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 Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, has directed contractors who abandoned projects in oil bearing communities of Imo State to return to site with immediate effect
Osibanjo gave the directive on Tuesday in Owerri during a stakeholders' forum held at Imo International Convention Centre.
He said that from the list submitted to him by various groups, Imo had over 40 abandoned projects awarded in oil bearing areas apart from numerous roads projects that were abandoned. He warned political office holders not to divert projects meant for oil bearing communities.
Ag Pres Osinbajo
He added that diversion of projects contributed to restiveness and cry of marginalisation in oil producing communities.
He said that the federal government was committed to injecting fresh ideas to fastrack the development of the Niger Delta region.
According to him, the idea will entail the federal government, oil firms, corporate bodies and the host communities coming together to step up development of the area. In his remarks, the Minister of State Petroleum Dr Ibe Kachikwu, assured that his ministry would investigate reports of allocation of oil wells owned by Imo to other states.
Gov. Rochas Okorocha, who thanked the acting president for the visit, said a lot was still needed to be done for Imo people to carry them along in the scheme of things.
He appealed to the federal government to site more projects in Imo and include the state in projects meant for oil producing states.
Chief Jones Uzoka, an indigene of oil bearing communities of Imo, who spoke at the meeting, alleged that some oil wells that belong to the state were allocated to other state, while some were shut down for no reason.
He said that as a result of the development the state does not get its right share as oil bearing state and called for redress of the injustice.
TALENTED singer, Simi, has joined the likes of Genevieve Nnaji among others as the brand ambassador for one of the country's leading telecommunication companies, Etisalat Nigeria. She signed a multi-million naira ambassadorial deal with the brand, weekend.
In a chat with E-daily, shortly after signing the deal, the excited Simi said, "I feel very elated, I feel very happy. To me, this deal is one f the major milestones in my life. As a singer, it's one of the things you dream about when you ventured into showbiz.
Simi
So, this is a big deal for me and I am very excited. This deal is going to give me a bigger platform than I had before now and the limelight is now bigger. It will help me to promote my music. I know that when you set out to do something you should try and aim higher.
"When I look back from where I started to where I am now, I am always very grateful to God. I believe that when you continue to do what you are doing and improve on your craft, the sky would be your limit. I wouldn't say that I am surprised on the success I have recorded so far because that is why we are here. Extreme Music has been very important to my career because they allow me have creative discretion.
They do not dictate for me the kind of music I should do. And that is very important in this industry we are. I am not sure I will be leaving Etisalat" she said.
TUESDAY, February 14, was St Valentine's Day, and some celebrities took to social media to share personal messages about their loved ones on the most romantic day of the year.
Pop singer, 2face and his wife, Annie set the tone for the celebration. Annie wrote, "This right here=ØFÜ is love! Happy Valentine's Day to the best of the best. The most cutest, most adorable and most inspiring of them. My super couple of life. @annieidibia1. And 2face replied her, "@official2baba you are one of the reasons I am holding onto love and believing that just at the right time it will find me!!! I celebrate you today as always, keep waxing strong in love and in blissfulness. I adore you super."
Actress Chika Ike expressed, "Happy St.Valentine's Day d'þd'þ…Look at what I got for Valentine!!d'þ=Ø'Þ.A lovely fan dropped it off at my office early this morning with a note. For Angela Okorie, "I'm going to walk like this today =ØFÜ… It's just a day like other =ØÞ #morning #happyvalentinesday."
Actress Mercy Johnson Okojie simply offered, "Happy Vals Day Everyone. Love yourself enough and value the smallest things."
Tony Umez said, "Happy Valentine to my lover, my mistress, my friend and confidant, my love, my Queen, my Diamond, my partner, my helpmate, my ALL, my wife, Ogo Patsy. You are my forever Val. Just as veteran actress Joke Silva wrote, "Happy Valentine's Day to my one and only."
Tonto Dikeh said, "Today is Valentine, Happy me to you. Make the best of today. Take a lil time to pray for your loved ones as I pray for al mine this very moment..God bless you and happy Valentine lovers."
Empress Njamah prayed for her fans, "May this Valentine's Day be filled with love, understanding, and contentment as you journey through life with those you hold dear, love yesterday, today and always. Happy Valentine's Day friends."
Enugu – Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Tuesday at the State Executive Council Chambers signed the 2017 budget of N105. 72 billion into law, Ugwuanyi after the signing said that he was committed to the implementation of the document in order to realise the objectives of the document to the benefit of the people.Ugwuanyi
He commended members of the state assembly for the speedy passage of the budget and the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.
"I wish to express appreciation to the good people of the state for the opportunity to serve and reassure that our promise to deliver good governance and selfless service remain non-negotiable.
"I wish to assure you of our commitments to fully implement this budget so that we can realise the objectives we have set out to achieve for the rapid development of the state," Ugwuanyi said.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi, said that there was no alteration to the budget as it was the size presented by the governor on December 23.
