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
By Godwin Oritse THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has said that Nigeria is currently compliant to the International Ship and Port Security, ISPS, Code, following a renewed enforcement drive.
Disclosing this to Vanguard, Head of ISPS Unit of the NIMAS, Captain Green Egbodi, said that all Nigerian facilities that are compliant are also listed on the Global Integrated Safety Information System, GISIS.
Dakuku Peterside, Director General, NIMASA
Egbodi said the agency had to embark on a regular verification inspection exercise with a view to ensuring that facilities are kept in check. He also disclosed that there over 120 port facilities across the country with 44 in Lagos alone.
Similarly, the Head of ISPS Committee in NIMASA, Mr. Adebayo Olatoke, enjoined all port security officers to be abreast with Port Security Plan, PSP and Port Facility Security Assessment, PFSA, as this will make them to be alive to their responsibilities as first point of contact at their facility. Olatoke also warned that not being abreast with the PSP and PFSA could render them ineffective in times of security breaches and threats.
The port security expert opined that a secured port environment will lead to increased vessel calls and consequently lead to more businesses for the facilities. He noted that the compliance level has eliminated wharf rats, hawking and even touting within the ports' vicinity, adding that unlike in the past; one can now import goods and be sure that the goods will arrive intact without the usual dreadful experiences.
Yenagoa – President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, (NWF) , says six wrestlers are set to represent the country at the 2017 World Wrestling Championships in Paris. Wrestlers size each other during a bout.
Igali said in Yenagoa, on Thursday that the wrestlers consisted of four female and two male, to be accompanied by two coaches.
He said the championship is scheduled to hold between Aug. 20 and Aug. 26.
He expressed confidence that the team would perform well in the Championships, noting that the wrestlers are two times Africa Champions, Amas Daniel, 65kg and John Emmanuel, 70kg in the male category.
"Blessing Oborududu, 63kg, 2014 World Bronze medalist, Adekuroye Odunayo, 53kg, Africa champion; Mercy Genesis 48kg, and 2014 Commonwealth gold medalist, Aminat Adeniyi 58kg will represent Nigeria in the female category.
"The Coaches of the team are; female National head coach; Purity Akuh and 14 times African champion; Victor Kodei.
"Of course, the wrestlers are going to make Nigeria proud, we are targeting the first ever gold medal at the world championships.
"The team is in a very high spirit and I am optimistic that they will deliver," he said.
NAN recalls that the Nigeria National Wrestling Team had been training in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital for the past two weeks in preparation for the Championships. (NAN)
Madrid – At least 13 people were killed after a van ploughed into crowds in Barcelona's Las Ramblas avenue in the city centre on Thursday, Cadena Ser radio station reported, citing police sources.
Other media including El Pais said there were at least 10 dead. A police spokeswoman could not immediately confirm the number of casualties.
Madrid (dpa) – A van that ploughed through a crowded pedestrian street in Barcelona is being treated as a terrorist attack, police said Thursday, as local media reported that at least 12 people were feared dead.
Police said on Twitter that multiple people were dead and injured and the attack is being treated as a terrorist attack, police said.
Europe has been hit by a series of terrorist attacks using vehicles in the last two years, including deadly incidents in Nice and two in London.
Videos on social media showed a van travelling with its side door wide open at high speed down a pedestrian area of Barcelona's popular Las Ramblas district.
A police spokesman said that they were not exactly certain what happened.
Newspaper El Pais reported that two suspects in the incident had barricaded themselves in a nearby restaurant.
Authorities are warning people to stay clear of the area. (Reuters/NAN)
By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan – THE frosty relationship between lawmakers in the National Assembly and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, worsened Thursday as he said with their monthly take-home pay which remains the highest in the world, they can best be described as a bunch of "unarmed robbers"
Chief Obasanjo who was the chief host at a public presentation of a book, entitled: I am Kagara, I Weave the Sands of Sahara, held at University of Ibadan said though he knew the legislators would call him names for speaking out his mind once again, he vowed never to stop until they empathised with the poor people who he said were more than 75 per cent.
Opening Remarks by His Excellency The Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, San, Gcon, At The National Economic Council, NEC, National Security Retreat, at the Banquet Hall of The State House, Abuja, 17 August 2017:
I am delighted to welcome you to this special session of the National Economic Council, focusing on Security. As you're all aware, the Buhari administration came into office on a vision that covered three key areas: Security, the Economy and the fight against Corruption.
All three issues are closely linked, of course. Without guaranteeing security, we will struggle to attract the kind of investments, domestic or foreign, needed to create jobs and prosperity for our people. And when those jobs are hard to find and keep, our people will naturally be more susceptible to the lure of criminal activity. Which means that governments that are serious about fighting crime ought to be extremely serious about fighting poverty.
And I take the point that the Chairman of the Governors' forum made about investments in agriculture, although the N23 billion investment is one aspect of agriculture which is the Anchor Borrower's Programme. Our total investment is well over five times that. If you look at all the other areas in which we are investing in agriculture, and that excludes what the States are also investing in agriculture. So I think that substantial effort is being made, still not enough but certainly more than N23 billion.
Corruption and Security are also interconnected. We are all witnesses to how, only a few years ago, much of North Eastern Nigeria was at risk to falling completely into the hands of Boko Haram, largely because widespread corruption in the military had robbed our troops of the resources and morale needed to fight and defeat the terrorists.
Regarding this all-important issue of security in Nigeria, we all know what the issues are. In our lives as politicians and as elites; in our security meetings and confidential briefings, in news reports and editorials in the media, we are all daily confronted by the disturbing reality of Nigeria's security situation.
Now I think is the time to implement our thinking and our talking; to add action to our analysis. And this action must be bold, ambitious, urgent – and, and very importantly – innovative. It was Albert Einstein who said, and I quote, that "We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems in the first place."
This is a challenge to all of us, to confront these matters with utmost seriousness. Because the problems we face as a nation are not static, but instead continue to evolve, our thinking and our solutions for them must also be equally dynamic, to take into account the peculiar realities of the 21st century. I have spoken at a number of recent fora about how technology and the internet have altered the nature of conflict and war in contemporary times, enabling and amplifying the efforts and impact of terrorists, insurgents, warmongers, secessionists, and peddlers of hate speech.
Against this backdrop, the question we should be asking ourselves, as Governments, especially as Chief Security Officers in our States, as Law Enforcement Agents, is: how can we take advantage of these same tools and technology to stay permanently ahead of those who seek to wield them to create mischief, and cause terror, fear and bloodshed?
These are the conversations that we should be having, and at the highest levels of government no less. My expectation is that we will, at this forum, focus on solutions, instead of rehashing the problems.
But let me just reiterate an important fact, one of the reasons why the National Economic Council is so important is because the framers of our Constitution recognise that that the Federal Government alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security or economic challenges. Security is a collective enterprise, requiring the harmonization of efforts from all three tiers and branches of Government, and from the private sector, civil society and indeed the general public as well.
Yesterday, we took an important step in incorporating all of our society into this security issue and into the fight against insecurity in our country. Pursuant to our Constitution, I issued a directive to the Inspector General of Police to constitute the Community Policing Programme. As you know the Community Policing Programme is one that the Police itself had developed over the years.
But by this directive, we expect that the community Policing Programme will take root and take effect and all of our Police formations across the country will engage their communities in the very creative ways the Police themselves have prescribed in the Community Policing programme.
We expect that this will be a fundamental change in the way that policing is carried out in our country and that it will yield the kinds of results that we expect.
The Buhari administration has already set a pattern of engagement and collaboration with Governors, and we are committed to maintaining this atmosphere of frank engagement.
You are aware that this was not always the case; and prior to this administration, the National Economic Council had not exactly fulfilled its obligations as an economic council because of the unending series of conflicts between the Federal and State Governments over very many issues.
But we are determined to do things the right way, to be transparent in our dealings with you, to respect your views, regardless of partisan or ideological affiliations, and to join hands with you to create positive change in the lives of all our people.
Please permit me a comment on hate speech. The Federal Government has today drawn the line on hate speech. Hate speech is a specie of terrorism. Terrorism as it is defined popularly is the unlawful use of violence or intimidation against individuals or groups especially for political ends. The law, that is the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended), defines terrorism as inter Alia, an act which deliberately done with malice which may seriously harm or damage a country or seriously intimidate a population.
The intimidation of a population by words, by speech is an act of terrorism and this government intends to take this matter very seriously. As I have said, we've drawn a line against hate speech, it will not be tolerated, it will be taken as an act of terrorism and all of the consequences will follow it.
I call on all business, religious and political leaders, whatever your political leaning, your religion or tribe or faith to condemn in the strongest possible terms at all times, hate speech.
Speech that promotes violence against an individual or group, especially when such comes from people of your own faith, tribe or group, your silence in such situations can only be seen as an endorsement.
Hate speech, and the promotion of the same throughout history from Nazi Germany and the extermination of Jews to the Rwandan genocide succeeded in achieving their barbarous ends by the silence of influential, voices from the aggressor communities.
When leaders in communities that speak in such a manner as to create dissension or to intimidate a population are quiet, they do a great disservice to our unity and nation.
This is why I urge all of our political leaders, religious leaders, business leaders and all of those who truly want a united country and a country where there will be peace and security, to ensure that we do not tolerate by our silence the hate speech that we hear every day in our community.
