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
Twenty six private jets and four police and air force aircrafts landed in Minna on Friday for the wedding of former President Ibrahim Babangida's daughter.
The aircraft brought the various dignitaries that attended the event. The police also provided air surveillance and security.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience, Senate President Bukola Saraki and former vice president Namadi Sambo were at the wedding.
Others included Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, Ahmed Abdulfatah of Kwara and Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano.
APC National Leader Ahmed Tinubu, Sen Aliyu Wamakko, Gov of Kaduna state, Mrs Aikhomu, Mrs Josephine Anenih, ex-governor Babangida Aliyu, were among the many personalities who witnessed the short ceremony at the Hilltop home of the retired military General in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Halimat Babangida
Others in attendance were Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Justice Idris Kutigi, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Yayale.
Also, a former SGF, Gen. Magoro, Senator Ben Obi, Senator Ben Bruce, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Haruna, Chairman IBB Golf Club, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura were equally in attendance.
Gen. Aliyu Gusau, who served several times as National Security Adviser, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, Oluwo Kuta, former PDP National Secretary, Alhaji Modibo, former FCT Minister, Oba Hamid Adekunle also came.
Business moguls Aliko Dangote and Tony Elemulu, as well as members of the Federal Executive Councils including Ministers of Interior Abdulrahman Danbazzau and Defence Mansur Dan-Ali as well as Minister of state for Solid Mineral Development Abubakar Bwari also attended.
The daughter of IBB, Halima is the last child of the family and she is marrying a Gombe businessman, Alhaji Auwal Abdullahi.
Abdullahi gave 10 cows and N500,000 as dowry for his bride.
The groom is the Sarkin Sudan of Gombe, in Gombe state.
Gen. Garba Wushishi performed the symbolic ceremony of handing over Halimat at 2.45 pm in marriage to Abdullahi.
Gov. Ibrahim Dankwanbo of Gombe state received the bride on behalf of the groom, who hails from the state.
A special prayer by Sheik Kabiru Gombe was offered for the couple, who stressed the significance of marriage in Islam and called on the bride to be submissive and loyal to her husband.
Also, prominent among the guests at the ceremony were businessman, Aliko Dangote and Mr Mark Snoxell, Managing Director, Dornier Aircraft.
Others were Air Marshall Hamza Abdullahi, Gen Garba Duba, Sen Aliyu Wamakko ,Sen Yarima Abdullahi, Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sen Nuhu Aliyu, who was also a former police DIG.
The wedding ceremony scheduled for 11.30 a.m was held after 2.45pm.
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (midle); his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (right) and Hon. Minister, Youth and Sports, Comrade (Barr.) Solomon Dalung, during the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.Hon. Minister, Youth and Sports, Comrade (Barr.) Solomon Dalung taking the Kick-Off at the final of the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.. Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (midle); his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (right) and Hon. Minister, Youth and Sports, Comrade (Barr.) Solomon Dalung, during the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.. Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (right); Hon. Minister, Youth and Sports, Comrade (Barr.) Solomon Dalung (middle); Hon. Leo Ogor (left) and Chairman, Delta State Sport Commission, Chief Tonobok Okowa, during the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.. from right; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro and Hon. Leo Ogor , during the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.. Athletics on 100ms race. Athletics on 100ms race
A beautiful occasion and an invitation quite honorable to attend as Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s daughter host many Nigerians today, her wedding day. See photos bellow.
