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 Kano State House of Assembly on Tuesday adopted a joint report of the House Committee on Pension and Judiciary seeking to amend the Kano State Pension and Gratuity Law 2014.
The adoption of the amendment if assented to by the governor would lead to the retirement of some traditional rulers who had exceeded the mandatory 35 years of service or 60 years age.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Pension, Alhaji Ali Shanono, presented the report and it was unanimously adopted by the members.
According to Shanono, the civil service rules provides that civil servants should be retired after attaining 35 years in service or 60 years.
Shanono added that any traditional ruler, who is on the civil service pay roll and had attained such age should be retired and be converted.
He said the committee also recommended that after the retirement of the traditional rulers, the state should have them reappointed on temporary until their death or voluntary exit.
He said that the committee recommended that such monarchs should place on consolidated allowance. The traditional rulers to be affected include District, Ward aand village heads.
The Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Rurum, also announced at plenary that the house had commenced the 2017 budget defence for the 44 local governments (NAN)
By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling the promise the Party made to Nigerians during the 2015 general election campaigns that safety nets will be provided to vulnerable Nigerians.
Specifically, the party said government’s commencement of payment of N5,000 to. Some vulnerable Nigerians is both historic and unprecedented in the country’s annals.
APC’s position was contained in a statement signed by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi which was made available to Vanguard in Abuja.
“The Party notes that with the commencement of payment of N5000 to one million poor Nigerians through the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme of the Government, the Buhari administration has demonstrated its commitment to the Party's Change manifestoes which is couched on true transformation.
“We recall that as part of its Social Investment Programme (SIP), the Government has begun implementing three other major campaign promises of the Party designed to provide jobs and lift the most vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty.
These include: the N-Power Volunteer Corps which will provide jobs to 500,000 young Nigerian graduates; the National Homegrown Feeding Programme which has commenced in selected states, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which provides soft loans ranging from N10,000 to 100,000 to artisans, traders, market women, among others.
“The APC views these achievements as historic and unprecedented in the history of Nigeria even as it assures Nigerians that the Government is committed and working hard to make significant progress on the economy, and other sectoral areas.
“The Party acknowledges that the past year was a tough one for Nigerians occasioned by the economic recession but have confidence in the ability of President Buhari to design programmes and policies that will provide succour to the masses”, APC stated.
The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba in Lagos, on Tuesday complied with the directive of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) by wearing black bands and coats to register their grievances.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was in line with the NARD directive to its members.
The national body of the association had directed its members to wear black ward coats and conduct rallies at the expiration of initial ultimatum given to the Federal Government on Jan. 2.
NAN reports that NARD had on Dec. 19 given the Federal Government up to Jan. 2 to implement the National Health Act 2014 and address other demands of the association.
The |National President of NARD, Dr Kenneth Uwajeh, told NAN in Lagos that doctors at the hospital complied with the directive of the national body.
Uwajeh said, "We have black bands on our arms, some of us are wearing black jacket.
"We want the masses to be aware of the plights of the patients, doctors and the society as regard the medical profession.
"If they are not catered for, the health is not catered for; many people cannot afford healthcare because they have no insurance, or access to facilities.
The doctor said that the demands of the association had been abandoned for long; this had jeopardised the future of medicine in the country.
According to him, government should do the needful in order to move the medical profession forward.
"We are asking for a white paper on the residency training programme; basically, it is part of the legal framework.
"We need that because the residency training programme is being conducted in a haphazard fashion.
"We want a document so that residency programme can be consistent across the country; we need a clear-cut document that is consistent, objective and void of bias.
"The National Health Act 2014 has not been implemented.
"This basically will cater for the needs of the patients largely and improve the nation's health indices and practice of the profession, " Uwajeh said. (NAN)
Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led government of Osun has spent a total of N14.2bn to clear all salary arrears in the state. This was revealed by the governor who made the confirmation saying the amount was paid out by his government in less than two weeks before the end of December 2016.
Aregbesola stated this when the State government opened the year with supplications as the Governor led Muslim and Christian faithful at an interdenominational thanksgiving session at the Government Secretariat, Osogbo.
Aregbesola, who laced his speech with songs of praises to God in Islamic and Christian ways, said with what befell the state before the close of 2015, it was gratifying that the state bounced back in what can now be felt as relief from the hardship of last year.
He said the ability of his government to pay workers' salaries from September, October, November and December in less than a record two week period was a huge relief.
Aregbesola
The governor said it was in September 2014 that he had to call on workers to decide whether they wanted a staff reduction or payment of salaries according to available resources when the impact of the economic hardship in the country began to bite harder.