In closing, let me remind you that our Constitution states that the primary purpose of government shall be the security and welfare of the people. And as President Buhari likes to say: "you cannot administer a country you have not secured."
We will not relent in our vision to ensure a secure country, in which all citizens can confidently aspire to achieve their dreams and ambitions. I am confident that today will mark an important milestone in the achieving that vision.
The Department of State Services, DSS, Thursday, allegedly bared its fangs when it attempted to arrest bestselling author and former aide to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Pastor Reno Omokri who is equally the author of the Amazon #1bestselling book, Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years: Chibok, 2015 and Other Conspiracies today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Vanguard has learnt.
His distributor who confirmed the development to Vanguard through electronic mail said the US based Nigerian publisher had sent a consignment of the book, Facts Versus Fiction, to Nigeria to meet sales but when he who bears a striking resemblance with Omokri got to the airport to pick the cargo, he was accosted by a customs agent who began interrogating him until a DSS agent came up to him and took over the interrogation.
Reno Omokri with Lord Tim Bell, a British Aristocrat and former Adviser to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher!
According to him, "the DSS agent kept asking, ‘are you the author?’ to which he responded in the negative. At which point, he was detained and taken to an office with four or five other people in it."
He added that, "After some minutes, he heard the DSS agent discussing his fate in an adjoining room, so he began moving to the door, which had been left ajar, and then bolted” and took to his heels.
Also, in an electronic voice mail sent to Vanguard, the distributor said he was repeatedly asked "Are you the author?" "Where is the author?" and "where is your passport?" among several questions to which he told them he was not the author and neither was he travelling abroad. He said he also told the operatives that the author was not in the country.
By Henry Umoru ABUJA- SENATE President Bukola Saraki Thursday described former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as a major part of Nigeria's political history.
Former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during prayers to mark his 75th birthday celebration at the Hilltop, Minna, Niger State
According to Saraki, Babangida is one of Nigeria's most prolific Statesmen.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, to congratulate the former Head of State on the occasion of his 76th birthday, the Senate President who commended the former Military President for the role he has continued to play to bring about the development and progress of the country, said, “The former Military President has played a key role in the history and development of our nation. IBB's leadership, commentaries and advice on the state of our polity and how to move our nation forward have been pivotal since he left office.
"I wish him good health and many more years as he celebrates his 76th birthday ," the President of the Senate said, "I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to bless, guide and protect our former Head of State."
A driver deliberately smashed a van into a crowd on Barcelona’s most popular street on Thursday, killing at least one person before fleeing to a nearby bar, police said.
Officers in Spain’s second-largest city said the ramming on the popular Las Ramblas boulevard was a “terrorist attack” and a police source said one suspect had left the scene and was “holed up in a bar”.
Regional interior minister Joaquin Forn said that at least one person had been killed and 32 others were wounded, warning however that the toll could rise.
A local government source earlier said two people had died.
Vehicles have been used in several terror attacks in Europe in recent years, including a jihadist massacre that claimed 86 lives in the French Riviera city of Nice.
The famous Las Ramblas is one of Barcelona’s busiest streets, lined with shops and restaurants and normally thronged with tourists and street performers until well into the night.
Police said there had been a “huge collision” between a van and pedestrians on the thoroughfare and a police source said officers were seeking a total of two suspects.
– ‘Bodies on the floor’ –
Xavi Perez, who works in a sports shop near the site of the attack, described a scene of carnage.
“When it happened I ran out and saw the damage,” he told AFP. “There were bodies on the floor with people crowding round them. People were crying. There were lots of foreigners.”
Witness Aamer Anwar told Britain’s Sky News television that he was walking down Las Ramblas, which he described as “jam-packed” with tourists.
“All of a sudden, I just sort of heard a crashing noise and the whole street just started to run, screaming. I saw a woman right next to me screaming for her kids.
“Police were very, very quickly there, police officers with guns, batons, everywhere. Then the whole street started getting pushed back.”
– ‘Mini stampede’ –
Spain had so far been spared the kind of extremist violence that rocked nearby France, Belgium and Germany.
But it was hit by what is still Europe’s deadliest jihadist attack in March 2004, when bombs exploded on commuter trains in Madrid, killing 191 people in an attack claimed by Al Qaeda-inspired extremists.
Ethan Spibey, a charity director on holiday in the city, said he and several others had locked themselves in a nearby church after Thursday’s van ramming.
“All of a sudden it was real kind of chaos… people just started running screaming,” he told Sky. “There was kind of a mini stampede.
“It seems like a lot of people have taken refuge in shops and local cafes.”
The United States offered its assistance to Spain and was providing consular assistance to Americans in Barcelona.
“Terrorists around the world should know — the United States and our allies are resolved to find you and bring you to justice,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters in Washington.
– String of vehicle attacks –
The Nice onslaught in July last year and other similar attacks including the carnage in Paris 2015 were claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.
In another deadly vehicle attack in December, 12 people were killed when a man driving a truck ploughed into a crowd at a Berlin Christmas market.
Spain has emerged as a potential target for jihadists, with extremist websites mentioning it for historical reasons, since much of its territory was once under Muslim rule.
Generally, authorities in Spain — the world’s third largest tourism destination — remain discreet on the terror threat.
But they publicise every arrest of alleged jihadists, most of them detained for propaganda, recruitment for extremist groups or “glorifying terrorism.”
According to the interior ministry, more than 180 “jihadist terrorists” have been arrested since June 2015 when Spain raised the terror alert level to four out of a maximum of five, in domestic and foreign operations.
Late Retired Justice Andrews Otutu Obaseki, has been described as jurist par-excellence and a man of great intellect and wisdom.
Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen made this known during a valedictory court session held in his honour on Thursday at the High Court of Justice in Benin City, Edo State.
The session attracted legal luminaries from across the country, who gathered to pay their last respects to the foremost jurist, first Bini indigene to become a Supreme Court Justice, who participated in a total of 658 judgements while at the apex court.
Declaring the court session open, Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, who was represented by Justice Ikpomwonba Ehigiamusoe, recounted landmark judgements of the late justice and extolled his sagacity on the bench.
"He was a man of great intellect and wisdom, a passionate and erudite icon of the bench, among the finest and the best. His lordship will always be remembered for his deep knowledge of the law and as an advocate of morality, integrity, excellence and a strong defender of the rule of law," Justice Ikponmwen said.
In their tributes, Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was represented by Justice Ejembi Eko, Attorney General of Edo State, Professor Yinka Omoregbe, and the Chairman Nigeria Bar Association, Edo State chapter, Mr. Ede Asenoguan, all spoke glowingly of the man, Andrews Otutu Obaseki. They described him as a jurist par-excellence and a legal icon who had passion for justice and fairness, evidenced in his landmark judgements.
The nephew of the deceased and Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said he was taught the value of hard work by his late uncle, and as a way to sustain the legacy he left behind, he would strengthen the state judiciary to play its role in the development of the state.
"I will ensure we strengthen the judiciary to play the role it ought to play in the society. I understand the implication of not having a good judiciary, where judges are not paid and work in an environment that is not conducive to work, such a system will affect the dispensation of justice," he said
Obaseki assured the judiciary that his administration understands the importance of the rule of law and justice in the society and would ensure the judiciary receives the necessary support to enable it dispense justice.
Recounting his experience under his late uncle, Governor Obaseki said he was a child of the judiciary as he had the privilege and rare opportunity to grow under the tutelage of the late Andrews Otutu Obaseki, with whom he attended court sessions.
"He has instilled great virtues and values in us. He stood for the truth and represented the truth, which does not change. He was a man of integrity, and we carried ourselves as such. He taught us simplicity and humility and fairness, when you are wrong, you are wrong."
To allow for the removal of Late Justice Obaseki's remains from the High Court well, a Motion on Notice was moved by the Edo State Attorney General, Professor Yinka Omoregbe, and Chief Judge of the State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen ruled in favour of the motion on notice.
Photo Caption: Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, addressing the court during the valedictory court session held in honour of Late Justice Andrews Otutu Obaseki, in Benin City on Thursday.
For Nigeria to attain to the level of greatness aimed for herself, she must create a stable ground for economic justice, rule of law and permit 'presidency' to be rotational for a period of time among the six known geo-political zones in the country, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon said in Good Morning Nigeria NTA programme, anchored by Kingsley.
The former chief of staff to Edo state governor, equally said that supremacy of the law, constitutionalism, federalizing security matters and giving legal teeth to Nigerians noble aims and aspirations cum restructuring and devolution of powers to states and local governments will not only make Nigeria move forward but to be first to attain greatness amongst nations.
He urged government to re-visit and adopt the 2014 national confab and organize a meeting for Islams (Muslims) and Christians whom he said have constituted quantum of problems in the nation building for thus, struggling for religious hegemony and political supremacy, to however have a serious conversation about their established militia.
"I believe we need to have an incremental devolution of powers and that is the only way to go", he said.
By Bartholomew Madukwe Niger Delta Creek warriors and other Militant groups in Niger Delta have kicked against activities of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in the region and warned them to steer clear of matters of the Niger Delta.
The militants in joint statement signed by "General Christ Etareotu Spokesperson Niger Delta Creek warriors(NDCW), Brig General: Etigbein Oghene. Spokesperson Ogunuma Camp of Niger Delta(OCOND). General Ovie Yinks spokesperson Niger Delta Redemption Fighters Coalition group(RFCG). And General Santana Otuks Spokesperson Niger Delta Republic Seekers (NDRS) and Brig General Esuku Friday spokesperson Niger Delta Green Revolutionaries(NDGR), explained that MEND had everything it took to actualise the dream of the Niger Delta people’s republic then, but they dropped the struggle and collected stipends which they now live fat on.
