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
Stakeholders in the security and justice sector have called for an overhaul of the criminal justice system to address the challenge of prisons congestion in the country.
The stakeholders made the call on Friday in Lagos at a workshop on prison reforms organised by the Prisoners' Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
Dr Ifediorah Orakwe, a retired Controller of Prisons, said that overhauling the criminal justice system would ensure that awaiting trial inmates were not abandoned in the prisons.
He decried the situation whereby those awaiting trial constituted about 70 per cent of inmates in most prisons in the country, calling for a synergy amongst the Judiciary, Police and Prison authorities.
He said that the prevailing situation of more awaiting trial inmates than convicts in prisons is a misnomer, as prisons are meant for convicts.
Orakwe said that the awaiting trial inmates, who are mostly brought in for minor offences, after long years in prisons become hardened criminals, adding that if cases of those awaiting trials are quickly dispensed with, there will be a drastic reduction in prison congestion.
He stressed the need to upgrade the country's security and criminal justice system in line with international standards. The acting Executive, PRAWA, Mr Yinka Lawal, called for proper classification of inmates and not lumping first time petty offenders with condemned criminals.
He also called for better funding and facilities in prisons across the country, advocating for community service for minor offenders instead of putting them behind bars.
Mr Francis Enobore, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), said the service was working with relevant stakeholders to address some of these challenges.
He also called for more funding for the NPS and the need for state governments to also support the various NPS commands.
There used to be a time when Micro Finance Banks filled every nook and cranny of the country. It did not take long for the wheat to be separated from the chaff, as those with weak management could not handle the pressure and folded up as a result.
One detail that singled out strong MFBs was their ability to harness the opportunities offered by technology to meet customer needs. Companies like BankOne have also risen up in recent times to provide specialised services for MFB especially as it relates to technology.
In fact, Executive Director of Appzone, Bank One's parent company, Mr. Emeka Emetarom told Glamtech in a recent interview: "Before BankOne, delivery of electronic channel services such as debit cards, mobile and internet banking, etc, was a pipe dream for more than 95% of the MFBs in the country.
Today, a single setup gives them access to all electronic channel solutions available to commercial banks, without the need to incur the typical costs associated with setting up such infrastructure."
Continuing, he said: "In the area of core automation, BankOne has enabled our financial institution clients very accurately determine their profitability position on a daily basis. Before BankOne, many of the microfinance banks were flying blind, in most cases declaring fictitious profits and sharing depositors funds in the name of dividends.
Many of such institutions were saved from bankruptcy just by migrating to BankOne as the system is able to provide the true position of risk assets and liabilities in a seamless and automated fashion that brings the kind of visibility required for running banking operations effectively."
Emetarom added that the solution has also improved the productivity of client institutions by automating many previously manual processes. "One that comes to mind is the generation of the CBN monthly report," he said. "Before BankOne, it used to take some financial institutions over a month to generate the report.
Some of them had to hire staff whose sole function was collation of necessary data and generation of the report on a monthly basis. On BankOne, generating the same report is a click of a button. This and similar automation enabling features have freed up spare capacity for all our financial institution clients."
The Zone 2 command, Onikan, Lagos yesterday, described as false, media report that former President Olusegun Obsanjo, stormed out of its First Special Training and Capacity Development Seminar held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Thursday.
News went viral yesterday that Obasanjo stormed out of the event, for being kept waiting.
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo (l) and the Assistant Inspector-Geral of Police, in-charge of zone 2, Onikan, Kayode Aderanti, during the former’s visit as special guest, at the First Biannual Special Training and Capacity Development Seminar organised by the Zone, for officers, yesterday, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos. Pix by Evelyn Usman
Although the Police admitted that the function commenced late due to exigencies of the Police job. But they maintained that , the former president who was special guest at the occasion, delivered his remarks and also posed for pictures with organisers and participants.
A statement signed by the zonal Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, an Assistant Inspector-General of police , explained that " Former president Olusegun Obasanjo in his usual fatherly manner and once being a uniformed personnel himself, came into the hall and still went ahead to deliver his remarks as earlier scheduled. He would have shelved his remarks were he truly angry as insinuated.
