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
Durban (South Africa)- Germany's Siemens will invest 1.1 billion dollars to build electricity networks in Africa over the coming years, the company's boss said on Thursday.
The Siemens Chief Executive, Joe Kaeser, told newsmen at the World Economic Forum on Africa in the South African city of Durban that "it is now time to raise the entire Africa concept to a new level."
Kaeser then signed declarations of intention with Uganda and Sudan on planned projects in the electricity industry, transport and health sectors.
He said "the investments will help to fill gaps in infrastructure and to step up the industrialisation of the continent.
"Our goal is to double business in Africa by 2020 to more than three billion Euros."
Germany's Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries said Africa offered the German economy "great possibilities".
The German Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, consequently urged the international community to step up economic cooperation with Africa, saying a new partnership with the G20 countries could draw more investments to the continent.
He said "we know that Africa is in a globalised world, one of the biggest geopolitical risks for the growth and stability of the world economy.
"If Africa is not stabilised to some extent, we in Europe will have problems that will be difficult to control."
The minister described Africa's hunger disasters and waves of refugees as "an extraordinary challenge for the entire civilised humanity.
"Cooperation with the G20 can help African countries to adopt reforms that will help them to attract private investment, especially in infrastructure.
"Concrete details have already been discussed with Rwanda, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Senegal,'' Schaeuble said, adding that the initiative was expected to continue running even after Germany's G20 presidency had ended on Nov. 30.
The G20 comprises 19 countries and the EU.
The countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, UK and the U.S.
Abuja – The Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) has said that complaints on President Muhammadu Buhari`s ill-health by some groups and individuals is mischievous, diversionary and purely laced with political motives.President Muhammadu Buhari during the Federal Executive Council Meeting held at the Council Chamber State House Abuja.
The group stated this in a statement signed by Mr Austin Braimoh, its Protem Coordinator and Mr Cassidy Madueke, Secretary, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to it, such complaints are excuse not to acknowledge the monumental achievements of the Buhari-led administration.
It said that it was unfortunate that such individuals and groups complaining about the president`s ill-health had failed to realise that Nigerians were no longer gullible to cheap blackmails.
"Nigerians feel and are still feeling the presence of the Federal Government through programmes and projects being implemented all over the country as well as people-oriented polices being churned out.
"The true condition of the president`s health as disclosed by officials of the presidency is that he is recovering and gaining energy from treatment he received in the United Kingdom,'' the group said.
It said that the president had continued in his role as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and had not abdicated his responsibility in that regard.
It added that the president was getting on with the business of governance on a daily basis, even though he may have stayed out of ceremonial activities.
It, therefore, described as "orchestrated propaganda'' the complaints on the president`s health.
According to it, the propaganda is simply an attempt by beneficiaries of the old order to distract attention from the war against corruption which is attaining new heights.
The group observed that the war against Boko Haram, militancy and the sabotage of the economy in the Niger Delta had recorded huge success.
"The spotlight is an attempt to take away public attention from the enormous strides being made to pull the economy out of recession, a feat that is about being achieved in a matter of days or weeks," it said.
It added that contrary to the expectations of the detractors, the Buhari administration had continued to record significant progress in three cardinal areas.
These, it said, were the economy, security and fight against corruption, adding that no amount of campaign of calumny would deter the administration from serving Nigerians selflessly.
It maintained that complaints on the president`s health were politically-motivated and advised Nigerians not to be deceived by the diversionary tactics of those who "looted the nation's treasury and impoverished Nigerians".
It assured that the Buhari administration was on course and resolute on delivering on its mandate irrespective of tribe or religion, adding that the government was working seamlessly.
Jo – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday urged Christians to persevere in their faith in order to live the live that Christ chose for them. Osinbajo Prof. Osinbajo gave the charge at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the St. Augustine's Major Seminary, Jos.
He said that the faith of a Christian dictates that the faithful sometimes follow the difficult and painful path.
"And so, I ask that we follow the difficult, sometimes painful path that our faith dictates.
"It is as I said, frequently of humiliation, frequently it is a path of pain but ultimately it is a path of conquest.
"And we are conquerors because Christ has already conquered the world.''
Osinbajo recalled Christ's injunction that Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
He said a seminarian's place of leadership was a sacrificial one which might come with pain and humiliation or persecution of serving without being served.
The Vice President also told Christians to live out the injunctions of Christ by not only loving their enemies but also not responding to attacks or persecution.
He urged them to treat everyone decently and not revenge in the face of attacks.
According to him, the destiny of all nations depends on the church adding "this is a spiritual principle of great importance.''
"Christ said that you and I are the salt of the earth, the light of the world.
