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Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the FCT High Court sitting in Gudu, Abuja on Wednesday, warned Ex- Taraba State governor, Jolly Nyame, other parties, agents and surrogates to stop interfering with prosecution witnesses. The judge gave the warning at the resumed trial of Nyame, following complaints from the EFCC's prosecution team that the defendant was interfering with its witnesses. Nyame is standing trial on a 41-count charge of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and gratification to the tune of N1.64bn. The case which had earlier been slated for hearing today could not go on as counsel to the EFCC, Henry Ejiga, told the court that the prosecution had a challenge in presenting its witnesses due to interference from the defendant. "We encountered constraints in bringing our witness to court because the defendant had been interfering with our witnesses", Ejiga lamented. He added that, "we are bringing this information to the notice of the court in case we decide to take any action as we intend to conduct an investigation.'' Justice Banjoko, who frowned at the act, also said that a staff member of the court had been receiving messages in her mobile phone. "All this interference should stop; nothing but the truth will carry the day,'' Justice Banjoko warned. Thereafter, the case was adjourned to November 1, 2016 for continuation of trial.
ABUJA- The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Wednesday, narrated before the Federal High Court in Abuja, how it paid N2.1billion to Chairman emeritus of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, before the 2015 presidential election.
The bank, through its Manager, Payment Section, Mr. Mukaddas Aliyu Mohammed, said the fund was released to Dokpesi in four tranches, through his firm, DAAR Investment and Holdings Limited.
Mohammed who testified as star witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, told the court that the funds were sequentially withdrawn from account the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, operated with the CBN, between January 21 to March 19, 2014.
He identified four payment mandates that were okayed by the detained former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, and a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Mr. Shuaibu Salisu.
The court on Wednesday admitted and marked the payment mandates as Exhibits A1 to A4.
According to the witness who was led in evidence by EFCC lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Jacob, SAN, said whereas the apex bank, on three occasions, transferred the sum of N500m to the defendant, it also released another N620m on February 9, 2014.
“The purpose of the payment was for media campaign”, the witness stated, even as he insisted that the entire transaction followed due process.
He said: “The four mandates were paid by our office. In the Form, it is written that all due process must be followed, it is the due process from our office”.
Under cross-examination by Dokpesi’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, the witness said CBN verified the signatories to the account before all the mandates were paid.
He told the court that though Dasuki and Salisu are no longer signatories to the account, the CBN is still releasing funds to the present NSA the same way it did when Dasuki was in office.
“The signatories to that account now is the present NSA and his Director of Finance. I know that the present NSA is Mr. Mongonu but I can’t remember the name of the Director in office now.
Dokpesi
“Even though the signatures for the account has changed, the procedures for payment are still the same.
“We are still following the same procedure. In the same way we received the mandates and honoured them under the past Administration, we have also received several mandates under this government and we also honoured them.
“The account of ONSA is funded by office of the Accountant General of the Federation. It is by funds appropriated in the National Budget by the National Assembly.
“On the same Exhibit A1, there was N500m payment to Dalhatu Investment Ltd. The narrative was for supply of security equipment.
“On Exhibit A2, we paid N60, 616, 000. 00 to Presidential Air Fleet. Makmag General Enterprises Nigeria Ltd also got N13, 680.000.00, which was payment for supply of rice to IDPs. The C-in-C Security Department was paid N75m.
“There are five narrations in Exhibit A3. We have Onile Nigeria Ltd which got N200m payment for consultancy services.
“The second one is Vibrant Resources Limited- N450m payment for security services.
“No.3 is Jawaz Multi-purpose E-Venture Limited, the payment is N148m, payment for supply of security equipment.
“The last narration is to A.R. Security Solution Limited, the amount is N2bn only. It was payment for personnel support and logistics.
“In Exhibit A4, the first narration is General Hydro Carbon Limited- N100m, being payment for Energy consulting. The other one is to DPA office of the NSA- The amount is N239, 500. 000, payment for funding of Nigeria de-radicalisation project.
“The last narration on the document was to Cosse Ltd, the amount is N400m, being payment for supply of security equipment.
“My lord I can confirm from the document before me that after the signatories had signed, there is a column for confirmation where an officer will sign and put date “.
The witness said his role was to verify and confirm mandates before payments are made.
He said all the payments were legitimate in as much as his own office was concerned.
“We followed all the due process and it was complied with. From our own side in CBN, the payments were legitimate”.
Meantime, trial Justice John Tsoho has adjourned the matter till November 18 for continuation of trial.
Dokpesi is answering to a six-count criminal charge alongside his firm, DAAR Investment and Holdings Ltd, owners of African Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM.
According to the charge which was signed by the Deputy Director, Legal and Prosecution at the EFCC, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf, the N2.1bn was transferred from CBN to a First Bank account owned by DAAR Investment and Holding Company Limited
EFCC maintained that the transaction was in breach of section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and punishable under section 58 (6) and 7 of the same Act, as well as under section 17 (b) of the EFCC Act, 2004.
Dokpesi who was initially docked before the high court on December 9, 2015, was re-arraigned by the anti-graft agency on February 17, 2016.
The anti-graft agency earlier told the court that it has lined up 15 witnesses that will testify against the defendants.
My dear children. This is a happy moment for me and for all Nigerians. I welcome you back to freedom. It is a moment your parents, the Nation and the International Community have been eagerly waiting for, since your abduction on 14th April 2014.
We must from the onset, thank Almighty God for this day that 21 of the Chibok girls have again breathed the air of freedom and are reunited with their parents. We are equally prayerful, that God in his infinite mercies and benevolence, will see to it that the girls remaining in captivity will be freed and returned to us soonest.
All Nigerians recall, sadly the night of 14th April 2014, 276 young female Nigerian students were abducted from the Government Secondary School in Chibok Borno State by the Boko Haram.
Fortunately, 57 of the kidnapped school girls were able to escape, leaving 219 in captivity. One of the abducted girls, Amina Ali was found in May 2016. And today we are here celebrating the freedom and return of another 21 girls that regained freedom on Thursday 13th October. We are equally as hopeful as we are praying, that the remaining girls will be freed and returned to us without further delay.
The release of these 21 girls followed a series of negotiations between Government and the Boko Haram group, brokered by our friends both local and International. Since this Administration assumed office, we have been working towards the safe release of the girls. The Nigerian DSS, Military and other Security Agencies have spared no effort to secure our girls. These 21 girls are the manifestation of our doggedness and commitments to the release and return of the Chibok girls.
While joining their parents to rejoice and praise the Almighty, we shall redouble efforts to ensure that we fulfill our pledge of bringing the remaining girls back home. Already, the credible first step has been taken and Government will sustain the effort until all the remaining girls return safely
These 21 girls will be given adequate and comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care and support. The Federal Government will rehabilitate them, and ensure that their reintegration back to the Society is done as quickly as possible.
Aside from rescuing them, we are assuming the responsibility for their personal, educational and professional goals and ambitions in life. Obviously, it is not late for the girls to go back to school and continue the pursuit of their studies.