He said in July 2015, the new Federal Government which had been sworn in May, 2015, listened to some of the solutions proffered to the national revenue crisis.
Aregbesola said when the state got N34.9bn bailout loan in 2015, there were controversies on how to disburse the funds when some people insisted that the whole funds be spent all at once.
"But I knew that with the magnitude of the economic crisis facing Nigeria, it would have been suicidal to expend the whole bailout loan at once without saving a portion of it which eventually bailed us out till around February this year," Aregbesola said.
The governor recalled that this was what made necessary, the constitution of the state’s Revenue Apportionment Committee headed by labour veteran Comrade Hassan Sunmonu which he said made it possible for the state to pay salaries till February of 2016.
He said the arrival of the Paris Club deductions refunds which made N11.7bn available to the state has brought some relief noting that the state would however need to intensify its efforts towards self-sustenance.
"We are grateful that our hardships are getting over giving us indications that the new year would be better." he added.
The governor while expressing appreciation to workers who showed understanding, appealed to those who have not shown signs of understanding the trends.
He added, "LAUTECH lecturers have insisted they would not cooperate with the government despite their knowledge of the economic conditions we face. We appeal to them to accept our fate at the moment for the sake of the students' future."
He expressed optimism that by June this year, there are signs that the recession would come to an end.
While appealing to all stakeholders to look inward, Aregbesola charged traditional rulers promote agriculture in their respective domain just as he appealed to them to engage in vigorous campaigns for payment of taxes.
"We want to engage massively in agriculture. We want to aggressively grow cassava, maize, plantain, rice, soya beans and the existing cocoa which our people are already growing. It is now clear that those who are looking for free things will wait forever. It’s certain that oil price can no longer return to its old rates and free money won’t come again. If we don’t want to continue to suffer this lack, farming is the only venture we must embark on,"
He assured that the government would give financial aides to those interested in farming.
The governor also hinted that by 1st of February, this year, his government would enforce the use of the standard measures and scales for all commercial transactions as part of efforts to make commerce attractive in Osun.
"Whoever fails to use Osunwon Omoluabi will face the consequences."
The Head of Service Mr. Sunday Owoeye, in his speech saluted the courage and commitment of the Osun workforce.
Owoeye, who said revenue generation should be a major focus of the workers in the new year, said the workers have shown commitment.
“I wish to acknowledge the sacrifice and endurance of Public Servants in the State in these trying times we are passing through. We have proved to the whole world our resilience in the face of unanticipated challenges such that when the going gets
tough, the tough gets going! Whenever the history of the State will be written in future and the achievements of this sparkling Aregbesola Administration are enumerated, the
indomitable and altruistic spirit with which the Public Servants weather the current storms shall definitely occupy a conspicuous space!
“I wish to charge every public servant to continue to support this administration in its drive towards self-sufficiency by being more proactive in revenue generation. The largest room in the world is the room for improvement and the road to success is always under construction ad infinitum!”
In his sermon, Dr. Isiaka Lawal of the College of Education Ilesa, advised civil servants to abide by the rules of their engagements noting that leakages of officially classified documents, no matter for what reason, contradicts civil service rules.
By Charles Kumolu & Tare Youdeowei THE ancient Kingdom of Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, is currently revelling in the excitement of the coronation of its king, Obi Nduka Ezeagwuna 11. It was indeed an atmosphere of celebration as Obi Ezeagwuna ascended the throne of his forefathers on December 21, 2016, calling for peace, unity, and recreation of Issele Uku in line with its cultural values.
His ascension was part of the series of installation rites that commenced more than one year ago. The 24-year-old engineer started the journey to the throne by first understudying the Oba of Benin for a week. On his return, he was, as tradition demanded, sent to clear a portion of grass, sweep the palace grounds and cut palm kernel by the Okpalas and the Diokpas. All these he performed creditably to the amusement of those present, as he will never again be called upon to perform the acts.
A few days after grooming the palace, Crown Prince Nduka underwent Ichi Okpala, which not only made him a red cap chief, but the head of the Okpalas, as well as a real man, as a cross section of titled men explained to Vanguard.
Opportunity to misbehave
*Deputy Governor Delta State, representing the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, handing over the Staff of Office to Obi Ezeagwuna II, at Oligbo Palace, Issele-Uku, Delta State.