In fact, the former president took his time to pose for pictures with dignitaries, seminar participants and other people individually, a clear indication that he did not 'storm' out of the event as alleged. What was misconstrued as a swipe against the force was nothing but Baba's usual jolly nature and world famous penchant for throwing banters.
The Nigeria Police wishes to state clearly that it would never disrespect any elder statesman or anyone at all by deliberately keeping them waiting".
Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has lauded the potential of Nigeria in becoming the world’s defence systems solution hub following her capacity to produce high-grade security merchandise locally.
Idris made the remark during a tour of ProForce Armour and Ammunitions Production Facility, a defence systems and gadgets provider, on Friday in Ode-Remo, Ogun.
According to him, the facility provides armoured personnel carriers, ammunitions, ballistic helmets, bullet-proof vests, armoured cash-in-transit and personal protection vehicles.
Idris who lauded the level of expertise, added that the nation’s poise for rapid development could only materialise through adequate support for local manufacturing.
He said that Nigeria could save a lot in terms of foreign exchange with internally purchased merchandise in equipping the nation’s security outfits in their fight against crime.
His words: “To be honest with you, I have seen first-hand what Nigerians can offer with the right support. Here, you can see local content development in practice.
“I think it’s a great achievement for us as a country when we start venturing into presumed impossible feats and turning them into possibilities.
Mr. Ibrahim Idris beaming with smiles following his confirmation as the substantive IGP by the Council of State on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.
“Technologically, Nigerians have the know-how and capacity to compete with the best when it comes to manufacturing.
“It’s an advantage to us when we see avenues such as these we can exploit to bridge the gap of development and unemployment.
“For the police, we will continue to support such ventures by exploring local content opportunities of improving the force ability to address security issues and create employment. ”
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Bimbo Ashiru said that it was important for government to always create an environment for local manufacturing to thrive.
According to him, the best way of spreading wealth and reducing social strife was by creating jobs through local content development.
He, however urged manufacturers to focus more on backward integration through raw materials in-sourcing to improve the production value-chain by empowering local suppliers.
He said: “What has happened in Ode-Remo has put this place on the map in terms of capacity and wealth creation.
Nigerian Police
“However, for every import that we do we are exporting jobs, therefore, in-sourcing for raw materials will further improve the competitive edge of the industry.
“By focusing on empowering more of the local suppliers, manufacturers can maximise returns for the economy turnaround that we envisage.
“We are a country endowed with a wealth of mineral resources and as government we always encourage that Nigerians patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods.
“The only way we can improve our value-chain and strengthen the economy is by looking inwards for economic solutions through research, innovation and enterprise. ”
In his response, Mr Adetokunbo Ogundeyin, ProForce Managing Director thanked the IGP for the visit and said the company would continue to restrategise to remain competitive and meet local demand.
“The technology we have here is adaptable in that we produce to suit the peculiarity of the Nigerian terrain. That has always been our cutting edge.
“In the case of raw materials, we have done a lot of backward technology and developed a steel-rolling mill in Ota, Ogun where we produce steel from scrap metal.
“There is also a joint venture agreement in place with another glass manufacturer to start producing our own glass locally.
“By the time we produce our steel and glass then we have achieved up to about 70 to 80 percent of our technology," Ogundeyin said.
ProForce was established in 2008 and prides itself as the only private armoured vehicle manufacturer in Nigeria specialising in armoured vehicles and personal protection.
As a total defence solution provider, the company focuses on the delivery of confidence in protective mobility.
THE acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN and Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode are expected to proffer ways of fostering better political consulting practices in Africa.
They will be speaking at the 2nd Africa Political Summit and Diamond Awards Programme with the theme: ‘Democracy and Political Consultancy.’
At a press conference heralding the 2nd Africa Summit of the association coming up April 11-14th, 2017 yesterday, chairman, Local Organizing Committee of the APCA, Semiu Okanlawon, said: "Apart from bringing home to the consciousness of our people, the essence of political consultancy and igniting further interests in the area of practice, the 2017 Lagos summit promises to showcase Nigeria's rich heritage to the scores of professionals who have agreed to be in Nigeria for this summit."