These dear daughters of ours have seen the worst that the world has to offer. It is now time for them to experience the best that the world can do for them. The Government and all Nigerians must encourage them to achieve their desired ambitions.
The Federal Government appreciates the patience and understanding of the parents of all the abducted Chibok girls. We equally thank Nigerians and the International Community for their support and prayers, and for never losing confidence in our ability to secure the safe release of our girls.
Once again, I congratulate the 21 released girls, their parents, the Chibok Community the security agencies and all Nigerians on this day of delight and rejoicing.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said it was “time to say goodbye” to the US during a visit to China on Wednesday, as the combative leader reconfigures his country’s diplomatic alliances.
Philippine-President-Rodrigo-Duterte
Duterte is in China for a four-day trip that is expected to confirm his tilt away from Washington and towards Beijing’s sphere of influence.
During a speech addressing the Filipino community in Beijing, the firebrand president said the Philippines had gained little from its long alliance with the US, its former colonial ruler.
“Your stay in my country was for your own benefit. So time to say goodbye, my friend,” he said, as if addressing the US.
“I will not go to America anymore. I will just be insulted there,” he added, before once again referring to US President Barack Obama as a “son of a whore”.
Duterte, who took office in late June, said he was fed up with the Philippines’ foreign policy being dictated by a Western agenda.
“What kept us from China was not our own making. I will charter a new course,” he said.
Foreign policy under Duterte has dramatically shifted from that pursued under predecessor Benigno Aquino, who took Beijing to an international tribunal over its extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea and won a resounding victory.
The move infuriated Beijing. But Duterte, who took office in June shortly before the tribunal ruling, has made a point of not flaunting the outcome.
He has also suspended joint US-Philippine patrols in the South China Sea, and has threatened an end to joint military exercises.
– Manila ‘a pawn’ –
The South China Sea is of intense interest to Washington and it has repeatedly spoken out on the various territorial disputes between China and its neighbours over the strategically vital waters.
Tensions have risen between the US and China over Washington’s so-called “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific, a move that Beijing says is intended to contain it.
Duterte will meet top leaders including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang during his stay.
Hours before he spoke, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing that Beijing was pleased to move towards resolving the territorial dispute “through consultation and dialogue”.
“Anyone who truly wishes for peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Asia Pacific” should welcome Duterte’s visit, she said.
In an editorial Wednesday, China’s nationalist Global Times newspaper said Washington had treated Manila “as a pawn”, adding Duterte was now “redesigning Philippine foreign policy based on Philippine interests”.
Duterte has said his China trip will focus on promoting economic ties.
The Philippines is hoping, among other things, that Beijing will repeal a ban on imports of its bananas — an economic sanction intended to punish Manila for its South China Sea stance.
Hua said Wednesday announcements on infrastructure cooperation and economic development projects could be expected during the Philippine leader’s visit.
– Drug war –
As Duterte has cosied up to Beijing, he has repeatedly denounced the United States for criticising the deadly war on crime he instigated upon taking office.
Last month Duterte sparked a diplomatic storm when he branded Obama a “son of a whore” after being told the US president would raise the rights concerns at an Asia meeting.
Beijing, meanwhile, has enthusiastically endorsed Duterte’s war on drugs, which has seen more than 3,700 people killed and led the International Criminal Court to warn that those responsible could face charges.
Hua said Wednesday that the two sides were already in close communication about cooperating on drug control and anti-crime issues.
China has also offered to train some Filipino cadets in “anti-illegal drug and VIP security protection”, according to Ramon Purugganan, deputy director of intelligence with the Philippine National Police.
ABUJA-THE Surveyor General of the Federation, Ebisintei Awudu, has warned that Nigerians should expect more tremors in some parts of the country at any time after the recent one in Kaduna State.
Awudu, who spoke at a special meeting with the House of Representatives committee on works, said however that the tremors would not be as dangerous as the ones happening in other parts of the world.
Awudu who was represented by a coordinating director in the office, Mr Barde Jatau, the surveyor general said: “From my own understanding, you are bound to have tremors here and there, but it won’t be dangerous in any way.”
“We confirmed that Kwoi is located at the boundary of three-rock formation, and each time you have that kind of situation, there’s bound to be some kinds of movement. We’re still collating data, and at the end of the day, we’ll know what actually happened. We need extra time to be able to finish and know what really happened. Before the end of this year, the report will be ready.
“We have placed some equipment at the rock there and we’ll go back to observe what really happened. The tremor is not that dangerous because it’s an intra-plate movement.
Members of the committee, headed by Rep Toby Okechukwu ,PDP, Aniri/Oji River Fed Constituency of Enugu, asked if there were signs before the occurrence of the incident, to which Jatau said: “Nobody will tell you for sure when it comes to titanic activities. What I can tell is that there are fault lines.
“Strangely, it is only animals that can see the signs of any such occurrence. When they notice it, they run. Animals like goats, snakes and the rest see the signs,” he added.
He said the history of tremor occurrence in Nigeria dated back to 1939, and since then, it has been happening from time-to-time in states like Oyo, Bayelsa, Rivers and Kaduna.
Asked when the report of the Kaduna incident would be ready, Jatau said: “We ought to get the report ready when the other agencies are ready. We wouldn’t want to release something that wouldn’t stand the test of time. The report will be ready before the end of this year.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Saro-Wiwa family as well as the government and people of Rivers State on the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa Jnr.
Buhari gave the condolence message on Wednesday through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
According to the message, the President also "commiserates with the people of Ogoni Kingdom over the passage of their illustrious son, author and environmental activist who was an ardent believer in the unity, progress and stability of his community." It said Buhari joins them in mourning the sudden and painful passing of a promising Nigerian whose willingness and dedication to the clean-up of Ogoni land inspired a healing process in Nigeria after the death of his father, Ken Saro-Wiwa. As the world mourns Saro-Wiwa Jnr, the President believes the commitment of the journalist in serving three Nigerian presidents in various capacities clearly exemplifies his patriotism, statesmanship and foresightedness. President Buhari, who has initiated the process of cleaning up the Niger Delta region, urges family, friends and associates to honour Saro-Wiwa's memory by making his dream of an environmentally safe, secured and prosperous Ogoni land a reality. The President prays that the Almighty God will comfort all who mourn the deceased and grant his soul eternal rest.
L-R; Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari and the 21 Chibok School Girls as Vice President presents the released 21 Chibok School girls to the President at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. OCT 19 2016
L-R; Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari and the 21 Chibok School Girls as Vice President presents the released 21 Chibok School girls to the President at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE
L-R; One of Chibok School Girls speaking on behalf of others to Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Alhassan and Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu listens as Vice President presents the released 21 Chibok School girls to the President at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.
Cross Section of the Released 21 Chibok School Girls as Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo presents the Girls to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.
Cross Section of the Released 21 Chibok School Girls as Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo presents the Girls to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE
L-R; Some Parents of the released 21 Chibok Girls thanking the President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo as Vice President presents the released 21 Chibok School girls to the President at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE.
