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
DSS Bombs Magu: Why he cannot be trusted for high office By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor
The Department of State Services, DSS has given further justification for its opinion to the presidency on why the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Mr. Ibrahim Magu should not have been confirmed for the position. The DSS in a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said Magu's poor sense of judgment and willingness to compromise official documents for personal interest betrayed the high level of integrity that should be watchword of the holder of such office as EFCC chairman. The letter was a follow up to the security report earlier submitted to the presidency and the Senate which formed the kernel for the Senate's refusal to screen Magu last December. The letter backing the documents was in response to an earlier letter by the AGF dated 19th December, 2016 with reference number HAGF/DSS/2016/Vol.1/7 which demanded for the basis for the security report. In the letter from the DSS signed by Folashade Bello for the Director-General of the DSS, the security service claimed to have attached 12 different documents backing its claim. The full documents were, however, not attached to the letter leaked to the press yesterday. Comrade Isah Salihu, Special Adviser on Media to the Attorney General of the Federation, said last night that he could not speak on the leaked letter until Monday when he is in the office. The DSS is yet to formally appoint a spokesman. The root of the DSS report against Magu was what it claimed as his unusual relationship with Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd.), a suspect being prosecuted by the DSS. Umar and Magu were earlier members of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Arms Purchase. Backing up earlier claims made against Magu, the DSS in the report said it provided a copy of the confessional statement by Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd.), a suspect being prosecuted by the service. "The statement affirms his ownership of Valcour S.A. Nigeria Limited, a company awarded the contract of securing and furnishing an official residence for Ibrahim MAGU by the FCTA. Investigation revealed that this was facilitated after MAGU was earlier shown the residence by," a man the DSS claimed is a close business associate of UMAR, who was introduced to MAGU by the former. The DSS also presented what it claimed was a forged Memo which supposedly originated from the Office of the Vice-President and addressed to Mr. President. This was according to the report recovered from the private residence of UMAR during a search operation by this Service. The document was a request for approval to commence further investigation into the financial activities of a serving minister from the Niger Delta. The DSS also forwarded another annexure being a letter from the Office of the Vice-President affirming that the annexure supposedly from the office was a forgery. Annexure E was a copy of "Progress report with reference number SH/COS/24/A/7277 dated 25th May, 2016 on NNPC/NLG Brass Investment Accounts in Nigerian Commercial Banks from Chief of Staff to Mr. President, Abba KYARI to the Acting EFCC Chairman. The letter is an official/classified document of the EFCC which was duly received by the Commission as indicated by the stamp on the document. However, it was recovered at UMAR's residence." Annexure F are photocopies of Managers' cheques of First Bank PLC and Zenith Bank PLC, issued in favour of EFCC Recovery Funds Account on 13/05/2016 and 16/05/2016 respectively. These are all sensitive official documents of the EFCC found in UMAR's residence during the search. Annexure G represented "A classified letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the EFCC Chairman titled Re; Request to Freeze Accounts Messers Bebey; Merchant Ltd and 20 others, dated 7th March, 2016. This document was also dully received by EFCC but found in Commodore UMAR's house during the search. Annexure H represented "A document which emanated from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and addressed to the EFCC Chairman on 6th May, 2016 with the subject, Re:Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidaries – A case for Joint Venture & NNPC Pension Funds Accounts. The document was recovered at UMAR's residence." Annexure I represented "NNPC Letter GED/F&A/08.26 dated 5th May, 2016 addressed to the EFCC Chairman and titled Re: Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries. This was also discovered during the search of UMAR's residence. Annexure J. This is a copy of NNPC correspondence with reference number GED/F&A/08.26 dated May 5th, 2016 and titled Re;Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries – Transfer of FCT Balances to NNPC's TSA Accounts, addressed to the EFCC Chairman. The document was found in UMAR's residence. Annexure K – A copy of an NNPC letter with reference number GED/F&A/08.26 dated May 5th, 2016 and titled Re: Stop Debit on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries – Critical Accounts for immediate operations to the EFCC Chairman. The document was also recovered during the search of UMAR's house. Annexure L – Copy of Confessional Statement by UMAR to the Service stating that his trip to Maiduguri for condolence visit to Ibrahim MAGU, sequel to the loss of a close relative, was made on behalf of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Arms Purchase. Cross examination of the Chairman of the Committee, AVM John ODE (Rtd.) revealed that the committee did not send any of its members on such an assignment. The visit of UMAR to MAGU is therefore assessed as an expression of their close sinister relationship at the detriment of National Security interests. Upon the various documents, the DSS submitted thus: "An officer appointed as Ag. Chairman of EFCC should by all means be one of impeccable credentials, with proven integrity and capacity to lead the nation's fight against graft in high and low places. Thus far, it is evident from MAGU's antecedents that he is by no means that kind of officer. His relationship with Umar MOHAMMED which involved disclosure of very sensitive and classified official documents in his possession shows lack of professionalism and assails his integrity. Moreso, for an office who was indicted and nearly dismissed six (6) years ago, to again be involved in similar circumstances, it is clear that MAGU is a perennial offender and cannot change. "Also worthy of note is the fact that MAGU exhibited a total lack of judgment where it matters most. He accepted to move into a tastily furnished accommodation without any scrutiny of how it was furnished. This is curious and speaks volumes of his personality. "The recovery of sensitive and classified documents from the residence of UMAR further underlays his close affinity to MAGU and an apparent penchant for sabotaging official processes and administrative protocols, just to further the latter's personal material and pecuniary agenda. Such mutually beneficial relationships as with UMAR, who by his confession, approaches 'clients' for possible exploitation, favours and associated returns is unprecedented and very damming for an anti-graft top official. It has exposed MAGU as a fraudulent officer and betrays the high confidence reposed in him by Mr. President. "A further demonstration of MAGU's questionable credibility as an untainted anti-corruption official is his failed bid to settle personal scores with one Stanley Inye LAWSON by placing him on Security Watch Action. It was however discovered that LAWSON was actually working in the interest of the Federal Government and the Action was subsequently expunged. "This reinforces the view that MAGU may continue to exploit his official position, if confirmed as EFCC Chairman and indulge in other unprofessional and criminal conducts for personal aggrandisement contrary to his oath of office." Magumagu
Saudi Arabia said that the London attacker who killed four people near Britain's House of Parliament on Wednesday is not on security radar there.
The Saudi Embassy in London said on Friday that the man had spent time working in Saudi Arabia but did not have criminal record there or attract the attention of security services.
Police officers arrive with a bunch of flowers to lay in honour of police officer Keith Palmer, who was killed during the March 22 terror attack in Westminster, at the National Police Memorial in Westminster, central London on March 23, 2017. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTO
Khalid Masood had been in the kingdom from November 2005 to April 2008 and worked as an English teacher, and also visited briefly in March 2015.
"During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Khalid Masood did not appear on the security services' radar and did not have criminal record in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,'' the embassy said in a statement on its Twitter account.
It said King Salman had spoken to British Prime Minister, Theresa May, to express his condolences over Wednesday's attack.
He said "at such a time, our ongoing security cooperation is most crucial to the defeat of terrorism and saving innocent lives."
A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed May 15 for ruling on preliminary objections to the takeover of Arik Air Ltd by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
Newsmen report that AMCON had on Feb. 8 announced that it had taken over Arik Air Ltd to "save it from collapse and in the best interest of the general public, workers, creditors and others in the aviation sector.
A legal practitioner, Mr Oluseye Opasanya (SAN), was appointed as the receiver manager of Arik Air following its takeover by AMCON.
By an ex parte application on Feb. 8, AMCON secured an injunction restraining Arik's shareholders, directors, creditors, managers, officers, employees, servants, and privies, from interfering with Opasanya's power to manage the airline.
However, four persons — Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, Chris Ndule, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide and Engr. Sangowawa Olubiyi — had filed a preliminary objection against the court's order.
Arik Air
Their preliminary objection was filed through their lawyer, Mr Babajide Koku (SAN).
They accused the lawyer representing AMCON and Opasanya, Prof. Kayinsola Ajayi (SAN), of engaging in "professional misconduct" and urged the court to void all the processes so far filed on behalf of AMCON and Opasanya.
The grounds of their objection was that Ajayi and Opasanya are both lawyers practising in the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
Koku argued that by virtue of Rule 17 of Professional Conduct of Legal Practitioners 2007, neither Ajayi nor any other lawyer from the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP could appear in a case where Opasanya is a plaintiff.
Opposing the preliminary objection, Ajayi argued that there was a distinction between Opasanya and the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi where Opasanya works, adding that no law stops anyone from representing Opasanya.
Besides, Ajayi also filed a preliminary objection challenging the locus standi of the plaintiffs to file the preliminary objection.
He argued that they were not parties in the suit in question which AMCON and Opasanya filed against Arik and the Inspector-General of Police, describing them as interlopers, who should not be heard.
He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss their preliminary objection.
After hearing both preliminary objections on Friday, Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned until May 15 for ruling.