They said: "What has the disbanded elements called MEND done for the people in the Niger Delta, knowing fully well the kind of resources that was given to them by the Goodluck Jonathan administration through the Nigeria Amnesty office.
"What did they do with the Amnesty money. They never deem it feet to empower the youths in the region. Rather they enrich themselves, with surveillance contracts money, NDDC contracts, converted the militants monthly stipends to their family members, forgotten the people who died for them to actualise their dreams. What does MEND actually have against PANDEF rather than their personal and selfish reasons."
According to the Militant groups, MEND is the original contributor to recent crisis in the region and should henceforth decease from matters of the Niger Delta and stop deceiving youths.
"We the various militants groups in region as decided to throw our wait behind the PANDEF. We are OK and we now have confidence in the PANDEF, which is led by Papa E.K Clark. Henceforth MEND should distance themselves from matters of the Niger delta region. Long leave federal republic of Nigeria, Long leave federal republic of Niger Delta.
"General Christ Etareotu Spokesperson Niger Delta Creek warriors(NDCW), Brig General: Etigbein Oghene. Spokesperson Ogunuma Camp of Niger Delta(OCOND). General Ovie Yinks spokesperson Niger Delta Redemption Fighters Coalition group(RFCG).
And General Santana Otuks Spokesperson Niger Delta Republic Seekers (NDRS) and Brig General Esuku Friday spokesperson Niger Delta Green Revolutionaries(NDGR)," they added.
By Henry Umoru ABUJA – PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has praised the thirty- six state governors, saying that they are holding Nigeria together as a country, just as he thanked them for playing such a role.
President Buhari was also said to have thanked the governors for their concomitant cooperation with the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and urged them to continue to put their faith in his leadership.President Muhammadu Buhari in a group photo shortly after receiving in courtesy visit delegation of Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum led by its Chairman Governor Abdulaziz Yari in Abuja House London on 26th July 2017 in the photo are R-L: Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi state and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State
This was disclosed to the governors Thursday by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, NGF and governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar as a message from the President during their visit to him in London.
The Chairman of NGF who briefed the governors in Abuja on their visit last July to London to see President Muhammadu Buhari, said that the visit forms what many termed a first-hand assessment of the President's state of health, as well as to deliver the governors' goodwill message to PMB.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and six others departed the country on "a goodwill visit" to President Muhammadu Buhari in London last July 26th.
Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar said, “I was invited to select six governors, one from each geo political region, to visit Mr President and I led them to London," the NGF chairman said.
"The Governors are Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Kano, Benue, and Kashim", Governor Yari reckoned, referring to Kashim Shettima of Borno State, with the last, but by no means the last person in the delegation, being Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.
In a statement by the Head, media & public affairs, NGF, Abulrazque B. barkindo, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum described President Buhari as being "in very good health", while assuring them that the he delivered the Forum's message of goodwill to the President in response to which President Muhammadu Buhari thanked the governors for "holding Nigeria together in his absence."
The statement read, ” This would be the first time anyone visiting the President is delivering any word from the President or revealing anything that they discussed with President Muhammadu Buhari who is on his 103rd day out of the country.
“Although President Buhari is reported to have felt fit enough to return and continue his duties of presiding over the affairs of the country, it wouldn't be until his doctors give him the nod, reports say.
“However, those who have previously visited the president in London including the minister of Information and the presidents' own media team have only returned to the country to narrate the status of the president as at the time they met him, but non ever delivered any wishes of the president or what he discussed with them regarding the Nigerian people.
“Governor Yari therefore becomes the only person to deliver a message to his colleagues, from President Muhammadu Buhari. Even the governors who went along with Governor Yari Abubakar had in their earlier statements only spoken about the Presidents stability and were mute about a message.
“Before that visit by a delegation from the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Imo and Kaduna State governors, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Mallam Nasiru el Rufai respectively had visited President Muhammadu Buhari along with other top functionaries. But, mum was the word.
“At Wednesdays NGF meeting, the Executive Director/CEO, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib had solicited the governors' cooperation to pay up their counterpart funding quota by Aug 23 to enable his agency embark on a nationwide immunization exercise but the chairman of the forum had asked the agency to allow all governors to meet that obligation by September 10, saying that the ultimatum was too short as most governors are in Abuja and may have to be here until Friday.
“Dr Faisal Shuaib stated that the Federal Government is contributing N3bn to the agencies coffers for the exercise.
“The governors also listened to a presentation on the informal sector taxation by a solution provider.
“Earlier the Director General of the Nigeria Governors' Forum Mr Ashishana B Okauru had told the governors in an update on the polio status of the country, that Nigeria is once again expected to be tipped off the global polio map by way of delisting in 2019.”
In attendance at the meeting were governors of Borno, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Imo, Osun, Plateau and a host Deputy governors, among them those of Kaduna, Yobe, Nasarawa, Rivers, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti and Cross Rivers among others.
Lagos and Ogun state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called for the expulsion of Senator Buruji Kashamu from the party, accusing him of anti-party activities and antics meant to destroy the party.
They stated this in their resolutions in Ado-Ekiti during their meeting with the reconciliation committee set up by the national leadership of the party in the South-West zone chaired by Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the meetings, the Zonal Secretary, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo, said leaders from the two states endorsed the resolutions.
Among PDP leaders who signed the resolutions were former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Capt. Tunji Shelle, Chief Joju Fadairo, Alhaji Sikirulahi Olawale among others.
The resolutions read: “After extensive deliberations with the Reconciliation Committee, we, party delegates from Lagos and Ogun States, arrived at the following resolutions: “1 We have resolved to work together as one united party and to learn from the past mistakes and happenings in the party.
“2 We have resolved that the National Working Committee of our great party should deal and relate with the true leaders of Lagos and Ogun PDP under the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee.
“3 We also call for the immediate expulsion of Senator Buruji Kashamu for his anti-party actions and destructive antics in the South-West.”
Speaking during the meetings, Fayose said while the party was interested in reconciliation, those who have gone astray must be repentant first and promise not to go astray again or undermine the progress of the party.
He called on the leaders of the party in both states to give room for genuine repentant dissidents to come back.
The governor added that with unity amongst them, PDP would win subsequent polls in the states. The Zonal Chairman, Olorogun Eddy Olafeso, thanked members for their support and steadfastness during turbulent period the party went through.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has felicitated with former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on the occasion of his 76th birthday anniversary.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan on Thursday, Dogara said “the former Nigerian leader has over the years displayed qualities of a true leader and elderstatesman.”Former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during prayers to mark his 75th birthday celebration at the Hilltop, Minna, Niger State
The statement added that “Over the years, you have displayed qualities of a true leader, most of all in the personal sacrifices you have made for the betterment of Nigeria’s political environment and for the overall Unity, development and wellbeing of the country.”
“As an elder statesman, you have made yourself accessible to us, the younger generation of leaders, in times when we needed advice from more experienced elders for purposes of taking important decisions”.
The Speaker alsi prayed Almighty God to bless, protect, preserve and grant the former leader many more fruitful years of selfless and meritorious service to fatherland.
Leave the siddon look corner: Obasanjo tells Agbakoba…
explains why younger Nigerians can’t rule in politics By Bartholomew Madukwe
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Thursday said the younger generation of Nigerians are mostly unwilling to beat an alternative path to leadership and contented with waiting for dead men’s shoes which is affecting generational shift in political leadership.
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo
He said, "Politics is a game of numbers at the end’ of the day. The youth are in the majority. What is the excuse? So long as the older generation do not have the incentive to step down, so long will they continue to reinvent and reappoint and resurface. The generational shift will need to be worked for and worked at".
In a reply to a letter sent to him by former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Obasanjo explained that those who assumed the mantle of leadership in public offices at relatively early age were brought into limelight by circumstances which were not of their own making.
The letter in parts read: "Having been thrown into the deeper end of the pool, so to speak, some of us made great efforts with determination, commitment, broad national outlook, integrity and uncommon zeal to shoulder the responsibilities thrust on us. We recorded varying degrees of successes that the older people should be excluded in our leadership recruitment process.
Obasanjo advised Agbakoba to step forward and develop a mobilization framework that seeks to rearrange Nigeria on a different basis of legitimacy, noting that late Chief Awolowo and the great Zik were younger than him when they threw their hats in the ring.
"The modern history of Nigeria was shaped by young people. Your Excellency was 39 years when you became Head of State; Zik was 40 when he founded the NCNC; Awolowo was 43 when he became premier of Western Nigeria; Ahmady Bello was 40 when he co-founded the NPC; Ojukwu and Gowon were in their 30s when they took the centre stage in Nigerian politics.
"We demonstrated patriotism, selflessness and also acquitted ourselves creditably with our uncommon contributions to the socio-political development of Nigeria. My dear Olisa, it is sad that the successor generation of Nigerians have in most cases resorted to work avoidance in the quest for leadership.
”Most members of the younger generation of Nigerians are mostly contented with waiting for dead men’s shoes and are unwilling to beat an alternative path to leadership.
”In such a situation, it is to be expected and actually it is human that those with some head start in life will not concede such advantages freely and based on their innate goodness.