"This place of leadership is a sacrificial one.
"Indeed as Christ said "let it not be said among us for those who deserve to be great shall be servants and whoever of us who deserves to be first shall be slave of all,'' he said.
The Vice President also reaffirmed the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the freedom of worship and also the responsibilities of the state to the people.
"The President has expressed his firm views on the freedom of worship and also the responsibilities of the state to the people and to all religions.
"I want to say that he remains firmly committed to those principles that he enunciated that day before the Catholic bishops.
"And God helping us we will ensure that we abide by those principles that he enunciated.''
Osinbajo hailed the remarkable achievements of the Seminary having produced no fewer than 1,500 priests with 20 Bishops and two Arch Bishops in its 50 years of existence.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural, Chief Audu Ogbe, who chaired the ceremony, noted that the Catholic Church had been in the forefront of education in the country.
He added that the Church was also leading in the provision of health facilities and rural development.
Represented by Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba, the minister said the church had also provided the society with people of morals and good character.
He said that there was the need to secure the peace in the country and build harmony among the people.
Prof. Osinbajo also attended a Micro Medium and Small Enterprise clinic in Jos.
The vice president expressed the desire of the Federal Government to encourage local manufacturers to improve the economy.
He noted the successes of the administration on ease of doing business, adding that more incentives would be granted to manufacturers to produce made-in-Nigeria goods.
According to him, by June all facilities at the Corporate, adding that the administration had reduced the number of import documents by half to save time.
Osinbajo noted that there was now only one point of inspection of imports led by the Nigeria Customs Service.
The vice president added that the time for acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy nationwide would be drastically reduced to attract foreign investors.
Abuja – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, on Thursday said non-implementation of the 2014 National Conference report as being sought by some Nigerians was a threat to Nigeria's unity. Ike Nwachukwu Nwachukwu told newsmen on the sideline of a meeting of Primate, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh and eminent members of the communion in Abuja on Thursday.
He said he was in support of restructuring the country, adding that there were a whole lot to benefit from the National Conference report when implemented.
"It will bring what we have been wishing for our country – peace, fairness, justice, happiness, increased productivity and of course respect for every one of us.
"It is unfortunate that some people think it should not be implemented. It is a thing of shame for people to say the 2014 national conference report should not be implemented.
"Anyone who does not want that report implemented is really seeking for Nigerians to vent their feelings in a manner that will not be good for all.
"I am appealing to all those who have not read the report to please read it.
"Also, I know that it was based on what over 400 Nigerians from all walks of life, distinguished men and women have produced in four to five months.''
Nwachukwu said that except Nigeria was restructured, the country would not have competition among the zones that would in turn create a better country for all.
"If we don't do that, we might just be seeking for disunity of our country.
"Some of us fought before for our country to be one united country, and it pains me when I see speeches being made by people talking against making the best of our country.
" No one country can be great based on one value system for year-in year-out. We must make those changes,'' he said.
According to him, Nigeria started as a federation of three regions, later it became four. Now, we have 36 states.
Lagos – Keystone Bank on Thursday said the Central bank of Nigeria(CBN) had readmitted it into the spot and wholesale forwards segment of the foreign exchange market.
The bank said in a statement issued in Lagos that the CBN readmitted it sequel to the provision of evidence of sales of foreign exchange to Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs).
It also said the re-admission was because that the bank had been selling to the SMEs since the introduction of the special window to such businesses.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) recalls that the CBN banned 14 banks from the weekly wholesale spot and forwards market leaving only eight banks.
According to the CBN, the banks were sanctioned for failure to adhere to the foreign exchage supply policy to SMEs thereby frustrating the efforts of small businesses that needed foreign exchange.
The eight banks that were not suspended include; Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Heritage Bank Plc, Jaiz Bank, Sterling Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc and Zenith Bank
The CBN re-admitted Keystone Bank along with other banks to the weekly wholesale spot and forwards intervention.
Mr Hafiz Bakare, the Acting Managing Director of Keystone Bank, said: "SMEs are an integral part of the economy of Nigeria and as such we at Keystone Bank are committed to supporting this sector.
"We are pleased to have clarified the banks position with the CBN as we have always shown support for SMEs through our work with farmers, manufacturers, schools and other business owners."
Bakare said that Keystone Bank would always support CBN in ensuring the growth and development of the economy.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho recalled the world’s most expensive player Paul Pogba for his side’s Europa League semi-final, first leg at Celta Vigo on Thursday.
Pogba
Pogba’s return is one of six changes to the United side from Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City.