Gen. Ibrahim Babangida welcoming Former President Goodluck Jonathan to the event.From the left, Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator ALIYU Wammakko; Former Zamfara State Governor, ALHAJI Yerima and Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Salihu Ibrahim during the wedding fatiha.Gen. Babangida welcoming the President, Heirs Foundation Mr. Tony Elumelu to the event.The Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and son of Former Head of State, ALHAJI Mohammed Abacha (l) at the event.The son of Former Head of State, ALHAJI Mohammed Abacha (l) and his wife, Mrs. Abacha arriving for the event.The bridegroom, ALHAJI Auwal Lawal and Governor Ibrahim Dankwammbo of Gombe State with other guests in the mosque for the wedddng fatiha.The bridegroom, ALHAJI Auwal Lawal and Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State of Gombe State with other guests in the mosque for the wedddng fatiha.The Representative of the Bride’s family (2l) Gen. Garuba Wushishi and representative of the groom, Governor Ibrahim Dankwammbo of Gombe State (l) officially negotiating the traditional bride price on behalf of both families while othera watched in the mosque for the wedding fatiha.Cross section of Islamic Clerics offering prayers durimgnthe wedding fatihaFrom the left, Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Former Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Former Vice President Namadi Sambo during the reception.From the left, Former Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Former Vice President Namadi Sambo during the reception.From the left, Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Former Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State during the reception.From the left, Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Former Vice President Namadi Sambo during the reception.From the left, President Heirs Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Member of the Wedding Planning Committee, Mr. Kasim Afegbua and Editor Ovation, Michael Effiong at the event.
AS mixed reactions continue to trail, Thursday impeachment of Chief Monday Igbuya as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, the lawmakers, yesterday said they were not going back on their decision.
Igbuya
Recall that Chief Monday Igbuya was Thursday, impeached with 26 out of the 29 members of the State House of Assembly signing his impeachment notice and Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, (Okpe Constituency) was immediately elected and sworn-in as the new Speaker.
One of the lawmakers told Vanguard that the embattled former Speaker, Chief Monday Igbuya has been lobbying political leaders including the State Governor , Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and former Governor James Ibori to prevail on them to reverse their decision.
The lawmakers who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa summoned them for a meeting at about 2 pm Thursday, adding that the meeting ended in deadlock.
He further disclosed that another meeting scheduled for 7pm same Thursday, also ended in fiasco, saying that “we just rose from another today (yesterday); we are not going back on our decision”.
Noting that Chief James Ibori and other political leaders in the state were also reaching out to them, he said “we cannot mortgage the integrity of the House for any reason. Deltans are watching, Nigerians are watching and in fact, the world is watching. There is no way we can bring Chief Monday Igbuya back as our Speaker; he is gone with the winds”.
Meanwhile, the new Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced the dissolution of all standing committees of the House.
While expressing his resolve to work in harmony with his colleagues and the executive arm of government for speedy development of all parts of the state, Oborevwori said the House would continue to make good laws for the governance of the state.
Alhaji Auwal Abdullahi, the businessman who married Halimat Babangida today in Minna, Niger State, paid a symbolic bride price of N500,000 and 10 cows to her father, former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
The groom is the Sarkin Sudan of Gombe, in Gombe state.Halimat Babangida
Gen. Garba Wushishi performed the symbolic ceremony of handing over Halimat at 2.45 pm in marriage to Abdullahi.
Gov. Ibrahim Dankwanbo of Gombe state received the bride on behalf of the groom, who hails from the state.
At the special prayer by Sheik Kabiru Gombe was offered for the couple. He stressed the significance of marriage in Islam and called on the bride to submissive and loyal to her husband.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, including his wife, Patience led the galaxy of big political and military figures that graced the occasion..Patience Jonathan at Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida daughter’s wedding in Minna, Niger State.
APC National Leader Ahmed Tinubu, Sen Aliyu Wamakko, Gov of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, Mrs Aikhomu, Mrs Josephine Anenih, ex-governor Babangida Aliyu, were among the many personalities who witnessed the short ceremony at the Hilltop home of the retired military General in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Among the guests were former vice-president, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, PDP factional Chairman, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Zamafara state.
Others were Isa Yuguda, former governor of Bauchi state, Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa, Ibrahim Shema, former Gov. of Katsina, Alhaji Abubakar Dakingari, former Gov. of Kebbi.