While the Okpalas wear their red cap with a white feather, the Crown Prince's red cap bears two white feathers, signifying his position. Having been made an Okpala, Prince Nduka proceeded on Ina Obibi; a one-night rite that had the Crown Prince do as he pleases because as a king he will never have the opportunity to misbehave.
Following Ina Obibi was Ichi Di Ahu Obi ceremony. During this ceremony, as illustrated by the Ogbeleani of Issele Uku, Diokpa Isichei Okonkwo, the Crown Prince went to Ogbeofu where everybody in the village was expected to leave their homes for him to take over for a whole day.
On the morning of the second day, the head of Ogbeofu village blessed the Crown Prince, as opposed to confronting him. The villagers gathered in front of the house and partook in the blessing ceremony. Diokpa Isichei added that in times past, the Ichi Di Ahu Obi used to span seven days but civilization reduced it to a one-day affair. While the rites went on the palace was traditionally sanctified by a group of people from Obior community in a rite called Idokwama Unor.
After completing the aforementioned rites, as well as those not open to the public, on December 21, 2016, Crown Prince Nduka Ezeagwuna was crowned HRM Obi (Engr.) Nduka Ezeagwuna of Oligbo Kingdom. The 20th king of Issele-Uku was crowned by the Onishe of Ogboli, Justice Ozomani, who was accompanied by his kinsmen from Ogboli in the presence of princes, Okpalas and other titled men of the kingdom.
The crowning commenced when the Crown Prince was escorted to the throne room by the Otu Egwu Imaba, also known as Egwu Issoh. In the room, the Obi sat before the Onishe who prepared kola and white chalk for the rites. After libation and prayers were done by the Onishe, the Sacred Crown was placed on the crown prince and he was enthroned.
Cheers accompanied by singing and dancing received the new Obi when he was presented to his people. The Onishe, speaking to the people, encouraged them to respect the Obi and his decisions, as well as cooperate with him in making Issele Uku a wonderful place. He stated his optimism that new things will happen in the community, as he assured them that Obi Ezeagwuna II's reign will be better.
On December 29, 2016, Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, handed over the Staff of Office to Obi Ezeagwuna II, as he urged the king to lead with the fear of God. "Lead your people with the fear of God and draw from the wisdom of your people. Adopt the principles of democracy and strive to do that which strengthens the culture and makes the people proud. People of Issele Uku, I implore you to partner with the Obi in seeking the peace and development of this kingdom," Okowa said.
Eye-opening orientation
Responding in his speech read by a designate, Obi Ezeagwuna II said; "My sincere tribute goes to Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin for the opportunity given to me by His Royal Majesty to undergo an eye-opening orientation at his palace. The profound mentoring I was privileged to receive from him while there reassured me of my affinity and strong roots. The exposure has strengthened my confidence in the task of leadership of my kingdom.
"The various accounts of Issele-Uku fill me with pride and boost my desire to restore it to its past glory, by reinterpreting and giving it modern and technological expressions. In this regard, my clarion call goes to all my people at home and abroad to join hands with me to recreate Issele-Uku. On my part, I will do all that is necessary and possible to foster unity, order, and peace in the land.
Cultural values and identity
"The modernity of my dream will have culture as its anchor. In other words, I will pursue the regeneration of our tradition and culture. I appeal to all Issele-Uku people to take interest and participate in our traditional and cultural events for the purpose of keeping them alive. I appeal to you my people to cooperate with me in perpetuating our tradition, cultural values and identity as a legacy we hand over from generation to generation.
"I appreciate His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the role he has played as our state governor in ensuring the success of this ceremony. I also thank the state government for locating the Delta State Accelerated Innovation Project in Issele-Uku. We look forward with great expectation to expedited and full take-off of the project which will reduce unemployment among our youths and also create wealth for our people."
Obi-Ezeagwuna II
One of the dignitaries at the event, Chief Ike Odue, a member of the coronation committee, who had witnessed three coronation exercises, said the people were optimistic of a prosperous reign.
"Everyone is in support of his reign. He will be a wise king and we have high hopes for this Obi and his reign, especially as a result of his educational background. We trust him to rule us right," he noted.
Prince Christopher Akeh-Osu, describing the ceremony as wonderful, said; "the ceremony has been wonderful and the people are impressed. We pray that God will grant the young king the fortitude to succeed."
Highpoints of the occasion were the presentation of the Ada and Eben (marks of authority) to the Obi by representatives from the palace of the Oba of Benin as well as the presentation of the staff of office to the Obi by the governor. Religious heads and traditional rulers from Delta, Anambra, and Edo States, as well as members of the Delta State House of Assembly, attended the event.
