Buhari condemns increased global risk to journalists
— 30th April 2016
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja condemned the increased global risk to journalists in the performance of their professional duties.
The President spoke at the opening of the Congress of the Federation of
African Journalists hosted by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The president delivered a keynote address on the theme: ”The Political Change and the Safety of Working Journalists in Africa”.
Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the risk came in the form of “harassment, arrests, detention and murder”.
“According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 72 journalists were killed globally in the year 2015, the most recent information available in that respect. Eleven of the 72 who died in that year were killed in Africa.
“The same year, out of 20 listed deadliest countries for journalists, five were from Africa – South
Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo and Libya.
“Also, 90 journalists are currently being detained in many countries.
“It is, therefore, fitting that the safety of working journalists in Africa will be of concern to your organisation, the Federation of African Journalists, ” he said.
The President said that journalists were targeted not only to restrict the free flow of information, but increasingly as leverage to secure huge ransoms and political concessions through sheer violence.
He charged the Federation to work with the governments of their countries to remove the existential threats to
media practitioners.
He said the Federation could also work with other organisations committed to the protection of journalists.
Such organisations according to him, include the Committee to Protect Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists and the International Press Institute, to eliminate or reduce the risks to journalists
“It is also important for media institutions to ensure the adoption of best safety protocols for their journalists.
“They must develop and implement procedures and tools aimed at ensuring the physical and
psychological safety as well as the digital security of journalists, ” he said.
The President said his administration saw the media as a partner in progress, and “has never contemplated harassing, not to mention killing, any journalist” .
“The media represents the eyes and ears of the world and attempt to
silence it through the harassment, arrests, detention and murder of
journalists, is akin to making the world go blind and deaf.
“I can report to this Congress that not a single journalist is being detained or harassed in our country today.
“The government of the day is not a threat to the media, and it is not about to stifle press freedom or deny anyone his or her constitutionally guaranteed rights, “he said.
The president also noted that his Administration placed preference to security and welfare of its citizens.
He declared the summit open and wished participants fruitful deliberations. (NAN)
AfD party congress starts in Stuttgart despite demonstrations
— 30th April 2016
Left-wing protesters tried to prevent people from entering the party congress of the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Stuttgart. Police detained hundreds of demonstrators.
The party congress of the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in the German city of Stuttgart started on Saturday after a one-hour delay, amid protests by about 1,000 left-wing demonstrators.
The protesters tried to block the entry to the venue of the party congress, shouting slogans such as: “Keep refugees, drive Nazis away!” and “We’ll get you all.”
According to a police spokesperson, demonstrators blocked a road to the venue with burning tyres for half an hour. They also temporarily blocked traffic on highway A8 in both directions near Stuttgart Airport, trying to prevent AfD members who arrived by plane from attending the congress.
Party congress will determine what the AfD really wants.
Europe’s far-right welcomes Austrian election result.
Hooded demonstrators lit firecrackers and threw them at police officers. The police used tear gas and a water cannon amid the clashes with the protesters. About 400 people were detained, police said.
More than 1,000 police officers were deployed on Saturday to prevent clashes between the protesters and AfD party participants.
The AfD’s two-day meeting will focus on the right-wing party’s policies. It is expected to adopt an anti-Islam manifesto.
The AfD has protested against German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s liberal migration policy. The party has also managed to channel popular anger against the political establishment and the media.(DW)
THE recent reconciliatory moves embarked upon by the All Progressive Grand Alliance party (APGA) suffered a major setback yesterday following the suspension of the former factional National Chairman of the party, Chief Maxi Okwu by the National Stakeholders Forum of the party.
Announcing this yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the APGA National Stakeholders Forum, a-decision making body of the party, equally and unanimously dissociated themselves from Okwu’s reconciliatory move, because according to them, Okwu failed to consult the relevant stakeholders describing his actions as self serving.
The APGA National Stakeholders Forum arrived at the decision in a communiqué written and signed by 12 of its distinguished members, such as Sadeeq I. Masalla, Chairman; Comrade Tony Edochie, High Chief Uche Njoku; Comrade Opara Ferguson; Ohamohi C.C; Sunday Nwachukwu; Okuli Jude Ejike; Hon. E.A. Ashonnbi; Chief Dickson Ogu; Hon. Barr. E.S Chijioke; Chief Sunday Obasahon; and Prince Gbenda Ateni.