Others in attendance were Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Justice Idris Kutigi, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Yayale, also a former SGF, Gen. Magoro, Senator Ben Obi, Senator Ben Bruce, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Haruna, Chairman IBB Golf Club, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura,
Also prominent among the guests at the ceremony were businessman, Aliko Dangote and Mr Mark Snoxell, Managing Director, Dornier Aircraft.
Gen. Aliyu Gusau, who served several times as National Security Adviser, Dr Okwezili Nwodo, former PDP National Secretary, Alhaji Modibo, former FCT Minister, Oba Hamid Adekunle, Oluwo Kuta, also came.
Others were Air Marshall Hamza Abdullahi, Gen Garba Duba, Sen Aliyu Wamakko ,Sen Yarima Abdullahi, Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sen Nuhu Aliyu, who was also a former police DIG.
The wedding ceremony scheduled for 11.30 a.m was held after 2.45pm.
Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida gave out his last daughter, Halimat, in marriage today in Minna, Niger State.
In attendance were ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Bukola Saraki and others
Bola TGen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida daughter’s wedding in Minna, Niger State.Patience Jonathan at Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida daughter’s wedding in Minna, Niger State.Ben Bruce and Sule Lamido Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida daughter’s wedding in Minna, Niger State.
The 6th Delta state sports festival ended today at Ozoro with Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa promising his administration's commitment to ensure that the state will continue to excel in national sports events.
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (midle); his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (right) and Hon. Minister, Youth and Sports, Comrade (Barr.) Solomon Dalung, during the 6th Delta State Sport Sports Festival, at Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro Stadium.
Speaking when he declared the festival closed, Governor Okowa asserted, “it is an open secret that the constant successes achieved by Delta State in national competitions is largely due to this grassroots support for sports.”
He reiterated government's determination to ensure that the State continues to play a leading role in the development of sports in the country, promising to make the Sports Festival a yearly event, and providing more avenues for youths to productively engage in sporting activities.
At the closing ceremony, Warri North local government area clinched the first position with 39 gold medals to beat its closest rival, Oshimili South local government area which got 30 gold medals, while Ukwuani local government area got 29 gold medals.
While commending the various local government areas who contributed to the promotion of sports at the grassroots, the Governor observed, ” sporting activities are vital areas where our young men and women can be meaningfully engaged; they keep the young ones busy and away from delinquent behaviours and youth restiveness in all its ramifications; besides, it also gives opportunity to develop their talents on their way to national and international prominence.”
While promising to support sports development through the reintroduction of the School Sports Competition, the Governor commended the Sports Commission and the athletes for their contributions to sports development.
The Minister of Sports, Honourable Solomon Dalung, who was the Special Guest of Honour, in his speech, acknowledged the contributions of Delta State in taking Nigeria to greater heights through sports development, asserting that the state has produced quality sportsmen and women who have represented the country in major sporting events in Africa and other parts of the world.
He commended Governor Okowa for his commitment to sports development, noting that sports had contributed immensely to the sustenance of peace in the state. The Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission Chief Tonobok Okowa said talents which were discovered during the festival would be assets to the State in future National and International sporting activities.
Governor Okowa alongside the Sports Minister and Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro later presented trophies to the winners of the Festival.
An Islamic cleric, Shiek Nasiru Bazallah who was accused of allegedly insulting the Emir of Kano, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, has, Friday, been granted bail in the sum of N1 million naira after being arraigned before a Kano Magistrate Court by the police.
The prosecution had alleged that the cleric incited disturbance and attempted to defame the character of the monarch, contrary to Section 114, 392 and 399 of the penal code.
Recall that on May 8, 2017 Emir Sanusi lodged a complaint with the Kano State Commissioner of Police,claiming that the defendant, on March 20, 2017, acted in a manner which defamed his character.
Emir Sanusi said that Shiek Nasiru Bazallah had gathered his adherents at Goron Dutse quarters, where he made statements to incite disturbance and defame the monarch.