Specifically, the event had the presence of Mr. Emeka Nwaobi, who represents Aniocha North in Delta State House of Assembly, Princess Pat Ajudua representing Oshimili North, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, and Mr. Theodora Giwa-Amu among others. The people of Issele-Uku sang and danced to the tunes played by the Otu-Ofuobi cultural group of Issele-Uku as they prayed for the successful reign of young Obi, as he was fondly called by a cross section of the people.
All these took place with intermittent chants of Doo baa, Doo baa (the salutation for the Obi) by the people. Issele-Uku has a rich history of being one of the leading communities in the Igbo speaking areas of Delta State with prominent sons like Brig Gen Fred Chijiuka, retd, Chief Nuel Ojei, the late Rev Samuel Wadei (Rev Marthin), the late Prof. Zulu Sofola, and Air Marshal Paul Dike, retd, among others. It is the headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area and also the headquarters of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the state's 2017 Appropriation bill of N812.998 billion.
The passage followed the adoption of the report and recommendations of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, headed by Mr Rotimi Olowo.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), delivering his speech during the presentation of the Y2017 Budget Estimates to the House, at the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. With him are Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (behind) and the acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Adebowale Sanni (left).
The House approved the sum of N305.182 billion as total recurrent expenditure and N507.816 billion as the total capital expenditure for the year ending Dec. 31, 2017.
Olowo, while presenting the committee report, said that the state was able to achieve 71 per cent budget performance in 2016 in spite of the economic recession in the country.
The lawmaker said that the state would embark on progressive taxation which would bring more people into the tax net and make the rich pay more.
As part of the committee recommendations, the lawmaker said there was a need to comply with the Appropriation (Amendment) (Re-ordering) Law, 2016 to release funds to relevant MDAs.
The lawmaker added that there was a need for the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to carry out a budget review of the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of MDAs before allocating envelopes for Y2018 proposed budget estimate.
He said that this would guide against duplication of expenditure (Capital and Recurrent) by MDAs.
Among the highlights of the approved 2017 budget is the increase in the Capital Expenditure of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission from N2.5 billion to N3 billion to cater for election matters.
On the other hand, overhead for Security/Emergency Interventions was reduced from N500 million to N400 million.
Among other things, N1 billion was allocated as capital expenditure for the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter governmental Relations.
The Assembly approved the sum of N20.43 billion for LAMATA as capital expenditure and N2 billion for Ferry Services.
Similarly, the capital vote head for Road Maintenance rose from N790.10 million to N1.79 billion.
However, overhead cost of Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission was increased from N210 million to N252 million.
The House also approved N10 billion for the State Infrastructure Intervention Fund, while it approved N159.55 million for state Electricity Board.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, commended Olowo and members of the committee for its thorough scrutiny of the budget within a short time frame.
Obasa directed the Acting Clerk, Mr Azeez Sanni to send a clean copy of the bill to Gov. Akinwnmi Ambode for his assent.
The House adjourned its plenary till Jan. 5.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambode had, on Nov. 29, 2016, presented the Appropriation Bill to the lawmakers for approval.
The House had, on Dec. 1, 2016, after receiving the budget, directed all its standing committees to invite all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to defend their budgets.(NAN)
Two labour leaders in Lagos State on Tuesday urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to give workers' welfare priority in the New Year.
They are Mr Adetunji Ademisoye, the Deputy General Secretary, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and Mr Omopariola Olorunmbe, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, Yaba College of Technology Chapter.
The union leaders spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on the need for the Federal Government to approve and implement new minimum wage for the workers in 2017.
Mr Omopariola Olorunmbe, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, Yaba College of Technology chapter, urged the Federal Government to resume negotiation with the labour leaders on the proposed minimum wage.
Olorunmbe said that non inclusion of the new minimum wage in the 2017 budget had sent a wrong signal to the labour movement.
"All hopes seem lost since there has not been any negotiation on the matter,'' he said.
According to him, raising the minimum wage is very crucial at this time considering the current economic situation where the bargaining power of the ordinary worker has been eroded.
"New minimum wage is the only hope for Nigerian workers to overcome the current recession and increase their bargaining power.
"We want to fill the impact of the government and it should start with the implementation of the new minimum wage, which is long overdue,'' he said.
Olorunmbe also urged government to implement all outstanding demands of the union, including the establishment of Polytechnic Commission and payment of four years Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Scale (CONTISS) arrears.
In his comments, Ademisoye urged the Federal Government to consider the new wage for workers to cushion the effect of the current economy recession.