Dr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), says over $184 million in product under-deliveries recorded against three oil companies would be recovered soon.
Baru said this in Abuja on Friday in a statement signed by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the Corporation's Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division.
He said the exercise was a product of ongoing extensive reconciliation process with the companies involved namely: AITEO Energy Resource Limited, Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, and Televaras Group of Companies.
According to Baru, the $184 is money for product under-deliveries recorded in the course of reconciliation of transactions executed during the defunct crude for product swap regime.
NNPC
"We have engaged them and positively too, so far AITEO has been very cooperative and we had extensive reconciliation across all our chains of businesses where they are involved.
"In the case of Televaras, they have agreed to make tranche payment of $10 million while Ontario has also agreed to come to the table with our team and present their repayment schedule and have pledged to repay $17 million," Baru said.
The NNPC boss said the ongoing recovery process is geared towards ensuring probity and accountability in the operations of the corporation in line with current reforms in the industry.
He emphasised the determination of the NNPC under his leadership to recover the outstanding stock of its missing petrol in Capital oil depot, noting that MRS had complied.
Baru, however, thanked the companies for their cooperation so far. Last week, the NNPC announced aggressive measures to achieve full recovery of over 130 million litres of petrol stored in the facilities of two indigenous downstream operators, MRS Limited and Capital Oil & Gas Limited, under a throughput arrangement to ensure a robust strategic reserve. Mr Henry Ikem-Obih, NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, had explained to the Senate Committee on Downstream that the violation (from MRS and Capital Oil) was discovered earlier in the year.
He said the infraction was discovered when the corporation had need to access the over 100 million litres of petrol stored at the Capital Oil & Gas depot for NNPC Retail and just over 30 million litres in MRS Limited depot all in Apapa area of Lagos.
He said though MRS had fully complied by returning the 30 million litres of petrol it expropriated, the corporation was working assiduously to recover from Capital Oil & Gas the 82 million litres of petrol, valued at N11 billion, out of over 100 million litres.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday offered fresh 100 million dollars at the interbank market to meet customers' demands.
However, newsmen report that the dealers were only able to pick about 81.35 million dollars.
The Acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor, in a statement, attributed the inability of authorised dealers to pick up the entire offer of the CBN to increasing dollar supply.
He said another reason was the current sense of apprehension among dealers who anticipate a further crash in the rate of the dollar.
He reiterated the determination of the Bank to sustain its current interventions in the market.
"Those who doubt the capacity of the Bank to sustain the intervention in the FOREX market are beginning to have a change of mind," he said.
Meanwhile, the Naira has sustained its optimistic ride against major currencies, especially the United States dollar, which exchanged at about N380 in Abuja, and N385 to N390 in Lagos market.
At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the Naira was sold at N399 to the dollar, while the pound sterling and the Euro were sold at N500 and N400.
Forex
The Nigerian currency appreciated at the interbank market, closing at N307 to the dollar.
Traders believe that the continued intervention by the CBN have triggered further apprehension among speculators, who anticipate further losses given the continued crash of the dollar.
Some BDCs in Abuja stopped selling dollar due to the current price in order to curtail further losses, but they were opened to customers willing to sell at N370 to a dollar.
An Abuja-based BDC operator, said besides the dollar sales by the CBN, steady supply have been coming in from individuals who had once hoarded the currency for whatever purpose.
The President of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said that appreciation of the Naira, especially in Abuja though good, was causing panic among BDCs.
He said this was because the CBN presently sells dollars to BDCs at N381 per dollar, and expects them to sell to the public at N399 per dollar.
Gwadabe called attention to the sharp difference between the Lagos and Abuja parallel market exchange rates.
He said the Abuja market was smaller in terms of demand, being dominated by civil servants, while Lagos has higher demand as it service most private businesses in the country.
Experts are of the opinion that the dollar may likely sell even lower than N380 during the weekend as the future looks dim for the rise of the currency.
A blaze that took over a Ukrainian munitions depot has been extinguished, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Igor Pavlovsky said on Friday.
Authorities declared the end of an evacuation for four nearby villages,"Now we're cleaning up the rubble'', Pavlovsky said.
More than a thousand soldiers had been deployed to join fire-fighters in efforts to contain the blaze, which had raged for a second day at the facility where an estimated 100,000 tons of munitions were stored.
The blaze had set off munitions that hit nearby buildings and caused authorities to evacuate about 20,000 people from the surrounding area in the province of Kharkiv, which boarders Russia.
Flames of fire
A woman in her mid-60s was found dead in a severely damaged home near the depot in the town of Balakliia, another local resident was injured according to reports.
Ukrainian authorities believe the blaze was caused by an act of sabotage.
Witnesses have reported hearing the buzzing of a drone aircraft followed by two explosions that could have started the blaze.
Ukraine has been battling pro-Russian separatist militias in two other eastern regions Donetsk and Luhansk for the past three years.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has promised that the Federal Government will take urgent measures to include Abia in the amnesty programme designed for for oil-producing areas.
Osinbajo made the promise on Friday in Umuahia during a town hall meeting with representatives of different groups from the oil-producing commumites in the state, comprising traditional rulers, women and youth groups.
He said that the federal government and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs would work hand-in-hand with the state government to ensure that beneficiaries of the amnesty programme hailed from Asa, the oil-producing area of Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.
Osinbajo was reacting to the protest by the people of the area at the meeting that the state was not included in the programme.
The people publicly disowned the purported list of 237 indigenes from the oil-producing communities alleged to have benefitted from the programme.
Vice president Osinbajo
Newsmen report Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, said at the forum that the record available to him showed that 237 people of the area had so far benefitted from the programme.
The vice president, however, expressed concern over the alleged discrepancy in the list and the agitation that Abia was excluded from the programme.
"It is clear from what happened here that somebody somewhere is doing something funny," Osinbajo said.
He therefore assured the people that there would be closer rapport between the federal and Abia governments to ensure that the state benefitted from the programme.
Osinbajo also assured the people that government would also include Asa in the cleanup exercise as was being done in other Niger Delta regions in the country.
He further said that oil-producing communities in the country, including Asa, would also benefit from the modular refineries being planned by the federal government to integrate local refineries.
He said that the federal government had ordered contractors handling road projects in different parts of the country to return to site within 30 days or face prosecution.
He restated government's commitment toward job creation and technical training for the nation's youth, saying that no fewer than 2,000 Abia youths were registered in the N-Power programme.
On the agitation for the establishment of a federal university in the oil-rich area of the state, the vice president said that it could only be achieved through collaboration between the federal and state governments along with the Nigeria Universities Commission.
He assured that the federal government would soon announce the names of the representatives of Abia and Ondo states in the boards of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He thanked the youths of the area for their peaceful disposition and also commended the government and traditional rulers for restraining them from militancy and violent agitations.
He said that federal government was seriously committed to developing the Niger Delta region with the oil resources.
He therefore urged the people to join hands with the government to ensure that oil was utilised to better the lot of the people of the region now that the resources were available.
Osinbajo said that with the increasing decline in the demand for oil in the international market, "we must make haste and move quickly to use the oil to transform the nation".
He said that China, India and America, which were highest importers of oil from Nigeria no longer had need for oil since they had found alternative sources of fuel.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Okey Enelama, said that Aba would benefit from the industrial parks and free trade zones being packaged by the federal government.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Uguru, and Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachukwu, in their separate speeches underscored the various federal government initiatives to alleviate the plight of the oil-producing communities in Nigeria.
They said that the present administration was determined to redress the problem of environmental pollution and degradation in the Niger Delta region caused by years of neglect.
On his part, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu said that "no single Abia indigene has benefited from the amnesty programme".
Ikpeazu said that he was happy with the drama that played out at the hall and called for an inquiry on the purported list of 237 beneficiaries from the state as presented by Boroh.
He also requested that the oil companies operating in Ukwa West should be made to respect the rules and laws on local content in order to give the oil-bearing communities a sense of belonging.
Representatives of the various groups in their separate speeches called for federal government's presence in the area.
The speakers include, former Senate President, Sen. Adolfus Wabara, and National Assembly members from Abia South Senatorial District, including Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe and Rep. Uzoma Abonta.
Others were Eze Young Ogbonna, Mr Chima Nwogu, Chief Don Ubani and a former Abia representative in the NDDC board.
They also called on the federal government to address the infrastructure needs of the area.
They urged the oil companies to improve on their scholarship scheme as well as job opportunities for youths of the area to check restiveness.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the wife of Nigeria's former Head of State, Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, pioneer NDDC Chairman, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and a founding father of Abia, Dr Anagha Ezikpe.
By Juliet Ebirim, Aderonke Adeyeri and Adetutu Adesoji
It depends on a lot of factors – Osazee Favour, Banker
Factors that could make an individual commit suicide include blackmail, emotional stress and instability. Also, when a person is overwhelmed with the pressures of life and these burdens are not shared with people. It could also be due to societal injustice or the need to conceal a dirty secret or avoid a possible public shame as a result of one's shady deals. Some people also take their own life due to insanity or spiritual manipulation especially in the African society. Notwithstanding, suicide is a highly condemnable act and a sin before God.