But the defendant said the allegations levelled against him were false, urging the court to admit him to bail.
Although police prosecutor, Inspector Haziel Ledapwa, told the court that police investigation was still ongoing in the matter, the presiding magistrate, Hassan Fagge, in his rulling, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1million naira, including two reliable sureties.
He also ruled that the two sureties must be directors at any federal ministry.
As most women face the devastating effects of domestic violence across the country, some Nigerian celebrities have taken to their social media platform to speak out against the atrocity.
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly called D'banj on his twitter handle @iamdbanj advised victims not to be in denial or be deceived by such men that hitting them was normal.
D’Banj, Aka Koko master
" Don't be deceived. Anyone who is telling you 'men hit, its normal' is either in denial or guilty. NO Excuse LEAVE!!!!!! God help us all.
" Love hath no Violence…If he hits you, he is not a man. He is a Beast. RUN! Stay safe!
" Give yourselves all the nomenclature you want. Wrong is wrong. When the head is cut off, the ears go with it. Be Wise. God Bless. I'm D'Banj,'' he said.
Peter Okoye of Psquare was not left out of the reaction against violence women.
He challenged any man that has the intention to beat a woman to start with him (Peter).
He took to his twitter handle @peterPsquare to buttressed his point, " But seriously some MEN can fall hand. Next time if u want to beat or hit a Woman. Pls try me…'' However, his twin brother, Paul said that men also suffered violence adding that it was better for a partner to leave than stay in a violence relationship.
He reacted on his social media handle @rudeboypsquare,"I know many men that are going through domestic violence….not only women…so guys!! Move on to the next one..Men don't run, we move.''
NAN reports that the condemnation comes after series of media reports about violence against women involving celebrities like Mercy Aigbe and Tonto Dikeh.
Some female celebrities also alleged to suffered domestic violence includes Monalisa Chinda, Fathia Balogun, and Foluke Daramola.
Abuja – The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday in Abuja, said the 2017 budget approved by the National Assembly on Thursday would usher in better development in the country.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, gave the assurance in an interview on Friday.
He said that rather than criticise the budget, Nigerians should commend the lawmakers and APC leadership for making it open for public scrutiny before it was passed.
Abdullahi dismissed insinuations that the budget may have been padded by the lawmakers and said that the National Assembly deserved commendation.
He said that Nigerians were able to know how much was allocated to each sector of the economy, "because for the first time in Nigeria's democratic history, its budget was open to public for scrutiny''.
This, he said, was not possible before now, adding that the APC was proud of the development.
"By making the budget available to the public for scrutiny, they are demonstrating that we meant it when our party said we are going to operate within the principle of probity and accountability.
"What happened at the National Assembly is unprecedented because for the first time, Nigerians are seeing the details of the budget and this should be commended," Abdullahi said.
NAN recalls that in passing the 2017 Appropriation Bill, the assembly raised the figure from N7.30 trillion proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari on Dec. 14, 2016, when he presented it, to N7.44 trillion.
Minna – Two former governors of Bauchi, Isa Yuguda and that of Ogun, Gbenga Daniel have advised the newly wedded daughter of IBB and her husband to embrace patience in their marital journey.
Yuguda, in an interview in Minna on Friday, said that the couple should be advisers to each other and avoid friends.
''I advise him to be very patient with her. I also advise him not to listen to what his friends will tell him.
''He should always be with his wife, listen to her, let them be together and be advisers to one another,'' Yuguda told NAN.
Daniel advised the new couple to exercise patience in their dealings with one another.
He also called on politicians in Nigeria to be loyal to their leaders.
''We just thank God for their lives and pray for them to be patient with each other and take life as it comes and cooperate with each other and be happy.
''And for the politicians, they should be just be patient and support their leaders,'' he said.
The wedding of Halima Babangida and Auwal Abdullahi held in Minna Friday with a dowry of N500,000 and 10 cows.