Ag Pres Osinbajo
Also speaking, Diane Moniue Adjanohoun from Benin Republic, urged francophone speaking countries in Africa to participate in the summit saying it would foster unity across the continent.
Other speakers expected at the summit include former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake; Simon Lafrance, Cheikh Omar Diallo (Senegal), Ben Eisenbeg, Kipng'Eno Kirui, Simon Lafrance and Nance Bocksor.
The Oloto family of Oto, Lagos Mainland, Lagos State, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris and the Chief Judge of Lagos State Oluwafunmilayo Atilade to come to their aid over alleged threat to life, unlawful encroachment on properties, arson and damage by two other families.
Mr. Ibrahim Idris beaming with smiles following his confirmation as the substantive IGP by the Council of State on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.
The family said that after several property disputes between the parties and the action of Lagos State Government to allocate their lands to third party individuals under a purported consent judgment without their knowledge, they filed an application before Justice Nwaka of a Lagos State High Court to set aside the judgment.
The Oloto family through their lawyer, Gbenga Ajala, said that they were surprised that despite the service of court papers on the defendants as well as the Lagos State Government and it's principal officials, the said families are moving against them.
The family said that after they reported the case to the Lagos State Police Command, they discovered that the defendants resorted to using police officers to frustrate their efforts.
The Okalete Social Club of Nigeria, Issele-Mkpitime, at its Annual General Meeting in, Yaba, Lagos, elected new executive members to lead the club for the next two years.
Leading the new executive is Chief Paul Mgbanwa, the Owa of Issele-Mkpitime, as the President. He will be assisted by Paul Okafor, as Vice President; Ifeanyi Okafor, Secretary-General; Sunday Ogabu, Assistant Secretary-General; and Paul Okoh, Financial Secretary. Other members of the new executive are Peter Adigwe, Treasurer; Andrew Okeleke, Social/Publicity Secretary; Sam Okafor, Provost Marshall and Sunday Chiadika, Circular Bearer.
Immediate past President, Charles Ogbodu was appointed ex-Officio of the new executive.
Apparently worried about delay in trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has said that it has summoned APM Terminal in Apapa, Lagos over alleged incessant breakdown of servers and other equipment at its facilities.
Primarily, the command also announced a drop in its monthly revenue collection as it generated N24.7billion in February 2017 as against N25.9billion in January 2017 with a shortage of N1.2billion.
Operators have condemned the attitude of the concessionaire in the last two months over failure of serve and other equipment which according to them, has hampered trade facilitation.
The stakeholders at a meeting took turn to highlight some of challenges faced at APM terminal and the Lagos Ports Complex, which in no particular order include delay in trade facilitation and server failure.
Other complaints made known to the Area Controller of Apapa Command at the meeting include: overlapping functions of security agencies at the seaport and blocking of containers by the marine police unit.
Custom Officers
But at a stakeholders meeting at the Apapa Area Command Nigeria Customs Service, the Area Controller, Comptroller, Musa Jubrin disclosed that already, management of the service had summoned the concessionaire to Abuja for first hand information about the incessant breakdown of serve at its terminal.
Comptroller Jubrin noted that it was not right for trade to be impeded at the port, adding that the issue would be resolved since the concessionaire had already been summoned to Abuja.
"We have already decided to have a similar meeting with all security agents at the ports; because we have itemised all points to be discussed at that meeting and I guarantee you that some of the points raised will be discussed.
"On the issue of APMT, we have also itemised those problem because we are in the know of some of these problems and right now, I can tell you that AP Moller have been invited to our corporate headquarters in Abuja in order to revisit some of these challenges we are having collectively and I can assure you that very soon you will start to see changes in the terminal operations."
The Area Controller also disclosed that issue on blockage of consignment outside the ports by other security outfits would also be resolved as a meeting involving all security agencies in the seaports would hold in proffering solutions to some of the compliant poses by stakeholders.
lagos—Some of the 2,000 Nigeria workers in Arik Air face eminent retrenchment as the revenue of the airline dwindles due to reduction in flight frequency and the shrinking number of airworthy planes in the airline's fleet.
The airline's 120 daily flights has been reduced to an average of 18 .. This is coming as the former management of the airline denies owning International Air Transport Association, IATA, $78 million.