It is not ordinary – Olugbemi Emmanuel, entrepreneur
It is not ordinary, it is spiritual. God has a plan for us and there is no situation that could warrant taking one's life be it frustration,depression, oppression, poverty or economic problem. Anyone planning to end his or her life should go for deliverance fast.
Economic, psychological and medical problems – Chuks Ekwekwe, Social commentator
I don't see any reason for one to take his or her life. However, some factors around us could lead to that; it could be economic situation as at the time of the incident, psychological breakdown or the
person in question could be suffering from a medical problem.
Hardship and difficulties – Alexander Onuoha, civil servant
I think some people are depressed while some are facing lots of difficulties. I appeal to the government to improve the standard of living by creating job opportunities for the youths as this seems to be a trend among them.
Depression is a major factor – Leonard Chukwuma, Businessman
The most common reason for committing suicide is depression. This is as a result of hopelessness and helplessness in a critical situation that is viewed more important than life. It could also be due to fear of the unknown or anxiety over what the future holds. Suicide becomes an option when people don't seek for help. People tend to depend so much on their ability, intelligence and possession which lead to suicide, when all these things fail the individual.
Depression, as a result of hopelessness – Oluwaseun Loto, Educationist
It is depression. A person may be going through a lot of challenges and it seems there's no hope or way out. When nobody cares or shares his burden with him, he loses all hope of getting out of the situation.
When a person sees himself as a failure – Jerome Patrick,
A person could resort to suicide when he feels he is a burden on other people in his life or when he thinks he has failed the people around him. When he thinks the people in his life would be happier without him. But all these are not enough reasons to take one's life, it's unthinkable.
Frustration and dejection – Ige Emmanuel Oluwanifesimi, Civil servant
I think frustration and dejection could lead people to take their own lives. They tend to give up on themselves, thinking they are not relevant in any way.
Worry and anxiety are causes of suicide – Iloyi Iretomiwa, Student
One of the main reasons people tend to commit suicide is if they are worried about a particular issue and there is no one they can confide in.
To conceal a secret – Anonymous
It could be due to depression or frustration. An individual might resort to taking his own life in order to hide a particular secret which he feels will ruin his life Also, sometimes people could be brainwashed into committing suicide.
Displeased with his wife's conduct, a middle-aged man, Ibrahim Yusuf, on Friday pleaded with an Agege Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his seven-year-old marriage.
He told the court that his wife, Bridget, was disrespectful and rebellious and that his life was constantly under threat.
Ibrahim, a make-up artist, who lives at No. 24, Ijaiye St., Papa Ashafa, Agbotikuyo, in Agege, said: "She is not submissive to me and has failed to take care of me and our two children as a wife and mother.
"My wife lacks respect; she is stubborn and not submissive. She is too full of herself.
"She does not give me peace of mind as she insults and fights our neighbours."
Ibrahim, who approached the court seeking the dissolution of the marriage, also accused the wife of disrespecting his parents and members of his family.
"My wife provokes and insults me at any slightest opportunity that I am irresponsible."
He said his wife's behaviour had made him to change his mind about legalising the marriage.
He added: "She keeps late nights and abandons the children at home or keeps them at neighbour's house without disclosing her whereabouts to anyone.
"Recently, my wife went out and left my children at a neighbour's shop till l came back from work at about 10.30 p.m.
"No peace in this marriage; we live like cat and rat, I don't love her anymore."
However, the wife, an indigene of Edo, denied all the allegations leveled against her by her estranged husband.
She told the court that she became pregnant for him at the age of 23 while learning fashion design when he was nobody.
"But immediately l gave birth, my husband's business started booming and his behaviour towards me changed.
"He became arrogant and stopped showing love towards me and the children," Bridget said, alleging that her husband stopped her from learning fashion design and made her a full-time housewife.
In spite of the husband's misbehaviour, Bridget still pleaded with the court not to dissolve the union for the sake of her children.
"For the sake of the children who are still young, the court should please not dissolve the marriage."
The President of the court, Mr Phillips Williams, referred the couple to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) office for possible settlement of the crisis.
Further hearing had been adjourned until April 25.
Unilever Nigeria Plc, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, is raising awareness on the importance of brushing twice daily to avoid dental decay.
It is estimated that more than 1 billion people do not use toothpaste based fluoride, and over 3 billion do not brush their teeth twice a day.
Global Vice President, Oral Care , Unilever, Severine Vauleon, speaking at this year's World Oral Health Day tagged: 'Live Mouth Smart', stated: "We know that building good brushing habits in children sets them up for better oral health in the future, which in turn leads to better overall health outcomes.
"Children are powerful behaviour change advocates in their homes, often driving conversation and action with parents around issues like this. We're confident that kids will love the stories and characters and this will drive their interest and excitement to brush day and night. The result is dental decay affects nearly millions of adults and children.
"Furthermore, untreated tooth decay can have a serious and long-lasting effect on children's growth, brain development and overall health. With many children consequently missing out on school and social opportunities, they can fail to reach their full potential in life."
In his remarks, president of NDA, Dr. Bode Ijarogbe, stated: "We need to empower people to take control of their oral health – throughout life – so they can enjoy a healthy, functional mouth from childhood into old age. Maintaining optimal oral health into old age ensures you live not only a longer life, but also one free from the physical pain and often emotional suffering caused by oral disease."
The Katsina State Government says it has released N700 million for the purchase of equipment for some general hospitals in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Mariatu Usman, disclosed this in Katsina on Friday during a media summit for private media organisations in the country.
Usman said the equipment would be installed at laboratories, theaters, dental units, x-ray units, special baby care units, intensive care units, accidents and emergency and wards.
She said that the equipment would be installed at general hospitals in Katsina, Daura, Funtua, Kankia, Musawa, Baure and Jibia local government areas of the state.
Hospital equipment
The commissioner also disclosed that the government had released N60 million for the purchase drugs and commodities for the general hospitals in the first quarter of the year.
According to her, 10,000 delivery kits and 1,000 caesarean kits have been purchased and distributed to the hospitals for free delivery and caesarean section.
She said the ministry would ensure the supply of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computer Tomography Scanning machine (CT-Scan).
"The machines have been successfully installed at Gen. Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, Katsina,'' she said.
Usman said that N1.3 billion had been earmarked for upgrading of facilities for the establishment of a Teaching Hospital at the Umaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina.
She revealed that N500 million was also earmarked for the establishment of School of Post Basic Nursing and Midwifery.
"All these efforts are geared toward improving healthcare delivery in the state that has poor health indices and high maternal and child mortality,'' the commissioner said.
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra on Friday directed the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, management to free 12 indigent children treated of various ailments.
Newsmen report that Obiano visited the hospital to see a relation on admission and was compassionate after seeing the plight of the patients including amputees.
Obiano
A beneficiary of the governor's gesture, Mr Paul Ifemesi, said that they had been discharged but their parents and guardians could not offset the hospital bills.
He commended the governor for the gesture as the bills run into thousands of naira.
Newsmen report that indigent patients lined up at the entrance through which the governor went to the ward to see his relation.
Mr Kris Ngige, Director of Information of the hospital, while confirming the Obiano's gesture, said that the beneficiaries' plans had worked when they heard of the governor's presence.
"Obiano came out and learnt they were indigent patients and ordered for their bills to be computed and posted to his account,'' he said.
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Dr Iroabuchi Nwanneka, on Friday, donated a primary healthcare centre to Gishiri community in the FCT.
Iroabuchi said the initiative came when she visited the community in search of accommodation that was close to her place of primary assignment — Maitama Hospital.
She added that during her search for a place to live in the community, she discovered that the people were facing acute lack of basic amenities and sought to find out what they needed most.
The corps member said many issues were raised during her discussion with community leaders, but she decided to start with the health centre because of its importance to health of individuals and community in general.
She said "even though I understood the country is in recession, I wrote a proposal to NYSC FCT chapter and it was approved.
"I then started sourcing for funds which was not easy for me."
Nwanneka said that even though the project had been launched, it had not achieved her dream centre and promised to work with the community to actualise her dream health post.
*NYSC members
The NYSC Coordinator, AbdulRazaq Salau, said he was impressed with Nwanneka's selfless nature and compliance with the guidelines of the Service projects.
Salau, who thanked the corps member "for bringing life to the community", also applauded the community for supporting corps members and urged them to make judicious use of the clinic.
He, however, urged the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to assist the community by grading the road leading to the clinic.
Adamu Nuhu, who spoke on behalf of the community, said the project was a welcome development and a sign that corps members identified with them.
Nuhu said the community members always had to go to Jahi for medical service or Maitama Hospital.
Dr Adetoun Sotimehi, the Medical Director, Maitama Hospital, said she was proud of the corps member and urged others to emulate her zeal and compassion for the human race.
The centre was equipped with beds and consultation couch, among others.
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja, has advocated for enhanced partnership with Greece in the area of visa procurement, pilgrimage participation and economic cooperation.