Chief Ogbonaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, on Friday, assured the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria of the Federal Government's support for its mini refinery project.
Onu made this pledge during a visit to the site of the mini refinery at ABU's main campus, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said that Nigeria had relied on the three refineries built between the 1960s and 1980s by foreigners "but I am so happy to be here for a number of reasons; the most important is that we must develop our own technology.”
He also said that, "Nigeria must develop its technology to enable us build an economy that is based on knowledge as well as innovation driven.”
The minister, however, expressed happiness that from what was on ground in ABU, though, a small scale refinery, Nigeria had come of age.
"But you have to start small and increase to a greater level, I am highly impressed.
"I have just spoken with the Director General and Chief Executive, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).
"Of course, he assured me that all materials were developed and fabricated here in Nigeria; and I am so glad to hear that," he said.
The minister, who lauded ABU for the giant stride in the oil sector, charged the university not to relent in its research and development initiatives.
He noted that once the project was accomplished, it would greatly assist in teaching students both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
"Once you understand how to refine the crude oil, then you will extend it to so many other things.
"Many people do not even know that palm oil can also be refined into many other fractions; many very valuable products that are needed in the pharmaceutical industry and other sectors of the economy," Onu said.
The minister lauded the RMRDC for the support given to ABU towards the project and pledged the Federal Government's commitment to the realisation of its success.
No matter how good you are at screening people, occasionally one 'flies under your radar' and then you find yourself in presence of someone you really don't want to be with on a totally bad date. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 foolproof ways to escape a bad date.
Have a Friend Call You Some Minutes into the Date
This is one technique that has been used over the ages and still remains effective. When you sense your date is going bad, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom with your phone. Call a close friend and ask them to call you a couple of minutes later asking for your immediate assistance. As soon as you hang up, apologize to your date and explain that you have to attend to an important call or emergency (whichever works for you).
Find out What He's Looking For
Simply ask your date what he/she is looking for in a partner. Then when they tell you, look them in the eye and gently tell them that you don't have any of those qualities, will never have any of them and that you don't want to waste their time and your time. If the other person, tries to counter this, simply insist and politely excuse yourself and take your leave. This is a more straight-forward way to escape a bad date.
Spill a Drink on Yourself
It's a sacrifice but you've got the weigh how bad the date is and if it's a worthwhile sacrifice. The first step is to intentionally spill a drink on yourself, preferably water or a drink that wouldn't stain your dress so badly. Once you're visibly shaken by the spill, tell your date you have to go home right away to immediately get out of the clothes. If your date tries to say anything, insist, excuse yourself and take your leave.
Accuse Him of Looking at Another Woman
This one is for the dramatic at heart and typically works for women. Be vigilant and wait for your date's eyes to drift to another woman in the room, watch him and wait for his eyes to linger for even half a second on the woman and then go ballistic on him. You don't have to make a scene and start shouting in front of everyone, the key word here is 'on him'. Give him the riot act, accuse him of being disrespectful, then pick your stuff up and quietly or dramatically take your leave (whichever works for you).
Just Tell Truth
There is nothing as liberating or easier to do than telling the truth, so simply be honest with your date and gently let them know the date is terrible and you can't continue with it. Chances are your date already knows this and he/she was just finding it hard to let you know too. Yes egos might be bruised a little in the process, but you're likely to appreciate each other for the sincerity.
Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state has described yesterday’s Supreme Court judgment on the 2015 Abia state governorship election as victory for Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s and shame to Justice Okon Abang. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Justice Okon Abang In a press statement issued at Ado-Ekiti yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, Fayose told Ikpeazu that the victory was a call to more dedicated service to the people of Abia State.
“Your Excellency must more than ever before continue to make a difference in the lives of your people. You must continue to put a wide gap between your good self and the political charlatans who have now got to their tether’s end.
“The Supreme Court, where they have now failed, is the last bus stop for them. They also failed at the Court of Appeal.