Some of the judges arrested by the Department of State Services in sting operations for corruption are fighting back to redeem their honour.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola, 63, who was appointed in 2014 as a Federal High Court judge has been throwing punches at DSS and the Attorney-general of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Ademola and Dimgba
In one breath, he said he was being harassed because he once ordered the arrest of Malami, when he was a judge in Kano. In another, he said the DSS came for him because he gave judgement in favour of the detained former National Security, Sambo Dasuki, because he bribed him.
Ademola dramatised his defence further by asking Dasuki in open court whether the two of them ever met before or since his case came before him.
Ademola: Do you know me at all?
Dasuki: Before I came to this court, not at all.
Ademola: Did you at any time give me money?
Dasuki: None that I am aware of.
Ademola: Did you send your lawyers to give me money?
Dasuki: Not at all.
Ademola: Did you give money to any of my relatives?
Dasuki: Not at all, maybe the DSS is alleging that I did."
The DSS had on Oct. 8 raided Ademola's residence in Abuja and other judges' homes for alleged corruption.
The Service claimed it found money in local and foreign currencies in the sting operation.
Now Ademola claimed that the EFCC exaggerated the money found in his house.
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, also on EFCC dishonour roll also claimed that he was stung by the agency because of the rulings he had delivered against the DSS.
The most dramatic response came from Justice John Okoro, who claimed he was being punished because he refused to sway justice in the electoral disputes involving candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers and Akwa Ibom state.
He also mentioned the dispute in Abia State, which involved the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
Okoro claimed Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and Chief Umana Okon Umana, APC candidate in Akwa Ibom state offered him bribes and that he made a verbal report to the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the time.
Both Amaechi and Umana had debunked the claims as an after-thought.
Okoro's bribery claim was easily faulted by observers as the date he claimed Amaechi came to induce him came after the judgment had been delievered.
"Okoro claimed Ameachi visited him on Feb 1st to bribe him on Rivers state Election but the judgement was delivered 27th Jan. How?", asked one observer of the riveting corruption drama.
Malam Is'haq Modibbo-Kawu, the Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has assured that Africast 2016 conference would change any negative perceptions about the image of Nigeria at the international arena.
Modibbo-Kawu gave the assurance at the 11th Conference and Exhibition of African Broadcasters known as Africast 2016 on Wednesday in Abuja with the theme "Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting: the Imperative of Financing Quality Content."
The NBC boss said that the conference was another effort toward correcting the imbalance in the world information flow, being a platform of interaction between information practitioners from across the globe.
He added that Africast 2016 was a forum where Africa's point of views were fully expressed, noting that the conference had since become the destination broadcast event on the African continent.
He explained that "Africast 2016 will afford the numerous participants coming to Nigeria for the first time, a chance to positively experience our country first hand in order to change any negative perceptions that have inhibited the nation's international acceptance."
Modibbo-Kawu said that the event was coming at a crucial time for the broadcasting industry in Nigeria as its march toward the final switch-over from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting date of June 17, 2017 drew nearer.
He said Africast was intended to leverage on the commanding position of Nigeria in the area of content production, to become the content hub for Africa.
The director-general expressed optimism that the conference would provide unique opportunity for contributions and ideas of experts from within and outside the country to drive policy implementation.
He added that the convention would chart the best way forward for Nigeria and Africa in the digital era.
The main activities of the event include plenary sessions, syndicate discussions, master classes, exhibition, content market and gala.
By Levinus Nwabughiou ABUJA-In a voice laden with emotions, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja said that the abducted Chibok girls have seen the worst of things the world had to offer.
The president spoke while formerly receiving the released 21 out of the over 200 of the girls at the presidential Villa, Abuja.
It will be recalled that girls were stolen from their school dormitory beds in Chibok community on April 14, 2014 and had been in the custody of Boko Haram insurgents in the north east.
The 21 only regained their freedom last week.
“These 21 girls will be given adequate and comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care and support. The Federal Government will rehabilitate them, and ensure that their reintegration back to the Society is done as quickly as possible.
“Aside from rescuing them, we are assuming the responsibility for their personal, educational and professional goals and ambitions in life. Obviously, it is not late for the girls to go back to school and continue the pursuit of their studies.
“These dear daughters of ours have seen the worst that the world has to offer. It is now time for them to experience the best that the world can do for them. The Government and all Nigerians must encourage them to achieve their desired ambitions”, President Buhari said.
The president also revealed that the girls’ release was a product of negotiations between the government and boko haram.
remaining girls will be freed and returned to us without further delay.
“The release of these 21 girls followed a series of negotiations between Government and the Boko Haram group, brokered by our friends both local and International. Since this Administration assumed office, we have been working towards the safe release of the girls.
“The Nigerian DSS, Military and other Security Agencies have spared no effort to secure our girls. These 21 girls are the manifestation of our doggedness and commitments to the release and return of the Chibok girls”, he said.
No fewer than 14 rural communities in the FCT benefitted from 37 micro-projects valued at N107 million under the World Bank-assisted Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) in 2015.
The figures were collated from a report on the CSDP made available on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the report signed by the FCT-CSDP Managing Director, Mr Arabi Tukur, the benefitting communities cut across the six area councils of the territory.
The projects cover road and drainage construction, provision of educational and healthcare facilities, skill development, water and sanitation, as well as rural electrification, among others.
While some of the projects, which were awarded between January and June, 2015, had been completed, others were ongoing as of the time the report was prepared.
The CSDP is a five-year project launched in 2013 and implemented in 27 states to stimulate growth and reduce poverty in rural communities across the country.
The project is co-financed by the Federal and the participating state governments with support from the World Bank to the tune of 380 million dollars.
"The FCT communities are being touched by our agency.
"Their lives are being turned around positively in line with the national goals of development in the rural areas,'' Tukur said.
Port Harcourt – Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has expressed shock over the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa (Jnr), the son of the late Rivers-born environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.
A statement by the governor's Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, on Wednesday in Port Harcourt quoted Wike as saying that the death was a huge loss.
"This death is needless, untimely and a huge loss to Rivers, Nigerians and the whole of humanity,'' he said.
Wike said that the late Saro-Wiwa (Jnr) devoted his life to the service of humanity, adding "his transition to glory has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill''.
He expressed his condolences to members of the deceased's immediate family, and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The 48-year-old Ken Saro-Wiwa (Jnr), an Abuja-based journalist and author, died on Tuesday during a brief illness.
Abuja – The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), has expressed shock over the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr., son of late environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.
The Publicity Secretary of MOSOP, Mr Felago Nsuke, said on Wednesday that the movement "is deeply pained by this tragic incident, the loss of our dear Ken Jr. – son of our celebrated hero, Ken Saro-Wiwa."
"We express our deepest condolences to the family of Wiwa in particular and the Ogoni nation in general."
Ken Jr., 47 died in London after suffering stroke, according to his family.
His late father Ken was executed by late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha for leading protest against environmental degradation of Ogoniland caused by multinational oil companies.
Football's world ruling body, FIFA, has appointed respected Gambian official Bakary Papa Gassama as referee for next month's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Algeria, scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Matchday 2 encounter between two of the fiercest rivals in African football will see Jean-Claude Birumushahu from Burundi as assistant referee 1, Marwa Range from Kenya as assistant referee 2 and Gassama's compatriot, Maudo Jallow as fourth official.
