstrated and we will stick to that.”
The Warri monarch warned his subjects who indulged in use the social media in manners tending to bring disrepute to the kingdom as well as those still giving impression of division in Itsekiri youth leaders to desist or face dire penalty.The Olu of Warri
“Anyone indulging in these acts or insulting the kingdom must refrain. By the end of November, anyone who still chooses to disobey the throne probably because you occupy one political office or has some big money that is intoxicating will have his or herself to blame.
“Disregard hearsay and baseless rumours concerning the kingdom. From time to time I will be addressing the people and issues concerning Itsekiri. Communities with court cases or infighting must withdraw those cases, close ranks and forge ahead. My prayer is to allow only ceaseless celebration and that joy shall reign in my time in Itsekiri land”, he charged.
The monarch while celebrating dignitaries from Ijaw, Urhobo and other immediate neighbors who graced the occasion also reiterated, “I made it clear that I am here to build bridges of unity. Let what happens to one of us be celebrated by us all.
Let us tell the whole world that we are one Delta state. Let us prove outsiders wrong about bad impressions being created said about us. I am happy, Ijaws, Urhobos and other of our immediate neighbors have come here to celebrate with us. Let’s keep this spirit.
Those conferred with various titles include Prof. Alele-Williams who was conferred with Utienyin Iwere of Warri, a.k.a Oluebeje, Eyitimi Arthur Diden (Ideofene of Warri) a.k.a Agboburukun Jakan, Pa Akoma Dimeyin (Omokun of Warri) a.k.a Agbewu, Mercy Olowu ( Utukpa Iwere of Warri) a.k.a Eriegwa and Omolubi Nenewumi (Omatamudieyin of Warri) a.k.a egindegereyugba.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its economic and security challenges under the incorruptible leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. He stated this on Friday in Abuja at an Islamic programme organised by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to mark Nigeria's 56th Independence Anniversary.
The Sultan said that the reality of today was glaring in the economic sabotage and restiveness in some parts of the South as well as armed robbery and kidnapping in other parts of the country. " As people of faith, it is our unshakeable belief that Nigeria will certainly overcome the problems facing it if we do the needful.
" We have every reason to be hopeful that the current work being done by the leadership of this country, under the incorruptible President Buhari, will rescue the country. " In spite of the difficulties that the country may be going through, one thing is gratifying; our country is blessed with a leadership that command the respect of the international community based on high ethical principles, " Abubakar said.
He therefore, urged Nigerians to remain committed to the Nigerian nation and be confident in the ability of elected leaders to sail the country through its turbulent times.
The sultan also appealed to Nigerians to work for the greatness of the country and pray for its development, saying " the need of the day is for us to work and pray" " It is axiomatic that work without prayer is half-empty and prayers without work is half-full.
"It is by combining the two that we are going to succeed as a nation united under God, the Almighty Allah''.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji, Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, commended President Buhari for waging the war against corruption in the country. Adedimeji said the current economic recession facing the country was as a result of moral crisis which has eaten deep into the fabric of the society.
He called on Nigerians to embrace the "Change Begins With Me'' campaign of the Federal Government, adding that" Allah will not change the condition of people until they change what is in them." Meanwhile, a Special Independence Anniversary Jumma'at Prayer was observed at the Abuja National Mosque.
Worshippers prayed Allah to enhance peace, harmony and bring an end to economic recession facing the nation.
The prayer was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of the national mosque and Prof. Taofeeq Abdulazeez of University of Abuja.
The prayer was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Service Chiefs, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Minister of State Environment, Alhaji Usman Jibrin.
Others are the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Alhaji Raji Fashola, Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Adamu Sule, Minister of Communication Technology, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, FCT Minister, Malam Mohammed Bello among others.
The People Democratic Party, PDP, South Africa Chapter, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and every politician in Nigeria to emulate the labour of our heroes past as this remains the major recipe for Nigeria's development.
The Chairman,PDP, South Africa Chapter, Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen gave the advise in Lagos on Thursday.
According to him, "Nigeria from independence, shows off heroic, rare personal sacrifice made by the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmed Bello, Sadauna of Sokoto, Sir, AbubakarTafawaBalewa, Dr. Michael Okpara which are quite commendable and should be emulated by Nigerians."
While expressing optimism that Nigeria will scale through the hard time of her recession, Hon. Akpokabayen said, "Amid recession, it is important to hang our hopes on the fact that there will always be trying times in the life of every nation, but times like this are meant for sober reflections which will culminate into that which will drive us into that future of our dreams."
Akpokabayan equally urged President Buhari and other leaders to learn from our founding fathers who gave birth to what we are celebrating today.
"They should see this day as a day of history to reconnect with that founding spirit of unity so as to usher in the much desired prosperity for all."
He further utasked the federal government to bring back education to children, carter for the aged, priorities industrialization and create massive employment for youths. He also added that the ruling government should come up with people-oriented and investors-friendly policies – the ones based on sincerity – that will lead to building a solid and formidable foundation which will see every Nigerian walk tall anywhere in the world.
He enjoined Nigerians to continue to speak out and also be prepared to prove a point with their votes in 2019 when that opportunity will call again.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA – The United States government has reminded president Muhammadu Buhari that there was still so much work to do in Nigeria to bring about economic prosperity of the country.
This was contained in a congratulatory message by US Secretary of State, John Kerry to the government and people of Nigeria on the occasion of the country’s 56th Independence Anniversary today.
Writing on behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people, Kerry however expressed confidence in Nigerians who he said were working hard to address current national challenges.
Kerry's statement read thus:
"On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1.President Muhammadu Buhari and President of US Barack Obama
“I recently returned from my third trip to Nigeria as Secretary, and I came away with a strong sense of the nation's resolve to build a better future. During my trip, I was reminded that many Nigerians are engaged in bringing people together across the divides of culture, religious practices, and ethnicity.
“There is still much work to be done to provide economic opportunities for all, end corruption, win the fight against Boko Haram, ensure broad respect for human rights and provide humanitarian relief for millions of displaced people. But we know that Nigerians are hard at work to address these challenges.
“The United States looks forward to deepening our partnership and friendship with Nigerians from all walks of life, so that we may work together for the betterment of Nigeria and all of Africa.
“Best wishes to all of you on this the 56th anniversary of your independence.
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA – The Supreme Court, Friday, justified why it upheld the election of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, stressing that section 141 of the Electoral Act, 2010, which forbade courts from decalaring as winner, any person that did not participate in all stages of an election, is no longer extant.