”The world, as I know it, is powered by shrewd hard-headed, calculating individuals and the cornucopia .of their mercy is decidedly thin and it is unlike God’s rain that falls on the just and the wicked alike.
”The point to ponder is how have the successor generation positioned themselves to
lead? I look back at some members of the younger generation and I am miffed at the missed opportunities.
”I am equally saddened that although we the so-called older generation did facilitate some semblance of infrastructural development. Today, the gains made have been mostly pushed down the drain by some of those privileged young people saddled with similar responsibilities in the recent past. .
”You should know that some of these same young people, whose interest we canvass, have in the recent past been a complete disappointment and failures in their various appointed or elected positions.
”Some of these young people in public or private sector have frittered the prospect of being at the vanguard of sustainable development of what some of us, the earlier generation of leaders, pioneered on the altar of their crass materialism, self-centeredness and opportunism.
”So, while these failed young men and women should not be a disincentive to support other young people, I don’t think that the older people should be excluded in our leadership recruitment process. ”For me, if I find men and women who have shown profound commitment and exemplary
integrity in their various chosen careers or professions as well as zeal for the service of our fatherland, I will, of course, give such both my support and inspiration, notwithstanding their age, circumstances or place of birth.
Obasanjo stressed that it is time Agbakoba takes the hard road by jumping down-from the fence and the siddon look corner; saying "it is your fatherland. The time is now. let the young people organize themselves around positive core values; let them become ideological in the sense of nationalism and patriotism in this struggle. This is a democracy."
It will be recalled that Agbakoba, in a letter to Obasanjo, entitled "Nigeria Needs a Generational Shift in Political Leadership", said Nigeria is held back by a crop of leadership that has outlived its usefulness and effectiveness as a result of old age.
"I am concerned about the quality of leadership in Nigeria; corruption is endemic; poverty is high, life expectancy is low. Nigeria ranks poorly on all international human development indicators. Chinua Achebe, in his book, The Trouble with Nigeria, pointed out the situation is directly linked to failure of leadership," Agbakoba stated.
He said he was also convinced that with Obasanjo's support, giving the young a chance can be expanded to become a policy of all political parties in Nigeria, adding that the country will benefit greatly.
”It seems to me a great contradiction that after a young vibrant set of leaders got Nigeria off the ground in the early 60’s, Nigeria has steadily descended into chaos and is probably now ranked as one of the most ungovernable countries in the world.
”I feel compelled to request your intervention because you are’ one of few past leaders with enough clout to galvanize the political elite to produce like in France, a Macron or in Canada, a Trudeau. I believe it is time for our elder statesmen to give way to a young new vibrant political leadership.
”I am also convinced that with your support, this can be achieved and expanded’ to become high policy among all political parties in Nigeria. Nigeria will greatly benefit. I strongly feel that a radical change in political leadership from old to new will be transformational.”
The naira on Thursday continued to fall against the dollar at the parallel market.
The Nigerian currency lost one point to exchange at N368, weaker than N367 posted on Wednesday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N478 and N432.
At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the naira was sold at N363 to the dollar, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N478 and N432.
However, the naira appreciated at the investors' window, exchanging at N361.17 stronger than N362.39.
Traders at the market told Newsmen that in spite of the weekly auction of foreign exchange by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to BDC, the naira continued to depreciate.
By Joseph Erunke ABUJA-A meeting held Thursday, in Abuja, between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to resolve the ongoing industrial action by the latter, just ended without agreement.
But both the government, represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and his education counterpart, Adamu Adamu and ASUU representatives, led by its president, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, agreed to reconvene within a week, to continue the negotiations.
The meeting which was held at the conference room of the Minister of Labour and Employment ended after much deliberation on issues that led to the industrial dispute.
Briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting, both sides said there was tremendous progress following offers made by government and position of the union on the new offers.
But both the representatives of government and ASUU refused to disclose the offers just as ASUU President said he was taking the deliberations and offers by government to members with a view to responding appropriately to them within one week.
ABEOKUTA – Embattled leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State on Thursday said the constitution of the party does not recognize Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Foyose as the leader of the party in South West, saying, the party’s constitution has been amended and entrusted the leadership of the party in the state to the Chairmen. Ayodele Fayose The embattled Chairman in the state, Adebayo Dayo stated this at the state party Secretariat, Kuto, Abeokuta during a press conference, describing the governor as rather the biggest problem of the party in the region.
The national Caretaker Committee had announced the dissolution of executives in Ogun, Oyo, Osun and four other states during the recently held non-elective national convention in Abuja.
Reacting to the dissolution, the state Chairman accused Fayose of misleading the Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee on the issue surrounding the emergence of the executive in the affected states.
Speaking on the on-going South West reconciliatory moves by Fayose in his state, Dayo who was flanked by other members of the embattled executive including the state Secretary , Semiu Sodipo and Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Adeniji , Dayo said the meeting was a personal one called by Fayose and was being attended by his friends ,adding that the outcome would not have any effect on the party executive and members in the region.
Dayo said "how can Fayose be holding a meeting in his house and you think the meeting will succeed? I cannot go to Fayose's house to hold any meeting because as far as I know, the party is above the governor, the governor is not in control of the party. But it is now the other way round, the governors are using their power to do whatever they like to the party and I will not be a party to that.
" If Fayose is holding a meeting in his house, let him say whatever he wishes, that is not my concern, he cannot decide for the party. Fayose can do whatever he wishes, it is his personal opinion which is not the opinion of the party. Fayose is just a governor, it is the people that made him to become the governor. He cannot just say that because he is a governor, his wishes would become everyone's command. His wish cannot be anyone's command in the South West. Ayodele Fayose is not in charge of the South-West.
"We have so many leaders in the South-West. In our constitution, it is stated that the chairman of the party is the leader of the party in every state, but, it was amended at a stage. But, I can tell you, up till now I am the party chairman in Ogun state. Fayose may be the leader in his state, but, definitely not the leader in Ogun state. Our constitution did not say Fayose will become the governor and be the leader of the party. We have an executive in place and the executive is led by Mr. Ogundipe. Incidentally, Foyose was the one that nominated Ogundipe at the 2012 congress in Ibadan. Fayose put up Makanjuola Ogundipe and now he is going against his own candidate that is the situation".
He however, advised " the National Caretaker Committee to avail itself of the provisions of the rule of law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as minimum consideration in handling the business of the party especially in the aftermath of Saturday’s Special non-elective National Convention.
President Muhammadu Buhari receives Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of House of Representatives Hon. Yakubu Dogara at the Abuja House London on 17th Aug 2017. Phtot Credit: Femi Adesina
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to reduce the cost expended on payment of overheads and salaries.
Obasanjo made the call in Ibadan at the public presentation of a book entitled, " I am Kagara: I Weave the Sands of Sahara,'' written by Mark Nwagwu, a retired professor of molecular biology.
The former president said that government spending on overheads, salaries and allowances in the face of the prevailing economic situation would not boost the socio-economic development of the country.
"Ninety per cent of our revenue goes to pay overhead, allowances, salaries and not much is left for capital development.
" We are not going to develop this way and we will only have ourselves to blame.
"It is even worse with the National Assembly, they are one of the highest paid legislatures in the world.
"We have 75 per cent of our population living in abject poverty, yet these people have refused to cut down their earnings.
"We must speak out to get corrected when we err, the behaviour and character of the National Assembly is one that should be condemned," he said.
Reacting to the ongoing indefinite strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Obasanjo urged the government to honour the agreement it entered into with the union.
"I have seen this in government; maybe it is a lesson government will learn. Government allowed itself to be stampeded into signing agreement without full consultation with those within the government.
"Then, they run into the implementation of that agreement that has been signed; however, an agreement is an agreement and whoever is your agent who signed the agreement on your behalf, you are bound by it," he said.
In her remarks, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, urged the society to offer the girl-child opportunity to excel by giving her equal right to education as her male counterpart.
" I am Kagara" is built around a female heroine; the book highlights the marked difference a woman can make if given the needed support.
" The greatest support a girl-child could have is that of a strong male who gives her a voice and is not afraid of her," she said.
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
Zimbabwe’s first lady Grace Mugabe has claimed diplomatic immunity after being accused of assaulting a 20-year-old model, South African police said Wednesday, in an incident that could test cross-border relations.
Grace Mugabe Wife Of Zimbabwean president
The 52-year-old wife of President Robert Mugabe is accused of attacking Gabriella Engels on Sunday evening at a Johannesburg hotel where the first lady’s two sons were staying.
Engels has registered a police case alleging assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, saying she suffered deep cuts to her forehead and the back of her head.
“The suspect(‘s) lawyers and her government representatives made verbal representations… that the suspect wished to invoke diplomatic immunity cover,” the police ministry said in a statement.
The police said that Grace Mugabe had been expected to report to a police station on Tuesday to give her version of the events and “to obtain a warning statement”, but that she failed to show up.
– Public or private trip? –
They added that she would attend at the weekend a summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Pretoria where her husband and other heads of state will be present.
Her official duties at the summit could bolster her claim to diplomatic immunity, after her trip to see her sons was widely described as private.
Foreign affairs spokesman Clayson Monyela had told AFP on Tuesday that her trip was “a private visit, so government cannot get involved.”
Her husband flew out of Harare for South Africa early Wednesday evening for the summit, according to the Zimbabwean public broadcaster ZBC.