FIFA has also appointed Jean-Olivier Mbera from Gabon as referee assessor, Ghanaian Anthony Baffoe as match commissioner and Nicholas Chumba Musonye from Kenya as security officer.
Gassama, 37, and who has been an international referee since 2008, is one of the most respected referees in Africa. He has already been appointed as referee for this year's CAF Champions League final, second leg clash between Zamalek of Egypt and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, taking place in Alexandria on Sunday, 23rd October. Birumushahu and Range will also be part of the officiating crew for that match, at which Nigeria's Paul Bassey will serve as General Coordinator.
Group B leaders Nigeria welcome the Fennecs to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, 12th November in one of the most anticipated matches of the Matchday 2 of the African qualifying race.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has won a protest it quietly launched following the release of the official match appointment, which set the kick –off time at 5.30pm.
"The information we sent to FIFA was that we wanted the match to start at 5pm; we were surprised when the match appointment was released and the kick –off time was set at 5.30pm. The NFF immediately protested and eventually, on Wednesday morning, FIFA agreed that the match will start at 5pm," NFF's Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode, told thenff.com.
LOKOJA – An appeal has gone to Kogi State Government to construct the Felele – Sarkin-Noma – Ahubena – Mawoji Township Road, in Lokoja Local Government area of the state.
Member representing Lokoja 11 constituency, Idris Ndakwo made the appeal yesterday while presenting a motion of urgent public importance at the assembly plenary session.
Ndakwo said the construction of these roads which link Lokoja 1 and 11 constituencies, will go a long way in alleviating the problems of farmers and generate more revenue to government.
He described the road as an important key to socio-economic development of the area
His words, “It is an all-important facility that will bring about the reduction of distance between the people, markets, services and knowledge, and makes possible the idea of getting them connected.
“The road is a factor to the economic growth, especially to farmers who resides in these areas.
“I appealed to the State Government to link the people of Felele – Sarkin-Noma – Ahubena – Mawoji Township Road, which consist of five (5) communities from both Lokoja I and II constituencies. These communities host some government establishment such as, Federal University Lokoja (permanent site), mining sites and other private companies.
“Those living within these communities include; farmers, artisans and traders; linking the communities with a good road network will make it more easy for them to bring their goods and services to market while the State in turn improves on its revenue”
Ndakwo appealed to his colleagues to support him in appealing to the state government to come to the aid of the people of these constituents; “Therefore, resolved by this Honourable House in session that an appeal be made to the State Government to construct Felele – Sarkin-Noma – Ahubena – Mawoji Township Road in Lokoaj Local Government Area of the State. I urge my distinguished Hon. Colleagues to support this Motion for His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, timely intervention
Cross section of the 21 Chibok Girls recently released from Boko Haram during a Presidential reception for them at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA 19/10/2016
Cross section of the 21 Chibok Girls recently released from Boko Haram during a Presidential reception for them at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA
Cross section of parents of the 21 Chibok Girls recently released from Boko Haram during a Presidential reception for them at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA
Cross section of parents of the 21 Chibok Girls recently released from Boko Haram during a Presidential reception for them at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday effected a reshuffle of his cabinet, with the dropping of the Commissioners for Tourism- Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker; Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi and Transportation, Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola.
This development comes exactly one year after the Governor constituted his Executive Council, precisely on October 19, 2015. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, the Governor also directed the Special Adviser, Arts and Culture to take over as the Acting Commissioner for Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Special Adviser on Transportation will take over as Acting Commissioner for Transportation while the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance takes over as the Acting Commissioner for Finance pending the appointment of new Commissioners in the respective ministries.
The Statement adds that the Governor expresses his appreciation to the former Commissioners for their service to the State and wished them well in their future endeavours.
The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has pleaded with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress, APC, to call to order the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Mr Osita Okechukwu over comment capable of running down his government.
Okorocha made this appeal Yesterday in Owerri through a release made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemedor.
According to the release, “The Imo State government has deemed it increasingly necessary to appeal to the National Chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, Chief John Oyegun and the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to call the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu to order, over his repeated and unprovoked media attacks on the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.”
The release also alleged that, Osita has been presenting himself in the southeast as the spokesperson of the party in the zone.
Further more, ” the latest of such unwarranted and unprovoked attacks on the Imo governor was Tuesday night when Mr. Okechukwu was obviously aided to appear on AIT only to abuse the Imo governor and throughout the programme he said nothing to promote the APC as a party or the APC government at any level.”
” It pains that a man who has not made any tangible contribution to the growth of APC even in his Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State will be insulting a man who staked his life and even his second term bid for the sake of APC,”
Lagos – Worried by his wife's adulterous acts, Mr Kolawole Okeeyi, a businessman, on Wednesday approached the Igando Customary Court in Lagos to terminate his 31-year-old marriage.
Okeeyi, 51, accused his wife, Funmilayo, with whom he had five children of infidelity.
"My wife is having affair with my pastor, I got to know when I did not have credit on my phone and wanted to use her phone to call our pastor to report her for starving my mother of food.
"I picked her phone and I saw on the screen "sent message" I mistakenly press it and the message opened, I saw several love messages my wife sent and received from our pastor.
"I showed her the messages when she came in, but she begged me, I seized the phone and later confronted our pastor with those text messages, but he told me to do my worst.
"I also caught her with my brother in a hotel in Oyo State; I wanted to ignore them, but I later confronted them so that they will not deny later," he said.
The petitioner said that his wife was after his life and that he had been attacked on two occasions.
"In Aug. 20, 2013, I got to the front of my gate, as I horned for my children to open the gate, suddenly three men jumped down from a motorcycle, pointing gun at me.
"But for the timely intervention of the police, I would have been killed. When I entered my house, I told my wife what happened, but she did not say anything.
"Four months later, while coming from work, three men intercepted me, pointing gun at me to come down and enter the booth, I complied and they drove me off.
"But luckily for me, my phone rang, one of them picked it, the caller addressed me as pastor and said that I should come to the church early that I will be ministering, but I am not a pastor.
"One of the guys said that they should not kill me that I am a pastor; that in the bible God said that they should not touch his anointed or do his prophet harm.
"After a hot argument among them, they stopped the car, stripped me naked and absconded with my car.
"A good Samaritan gave me clothes to wear. When I got home, I told my wife again about the incident, but she said nothing.
"That same 2013, my only three buses that plied Port-Harcourt, Akure and Abeokuta were involved in accident and were condemned, I again informed my wife, but no response from her," he said.
Okeeyi said that because of these calamities and threat to his life, he ran away from the house he built same year to start squatting with friends.
He pleaded with the court to dissolve the union that he was no longer in love as his life was no longer safe.
However, Funmilayo, 43, trader, denied all the allegations. She said that she was not having affair with any man.
"Those text messages on my phone were forged; I never sent nor received any love messages from our pastor.
"My husband saw me and his brother in a hotel, but we are not dating, his brother just followed me to book for a room when I went for a burial in Oyo State.
She accused her husband's family of battery.