Captain Wayne Rooney is one of those to drop to the bench as Henrikh Mikhitaryan and Jese Lingaard support Marcus Rashford up front in the absence of injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The fit again Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Juan Mata all have to settle for places on the bench as Eric Bailly and Daley Blind continue at centre-back.
Celta make just one change to the side that saw off Genk in the quarter-finals as Facundo Roncaglia comes into central defence in place of Andreu Fontas.
Celta Vigo (4-3-3)
Sergio Alvarez; Hugo Mallo (capt), Gustavo Cabral, Facundo Roncaglia, Jonny; Nemanja Radoja, Pablo Hernandez, Daniel Wass; Iago Aspas, John Guidetti, Pione Sisto
Coach: Eduardo Berizzo (ARG)
Manchester United (4-3-3)
Sergio Romero; Antonio Valencia (capt), Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian; Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba; Jese Lingaard, Marcus Rashford, Henrikh Mikhitaryan
Lagos – The naira on Thursday appreciated marginally against the dollar at the parallel market at N390 to the dollar.
The pound sterling and Euro exchanged at N495 and N420, respectively at the segment.
At the Bureau De Change (BDC). the local currency was sold at N362 to the dollar, while the pound sterling and Euro closed at N495 and N420, respectively.
Trading at the interbank market saw the naira closing at N305.70 to the dollar.
The naira, however, depreciated at the new investors and exports window as it closed at N383.19, weaker than N382.19, its opening rate.
Currency traders in Lagos said that the offer of 20, 000 dollars to each of the BDCs on Wednesday helped to stabilise the naira.
NAN reports that the each of the BDCs received 40, 000 dollars weekly from the CBN which had boosted liquidity in the market.
David Iyofor, spokesman of minister of transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, and Reno Omokri, the media aide of former President Goodluck Jonathan, again engaged in war of words. This was made known on Thursday via their tweeter handle, as they engage in a Twitter battle over the comment of the minister ‘I don’t like money, I am not corrupt’.
Amaechi in great styles
Recall that Amaechi had earlier last week had a chat with newsmen (Channels TV) and said, “no one should doubt my honesty for I am not corrupt”. Based on this, Reno Omokri, reacting to Amaechi’s comment via his tweeter quizzed “how Amaechi who allegedly wears expensive clothes, could claim he does not like money”?
The war erupted here as David Iyofor throws word war pounce to Reno, Vanguard reports.
Bellow are their tweets:
“I’m not corrupt, I dont like money”- @ChibuikeAmaechi, who spent $500k on dinner for Soyinka? He thinks our foolishness is rechargeable!!
Yes, your foolishness is rechargeable just like your intense state of senselessness. If you had any sense, you would have known like most..1 https://t.co/G2sqlUaWPi
right-thinking Nigerians that the ‘$500k on dinner for Soyinka’ narrative is another lie from the WIKEd camp, just like their new fib, …2 https://t.co/G2sqlUaWPi
their new fairy-tale that Amaechi owns the $43M Ikoyi money & apartment. Breeze don blow, fowl nyash don open & the liars have gone mute. 3 https://t.co/G2sqlUaWPi
And this is from a Reno aka Wendell Smilin who shamelessly & callously used d name of his brother-In-law’s innocent son to fake documents..1 https://t.co/UaBs9nbN7f
& circulate fake news to demonize a former CBN Gov as a sponsor of terrorism! SMH. From a man whose god & minions around the god turned…2 https://t.co/UaBs9nbN7f
our collective wealth into their private ATM. Yesterday, it was about Amaechi’s supposed ‘potbelly’, today, Reno is tweeting about…3 https://t.co/UaBs9nbN7f
Amaechi’s fashion. Damn low! How pathetic! Reno, your devious blatant obssession with @ChibuikeAmaechi wil destroy u. Go get a life, man. 4 https://t.co/UaBs9nbN7f
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, May 4, 2017 secured the conviction of a Supervisory Councillor from Mafa Local Government Area, Umar Ibrahim and one Bulama Ali Zangebe, who were prosecuted before Justice F. Umaru of the State High Court Maiduguri on a 4-count charge bordering on conspiracy to sell and misappropriate the proceed of rice meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mafa Local Government.
Ibrahim was arrested alongside Zangebe and Modu Bulama, for allegedly diverting180 bags of rice donated by Danish Refugee Council (DRC), a Non Governmental Organization, for victims of insurgency in Mafa Local Government,
In his Judgment, Justice Umar held that "The EFCC proved its case beyond reasonable doubt as there was an agreement to do illegal act. The convicts conspired to do illegal act to sell rice meant for the IDPs".