The summit of heads of state starts on Saturday.
“We know where the suspect is,” South Africa’s police spokesman Vishnu Naidoo told AFP earlier Wednesday.
“We are still continuing with the investigations. No warrant of arrest has been issued,” he added, after some reports suggested she had hurriedly returned to Harare late Tuesday.
The alleged attack threatens to spark a diplomatic tiff between the two neighbouring countries, which have strong political and economic ties.
Zimbabwean officials have made no comment on the case.
– ‘Kept beating me’ –
Grace Mugabe allegedly arrived at the Capital 20 West Hotel with bodyguards and accused Engels of partying with her sons Robert and Chatunga, who are both in their 20s and live in Johannesburg.
Pictures on social media appeared to show Engels bleeding from her head after the alleged assault at the hotel in the upmarket business district of Sandton.
Engels said she was attacked with an electrical extension cord.
“She flipped and just kept beating me with the plug. Over and over. I had no idea what was going on. I was surprised… I needed to crawl out of the room before I could run away,” she told the News 24 website.
Grace Mugabe is 41 years younger than her 93-year-old husband, and the couple has two sons and a daughter.
She regularly speaks at rallies and is seen as a possible contender to take over from her increasingly frail husband, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.
The succession battle is expected to pit Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa against a group called “Generation 40” or “G40” because its members are generally younger, and which reportedly has Grace’s backing.
While Grace Mugabe has in the past denied harbouring ambitions to take over from her husband, at other times she has said she would be prepared to serve in any political position.
She has taken on a larger public role in recent years, drumming up support for her husband and heading the women’s league of the ruling ZANU-PF party.
In speeches this year the president has often slurred his words, mumbled and paused for lengthy periods.
His reign has been marked by brutal repression of dissent, mass emigration, accusations of vote-rigging and a sharp economic decline.
Nigerian born international CEO, Adebayo Ogunlesi has now ceased to be an adviser to embattled US President Donald Trump. Trump sacked him today along with other distinguished CEOs counselling him via two councils on how to "Make America Great Again".Adebayo Ogunlesi: to advise Trump on the economy
Trump sacked Ogunlesi on Twitter, when he announced the dissolution of two business advisory councils, in one fell swoop.
Ogunlesi was a member of Strategic and Policy Forum, one of the two disbanded by the unpredictable president. The other group was the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative Council.
Ogunlesi, heads Global Infrastructure Partners, a private equity firm and one of Fortune 500 companies. He was the only African on the panel.
The New York Times reported before Trump's tweeted dissolution, that members of Ogunlesi's panel were debating dissolving the body entirely as Trump wallowed deeper into bigotry quagmire. But Trump preempted their move.
"Corporate leaders had hoped that President Trump would help businesses by slashing taxes and gutting regulations. It is not clear how much he will deliver on that score. On top of that, he is putting many chief executives in the position of answering for a president with an unparalleled track record of outraging people, most recently at a contentious press conference on Tuesday when he drew a false equivalence between the white supremacists who protested in Charlottesville, Va., last weekend and counter-protesters.", NYT reported.
Trump had earned rebuke and isolation from business leaders for supporting racial bigotry, White Supremacists and the KKK, following his remarks that failed to blame the tragic violence in Charlottesville, Virginia on the group. Instead, he blamed all the sides and the group that challenged the racists.
The leaders of three companies — Kenneth Frazier of Merck, Kevin Plank of Under Armour and Brian Krzanich of Intel — were the first to resign from the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative Council.
They resigned on Monday because Mr. Trump was slow to condemn the white supremacists during the weekend and blamed "many sides" for the violence.
When Trump moderated his tone on Monday by saying "racism is evil" and condemning neo-Nazis, he did not assuage some of the CEOs working with him.
Scott Paul, the president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, an organization backed by the steel industry and the United Steelworkers resigned. he was followed on Tuesday by Richard Trumka and Thea Lee, the president and deputy chief of staff for the union group A.F.L.-C.I.O.. The latter's resignation followed Trump's reversed position at a press conference at Trump Tower in New York, in which he said that "not all of those people were neo-Nazis, believe me," referring to the white nationalists who were chanting "Jews will not replace us" as they marched with tiki-torches.
Ogunlesi's Strategic Forum, composed some of America's most highly respected and successful business leaders.
Members of the body were expected to meet with Trump frequently to share their specific experience and knowledge as the president implements his plan to bring back jobs and "Make America Great Again. "
The other members of the forum were:
Stephen Schwarzman (forum chairman), chairman, CEO, and cofounder of Blackstone Paul Atkins, CEO of Patomak Global Partners, former commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission Mary Barra, chairwoman and CEO, General Motors Toby Cosgrove, CEO, Cleveland Clinic Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Larry Fink, chairman and CEO, BlackRock Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company Rich Lesser, president and CEO, Boston Consulting Group Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Jim McNerney, former chairman, president, and CEO of Boeings Ginni Rometty, chairwoman, president, and CEO of IBM Kevin Warsh, Shepard Family Distinguished Visiting Fellow in economics at the Hoover Institute, former member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Mark Weinberger, global chairman and CEO, EY Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO, General Electric Daniel Yergin, Pulitzer Prize winner, vice chairman of IHS Markit
Apart from being managing partner of Global Infrastructure Partners, Ogunlesi also serves on the boards of Callaway Golf Co. and Kosmos Energy Ltd.
At the same time he's the chairman of Africa Finance Corp. and serves on the boards of various not-for-profits ranging from New York Presbyterian Hospital to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
By Bashir Bello THE Katsina State Police Command has explained how an herbalist, Sule Abubakar strangled a new born baby and dumped the body in a pit toilet.
The incident, which was confirmed by spokesperson of the Police Command, DSP Gambo Isah, occurred in Gyaza village, Kafur local government area of the state.
Fatima had gone to the herbalist to seek refuge when she had a misunderstanding with her husband which led to her expulsion from the matrimonial home.
The police spokesman also noted that by the time the woman resolved the issue with her husband and returned to her matrimonial house, she was already pregnant, allegedly for the herbalist.
After delivery, Fatima was said to have taken the baby to the herbalist who strangled it and threw it in the toilet. "Our men got the information and recovered the lifeless body of the baby from the toilet," Isa said.
In a related development, the PPRO also said the police rescued alive a new born baby girl abandoned by her 16 years old mother, one Hassan Tanimu from Jabiri, in Funtua local government area.
Isa said that police detectives, acting on a tip-off, traced the baby to Hassan who claimed that somebody drugged and raped her and in the process she got pregnant.
The police said that investigation was still ongoing into the matter.
In a related development, the police said it has rescued a new born baby girl abandoned by her mother, one Hassana Tanimu in Jabiri area of Funtua local government.
The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has dismissed the fear looming in some quarters that the ongoing assessment of senior civil servants in the state was designed to fish out incompetent workers for sack, assuring that such fears are baseless. Extreme left: Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State monitoring the ongoing assessment of public servants for capacity enhancement at the Imaguero College Hall, Sapale Rd. , Benin City. Obaseki who was at Imaguero College, Benin City, venue of the assessment, on Wednesday, said that the exercise was in good faith and not a competency test as being rumoured.
He explained that Edo civil servants are competent and do not require any further competency test. "Before they were employed, their competency was tested and that is why they are working in the Civil Service. But before promotions are made in the Civil Service, senior civil servants go through assessments to fill vacant positions in the directorate cadre,"
He added that the exercise was part of the strategy to strengthen the Civil Service for effective service delivery and assured that no employee writing the examination will be sacked.
The governor disclosed that the recent examination conducted for staff members on levels 16 and 17 in the state was an eye opener as some civil servants were discovered to be very good and were appointed Permanent Secretaries.
"We are not sacking anybody, but want to strengthen the service so that it can deliver quality services to the state. The assessment is not compulsory but necessary for promotion as those who need to be promoted would have to be assessed. If you refuse, then there may be no basis for your promotion," Obaseki said.
For teachers who kicked against the assessment, the governor said it was unfortunate as his administration did not intend to exclude teachers from the resulting promotion exercise and added that the two teachers that performed very well in the last exercise were appointed Permanent Secretaries.
"We want to give everyone the opportunity to participate but if teachers say they don't want to be part of the process, no one will force them, we would have no basis to promote their senior colleagues," he added.
Heaven was let open at the weekend when Prophet T.B Joshua of the Synaguoge Church of All Nations led the people on a two-day high power crusade to Paraguay.Paraguay Government Honours TB Joshua with merit award
The atmosphere was filled with high expectations as Paraguayans from all walks of life and government as well as religious leaders trooped to the Estadio Defensores Del Chaco in the capital, Asuncion to receive God's touch.
Not less than a hundred wheelchaired people were healed of various ailments as they were seen leaving the magnificent stadium with their wheelchairs raised while they walked unaided for the first time in many years.
The two-day crusade which rounded off on Saturday August 12, started at about 6pm local time on Friday, August 11 and saw many streets deserted, albeit with massive pockets of traffic on major roads leading to the stadium.
Over two million people from the city of Asuncion graced the occasion. Some of them who spoke with local media said no such miracles have ever been witnessed before in Paraguay. This was corroborated by one Mr. Mario Martinez, a Mexican who came all the way from Mexico City to attend the crusade.
The high point of the crusade was the official presentation of highest National Honour by the Paraguayan Parliament to Prophet T.B Joshua.