The apex court noted that the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/399/2011, struck out the section in a judgment it delivered on July 20, 2011, in a case the Labour Party filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
A seven-man panel of Justices of the court, in a lead verdict that was prepared by Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta in an appeal filed by the Peoples Democrtaic Party, PDP, and its governorship candidate in the state, Capt. Idris Wada, retd, maintained that as long as the judgment has not been set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction, "that order binds all courts, whether below or above the court that made the order".Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello waving his supporters shortly after the ruling of the supreme court in his favour in Abuja Tuesday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan
However, Ngwuta quickly added that this reason was not "a derogation from the fact that judgments of courts below the Supreme Court as well as judgments of courts in foreign jurisdictions have only persuasive value before the Supreme Court of Nigeria".
He said: "It means that section 141 of the Electoral Act has ceased from the date of the judgment of the Federal High Court, to be part of our law".
The apex court held that the appellants contention that it was wrong for INEC to combine votes cast for a dead candidate with those of a living candidate, was "borne out of misunderstanding of the judgment in Amaechi v. INEC".
It held that a candidate contests election for the party that nominated him. "He scores votes for that party, there being no independent candidate as of now", saying relationship between a party and its candidate could be likened to that between an agent and his disclosed principal.
"On this basis, the votes scored by the candidate belongs to the party that sponspored him at the electionand therefore Prince Abubakar Audu, who was the candidate of the 2nd Respondent and scored votes at the election could not have died with those votes since they belong to the 2nd Respondent of whom he contested the election.
The votes were rightly added to the votes the 1st Respondent scored in the supplementary election".
The apex court said it resolved six issues PDP and its candidate raised against governor Bello since they failed to prove a ground for it to interfer with the concurrent findings of both the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Similarly, the court, also explained why it refused to hand the election victory to erstwhile running mate to late Prince Audu, Hon. James Faleke, saying such declaration would not have the backing of the law.
The Apex court, among other things, noted that falake whose joint ticket with Audu had garnered 240,873 votes before Audu died, could not benefit the vote or take the place of Audu, because he did not meet the condition precedent.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who delivered the lead verdict, said that before the sudden death of Audu, INEC had already declared the election inconclusive and that since the election had not been completed and the final result issued by the electoral body, Faleke, as a running mate,Could not claim ?victory in the election.
It held that by virtue of section 221 of the 1991 constitution, Bello, having become candidate of APC and legally sponsored by the same party, in the face of the law, could lay claim to the 240,867 votes cast for the party in the November 21, 2015 election.
It will be recalled that though the apex court affirmed Bello's election on September 20, it reserved reason for the verdict till yesterday.
Abuja – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for collective efforts towards addressing inducement of voters with money by political parties and their candidates during elections.
INEC Deputy Director on Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang made the call in an interview on Friday in Abuja.
Dazang said that inducing voters with money by political parties in the name of securing their votes must be collectively and urgently tackled by all stakeholders, not just INEC alone.
He said that the commission was troubled by reports it received on alleged inducement of voters in the just concluded Wednesday governorship election in Edo state.
"The commission received about 29 calls and SMSs alleging that some people were inducing voters with money during the election.
"The reports which are from different bodies and monitoring group indicated that major political parties were involved in the ugly incident.
"We are troubled by it and I am saying that over voting and the use of money as inducement to voters is of concern to us and other stakeholders.
"Going forward we need to put this on the agenda, discuss and address it squarely before it become another major challenge to our electoral process,'' Dazang said.
Dazang also advised electorate not to allow themselves to be bought over during election, adding that it amounted to selling their mandates and their future with worthless amount.
"This is something that is rearing its ugly head and it has implication for the electoral process.
"When you collect money and vote for a person, it means you are mortgaging your right. Also that person you are collecting money from may not be able to deliver dividends of democracy to you.
"This is a right that is as ineligible as your right to life, your right to education, your right to religion freedom. All these are enshrined in the United Nations declaration.
"For you now to take money and forget your conscience shows that you are now mortgaging also your rights to vote for a candidate of your choice.
"You have equally mortgaged your right to make the man accountable at the end of the day,'' Dazang said.
He added that concluding Edo election in first ballot was an evident that the issue of inconclusive lection could be addressed if stakeholders avoid violence during an election
"When the level of violence is minimal like we saw in Edo, the tendency is that the election will be concluded on the first ballot,'' Dazang added. (NAN)
Washington – U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday went after Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for highlighting his treatment of a former Miss Universe.
"Using Alicia Machado in the debate as a paragon of virtue just shows that Crooked Hillary suffers from BAD JUDGEMENT! Hillary was set up by a con,'' Trump wrote in a series of tweets.
Clinton pointed to 1996 pageant winner Machado in the first presidential debate on Monday to stress Trump's poor treatment of women, noting Trump had belittled her after she gained weight.
The Clinton campaign has highlighted Machado, a Venezuelan who recently became a U.S. citizen, all week as it paints Trump as a misogynist.Trump and Hillary
Trump in a series of tweets alleged Machado had a checker past and suggesting Clinton had been "duped.
"Did Crooked Hillary help disgusting (check out sex tape and past) Alicia M to become a U.S. citizen so she could use her in the debate?'' he wrote without backing up his allegation.
By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA – National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has called on Nigerians to be hopeful about the future inspite of the current economic recession.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 56th independence anniversary, the APC chairman said the federal government has taken adequate steps to bring the economy out of recession and restore the country on the path of economic growth.
He urged Nigerians to sustain their support and prayers for the President Muhammadu Buhari APC-led administration as it works to return the country to its deserved heights among the comity of nations.
"Truly times are hard, but as a Party we are confident that with ongoing economic recovery efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the continued support of Nigerians, the country will emerge from the current economic recession stronger and better." Odigie-Oyegun said.
Odigie-Oyegun also thanked the people of Edo state for electing the APC candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki as the Edo State governor-elect following the September 28, 2016 Edo governorship election. According to the APC National Chairman, the vote is a national mid-term assessment which expresses the confidence of Nigerians in the ability of the President Muhammadu Buhari APC-led administration to solve the socio-economic challenges in the country.Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
The APC National Chairman commended the efforts of the President Buhari administration and the military in containing and degrading the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East as well as ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate affected communities ravaged by the insurgents. He also thanked the international community for their cooperation and support for the administration counter-insurgency efforts.