Ubosi, however, said that the lawmakers juggled some of the entries where they found necessary to make the document more responsive to the yearnings of the state. He said that some ministries and government had unnecessary allocations to themselves but such were moved to other more pressing areas.
"In the course of looking at the budget we made some adjustments in areas we deemed necessary," he said. The speaker said in one of those instances the ministry of works was allocated two Hilux Vans, adding that while one of such vans was for five million Naira, the other was for N10 million.
He said that the lawmakers knocked off one of the vans and allocated the funds to the purchase of tow van.
He said that the office of the secretary to the state government had allocated some money to rent a house "but we found it unnecessary and put the fund to other ministry, Ubochi appealed to the governor to ensure the full implementation of the budget, adding "the budget is a social contract between you and the people".
The budget is termed 'Budget of Economic Recovery and Inconclusive Development' is an improvement to the 2016 budget which stood at N85 billion.
Lagos – The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has taken over Odengene Air-Shuttle Services (OAS) Helicopters in Lagos following a court order.
AMCON had on Tuesday sealed the company at Maryland in Lagos, indicating that the company had been taken over by AMCON.
The order on the company's office reads: "POSSESSION TAKEN TODAY 14/2/17 BY AMCON COURT ORDER ON SUIT NO. FHC/4CS/1139/2016
NAN may not authoritatively confirm if the company is indebted to some banks that could have warrant such take over.
However, the company was among the airlines that received the Federal Government intervention fund during the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan.
A source at the premises told NAN that the notice by AMCON said it all that the company had been taken over following a court order.
OAS is one of the leading helicopter chatter service companies in the country.
It will be recalled that AMCON had on Thursday Feb.9, took over the management of Arik Air.
AMCON said that the development would save Arik Airlines currently immersed in heavy financial debt burden that was threatening to permanently ground the airline.
For some time now, the airline, which carries about 55 per cent of the load in the country, has been going through difficult times.
These are attributable to its bad corporate governance, erratic operational challenges, inability to pay staff salaries and heavy debt burden among other issues.
AMCON had earlier taken over the management of Aero Contractors in 2016.
The airline is currently not doing well after the take-over. (NAN)
In more than three turbulent weeks at the White House, President Donald Trump has moved quickly to take a string of controversial initiatives.
However, he has suffered some stinging setbacks, from a court block of his bar on entry of people from seven Muslim-majority countries to the resignation of his national security adviser.
A snapshot:US President Donald Trump
– Travel ban shot down –
On January 27 Trump issued a decree summarily denying entry to all refugees for 120 days, and travelers from Muslim-majority Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.
The measures triggered chaos at US airports and worldwide condemnation.
However, the decree was stayed by a court on February 3, a decision upheld on February 9 by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
– Mexican wall –
Trump, who during his presidential campaign charged that some Mexican immigrants were “criminals” and “rapists,” signed an executive order on January 25 to set in motion the building of a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico border.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto cancelled a January 31 trip to Washington over Trump’s insistence that Mexico pay for what he called his “big, beautiful” wall.
– Russia: Flynn falls –
In a first stunning departure from the president’s inner circle, National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned on February 13 amid controversy over his contacts with the Russian government.
The White House said Trump had accepted Flynn’s resignation amid allegations the retired three star general did not tell the truth about conversations he had about US sanctions against Russia with its ambassador to Washington before Trump took office.
The White House said on February 14 that it was informed in late January by the Justice Department of Flynn’s inaccurate account of his conversations. Still, Flynn was allowed to keep his job for weeks.
The sanctions in this case were imposed against Russia for allegedly trying to sway the 2016 presidential election in Trump’s favor by hacking emails of top officials of his rival Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
– New Iran tensions –
Trump has toughened the rhetoric against Iran considerably since coming to office and on February 3 introduced sanctions after an Iranian missile test.
Relations between Tehran and Washington had improved during the previous Barack Obama administration amid the historic accord on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned on February 10 that those using “threatening language” against Tehran would regret it.
– China u-turn –
On February 9 Trump pledged in a telephone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to honor a decades-old position that effectively acknowledges Taiwan is not separate from China.
He had angered Beijing by suggesting a few weeks ago that he might jettison the “One China” policy, a major plank of Sino-US relations for decades.
– Obamacare targeted –
The day he took office, on January 20, Trump signed an executive order that sets the stage for limiting the Obamacare health law, Obama’s signature domestic achievement, which Trump and the Republican majority in Congress have vowed to repeal.
In the Republicans’ view Obamacare — which aimed to ensure healthcare for the millions of Americans who are not covered — marked a costly drift toward socialized, European-style medical care.
– Abortion hindered –
Abortion also has come under the axe. Trump signed on January 23 a decree barring US federal funding for foreign NGOs that support the practice.