Uja made the call in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Ogugua, Head Media, NCPC, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
The NCPC boss disclosed this when he visited the Consul General, Embassy of Greece, Mr Lykourgos Antonio Kuplanis.
The NCPC boss solicited the assistance of the Consul General on visa facilitation and procurement for intending pilgrims to Greece.
He explained that because of the nature of Christian pilgrimage operations, there was need to fast track the visa processes, especially by decentralising the biometrics capturing of intending pilgrims.
A picture taken on January 1, 2016 shows the nine-metre tall statue of Jesus Christ carved from white marble, thought to be the biggest of its kind in Africa, unveiled in Abajah, southeastern Nigeria. Standing barefoot with arms outstretched, the “Jesus de Greatest” statue weighs in at 40 tonnes. More than 100 priests and hundreds of Catholic worshippers attended the nine-metre (30-foot) statue’s official unveiling in the village of Abajah in southeastern Nigeria. It was commissioned by Obinna Onuoha, a local businessman who hired a Chinese company to carve it and placed it in the grounds of a 2000-capacity church that he built in 2012. / AFP
"Our biggest challenge is how we can resolve biometrics capturing,'' he said.
The executive secretary further informed the envoy that in the coming year the Commission would begin to organise pilgrimage specifically for Greece.
He thanked the Consul General for the cooperation the Commission had enjoyed under his leadership.
Rev. Uja further stressed that the time for enhanced partnership with Greece has come and it must be holistic.
"We want to increase our interaction; we want Greece to go back to the Bible.
"We want a greater linkage; I want us to increase our work with Greece.
"Greece is the bedrock of the development of Christianity in the whole world".
Uja said that because of the strategic spiritual importance of Greece he would organise the clergy and take them to Greece to pray for the revival of the ancient city. Also speaking, Mr Kuplanis thanked the NCPC boss for the visit and assured him a better working relationship.
He explained that the only way visas could be issued fast to intending pilgrims was to plan ahead by applying early enough to avoid eleventh hour rush.
NCPC pilgrimage circle aside Israel currently covers Greece and Rome.
Pope Francis has stressed the need for pluralistic European Union (EU) based on solidarity as antidote to populism in a speech to 27 EU leaders on Friday.
The leaders attended an audience with Francis in the Vatican ahead of Saturday's celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the bloc's founding document in Rome in 1957.
He said "solidarity is the most effective antidote to modern forms of populism, which are the fruits of egotism and offer narrow-minded view of the world.
Pope Francis
"You are called on to blaze the path of a new European humanism; the bloc must pull together to invest in development, job creation, decent wages and dignified living conditions for all.
"The return to Rome must not simply be a remembrance of things of the past,'' said the pontiff, an outspoken supporter of the EU.
He said that the Union brought about "the longest period of peace experienced in recent centuries.''
He, however, cautioned that "the EU must not just be a set of rules to obey out of economic and financial necessity, but a way of life based on values and ideals.
"Wherever ideals are lost, there is fertile ground for every form of extremism," he warned.
The pontiff, a staunch defender of refugee rights, said that the immigration crisis should not be handled as if it were "a mere numerical or economic problem, or a question of security."
European Parliament Chief, Antonio Tajani, European Council Head, Donald Tusk and European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, were in attendance, along with leaders of the 27 EU countries.
Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State on Friday flagged on the N2.3bn dualization of Kulende-UITH-Oke-Ose road in Ilorin with an assurance that the project will be completed in 18 months.
Ahmed said the federal government owned A 9 km road was a reflection of his administration's commitment to implement major infrastructural projects, boost commercial activities and uplift the people.
He explained that the state's intervention on the road had validated government's responsiveness to the plight of motorists.
The governor said the tremendous population growth witnessed in Ilorin metropolis led to increased pressure on infrastructure.
Ahmed assured that all owners of property affected by the dualization will be paid compensation once assessments were completed.
According to him, the state government will ensure that the project and others are executed in accordance with the design specifications and programme of work.
Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed
The governor called on the Federal Government to refund the monies expended by the state government on the road and other federal government's roads across the state.
According to the governor, the refund will enable the state government to have additional funds to invest on more roads and other people-oriented projects.
Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya said government awarded the contract to expand the road in 2012 from Kulende junction to Oyun-bridge.
This, he said was to reduce the inconvenience experienced by commuters and motorists plying the route.
Yahaya urged the contractor and the consultant to justify the confidence reposed in them by the atate government by completing the project on schedule.
Health workers are preparing to vaccinate more than 116 million children against polio across West and Central Africa, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) said on Friday.
This campaign is in a drive to contain an outbreak of the disease in conflict-hit northeast Nigeria.
Vaccination teams are aiming to reach every child under five years in 13 countries from Mauritania to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria had caused mass displacement, raising fears that polio outbreak could spread across borders and throughout the region.
• Success in halting the spread of the wild polio virus through immunisation is one of the significant milestones in Nigeria's health history since independence.
After two years in which polio appeared beaten in Africa, Nigeria reported four cases in August, casting a shadow over global eradication hopes and driving the GPEI to launch one of the largest synchronised vaccination campaigns on the continent.
GPEI Director, Michel Zaffran, said "the goal is to ensure that polio has nowhere to hide.
"We won't reach every child but we hope to get at least 90 per cent coverage. We will vaccinate as many as possible to ensure that the virus cannot circulate in any given community.''
The polio virus, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in war-torn regions, refugee camps and areas where health care is limited.
Health experts estimate that for every case of polio that paralyses its victim, 200 silent infections go undetected.
Some 190,000 polio vaccinators will travel house-to-house in villages, towns and cities across the 13 countries, carrying the polio vaccines in ice-filled bags to ensure they do not spoil.
The vaccination teams will reach children on the move by targeting bus and train stations, toll plazas and country borders, said Rotary International, which is part of the GPEI.
Town criers, local guides, community leaders and radio stations have been engaged to spread the word about the campaign and educate people about its importance, according to Carol Pandak, director of Rotary International's polio program.
"Through our successes in countries like India we have learned valuable lessons about how to minimise the risk of missing children,'' said Pandak, who described the polio outbreak in Nigeria as a regional public health emergency.
The GPEI, launched in 1988, originally aimed to end all polio transmission by 2000.
While there has been a 99.9 per cent reduction in cases worldwide since the GPEI launch, fighting the last 0.1 per cent of polio has been far tougher than expected.
In Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where polio remains endemic, 33 cases were reported in 2016.
Before these latest infections, Nigeria's last case was in July 2014.
Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Head Civil Service of the Federation on Friday in Abuja cautioned Nigerians against stereotyping people based on their tribes.
Oyo-Ita gave the warning at the send off ceremony of Mr Innocent Ogbonnaya, outgoing Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO, Head of Service.
"I want to urge Nigerians to stop stereotyping people because of where they come from or their tribe we should relate and understand people as we meet them one on one.
"Mr Ogbonnaya is from the east and does not behave like the imaginary Igbo man, he is very humble, contented, dedicated to work and loyal," she said.
Oyo-Ita said that saying good bye to the outgoing permanent secretary was emotional for her because he had been a brother and a colleague.
She noted that Ogbonnaya had maintained a good name while in active service, stressing that a good name was more precious than gold.
The head of service further prayed for God's divine blessings on him and his entire household as he continues his life's journey.
Also, Mrs Balema Wakama, Permanent Secretary, Science and Technology, congratulated Ogbonnaya on his retirement and wished him a pleasant life ahead.
She said that he came, saw and conquered, adding that as civil servant the way you exit office is significant.
She expressed her joy for him, saying he had successfully completed his service to his fatherland also describing him as humble.
In his address Mr Ndubuisi Osuji, Director Learning and Development, also described the outgoing permanent secretary as an epitome of civil service and a gentleman to the core.
Osuji said that it was with mixed feelings he was witnessing the ceremony as everything that has a beginning must have an end.
He wished Ogbonnaya all the best in his future endeavours, saying that he had left a deep foot print in the sands of time.
In his response Ogbonnaya who is clocking 60 years on March 25 thanked all the staff in the office of the head of service for their corporation during his time in service.
He urged his successors to be tolerant and carry all their subordinates along in the course of their duty.
"We all need development, I want you to use your office well to develop the younger staffers and carry them along irrespective of their tribe or religion.
"And I want you all to work harmoniously for the good of the country and God will bless all your hard work," he said.
He also begged for forgiveness from anyone he has wronged in the course of carrying out his official duties, emphasising that he does not have any enemy.
Oba Ewuare II N'ogidigan, the Oba of Benin has called on parents in Benin and abroad to encourage and assist their wards to speak and write in Benin language.
The oba made the call when he received the three pupils he awarded scholarship during his post coronation tour of Benin speaking communities and their parents in Benin on Friday.
According to Oba Ewuare, speaking the Benin language would serve as means of identification and promotion of Bini culture.
Oba Ewuare charged the parents of the awardees to guide their children to attain proficiency level in the use of Bini language and culture at all levels of education
His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin holds his staff of office, after his coronation.