"Happily, the insurgents have been deprived of the possibility of ever again, holding Nigerian territory. Going forward, the administration is already aggressively pursuing the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the affected communities so that displaced persons can return to their normal, peaceful and productive lives." Odigie-Oyegun said.
The APC National Chairman said the vigorous and focused leadership provided by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration overall is yielding very positive results in all facets of our national life.
Ado Ekiti – The two private accounts of Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti in Zenith Bank will remain frozen until Nov. 7.
This followed the adjournment till Nov. 7 of the suit in which the governor sued the EFCC for freezing his accounts.
At Friday's hearing, Fayose's lead counsel, Chief Mike Ozehkome, and that of the EFCC agreed on the adjournment date.
The accounts had been frozen since June by the EFCC.
At the resumed hearing, Ozehkome, who led 10 other lawyers, argued that the EFCC lacked the constitutional powers to so apply punitive measures on a governor that still enjoyed immunity until the end of his tenure in 2018.
He argued that the freezing of the governor's accounts based on mere hearsay and unsubstantiated allegations of fraud lacked the backing of the law.
The counsel said only a declarative evidence of court of competent jurisdiction could act in the way of EFCC.
He said blocking the governor's accounts without being found guilty by a court amounted to convicting the governor before putting him on trial.
The counsel said the exparte order which the EFCC claimed to be relying upon in blocking Fayose's two accounts had been grossly abused, adding that such an order was not expected to last longer than few weeks.
"My Lord, my client's accounts were frozen in June and we are now in September, making a total of four months altogether.
" As far as we know, the principle of exparte order which is meant to last for a while has been grossly abused here.
"This is because as you can see, my client has been unjustly subjected to both psychological and mental torture, as if to say judgment must come before trial,'' he said.
He demanded that a sum of N5 billion be paid by the EFCC to the governor as aggravated damages. The counsel also asked the court to vacate an earlier order of a similar court which empowered the anti-graft body to block the governor's accounts.
But EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, insisted that the decision of the anti- graft agency to freeze Fayose's accounts followed due process.
He pleaded with the court to give him enough time to study the counter argument of Fayose's lead counsel which was presented to the court for more than three hours. Justice Taiwo consequently adjourned ruling in the case till Nov. 7.
ENUGU – PRO-Biafra, the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB slammed Nigeria at 56 saying that their is no reason to celebrate independence when people are suffering.
The IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful and Comrade Uchenna Madu, MASSOB leader in different press statements to the media, cursed the nation for the untold hardship its citizenry is suffering.
In attacking the nation, the groups pointed out that there is a mounting unemployment in the land and hunger is stifling people not to talk of bad roads and poor electricity supply.
“The Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB slash the Nigeria government over the celebration of 56th independence anniversary on October 1st 2016.
“We curse Nigeria for allowing the suffering of its citizens. The suffering has gone to the level where every citizen in the land cannot afford to eat one square meal a day.
“What is the meaning of celebration of independent in Nigeria while there are abuse of human rights, killing of unarmed civilians?
“What is the celebration of independence where more than 120,000 graduates from universities and colleges of education in every year the government cannot afford to employ five thousand people.
“What is celebration where most of Nigerians are into serious hardship and the government is planning to sell all the national assets in order to put more hard ship to its people. Nigeria is not a better place to live,” IPOB states.
“Nigeria’s 56th independence according to many, is full of ups and down, even to some, it’s also full of blessing while some have lost hope claiming that this is not the Nigeria their forefathers established with the British colonial masters but for we in MASSOB, its a complete and total breakthrough for us. The mere existence justifies our Biafran struggle.
“The emergence of Buhari as the current President revived and restored the massive consciousness of Biafra actualization through the continuation of Hausa Fulani Islamic political, economical and religious conquest of the middle Beltans and Southern Regions as commanded by Fulani political father, premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello during the week of Nigeria independence celebration according to Parrot Newspaper of 12th Oct 1960.
” Ahmadu Bello declared that “the new Nation called Nigeria should be an estate of our great grandfather Uthman Dan Fodio.
“We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We use the minorities of the North as willing tools and the South as a conquered territory and never allow them to rule over us and never allow them to have control over their future “.
“With the enthusiastic spirit of Islamic religious fundamentalism, President Buhari, being a core Fulani man with ethnic/sentimental hatred running in his blood, he has been carrying out the command of the Northern political father,” MASSOB leadership accuses.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Aisha Alhassan, said N200 million would be disbursed to eight pilot states each through the National Women Empowerment Fund (NAWEF) to empower women at the grassroots.
Alhassan said this during a media briefing on the take-off of the National Women Empowerment Fund (NAWEF) and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) in Abuja.
She said the eight pilot states are Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Osun, and Abia, adding that other states would benefit later.
She added that "the NAWEF targets 10,000 women beneficiaries in each of the pilot states; the condition of the loans both under the GEEP and NAWEF are the same.
"The GEEP programme is one of the five Federal Government Social Investment Programme targeted at providing loans to young men and women from all states on liberal condition.
"Under both programmes, each beneficiary will receive between N10,000 and N100,000, depending on the type of business or trade with no interest, no collateral and repayable in six months."
Alhassan said beneficiaries would have to form functional cooperative groups or local trade associations or other community based groups of at least 10 persons per group.
She added that the administering bank for disbursements and recovery which is Bank of Industry (BoI) had concluded all necessary arrangements for the disbursement of the funds to successful beneficiaries.
"By next week, which is October, beneficiaries will be free to access the fund through their individual accounts.
"The repayment schedules are much easier and less stringent than those of conventional banking loans.
"We are sure the country will witness increased economic activities nationwide with the desired multiplier effects and subsequent boost in the economy."
The minister said measures for monitoring and evaluation of disbursement, usage and recovery had also been put in place.
She added that it was necessary that beneficiaries repay the loans in order for fresh applicants to benefit from the revolving scheme.
Alhassan had met with state commissioners of women affairs in August on the implementation of the fund.
The fund was specially targeted at grassroots women operating informal businesses, through start ups and scale up credit facilities to reduce high poverty and facilitate growth and entrepreneurial development.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Yakubu Dogara, has facilitated with Nigerians on the occasion of the country's 56 independence anniversary.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, in Abuja on Friday said that despite the challenges confronting Nigerians,"there is every reason for the country to celebrate its independence anniversary".
Dogara, however, noted that the current challenges were not insurmountable, adding that "with unity of purpose, commitment, sacrifice, hardwork and patriotism we shall overcome".
The speaker, who noted that while it might seem like all was bleak and gloomy at the moment, said that "Nigerians will soon begin to smile in appreciation when fruits of the structures being put in place by the present administration begins to manifest".