“It is instructive that the only court where your opponents won was at the high court of Justice Okon Abang, who has become notorious for “Jankara” and “Oluwole” judgments.
” It is a shame that a man like Abang, who has been roundly lampooned again and again by his colleagues and superiors as a disgrace to the Bench, still answers the name of a judge and continues to sit on the Bench.
” He should be kicked out without delay. His peers and superiors have told us times without number that Abang dispenses injustice. His pronouncements, rulings and judgments have variously been described by fellow judges as a travesty of justice. What is such a man still doing on the Bench?
” I make bold to say that Abang is not fit to be in the Judiciary system again. The Court of Appeal in the Ikpeazu case, apart from laughing Abang to scorn for constituting himself into the state Tax board, also described his judgment as “a rape of democracy”.
Fayose said rape is a very serious offence and a serial offender like Abang must not be allowed to continue to escape justice.
” A judge adjudged by fellow judges as having committed ‘great violence against one of the pillars of our criminal justice’ has outlived his usefulness on the Bench”, Fayose added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday in Abuja, said that, contrary to the insinuations from some quarters, the 2017 budget approved by the National Assembly on Thursday was not padded by the legislators and that the budget would usher in better development in the country.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, gave the statement in an interview with newsmen.
He said, rather than criticise the budget, Nigerians should commend the lawmakers and APC leadership for making it open for public scrutiny before it was passed.
Abdullahi dismissed insinuations that the budget may have been padded by the lawmakers and said that the National Assembly deserved commendation.
He said that Nigerians were able to know how much was allocated to each sector of the economy, "because for the first time in Nigeria's democratic history, its budget was open to public for scrutiny''.
This, he said, was not possible before now, adding that the APC was proud of the development.
"By making the budget available to the public for scrutiny, they are demonstrating that we meant it when our party said we are going to operate within the principle of probity and accountability.
"What happened at the National Assembly is unprecedented because for the first time, Nigerians are seeing the details of the budget and this should be commended," Abdullahi said.
In passing the 2017 Appropriation Bill, the assembly raised the figure from N7.30 trillion proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari on Dec. 14, 2016, when he presented it, to N7.44 trillion.
A ghastly accident involving an articulated vehicle along the Tsamiya-Bagudo road in Kebbi, has resulted in the death of no fewer than 24 persons.
The Sole Administrator of the Bagudo Local Government Area, Abubakar Zagga, told newsmen in a telephone interview that the accident occurred on Thursday night.
Although, information on the incident was still scanty as at the time of this report, Zagga said that the accident involved some people, who were mostly traders from Tsamiya, a border town with Benin Republic.
The Sole Administrator said the traders were on their way to Lagos, saying that 12 victims reportedly died on thee spot.
He said 12 victims on death role, were also admitted at the Koko/Besse Local Government Area hospital and six others at the Bagudo Council hospital, stressing that rescue operation was in place to save other victims.
Although, effort to speak with security officials on the accident was ongoing, an eyewitness, Abubakar Magaji, also told newsmen that more than 24 persons died in the accident.
The Adamawa House of Assembly has commenced public hearing on a law to provide for compulsory HIV and genotype (sickle cell anaemia) test for couples before marriage.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, made this known at the opening ceremony of the hearing on Friday in Yola.
He said everything necessary needed to be done to contain the serious threat posed by HIV, AIDS and sickle cell anaemia to the society would be done by the legislature.
Mijinyawa reiterated the assembly's commitment to making laws that have direct bearing on lives of the people and urged all stakeholders to contribute positively to the bill.
AIDS SYMBOL
Also speaking at the occasion, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima Abubakar, and the Executive Secretary Adamawa State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Dr Stephen John, lauded the house for the bill and assured their contribution towards its success.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that parts of the proposed bill stipulated that any couple intending to marry would be subjected to a compulsory HIV and genotype test that should be conducted in public hospitals or registered diagnostic centres one week before the marriage.