The Forum, however, reaffirmed their unalloyed support and confidence to its National Leader, Chief Hon. Sylvester Nwobu-Alor, and governorship aspirant, Chief (Dr.) Chike Obidigbo for their sincere commitments towards the unity of APGA and the overall interest of the nation.
US 2016 Election: Trump speech delayed by protesters in California
— 30th April 2016
Photo:Demonstrators carried signs protesting against Mr Trump’s policies
Hundreds of protesters broke through barricades and threw eggs at police outside a California hotel where Republican Party front-runner Donald Trump was due to address the state’s Republican convention. The demonstrations in the city of Burlingame temporarily delayed a speech by the billionaire businessman. Because of the protest, Mr Trump had to enter the hotel via a rear entrance. Mr Trump’s rallies have been dogged by violence. On Thursday, a police car had its windows smashed as Mr Trump spoke inside a hall in the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Some 20 arrests were made. The Trump campaign had to cancel several rallies in March after hundreds of protesters threatened to disrupt events in Chicago and St Louis. Before his speech on Friday, news helicopters showed Mr Trump and his security detail crossing a motorway before entering the hotel via a side door. On stage, Mr Trump joked about the protesters, saying “that was not the easiest entrance I ever made.” “I felt like I was crossing the border,” he said, and that he walked through “dirt and mud” to get to the building outside of San Francisco. Many of the protesters outside his speech were arguing against his positions on immigration. He has advocated building a border wall with Mexico which he says Mexico would pay for. He has also referred to Mexicans as “rapists” and criminals responsible for bringing illegal drugs into the US. Mr Trump is extremely unpopular among Latino voters and California has a large Mexican-American population. Protests are expected to continue until the California primary is held on 7 June. Mr Trump has called himself the Republican “presumptive nominee” after a string of primary wins. In terms of delegate support, the property tycoon is far ahead of his nearest rivals, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and John Kasich, the governor of Ohio. On the other side of the race, Hillary Clinton is expected to beat Bernie Sanders to the Democratic nomination and fight for the presidency in November’s general election. (BBC)
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Michael Adikwu, on Friday urged the local branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) to resolve its differences with management through dialogue. Adikwu told newsmen in Abuja that rather than threat and confrontation, members of SSANU should seek peace if they desired the growth of the institution. It will be recalled that SSANU, UniAbuja chapter, recently held its congress and threatened to down tools by May 2, if its members’ salaries were not paid in full. However, the vice-chancellor said that his administration was poised to promoting labour friendly environment that would bring out the best from every worker and guarantee the continued development of the university. Adikwu assured that staffers would continue to receive their salaries in full. He said that if there were any issue that would warrant part payment of salary, the affected staffers would be consulted before decisions were taken. According to him, he is not shielding corrupt officials as several investigation committees are being set up on all reported cases. He urged any worker that had strong evidence of corrupt practices by any member of staff to come forward. “On the issue of employment of new staff, those recruited were mostly medical doctors who were already teaching in their hospitals and some of whom were from the National Hospital as part of the drive to secure the accreditation of those courses. “We only regularised those on month to month basis (temporary) appointment; most of whom were employed by the previous administration, and who had spent two years; they were now given what is called confirmation of appointment. “Even the number of staff whose appointments have been regularised now may look big, but when you look at it we need more staff if we must get accreditation for our college of medicine; we do not even have staff at the clinical level,” he said. He said that instead of dictating to the governing council, SSANU should petition the council with proven evidence of non-conformity. Adikwu added that the concerns expressed by the union on the plight of the widows had been noted, promising that they will also be absorbed into the system at the appropriate time. (NAN)
EU referendum looms as Britain votes in local elections
— 30th April 2016
