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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.