He, therefore, called on all leaders irrespective of political affiliation to join in rebuilding the country for betterment of future generations.
Dogara said that history had shown that many nations have passed through more tumultuous and difficult periods in their journey to greatness and nationhood.
"Ours cannot be different and Nigeria's won't be an exception so long as we remain committed to building a prosperous and strong democratic nation where opportunities abound for all,'' he said.
He said democracy offers nothing other than liberty and freedom for citizens to realise their God-given talents and potential which could be harnessed into building a greater society.
"As leaders, we are ever ready to make the much needed and necessary sacrifice to help take the country out of the present recession and build a strong economy.
"The House of Representatives is alive to its responsibilities and committed to passing legislation that will help take the country out of the present economic recession,'' Dogara said.
Without more donor support the emergency caused by Boko Haram will become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, a top UN official said Friday, as a massive appeal remained just a quarter funded.
United Nations assistant secretary general Toby Lanzer said the suffering in northeast Nigeria and surrounding areas was the worst he had ever witnessed.
“I have worked in Darfur,” Lanzer told reporters, referring to the war-torn Sudanese region. “The scale and the depth of suffering that I have seen (in Nigeria) is unparalleled in my experience.”
Nigeria-born Islamist group Boko Haram has waged a brutal insurgency in the country’s northeast, with violence spreading more recently to western Cameroon as well as the south of Chad and Niger.
The UN has appealed for a $739 million to cover needs across the entire affected region — known as the Lake Chad Basin — but has received commitments for just $197 million (176 million euros).
“If we don’t engage in a much more comprehensive manner, including scaling up our emergency relief programmes, what awaits us down the line is the biggest crisis facing any of us, anywhere,” Lanzer said.
More than nine million people are in “desperate” need of aid, Lanzer said.
The United Nations had not declared a famine in the Lake Chad Basin, but Lanzer warned that 65,000 people were living in “famine-like conditions”.
The UN has also said that up to 80,000 children in the region could die if they do not get food aid within the next year.
When Boko Haram violence was at its peak through 2013 and 2014, the UN and other aid groups were unaware of the gravity of needs because access to conflict-ridden areas was largely impossible.
Nigeria’s military has since made gains against the extremists and emergency workers have moved in, unveiling a catastrophe unrivalled “anywhere except that of Syria,” Lanzer said, warning the Lake Chad could overtake Syria in terms of the scale of the needs.
The Boko Haram conflict, which began in northeast Nigeria in 2009, has displaced an estimated 2.6 million people.
At least 20,000 have died in violence blamed on the Islamists, but the numbers killed by causes linked to the conflict are likely much higher.
Edo election: Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has congratulated Mr Godwin Obaseki, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) candidate over his victory at the just concluded governorship election in Edo.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Mark Longyen, Lalong described Obaseki's victory as victory for democracy and a triumph of the people's will.
The governor also hailed his Edo counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and the APC for the success.
Lalong said that Oshiomhole's efforts ensured the triumphant of APC for continuity and consolidation of the APC government's legacies.
"It is with great joy that I congratulate the APC Candidate, Mr Goodwin Obsseki, on his well-deserved victory.
"I welcome you into the progressive governors' family and also felicitate with Gov. Oshiomhole, the state APC chapter, as well as the good people of Edo for this collective victory.
"The outcome of this election is, without doubt, a victory for democracy and a triumph of the people's will," Lalong said.
He advised the contestants who lost in the election to accept defeat, put the election behind them and join hands with the governor-elect to move the state forward.
A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The visit of India Vice President, Honourable Shri Hamid Ansari, to Nigeria indicates the warm diplomatic ties both countries share, as he held several key bilateral talks with President Mohammadu Buhari to move both counties' economies forward. Declaring his country's commitment to this, Ansari, who is also expected to visit Mali for the first ever high-level bilateral talks with the leadership, stated that both India and Nigeria will forever remain friends, saying that his visit to Nigeria is to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria.
He said his visit would equally ensure expansion and diversification of the bilateral economic engagement between India and Nigeria and explore new avenues of partnerships on a wide range of issues of shared common interest. He went further to state that India today underscore the need to synergise its growth strategies with Nigeria in the backdrop of the current global financial situation, and that the economic cooperation occupies a prominent position in the bilateral matrix. According to him, India and Nigeria are well placed to convert every challenge to an opportunity, emphasising that infrastructural development and energy security are key areas for cooperation for emerging economies like India and Nigeria. “These sectors allow for both our countries to collaborate and benefit from each other’s expertise. Infrastructure stimulation programmes launched by the government of India, like the mission to develop 100 smart cities, upgrade infrastructure development in urban and rural areas and enhance nationwide connectivity through the ‘Digital India’ programme, have created massive opportunities for foreign partners in the Indian economy,” Ansari said.
He added that, “We are extremely happy to see the initiatives which Nigeria has launched under the sagacious leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari." Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari was accompanied by his wife Salma Ansari, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal and MPs Bhubaneshwar Kalita, Dilip Kumar Tirkey and Mohammad Salim.
Mario Balotelli opened his Europa League account for Nice on Thursday before keeling over sick as Nice went into half-time of their at Krasnodar in Russia at 2-1 down.
Mario Balotelli
Trailing after strikes from Fedor Smolov on 22 minutes and Joaozinho, 11 minutes later, the 26-year-old Balotelli slipped as he struck a curling shot home in the 43rd minute before bending over to cough and retch.
It was Balotelli’s fifth goal in four games for Nice after twice bagging braces in Ligue 1 wins over Marseille and Monaco.
The Italian striker, having been in some distress, was replaced at half-time
Nice lost their first Europa League Group I game 1-0 to Schalke 04.
Just today (Wednesday the 28th of September, 2016) the World Economic Forum released its Global Competitiveness Report and whereas a number of African nations like Kenya (of whom we are very quick to compare ourselves positively) improved in the Global Competitiveness Index rankings, Nigeria slipped three places and is now ranked 127 out of 138 nations.
To put it murky, only 11 nations (many of them war torn) are worse than Nigeria in terms of doing business!
Two years ago Nigeria was Africa’s fastest growing economy. Today, she does not even feature in Africa’s top ten most competitive nations! But when you point these out, the response is to blame Goodluck Jonathan under whom our economy blossomed like never before.
When you waste 16 months playing the blame game should you be surprised that investors are playing the disappearing game and running away from your economy?