"The Federal Government should make welfare of workers priority in the New Year; 2016 was a very difficult year for many workers.
"We also urge the government to give priority to the welfare of workers, prompt payment of pension to the retirees and ensure infrastructure development.
"The government should improve electricity supply and rehabilitate other decaying facilities,'' he told NAN.
Ademisoye, however, advised workers to remain dedicated to their duties and support the government's policies.
NAN reports that some labour leaders had on Monday in Abuja decried the formation of a new labour centre, describing it as a major setback to realising the demands for a new national minimum wage.
NAN reports that the new labour centre emerged after a two-year internal crisis that split the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in to two opposing factions.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 25 industrial unions had elected Mr Joe Ajaero as President of the new labour centre called United Labour Congress (ULC). (NAN)
An Ethiopian Court on Tuesday sentenced 20 alleged Islamists to five and a half years in prison on terrorism-related charges, the state-affiliated agency reports.
"The defendants were found guilty of harbouring an extremist religious view, thereby opposing any other religious teachings, and also trying to establish an Islamic state in the country that will be ruled by Sharia law,'' the court in Addis Ababa said.
Nineteen of the defendants, including a journalist working for a Muslim radio station, were handed jail terms of five and a half years under the east African country's controversial anti-terrorism law.
One defendant, also a journalist, was only given 4 years and 5 months because of his poor health.
Defence lawyer Mustafa Safi described the verdict as "unfair'' and said his clients had suffered "bad treatment'' in prison, where they were not allowed to pray and vowed to appeal against the sentence.
In September, Ethiopia pardoned five members of a Muslim group which had been set up to counter alleged government interference in Muslim religious life, but was later busted by security forces on terrorism-related charges.
Muslims have complained about discrimination in predominantly Orthodox Christian Ethiopia, where they make up at least 33 per cent of the 100 million population.
The Ethiopian government is also often accused of stifling dissent.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, has approved the redeployment of eight Assistant Comptrollers-General and 238 Deputy Comptrollers to strengthen the service's operations in 2017.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Attah, announced this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Attah, who said the redeployment was with immediate effect, added that the changes were aimed at strengthening the service's operations and re-positioning it to meet the challenges of 2017.
"Assistant Comptrollers-General (ACG) affected are, Charles Edike from Zone A to Human Resource Development (HRD), Ahmed Mohammed from HRD to Zone B and Aminu Dangaladima from Zone B to Enforcement.
"Francis Dosunmu from Enforcement to Zone D, Augustine Chidi from Zone D to Excise, Free Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives (Ex,FTZ, & I I), Monday Abueh from Ex, FTZ, & I I to Zone A.
"Umar Sanusi from HQ to Zone C, and Abdulkadir Azerema from Zone C to Headquarters,'' he said.
Attah said that the Deputy Comptrollers affected were the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mr Wale Adeniyi who was posted to Apapa Customs Area Command, Lagos.
He said that all the affected officers were to report to their new zones and commands.
The statement also reiterated the Federal Government's ban on the importation of rice and vehicles through the land borders.
Attah said Ali had advised all officers and men of the service to ensure maximum collection of revenue and strict implementation of government's fiscal policies. (NAN)
The Naira on Tuesday stabilised at N490 to a dollar at the parallel market in spite of speculations that it would depreciate to N500 to a dollar by the end of 2016, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The Pound Sterling and the Euro also closed at N585 and N505 respectively.
At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the dollar exchanged at N399, CBN controlled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro traded at N598 and N510, respectively.
Trading at the interbank market saw the dollar closed at N305.
Traders at the market said that Forex scarcity was still having its toll on the market.
NAN reports that in spite of the one billion dollars backlog of Forex cleared by the CBN, the Naira has remained within N490 to a dollar.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) said that the figure was a far cry from the monthly Forex demand in the country.
"The $1b inflow is far less than what the economy consumes. The entire FX market is over 20 billion dollars monthly.
"The cleared backlog of the CBN are funds that came through the FMDQ OTC foreign investment that came into the economy over time and the CBN has no option than to redeem it, to close the increasing gap of investors' confidence,'' Gwadabe said. (NAN)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says the foremost legacy policy of the President Barack Obama's administration, the Affordable Care Act, neither works nor is it affordable.
Trump took to twitter on Tuesday to criticise the U.S. healthcare reform law that expands and improves access to care and curbs spending through regulations and taxes, had witnessed astronomical increase
"People must remember that ObamaCare just doesn't work, and it is not affordable – 116 per cent increases (Arizona). Bill Clinton called it "CRAZY"
"The Democrat Governor of Minnesota said "The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is no longer affordable!" – And, it is lousy healthcare," Trump tweeted.