He therefore sentenced both convicts to two years and a fine of N1m each on the charge of criminal misappropriation and two years in prison for conspiracy. The N50, 000 recovered from the agents that sold the rice was ordered forfeited to the Borno State Government". Count two of the charge read:
"That you, UMAR IBRAHIM and one SHETTIMA LAWAN MAINA (now at large) sometime in November, 2016 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly converted to your personal use the sum of N1,440,000.00 (one million, four hundred and forty thousand naira) only, being the proceeds from the sales of 180 bags of rice meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State contrary to and punishable under Sections 308 and 309 of the Penal Code Law Cap 345, Laws of the Northern States of Nigeria respectively".
By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor Lagos—President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mrs. Funke Ebgbemode yesterday decried the subtle strangulation of the media through economic means even as some of the country's leading media persons expounded on how the media can tackle challenges opened by the new media.
Mrs. Egbemode spoke at the World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Lagos organised by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate in collaboration with Lagos Television (LTV).
Among leading media lights at the occasion were the publisher of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of The Cable, Mr. Simon Kolawole, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye of the University of Lagos, Consul-General at the United States Consulate in Lagos, Mr. John Bray, himself a former journalist among others.
Noting the challenges facing the media, Egbemode said that though the media was still grappling with physical frontal attacks across the country, she nevertheless disclosed that authorities and economic players had introduced other subtle measures to challenge the freedom of the press through economic strangulation.
She said: "If the publisher or the media owner is not making profits, is not breaking even, then he doesn't pay and when he doesn't pay what do we do? Press freedom in our economic environment must begin to take its pride of place in our discourse. We cannot be strong if we are economically impaired.
"When we are not strong, we cannot do strong things, when we cannot do strong things, we are all weak, and our institutions will be weak because we have a major role to play. The easiest way to stifle the media is to make revenue generation difficult and impossible. Stifling the media is what systems do especially in our environment.
"I worked for an organisation that wasn't getting adverts because the organisaiton wasn't doing what the government wanted. So it is not always about arrest, there is also making life difficult, making business difficult.
"The press operates in an industry that is a business, we are not an advocacy group, and we cannot remain fit until they begin to treat us like a business," Egbemode said.
US Consul General, Bray
In his goodwill remarks, the US Consul General, Bray, said that increase in press freedom would mean more responsibility from the press noting that "advances in technology and increased reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial."
He urged the audience, mostly journalists to "Check and double check your facts before you put out a story- this increases your personal credibility and the reliability of your platform."
Olorunyomi in his remarks added that good journalism must be accompanied by accuracy as he enjoined all those that have the responsibility of keeping the gates in the media to be diligent in their duties.
Kolawole also in his remarks urged the mainstream media to see the advent of digital media as a challenge that cannot be wished away noting that new media have provided opportunities for the citizenry to by-pass those obstacles that hitherto kept them out of reckoning.
Prof. Akinfeleye in his own remarks dismissed the threats from citizen journalism saying that it would not in any way displace the mainstream media.
"Citizen journalists are not journalists, they have not been trained, to me they are information traffickers. Will they take over journalism, no; but we must co-exist with them," the journalism teacher said as he equalled a free press as a basic ingredient of democracy.”
Reggae artist, Winning jah whose song "Deep Sea" was recently rated as third most played in one week with 31,000 votes by Amnesty Intertational Italy Music Award is in the news again.
Fototessera Dondona Paola
Reports reaching us has it that the Nigerian reggae star, multiple award winner and nominee for humanitarian songs upcoming EP titled “FIREDISE” has been put on hold after gaining third most played on Amnesty International award music platform on social media.
It was gathered that his manager Paola Dondona, also an Italian book author, disagreed with the musician’s idea of releasing several singles recently, while over 40 tracks are still awaiting music critics to delebrate on before release.
Dondona of Enorecords Snc. said “you should be ashamed of releasing singles like upcoming artists usually do, I recall singles are normally seen as samples for record labels, I don’t want this attitude to become part of your creativity, please be patient until we decide exactly what to release to the general public, being a Reggae musician I will say single track is boring to fans, lets continue with strictly album release of minimum 12 tracks at least you are more or less a jukebox, a prolific singer and song writer why the singles?” she concluded.
Lagos—Some officials of the Lagos State government, yesterday, inspected the burnt portion of Iga Iduganran, the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Lagos Island.
The visit followed a fire that gutted a section of the palace on Tuesday.
A reliable source within the palace disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who visited the palace.
The source said the officials visited the palace to assess the extent of damage but did not make any comment after the inspection.
It added that the fire affected a section of the new palace building and not the old one where traditional artefacts and relics are kept.
"The Lagos State Government officials visited the palace this morning and had seen the burnt portion,” the source said.