Sources inside the airline told Vanguard yesterday that the airline has about N1 billion monthly wage bill and a projected monthly revenue of N1.5 billion, which is not enough to meet operating costs, offset aircraft insurance bills or pay its creditors and about 2,000 workforce in its Nigerian operations alone.
However, the media consultant to AMCON (Arik Air), Simon Tumba, said the airline has no plan to sack workers.
Arik Air
He said instead of retrenchment, the new management appointed by AMCON is planning to service five more aircraft and put them back in the air.
"But the challenge the airline is having is lack of funds because it cannot on its own generate enough revenue to service the aircraft already on AOG (Aircraft On Ground), source fuel and pay the workers," Tumba said.
To service the five planes mentioned by Tumba, the airline would need about $1.5 million, which it may likely source from the black market.
Vanguard sources further said that: “AMCON may inject about N15 billion into the airline as start up fund after the initial funding of about N4 billion, but the hope of getting more fund from the corporation continues to dim as the new management grapples with the challenge of managing the airline."
Meanwhile, on the alleged debt owed the International Air Transport Association, IATA, the former management of Arik Air has explained that it did not owe the international agency, since IATA has the mandate to collect the revenues of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA.
"So as Arik paid its charges to these agencies, the invoices were duplicated in IATA, so the alleged $78 million debt was a misunderstanding. We have our receipts and banking tellers to back these payments, which we made directly to these agencies instead of through IATA," said a member of the former Arik management, who pleaded anonymity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has pleaded with Justice Abdulaziz Anka of the Federal High Court in Lagos not to grant Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN access to his GTB account said to have a balance of N75million.
It claimed that the money, which was paid to the senior advocate as legal fee by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, was part of the N2.26bn arms procurement fund, alleged to have been looted by the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
Alleging that N1.22 billion out of the N2.26 billion Dasuki loot was traced to Fayose.
The anti-graft agency claimed that Dasuki routed the money to Fayose through a former Minister of state for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.
The EFCC made this claim in a counter-affidavit deposed to by one of its lawyers, Idris Mohammed, and filed in response to an application by Ozekhome seeking the unfreezing of his account.
Ozekhome's account with Guaranty Trust Bank had since February 7, 2017, been frozen by the EFCC on the order of Justice Anka.
EFCC operatives
This made Ozekhome to approach the court, stating that the corruption-busting agency misrepresented facts to obtain the freezing order and urged Justice Anka to lift the freezing order.
He argued that the action of the EFCC had no legal justification, was unconstitutional and was a gross violation of sections 36, 37 and 41 of t he 1999 Constitution.
EFCC, in the counter affidavit, lamented that though it had earlier secured an interim order from Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos to freeze Fayose's account, the governor, through Ozekhome, went before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Ado Ekiti Division of the court to obtain an order to unfreeze the account.
The EFCC prosecutor stated that despite the fact that Fayose was aware that it had immediately appealed Justice Taiwo's ruling, he allegedly went ahead to spend part of the contentious funds, paying a sum of N75m to Ozekhome who helped him to secure Justice Taiwo's unfreezing order.
The EFCC said Ozekhome ought to have "reasonably known that the N75m was transferred to him" from Fayose's account, which the EFCC claimed was used to retain proceeds of crime and alleged kickbacks from some contractors in Ekiti State.
The anti-graft agency then urged Justice Anka not to unfreeze Ozekhome's account.
Justice Abdulazeez Anka then yesterday, adjourned till March 7, 2017 to hear arguments in the suit.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has pleaded with Justice Abdulaziz Anka of the Federal High Court in Lagos not to grant Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN access to his GTB account said to have a balance of N75million.
It claimed that the money, which was paid to the senior advocate as legal fee by Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, was part of the N2.26bn arms procurement fund, alleged to have been looted by the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
Alleging that N1.22 billion out of the N2.26 billion Dasuki loot was traced to Fayose.
The anti-graft agency claimed that Dasuki routed the money to Fayose through a former Minister of state for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.
The EFCC made this claim in a counter-affidavit deposed to by one of its lawyers, Idris Mohammed, and filed in response to an application by Ozekhome seeking the unfreezing of his account.