The bill also required that the certificate of the two tests should be presented to any religious institution or the clergymen of church or mosque where the wedding would be contracted.
"Any person or persons who have complied with this law in fulfillment of the requirement of the previous marriage shall not on this basis evade undergoing the test when contracting any subsequent marriage," the proposed law stated.
Part three of the bill also made case for non-discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell anaemia in the state.
"Individuals, communities, employers and employees have a mutual responsibility to prevent discrimination on basis of HIV (AIDS) or Sickle Cell Anaemia in the society.
It further provided for a penalty of N150,000 for individuals and N500,000 for organisations or imprisonment for a period not less than one year or both for any person or institution found guilty of non-compliance with the law.
With regard to organisations, the head or representatives of the board of the organisation would be held liable, the bill said.
Lagos roads are very busy. You will find trailers, SUVs, and Danfos on the highway. Most of the drivers of these vehicles do not care about pedestrians nor any traffic rules. They simply drive with reckless abandon as they feel they own the road. This oftentimes than not put pedestrians in danger of being knocked down by oncoming and overspeeding vehicles. To keep you safe and avoid any accidents, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares tips for crossing Lagos roads.
Never stroll on Zebra crossing
Traffic rules demand that drivers stop when they see pedestrians walking on Zebra crossing. However, in Lagos, they won’t stop. They will continue driving. So to be on the safe side, it is better you run when using the Zebra crossing. In fact, if they see you strolling, the driver will shout at you to get away from the road.
Ditch anything that reduces vision or hearing
You have to be conscious of your ambience when crossing a road in Lagos, Hence, you should ditch everything that reduces vision or hearing. This is for those who wear dark shades and plug their ears. A vehicle can come from nowhere and you may probably be knocked down.
Plead with drivers to allow you cross
Since the drivers do not respect pedestrians or obey traffic rules except when LASTMA officials are present, you should plead with them to allow you cross. That way, you will not spend minutes waiting for the road to be clear before you cross.
Never assume the driver will stop
Drivers in Lagos feel that they own the road. Hence, they rarely stop for any pedestrian to cross the road. Consequently, do not assume that they will stop. You should wait until the road is clear before you cross.
Use the pedestrian bridge
If there is a pedestrian bridge, you should use it. It is safer. Besides, you will be arrested if you cross the road when there is a pedestrian bridge right in front of you.
A Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, Friday, declined to give ruling in the suit demanding that the Department of State Services, DSS, be compelled to free the managing director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah who was arrested last week Friday over his alleged connection with a claimed theft of petrol kept in his tank farm in Lagos by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation which was valued at over N11 billion.
At the hearing of the case on Friday the 12th of May, 2017, Justice Idris, while entertaining the case, said that he would not give any judgment in the case because an appellate court had been engaged to give judgment in the suit.
He said though his court had on May 9, 2017 ordered the production of the applicant by the respondents, the DSS however, also had obtained an order from an FCT High Court, Abuja remanding the applicant.
Justice Idris however described the situation the court found itself as sad and unfortunate.
Ifeanyi Ubah
"On May 9, 2017, upon hearing the applicant's ex-parte application, the court directed the fourth and fifth applicants to produce the applicant in court today.
"From the record of the court, it shows that the ruling was served on the respondents on May 10, 2015, by 10 am. It was also shown that the respondents on the same day obtained an order remanding the applicant from my learned brother Halilu J of FCT High Court.
"It's clear that there is a direct conflict between the order of this court and of my learned brother Halilu J of FCT High Court.
"Court of the same jurisdiction have been cautioned on a matter like this. I will in the circumstance of this case act with great caution. I will not make any order that will have effect of neutralizing the effect of the order made by the High Court of FCT.