Also, normal activities have resumed in and around the palace with traders and buyers going about their businesses.
The fire was put out by Lagos State Fire Service.
Ooni reacts
Meantime, an official at the Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi of Ife's palace , has said the fire at the palace of the Oba of Lagos on Tuesday has nothing to do with the Lagos' monarch's relationship with the Ooni.
The spokesperson at the Ooni's palace, Moses Olafare, was quoted by an online publication as saying that the Ife monarch, is unhappy with the fire incident.
"We are not happy over the fact that the palace of Lagos king got burnt, we can only sympathise with the palace on the development," he said.
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Stuttgart (Germany) – Passengers passing through Stuttgart airport in Germany are being offered a new way to pray — a photo booth-like machine that delivers prayers from various faiths at the push of a button.
Developed by Berlin artist Oliver Sturm, the machine is scheduled to operate for three months.
An employee of the airport's chaplaincy said on Thursday that "we installed the machine in the departures area on purpose, as passengers are generally more relaxed after they have passed through security."
Meanwhile, Sturm said that his "Gebetomat," a portmanteau of the German words for prayer and machine, had been in operation since 2008, "but this is the first time it is being installed at an airport.
"The machine is not intended to promote any particular religion,'' he added.
Abuja – The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) on Thursday said the era of using governors as "punching bags'' to score cheap political points in the country was over.
The Head, Media and Public Affairs at NGF Secretariat, Mr Abulrazque Barkindo, stated this in a statement in Abuja.
He said that the governors were signatories to an initiative, Open Governance Partnership (OGP), aimed at improving governance and promote transparency in governance.
Barkindo decried the "incessant attacks on state governors'' by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, saying they were heating up the polity and raising concerns.
He recalled that Dogara recently tackled the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, where he challenged the governor to make public his salary and security votes "to which the governor obliged''.
"The governor had earlier demanded that the Speaker should come clean on the expenditures of the National Assembly but instead Dogara published N346.57 as his January take-home,'' he added.
Barkindo said that it was obvious that the published amount was barely enough to fuel Dogara's official motorcade for the period.
He cited another instance where the speaker also attacked the Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Ibrahim, claiming that the state had no developmental projects to show for in the governors two years of governance.
He said that the governors wondered if Dogara was aware of the giant steps being taken by the current set of governors to improve the quality of governance and by implication the quality of life in Nigeria.
"Of course, governors are human and can therefore not be adjudged to be all perfect, but the governorship institution is an integral part of this democracy, just as the House of Representatives "If the Speaker continues in this path of disparaging governors, he may ultimately endanger this same democratic process that brought him national prominence.
"It may interest the speaker to note that at the last Governors Forum meeting of April 17, governors agreed to sign into the Open Governance Partnership (OGP).''
"The key indices of the agreement include fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information and citizen engagement,'' he said.
Barkindo said that the OGP was an initiative of a former managing director of the World Bank which sought to improve governance around the world, adding that Nigeria, under the present administration became signatory.
"Kaduna state has also signed and many more governors, including Mohammed Ibrahim, are positively disposed to it.
"This in summary means that the era of using governors as punching bags to score cheap political points is over.''
He stated that the problem of non-payment of salaries was not peculiar to states, saying that it was everywhere, from the private sector to the public, including the National Assembly.
Barkindo advised Dogara not use salary payment to play to the gallery in his attempt to bring down political opponents but should concentrate on works to be done in the House of Representatives.
He added that the world was still waiting for satisfactory explanation on how the national assembly utilized over N1 trillion of public resources through the years, and its N115 billion annual budget.
Abuja – The World Bank on Thursday in Abuja pledged to support the country's auditing process to ensure transparency and accountability.
Mr Edward Olowo-Okere, the Banks Director on Governance Global Practice, said this during a visit to the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr Anthony Ayine.
" We want to support the process so that the accounts are completed on time; that the audits is completed on time and laid before parliament.
"And parliament also is able to do their own part of reviewing the audited accounts and take actions on time also with the executive arm responding to the recommendations that have been made by the public accounts committee.''
He said that timeliness was an important factor in the accountability process and the bank would assist the government in achieving the process.
"It is important for the public accounts committee to review on time and take appropriate actions, so all these things must be done timely for there to be proper accountability.''
Earlier, Ayine commended the bank's support to the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The auditor-general, however, listed some challenges faced by the office whereby further support from the bank would be welcomed.
He listed some of the challenges to include the audit bill presently before the Senate, which would help the office have the desired audit independence.
He said:" if we have support from the UN in this area we will appreciate it because, for now, we lack that administrative and financial autonomy as an audit institution.