As residents of London, Scotland, Wales and other regions prepare to vote in local elections, turnout is expected to be influenced by anticipation of a referendum seven weeks later on whether the nation should remain part of the European Union. Reports say millions of people will vote in local elections across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on May 5, with some 2,700 seats to be filled and ballots for three city mayors and 41 police commissioners. Most of the elections will be fought over local issues, but they will also be a test of popularity for the two biggest political parties, the Conservatives and Labour, and provide a barometer of the durability of the right-wing UK Independence Party. According to the report, the highest-profile election is in London, where the favourite, Labour’s Sadiq Khan, could become the city’s first Muslim mayor. But in London, as in the rest of the country, turnout is expected to be low in elections for the mayor and a regional assembly, partly because many people are waiting to cast a more important vote in the referendum on June 23. Previous elections for London’s mayor since 2,000 produced turnouts between 32 and 45 per cent, with this year’s voter participation not expected to exceed that of the last election in 2012. “British people don’t like to vote too often,” said Tony Travers, a political scientist at the London School of Economics. “However interesting these elections are, there’s no question that they are substantially overshadowed [by the referendum],” Travers said. He explained that canvassers had told him some voters expected them to talk about the EU rather than local issues. While the spotlight has fallen on divisions over a British EU exit, or Brexit, in Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party in recent months, analysts say Labour faces the biggest threat in the English local elections. The Labour Party is currently struggling with allegations of anti-Semitic sentiment among its ranks after two prominent members were suspended for making controversial remarks. The party could lose up to 150 seats nationwide, although few councils are likely to switch control, according to forecasts by Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher, who run the Elections Centre at the University of Plymouth. Labour is most vulnerable in poorer northern areas where anti-EU and anti-migration sentiment is high, and voters want to discuss these issues ahead of the local elections, said Simon Hix, Director of the LSE’s Political Science and Political Economy Group. “Labour politicians are very worried about fighting a strong Remain campaign [in the referendum],” Hix said. “They themselves are very pro-European but they don’t want to say that on the doorstep if there are lower-income voters who are worried about immigration and will come out and vote to leave, because UKIP, the next day, will be going on those doorsteps and saying: ‘You voted against Labour for the first time in your life. You voted with us’.” Hix said this is “exactly what happened in Scotland with the SNP,” referring to the Scottish National Party, which controls the Scottish Parliament, picking up disaffected Labour voters following a closely contested referendum on Scottish independence in 2014. “This is why the local elections are really important, I think, for thinking about Labour strategy [for the referendum],” he said. UKIP came third behind the Conservatives and Labour in a general election last May, winning 13 per cent of the vote but just one parliamentary seat under Britain’s constituency-based system. With UKIP’s long campaign for Britain to leave the European Union about to reach its climax with the in-out referendum, analysts wonder if the party can maintain its appeal through party leader Nigel Farage’s focus on immigration and his opposition to what he claims is a socio-political elite dominating British governance. In Scotland, meanwhile, “the big question for these elections is whether the SNP is going to do even better and Labour even worse,”Travers said. As soon as the counts are over or perhaps earlier, politicians on all sides will surge ahead with their campaigns for Leave or Remain in the EU referendum. (AFP/NAN)
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said he received with sadness and an immense feeling of great national loss, news of the translation of the highly revered traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa I, CFR, the 38th Oba of Benin Kingdom.
In a statement issued in Asaba by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu described the late foremost traditional ruler in Nigeria as an epitome of royalty, and extended special condolences to the Edo State Government, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, other members of the late Oba’s immediate family and the entire Benin Kingdom.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I extend my sincere condolences to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the people of Benin Kingdom and Edo State on the passage of the beloved monarch who had ruled over his people in the past 37 years since his ascension to the throne in 1979,” the statement read.
According to the statement, “Governor Okowa joins them in mourning the revered traditional ruler who will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service, over more than three decades, as the Chief Custodian of the traditions of the Binis and his invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people within and outside Nigeria.”
The statement said the Governor noted that the late Oba of Benin would also be remembered for his notable contributions to the development of his kingdom, state and country as a leading administrator, retired permanent secretary and inspirational traditional ruler.
It further stated that the late monarch lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation and urged the people of Benin Kingdom to honor the late monarch by living in peace and harmony.
According to Aniagwu, the Governor prayed God to grant the people of the kingdom the fortitude to bear the loss and also for wisdom for the Crown Prince to ascend the ancient throne of his forefathers.