And what has been the result? A recession. Now, the thing is that rather than face the recession frontally and ideate on how to end it, their administration, characteristically, has only one response: Blame Jonathan! As my Warri peeps would say-una no dey tire!
Today, the Naira has exactly half the value it had when former President Jonathan handed over power to President Buhari yet we have not gotten to half of this administration’s first tenure!
If there is anything you should not be doing during a recession it is complaining. Recessions bow to solutions not complaints!
But I do apologize. It is not exactly true that thus administration has not come up with a solution. It has. Sell of our national assets!
If I say that I was astounded by the news that the Muhammadu Buhari administration is toying with the idea of selling off Nigeria’s national assets, I could probably qualify for a place in the Guinness Book of Records for understatement of the year!
Nigeria is going through her toughest recession ever and the government’s response is the intellectually lazy one of selling our national assets! Somebody pinch me because I may as well be in a dream. I take that back. A nightmare this is!
First of all those in government need to understand that it is a most foolish thing to sell your assets in a recession because you will not get value for it. It is like selling your house while the real estate market is down. The only type of buyers you are going to attract are exploiters and shysters!
Of course a man like Aliko Dangote would advise government to sell its assets. Mr. Dangote did not become the richest African by being nice! I have met him in the flesh. He became the richest Black man in the world by being shrewd! And ever since the Buhari economy reduced his wealth by about $3.5 billion and removed him from Forbes Top 100 richest people in the world, the business mogul has not been happy about it and he has been angling to get back into that privileged company.
I may be wrong, but I suspect that Mr. Dangote, like a shark, has smelled blood. He has probably seen the cluelessness of the Buhari administration in the midst of this unprecedented crisis as a means to regain his lost fortunes.
Do not be deceived. Wealthy people like money and they like it more than you and I. Mr. Dangote, go back and check my history. I was the first man to acknowledge you as the richest Black man in the world in my 2010 documentary, Facts V Fiction. Before you conclude that I am your enemy go and watch that video. Google it. YouTube it. I am your admirer! But in as much as I admire you, I admire Nigeria more!
Back to the issues. The Buhari administration is best advised to read Napoleon Hill’s book, Think and Grow Rich. You do not sell and grow rich. You think your way out of a recession.
Selling our national assets because of this present recession is like selling your house because of car troubles. Where will you sleep after fixing the car?
Okay, if selling off our national assets does not stop the recession, what will be the next step? Sell us the citizens? Where does it end?
The conventional wisdom when you are facing a recession is to spend your way out of a recession. Now this spending is not the same as consuming. It is expenditure that stimulates production like a massive public works program.
But what we have now is still consumption not production. The same President who wants to sell of our national assets is still maintaining ten Presidential jets, multiple convoys, guest houses in several states and travels more than Ajala!
President Jonathan banned the importation of rice because Nigeria was spending ?1 billion annually importing the produce. Enter President Buhari who now reverses that ban and from one billion, we are now spending ?2.3 billion in importing rice (this figure was taken right out of the mouth of the minister of agriculture, Audu Ogbeh while addressing farmers at Ndeagu-Echara and Omege-Echara in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi on Friday September 16th, 2016).
How can you be wasting so much resources on consumption and not expect a recession? Do you think President Jonathan was a fool when he banned the importation of a product that we have the capacity to produce in Nigeria?
And at least before you consider something as desperate as selling off the family silver, you should cut wastes like the 10 presidential jets, the outrageous salaries of political appointees and the billions wasted on sponsoring pilgrims by giving them concessionary dollar rates.
Next, the President should abolish 50% of annual basic salary that he and his vice receive as ‘hardship allowance’. What hardship do they go through? Tax payers pay for their accommodation, feeding, medicals, travel and security. It is the man on minimum wage that deserves ‘hardship allowance’, not the men in the Villa!
Also, the President should direct his government to hands off sponsoring pilgrimage either directly or indirectly by giving them concessionary dollar rates that are denied to legitimate businessmen. A pilgrimage is a sacrifice. Once government pays for it, it ceases to be a sacrifices and becomes a luxury.
And if there is anything you should not be doing during a recession it is complaining. Recessions bow to solutions not complaints!
It is only in police stations and courts that you have complainants. In a presidential office you should have a problem solver not a complainant! Even the word executive means that you are in that office to execute.
For the avoidance of doubt, to execute means to carry out or put into effect a plan or a course of action. You cannot execute complaints. In fact only the powerless complain. If you have power and you are still complaining, what you are invariably saying is that you do not know what to do with power!
After spending ?20 million of their hard earned tax Naira to treat your ear in a London clinic, at least Nigerians deserve for you to use that same ear to listen to them and not sell their National Assets!
In just 16 months in power, the All Progressive Congress, APC has done more damage to Nigeria’s economy than the 16 years the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was in power.
Let us consider the facts. In 1999 PDP met dollar at ?88 to 1$ official and ?105 to $1 Black Market. By 2015 when PDP handed over power to the APC after 16 years it was ?197 official and ?225 Black Market. In just 16 months in office, the APC has seen the Naira depreciate to ?335 official and ?445 Black Market.
In 1999, Nigeria was the third largest economy in Africa behind South Africa and Egypt. After 16 years, the PDP managed to make Nigeria the largest economy in Africa. But in less than 16 months of the APC being in power, we have moved backwards to being the second largest economy in Africa behind South Africa and we are in danger of losing second place to Egypt.
According to official figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the PDP created 10 million new jobs in 16 years. In contrast, the NBS reports that in 16 months of the APC being in power, Nigeria has shed 4.5 million jobs.
So next time the APC accuses the PDP of ruining the economy point out these statistics to them and do not be fooled by the change from frying pan to fire!
That is all I would say on that issue. Now permit me to digress. I hate injustice and I want to use this opportunity to address a grave injustice on an innocent woman.
The allegation that Aisha Buhari photoshopped her picture with Michelle Obama is false. Even if you do not like President Buhari, do not take it out on his wife or family. I have been at these functions. People line up to take pictures with the alpha personality (in that particular case, Michele Obama) who strikes and maintains the same pose.
I do not like President Muhammadu Buhari. I do not believe in him. I will NEVER EVER vote for him. Yet, I mention him by name everyday in prayer. Not some days. EVERYDAY.
I do this because I fear God. I will criticize him. But if I do criticize him, it will be because of something he is guilty of not due to something he and his wife are innocent of.