He reiterated that the palace was determined to revive the rich Benin cultural heritage.
Newsmen recall that Oba awarded scholarship to master Agobor Aisosa, Osakpamwan Osagumwenro and Osukhon Gift of Osaretin Primary School in Egboko village, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state during the tour.
The awardees had narrated an ancient Benin story in Edo language during post coronation tour to the community.
The three awardees and their families were in the palace to thank the monarch.
LAST Thursday, viewers across the country were delighted as Superstory commenced its new season, titled "Godwin", which is trailblazing because it stars Solomon Omere: a multiple-talented 26 year old man actually living with Down Syndrome.
Wale-Adenuga-Jnr
The TV drama, which has Solomon Omere playing the titular character, also stars a number of popular artistes including Kehinde Bankole, Zack Orji, Toyin Alausa, Bolanle Ninalowo, Chinyere Wilfred, Pa James, Cassandra Odita, Jide Kosoko, Georgina Ibeh, Victor Edogun, Scarlet Shotade, Paul Adams, Amara Uwakwe, Tunde Adeyemo, Patience Oseni, Emeka Darlington, Rex Maximus and many more.
Wale Adenuga Jnr., Managing Director WAP, stated that "One interesting thing about this production is that it is not about a person living with Down Syndrome begging for your acceptance; rather it is about him excelling in life and fulfilling his dreams in a way that you will be the one craving his acceptance.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, 1 in 691 babies are born with Down Syndrome in Nigeria and Godwin is set to provide enlightenment and eradicate the prevailing stigma."
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
IN his first official speech after taking over from Comrade Tony Nted Emmanuel, the newly-elected president general of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has declared that the union, under his watch would not tolerate the existence of cluster groups, fora and other ethnic associations.
He noted that the groups were the causes of several crises within the body, especially the pre-election face-off which according to him, was tactfully controlled before it could snowball into a full crisis.
Adeyanju warned that to avoid future crisis, all members of the union must remain obedient to the constitution guiding the MWUN and must operate by it alone. “I want to say that all associations and fora inside the port have been banned as from today. Our constitution in the union is the highest organ that we know. I don’t know anything about Alliance Maritime Forum, Oyo Forum, Ekiti Forum, Bakare Forum and so on. They are not enshrined in our constitution, so all these fora have been banned so that we would be able to concentrate and move the union forward”, he declared.
Adeyanju noted that the era of allowing thugs at Nigerian ports was successfully stamped out of the port by the union in the past eight years and that all the dock workers are now gainfully employed by terminal operators.
He expressed appreciation to the immediate past president general of the union, Comrade Tony Nted, assuring that the union would never derail from the standards he has laid.
By Chris Ochayi ABUJA – The leadership crisis rocking the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be coming to an end as the two factions loyal to the National Chairman, Senator All Modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi led National Caretaker Committee have agreed to a ceasefire pack.Sheriff and Makarfi
This development was achieved Thursday following a meeting of the groups with Bayelsa State Governor and the Chairman of the party reconciliation committee Hon. Seriake Dickson in Abuja.
While Sheriff, the National Chairman of the party, was represented at the meeting by Ahmed Gulak, Bernard Mikko and Cairo Ojougboh, Makarfi, the Chairman of PDP National Caretaker Committee, was represented by Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Rt. Hon Dave Iorhemba.
“That the party should not dissipate her energy amongst itself but to focus on how to unite and be a formidable opposition capable of taking over power from the failed APC led government.
“That all key actors in the on-going peace process should henceforth desist from making public press statements attacking each other and statements insinuating negative acts capable of dragging the party to the mud.”
In the meeting chaired by Dickson, both factions agreed that "all key actors in the PDP have agreed to work together with National Reconciliation Committee led by Governor Seriake Dickson to engender peace and genuine reconciliation.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Walid Jubril has warned that selfish ambition is destroying the party.
Senator Jubril, stated this while receiving the report of the reconciliation committee, led by the Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson in his Asokoro home in Abuja.
However Dickson had earlier cautioned the two factions, led by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, to drop their ego and ambition for the unity of the party.
Much earlier Thursday, both factions of PDP led by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, agreed to a cessation of inflammatory statements.
The agreement was reached under the supervision of the party’s reconciliation committee led by the Bayelsa State governor, Hon Seriake Dickson in Abuja.
According to Senator Walid, he warned that “Selfish or personal ambition should never try to destroy this party.”
He further dismissed plans to form a new party adding “Any attempt by any member to leave PDP for an unborn party is not a good decision. You cannot build a solid house and abandon it mid way. We must never behave as never do well. We must resolve our compromises. We need two strong parties, PDP and other one.”
He noted that while judiciary is doing its best to resolve the problem legally, the political solution is also welcome.
He stated that BOT will meet with other organs of the party, “So that we can call our convention before or latest by June. "I want to assure our members that Peace will return to PDP and all our differences will be resolved.”
Governor Dickson while presenting the report said “We will also be failing to point out that whether we succeed or how soon we succeed will be based on the collaboration of all of us.
“Let us leave all personal grievances and ambitions behind. This party is not about Makarfi and Sheriff alone. Let us all unite, leave egos and ambition.”
He maintained that Sheriff has written an undertaken to allow the convention committee free hand to operate and for party officers holding officer should resign ahead of the convention.
Libyan authorities on Thursday flew home 159 Nigerian migrants stranded after failing to reach Europe, in the second such voluntary repatriation operation this week.
African migrants from the Nigeria wait at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport prior to being repatriated to their homeland under a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTOAfrican migrants from the Nigeria wait at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport prior to being repatriated to their homeland under a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTOAfrican migrants from the Nigeria wait at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport prior to being repatriated to their homeland under a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTOAfrican migrants from the Nigeria wait at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport prior to being repatriated to their homeland under a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTOAfrican migrants from the Nigeria wait at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport prior to being repatriated to their homeland under a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 23, 2017.African migrants from the Nigeria wait at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport prior to being repatriated to their homeland under a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
POPULAR actor Chiwetalu Agu is taking his talent to another level as he concludes plans to release a debut video album titled "Mr. President."
The album, which reflects on the everyday activities of an average Nigerian, will be released soon and the actor is working round the clock to ensure that he makes a big statement with his venturing into music.
Chinwetalu Agu
In one of the tracks titled 'Mr. President' the comic actor reflected on the blessings Nigeria has received from God as well as on the poor leadership that has destroyed it, adding that he would do better things if he was made the president.
"Nigerians are suffering, there is hunger in the land and someone who is in speaking position has to say something about it. The song is not just about trolling politicians, but has other fun tracks that will make you dance, laugh and merry. It is an album for everyone" the actor said.
According to the management of Kings Music Entertainment, who are packaging the album, the five-track video album will be released soon and their spokesperson has it that almost everything is set before the video hits shops and TV stations.
"He is a legend and we know so many people across the globe will be looking forward to the album. It is clean for the family and you will also expect to see some of his comic lines on the songs", the spokesperson said.
Political bigwigs, dignitaries and other eminent Nigerians from all walks of life will on March 28 converge on Lagos for the annual Bola Tinubu Colloquium.
The event, the ninth in the series, is to commemorate the birthday of former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who turns 65 on March 29.
According to a statement by Tinubu Media Office on Thursday and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, this year's colloquium has as its theme- "Use What We Make, Make What We Use".
Tinubu
It is to hold at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the organisers, the Colloquium will focus on the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in Nigeria.
"The goal is to create a space where ideas and people relevant to creating innovative but everyday solutions in Nigeria can share knowledge, experiences and proffer solutions to the challenges facing the sector,'' they say.
The organisers say the idea of holding a colloquium yearly in honour of the APC leader was first conceived in 1999 by his close friends and associates.
"The friends and associates thought it important that the rich debates and intellectual discussions that often marked cabinet and other meetings with Tinubu be translated to a platform which would expand the conversations and lead to tangible outcomes,'' the colloquium website says.
Libyan authorities on Thursday flew home 159 Nigerian migrants stranded after failing to reach Europe, in the second such voluntary repatriation operation this week.
“In coordination with the IOM (International Organization for Migration), we are repatriating 159 Nigerians… including three infants,” Badreddine Ben Hamed, head of Libya’s anti-illegal immigration force, told AFP at Mitiga airport.
African migrants from the Nigeria wait at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport prior to being repatriated to their homeland under a voluntary repatriation program coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
The Nigerians, wearing tracksuits and new sneakers, were driven to the airport near the Libyan capital in two buses.
“I wish I could go to Europe but I can’t,” said a woman called Fate, carrying a baby in her arms.
“I’m happy to be going home,” said another Nigerian woman.
IOM head William Lacy Swing, who was in Tripoli on Wednesday, visited a reception centre for migrants accompanied by the UN special envoy for Libya, Martin Kobler.
“We can no longer turn our back on the communities affected by the current migration crisis” in Libya, said Swing, who met with Libyan officials.
Kobler said it was “a humanitarian imperative” to improve the living conditions of migrants and help with repatriations. “Voluntary return must be assisted,” he wrote on Twitter.