"Capacity of our staff in the area of international public sector accounting standard. Training for an auditor is key; training and retraining and having skilful manpower is very necessary.
"We are still very far on the ideal IT Audit. From our assessment, we are still lacking the necessary skill to carry out effective IT audit and we will appreciate support from you on this.''
Abuja – Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday resumed the trial of Dasuki's aide, Col. Nicholas Ashinze, after the false publication by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was retracted.
Former national security adviser of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Sambo Dasuki
Ashinze is standing trial with an Austrian, Wolfgang Reinl; Edidiong Idiong and Sagir Mohammed, on a 13-count charge of money laundering.
Other defendants in the case are five companies – Geonel Integrated Services Limited, Unity Continental Nigeria Limited, Helpline Organisation, Vibrant Resource Limited and Sologic Integrated Services Limited.
The judge had on March 21, ordered the EFCC to retract an offensive press statement issued by one Wilson Uwujaren, Head of Media and Publicity in the EFCC, which was published in Vanguard Newspaper.
The statement which was published in Vanguard referred to Col. Ashinze as a retired officer and charged by EFCC for an offence of diversion and misappropriation of N36billion.
Kolawole also ordered that the Deputy Registrar, Litigation, of the court to liaise with the Deputy Sheriff to ensure that the March 21 order was served on the Editor-In-Chief or the appropriate person in Vanguard Newspaper.
He said the relevant officer of the newspaper must come before the court on May 4, to show where it (newspaper) got the March 8 publication on the N36.8 billion fraud charge against the defendants.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Ofem Uket, informed the court that the said statement which was misreported had been retracted and published on This Day Newspaper, dated April 12.
The prosecution also told the court that he has in his possession a certified true copy of the retracted newspaper report and has given the defence counsel a copy of the report. Ernest Nwoye, Afam Osigwe and Chukwudili Anozie, counsel to Reinl, Idiong and Mohammed (1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants) respectively, however objected to the admissibility of the retracted report.
In their objection, they stated that the EFCC did not follow the order of the court in retracting the statement, rather they apologised which was against the order of the court. However, counsel to Mohammed, opposed the argument of his co-defence counsel on the admissibility of the retracted publication, stating that justice had already been done.
He, however, cited a paragraph on the retracted publication which read: "the error in figure was a mix-up in the body of the release as the headline reflected the correct information.
"The reference to Ashinze as retired is regretted. We have since discovered that he is a serving Colonel in the Nigerian Army".
Counsel to Vanguard I.F. Chude, who was present in court apologised on behalf of Vanguard Newspaper over the false report on Col. Ashinze.
Chude informed the court that the Editor-In- Chief of Vanguard was not aware of the court summon, but was able to come with the reporter who covered the court proceedings.
The judicial correspondent of Vanguard, Mr Ikechukwu Nnochiri apologised to court for the misleading report, stating that it was predicated on a press release from the EFCC.
Justice Kolawole in a short ruling said that he was satisfied with the retraction made by the EFCC in respect to the March 21 order.
The judge also held that court is satisfied with the explanation and apology by Mr Nnochiri and revoked the order of summon.
An EFCC investigator Hassan Seidu, who is a witness in the ongoing trial continued his testimony on how the defendants got N5.6billion from Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Seidu said in the course of their investigation, the EFCC requested from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) a certified true copy of registration of six companies which was sent and forwarded through the executive chairman of EFCC.
The defence team opposed the admissibility of the documents, after the prosecution prayed the court to admit the documents in evidence.
In their arguments, the defence said there is no evidence of payment of the prescribed fees as approved by the Minister of Trade.
The prosecution withdrew the documents and promised to do the needful to certify the documents.
The judge adjourned the matter until June 12, 20, July 5 and 11 for continuation of trial.(NAN) PMY/OU
Oil giant, Royal Dutch Shell, has announced plans to invest about 25 billion dollars this year in Nigeria and all its oil and gas operation across the world.
Shell made the announcement in its first quarter 2017 financial results released on Thursday.
The report revealed that Shell netted an income of 2.2 billion dollars and was expecting to generate 10 billion dollars in cash flow from the delivery of some of its new projects by 2018.
The company recently announced the resumption of oil production at its 225,000 barrels per day (bpd) Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) field in Nigeria's deep-waters.
According to the company, the repair of Bonga will ensure sustained production and reduce unscheduled production deferments.
Shell is also involved in a new deep-water project – the 13.5 billion dollars Zabazaba Deepwater project located in Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 245.
The net profit, it said, doubled in the first three months of 2017, as rebounding oil prices and refining gains helped boost its revenue.
According to the report, Shell generated a cash flow of 9.5 billion dollars in the quarter, up 13 fold from a year earlier, and the strongest among some of its rivals in the industry.