Whether you like it or not, Buhari is the Lord’s anointed, for now because Daniel 4:17makes us understand that power belongs to God and He gives it to whomsoever He wills. It does not mean that the person He gives it to is the best. If God did not will it, a thousand APC could not have made Buhari President.
If you are going to move against the Lord’s anointed, better have truth on your side or you end up like Rechab and Baanah!
Omokri is the founder of the Mind of Christ Christian Center in California, author of Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God and Why Jesus Wept and the host of Transformation with Reno Omokri.
Mr Solomon Alimasunya, a Sokoto-based legal practitioner, on Thursday opposed the clamour for the sale of the nation's assets as a measure to pull out of economic recession.
Alimasunya told newsmen in Sokoto that there was no need for the sale since the Federal Government's economic team had informed Nigerians that the recession was a short time challenge.
He said the Ministers for Finance, Budget and Planning, had also assured Nigerians to look forward to a better standard of living as the current high prices of commodities in the markets would soon crash due to measures in place to control the recession.
He said that those clamouring for the sale of assets did not mean well for the country.
" This is because such sale is capable of robbing Nigerians and their generations yet unborn of our collective national assets." " Once these national assets are sold to individuals or multinational companies, then this country would have lost the assets forever," he said.
"Once the recession is over, what becomes of the national assets that had been sold off forever?"
He said the issue of the option for the Federal government to buy back the sold assets would be irrelevant because it might not be binding on individuals or multinational companies that purchased them.
The legal practitioner lauded the PENGASSAN, NLC and TUC for their positions on the issue.
Mr Adjoto Kabiru (APC-Akoko Edo) in the Edo House of Assembly has congratulated Mr Godwin Obaseki on his victory in the just-concluded governorship election.
Kabiru told reporters on Thursday in Benin that the victory would give the people the opportunity to continue to enjoy ongoing developments in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Friday in Benin declared Obaseki as winner of the gubernatorial election.
Obaseki polled 319,483 votes to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 253,173 votes.
Obaseki
He said "I want to thank Edo people for not changing the change. The change will remain in the state and in the country.
"It takes time to get the dividends of democracy, but with time, things will get better. The 200,000 jobs Obaseki promised will be realised.
"And there will be more red roofs, hospitals and road construction across the 18 local government areas of the state."
He further said that himself and his Deputy Governor-elect, Philip Shaibu, would build on the foundation laid by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole.
The Federal Government has declared Oct. 3, as Public Holiday to mark Nigeria's 56th Independence Anniversary.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the Minister of Interior, retired Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, assured Nigerians at home and abroad that Government was working assiduously to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges.
"The Minister enjoins all Nigerians to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his determination to build a strong, virile and united country in line with the dream of the country's founding fathers,"he said.
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was targeted by Jose Mourinho for Chelsea last year but was blocked by an agreement between his agent and Juventus, the Frenchman’s agent Mino Raiola said Thursday.
Pogba, who left United for free to join Juventus in 2012 at the age of 18, returned to Old Trafford in a world record 105m euro deal earlier this summer.
But Raiola told Rai Sport: “Paul could have left (Juventus) last year because (Jose) Mourinho – then at Chelsea – really wanted him. “But Juventus and I had agreement: win the league title and the Champions League, then he can go.”
Juventus claimed a record-equalling fifth consecutive Serie A title last season but their progress in the Champions League was ended at the quarter-finals stage by Bayern Munich.
Raiola, meanwhile, said Pogba can expect a present from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis because his transfer to United prepared the way for Juve to buy striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for 90m euros.
He added: “De Laurentiis should be giving Paul a present, because without his departure Juventus would never have bought Higuain, and he would never have been able to bank all that money.”
Meanwhile, Raiola accused Inter Milan’s former owner Erick Thohir of not developing the Serie A giants before selling them on to Chinese owners.
Indonesian businessman Thohir, who owns Major Soccer League club DC United, was part of a consortium that bought a 70% stake in Inter for a reported 250m euros in October 2013, before selling the club in June to China’s Suning Holdings Group.
He sold a 68.55% stake to Suning for a reported 270m euros but retained 31.05% and the club presidency.
Since Suning took over, the Nerazzurri — treble winners under Jose Mourinho in 2010 — have emerged as potential title rivals to five-times consecutive champions Juventus. Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures Inter sit third at four points behind leaders Juventus.
While Inter attracted Chinese interest because they were the first European club to visit China 38 years ago, Raiola labelled Thohir’s 2013 takeover “false”.
“Thohir didn’t serve Italian football well. I never believed in his project, it was false,” Raiola, who also represents Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, told Rai Sport. “He came, he fixed Inter up a little bit then he listed the company (on the Asian stock exchange). But there was no need for an Indonesian to do that, an Italian could have done the same.”
During Thohir’s time in charge, Inter’s transfer market activity was limited because the club had breached UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations in 2015.
The club was fined and also had to scratch key players from their Europa League squad list. Thohir, meanwhile, insisted that most new players would be coming through the club’s youth system. Thohir sold Inter to the Suning group in June, whose chairman and owner is Zhang Jindong.
While Thohir remains president in name, Zhang’s son Steven Zhang is now on the board, five of whose members are Chinese. AC Milan are also on the verge of Chinese ownership, having received a 100m euros down payment ahead of a full, 740m euro takeover by the end of the year.
According to the outspoken Raiola, another Serie A club should be in Chinese hands. He called on Roma’s American president James Pallotta to underline his intentions for the capital club — or sell it to Chinese owners.
Pallotta’s much-heralded plans for a new, all-purpose stadium have yet to be fully approved and Roma made no big-name signings in the close season.
Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Thursday in Abuja thanked Edo electorate for voting Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying "thank you for not changing the change'' .
Aregbesola said this when he broke the news of Obaseki's victory as Edo governor-elect to newsmen at the "National Day of Solidarity with Cuba''.
The event is a roundtable discussion on strengthening International Struggle against all forms of Blockade and Isolation against Cuba.
"I am happy that my party has won in Edo. I thank the Edo people for not changing the change. This change is here to stay,'' he said.
GOV. RAUF AREGBESOLA
He appealed to Nigerians to continue to bear with the administration in the face of economy recession.
"Please bear with us, it will soon be over and the nation will come out in victory,'' he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, earlier in the day in Benin, declared Obaseki winner of the governorship election in the state.
Obaseki polled 319,483 votes to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 253,173 votes.
It will be recalled that the slogan for the PDP campaigns in the state was "change the change''.
Edo election: The Edo chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) says it is happy with Godwin Obaseki's victory at the Wednesday governorship election.