Rescuers in the Kenyan capital Nairobi are searching for people feared trapped after the collapse of a residential building in heavy rain. At least seven people are known to have died, and 121 people rescued, including a baby on Saturday morning. The Red Cross criticised “chaotic scenes” as rescuers arrived. It is unclear how many people are trapped. There are conflicting reports as to whether the building had six or seven storeys. The rainfall has caused landslides, washed away houses and flooded roads. Police said 14 people died in the Nairobi rains, including those in the collapse. Another four died when a wall toppled over. Steven Oundo, the chair of Kenya’s National Construction Authority, told KTN there would be an investigation into whether the building had a certificate allowing people to live inside. “The building went down during the heavy rains, but we still want to establish if all the procedures were followed when it was constructed,” Nairobi’s deputy governor Jonathan Mueke told reporters at the scene. He said the building, which reports in Nairobi said was built two years ago, did not have planning permission. Kenya’s KTN network said on Saturday morning that a nearby building was being evacuated in case it too collapsed. Across the city, more than 800 homes were affected by the flooding, Kenya’s Red Cross said. The Huruma neighbourhood is a poor district on the outskirts of Nairobi made up of narrow streets, meaning firefighters struggled to get to the scene and were delayed by large crowds. After some time, the army took charge of the rescue with the help of the Kenyan Red Cross. Residents said that the building, which was on the edge of a river, shook violently in the rain before collapsing. “I think it appears that some people are getting impatient but as it is we have got indications that there are people who are still trapped in the rubble,” said Nathan Macharia Kigotho, the director of the national disaster operation centre. “We don’t want to use heavy machines because it is likely to crumble and crush them.” Poor building standards are a fact of life in Kenya, correspondents say. A survey carried out last year found that more than half the buildings in the capital were unfit for habitation. The high demand for housing in Nairobi has led to some property developers bypassing building regulations to reduce costs and increase profits. President Uhuru Kenyatta last year ordered an audit of all the buildings in the country after a spate of collapses. Meanwhile two boys are missing in another part of the flood-hit country after going herding, according to the Red Cross.(BBC)
Gov. Ugwuanyi constitutes commission of inquiry into invasion of Nimbo community
— 30th April 2016
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has constituted a commission of inquiry into the April 25 invasion of Nimbo community by suspected herdsmen that left scores of people dead. Ugwuanyi made the announcement on Friday night in Enugu during a statewide broadcast after his arrival from Abuja where he had gone to confer with President Muhammadu Buhari on the incident. He said that the commission would take a retrospect look into all clashes involving herdsmen in the state and recommend appropriate measures that would be put in place to prevent future occurrence. The governor said that a situation where residents were gruesomely murdered by other Nigerians would not be allowed to continue and for this reason, I sought an audience with the president. “The president came out with a clear condemnation of this dastardly act and gave definite directives to the security agencies to fish out these criminals and bring them to justice. “I am at once, constituting a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of all the violent occurrences in the state associated with suspected herdsmen,” he said. Ugwuanyi said that the incidence of April 25 was degrading to human life and dignity. “My visit to Nimbo in order to establish firsthand the extent of carnage was revealing. “I came face to face with the wounded and bereaved; I saw burnt and damaged parsonage of Christ Holy Church. I saw a traumatised community in shock and despair. “I saw a dead body, I wept and wondered what has become of our quest for a united, peaceful and prosperous nation,” he said. The governor said that only security agencies in the state would explain to Nigerians what happened even after receiving assurances from them that the security of the community was intact. “The night before this carnage took place, I got security information from that such an incident was likely to take place in the community and immediately summoned a meeting of the State Security Council. “In the meeting, we received assurances from the Commissioner of Police that the Area Commander of the State Anti Robbery Squad was on ground in Nimbo. “Let me state that the state government provided logistics for these deployments. Sadly, in the early hours of Monday, reports of this carnage reached me,” he said. Ugwuanyi charged all security agencies in the state to ensure that the security of lives and property in the state was no longer threatened by miscreants. (NAN)
Fake drugs: Economics graduate bags five years imprisonment
— 30th April 2016
From PAUL OSUYI, Asaba
A graduate of Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Mr. Osita Paul Ely was yesterday sentenced to five years in jail by the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State for possession of fake anti-malaria drugs.
Osita was arrested last year at his residence in Asaba by operatives National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and was subsequently arraigned on a seven-count charge bothering on possession, packaging, importation, labelling and distribution of fake drugs and unregistered products.
The Economics graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka pleaded guilty to count one, which led to the striking out of other charges by the court presided over by Justice A.O. Faji.