"When I was pregnant for our fifth baby, my husband's family stormed our house, accusing me of having an affair, they beat me to pulp, in fact, I don't know how I got to the hospital," she said.
The mother of five boys begged the court not to grant her husband's wish as she was still in love.
The Court President, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, adjourned the case to Nov.29 for further hearing.
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
ABUJA-Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Tuesday, sacked two members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State.
The Judge ordered the two lawmakers, Hon. Stella Ngwu representing Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency and Hon. Dennis Nnmachi Agbo from Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, to immediately vacate their seats.
Their removal followed two pre-election suits that queried the process that led to their emergence as winners of primary election the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, conducted in the state in December 2014.
Delivering judgements on the matter, Justice Abang ordered that the sacked lawmakers should be replaced by Dr. Gabriel A Okafor (Igbo- Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency) and Hon. Chijioke H. Ugwu ( Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency).
He also ordered the removed lawmakers to refund into the coffers of the National Assembly, all monies they collected by way of salaries and allowances.
The court maintained that PDP and its National working Committee, cited as 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively, had no right or authority to use another delegate list aside names of delegates that emerged from congress the party held on November 1, 2014.
It directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately issue Certificate of Return to both Okafor and Ugwu, even as it awarded N100, 000 cost against the defendants in favour of the plaintiff.
While INEC was the 3rd defendant in both cases, the sacked Reps members, Ngwu and Agbo, were cited as 4th defendants, respectively.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday said Nigeria had no excuse for the deplorable state of its agriculture sector.
Obasanjo said this at an agriculture seminar in Abuja organised by Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with "Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities'' as theme.
He said that researches had revealed that about 65 per cent of the country's population were faced with "food insecurity''.
He called on Nigerians to make agriculture more attractive, saying that the country had a comparative advantage in the sector and should, therefore, not suffer food shortage.
The former president expressed concern that investment in the sector could not address the food insecurity in the country.
"We must all play our cards either in farming, processing, manufacturing, packaging, and we must put in our best to revamp the sector and address food insecurity in our country.''
He said that some countries that went through the same challenges as Nigeria had all walked out of the problem , but that Nigeria's was getting worse.
"We must return to agriculture as a means to increase our food production in Nigeria.
"Between 2015 and 2016, there has been no production of grains in the country to feed ourselves, no fertiliser, and there are challenges at all levels of government.
"We have to reflect on how to get back to agriculture and we must get there,'' he said.
Olusegun Obasanjo
Obasanjo challenged Nigerians to work hard to attain zero hunger level in 2025, adding that farmers should use appropriate technologies for better yields.
He regretted that many farmers in the country were still using hoe and cutlass.
In his address, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to diversifying the nation's economy through agriculture.
He said that ongoing efforts were expected to largely reduce importation of food items like wheat, rice, fish and sugar.
Ogbeh, who was represented by Alhaji Musibau Azeez, a director in the ministry, said that government was committed to reversing the age-old trend through revitalising agriculture towards innovative re-emergence of its past glory.
Earlier, founder of the NGO, Mr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, said that the importance of attainment of national food security could not be over-emphasised.
He said that the challenges of food insecurity had economic and socio-political implications and that it was one of the critical indicators of national power and influence.
Ehigiamusoe said that a nation which depended on food import "as we do today, remains vulnerable in politics of international economic relations''.
He said that the various initiatives, including the intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through rural finance institutions building programme, among others, must be sustained.
"We need the kind of entrepreneurial spirit which swept through the banking sector in the 90s.
"At LAPO, we have over the years made our strong commitment to funding of activities in the rural economy within our institutional mandate of poverty alleviation.
"We have provided N20.7 billion as agricultural loans to micro and small enterprises engaged in livestock, arable and tree crops farming,'' he said.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho claimed that his team had exposed Liverpool’s shortcomings after holding Jurgen Klopp’s well-regarded team to a 0-0 draw.
Liverpool went into Monday’s game at Anfield seeking a sixth successive win in all competitions and bidding to draw level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City and second-place Arsenal.
But United restricted them to few chances, with visiting goalkeeper David de Gea largely untroubled apart from a pair of eye-catching second-half saves to deny Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho.
“The goalkeeper (De Gea) was on holiday for 90 minutes, but he had two big saves to do and he did,” said Mourinho, whose side remain seventh in the table.
“When we recover the ball I was expecting the team to be more dangerous, (although) we had two good chances, but Liverpool did too.
“They are not the last wonder of the world like you (the media) say they are, but they are a very good team so we had to adapt a little to them.”
Premier League statisticians Opta said United had only had 35 percent of possession — their lowest tally for a league fixture since such statistics started being gathered in the 2003-04 season.
But Mourinho returned to the press conference room after he had finished addressing reporters to say the club’s own statisticians thought United had seen more of the ball.
“My guy did it — 42 (percent), not 35,” he said, having re-emerged through a side door.
“I thought it was crazy. We do it ourselves with better people than them.”
He had earlier dismissed the importance of statistics, pointing out that United had won 1-0 at Anfield under his predecessor Louis van Gaal last season despite being largely outplayed.
“Last season United won here, Liverpool had 14 shots on target and United had one,” he said.
“How many shots on target did Liverpool have on target today? Two. Two shots on target with 65 percent of possession.
“You have to be critical of Liverpool. It is their problem, not our problem.”
– ‘Hectic’ –
United largely succeeded in stifling Liverpool, with wide players Marcus Rashford and Ashley Young notably dropping deep to create a six-man defence at times.
The visitors procured a clear sight of goal early in the second half when Paul Pogba, playing in a more advanced role, picked out Zlatan Ibrahimovic, only for the Swede to miscue his header.
Liverpool improved following the 59th-minute introduction of Adam Lallana, either side of which De Gea showed characteristically snappy reactions to foil Can and Coutinho.
“We lost patience far too early and our passing game was not good,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, whose side trail City by two points.
“We had 65 percent possession, but we have to do better. I didn’t expect we would have 10 to 15 chances. Second half we had chances, but De Gea was finally warm and he made brilliant saves.
“They had that chance with Ibrahimovic. The best news tonight is we have one point more and a clean sheet, nothing else.
“We can do much better and we must do much better. We have to stay cool. When they want to chase us, we have to use counter-movements.
“Really good attitude of my side. They tried everything, only with the wrong tools.”
Klopp dismissed suggestions his players had been affected by being saddled with the pre-match favourites tag.
“Maybe it is very important for the rest of the world what you all write, but for us it is not important,” he said.
“We were not favourites in the dressing room. Tonight nobody thought about this.
“You could see Man United is physically stronger than we are. We couldn’t get rid of the hectic (mindset) — that was the problem.
“When you have the ball you have to calm down immediately and that is what we didn’t do.”
English Premier League leaders Manchester City on Tuesday announced record turnover of $480 million and its Abu Dhabi owners said the club has reached a “turning point”.
City, who were hit by UEFA sanctions over their finances in 2014, announced a 20 million pound ($24.5 million/22.2 million euro) profit from revenues of 391.8 million pounds ($480 million, 436 million euros).