In addition, he nominated to the Supreme Court conservative judge Neil Gorsuch, whom pro-choice groups fear might come out against abortion. Gorsuch’s record on the issue so far is thin.
– Conflict of interest –
Amid growing concern in Washington over the president’s potential conflict of interest, Trump’s sons are to inaugurate a branded golf course in Dubai on February 18, the first public launch for the business empire since Trump took office.
Since his November 8 victory, Trump has said he will remove himself from running his business empire and transfer corporate control to his two adult sons.
But the president has resisted divesting despite calls by ethics organizations.
– Standoff with media –
Since Trump came to office relations between the media and the White House have been at what some see as an all-time low.
After some news organizations called out Trump for “lies” on a variety of topics, the president disparaged journalists on his first day in office as “among the most dishonest human beings on earth.”
The scenery is overwhelming, the warm breeze from the Atlantic Ocean romantically blows away your worries as you sit comfortably with your lover and the chalets/rooms are readily available for you to spend the night.
Whispering Palms Beach Resort is a perfect getaway for anyone from the elderly to the young at heart. Whispering Palms is a conference resort center occupying about 8 acres of land.
Location
Whispering Palms is one of the best resort in Badagry. It is located at Iworo Village, off Lagos Badagry Expressway, Aradagun. It is open to anyone who wants to visit and also you can book any room of your choice on Jumia Travel, the online travel agency. For you to gain access to the resort, you have to pay N2000 entry fee for two.
Whispering Palm
Things to do
Visit the heritage museum
Badagry is known all over the world as a slave-trade hub. So, it should not be a surprise that there is a museum at Whispering Palms. Some of the interesting items at the heritage museum include historical slave chains, boats, and pictures of important slave route and locations. Your visit is incomplete without visiting the museum.
Check out the mini zoo
The zoo is also worth checking out even though it is a mini zoo. Animals like donkeys, peacocks, parrots, ducks, Monkeys and Baboons are present for viewing.
Boat ride
If you are not scared of water, you should be able to enjoy a rollicking, pleasant and enthralling boat ride with your lover. You can either row the boat yourself or you take the speed boat. Don't worry there are lifeguards around in the case of any misadventure.
Sporting activities
For tourists, who are interested in sports, there are sports facilities available at Whispering Palms. You can play tennis, swimming pool, Volleyball, and Football. You can also hit the gym if you want to exercise and keep fit.
Stay, wine and dine
You can enjoy tasty local and continental delicacies at the resort. In addition to this, the banquet hall is available for parties and corporate events.
Bayern Munich’s Mats Hummels said keeping a clean sheet in Wednesday’s first leg would be the key to extending Arsenal’s last 16 Champions League misery.
Arsenal have lost in the last 16 in each of the last six seasons and exited at the hands of Bayern at this stage of the competition in 2005, 2013 and 2014.
Unlike the 2013 and 2014 defeats, this time around Arsenal have the advantage of playing the first leg away with the return at the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium on March 7.
Centre-back Hummels says Bayern’s priority is to make sure Arsenal do not leave Munich with a valuable away goal.
“It’s certainly an important factor to keep them to zero in a knock-out game. It’s our goal,” said Hummels.
The two clubs know each other well having already met 10 times in the Champions League, with Bayern winning five of the encounters to Arsenal’s three, with two draws.
In 2013, the Germans squeezed past the Gunners on away goals in the last 16 — 3-3 on aggregate — after Bayern’s 3-1 win in London was cancelled out by Arsenal’s 2-0 victory in Munich.
The Bavarians went on to win the title and become the first club to win the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer dismissed the idea that meeting Arsenal again in the last 16 is a good omen for the 2017 title.
“That’s all speculation, but basically it is easier to play a team you already know,” said Neuer.
“Perhaps it’s a good omen, but I don’t believe in it.”
Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti says midfielder Xabi Alonso is fit and trained on Tuesday despite picking up a knock to his knee in Monday’s session.
The Italian denied Arsenal’s last 16 hoodoo would affect the Londoners in this tie.
“I don’t know why they have lost, it won’t be a psychological barrier, and besides, if there is one, they will want to move forward from it with this game,” said Ancelotti.
“We have to be able to make life uncomfortable for them on the pitch.”
Ancelotti won the Champions League in 2003 and 2007 with AC Milan, then repeated the feat in 2014 with Real Madrid.
Looking towards another potential final appearance in Cardiff on June 3 he identified “courage, personality, experience and luck” as the vital ingredients his team would need to show.
“Of all of these, courage is the most important — to play better than others in this competition,” he added.
A startup is like an egg, you have to manage and groom it consciously and carefully to ensure that it doesn't fall. If it falls, you may be unable to pick up the pieces.