Ozekhome's account with Guaranty Trust Bank had since February 7, 2017, been frozen by the EFCC on the order of Justice Anka.
EFCC operatives
This made Ozekhome to approach the court, stating that the corruption-busting agency misrepresented facts to obtain the freezing order and urged Justice Anka to lift the freezing order.
He argued that the action of the EFCC had no legal justification, was unconstitutional and was a gross violation of sections 36, 37 and 41 of t he 1999 Constitution.
EFCC, in the counter affidavit, lamented that though it had earlier secured an interim order from Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos to freeze Fayose's account, the governor, through Ozekhome, went before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Ado Ekiti Division of the court to obtain an order to unfreeze the account.
The EFCC prosecutor stated that despite the fact that Fayose was aware that it had immediately appealed Justice Taiwo's ruling, he allegedly went ahead to spend part of the contentious funds, paying a sum of N75m to Ozekhome who helped him to secure Justice Taiwo's unfreezing order.
The EFCC said Ozekhome ought to have "reasonably known that the N75m was transferred to him" from Fayose's account, which the EFCC claimed was used to retain proceeds of crime and alleged kickbacks from some contractors in Ekiti State.
The anti-graft agency then urged Justice Anka not to unfreeze Ozekhome's account.
Justice Abdulazeez Anka then yesterday, adjourned till March 7, 2017 to hear arguments in the suit.
Lagos – The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) on Friday, said it had mapped out strategies to deal with issues of internet abuse by various forms of Ponzi schemes.
Mr Sunday Folayan, the President of NIRA, who made this known in a statement in Lagos, said that the association had established a Law Enforcement Desk to handle complaints on Domain Name abuse.
He said that NIRA had also developed an Internal Procedural Process to manage and deal with such complaints received.
He said that NIRA would work in conjunction with relevant law enforcement agencies to stem the tide.
"If you discover any form of Internet abuse with .ng websites please send an email to abuse@nira.org.ng. We will deal with it.
"Together we can make the internet safe for us and our children,'' he said.
According to him, most Nigerians are being defrauded by various forms of Ponzi schemes while the fraudsters are operating under various names and platforms.
He explained that a ponzi scheme was a fraudulent investment operation where payment to its initial investors was from the payments made by new investors and not from profit earned through legitimate sources.
Folayan said that in recent times, Nigerians had varied experiences to narrate on the matter of ponzi schemes.
According to him, while a few testify to the benefits derived from the scheme, majority are lamenting because they are have been left high and dry.
He said that many had fallen victims as the schemes had impoverished more people than they claimed to have helped.
He, however, said that the scammers were feeding on the greed of the people and the poor economic situation to lure more victims.
He added that this was in spite of warning by the Federal Government that Nigerians should not invest or get involved in such fraudulent schemes.
Folayan said that recently, innocent people's contact details such as phone numbers and emails, were being used as administrative contacts for these schemes.
According to him, the victims of the identity theft only get to know when defrauded victims start calling and demanding for payments.
He said that several people had received threatening phone calls regarding their fate, if they do not pay up.
Folayan said that NIRA had taken concrete steps to further assist law enforcement agencies to deal with the menace.
Ibadan – The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan against Xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa.
The students in their hundreds went round the metropolis to demonstrate against what they called inhuman treatment of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
The students converged at the premises of the DSTV, a South African interest in Jericho Area of Ibadan.
The premises was already under locked and key as information about the protest had already reached the management of the DSTV, thereby preventing the protestants from gaining entrance into the premises.
The students, however, conveyed their protest message to the management, insisting that the premises should remain sealed until things improved in South Africa.
The students also moved to the state Governor's office where the National President of the union, Olugbenga Adeyeye, presented their mission to the government.
According to Adeyeye, the union condemned in strong terms, the dehumanisation of Nigerians in South Africa.
While presenting a letter titled: " NAPS Position on Xenophobic Attack on Nigerians in South Africa" Adeyeye said that the students patience had been exhausted as it could no longer watch Nigerians being killed in South Africa.