ObamaCare is the unofficial name for The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a health reform law signed on March 23, 2010, by Obama.
The Affordable Care Act's main focus is on providing more Americans with access to affordable health insurance, improving the quality of health care and health insurance, regulating the health insurance industry, and reducing health care spending in the U.S.
Obama and Trump
The law contains hundreds of different provisions that address different aspects of "the healthcare crisis" in the U.S.
Obama has continued to defend his foremost legacy policy, saying it has brought on board no fewer than 20 million Americans who were previously denied health coverage.
Trump also criticised the House Republicans over controversial changes they were seeking to the Office of Congressional Ethics, at the opening of the new Congress.
"With all that Congress has to work on, do they really have to make the weakening of the Independent Ethics Watchdog, as unfair as it may be their number one act and priority.
"Focus on tax reform, healthcare and so many other things of far greater importance!" Trump criticised the move.
The ethics body was created in 2008 to investigate allegations of misconduct by lawmakers after several bribery and corruption scandals sent members to prison.
Under the change pushed by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, a Republican, the non-partisan office would fall under the oversight of the House Ethics Committee, which is run by lawmakers.
The Democrats had also decried the plan by the Republican House majority.
The incoming president, in his tweet, also slammed General Motors, threatening a "big border tax" on the automaker's cars made in Mexico.
"General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A. or pay big border tax!" Trump said.
In a statement released after Trump's tweet, GM said only a small number of its cars made in Mexico are sent to the U.S. market.
"General Motors manufacturers the Chevrolet Cruze sedan in Lordstown, Ohio. All Chevrolet Cruze sedans sold in the U.S. are built in GM's assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio.
"GM builds the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for global markets in Mexico, with a small number sold in the U.S.," a statement from the company read.
Swansea City have announced the appointment of Paul Clement as their head coach on a two-and-a-half year deal.
A statement on the club’s website read “Swansea City is delighted to announce Paul Clement as the club's new head coach.
“The 44-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year deal this afternoon after leaving his position as assistant manager at Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.
Paul Clement
“Clement will be at tonight's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, although first team coach Alan Curtis is set to take charge of team selection at Selhurst Park”.
Clement has been assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern, while he also managed Derby County in the 2015/16 season.
He will be in the stands for Tuesday night's Premier League contest at Crystal Palace, and will officially be in charge of the team for their FA Cup tie with Hull City on Saturday.
Clement takes over with the Swans side lying bottom of the Premier League table on 12 points from 19 matches and he is joined by coaching duo Nigel Gibbs and Karl Halabi from Tottenham Hotspur.
His first Premier League assignment as head coach will be to take charge of Swansea’s home match against Arsenal on 14 January.
Pope Francis has lamented that sexual abuses of minors by priests is a sin that has continued to shame Catholicism as a church and doctrine. He urged Bishops not to tolerate any priest who engages in any form of sexual abuse.
In a letter dated Dec. 28 but released on Monday, Francis said that priests who abused children should not be tolerated when they asked for forgiveness.
"I would like us to renew our complete commitment to ensuring that these atrocities will no longer take place in our midst."
"The Church recognizes the sins of some of her members: the sufferings, the experiences and the pain of minors who were abused sexually by priests.
"It is a sin that shames us.
Pope Francis
"I would like us to renew our complete commitment to ensuring that these atrocities will no longer take place in our midst.
"Let us find the courage needed to take all necessary measures and to protect in every way the lives of our children, so that such crimes may never be repeated.
In this area, let us adhere, clearly and faithfully, to 'zero tolerance'," he said.
The Pope is reported to have met victims of sexual abuses in the Vatican and durin his trips to several countries.
He had always stood his ground and rooting out sexual abuse among priests but critics insist he had not done enough to ensure Bishops do not pardon such priests.
He however said: "We join in the pain of the victims and weep for this sin – the sin of what happened, the sin of failing to help, the sin of covering up and denial, the sin of the abuse of power."
In 2015, Francis ordered the trial and defrocking of a Polish archbishop accused of paying for sex with minors in the Dominican Republic, Reuters reports..
The year before, he set up a Vatican commission, including some victims, to advise local Churches on how to prevent abuse.
But some members have complained about the slow pace of change in the Vatican.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that poor visibility will prevail over the country in the next 24 hours due to thick dust in the atmosphere.