A group of 150 nationals of the Ivory Coast, gathered from detention centres around Libya, were flown home on Tuesday.
Six years since a revolution that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Libya has become a key departure point for clandestine migration to Europe via perilous boat crossings of the Mediterranean.
The IOM has said 521 migrants died in the Mediterranean from January 1 to March 5, 2017.
Frozen-out star forward Karim Benzema wants showdown talks with France coach Didier Deschamps about his international future and said Thursday he hasn’t given up hope of a recall.Benzema
The 29-year-old Real Madrid striker has not been picked by Deschamps since October 2015 after being embroiled in a sex-tape blackmail scandal involving former international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.
It cost him a place in France’s Euro 2016 squad and with Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann now the undisputed first-choice forward for France, Benzema remains out in the cold.
But with the World Cup in Russia next year, he hasn’t given up hope.
“For now I haven’t ended my international career, I don’t want to give up,” Benzema told RMC radio station.
“It’s tough (to be left out) when you play in a big club. Me, I love football, the big matches. The national team is top-class matches.”
Benzema was booted out of the squad, along with Valbuena — the victim of alleged attempted blackmail — due to the scandal.
In December, a French court rejected Benzema’s request to have the investigation into his alleged involvement dropped and the case is likely to go to trial later this year.
Investigators suspect Benzema of acting as an intermediary between the presumed blackmailers, including one of his childhood friends, and Lyon midfielder Valbuena.
“It’s a year and a half since I played for France, it hurts. I find it unfair because I haven’t had an explanation,” said the 81-time capped player, who again said he was not guilty.
“What I’d like is to have a discussion with the coach, if it’s for that (the ongoing investigation) or something else.”
Benzema said he last spoke to Deschamps towards the end of last season.
“He told me he wouldn’t pick me. At the time I didn’t need any more explanation than that.
“Now, on reflection, I’d like him to explain why it’s still the case — I ask myself that every day.”
The man who mowed down pedestrians and stabbed a policeman in Wednesday’s deadly assault outside Britain’s parliament has been identified by police as 52-year-old former convict Khalid Masood.
Known by “a number of aliases”, London’s Metropolitan Police said he had been convicted for a string of offences but none of them terror-related.
Born on Christmas Day 1964 in Kent in southeast England, Masood had been living in the West Midlands where armed police have staged several raids since the attack, storming properties in the city of Birmingham.
Over the course of two decades, Masood chalked up a range of convictions for assault, grievous bodily harm, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences, police said, with the offences taking place between 1983 and 2003.
But Masood had never been convicted of terrorism offences and “was not the subject of any investigations,” the police said, noting there was “no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack”.
At 52, his age has been highlighted by commentators as unusual, with most Islamist extremists behind similar attacks far younger.
Prime Minister Theresa May said he was once investigated by the intelligence service MI5 “in relation to concerns about violent extremism”.
Although the police believe Masood acted alone, the Islamic State group claimed he was one of its “soldiers” acting on a call to target countries fighting the jihadists in Iraq and Syria.
– ‘A nice guy’ –
Masood rented the car used in the attack from the Solihull branch of Enterprise, on the outskirts of Birmingham, the company confirmed in a statement.
According to the BBC, he told the car rental company that he was a teacher.
“He was a nice guy. I used to see him outside doing his garden,” Iwona Romek, a former neighbour of his told the Birmingham Mail.
“He had a wife, a young Asian woman and a small child who went to school,” she added, pointing out that the family had abruptly moved out of their house in Winson Green, a neighbourhood in western Birmingham, around Christmas.
Other media have reported that he was a married father-of-three.
Senate on Wednesday rejected the nomination of two out of 47 non-career ambassadorial nominees presented for approval by President Muhammadu Buhari in January.
The affected nominees, who were rejected, based on the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs are 82 year old Justice Sylvanus Nsofor from Imo State and Mr. Jacob Igbekele Daodu from Ondo State.
Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor, retired as a Justice of Court of Appeal in March 2005, after clocking the mandatory retirement age of 70.
He had served as a judge for 28 years with about 13 years spent in the Court of Appeal.
The committee, headed by Senator Monsurat Sunmonu (APC Oyo Central), screened the nominees.
Senator Sunmonu, while presenting the report, said Justice Nsofor looked fragile and tired while his responses to the issues raised during screening were either not answered or devoid of details.
She added that Daodu did not respond to issues raised satisfactorily, apart from the negative security report against him by the Department of State Services, DSS.
"During the screening exercise the nominee's answers did not have direct bearing to the issues raised and the answers were not satisfactory to the committee's expectation.
"Besides, there is an adverse report on the nominee's suitability for appointment as ambassador", she said.
Daodu, from Akoko area of Ondo State is an architect by profession and also a former commissioner for physical planning in the state. He lacked the support of the APC executive in the state, who accused him of anti-party activities in the last governorship election, won by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Those who were approved include: Uzoma Emenike (Abia), Aminu Iyawa (Adamawa), Maj Gen Godwin Umoh Rtd (Akwa Ibom), Christopher Okeke (Anambra), Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Bauchi), Baba Madugu (Bauchi), Stanley Diriyai (Bayelsa).
Others are Stephen Ugba (Benue) Baba Ahmad Jidda (Borno) Etubom Asuquo (Cross River), Frank Efeduma (Delta) Jonah Odo (Ebonyi), and Uyagwe Igbe from Edo State Eniola Ajayi (Ekiti), Chris Eze (Enugu), Suleiman Hassan (Gombe).
Others include Justice Sylvanus Nsofor (Imo), Amin Dalhatu (Jigawa), Ahmed Bamilli and Deborah Iliya (both from Kaduna), Prof D. Abdulkadir(Kano) and Haruna Ungogo (Kano), Justice Isa Dodo(Katsina) and Mohammadu Rimi Barade (Katsina) and Tijani Bande from Kebbi State.
The other nominees who scaled the Senate hurdle are: Prof Y. Aliu (Kogi) Nurudeen Mohammed and Prof Mohammed Yisa (both from Kwara), Justice George Adesola Oguntade and Modupe Irele (both from Lagos), Musa Mohammad (Nasarawa), Ahmed Musa Ibeto (Niger), Suzanne Aderonke Folarin (Ogun), Jacob Igbekele Daodu (Ondo), Afolahan Adeyemi (Osun), and Maj Gen Ashimiyu Olaniyi from Oyo State.
James Dmika and Haruna Abdullahi (both from Plateau), Orji Ngofa (Rivers), Sahabi Isa Gada and Kabir Umar (both from Sokoto) Jika Ado (Taraba), Goni Zanna Bura (Yobe), Garba Gajam and Capt Bala Mohammad Mairiga (both from Zamfara) and Habbiss Ibrahim Ugbada from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, were also approved by the Senate.
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki commended the committee for a job well done.
He called on the nominees to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in any country to which they are posted.
He further called on the Federal Government to ensure the payment of salary arrears of the Nigerian Embassy staff across the globe in order to project the country's image positively.
The man who mowed down pedestrians and stabbed a policeman in a deadly assault on the British parliament was identified by police on Thursday as 52-year-old Khalid Masood.
London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement that Masood was known by “a number of aliases”.An arrangement of newspapers pictured in London on March 23, 2017, as an illustration, shows the front pages of the UK daily newspapers reporting on the March 22 terror attack that claimed at least three lives in Westminster central London. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTO
He was born in Kent in southeast England and had been living in the West Midlands, which includes the city of Birmingham where there was an armed police raid overnight in connectiong with Wednesday’s assault.
Police said Masood had a range of convictions for assault including grievous bodily harm, possession of offensive weapons and public order offences ranging from 1983 to 2003.
However, it said Masood had never been convicted of any terrorism offences and that he “was not the subject of any investigations and there was no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack”.
Earlier Thursday, Prime Minister Theresa May said the man behind the attack had once been investigated by the intelligence service MI5 “in relation to concerns about violent extremism”.