At this stage, it is very fragile and requires 100% attention from the entrepreneur. Nevertheless, if you survive this difficult phase and become stable, it is not yet uhuru. It doesn't mean your business is no longer a startup. This is one mistake many entrepreneurs make.
They erroneously conclude that they have passed the startup stage and are ready to be tagged a blue chip company. Meanwhile, some entrepreneurs prefer the tag startup because it gives access to funding. Whichever divide you belong, no one will question your decision.
However, before you make such a choice whether you are still a startup or not, Jumia Travel, the online travel agency, shares 5 signs to look out for to aid your decision.
You survive the risk stage
Every potential entrepreneur knows that starting a business is a risk. When you enmeshed all your efforts in running your business and it can't still survive, it is advisable your stay as a startup. Risk factors like borrowing money from the bank, able to provide stable electricity, pay your taxes among other risks. If you struggle to do this at the startup stage, you should just remain a startup and vice versa.
You have more than 30 employees
Employees are the heartbeat of any business. If your workforce doubles or triples after several years of coming on board, it means you are gradually exiting or exited the startup stage. But to be sure, you should have at least 30 employees on your payroll.
You can pay your employees and yourself
Paying your workers as at when due is an important metric to decide if you are no longer a startup. If you can conveniently pay your employees including yourself, you are slowly leaving the startup stage.
Your brand can survive without you
At the startup stage, you have to go after clients to market your business. In addition, your business can run itself with little or no input from you. So, if your brand can sell itself and attract attention and turnover, you are no longer a startup. It may be time to expand but make it gradual.
You are acquiring other startups
If you are able to acquire another startup and run it successfully, it is an obvious sign that you are not a startup. But, it is important to do a thorough audit of the startup before buying it over so that it won't negatively affect your own business.
A British tourist was embarrassed after police raided a strip bar where he was caught upstairs in bed with a young dancer.
The 62-year-old from London, who has been kept anonymous, was found having sex in a private room with the stripper from the Windmill Club A-Go-Go in Pattaya, Thailand.
The Mail online reports that the raid was part of a Valentine's Day crackdown by police patrolling the notorious red light district as the Thai government attempts to clean up the country's reputation.
police officers interrogating the prostitute
Officers had banged on the door before storming in as the grey-haired man jumped off the girl and wrapped a towel around himself. Police Sheriff Naris Niramaiwon said the holidaymaker and the girl had been released while the bar's owner was arrested on suspicion of supplying prostitutes in the workplace without permission.
Sheriff Wong said: 'The project is to create peace of mind for travellers visiting the area for nightlife.
"The venue did not have the correct license and the owner will be prosecuted. The tourist from the UK has been warned about this."
Crime-ridden Pattaya is home to thousands of brothels, massage parlours and strip bars.
The Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku-Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II has urged Nigerians to pray for the good health and safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Addressing a gathering on Tuesday in Umegbe community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo, the Benin monarch also directed traditional rulers to pray for the President.
In attendance at the meeting were — Igie – Ohen, (priests and priestesses), Oba N' Amen, Enigies Odionwere -Evbo and all other traditional rulers in the state.
Buhari, who travelled on Feb. 6 to the United Kingdom on vacation, was also scheduled to see his physician during the 10 day trip.
Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and President Muhammadu Buhari and during the President’s courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin as part of his 2-day official visit to Edo State.
However, since the President's trip, the country has been regaled with reports, particularly on the social media that he is very ill, but which his media aides and other government officials have denied.
Oba Ewuare II said the President had good intentions to change the current economic woes of the country for the benefit of all.
He said that Buhari needed the prayers of all traditional institutions to govern the country in good health.
The monarch also said that celebrations in Benin would henceforth be expanded to accommodate other cultures and traditions of people of the entire state.
He advised youths in the state to desist from land speculations and other social vices, adding that they should channel their youthful efforts to agriculture.
Earlier, Chief Anthony Osagie, the Enogie of Umegbe, said that the monarch's elimination of Community Development Associations and land transactions in the kingdom had restored the dignity of the Benin kingdom.
Osagie and other traditional rulers at the gathering pledged their unalloyed loyalty to Oba Ewuare II and urged him to use his position to attract development and basic amenities to the state.
FROM November 12th 2016 when Governor Obaseki formally assumed office, there has been an unprecedented infusion of transforming energetic visions and systemic policy re-alignment in the affairs of Edo state. Irrespective of the partisan inclination of ardent political analysts, it is incontrovertible that the governor is focused on constructing a formidable architecture for socio-economic revolution. The mere notion of a vibrantly healthy and economically competitive Edo State in the heart of Nigeria- an idea which would have been clinically declared hallucinatory before now is now forming into a solid reality under Governor Obaseki.