"Until the attacks stop, all polytechnic students in Nigeria will not stop to enforce the closure of all South African interests in Nigeria"
"We demand an unreserved apology from President Jacob Zuma of South Africa as his silence has confirmed the complicity of South Africa government in the crisis."
Responding, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Prof Adeniyi Olowofela, commended the students for a peaceful protest.
He condemned xenophobia in all ramifications, however, Nigerians should not destroy the business of the South Africa in Nigeria.
Ajimobi said that President Mbeki must do something in view of the enormous sacrifice made by Nigerians in the liberation of South Africa.
The governor assured the students that their letter would be presented to the Federal Government.
By Emeka Aginam To commemorate the 2017 international Women's Day, one of the Nigerian leading e-commerce service providers, Kilimall Nigeria will align with the Nigeria women to share their sentiments, dreams, and fears while striving to boldly pursue and achieve their lofty dreams.
The #BeBoldWithKilimallcampaign, according to Robin Xie, KiliMalll Regional Director for Africa, is expected to reward a Nigerian woman who can dare to dream boldly and without fear.Kilimall
With this campaign, he said that Kilimall intended to help one daring woman achieve her bold dream and fulfill her lofty wishes.
According to him, this is aimed at encouraging and inspiring every woman to discard their fears and stereotypical hindrances. " Kilimall Nigeria believes that the Nigerian woman could achieve anything she wants to if she can be bold and dream big. To participate in this campaign, women are urged share their dreams and aspirations boldly with the world.
"To do this, they are to share a poster with a boldly written text of whatever dream or aspiration they want to achieve on our social media channels with the hashtag #BeBoldWithKilimall. "The top ten "Dreams" will enter into a draw where a final winner will emerge.
In the end, Kilimall will help fulfill the dream of that final winner", he explained. Much more than just celebrating the successful women in Nigeria, he further explained that Kilimall leverage this avenue to provide the voice of confidence and aspiration for the emerging Nigerian woman.
According to him, "We want them to know that we stand behind and beside them to propel them to reach out and dare to achieve much more than they can ever imagine. So, the Nigerian woman should #BeBoldWithKilimall and achieve all that she can dream to be". Further in celebrating the women, he said that, "we will roll out up to 90% discount on selected women items across different categories.
And if you fancy any item globally, you can use our Global Shopping feature that allows you shop abroad and pay in Naira. Finally, in the spirit of celebration, one lucky woman stands a chance to win a television when they download and use the Kilimall app to shop",
So, for this International Women's Day,#BeBoldWithKilimall and go out of your way to dream big and dare achieve it, he said, adding that, " Our final message to every Nigerian woman is "nothing can stop you. If you can dream it, you can be it."
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-Another set of 180 Nigerians would be arriving home from Libya on Tuesday, the Presidency has said.
The Presidency also stated that more Nigerians in diaspora were expected back.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa made the disclosure on Friday when she received the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Commission, Sadiya Farouk, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Erewa, the 180 was the third batch of Nigerians that would be returning from Libya in the last one month.
The first 171 returned on February 21 while 161 returned on February 14 making the total figure 512.
Erewa declared her intention to work with the commission henceforth to educate Nigerians on immigration matters.
She said, “Your visit is timely because we expect more migrants back home. In fact, 180 Nigerians are expected back from Libya on Tuesday.
“With what is going on around the world, it is going to be worse.
“We will work with your commission to continue to sensitise Nigerians on the need for them to know that some places are not just worth it.”
Speaking earlier, Farouk commended Erewa for the sensitization programmes, saying that her Commission would also play a role in re-admitting the returnees.
“These programmes will better inform Nigerians on their options so they can make informed decision and develop realistic expectations when traveling outside the country.
“It is important to note that the issue of sensitisation is an offshoot of the National Migration Dialogue.
“The dialogue highlighted the need to establish a migration desk in all states and local governments which will provide sensitisation from the grassroots level in order to curb the root causes of irregular migration.”
“What is currently obtainable is an adhoc approach which is not sustainable.
“The SOP when operationalised will ensure that the returning Nigerian migrants are adequately reintegrated into the society.
“The SOP has been validated by the relevant stakeholders but yet to be institutionalised. We therefore seek your partnership to ensure the operationalisation,” she said.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Government of Cameroon and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed an agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees in Cameroon.