An arrangement of newspapers pictured in London on March 23, 2017, as an illustration, shows the front pages of the UK daily newspapers reporting on the March 22 terror attack that claimed at least three lives in Westminster central London. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTOIndian sandartist Sudarsan Pattnaik gives the final touches to a sand sculpture on Puri Beach, some 65kms from Bhubaneswar on March 23, 2017, the day after an attack in London. Seven people have been arrested including some in London and Birmingham over the terror attack at the British parliament, the police said, revising down the number of victims to three / AFP PHOTOPolice officers arrive with a bunch of flowers to lay in honour of police officer Keith Palmer, who was killed during the March 22 terror attack in Westminster, at the National Police Memorial in Westminster, central London on March 23, 2017. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTOPedestrians and cyclists cross Westminster Bridge with the Houses of Parliament in the background in central London on Marhc 23, 2017 after it reopened following its closure by security services during and after the March 22 terror attack. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTOA police officer lays flowers on Whitehall around a photograph of police officer Keith Palmer who was killed in the March 22 terror attack in Westminster, in Westminster near the Houses of the Parliament in central London on March 23, 2017. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTOBelgian Ministers and MPs hold a minute of silence for the victims of the attack in London that killed three people the day before, on March 23, 2017 at the beginning of a plenary session of the Chamber at the Federal Parliament in Brussels. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an attack in London that killed three people, the Amaq propaganda agency linked to the jihadist organisation said. The claim marks the first time the group has taken responsibility for an attack in Britain. / AFP PHOTOA police officer lays flowers on Whitehall around a photograph of police officer Keith Palmer who was killed in the March 22 terror attack in Westminster, in Westminster near the Houses of the Parliament in central London on March 23, 2017. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTO / Justin TALLISMargot Wallstrom Sweden’s foreign minister (C) pauses with other members during a minute of silence at the Security Council on March 23, 2017 at UN Headquarters in New York. Four people were killed and 40 injured after being run over and stabbed in a lightning attack at the gates of British democracy on Wednesday attributed by police to “Islamist-related terrorism”. The attack unfolded across Westminster Bridge in the shadow of Big Ben, a towering landmark that draws tourists by the millions and stands over Britain’s Houses of Parliament — the very image of London. / AFP PHOTOPolice secure a cordon blocking access to the Houses of Parliament in central London March 23, 2017 the day after the March 22 terror attack. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTO
The House of Representatives Committee on Economic Recession has expressed optimism that the country will soon overcome recession.
The Chairman of the committee, Dr Bode Ayorinde, stated this in an interview with reporters shortly after the committee met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
Ayorinde said the committee's meeting with Osinbajo, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Team, was to suggest ways that the country could exit recession.
"Government is by action; but before you take action, you plan.
Economic recession
"We are now at the planning stage and already you see there is a slow response.
"The inflation rate dropped gradually and gradually, all other steps that are being taken when they are in full force (will work).
"Nigeria is a strong country; we have a lot of resources; all we need to do is to wake up.
"When there are challenges, it leads to innovation.
"It is when you are hungry that you remember that you have something around the corner of your house that you can turn into food.
"Nigerians should be patient with government and, by the grace of God, we shall be out of recession.''
Ayorinde said that the Reps Committee was made up of experienced finance people who could assist in designing programmes that could engender speedy economic recovery.
He commended both the executive and legislature for collaborating to solve the nation's economic problems.
"We are glad that we are on the same page; some of our suggestions have been acknowledged to be the way they were thinking and some of our suggestions have been innovative.
"By the grace of God Nigerians will feel the effect of this committee and the effort of the Federal Government very soon,'' he said.
Ayorinde also said that the recovery plan was being compiled adding that the Federal Government would soon come out with a package to exit the recession in fulfilment of its essence to address the welfare of the people.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (House of Reps),
Mr Suleiman Kawu, who was at the meeting said the executive was glad about the resolutions of the committee adding that the executive would come out with a position.
"We heard what they (Reps) said; we will come up with a position too and, in the end, we want to arrive at a position where Nigerians will be happy with the government,'' he said.
Kawu noted that the Reps and the executive arm of government enjoyed a harmonious relationship that was "rancour-free, intact and doing serious consultations''.
Three people were killed in the terror attack outside Britain’s parliament: a woman picking up her children from school, a man from Utah, and an unarmed police officer.
Westminster Bridge, where the attacker mowed down pedestrians before stabbing a police officer, is a busy tourist spot with its views of parliament’s Big Ben clock tower.Police officers arrive with a bunch of flowers to lay in honour of police officer Keith Palmer, who was killed during the March 22 terror attack in Westminster, at the National Police Memorial in Westminster, central London on March 23, 2017. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTO
Those injured in the attack included many foreigners.
Here is what we know about the victims so far.
– ‘Hero’ police officer – Unarmed police officer Keith Palmer, who was fatally stabbed as he stood guard at an entrance to parliament, has been hailed as a hero.
The 48-year-old husband and father had been a police officer for 15 years and was part of the parliamentary protection force.
Prime Minister Theresa May called him “every inch a hero”.
He previously served in the British army alongside James Cleverly, now a Conservative MP, who tweeted: “A lovely man, a friend. I’m heartbroken.”
As a tribute, Charlton Athletic football club placed a scarf in its red and white colours on Seat 166 of its stadium, which Palmer held as a season ticket holder.
Thousands of people also donated money to Palmer’s family via a crowdfunding page set up by the police force union.
Within a day, it had already collected nearly £200,000 ($250,000, 232,000 euros).
– Mother-of-two – Colleagues of Aysha Frade, a mother who was run down and killed as she was on her way to pick up her children, said she was “loved” and would be “deeply missed”.
A Spanish diplomatic source confirmed to AFP that Frade was a 43-year-old British national whose mother was Spanish.
Media reports said her daughters were seven and nine years old.
Rachel Borland, principal of DLD College London where Frade worked in the administration team, said she was “highly regarded and loved by our students and by her colleagues”.
– ‘A great American’ – Kurt Cochran from Utah in the United States has been named as the third victim.
US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to pay tribute to “a great American” adding that his “prayers and condolences are with the family and friends”.
Clint Payne, Cochran’s brother-in-law, explained in a statement that Cochran and his wife Melissa Payne Cochran had been in London to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
“Our family is heartbroken,” he said in a statement emailed to AFP.
Cochran’s wife is reportedly in hospital, where she is recovering from a broken leg and rib and a cut on her head.
The police said only that a man in his 50s had died.
– Injured – Police said 29 of around 40 people wounded were treated in hospital. Seven remained in “critical condition” on Thursday.
Three French pupils on a school trip to London, all aged 15 or 16, were among those hurt, including two who suffered broken bones but were not reported to be in life-threatening condition.
The teenagers are from a high school in Concarneau, in the western Brittany region, and were joined by their families on Wednesday evening. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault arrived in London on Thursday to visit them.
Five South Korean tourists — four women and a man in their 50s and 60s — were also wounded after being knocked to the ground by people fleeing as the assailant mowed down pedestrians, Seoul’s foreign ministry said.
In an address to parliament on Thursday, May said that among the people admitted to hospital were 12 Britons as well as two Greeks and two Romanians, one German, one Pole, one Irish citizen, one Chinese national, one Italian and one American.
A woman with serious injuries rescued from the River Thames near Westminster Bridge after the attack, as well as her fiance, are believed to be the two Romanians.
Local media in the eastern European country have named them as Andreea Cristea, a 29 year-old architect and Andrei Burnez. Authorities did not confirm the reports.
The injured also included three police officers who were returning from an event recognising their bravery, two of whom remain in serious condition.
Among the injured British nationals were four students from Edge Hill University in Ormskirk in northwest England, who were on an educational visit to the parliament.
The Police in Lokoja on Thursday paraded 20 persons suspected to be kidnappers and armed robbers.
The Commissioner of police in the State, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, said some of them were arrested for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and culpable homicide.
He said the suspects were arrested at Igalamela/Odolu, Ankpa, Ibaji, Odo-ere, Okene and Odo-Ape during security operations by men of the Special Anti Robbery Squads (SARS).
Those paraded were Musa Audu, Adamu Lamun and Bodori Ide for allegedly kidnapping one Aishetu Shehu on Feb. 4, 2017.
Inalegwu said the suspects collected N500,000 ransom before releasing her.
He said that Enemona Godwin, Solomon Anthony, Yakubu Abdullahi, Hassan Abdullahi, Ekele Attah, Umar Abubakar, Ahmadu Panya, Jeremiah Olorunmowaju, Idris Umar, Umar Mohammed and Hussaini Yahaya were arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping.
According to him, four pump action guns, four AK47, two pistols, two double barrel guns, two Dane guns, 200 live cartridges, 150 wraps of Indian hemps, military cap, boots and belts are some of the items recovered from the suspects.
Inalegwu said the new security strategies he introduced had started yielding results.
The commissioner, who assumed office barely a month ago, commended members of the local vigilance groups for their contribution to the fight against crime and promised to make the state safer for people.
Last week, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, accompanied by Inalegwu and other members of the state security council, supervised the demolition of two houses used by terrorists and armed robbers in Okene.
In recent time, many commuters had been kidnapped or robbed while passing through the state.
Worried by misapplication of the federal character principle, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi said on Thursday that the principle should be based strictly on merit rather than on ethnicity.
Sanusi spoke at the 10th memorial lecture of Chief Kehinde Sofola (SAN) with the theme: "The Role of the Legal Profession in Nation Building: the Nigerian Context."
The emir, who chaired the lecture, said the government should only ensure that representatives of the people in political, legal, or economic institutions in the country were drawn from suitably qualified individuals and not on ethnic considerations.
The Federal Character Commission Act was promulgated in 1995 and later fused into the 1999 Constitution in the wake of agitations for fair share of political positions across the country.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano
In the guiding principles and formula for the distribution of all cadres of posts across the country, the Act stipulates in its Part 1 that (1) "Each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory shall be equitably represented in all national institutions and in public enterprises and organisations. (2) The best and the most competent persons shall be recruited from each state of the federation to fill positions reserved for the indigenes of the FCT."