With characteristic gentleness and diligent focus, the governor has introduced a new brand of sensible activism into developmental economics and democratic statecraft. Edo populace is witnessing a political paradigm where the governor constantly and courageously articulates and synchronizes visions with missions, and he declares objectives and expected outcome with approximate precise metrics for assessments of accomplishments. Without equivocation, the governor has showed unparalleled fidelity to his major electoral pledges while keeping faith with his constituencies in other developing crucial fronts. Beginning with his conscientious work culture in Osadebey House to his breathless working visits to the various local government areas and foreign journeys, the governor is dutifully engaged in transmitting a set of quintessential message of the dawn of a new era of: job creation, agriculture and agri-business, industrial revolution and security for Edo State.
No matter the angle of critical examination of his major actions since assuming office, there is a centrality of economic fusion for sustainable growth and development in these efforts. An encapsulated memo of these initiatives will include the governor's assessment visit to the once vocational skills- incubation centre of Benin Technical College, the hosting of series of forums and workshops on agriculture and agri-businesses, his leadership role in framing the philosophical foundation of the 2017 budget, the launch of the technical committee for the development of Gelegele Seaport as well as the meetings and exchanges on technical and fiscal cooperation with the Chinese and Japanese among other potential global partners. Each and every part of the administration's endeavour qualitatively improves the economic synthesis as envisaged by the governor- all the consequential factors for a buoyant economic equation are being perfectly aligned. There's indeed a philosophical coherence and progressive consistency to the utterances and actions of the governor. It could be said that within a short span of time in office, Obaseki has thoughtfully and boldly commenced the establishment of new foundations for the emergence of a vibrant economic power house.
To read some of the detailed economic thoughts and action plan of the governor is to relish in the inspirational profile of a new crop of Nigeria's global pragmatic leadership. For instance, on the matter of revitalizing Benin Technical College, Obaseki aims at elevating the school to the height of producing internationally certified Edo citizens as part of the much-valued mid-level skilled employees at home and in West African nations. Thus, Edo State will become a cherished location in the world market of scarce vocational skills. Equally remarkable is the span of the Governor Obaseki's decision to create agricultural hubs around some selected crops in which the state has comparative advantage, his program of increasing the value chain for the selected crops and government-assisted rapid process of land acquisition for farming and linkage of farmers with relevant industrialists, are equally profound. This initiative could significantly and beneficially alter and modernize the structure of agriculture in the state, cause a boost in employment in the sector while stimulating foreign investments for farming and agri-businesses. For Obaseki, the issue of economic diversification is far beyond mere slogans rather the governor considers urgent alternatives to the current precarious oil-dependent structure as a fiscal and historical imperative for the survival of the Nigerian polity. Without a doubt, Obaseki's commitment to a well-planned and efficiently-executed Green Revolution and flourish of agri-business is unrivalled in contemporary history.
In general, the velocity of the governor's economic activities and the horizon on which he's focused are by no means surprising taking into consideration his professional background in the world of finance. Beginning with his declarations at his swearing-in- ceremony to the thoughtfully established philosophical pillars of the 2017 budget in tandem with series of other on-going initiatives, the state is undoubtedly en route to a leap forward in various spheres of development. The budget which was appropriately titled '' The Road to Prosperity" offered a clear projection of six key areas of broad policy objectives accompanied with calibrated milestones of quick wins, as well as medium and long term goals. The six pillars which span Economic, Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Institutional, Environmental revolutions and New Township Development are inextricably foundational for an evolving economic giant. Within and beyond the altitude of these aspirations, the governor has vowed that the state will attain new heights of more respectable locations among Nigerian states and in further geographical arena- to paraphrase Obaseki from his recent statements: the dawn of Edo's economic revolution is now, the only limitations to the zenith of Edo's aspirations is the obstacles that the people create for themselves. There is an endearing earnestness and patent honesty in Obaseki's devotion to public service. It is therefore noteworthy that the confident strides of the governor on the terrain of history are steadily being consolidated.
Unfortunately, the specie of bold and imaginative vision being cultivated by Obaseki may appear illusory and unattainable to those who raided the collective patrimony of the state during the wilderness years of 1999-2007.
But for the larger Edo citizenry, there is credible enthusiasm for the actualisation of the governor's agenda in a way to securely advance Edo's journey on the road of accelerated progress. The voters opted for the pledge of 200,000 jobs, for an unprecedented era of industrial and agricultural revolution and a season of increased productivity and wealth for the shared prosperity of all Edo State community.
The soundness of the administration's economic policies is indisputably emblazoned with the imprimatur of a committed public servant, the foresightedness of a global finance technocrat and the precision of a scientific economic planner. Governor Obaseki is indeed exhibiting some of the very endearing qualities for which the mass majority of the Edo electorate polled in his favour. The new economic map of Edo State is being steadily unveiled and the momentum towards epochal horizons of accomplishments for the people is now unstoppable, the incubation of Edo's economic renaissance by Governor Obaseki could become a storied aspect of the first half of the 21st Century.