NiMet gave the warning in its Weather Alert by its Central Forecast Office (CFO) on Tuesday in Abuja.
It said a fresh dust had been observed over western Chad and south eastern Niger republic as at 1100 LT, which would further deteriorate the already poor horizontal visibility across the country.
NiMet added that most parts of Northern cities were likely to experience a further reduction in horizontal visibility to less than 1000m in about five hours from time of issuance of the forecast.
It said that Katsina, Maiduguri, Kano, Damaturu, Nguru and Gombe would mostly be affected by the poor visibility.
According to NiMet, a further reduction in visibility is expected over parts of the central cities of Abuja, Minna, Bida, Lafia, Jos, Makurdi, in moderate dust haze conditions.
"A visibility range between two to five kilometres while Lokoja is anticipated to have visibility less than or equal to 1000m in the next 12 hours from the time of issuance.
"Southern cities including Owerri, Enugu, Asaba, Ibadan, Lagos, Akure, Owerri and Port Harcourt are also expected to still be under the influence of moderate dust haze in the next 24hrs.
"Thick dust visibility less than 1000m is observed over Maiduguri, Kano, Potiskum and Yelwa,'' NiMet stated.
France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won through to the second round of the Qatar Open on Tuesday, but only after seeing off a determined fightback from Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov.
The world number 12 won 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 to set up a last 16, second round encounter with Germany’s Dustin Brown.
Tsonga, who was playing his first match in Doha since taking the Qatar Open title in 2012, breezed through the opening set in just 23 minutes and looked on course for an easy victory.
France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returns the ball to Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia on the fourth day of the ATP Qatar Open tennis competition in Doha on January 3, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
But Kuznetsov, ranked 46 in the world, struck back in the second set, breaking Tsonga’s serve in the tenth game to take the match into a deciding set, a seemingly unlikely scenario just 30 minutes earlier.
Tsonga though, who hit 28 winners, rallied in the final set and two breaks of the Russian’s serve meant any chances of an upset were dashed.
Afterwards, the 31-year-old said his aim was to break back into the elite of the men’s game.
“It’s important for me to be in the top ten and be seeded for tournaments,” said Tsonga.
World number one Andy Murray, looking to extend his 24-match winning streak, plays his opening round match against France’s Jeremy Chardy later on Tuesday.
Oil prices hit 18-month high on Tuesday, the first trading day of 2017, buoyed by hopes that a deal between OPEC and non-OPEC members to cut production, which kicked in on Sunday, will drain a global supply glut.
Benchmark Brent sweet crude LCOc1 jumped more than two per cent to a high of 58.37 dollars, up 1.55 dollars a barrel and its highest since July 2015.
U.S. light crude oil CLc1 hit an 18-month high of 55.24 dollars up 1.52 dollars a barrel, also its highest since July 2015.
Oil
Oil futures markets were closed on Monday for New Year public holidays.
Jan. 1 marked the official start of a deal agreed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other exporters such as Russia to reduce output by almost 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd).
"First signals suggest the OPEC and non-OPEC production cuts are raising hopes that the global oil oversupply will diminish," said Hans van Cleef, senior energy economist at ABN AMRO Bank N.V. in Amsterdam, Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, agreed:
"Markets will be looking for anecdotal evidence for production cuts," he said.
Libya, one of two OPEC countries exempt from the output cuts, has increased its production to 685,000 bpd, from around 600,000 bpd in December, an official at the National Oil Corporation said on Sunday.
Elsewhere, non-OPEC Middle Eastern oil producer Oman told customers last week that it would cut its crude oil term allocation volumes by 5 per cent in March.
Non-OPEC Russia's oil production in December remained unchanged at 11.21 million bpd, near a 30-year high, but it was preparing to cut output by 300,000 bpd in the first half of 2017 in its contribution to the accord.
By Chidi Nkwopara, OWERRI. The palpable suffering facing Nigerian citizens has been linked with “the unpreparedness of President Muhammadu Buhari for proper governance of the country”.
The National Chairman of United Progressives Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie, made his feelings known Tuesday, when he paid a courtesy call on the protagonist and leader of Biafra Independence Movement, BIM, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, in Owerri.
“It is a very sad commentary that Nigerians are passing through very harsh times and this is principally midwifed by the fact that President Buhari did not prepare for governance before stepping into office”, Chief Okorie said.Chief Okorie
According to the UPP National Chairman, “from what we have seen so far, it appears that President Buhari’s primary motive was simply to win the presidential election”.