With broadcasting, match-day and commercial revenues all up, City announced a second straight year of profit.Manchester City’s Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (C) holds up the English League Cup during the presentation after Manchester City won the English League Cup final football match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London on February 28, 2016. / AFP
Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak said the 2015-16 season when City reached the Champions League semi-finals was a “turning point” on and off the field.
“Manchester City has now reached a level of sporting and commercial maturity that allows one to feed the other,” said the chairman.
“I believe the 2016-17 season represents the beginning of a critical new phase in the evolution of Manchester City.
“We know that we have the playing, coaching and off-field capabilities at our disposal to achieve great things in English and European football in the years ahead.”
Broadcasting revenue from Europe and the Premier League increased 19% to 161 million pounds. Matchday income went up from 43 million pounds a year ago to 52.5 million pounds.
Other commercial revenues went up from 351 million pounds to 391 million pounds.
In the past year, City have appointed Pep Guardiola, one of Europe’s most successful coaches, while China Media Capital Holdings has become a key new investor.
City said that its wage bill was down to 50 percent of revenues which it said was one of the best ratios in the Premier League.
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – THE Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Tuesday lamented that the present administration in the country has traumatised and pauperised the Nigerian people.
The union said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic policies which it claimed was imposed by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, IMF and their collaborators had become hostile to the people in the last few months, while the enthusiasm that greeted the entry of the government was gradually giving away to the realism that “we may be losing the war to rescue our people from the ruling class extortionist agenda.”
Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, the National President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi described as a monumental fraud the call for the sale of national assets, saying operators of the economy must be held responsible by the Nigerian people.
He said that the economic policies of the Buhari government was impacting negatively on all sectors of the economy and he urged Nigerians to organise themselves to reject the policies that claimed had pauperized the people and consolidate the gains of the ruling class.
Kano – A member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Doguwa constituency, Alhaji Salisu Riruwai, said over N40 million was paid as ransom to free some people who were kidnapped in the area.
Riruwai disclosed this while briefing Newsmen on Tuesday in Kano on the rampant cases of kidnapping across the different villages in Doguwa Local Government Area.
"This N40 million I am talking about was paid only by the people whose relatives were kidnapped in one ward out of the many wards we have in my constituency.
"There are other people who paid huge sums of money to free their kidnapped relatives in other areas that we are not aware of," he said.
According to the lawmaker, four nursing mothers were kidnapped recently in the area, and in the process of freeing them, one of their babies died.
He commended the security agencies for their efforts to rid the area of criminals.
"I also commend the Speaker and my other colleagues for their contributions and support to the ongoing process to amend the bill against kidnapping, abduction and forced labour," he said.
According to him, if the bill is amended, it will provide for life imprisonment for the kidnappers.
Ile Ife (Osun State) – The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has advised Yoruba Obas not to allow supremacy battle bring disunity among them.
The Oba gave the advice on Tuesday in Ile-Ile Ife when the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and his chiefs visited his palace.
He said that enmity caused disunity could hinder progress of any society.His Royal Majesty,Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja 11,Oonirisa of Ife Land during the 2016 Olojo festival in Ile Ife Osun State. Photo: Akeem Salau
He described the Yorubas as `talented and united' people and urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland not to allow supremacy battle bring disunity among them.
He said that God is the creator and leader of the people while Obas were only elected to rule over them.
The Ooni prayed for God's guidance and protection in the South-West region and in Nigeria in general.
He said he was happy and grateful that the Olubadan made history by visiting him on the last day of the celebration of Olojo festival.
Ogunwusi thanked the Olubadan for propagating unity and love among the Yoruba race.
In his remarks, the Olubadan, who declared that Ile Ife was the origin of the Yoruba race, said he was pleased to visit the town where Yorubas originated from.
He said he visited Ife to thank the Ooni for coming to Ibadan during his coronation on March 4.
Adetunji felicitated with Ogunwusi on his birthday and celebration of Olojo festival.
FIFA’s anti-corruption court on Tuesday banned Thailand football chief Worawi Makudi for five years for forgery and refusing to cooperate with an investigation.
Worawi, who was also fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,000), has been linked to multiple scandals in his former role as head of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).
He was found guilty in July 2015 by a Thai court of forgery in his re-election as head of FAT.
The adjudicatory chamber of FIFA’s ethics committee said in a statement it had found Worawi “guilty of forgery and falsification” and of failing to collaborate with an inquiry.
The ban from all football activities starts immediately, the statement said.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists he will not reverse his decision to retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup.
Pique announced his intention to leave La Roja after having to demonstrate he didn’t cut the colours of the Spanish flag off his kit during a 2-0 win in Albania last week.
The absurd incident was the latest in a string of accusations concerning Pique’s commitment to play for Spain due to his outspoken calls for a referendum on Catalan independence.
“The decision is final. Events in Albania brought it forward, I didn’t want to say it at that time, but I came out annoyed by the story that was proven to be false and felt I had to say it.”
Pique was routinely jeered when playing for the national team on home soil in the build-up to Euro 2016 in part for his political views, but also for his role is stoking the fierce rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
However, after winning the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012 with Spain, he insisted his decision to retire after the World Cup is not due to the treatment he has received.
“I have taken the decision myself because if we qualify I will have been playing with the national team for 10 years, I will be 31, and the time will be right,” he added on Tuesday.
“It is the best option, to step to one side and give the new generation the chance to occupy the space I have.”
Pique even revealed he nearly retired from football completely after the 2014 World Cup due to a lack of motivation.
“After the 2014 World Cup I didn’t have the desire to keep going,” he continued.
“It was a question of motivation, possibly because I won everything very young.”
Arsene Wenger insisted Tuesday there was never any danger of Theo Walcott leaving Arsenal despite a reduced role with the Gunners last season.
The England international started just 15 league gammes and scored five goals in the 2015/16 season.
But Walcott, 27, has already matched that goal tally this term following a double in Arsenal’s win over Swansea on Saturday. Walcott Arsenal manager Wenger, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Ludogorets, said of winger Walcott: “Look, I haven’t spoken to anybody because I was not ready to let him go. I always wanted to keep him.
“What I’ve seen of him is that he lets the passion for the game come out of his body. That’s what you want from him.
“I’ve felt that since he’s played with more freedom, maybe he lets his feelings come out a bit more and is less calculating: ‘Can I do that or can I not do that?’,” the veteran French boss added.
“He plays with more freedom and more desire. I think he has a less restricted attitude and that shows you that he is a completely different player.”
Arsenal have won their last six matches in all competitions and two more victories over Bulgarian title-holders should see them into the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Francis Coquelin could come back into the starting side on Wednesday after featuring as a substitute against Swansea following the knee injury he suffered in last month’s win over London rivals Chelsea.
“I feel 100 percent fit. It took me a few weeks to get back to full fitness, but now I feel good,” said Coquelin.
“When you make these kinds of tackles, and this happened before against West Brom, you are a bit scared. It was a similar tackle to then,” the Frenchman added.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to provide intensive support for the 21 released Chibok girls to safeguard their future.
The group made the call in a statement signed by Mr Gianfranco Rotigliano, its Country Representative and made available to newsmen in Maiduguri.
"The release is a great news and we are delighted to see the girls back with their families.