Mr. Oteghe Adams, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.
BENIN CITY-THE Edo Unity League has described the freezing of Chief Mike Ozekhome's Chamber's account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a glaring case of vendetta because of the number of cases the Senior Advocate of Nigeria is handling for the governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose.
In a letter addressed to the Acting President of Nigeria, Prof.Yemi Osinbanjo, signed by National Secretary of the group. Arch.Johnbull Edoimioya, it appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the EFCC is not used as a vendetta tool for perceived opposition, which according to it is capable of destroying the ongoing war against corruption which most Nigerians are happy about.
EFCC operatives
According to the letter, the "said sum of N75 million was legitimately and legally transferred to Mike Ozekhome's Chambers account from the same account from which Governor Fayose also withdrew N5 million on the same date, after the account had been defrozen and made operational by an order of the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti, presided over by Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo.
"In appreciation of the volatile mood of the nation, we have resolved to restrain our members and other concerned Niger Deltans from street protests or processions, which could inflame the already tensed religious, ethnic and political divides in our country. We hope our resort to peaceful expression of our angst through this open letter will not be interpreted as a tacit approval of the apparent vindictiveness of our esteemed son and brother;
"Who has defeated the EFCC over five times in court as Attorney on behalf of his clients, in the last one year, with the latest case being in January, wherein the agency was indicted and ordered to pay the sum of N6 million only, as damages for its illegal arrest and detention of one Barrister Sylvanus Okpetu. He has also fought against other tendencies deemed antithetical to law and order.
"Your Excellency sir, we fear that if the EFCC loses its focus and the confidence of generality of Nigerians, as it is sure headed, it will be fatal to our collective aspiration for a corrupt free society. We urge you to urgently call the agency to order as the patience of Nigerians over its seeming ‘Lord and Master unto thyself’ status is getting unbearable. Our humble prayer is that you prevail on the leadership of EFCC to immediately defreeze Mike Ozekhome's Chambers' attached and frozen account" it stated.
Lagos State Government has allayed fears of job lost in the state's transport sector as it moves to stop operations of yellow commercial buses popularly known as `danfo' in order to ensure a more efficient transport system.
In a session with journalists, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde assured that there will be no job lost by the time the state phases out usage of yellow commercial buses, popularly known as 'danfo'.
Ayorinde who explained that the government has had series of meetings with stakeholders concerned in the business of mass transportation said the idea to phase out 'danfos' in Lagos is essential for the common good of all Lagosians.
"We are not taking the yellow buses out of the whole of Lagos. In the first instance, they will still be able to work in communities, local government roads, but not on the highways, major roads within the metropolis of Lagos."
Ayorinde added that the "yellow buses will be allowed to move into the hinterland but stated that there will be sufficient and more environmentally friendly buses that will be provided by the state before that is done."
He said, "The buses that will be brought with air conditions, provisions for physically challenged people will not be powered by angels, solar or driverless technologies. Drivers will work there, bus assistant will work there, so what it means is that we won't just be able to employ erstwhile drivers of yellow buses but we will also be able to employ bus assistant that read tickets, sign and issue tickets and operate computers. Who says they can't even be graduates? So far they are adequately remunerated.
"That is the vision that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has for Lags state, So it is not about taking jobs away from anybody it is about making lives better for those who are in the sector.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Chapter, on Tuesday advised its members not to panic over the proposed ban on operations of yellow commercial buses.
The state Chairman of the union, Mr Tajudeen Agbede, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Recall that Ambode had on Feb. 6 announced a plan to stop operations of yellow commercial buses popularly known as `danfo' for a more efficient, well-structured and world-class mass transport system.
Ambode said that the well-structured transport system would ease movement within the state and make Lagos cleaner without burdening the people in terms of taxes.
Agbede said that the union was discussing the proposed ban with the government, adding that the union was ready to cooperate with the state government on its mega city project.
"We are still discussing with the government on the proposed ban on yellow buses, but we believe it is going to yield a positive result.
"The union is ready to comply with the conditions of making the state a mega city.
"We are ready to change the colour of our buses and also comply with the directive to follow the service lanes," Agbede said.
…says PDP’ll form National Govt in 2019 By Festus Ahon
ASABA – FACTIONAL National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, Tuesday said he never bargained to lead the party, reiterating that he was begged to served based on his pedigree.Alimodu-Sheriff
Speaking during a South South town hall meeting of the party held at Agbor, said he agreed to serve after much persuasion by some PDP Governors, Senators and other leaders of the party.
Saying that he was out to reposition the PDP, Sheriff said he was out to return the party grassroots, which he described as the original owners. He held that the era of impunity was over.
He said the Port Harcourt National convention was put off due to court order, adding that caretaker committee which was set up after the convention was aborted, was allien to the constitution of the party.