The Chairman of the union, Mr Mike Uhumwangho, said this in an interview with newsmen in Benin on Thursday.
Uhumwangho said the election was free and fair "and I believe that the better candidate won".
"We are 100 per cent happy that the candidate who the Edo NUT endorsed won the governorship race.
"I believe that he will continue the good work that Gov. Adams Oshiomhole has started and will do better," he said.
He, however, called on the governor- elect not to renege on his electoral promises to revamp the education sector in the state.
INEC had declared Mr Godwin Obaseki of the APC as winner of the election, who polled 319,483 votes to defeat Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who scored 253,173 votes.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) that his administration will eradicate bottlenecks and create an environment that can boost manufacturing. The President stated this at the 44th Annual General Meeting of MAN in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, the need to boost manufacturing has become imperative in view of the fact that the "manufacturing sector is well positioned to be a major driver of Nigeria's economic growth''. He maintained that government was focused on implementing necessary policies and strategies aimed at unleashing the full potentials of manufacturing in Nigeria.
According to him, his administration will rely heavily on the association's ideas and inputs at all stages of formulation and implementation of new industrial policies. "The manufacturing sector is well positioned to be a major driver of Nigeria's economic growth because of our immense natural resources and the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians.
"Government is therefore focused on implementing necessary policies and strategies aimed at unleashing the full potentials of manufacturing in Nigeria. "We will rely heavily on your ideas and inputs at all stages of formulation and implementation of new industrial policies.
"For our part, we will remove bottlenecks and create a more business friendly environment. "Our strategic plan to boost manufacturing activities in the country is supported by the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprises Development Programme (NEDEP).
"These programmes, present a clear road map towards an industrialised Nigerian economy.''Buhari stated that his administration is convinced that the key to the nation's economic diversification and subsequent survival lies in the agriculture and manufacturing sector.
He said that a strong manufacturing sector would create more jobs and wealth for the citizens, adding that it would usher in sustainable economic prosperity "because we will produce what we consume as a nation and generate foreign exchange by exporting any surplus''.
The President said that his administration was working on improving the patronage of locally made goods, bridging the gap between skills required by industry and those provided by the educational institutions and access to finance for the Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
He added that the Federal Government recognised that MAN and other members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) were key stakeholders in the journey. He said, "we will continue our engagement with you.'' The President stated that he was inspired by the association's commitment to a great Nigeria.
"As events unfold in the coming months, many of you will be called upon to play critical roles in the implementation of this administration's agenda. "I implore you to avail us your wealth of experience so that together we can uplift our nation's economy and social well-being.''
In his remarks, the President of MAN, Dr Frank Jacobs, commended the government for its new forex policy of allocating 60 per cent of all available foreign exchange to the manufacturing sector for the importation of raw materials and machinery.
He also praised the Buhari-led administration for the efforts it is making towards improving infrastructure across the country. Jacobs also saluted the government's efforts to end insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country. He said the efforts were yielding fruitful results
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) that his administration will remove bottlenecks and create a more business friendly environment to boost manufacturing activities in the country.
The president gave the assurance at the 44th Annual General Meeting of MAN held in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the step had become imperative in view of the fact that the manufacturing sector was well positioned to be a major driver of Nigeria's economic growth.
He said government was focused on implementing necessary policies and strategies aimed at unleashing the full potential of manufacturing in Nigeria.
According to him, the administration will rely heavily on the association's ideas and input at all stages of formulation and implementation of new industrial policies.
"The manufacturing sector is well positioned to be a major driver of Nigeria's economic growth because of our immense natural resources and the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians.
President Buhari
"Government is therefore focused on implementing necessary policies and strategies aimed at unleashing the full potential of manufacturing in Nigeria.
"Our strategic plan to boost manufacturing activities in the country is supported by the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprises Development Programme.
"These programmes present a clear road map towards an industrialised Nigerian economy,'' the president said
Buhari said his administration was working on improving the patronage of locally made goods and bridging gaps between skills required by industry and those provided by educational institutions as well as ccess to finance for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises.
He said the Federal Government recognised that MAN and the other Organised Private Sector groups were key stakeholders in this journey.
He added: "we will continue our engagement with you.''
The president, who said he was inspired by the association's commitment to a great Nigeria, urged them to join hands with government in making the ongoing government efforts to revive the nation's economy a success.
He also urged them to ensure that the outcome of their deliberations would be to the benefit of all Nigerians.
"As events unfold in the coming months, many of you will be called upon to play critical roles in the implementation of this administration's agenda.
"I implore you to avail us your wealth of experience so that together we can uplift our nation's economy and social well-being,'' the president said.
In his remarks, the President of MAN, Dr Frank Jacobs, commended the Federal Government for its new forex policy of allocating 60 per cent of all available foreign exchange to the manufacturing sector for the importation of raw materials and machinery.
He also lauded the administration's efforts to boost infrastructure across the country.
Jacobs also saluted the government's efforts to end the activities of insurgents in the Northeast part of the country, which he said, had started yielding fruitful results.
Edo election: Mr Anselm Ojezua, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo, on Thursday, attributed the party's victory in the Wednesday Edo governorship election to the goodwill of the people.
Ojezua, who was reacting to the APC victory in Benin, said Gov. Adams Oshiomhole had served the state well and the people rewarded him by voting the party in again.
He told newsmen that the victory did not come to him as a surprise because it was earned through hard work.
The chairman said that the party would continue to build on the goodwill, adding "to God be the glory; this victory brings to the fore the need for hard work.
Also, Mr Gentleman Amegor, the Vice Chairman of the party in Edo South Senatorial District, said the party won because it had worked hard since it assumed office.
"In life, the key to success is hard work. When you work hard, success will never be far from you. That is exactly what has happened.
"Oshiomhole has laid the foundation and we pray and are hopeful that Godwin Obaseki will do better".
Similarly, the Attorney-General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon, described the victory as ordained by God.
"The victory is sweet but the battle was tough. It is a victory for development. Edo people should get ready for a high level development now," he said.
APC candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, won the election by polling 319, 483 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who garnered 253, 173 votes. Oshiomhole's second term in office ends on November 12.
Benin – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that the refusal of some political party agents to sign the Edo governorship election result sheet did not invalidate the poll.
INEC National Commissioner in Charge of Publicity, Prince Solomon Soyebi, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Benin.
Soyebi said that the validity of an election was stipulated in the Electoral Act and Election Guidelines.