"We saw notable improvements in upstream and chemicals, which benefited from improved operational performance and better market conditions," the Shell's Chief Executive, Ben van Beurden said in the report.
Shell, with operations in more than 70 countries, is Nigeria's oldest oil producing partner, holding various joint venture and production sharing arrangements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other foreign oil companies.
By Nwafor Sunday The President General of Ndigbo, Chief Barr Nnia Nwodo, has said that democracy is devoid of sentimentality and marginalization but Buhari’s administration has meted out injustice stereotype and marginalization to Igbo, such that Igbo loose more than three hundred billion naira annually.
However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed its readiness to sue the Federal Government if it fails to address what it describes as discriminatory attitude towards the South East and South South in federal appointments.
According to its statement issued by Chuks Ibegbu, Ndigbo National Deputy Publicity Secretary on Tuesday, Igbo zones have not been well represented in the Buhari administration. It equally reads that, “The President General Chief Nnia Nwodo is peeved by the unjustified removal of the DG of PENCOM Mrs Chinelo Anohu before the expiration of her tenure .
She did not commit any offence that warranted that, except perhaps because she is Igbo. Ohanaeze Ndigbo also associate itself with the suit against the federal government by Chief Olisa Agbakoba over the marginilsation of Igbos.
Reacting on the alleged marginalization, the statement reads, “Efforts are also on to compile the data of all Igbo organisations all over the world and work with the federal character commission to ensure that Igbos get their fair share in all opportunities at the centre.
Ohanaeze is deeply concerned about the least number of states and local governments that Ndigbo have been encumbered with over the years and for which they loose more than three hundred billion naira annually. It will not rest its oars until this injustice and other injustices to Ndigbo are corrected.
Nnia Nwodo, also applauded the bail granted the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, but criticised the conditions of the bail.
He said, "We have appointed a committee of Senior Advocates of Nigeria from Ohanaeze states to take the Federal Government to court over the discriminatory treatment that is given to the people of the South East and the South South.
"Ohanaeze on our own are doing the best to carry on. We particularly feel happy (that) following our persistent demands, the government has responded now by granting bail to Nnamdi Kanu.
Also the group called on the federal government to support Senior lecture at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umuahia, Abia state Prof. Ezeibe who recently discovered the cure for AIDS/HIV.
South East Governors in closed-door meeting with Nnia Nwodo
The President General of the organisation Chief Nnia Nwodo condemned a situation where research findings in Nigeria are ethnicised rather than critically investigated with a view to ascertaining its veracity. That act discourages research and discoveries, he noted.
Rather than vilify the hard working Dr Ezeibe, the federal government through appropriate agencies should investigate his claims and authenticate it or disprove it using all known modern scientific methods.
In other climes, researchers are supported than discouraged. HIV/AIDS is ravaging many African countries and if Professor Ezeibe’s discovery is factual , then it is good and bye to one of the ravaging human calamities in the world, Chief Nwodo stated. He also called on the National Assembly to intervene in the matter.
Meanwhile Chief Nnia Nwodo has called for the restructuring of Nigeria and creation of more states and local government areas in Igbo land.
Ndigbo are presently shortchanged by the least number of states and local governments at their disposal compared to other zones of the country. They loose more than three hundred billion naira for this deliberate shortchange he lamented.
Whether by constitutional or consensual means , the South East urgently need additional states and local governments, Chief Nwodo stated.
In another development, the newly elected Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership issued another statement stating their various achievements since inception. The group ably piloted by Chief Barr Nnia Nwodo promised to give Ndigbo undiluted, qualitative leadership at its inception. It is indeed committed to that and is leaving no stone unturned to achieve that.
According to the statement, “So far we have set up a Planning and Strategy Committee headed by a renowned developmental economists and former Central Bank Governor Prof Charles Soludo with the legendary Chief Sam Ohuabunwa and Dr Ferdinand Agu as leading members among others.
“Also it has set up a Constitutional Review Committee consisting of legal minds of many years experience and co-ordinated by the the legal adviser of the body Barr Chuks Muomah(SAN). The committee will give the organisation a modern and model constitution that will stand the taste of time.
“The leadership has been able to work to see that South East Governors Forum come on stream and the Governors work together for the economic and social development of the zone.
“On the pro-Biafran issue , the leadership did not relent to impinge it on the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu . It is gratifying that that has been done , though Ohanaeze is still concerned about the stringent bail condition given to him. It is contending and will continue to contend it.