Sherriff who addressed a mammoth crowd of the party delegates at the town hall meeting, said he has the mandate of the people to lead the party. He said he was not the kind of person that could be pushed around by those who think they own the party.
Expressing hope that the PDP would form national government in 2019, he held that the people would be made to pick those that would fly the party's flag at general elections.
Sheriff decried that the PDP had 29 Governors at a time but now has 16 Governors due to impunity, insisting that he would preside over national convention of the party whenever it is held.
In his remarks, factional Delta state chairman of the party , Chief Austin Ogbaburhon said the hosting of the town hall meeting in the state would raise the hope of members of the party in the state.
Ogbaburhon pledged the loyalty of the party in the state, adding that they were resolute in their support for the leadership of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.
Mrs Marian Ali, wife of former national chairman of the party, Ahmadu Ali who also spoke at the meeting, said the gathering was the celebration of love , adding that Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff has displayed great love for the party.
Ali who is a member of the party’s Board of Trustee, BoT, held that nothing would make them go back on their support for Ali Modu Sheriff. Meanwhile, the meeting which was earlier scheduled to hold at a popular hotel in Asaba, was later moved to Agbor after some security agents sealed up the venue.
The meeting was attended by Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Deputy National chairman of the party and host, E.J. Agbonayima, member, House of Representatives from Edo; PDP guber candidate in last Edo election, Mr Mathew Uduoriyekemwen among others.
The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has called on the National Implementation Committee for the Curtailment of Cattle Rustling to track all the cattle coming in from the neighbouring countries.
Bello made the call while receiving members of the committee led by its chairman, AIG Charles Ugomuohm, who were on advocacy visit on Tuesday in Abuja.
FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa-Bello
The minister said that all such cattle could be tracked from the border thereby reducing friction often being generated by their activities in the hinterland. According to him, such tracking could also be useful for statistical purposes.
"It would be a good idea for your committee to set up a robust mechanism to track all those coming across the border even for statistical purposes.
"Majority of cattle rustling activities are being perpetuated by those coming from the neighbouring countries, hence the need for their actions to be nipped in the bud,'' he said.
He urged the implementation committee to take advantage of available technology to track them and ensure that the herders pay for such services.
"The committee needs to capture them by creating a data base with their names and identity because nobody can move in other countries without identity.
"The policy if well harnessed will go a long way to help reduce problems associated with cattle rustling in the country and make people to continue to live in peace and prosperity.
The committee should be working in concert with existing committees in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for greater understanding and better results,'' he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the committee, AIG Charles Ugomuoh, remarked that they were in FCT for advocacy visit as an enlightenment programme to curtail their menace.
Ogomuoh stated that cattle rustling in Nigeria have come with adverse economic and security implications with negative consequences on the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Newsmen gathered that the minister recently set up similar committee consisting of 22 members on cattle grazing and rustling in the Federal Capital Territory
FOREMOST Medical Products supplier, ISN Products Nigeria Limited, is to further the crusade of managing diabetic patients in Nigeria so they could lead a more fulfilling life.
The Executive Director (ED), Business Development, Mr. Felix Ofungwu, who gave the indication during a chat after the company’s maiden Customer Appreciation Forum in Lagos recently, noted that it has become imperative to do more to help the patients against the alarming global figure of 400 million diagnosed cases as at 2015 and the forecast of the number doubling in the next 25 years.
Asked how his organisation, the leading marketer of Roche’s range of Accu-Chek blood glucose metres in Nigeria, was doing to better the lot of the patients, he said ISN offers a self-care management programme for the diagnosed to help manage their condition against the background that no known cure had been found for the ailment. He quickly added that the affected persons could still lead a good measure of life if the condition is well managed.
Mr Felix Ofungwu, Executive Director, Business Development, ISN Products Ltd addressing participants during the ISN Products Ltd Customer Appreciation Forum 2017 held in Ikeja, Lagos
From left Mr Felix Ofungwu, Executive Director, Business Dvelopment, ISN Products Ltd; Mr. Kayode Ikujenya, National Sales Manager; Mr Chinwuba Ezennia, MD, Pipette Nig Ltd and ISN Customer of the year; his wife Amaka and Mr Ben Ofungwu, MD, ISN Products Ltd during the ISN Products Ltd Customer Appreciation forum 2017 held in Lagos
On government’s obligation to this category of persons, though Ofungwu admitted that the awareness of the complications arising from diabetes was still very low nationwide, he, however , indicated that “there is a way we can work with the relevant agencies to improve awareness.”
Earlier at the parley, the Strategic Account Manager, Roche, Mrs. Folasade Olufemi-Ajayi and the Diabetes Coordinator for ISN, Miss Confidence Amuneke, had in their presentations given a frightening global figure of patients with Nigeria and Sub Sahara Africa getting a chunk of the statistics.
According to them, Type 2 of the ailment accounts for 95 per cent of global population of patients traceable to diets, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, aging, indifference among others.