While saying that it took the President several months before he rolled out the ministerial list, Chief Okorie equally lamented that so many government parastatals and agencies cannot operate optimally today because they do not have boards to oversee their affairs.
“Another good example of the President’s bad approach to governance is the issue of the Niger Delta upheaval. He didn’t manage it well. He came on board with the jackboot mentality over the matter and of course, he failed”, Okorie said.
The Abia State born politician appealed to the Federal Government to “reflate the nation’s economy, so as to ameliorate the present ugly economic situation in the country”.
While giving his full support for the current calls for restructuring of Nigeria, the UPP National Chairman reasoned that “the present structure of Nigeria is not made to encourage enterprise”.
“UPP will bring the recommendations of the recent National Conference to the front burner. Already, we have set up a committee to look at the document. UPP will make it an issue during the 2019 election campaign”, Okorie said.
Answering a question on the plight of Imo pensioners, the UPP boss said: “Governor Rochas Okorocha is a very big embarrassment to Ndigbo. He has messed up Imo State.
He is worried about the deafening lamentation of the citizenry and it does not appear that he wants to change his obnoxious style”.
Continuing, Chief Okorie said “the way Chief Okorocha has been treating pensioners, to say the least, is most shocking. To Imo people, 2019 appears to be eternity. The worst thing that can happen is for any right thinking Imo citizen to vote for All Progressives Congress, APC, or any stooge Okorocha brings up”, Okorie said.
Welcoming his visitors earlier, Chief Uwazuruike said that Ndigbo need forward looking people to manage their affairs and not self seeking individuals that reverse and destroy Igbo fortune.
“Ojukwu remains our symbol of unity. The ability to sincerely work for Ndigbo is completely different from working for self aggrandisement. I am not vying for any political office. I prefer staying at the background and call the shots”, Uwazuruike said.
Interior minister Abdulrahman Dambazau has warned opinion and religious leaders against reading religious connotation to the crisis in Southern Kaduna.
The retired army general said on Tuesday in Abuja that the crisis is between herdsmen and farmers.
A statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Ehisienmen Osaigbovo, said minister called on Nigerians to refrain from making comments capable of heightening the crises.
Dambazau noted that some people were always looking for ways to further create division along religious or ethnic lines for their selfish interest.
They aim at creating instability in the country, he said.
He said that true religious leaders should not fan the embers of hate, but ensure that communities live in peace and harmony.
He called on the people to join hands with government to end the perennial problem and forge the economic development of the country.
"Economic growth and development will remain a mirage for Nigeria, with over 500 ethnic groups and multiple religions, unless we resolve to live amicably as a people with common destiny," he said.
He said that criminals who perpetrate violence against innocent, law-abiding citizens did not discriminate along religious and ethnic lines.
He cited examples of how Communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Taraba, Enugu, Lagos and Niger were victimised by those violent criminals.
"A criminal should be treated as such, whether he is involved in armed robbery, drug trafficking, homicides or cattle rustling.
"People should avoid honouring criminals with religious or ethnic attachment," he added. He advised opinion and religious leaders to focus on the real enemies of our society, who illegally acquire weapons to terrorise Christians and Muslims communities alike.
Dambazau said he had directed the Nigerian Police to ensure the sustenance of law and order, and to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in criminal activities in the area and across the country.
He assured Nigerians of government's commitment to tackling the root causes of similar crisis in all parts of the country.
Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, has condemned the unabated killings in southern Kaduna, warning that innocent shedding of blood could further worsen the nation's economic stability.
Mimiko, who spoke at a prayer meeting on the first day of work in Akure, attributed the success of his administration in the last eight years to the unflinching support of workers.
Mimiko
He said the handing over of the Boko Haram flag to President Muhammadu Buhari was a milestone in the war against insurgency and prayed for an end to the crisis in the New Year.
"We cannot be praying for economic progress if we continue to shed the blood of innocent people. We should thank God for the handing-over of the Boko Haram flag to the President," Mimiko said.
He said that the prevailing peace in the state remained the greatest achievement of his administration.
Mimiko noted that he and his predecessors had laid a solid foundation and done necessary ground work for the incoming administration for the smooth take-off of bitumen exploitation.
The Football Association (FA) on Tuesday asked Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna to explain the "10 against 12'' Instagram post he made after his side's 2-1 win over Burnley.
City were reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute when referee Lee Mason sent off midfielder Fernandinho in their Premier League clash of Monday.
Sagna
Sagna has deleted the post in question, but the FA has contacted the full-back to ask for his observations.
The Frenchman has until 17:00 GMT on Friday to respond.
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