Mr Hanson Tamfu, External Relations Officer of UNHCR Nigeria, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday. Tamfu said that the Tripartite Agreement for the Voluntary Repatriation of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon was signed on March 2, in Yaonde, Cameroon.
According to him, the agreement is a legal framework that sets out the modalities for the voluntary return of refugees to their country of origin in safety and dignity.
He said that more than 85,000 Nigerian refugees who fled the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East were currently living in the North Region of Cameroon with about 62,000 living in Minawao refugee camp.
Tamfu said that recent profiling exercise undertaken by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also revealed more than 23,000 refugees residing in host communities.
He said that a UNHCR survey conducted in Minawao camp on the intentions of refugees to return back to Nigeria revealed that 71 per cent of the refugees (93,000) indicated their intentions to return.
The refugees, the official said, indicated that they would return when they were sure of the safety and conducive situation in their communities.
He said the UNHCR survey also reveals that there were thousands more Nigerians who fled the violence but have not been reached by aid agencies because of the prevailing insecurity in those areas.
He said that the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.- Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, described the agreement as a welcomed development which underscores the importance of working together to proofer lasting solutions to the refugees crises.
Tamfu said the minister said Nigeria remain committed to ensuring that it creates the conducive atmosphere to facilitate the return of its citizens in safety and dignity, in line with international protection principles.
Tamfu said both countries and the UNHCR agreed to provide people wishing to return with clear information on the situation prevailing in their areas of return particularly in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
He explained that this was in order to allow them to make a well informed and voluntary decision.
He said the refugees would be given correct information on the security and economic situation as well as access to basic services.
The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has accused the publisher of an online medium, Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore of being obsessed with desire to lie against him and that he is fond of creating fiction, quoting faceless sources.
Saraki in a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Saraki, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, said that medium has commited so many libellous offences.
Saraki said it is from that prism of the obsession that he viewed the recent story that accusing him (Saraki) of collecting and laundering funds related to the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) from the so-called Paris Club Fund refund.Saraki
"Sowore as usual is merely creating fiction and quoting faceless, non-existent sources in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without providing any document or stating any fact to support his claim.
"This is sheer blackmail and character assassination.
"This time he was talking of the Senate President "grabbing N3.5 billion" from the NGF fund.
"We challenge Sowore and his sponsors to produce evidence of payment of N3.5 billion to Saraki within the next 24 hours.
"Sowore has consistently engaged in this game of defaming Saraki since the election of the Senate President on June 9, 2015 believing that he and his sponsors will through lies, mischief and libellous publications bring Saraki down in a matter of days.
"We recall how at the commencement of the case on Asset Declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, he was reeling out lies which the proceedings in the CCT have since proved to be untrue.
"As at yesterday, the key Prosecution Witness from the Code Of Conduct Bureau has admitted that in September 2015 when they filed the case against Saraki, there was no evidence against him.
"We recall that this same Sowore had alleged that Saraki bribed a former Chief Justice of Nigeria to influence the CCT case.
"This has since proved to be a lie that cannot be supported by any fact. Later, he shifted his bribery allegation to the Director of Public Prosecution in the Federal Ministry of Justice who he claimed was induced to withdraw the CCT case.
"This has since been proved to be another bare-faced lie. He later alleged that the Senate President had influenced the verdict of a judgement at the Court of Appeal which was then arrested. That was another fabrication not supported by any fact. Other areas where he had concocted lies against Saraki was the allegation that the Senate President was involved in the Sambo Dasuki fund saga. That was another lie. Again, when there was a robbery incident involving money owned by a Bureau de Change, Sahara Reporters claimed Saraki owned the money. This has been proved to be a big lie. Just as this claim of N3.5bn payment by NGF has not been supported by any fact," he said.
He said that it was wrong for the Sahara Reporters Publisher to be brandishing lies against him and getting away with them.
Olaniyonu said that journalism practice was about truth, objectivity and strong ethics: he therefore claimed that Sahara Reporters was not practicing Journalism but outright blackmail.
"He goes after those not ready to pay his price. That is why he has continued to live beyond his legitimate means. We are set to expose his game and let people see him for what he is.