"But we must keep pressing for all the women and children held by Boko Haram to be freed.
"And we must bear in mind that all of those who have been held by Boko Haram will face a long and difficult process to rebuild their lives after the indescribable trauma they have suffered," Rotigliano said.
He also said that the more than 200 Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014 were among thousands of women and girls that UNICEF estimated had been held and subjected to violence by the group.
"UNICEF has supported hundreds of women and girls who have already been released or escaped from Boko Haram.
21 released Chibok girls
"The girls' report that they have been subjected to rape - frequently in the form of forced marriages - beatings, intimidation and starvation during their captivity. Many returned pregnant or with babies as a result of rape.
"When they do reach safety, girls who have been held by Boko Haram are often ill, malnourished, traumatised and exhausted.
"They are in need of medical attention and psychosocial support so that they can begin to come to terms with their experiences and reintegrate with their families and communities.
"Frequently, returning to their families and communities is the beginning of a new ordeal for the girls, as the sexual violence they have suffered often results in stigmatisation.
"People are also often afraid that the girls have been indoctrinated by Boko Haram and that they pose a threat to their communities.
"The use by Boko Haram of children - mostly girls - as so called 'suicide bombers' has fueled such fears.
"Children born as a result of the sexual violence are at even greater risk of rejection, abandonment and violence.
"Since January, UNICEF and its partner International Alert have been providing psychosocial support for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence in the hands of Boko Haram.
"UNICEF and International Alert are also working with affected communities through a network of trained religious and community leaders to promote acceptance and to address negative perceptions that hamper the reintegration of women and girls who have suffered such violence.
"Funding from the Swedish International Development Agency and the UK Department for International Development has so far this year enabled UNICEF to provide a comprehensive programme of reintegration assistance to more than 750 women and girls subjected to Boko Haram-related sexual violence.
"With such large numbers of women and girls having been held by the group, however, the long-term provision of much-needed support remains heavily underfunded,'' the UNICEF official said.
Benin – Use community near Benin in Edo on Tuesday, erupted with thunderous shouts of praises and chants of traditional greetings from residents and well-wishers as Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa arrived the Edigin N'Use palace.
The Crown Prince is at the Use Palace to choose a name in fulfillment of the cultural requirement for his coronation as Oba on Thursday at Urho-Kpota in Benin.
The Crown Prince, accompanied by palace chiefs and traditional dance troupe, arrived the Use palace at 4: 05 p.m. and was received by His Royal highness, Ekpen Kelvin, the Edigin N'Use..
Residents of Use community and well-wishers who had lined the streets and taken positions around the palace premises, were excited and broke into songs of worship to appreciate the Crown Prince.
The Prince is expected to play a game of marble during which he will choose a name for himself as tradition demands.
By LAWANI MIKAIRU Federal Government Tuesday appointed two new Directors for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to replace some recently sacked directors of the agency.
The newly appointed directors are Mrs. Nike Aboderin, who is now the new Director of Finance & Accounts (DFA), and Mr. Sadiku Abdulkadir Rafindadi, the new Director of Commercial & Business Development (DCBD).
Recalled that the Federal government recently effected major administrative changes in the agency with some Directors forcefully retired and most of the General Managers demoted.
Confirming the new appointments, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, Ag. General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, said Mrs. Nike Aboderin is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB). She holds an M.Sc degree in Banking and Finance of the University of Lagos. She has over 23years experience in the financial services industry and an Advanced Management Programme (AMP) graduate of Lagos Business School.
She also holds a post graduate certificate in Global Strategic Management (GSM) of the Harvard Business School, Boston, USA. She is married with children.
Mr. Sadiku Abdulkadir Rafindadi is a 1985 graduate of Economics of the University of Pittsburgh. He also holds an MBA in Finance of Clark Atlanta University, USA. He attended Kaduna Polytechnic, where he obtained Certificates in Management Studies.
He is also a seasoned Manager and until his current appointment, has worked in several Management capacities in different institutions, including, Phoenix Investment Services and British Petroleum. He is married with children.
It will be recalled that the members of the committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Transportation to review the administrative structure of FAAN were in the agency headquarters to implement the report which recommended that all the directors except one should be sacked and General Managers who were not properly placed and might have been brought in by politicians should be demoted and some sacked.
In all, 22 people were affected by this exercise. The Head of the Civil service of the federation had earlier ordered a comprehensive audit of FAAN as the place is said to be overstaffed and officials placed on grade levels they do not merit.
ABUJA-The Hope Democratic Party, HDP, has prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja for an order of mandamus to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to adopt electronic voting system for the 2019 general election.
The party equally sought an order of mandamus to compel the National Assembly to initiate and pass laws that will prohibit politically motivated violence and deaths during elections in the country.
The plaintiff, in the suit it lodged through its lawyer, Mr. Iji Emmanuel, contended that unless INEC is compelled to adopt the e- voting system, human errors in voting, vote collation, counting, and vote stealing, would continue to characterize elections in Nigeria.
Alternatively, the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/617/2016, urged the court to restrain/prohibit INEC from planning or conducting any election until it has fully adopted the electronic voting system.
Other defendants in the suit are the National Assembly, the Attorney General of the Federation, as well as the Chairman, National Assembly Constitution Review Committee.
It prayed the court to among other things, determine; "Whether the constitutionally provided duty of the National Assembly to enact laws for peace order and good governance under section 4 of the 1999 constitution does not place a duty or review the electoral laws to provide that politically motivated deaths at elections must result in the prohibition and barring of identified sponsors and candidates at such elections to entrench a culture of peaceful elections in Nigeria.
"Whether by virtue of the Amended Electoral Act 2015, granting the use of other devices for election, the Defendants are not under the duty and owe any obligation and or compunction in the circumstances of our electoral woes and experiences of adopt in full for all future election henceforth, electronic voting system to check and or eliminate human errors in voting, vote collations, counting and vote stealing all such identified electoral vices resulting to politically motivated violence and deaths.
"Whether the 2nd Defendant are not under a duty in the performances and exercise of its powers as constitutionally provided and the Electoral Acts 2010 and advise of the AGF to make public its reports, findings and initiate and implement the sanction of possible proscription against major political parties and defaulters/culprits reportedly engaged in gross breach of the law limiting campaign funds to restore sanctity and orderliness at electioneering campaign in Nigeria in the light of the national embarrassment over the revelations of the arm funds diversions and the fuel subsidy scandals running into looted and diverted trillions of naira deployed for the funding of 2011 and 2015 presidential elections".
In a 26 paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summon, the plaintiff claimed that: "The recurrent politically motivated deaths in the land over electoral frauds and malpractices and the 'win at all cost' syndrome by political actors without any reprimand or sanctions of any kind by the INEC and AGF in our political climate and background possess danger and stunts National Development.
"The electronic voting system as already passed into law in the 2015 Amended Electoral laws require to be implemented to benefit all Nigeria in line with International Best Electoral practices.
"That the laws in the land have been grossly violated without the appropriate intervention by bodies changed with such duties including the defendants in this case to the detriment of the Plaintiff.