He said that the concluded Edo election was in line with the Electoral Act.
"The refusal of any party agents to sign the result sheet does not in any way invalidate the declared result of the election," Soyebi said.
The agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the Young Democratic Party had refused to sign the result sheet of the Edo governorship election.
He commended the people of Edo for their peaceful conduct that allowed the election to be peaceful and concluded in one ballot.
"This is one of the few elections that we have conducted with minimum violence," he said.
Soyebi said that the people of Edo had set the pace for peaceful election and mass turnout of voters in the country.
He expressed hope that such standard would be sustained as well as impact on future elections.
The INEC commissioner said high number of counseled votes and the inability to use the card readers remained one of the major changes in the election.
He, however, said that INEC would build on the success recorded in Edo as well as invest more in voter education to ensure the success of Ondo election scheduled for Nov. 28.
INEC had declared Mr Godwin Obaseki of the APC as winner of the election, who polled 319,483 votes to defeat Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who scored 253,173 votes.
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family of late Inspector General of Police (I-G), Etim Okon Inyang, who passed away at 85.
The condolence is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Mr Femi Adesina, the president's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. According to the statement, Buhari sends his condolences to the immediate family, friends and community of the deceased, who served meritoriously as head of the nation's police force for three years (1983-1986).
The president said that the deceased, who also served as member of the National Security Council and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in 1987, contributed immensely to the reforms and structuring of the nation's security.
He added that the processes heralded good governance and democracy. President Buhari prayed that almighty God would grant the departed soul eternal rest and comfort his family. The Inyang family formally announced the death on Wednesday, which it said happened at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos, on Sept. 26.
Sir Etim Okon Inyang joined the Nigerian Police Force on Oct. 1, 1949 and rose through the ranks to become Commissioner of Police in Kano and old Bendel states. He was appointed Inspector General of Police in 1984 and served meritoriously until his voluntarily retirement in October 1986.
He was thereafter appointed Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in 1987 and conferred with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). He survived by his wife, Mary, and five children.
Benin – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress(APC) winner of the Edo governorship election held on Wednesday.
Obaseki polled 319,483 to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), who scored 253,173 votes.
The Returning Officer, Prof, Kayode Soremekum , who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, declared Obaseki as winner, having scored the highest valid votes.
Soremukum said there were 1, 900, 223 registered voters, while 662,039 of the registered voters were accredited with 613, 244 voters casting their votes in the election.
He said 582, 299 of the votes cast were recorded as valid with 30, 945 as rejected votes, saying the total percentage turned out was 32.74.
"I, Prof. Kayode Soremekun,as the returning officer of the Edo governorship election held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, hereby states that election was contested in the state.
" Godwin Obaseki, having satisfied the requirements of the law, scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner and is returned elected," he said.(NAN)
BENIN CITY-IT was jubilation galore across the three senatorial districts of Edo state Thursday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, winner of the just concluded governorship election in Edo state.
Obaseki defeated his closest rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu after polling 319,483 as against 253,173 polled by the PDP candidate. The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Osaro Onaiwu who took third in the election polled 876 votes. Obaseki in his swift reaction, attributed his victory to God and the people of the state, assuring that he will continue the developmental strides of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Out of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, Obaseki won in 12 while Ize-Iyamu won in five Local Government Areas. Obaseki won in six Local Government Areas out of the seven in Edo South, Egor, Ikpoba Okhai, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Uhumwonde and Oredo.
Others are Igueben (Edo Central) and the entire six in Edo North, Governor Adams Oshiomhole's domain. Announcing the results, the Returning Officer Prof. Kayode Soremekun, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Ikere Ekiti state, declared that Obaseki haven won the highest number of votes is "hereby declared the winner and returned elected".Obaseki
Tension heightened when supporter of the PDP stormed the INEC office to protest the results but they were repelled by APC youths who equally embarked on a march in celebration of victory and stern looking policemen attached to the INEC.
PDP agent, Barr.Chris Agbenawangbe refused to sign the result sheet, citing what he described as alleged irregularities during the elections. But the APC agent, Mr Samson Abu, described his allegation as laughable, asserting "this election is one of the most credible we have ever seen. This PDP people have been using social media to misinform the people but they are finished. Edo people have rejected them long ago and they will never come back. They lost squarely because they deserve to lose. So all these talk about rigging is rubbish" he stated.
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, resolved to investigate the N500 billion debt owed Petroleum Pricing Marketing Company (PPMC) by major marketers and independent oil marketers.
The House said the decision is in line with sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which empowers the house to carry out oversight functions on government institutions.
Th decision followed a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Cross River), unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.
Moving the motion, Jarigbe urged the House to "resist the act of criminality being perpetuated within the oil sub-sector."
House of Representatives
According to him, there is a connivance and compromise by functionaries of PPMC to leave government funds in the hands of marketers, thereby putting the country in dire financial straits.
"PPMC went into through Put Agreements with some of the marketers, which does not empower the marketers to sell out products stored in their respective Tank Farms.
"The marketers criminally sold out the products and also benefitted from intervention allocations and have since not remitted the funds to PPMC."
The House alleged that those concerned had sabotaged government and converted funds that should rightly accrue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The House, therefore, set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate "the huge debts and criminal act."
ABUJA-APPARENTLY acting on the outcome of the House directive on suspended former Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmunin Jibrin, National Assembly Management yesterday, sealed his office.
The Ethics and Privileges committee that tried Jibrin for breaching House Rules had recommended that he should be suspended for 180 days and the report was adopted on Wednesday.
When contacted on why such a haste on the part of management, Spokesman of the House, Rep Abdulrazaq Namdas, APC, Adamawa, simply said “management did the right thing’.
“There is no haste there because if a judge finds you guilty you are not given the luxury of time to do otherwise”.
On whether the action by the House would not amount to contempt of court, Namdas said “it is not because of the action of the House Jibrin went to court, the action of the House is laced around the collective breach of our privileges by Jibrin”.
“He (Jibrin) did not go to court because of the action of our committee but what the committee did was to suspend him for his action against our collective privileges”.
“And let me quickly remind you that Jibrin has not formally submitted any petition against anybody to the House till date”.
“What he did is to go outside NASS to submit petitions and mind you his petition is built around the quartet of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Whip and the Minority Leader.
“His case has no relationship with the entire House but in the case of his suspension, he was suspended for violating our collective privileges as enunciated in our House Rules”.
Asked whether if Jibrin apologises the House could have a re-think, Namdas said “well that is left for the committee to decide not us”.