“This is in addition to its effort to engage all the pro-Biafran groups with a view to finding a common ground that will serve the best interest of Ndigbo. The new leadership has also building a bridge with other nationalities in Nigeria with an interface with Afenifere and Niger Delta. It will do so with the ACF soon. Ohanaeze is constituting other Standing and Adhoc Committees to bring in Igbo egg heads in all fields to be part of the transformative leadership.
“All Igbos that have Values to add and advice to render to the new leadership are free to do so. In July 27 to 28 ,the President General Chief Nnia Nwodo will be the Special Guest of the Conference of Igbo States in America CISA and the Igbo World Assembly , IWA where he will deliver a key note lecture during the Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture at Stauton , Virginia , USA.
“Ohanaeze is also building a state of the art website that will be the toast of Ndigbo when completed while its activities will be in all social media and ict networks for the benefit of our people that are now part of the ever changing global communication trend.
Stating further he said, “Commendable development efforts are noticeable in our states. Anambra state has launched a new joint venture in building an International Cargo and passenger airport with proximate new city. Ebonyi and Enugu states have had useful meetings with the federal ministry of Mines with a view to reactivating Nkalagu Cement company and Enugu Coal Corporation. Imo state is building a gas plant at Egbema . Abia state is partnering with an International gas consortium in developing a new sea port at Obeaku. Rivers state is developing a new Port-Harcout city with industrial layout.
“Delta has embarked on a massive urban infrastructural renewal scheme. There is in our view a rekindling of the determination to take our destiny into our hands. On the part of Ohanaeze , we have set up two important working committees namely the Planning and Strategy Committee and the Constitution Review Committee.
“The planning and Strategy Committee is to design an economic road map for Ndigbo .It is a rapid response to our new call on our people to develop a spirit of self reliance. It will be our own home grown effort to develop practical development models , powered by the private sector and specifically directed in the first place to production, commerce, and education. This committee is headed by Prof Charles Soludo, a development economists and former Central Bank Governor. The Deputy Chairman is Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and the Secretary is Mr Ferdinand Agu.
“The Constitutional Review Committee has been set up to look at the present Ohanaeze Constitution and review it with a view to making necessary amendments that will reflect the new challenges confronting Ndigbo and Ohanaeze. They will soon publish an invitation for memorandum from all concerned. The committee is headed by Barr James Ikeyi, SAN, , Ndu Agumagu as Deputy Chairman and Barr Okeagu Ogadah as its Secretary. The National legal Adviser , Barr Chuks Muomah SAN will co ordinate their work.
Conclusively, he opined that, “History will be made in Stuaton Virginia , USA in July 27 to 29 when Ndigbo all over the World will gather there to celebrate the Igbo festival of Arts and Culture, an annual event during which Ndigbo all over the world celebrate the role their forbears played in the making of the United States.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Nnia Nwodo will deliver the key note address at the event which will feature cultural displays, historical expo and artifacts display.
“Ndigbo , like the Irish , Germans and English contributed immensely to the making of the United States and the government of Virginia has not failed to make that fact clear to the world , hence its support for the event. Ohanaeze Ndigbo fully support this event and call on Igbo Governors , politicians and people to identify with the all important event.
“Already plans are afoot to make the event memorable as we gathered from the Chairman of the planning committee event Chief Asidianya and the President of the Igbo World Assembly, our own legendary Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze whom Ndigbo all over the world are proud of, he said.
National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, NACOMYO has described the position of CAN Youth on the suspension of SGF, Mr Babachir David Lawal and DG, NIA, Mr Ayo Oke as alien to the principles and doctrine of Christianity, stating that Christ supported socio-economic transformation initiatives.
The apex Muslim Youth group charged its counterpart,Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria,YOUWICAN to rise above sentiments and jettison emotional feelings over the suspension of the two top government Officials and who are being investigated over an alleged complicity.
It is high time religious institutions stopped playing lip service to nation's affairs, especially on matters connecting their brethren.
"It sounds absurd and infertile to reasoning that the suspended SGF's travail was calculated to pave the way for his removal and be replaced with a Muslim when in actual fact, PMB, his boss knew him to be a Christian before he appointed him.
"Allowing SGF remain in office while investigation is on amount to a mockery of the exercise. Again, investigation by an authority against a subordinate over an alleged complicity could not have been selective, as opined by CAN Youth," NACOMYO stated.
NACOMYO noted that righteousness exalt a nation and therefore enjoined its YOUWICAN counterpart to be broad-minded and support the anti graft war, which it (YOUWICAN) said it believed in, and which will aid socio-economic transformation of the country.
CAN Youth President, Engr Daniel David Kadzai, was reported to have criticised the action of President Buhari over the suspension of SGF and DG NIA,saying it was religiously motivated.