He was also presented with the key to the capital city of Asuncion by the Municipal Council – an indication that the city has been handed over to God for His blessing through Prophet T.B Joshua.
It would be recalled that the man of God was received by highly expectant Paraguayans at the nation's International Airport. The Secretary General of the Parliament of Paraguay, Dej Medina Paredes, led the country's high-powered committee which received Prophet Joshua upon arrival.
She said: "I am very excited and can see a lot of expectation in the people from Paraguay because they are waiting for a spiritual transformation through the coming of this message from Christ. All of us are waiting for that spiritual transformation.
"We want to receive him very well, we want to be healed and as a Member of Parliament, I appreciate his coming. We are a privileged nation to have him visit our country.
The local media had also reported that most of the hotels in the capital, Asuncion were declared filled while many international visitors were seen making hotel bookings for the event.
Earlier, Prophet TB Joshua had held crusades in Columbia, Mexico, South Korea and Peru. His international crusades have always been huge successes with many suggesting that no other African Pastor has been able to match him internationally.
The member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Daniel Reyenieju has commended the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), for being steadfast, honest and uncompromising in its discussions with the Federal Government, particularly in the demand for the relocation of both the administrative and operational headquarters of oil companies to their major areas of operations.
Reyenieju made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Warri,yesterday.
Daniel Reyenieju
The federal lawmaker urged the different ethnic groups in the Niger Delta region to cooperate with PANDEF, while lauding the current efforts of the group towards redressing the wrongs wreaked on the oil-bearing communities in the region by the transnational oil companies and the government.
He also appealed to the youths of the region not to take any action capable of undermining the current level of oil production or truncating the ongoing peace in the region; as PANDEF is currently taking all necessary steps to get the Federal Government to redress the injustice of the past.
Reyenieju applauded PANDEF's call for the dredging of the Excravos Bar and the revitalization of the seaports in the region; specifically those of Koko and Warri; and the restructuring of the Niger Delta Development Commission to ensure fair distribution of development projects based on quantum of oil production.
The lawmaker further commended PANDEF in its commitment and unwavering call for restructuring of the federation, noting that Nigeria will remain susceptible to endless crises, underdevelopment and instability, if the current unitary system and over-bloated federal government subsists.
Special Advisers on Media and Publicity to the President , Mr Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu addressing Niger Delta Youth during a support protest match to pass vote of confident on President Muhammedu Buhari led Administration in Abuja.
The 27-year-old penned a five-year contract worth a reported £100,000 a week to become Everton’s record signing, topping the £31.8 million they paid Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku in 2014.
“Hopefully I will continue to create goals and score goals for the team and contribute to the kind of success we're seeking at the club," Sigurdsson told evertontv.
"This is an ambitious club and it is clear we are moving in a really good direction. The most important thing is that this team keeps winning games and climbing the table and does that throughout the season.”
By Henry Umoru ABUJA- BARELY twenty- four hours after the closure of the popular Wuse Market in Abuja following a clash between protesters demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari should resume or resign and supporters of the President, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello yesterday re-opened the market for normal businesses to continue.
The FCT administration has however warned that it would no longer tolerate situations where protesters in the nation’s capital city use the markets or unauthorized places, stressing that anyone found to have violated the order would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
In a statement Wednesday by the Chief Press’s Secretary to the FCTA Minister, Cosmas Uzodinma, the FCTA said that there were no lives lost during the fracas between Our Mumu Don Do Movement”, the youth group demanding for the immediate return of President Muhammed Buhari to the country and led by Charles Oputa( Charley Boy), and another one that is loyal to the President which allegedly attacked him.
The statement read, “The attention of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has been drawn to reports and misrepresentations on the recent clash between anti-Buhari protesters led by Charle y Boy Oputa and a segment of traders in the Wuse Market of Abuja.
“It is noteworthy that this incident has spun a lot of versions and false figures of purported casualties. Indeed our findings which were confirmed by the various security agencies clearly indicate otherwise.
“For the avoidance of doubt, therefore, the FCT Administration hereby states that there was NO LIFE LOST due mainly to the timely intervention of the Security and the Market Management agencies.
“The FCT Administration wishes to convey its appreciation to various agencies and organizations whose timely intervention stemmed the situation from degenerating into a major crisis.
“The Administration notes that the market has since been re-opened to the general public and that normal activities have resumed.
“We reiterate the Administration's commitment to the protection of freedom of expression and lawful assembly, but caution that this must be done within the ambits of law and civilized conduct.
“Consequently, the FCT Administration warns that staging political protests in markets and other unauthorised areas would not be tolerated and any person or group involved in this act would be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“We urge all the law abiding residents of Abuja to go about their business without fear of any molestations as the FCT security agencies are geared to ensure the security of lives and property in the Territory.”
It would be recalled that leader of “Our Mumu Don Do Movement”, the youth group demanding for the immediate return of President Muhammed Buhari to the country, Charles Oputa( Charley Boy) on Tuesday escaped death by whiskers following a clash between his group and another one that is loyal to the President which allegedly attacked him.
The attack came when the controversial musician led his group on his “Resume or Resign” protest, this time, at the Wuse Market Abuja.
The Return or Resign protest however took another dimension yesterday, when some pro-Buhari Hausas attacked him at Wuse market leading to total close down of the market.
Following the development, the FCTA through the Abuja Market Management Limited has shut down the market to forestall colossal damage
The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday demonstrated his administration's commitment to the frugal allocation of the resources accruing to the state by setting up a contact group with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to review road contracts awarded by the state government.Engr. Dr. Victor Obanor, Chief Inspector, COREN ERM, Benin Zonal Inspectorate, presenting a COREN Publication to Governor Godwin Obaseki during a courtesy visit to the governor on August 16, 2017.
According to Obaseki, the contact group made up of executive members of COREN, the country's highest engineering regulatory body, would drive down the cost of constructing roads and ensure quality work is done by contractors.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the executive members of COREN in Government House, Benin City, led by the Chief Inspector of the Benin Engineering Regulatory Inspectorate, Engr. Dr. Victor Obanor, the governor, expressed displeasure over the tendency for contractors to inflate the cost of road construction when the materials are available in within the country.
Obaseki said the partnership with COREN was imperative and essential towards reducing the cost of construction, especially roads.
He noted that his administration places a high premium on transparency and accountability and would ensure there is real value for every tax payer's kobo spent to fund projects in the state. He further stressed that the state would need the collaboration of COREN in manpower development in order to boost the capacity of workers in the state, especially engineers.
Earlier, Dr. Obanor said the group was impressed with the vision of the governor for infrastructural development in the state.
According to him, "COREN believes that a technical solution is needed to deliver cost-effective and durable infrastructure, bearing in mind the current state of the country's economy."
"The Agropreneur" is an agricultural based television reality show.
The show shall focus on raising agro entrepreneurs from our farmers and those intending to go into farming.
It shall bring farmers and agriculture to the front line where they truly belong, it shall create jobs, empower the farmers with the basic modern tools required to excel in his field.
It is a contest with a difference that shall have what I call "agropretainment"; a blend of agriculture, entrepreneurship and entertainment.
It promises to be informative, educative, exciting, adventurous and entertaining
Participants shall receive training on various areas of agriculture and shall be turned from being just farmers to being "corporate farmers", what I also call "Agropreneurs". There shall be a little mix of entertainment so the show is not boring and to attract the attention of the youths to the show.
FOCUS
To change the focus of the Nigerian youths and the older citizens from oil to agriculture and make the nation green again
To turn the Nigerian youths from white collar to green collar jobs
To bring agriculture and farmers to the fore
To provide funding for the farmer through partnership
To provide training & Mentorship
To promote organic farming and discourage the use of GMOS
To showcase Nigeria's rich Agricultural heritage/ potential to the world
To showcase Nigeria as the next Agricultural haven to the world
To provide a lead for the Nation out of recession
To create jobs
To reduce the crime rate in the country
To create wealth
To increase the GDP of the nation
To encourage every Nigerian to own a farm either as a means of livelihood or to feed his immediate family
FORMAT OF THE SHOW
Thirty (30) Nigerians drawn from the six (6) geo political zones of the country shall make it to the house; five participants from each zone shall emerge after a thorough scrutiny from a panel of foremost agriculturist.
They shall live in a farm house for 30 days
They shall be engaged in large mechanized farms across the country
They shall be engaged in the plant a tree campaign, the green revolution
They shall be given various individual and group tasks to undertake. And that would form the bases of their eviction
Through a steady process of elimination, contestants shall be eliminated on the bases of their performance
Five (5) contestants shall make it to the grand finale, out of which 1st and 2nd runner up would be named and awarded. The climax shall be the crowning of "The Agropreneur".
All the other contestants shall have access to interest free Agric start up loans
A one (1) hour television reality show based on the activities in the academy shall be televised for the viewers in Africa, Nigeria and indeed the world.
The show shall be anchored by a television personality and
MODE OF APPLICATION
Interested participants are to make payment of #5,000 into designated account either online or through bank teller. Access to the registration form will be granted once payment is confirmed.