"It should be known that there is nothing that depicts corruption more than the circulation of falsehood and engaging in the game of blackmail.
"It is our plan to employ all lawful means to protect the integrity and reputation of Dr. Saraki, including exposing the antics of this man who pretend to be acting in public interest.
"We therefore call on all members of the public to ignore and disregard the claims contained in Sahara Reporters stories concerning Saraki and the N 3.5 billion NGF Paris Club fund.
"The Senate President has absolutely nothing to do with any transfer or repayment of money by the NGF," he said.
He added that the report was just a figment of the imagination of the publisher of the online medium.
By Emman Ovuakporie and Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – TRAGEDY on Wednesday evening struck one of the outriders in the convoy of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Salisu who died as a result of collision with a car when Speaker’s convoy was heading home.
Salisu, a Sergeant in the Nigeria Police was piloting the convoy of the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, when the accident occurred along Aminu Shagari Way as a car suddenly intercepted Salisu’s BMW motorbike at the junction leading to the SGF/DSS/ Presidential Villa road, while on top speed.
Vanguard was reliably told that Salisu, a father of four children (boys) gave up the ghost on the spot and his body was subsequently deposited in an undisclosed mortuary
According to officers of the Police Force working in the National Assembly who wore gloomy mood when the news of the accident of their colleague was broken to them said the late Sergeant lived in Dede Police Barracks, Abuja until the untimely and unfortunate accident occurred.
Police sources said that late Salisu hailed from Okpokwu Local Government area of Benue State (Idoma by tribe) and was in the convoy of the Speaker when he ( Dogara) went to Sheraton Hotel earlier on Wednesday morning to deliver his remarks at the retreat organised the National Institute for Legislative Studies, NILS, for the wives of the members of the House of Representatives.
Efforts made to confirm the report from the media team of the Speaker could not yield any result as the media team was yet to respond to inquiries on the incident at at the time of filing this report.
Owerri – Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services for killing Henry Chibueze, alias Vampire, a serial kidnapper in Imo and environs. Police parade body of killed notorious robber, Vampire and his arrested gang A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, quoted Okorocha as saying that he had confidence in the security agencies.
Okorocha said even when Vampire's partners in crime took him away from the court few weeks ago, he knew it would not be long before he would be arrested.
He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the state was secure and permanently rid of crime.
"The declaration I made when I became governor in 2011 that no criminal would survive in this state is still valid,"he said.
Chibueze, who was paraded by the DSS before the state governor in 2015, admitted to having carried out several kidnappings in the state and beyond.
After Chibueze's escape in January, Okorocha announced a N5million bounty for any information that could lead to his arrest.
Chibueze, the Vampire, was the criminal spirited away by his gang members on Jan. 27 in the premises of an Owerri High Court.
He was arrested in 2015 and had been in prison custody following the kidnap of the wife of a government official.
Chibueze, who was brought to the court along with other arrested suspects, escaped when gunmen opened fire immediately he disembarked from the prison van.
The kidnapper was then spirited away by the gunmen, leaving five prisons officials and some by-standers wounded by the gunfire.
Minna – The Police Command in Niger says it has arrested 104 suspected cattle rustlers and kidnappers in the state between January and February.
The Commissioner of police, Mr Muazu Zubairu, said in Minna on Friday that about 672 animals were recovered from the suspects.
Zubairu said that three AK 47 rifles; 334 rounds of assorted ammunition; one SMG rifle with six rounds of ammunition; 12 single barrel guns; four locally made pistols and one revolver pistol were also recovered from the suspects.
He said the command was committed to total policing of the state to safeguard lives and property.
He said the command had mapped out strategies to deal with criminals in the state and its environs.
"With the heavy presence of well trained personnel deployed to all parts of the state, criminals, especially cattle rustlers and kidnappers have no place to hide.
"We are battle ready for them as all their identified roots have been blocked with dedicated officers ready for their arrest and prosecution," the commissioner said.
He said the command would strengthen community policing to gather more intelligence information that would boost the efforts of the personnel.
Zubairu appealed to members of the public to always avail the command with timely and useful information to enable the command flush out bad elements in their midst.
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