"That the Justice of this case require a due interpretation and construction of the sections of the relevant statues and laws to protect, and enforce the due observation and compliance to the letters of the laws and restore the citizenry rights to good governance and rule of law.
"That unless orders are made and granted as sought in this suit, it is unlikely the plaintiff and citizens of Nigeria will get any full benefits of the NASS and INEC duties and activities as demanded and required of them by law.
"That the defendants are not prejudiced nor suffered in any form in the interpretation and construction or grant of this application which seeks an ordered and disciplined society and polity to uphold and respect the laws of the land and make necessary laws for good governance and conduct of political affairs in Nigeria", it added.
Precious Chikwendu, wife of erstwhile Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, Tuesday, denied allegation by the Economic and Fianancial Crimes Commission, EFCC, that her Access Bank account was used to launder funds from the NSA's office and that approximately N2.4 million balance was found in her account, when she was arrested by the anti-graft agency yesterday. Read full text here
.Cites Security, Contravention Of Extant Laws .Says Govt'll Not Succumb To Cheap Blackmail
Lagos State Government on Tuesday clarified its decision to demolish illegal structures and shanties erected along the river banks and under high tension cables across the State, citing security concerns and flagrant abuse of its building regulations as its core reasons.
Addressing journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, the State's Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said that the move was in line with government's pursuit of its policy on cleaner environment and restoration of master plans through the removal of all environmental infractions and nuisances across the state.
He said over time, the Government had noted with dismay, the flagrant disobedience of building regulations in the State, hence its decision to go ahead with the enforcement of structures in contravention of the Law.
Ayorinde, who was joined at the press briefing by his counterparts in the Ministry of Housing, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Adejare and top officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the State Government would not go back on its resolve to establish zero tolerance for all structures and properties built under high tension cables.
"It is quite worrisome that ramshackle structures, sheds, canopies and shanties, especially along shorelines have turned to the abode of miscreants/street urchins, kidnappers, touts, street traders and hawkers who often vandalise public utilities and attack innocent citizens.
"The State’s Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010, prohibits erecting structures within the Right of Ways and set backs of drainage channels, centre-line of over-head electricity wires and also states in very clear terms specified distance to be observed between a Property line and a public utility", he said.
Ayorinde said after the Security Council Meeting of September, a directive went out to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA) and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to take inventory of all the houses and buildings along the river banks in the riverine areas of the state to among other things, ascertain whether set backs were adhered to inline with stipulated regulations.
"So you would see that nothing is being done and nothing will be done in Lagos State as far as demolition of illegal structures are concerned without due considerations to the extant laws of the state and without adequately engaging with the communities and the people involved as demonstrated by what the Governor did in Illubirin to give them more time to move inspite of the repeated warnings and notices that were being served.
"Yes we would be considerate to the plight of those considered as urban poor, but we will also not allow their situation to jeopardize the safety and security of more than 21 million residents of the state. This is the reason why this is being carried out and this is the reason why government will not succumb to cheap blackmail," Ayorinde said.
Explaining further, the Commissioner said most of the buildings marked for demolition did not comply with the required setback as stipulated, saying that such could have fatal consequences in the wake of an incident.
Giving a background to the demolition of shanties on the Illubirin waterfront, Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said the occupants were evicted and their shanties demolished because they were illegal settlers in the area.
He recalled that the Illubirin Housing project started about ten years ago under the administration of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu with the reclamation of the Lagoon, while the fishermen who were there at that time were resettled at Badore.
He said after the reclamation, the housing units started in 2013 and it was initially designed to accommodate 1,254 housing units, while the scheme was reviewed and redesigned by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to make the place a live, work and play environment, with the partnership of a private investor.
According to Lawal, the illegal settlers moved into Illubirin waterfront during the process of redesigning the scheme, adding that the private investor had perfected plans to move to site, and is committing about $500 million into the scheme.
On his part, Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said adequate notices and sensitisation have been embarked upon by the State Government to educate the people on the need to refrain from constructing any structure on river banks, saying that the safety of about 22 million residents of the State cannot be allowed to be jeopardised by few.
The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) has said that 189,750 families enrolled in family planning between January and September.
A report by PPFN's Project Officer in Rivers, Mr Emmanuel Owor, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday said the number recorded during the year represented a 31.5 per cent increase when compared to the enrolment figure in 2015.
It said that 29,300 out of the number were new family acceptors while 160, 450 were old and ancillary family acceptors.
The body said that it was already providing a new family planning service called VIA for women of reproductive age.
It said VIA was a service that women of reproductive age should access at least three times during the reproductive age bracket.
It further said that PPFN's family life education and counseling programme had remained a vital tool for the sensitisation of women on reproductive health issues.
The PPFN commended its public and private partners in the state for their contributions in the crusade against unplanned parenthood.
The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to set machinery in motion to conduct housing and population census in 2018.
Emanating from a motion by Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi, at plenary on Tuesday in Abuja, the senate also urged the government to make adequate provision of fund for the exercise.
Motion the motion entitled "A call for The Federal Government to Expedite Action on the Planned 2018 National Census", Hunkuyi reminded the government of constitutional provision for conduct of census.
He recalled that the last census was conducted in 2006 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and said that by the 10-year provision for the exercise to be conducted, it out to be in this year.
He said that delay in the issuance of a proclamation by President Buhari and poor release of funds to the National Population Commission (NPoPC), were major setbacks to conduct of the exercise.
Hunkuyi said that in accordance with best international practices, a well planned and executed population census should take a minimum of two years.
"It is only pertinent that subsequent population census should be carried out within an adequate timing and an objective of conducting an acceptable exercise.
"Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), NPoPC, Ministry of Budget and National Planning and other supervising agencies must make adequate provision in 2017 budget as critical prerequisite to achieving 2017/2018 population census," he said.
Sen. John Enoh, in his contribution, reiterated the need for relevant government agencies to include the total cost of conducting the census in the 2017 budget.
He stressed that the Federal Government should adhere to the United Nations provision that censuses should be conducted every 10 years.
Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, said that there was need to keep records of births, deaths and the entire population of the country.
"If they tell us the number of people that have been killed in the North-East, some of us will faint.
"It is important for us to support this motion and ensure that funds are released for the conduct of the national population census and call on President Buhari to make a proclamation,'' he said.
Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, observed that there was no reason why money should not be made available to the population commission to conduct census.
"The huge sum of money we will use in getting data from abroad is expensive. Let us channel that money into NPoPC so that they can conduct the census," he said.
Other lawmakers who contributed supported the motion.
Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, warned the population commission not to conduct a national census that would become an issue for deliberation.
He said that every Nigerian must be counted and that information technology should be deployed in order to produce acceptable results.
"I want to thank the sponsor of the motion; as we approach the next census, we must take advantage of the development in technology and make the results of the exercise acceptable.
"All the previous exercises have been disputed. We want this exercise to count; every Nigerian must be counted and no one should be counted twice.
"If we do this, we will be able to plan," Ekweremadu said.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigeria is not a society where someone is tied to a stake and shot for having being indicted of corruption. As a SAN, Osinbajo said rather, the federal government is following the law in prosecuting judges alleged of misconduct and corruption.