Completed forms are to be submitted online to designated email addresses; depending on the geopolitical zone you reside, along with your agro business plan
QUALIFICATION
Applicants must be Nigerians; home or abroad
Must be 18 yrs and above
Must have interest in starting and developing his agro business in Nigeria
Should have a good business plan
Can be an existing agro business person needing funds and support or one interested in venturing into agriculture
AUDITION
Suitable, interested, intending farmers & agro dealers who have applied shall be required to submit their business plans
A panel of agriculturist shall do a thorough scrutiny of all submitted business plans at the various zones
The panel and crew shall visit the 6 geo political zones to scrutinize applicants from the zones
Those selected shall make it to the house, and be admitted into "the Agropreneur Academy"
5 persons shall make it to the academy from each zone
REWARD
The winner shall be awarded the sum of ten million naira (#10,000,000),
A brand new SUV and a Farm Simulator
The 1st runner up shall be awarded the sum of three million naira (#3,000,000) and a Rice Miller
The 2nd runner up shall be awarded the sum of one million naira (#1,000,000)
There shall be lots of prizes to be won by the viewers at home as well as the studio audience
It shall be an annual show.
Application opens 1st of August, 2017 and closes 31st of October, 2017.
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday dismissed a recent annual report by the U.S. government on the lack of religious freedom in the Islamic republic.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Bahram Qasemi, said that the U.S. Department of State's report was "unrealistic, baseless and biased''.
Qasemi also said that the document had been prepared to serve only political purposes, according to reports.
He said the report was "undoubtedly unacceptable,'' presenting "once again, a distorted image of the status of religious freedom'' in Iran with wrong allegations.
Qasemi hit back at the U.S. government with what he called "the U.S. dark record of racial and religious discrimination, Islamophobia and xenophobia, as well as violent attacks and police brutality against Muslims.''
He suggested that the U.S. government took legal and practical measures to protect religious freedom itself, and particularly make sure that Muslims' rights were respected in the United States, instead of judging the status of religious freedom in other countries.
The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate removal of structures, temporary or permanent, under high electricity transmission cables in the state due to the associated health hazards.
The resolution was reached at the weekly Executive Council Meeting presided over by the Chairman-in-Council and Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at Government House in Benin City, on Wednesday.
Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, who spoke to journalists after the Exco meeting, said the state government was concerned about the health and safety of Edo people and directed that all structures located under High power transmission cables be removed immediately.
'’The radiation from high tension electricity lines has been linked to cancer, and there is also imminent danger of electrocution and incineration,” Ohonbamu said and assured that massive sensitization campaigns would be done to ensure that members of the public comply with the safety rule.
On the threat to the security of lives and property in the state, he said that the State Executive Council urged Edo people to go about their daily duties as the government was determined to ensure their safety and protection.
"Security would be beefed up in all the institutions of the state including hospitals, government offices and schools amongst other places," Ohonbamu said.
He added that the ongoing promotion examination for public servants in the state was not conceived to sack any one from the state civil service.
—Says strike helped in establishing TETFund —–As FEC approves $122.62m for rehabilitation of Ajaokuta- Itakpe rail line. By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA – THE Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu Wednesday admitted that the Federal Government failed to fulfill the agreement it entered into with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, after a meeting with duo last year. Malam Adamu Adamu
This is as the Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the sum of $122.62 milliom for the rehabilitation of Ajaokuta-Itakpe rail road which involved track laying, permanent way works and ancillary facilities area and completion of 12 railway stations by Messr CCECC Nig Ltd.
Briefing State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting the Minister of Education also accused the union of not following the due process before declaring the indefinite strike.
Though he said that the union was made up of patriotic Nigerians that their agitations in the past helped in the establishment of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund by the previous administration, he promised to meet with the leadership of ASUU as soon as possible to find amicable resolution of all the contentious issues.
He said, “Very sad that I am here and ASUU is on strike,late last year we had a meeting because ASUU gave one week notice of strike and we were able to work out some agreement.
“I must confess government has not fulfilled its part of the bargain, even though we are unhappy that ASUU went on this strike without following due process and giving us good notice, we realised that we promised something and we didn’t fulfill it.
“I hope I will be meeting them later today or tomorrow and am sure we will be able to reach some agreement so that the strike will be called off as soon as possible.
“I am sure you are aware of the issues we agreed on, there is the issue of re-negotiation which is the only one they agreed government has done what it promised because we set up the re-negotiation team and negotiation is already ongoing.
“There is the issue of Earned Allowances and I think because of some miscommunication what we promised could not be done, but am assuring ASUU and the whole nation that this is going to be done.
“There is the issue of registration for Nigerian Universities Pension Commission I think that one there are few issues that need to be sorted out with the Nigerian Pension Commission, I believe there will be no problem with that.
“The issue of their staff school which I think the court has given them verdict to go ahead with it, they have requested that they should be allowed to stay off TSA and I think government will not do this but there are some peculiar funds in the university like endowment which are monies kept and all the interest they generate, prices and so on are given.
“Government will exempt that one only,but universities it is part of the peculiarities, they just must log on. I hope later on when I meet them today there will be total agreement.”
Asked to reconcile the statement he made during the last dispensation about ASUU strike to the effect that, ‘So, instead of hectoring ASUU to call of its strike, the nation should be praying for more of its kind in other sectors of the economy,’ the minister said that was still his position.
He said if ASUU had not forced former President Goodluck Jonathan, he would not have created the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), without which he said, the university system would have collapsed.
The minister emphasized: “That is still my view. I believe ASUU is composed of patriotic people, very responsible.
“If I can look at what their struggle is, they force the then government to create TETFund and today, without TETFund, the university system would have collapsed.
“I’m not supporting ASUU, am supporting what is good. If it is something bad, I will condemn it.”
Also briefing journalists, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi also submitted memoranda which was approved by FEC for the contract for the rehabilitation of Ajaokuta- Itakpe rail line.
He said that it involved track laying, permanent way works and ancillary facilities area and completion of 12 railway stations in favour of Messr CCECC Nig Ltd in the sum of $122.62million and that the amount was inclusive of all taxes at the prevailing CBN exchange rate of one dollar to N305 with a completion period of 15 months.
According to him, Ajaokuta to Warri track is in good condition and when the new contract is completed access to the seaport is achieved for the evacuation of goods.
Mohammed added that Amaechi also submitted a memo for the interim phase arrangement for the concession of the Nigeria's narrow gauge railway system which was approved.
He said that the approval was to issue a letter of comfort to General Electric so that by Oct. 2017 there would be full utilization of Lagos – Kano and Port Harcourt – Calabar – Maiduguri line.
He said it was part of the efforts to rehabilitate the 30,000 km narrow guage line and make it ready for haulage of goods and services.
According to him from October there will be new 17 wagons to move at least a million tonnes of goods from the roads and preserve its lifespan.
Mohammed added that FEC approved the variation cost for the construction of one 150 MVA 330/133 KVA transformer at Birnin Kebbi and the reinforcement of a sub-station in Kumbutso, Kano, for the transmission company of Nigeria.
Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor will be allowed to wear lighter gloves when they clash in their Las Vegas superfight this month, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) approved a request from both fighters to switch from 10-ounce (283-gram) to eight ounce gloves, despite concerns raised by safety experts.
Lighter gloves carry less padding over the knuckles, potentially making for a more explosive spectacle.
NSAC rules mandate that 10-ounce gloves are used in any bout over 147 pounds. However former welterweight king Mayweather and UFC star McGregor, who clash on August 26, are to fight at a 154-pound limit.
The Association of Ringside Physicians urged NSAC not to waive its glove regulations for the McGregor-Mayweather fight.
“This is a bout that has already been set at a specified weight class,” the physician chairman Raymond Monsell wrote in a letter released on Tuesday.
“Unless there is scientific evidence to support the view that such a change might improve the safety of this bout, we strongly caution against allowing current regulations to be overruled.
“To do so would also set a precedent for future bouts.”
By Daud Olatunji ABEOKUTA- Men of Ogun State Police command have arrested a pastor and three other suspects in connection with the discovery suspected human parts buried inside a church in Ota .
The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, who paraded the cleric Wednesday in Ota,said the arrested 77-year-old prophet, Samuel Babatunde, is the founder of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Itedo Isinmi Ayo Parish, Egan Road in Iyana-Iyesi area of Ota.
The Police boss who conducted newsmen round the Church premises said the discovery followed the arrest, on Saturday, of a suspected serial kidnapper, Jeremiah Adeola.
According to Iliyasu , Adeola, 32, specialised in kidnapping children and had already confessed that the prophet of the white garment church was the receiver of the abducted children.
The Police Commissioner added that a 43-year-old herbalist, Haruna Afolabi, was among the suspects, who allegedly buried the human parts at the entrance of the church.
He said ” operatives attached to the police Area Command in Ota on Sunday received technical intelligence about Adeola and eventually apprehended him.
“On the strength of the intelligence, detectives from Ota Area Command were detailed to effect the arrest of the suspect; and at about 10:20am of the date, their efforts paid off when the said Jeremiah Adeola was promptly arrested.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Kim Jong Un, the leader of the North Korea, on Wednesday for delaying a decision on attacking against the U.S. territory of Guam and pausing an escalation in tensions between the two countries.
“Kim Jong Un of North Korea made a very wise and well reasoned decision,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “The alternative would have been both catastrophic and unacceptable!”
"Anyone can become angry-that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way-this is not easy."
ARISTOTLE.