"In line with the order made on May 10, 2017, I will not make an order to produce the applicant since parties in the case have been served and matter adjourned till May 18, 2017, I shall adjourn till May 18, 2017, when all applications and Notice of Preliminary Objection shall be heard."
Recall that the court had on may 9, while granting an ex-parte application filed and argued by Ubah's lawyer, Mrs. Ifeoma Esom, ordered the DSS and its Director-General to produce him in court today, or show cause while he should not be produced.
Ubah's lawyer, Mr Ajibola Oluyede had urged the court to order immediate release of his client, Ubah, due to flagrant disobedience of the order of the court made on May 8, 2017.
Oluyede told the court that instead of the DSS to produce him as ordered by the court, the DSS served them with Notice of Preliminary Objection.
He also told the court that DSS went to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, and obtained a remand order of his client despite the fact that a Lagos Federal High court in Lagos has ordered that he should be produced in court today.
Oluyede further told the court that in disobeying the court order, the DSS and its Director-General acted in subversion to the authority and dignity of the court, by utilizing what he termed as 'abuse of court and power.
But in his response, the lawyer representing DSS and its Director-General, Mr. Peter Okerinmade, told the court to discountenance the submissions made by Ubah's lawyer, saying his agency had filed an application before the court challenging the court's jurisdiction to entertain Ubah's application.
He also said that Ubah was arrested in Abuja on May 6, 2017 and not in Lagos as claimed by his lawyer. He also told the court that the agency secured a remand order of the applicant on May 10, 2017.
Justice Idris however adjourned the case till May 18, 2017, indicating that the DSS will continue to detain Dr. Ubah for a further 14 days.
The South East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the defection of Chief Martin Elechi and Sullivan Chime, both former governors of South East, as a story not worthy of discourse.
This was made known to newsmen by the South East Chairman of PDP, Austin Umeahi, at the party's secretariat in Enugu, while he said that they won't be missed, thus PDP will reclaim the remaining two states in South East namely, Anambra and Imo in the next election.
As PDP hopes and waits for their wining coming Anambra gubernatorial election, recall that other political parties like APGA and APC have also prepared and wait for their jubilation.
However, recall that Rochas Okorocha, the governor of Imo state, had said that nothing will prevent APC from wining next governorship election in Anambra state.
According to him, "The Igbo can no longer belong to regional political parties. We must belong to the mainstream. APC is that place to belong.
"Anambra is critical in Igbo politics. So we shall all come down here to deliver the state to the ruling All Progressives Congress. We have the capacity; we have the capability.
"APC is the structure for the emancipation of the Igbo nation and no man born of a woman can stop us from taking over Anambra State after the November 18 election.
"At any polling unit during the election, at least 63 members of Rochas Peoples Movement will be present to man the units and protect our votes. That will be the magic. "We shall bring the Imo formula here and by the time we had finished, Obiano and APGA would just pack and go."
Conversely, the Deputy National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Mr. Uchenna Okogbuo, had earlier said that Governor Obiano will win the 2017 November election in Anambra state.
According to him, "We are expecting a 99 percent vote for Obiano in that election because he is not only a committed governor, but has also become an acceptable leader. His people love him, the electorate are happy with him, expectedly, his re-election bid will be smooth, he said."
Explaining the 'S' symbol in their SWOT analysis and plan to wining the fort coming Anambra election, the PDP chieftain said the APC is an 'association of confused persons', noting that PDP would in 2019 occupy Aso Rock villa to the expectations of all Nigerians both in the country and in the Diaspora. According to him, "We are not deterred by the defection within the party. It is not a serious issue of discourse. I have traversed all the states within the zone and it is now clear that the PDP has taken over the South East. "The governors within the zone are performing; democracy has been rebranded as it is no longer cock and bull story. If you go to Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia states, you will discover massive road construction works that are ongoing. Ebonyi is gradually becoming like the Dubai of the South East. In Abia 25 roads construction work are ongoing, he said."
No comments:
Post a Comment