It was introduced to promote national unity and foster national loyalty instead of regional interests and eventually give every Nigerian a sense of belonging no matter anyone's religion, language or ethnic group.
Sanusi said:"The issue of federal character should not be an excuse for nepotism; it should be based strictly on merit and not on family or ethnic sentiments."
According to him, a true application of the federal character principle will help to preserve the rule of law in the country.
Described democracy as rule of law based, the one-time Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria called on Nigerians to protect and defend the integrity and dignity of the nation's legal institutions.
"As we live today, we must understand that it is our duty to respect the various institutions of our country.
"We cannot sit and watch as spectators as our institutions are being destroyed; to be a true Nigerian we must learn to look at our leadership and tell them where they are going wrong," Sanusi said.
On human rights and liberty, the emir stressed the need for the society to pay attention to child rights.
"No religion permits infringement on the rights of any child. You find children in the streets hawking when they should be in school while some female children are even forced into marriage.
"Even the Sharia Law requires you to first seek the consent of your female child before giving her out in marriage and so the rule of law expects us to be law abiding," he said.
Sanusi also urged leaders at all levels to obey the rule of law rather than being intoxicated with power, saying "power is transient".
As leaders, he said, they should perform their duties diligently for the benefit and common good of the people in accordance to the laws of the country.
For Sanusi strict adherence to the rule of law and treading the path of truth was the panacea to the scourge of corruption currently ravaging the country.
A human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), a discussant at the lecture, called on lawyers to abide by the rule of law and shun every form of corrupt practices in court and in public life.
According to Falana, the rule of law demands that the country is governed by law and the constitution.
He appealed to leaders to ensure that the rights and liberties of the citizenry were protected, adding "this can only be done by adherence to the law."
Falana condemned corrupt practices by judicial and political officers and urged citizens to stand up and fight corruption.
He described law as the sole guide and guard for any society, and that the court remained the temple of justice with judges as administrators in the temple.
Comparing the operation of law in Africa and Europe, Falana bemoaned the spate of violation of the law particularly in Nigeria and called for a redress.
He noted that some legal officers use of frivolous applications in court to stall proceedings and put a clog in the wheels of justice.
"Take a look at court proceedings and you find some cases lingering on for more than five years; the situation is even worse when such lawyers still come to the same court to seek adjournments.
"There is also this "rude" practice where lawyers undertake briefs for their clients, and seek their opinion if they would prefer the case to be delayed in court; this is simply absurd."
Falana, who urged lawyers must see themselves as officers of the court and act accordingly, said they should shun practices aimed at subverting the law.
In her remarks, another discussant, Prof. Isabella Okagbue, also criticised frivolous applications aimed at perverting justice and condemned corruption in the legal profession.
"The court must not adjourn any case at the request of counsel; cases must go on and frivolous adjournments must be discouraged."
A former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips, who spoke on behalf of Kehinde Sofola Chamber's Alumni, extolled the virtues of the late legal icon.
She described Sofola as a watchdog for all his employees and kept everyone on his toes as well as demanded dedicated to the profession.
She attributed her success in legal practice to the "ever present help" of the late legal icon, adding that lawyers must learn from the good conduct of their predecessors in order to be successful.
The lecture was attended by Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, a political activist, Dr Junaid Muhammed, Justice Bimbo Obaseki-Adejumo and senior lawyers.
President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded the names of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) to the Senate for confirmation.
The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, read the letter dated 27 February, 2017.
It was signed on behalf of President Buhari by the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Osinbajo, who wrote the letter when he was the Acting President.
The letter stated that the nominations were in compliance with the provisions of section 14 (3) (a) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
INEC LOGO
The letter reads: "In compliance with the provisions of Section 14 (3) (a) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I write to request the confirmation of the following nominees for appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners.
The nominees are: Prof. Godswill Obioma (Abia), Ibrahim Abdullahi (Adamawa), Alhaji Ahmad Makama (Bauchi), James Apam (Benue), Barr. Mike Igini (Delta), Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji ( Ebonyi), Dr. Illoh Joseph Chuks (Enugu), Hussaini Halilu Pai (FCT), Sadiq Abubakar Musa (Kaduna), Jibrin Ibrahim Zarewa (Kano), Dr. (Mrs) and Asmau Sani Maikudi (Katsina).
Others are: Dr. Mahmuda Isah (Kebbi), Prof. Samuel Egwu (Kogi), Amb. Rufus Akeju (Lagos), Prof. Mustapha Zubairu (Niger), Agboke Mutiu Olaleke (Ogun), Sam Olugbadebo Olumekun (Ondo), AbdulGaniyu Olayinka Taju (Oyo), Prof. Riskuwa Shehu (Sokoto),
Also nominated are: Barr. Kasim Gana Geidam (Yobe), Ahmad Bello Mahmud (Zamfara), Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda (Plateau), Umar Ibrahim (Taraba), Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Ezeonu (Anambra), Mr. Emeka Ononamadu Joseph (Imo), Obo. O. Effanga (Cross River) and Dr. Briyai O. Frankland (Baylesa).
After the Senate President read the letter, no action was taken as it has to be listed on the Order Paper on another legislative date for further consideration.
Around 250 African migrants are feared to have drowned in the Mediterranean after a rescue boat found two partially submerged rubber dinghies off Libya, a spokeswoman for the NGO which operates the vessel said Thursday.
Laura Lanuza of Spanish charity Pro-Activa Open Arms said its boat had recovered five floating corpses close to the dinghies, about 15 miles off the Libyan coast.
“We don’t think there can be any other explanation than that these dinghies would have been full of people,” she told AFP, adding that they would typically have been carrying 120-140 migrants each.
The Japanese Government has given a major boost to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board to be able to provide effective waste disposal and management in the capital city of Nigeria.
As part of the collaboration with the AEPB, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, has established two pilot sanitation and waste disposal schemes at the Maitama General Hospital and the Police Quarters at LifeCamp, all in the FCT with a view to providing a congenial living condition for the residents.
Speaking while conducting journalists round the two project sites, the JICA Representative in Nigeria Mr Hirotaka Nakamura, said that the sanitation scheme was aimed at providing continuous quality improvement in the health sector of Nigeria.
Nakamura said: "The introduction of the 5S-KAIZEN, a Japanese word meaning change for the better and Total Quality Management (TQM) serves as a tool for continuous quality improvement in the health sector and further strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Japan.
"Our overall aim is in keeping with the Japanese '5S KAIZEN' which means to sort, set, shine, standardize and sustain. "Japan through JICA will continue to explore possible areas of assisting Nigeria to achieve sustainable development and health care delivery for its people in line with our mutual cooperation status," he said.
The Director of the AEPB, Mrs. Omolola Olanipekun, who was represented by Mr Muktar Ibrahim, explained that the partnership between the JICA and the AEPB is basically for the preservation and conservation of the FCT environment so as to ensure better health and sustainable development for the Abuja residents.
The AEPB Director said, “JICA's integrated solid waste management project focuses on prevention, composting, recycling and disposal of waste in such a way as to protect human health and its environment, which clearly explains why the Blue Bin programme was introduced”.
He pointed out that the Blue Bin project is designed to promote and achieve the target of reducing, reusing and recycling waste in the FCT.
At the Maitama General Hospital, the Medical Director, Dr Adetoun Sotimiehin confessed that the introduction of the improved sanitary and waste disposal project by JICA in the hospital had led to a large patronage by Nigerians in recent years and resulting in its emergence as the best hospital in the FCT.
The House of Representatives, on Thursday urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to urgently withdraw and destroy mutilated naira notes in circulation.
The house also charged the National Orientation Agency to carry out sustained public enlightenment to educate Nigerians on the need to handle the naira notes cautiously with care.
The resolutions followed a motion by Rep. Adekola Alexander (PDP- Ekiti).
Moving the motion, Alexander said that the alarming rate of mutilated currency notes in circulation had become a national embarrassment.
He added that banks were issuing torn, mutilated and unhygienic currency notes through ATM machines and across the counter.
"I observe that in spite of arrest and subsequent prosecution of the culprits, there is still a cartel in CBN and commercial banks, which make brisk business recycling old naira notes meant for destruction.
House of Representatives
"They enrich their bank accounts, acquiring properties through these illegal proceeds by converting the equivalent of the mutilated notes into their accounts and selling printed mint meant for customers, to touts and hawkers.
"Section 21(4) of the CBN Act of 2007 makes it a punishable offence for any person to hawk, sell or trade in naira notes, coins or any other issued by the apex bank," he said.
The lawmaker expressed worry that most of the mutilated currency notes in circulation harboured pathogenic micro organisms hazardous to human health.
He said that the mutilated notes also harboured infectious disease such as diarrhea, food poisoning and respiratory problems which could be spread through the notes.
The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.
The house, therefore, mandated the Committee on Banking and Currency to conduct an investigation into the activities of the cartel by beaming searchlight on the CBN, commercial banks and other allied institutions.
The committee was given six weeks to carry out the assignment.