In the dungeon of negative emotions anger is the boss. Anger is probably the most passionate of all the negative emotions. However, anger is not altogether negative rather it is how the individual handles the emotion of anger that makes it negative and even destructive. Mismanaged anger is brutal to the body system. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, burst blood vessels, ulcers; migraine headaches; asthma and skin diseases of all kinds. Your response to any given situation is determined by your perception; it is the interpretation of the event to yourself. The same event can trigger different responses from different individuals. Therefore, the emotional reaction of anger is a conditioned response that stems from the person you are rather than being determined by the situation. Anger is a learned response through repetition of our exposure to experiences in our environment. Habitual response of anger to any given situation is a product of a victim mentality that is rooted in pain and frustration. When anger rises up within, your blood pressure rises. And when anger becomes your habitual attitude response mode, your blood pressure stays up. When stress level builds up; anger level stirs up. Anger is a response choice in any given situation. Anger is a reactive response that acts as a defense mechanism based on your perception and interpretation of the event. In my analysis there is the explosive anger; implosive anger; and the rightly directed, wisely expressed anger. The explosive anger is verbal or physical assault that causes emotional damage or physical damage to people or property. The implosive anger is repressed rage that leads to reprisal attack that raids destiny.
Can you control your tongue when you are angry? The ability to control your tongue and invariably your actions when angry is what makes you a king. You may ask, what if the person deserves it? Well, I'll reply you with the story below:
Bob Hoover was a famous test pilot in his time in America. One day, he was returning home from an air show in San Diego. At three hundred feet in the air, both engines suddenly stopped. By deft maneuvering he managed to land the airplane. Fortunately, nobody was hurt but the plane had been badly damaged. When the plane landed Hoover immediately went ahead to inspect the airplane's fuel. He guessed right, the World War II propeller plane he had been flying had been fuelled with jet fuel rather than gasoline. He made straight to the airport to meet the mechanic who had made the grave mistake while servicing the airplane. As Hoover approached the mechanic, tears ran down his face. He had caused the loss of a very expensive plane and moreover, he could have caused the loss of three lives as well. Hoover was infuriated but amazingly, he didn't tongue-lash the mechanic, he didn't criticize him. Rather, he did a remarkable thing that sure made a positive impact and impression in the mind of the mechanic. Hoover put his arm around the man's shoulder and said, "To show you I'm sure you'll never do this again. I want you to service my F-51 tomorrow." Hoover's reaction to the situation paid off than all the criticism and tongue lashing in the world. He had exercised self-discipline and had influenced a life positively. We should strive to control ourselves and speak from our heart rather than our head when we get angry at someone.
The story below is an example of explosive anger and how to deal effectively with it, straight out of life.
Dr Ben Carson a retired outstanding neurosurgeon; bestselling author; speaker and a former republican United States presidential aspirant shared a wonderful story about himself. Dr. Carson narrated that he was quick-tempered when he was quite young. On a certain day, he had an argument with his friend and somehow he threw a knife at his friend, which nearly penetrated into his friend's body. Instantly, fear gripped him over his action and he ran into the bathroom and wept. He prayed that God should take away such anger from him. He reached for His Bible and read some verses in the book of Proverbs that had to do with anger. He stayed in the bathroom for about an hour praying. He testified that after that day, he never experienced such temper in his life. The crux of the whole matter is, had he continued with such a temper, it could have destroyed his personality and his climb to the top of his career. No one wants to be around someone who is quick tempered. It breeds enemies and scares away friends. Hence, it repels success.
When patience is in place and mercy triumphs over judgment anger is easily controlled. Repressed anger may lead to transferred aggression on members of your family or people who can't defend themselves. Respond to offense with forgiveness rather than with anger. Let go of resentment and you will have rest of mind.
Suppressed emotions lead to oppressed body systems that accumulate in pain and diseases. We need to deal with the root of anger; don't stuff it in and don't blow it out rather express it wisely. When we live in emotional denial we become emotionally drained and our lives become dredged. When you stuff damaging emotions into your inner self you strangle the life supporting system of your body. When we don't express our pain; our pain will poison our souls and expose us to devastation. Negative emotions concealed seals off the flow of life within us and death sets in- emotional death; relationship death; financial death and ultimately physical death.
Childhood traumatic experiences such as sexual, physical and emotional abuse; humiliation; rejection; are frequently stuffed in and leads to explosive anger when triggered by even seemingly minor events or situation. Don Colbert M.D reveals, "Those who have stuffed negative emotions, especially anger, and hostility for years, don't need much to set them off. The least little insult-the driver on the freeway who cuts him off, the person at work who voices criticism her way, a person who ignores his presence-can produce an outburst that is above and beyond a normal response."
To deal effectively with anger don't stuff it inside; deal with it forthrightly. If you've hurt someone through your words and actions, apologize quickly. Ask God for forgiveness. In situations that you feel anger swelling up within rather than bursting it forth, leave the scene; take a deep breath and count from 1-100 or till when you are able to calm down, reflect on and analyze the situation objectively. Ask God to help you with understanding and wisdom to give the right response or make the right choice. Thank God for the anticipated help. As you will be divinely prompted, act accordingly and you will reap the fruit of your wise actions.
The window for Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s stand-in president, to launch bold economic reforms and wrestle the ill-disciplined naira currency into shape is fast closing.
President Muhammadu Buhari signaled over the past weekend that he is ready to return from receiving medical treatment in London as soon as his doctors allowed it.
President Muhammad Buhari receives in audience APC delegation lead by APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun. Others are Imo State Governor Owelle Rocharles Okorocha, Nassarawa State Governor, Tanko Almakura, Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai and Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in Abuja House London on 23rd July 2017.
That would could paid to investor hopes for economic changes to qualify Nigeria for a World Bank loan to drag it out of recession. It will also leave the plethora of naira exchange rates standing, albeit perhaps closer to each other.
Buhari has kept a grip on power despite his medical leave, and the more business-friendly Osinbajo has been reluctant to challenge him.
This has gone as far as him flying to London to get permission for personnel changes.
“We don’t expect any deviation from the current economic policy stance should President Buhari return,” said Cobus de Hart, senior economist at South Africa’s NKC African Economics.
“One could hope that the return of the president goes hand in hand with an acceleration of reform implementation, but we doubt this will be the case.”
Osinbajo, who has been running Nigeria since Buhari went to Britain on May 7 and also ran it between January and March, has made some changes.
He has managed to calm tensions in the Niger Delta oil hub and pushed small steps such as a forex trade window to narrow the gap between the official and parallel naira exchange rates.
But a unifying of all the exchange rates — there are at least six, including the black market — remains far away. It would amount to a devaluation, which Buhari has opposed.
TIGHT LEASH
More than three months after leaving Nigeria, it remains unclear when Buhari will return, despite his remarks about his desire to resume work. They were merely the latest in a number of presidency announcements.
But even from far-away London Buhari and his aides have restrained Osinbajo.
“He (Osinbajo) is so scared to offend President Buhari to the extent that he takes no major action without consent from him through phone,” said a presidency official, asking not to be named.
Osinbajo and his aides often hold meetings which has enlivened a presidential villa criticized for inertia — but he still seeks approval from Buhari or his chief of staff.
He flew to London for a few hours last month to get Buhari’s approval to appoint two ministers who had been already cleared by parliament, the official said.
During the meeting, Buhari even asked Osinbajo to give the ministers no portfolio as he wanted to assign them himself after his return, he said.
Moreover, when Osinbajo tried appointed a new board for an anti-corruption commission he had to withdraw his candidates because Buhari’s aides did not like two names, the official said.
Among the few projects Osinbajo got underway are the legalizing of illicit refineries in the restive Niger Delta oil hub, often the only work for youth who tend to join otherwise militants.
Osinbajo also ordered an overhaul of dilapidated facilities at Lagos airport, the main entry gate into Nigeria, as part of a plan to ease doing business.
Slideshow (7 Images) The new FX trade window has prompted some foreign investors to return, pushing Nigerian stocks to a nearly three-year-high in August.
But its inconclusive nature still holds back investors, London-based Capital Economics said.
“There is a possibility that Buhari returns, sees things improving and thinks there is no need to change anything. Further reforms are desperately needed to achieve meaningful growth,” said John Ashbourne, Africa economist at Capital Economics.
TIGHTROPE
Buhari, a former military ruler from the north, made Osinbajo acting president when he first went to Britain to avoid a vacuum as occurred in 2010 when then-President Umaru Yar’Adua spent three months in a Saudi hospital while his aides shrouded his illness in secrecy.
His deputy Goodluck Jonathan only took over in a constitutional crisis after Yar’Adua died.
Osinbajo has gone out of his way to show his loyalty — as a Christian lawyer from southern commercial capital Lagos he is walking a tightrope to avoid policies that may annoy Buhari and his inner circle, who are mainly Muslim northerners.
“The chief of staff and his team are working alongside Osinbajo on the understanding that (he) will not run in 2019,” a government adviser said. Osinbajo has never said he wants to run.
“The election cycle is the last two years of an administration. As we enter the election the issue of mutual trust becomes crucial because nobody wants to be ambushed,” said the adviser, who did not want to be named.
Traditionally in Nigeria, the leadership rotates between north and south to ensure a balance in a country evenly split between Muslims and Christians.
Jonathan, a Christian from the south, upset many northerners by refusing to give way. Northerners also felt there should have been another northern term after Yar’Adua’s death. Hundreds were killed in riots after Jonathan’s election in 2011. Culled from Reuters
⚪️ | Welcome to Everton, Gylfi Sigurdsson!