Unfortunately, the experts pointed out sadly that 50-80 per cent of the patients do not know that they carry the ailment.
Shockingly, they said one diagnosed person dies of this 21st century epidemic every 6 seconds with the ailment accounting for most visual disabilities, cardiovascular diseases and being the fourth leading cause of kidney failures globally.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of award to some top customers with high patronage. The Customer of the Year 2016 was awarded to Pipette Nigeria Limited, ably represented by its Managing Director, Mr. Chinwuba Ezennia and the Top seller of the year award went to Pascal Surgicals represented by Mr Pascal Aniebonam, the Managing Director of the company among many others. Many of the customers travelled from various parts of the country to grace the occasion.
ISN Products Nigeria Ltd, for over thirty years, has been at the forefront of medical diagnostic product marketing in Nigeria and the authorized distributor of professional diagnostics systems for Roche Diagnostics in Nigeria.
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA – An Abuja High Court at Gudu, on Tuesday, held that the former Governor of Taraba State, Reverend Jolly Nyame, who was accused of looting public funds to the tune of N1.64billion, has a criminal case to answer.
The court said it was satisfied that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has established a prima-facie case capable of warranting the former governor to enter his defence to a 41-count money laundering charge pending against him.
Consequently, trial Justice Adebukola Banjoko ordered Nyame to be prepared to enter his defence before the high court on March 8.
Rev Nyame
The Judge further dismissed a no-case-submission that was made by the defendant who contended that EFCC failed to by way of credible evidence, nail him to the alleged fraud.
"having had a close look at the evidence and exhibits, I hold that this case requires the defendant to provide information and give explanation with regards to evidence presented by the prosecution, and so he is ordered to enter into his defence in the interest of justice”, Justice Banjoko held.
Nyame had on January 18, through his lawyer, Mr. Charles Edosomwan, SAN, prayed the court to strike out the charge and discharge him on the basis that the prosecution was unable to effectively discharge the burden of proof placed on it by the law.
However, in a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Banjoko held that Nyame’s contention was bereft of merit.
The court said the defendant has questions to answer regarding allegation that he diverted public funds while he held sway as Taraba state governor.
EFCC had on November 22, 2016, closed its case after it called14 witnesses that testified against the defendant.
The prosecution told the court that the former governor perpetuated the fraud between January 2005 and May 2007.
The trial culminated from a petition jointly signed by one Umar Baba and Kelas Obadia, entitled "Taraba State in a mess, the Commissioner of Finance goofed" written on behalf of concerned citizens of the state.
Nyame whose trial commenced since 2005, earlier went to the Supreme Court to quash charges against him. He was turned down by the apex court on March 5, 2010.
He was among other things, accused of diverting N180million out of N250million meant for the purchase of stationeries by Taraba State government between January and February 2005, as a reward for the award of the contract to USAB International (Nig.) Ltd and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 115, 309 and 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 laws of Federation of Nigeria 1990.
Among those that testified before the court were former finance commissioner in Taraba State during his administration, Mr. Abubakar Tutare, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Olubunmi Ogunode, as well as the Permanent Secretary to Taraba State government, Mr Dennis Okuma Nev.
Nev told the court that he was at a time, compelled to raise three separate memos for the withdrawal of N100m, which he said was used by Nyame to host former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he visited the state in 2001.
Similarly, an Accountant with the Rural Electrification Board in Jalingo, Taraba State, Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, narrated before the court, how the ex-governor used his name to withdraw N282m from Zenith Bank PLC, using 20 separate cheques. Mohammed said the illicit transactions took place between 2005 and 2007 when he functioned as an accountant in charge of Taraba State liaison office in Abuja.
A Federal High Court sitting in Kano presided over by Justice Zainab B. Abubakar, Tuesday, has ordered the forfeiture of the sum of $9,772,000 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand United States Dollars) and £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) recovered from a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu to the Federal Government.
Yakubu, ex-NNPC GMD hides $9.8m loot in Kaduna slum
According to a press release signed by Wilson Uwujaren EFCC Head Media & Publicity the order was sequel to an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking an interim forfeiture of the recovered money to the Federal Government.
The ex parte application was moved by Salihu Sani, counsel for the applicant.
In her ruling, Justice Zainab held "That the sum of $9,772,000 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand United States Dollars) and £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) which are now in the custody of the applicant (EFCC) are in the interim forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
It would be recalled that, on the 3rd day of February, 2017, operatives of the Commission had stormed a building belonging to the former NNPC boss and recovered a staggering sum of $9,772,000 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand United States Dollars) and £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) stashed in a huge fire proof safe.
On February 8, 2017, Yakubu reported to the Commission's Kano Zonal Office where he admitted being the owner of both the house and the money recovered.
Yakubu is still in custody assisting the investigation. 14th February, 2017
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