In the said count one, Osita was found to be in possession of “fake drugs to wit: Rysovin – 500, Buscomac – 10mg, Maloxine, Lumartem, Lofnac – 100.”
The offense runs contrary to Section 1 of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. CAP C34 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 3(a) of the same act.
Delivering judgment, Justice Faji sentenced the convict to five years imprisonment which is the minimum custodian sentence for such offense as stipulated in Section 3 of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. CAP C34 LFN 2004.
Justice Faji held that the fake drugs which lacked the major anti-malaria and anti-bacteria components have serious detrimental effects on persons as well as serious environmental impacts on the society.
He wondered how many Nigerians would have been affected by the action of Osita if he had not be apprehended.
“A graduate of Economics should be looking at ways of growing our economy and not increasing the population of people at the hospitals, mortuaries and cement arises. This is an abuse of the privilege of education,” Justice Faji held.
I never cheated on my husband, Tiwa Savage breaks silence
— 30th April 2016
Songstress, Tiwa Savage has broken the silence over the series of infidelity allegations leveled on her by husband, Tunji Balogun, aka, Tee Billz. The talented singer who spoke on the troubling issues during an interview with an online news site, Pulse.ng , in her Lekki,Lagos home emphasized that she never cheated on her husband. According to her :”I have never cheated on my husband…not with Don Jazzy, not with Dr Sid, not with 2face..and I am willing to take a lie detector testI have never cheated on my husband. Not with Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, 2face Idibia or anybody. I have never cheated on my husband, and Tunji knows this. He knows that in his heart. (She breaks down in tears) Sometimes in the studio, one of the things that Don Jazzy and some of my other label mates say is that I am really good with interviews, with being diplomatic and knowing how to carry myself with difficult situations. This hurts. I have seen comments of what people are saying about me. It is not true.”
Former ASUU boss blames varsity students’ agitation on poor funding
— 30th April 2016
Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, former President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has blamed the current protests by students in universities across the country on inadequate funding.
Awuzie, in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, said that the issue of inadequate funding of universities by proprietors would continue to generate instability if not tackled.
He said it was worrisome that funds allocated to federal and state universities in recent times had continued to slide, rather than improve.
“I want to assure you that the change we all are expecting currently can speedily be achieved through massive funding of education, especially at the basic and the tertiary levels.
“Here, we are building more universities when the existing ones are barely struggling to survive.
“Money spent in building these new ones could have been invested into the existing ones to get them well equipped with world class technology for teaching, learning and research.
“Today, students are agitating over one basic amenity or the other and the universities are being shut down in order to avoid incurring losses, which does not tell well about our system,’’ he said.
Awuzie, who is also a former Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University, said that whenever ASUU called for increased funds for universities and other tertiary institutions, it was doing so out of patriotism.
According to him, these tertiary institutions, which are saddled with the mandate of teaching, learning and research basically, should be able to proffer solutions to the many societal challenges.
“These universities and tertiary institutions, if well-funded, will generate more money from people in the Diaspora coming into the country to study.
“We would equally be attracting foreign scholars who would equally contribute their wealth of experience, thereby creating a platform for healthy rivalry among their colleagues.
“We appreciate the fact that government is faced with a lot of challenges presently.
“Having said that however, we should also not forget the fact that as we are trying to diversify the economy from oil to other viable sectors, we must not allow our actions to push education further down the line,’’ the don said. (NAN)
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari may be facing the manifestation of the old dictum “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’’. Owing to the current challenges confronting the nation, the buck stops at his table. There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is facing hard times. The man at the helm, the President no doubt has a Herculean task on his hands. His administration is dogged by several seemingly insurmountable challenges that continue to tax the leadership capabilities of the administration. No doubt, the Presidency is an enormous post that anyone would wish to have. But taking over the mantle of leadership at a time of global economic recession occasioned by fall in oil prices is a major challenge that the Presidency has continued to grapple with.
As things stand today, the Nigerian government which operates a monolithic economy has found it extremely difficult to meet its financial obligations. As a result, many states have found it difficult to pay salaries, pensions and meet up with their other obligations. This reality dawned when the Federal Government paid a huge sum to states as bailout funds in order for them to pay backlog of salaries. The federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, paid over N300 billion bailout fund to states in August, 2015. Less than a year after, many states are still grappling with the payment of staff salaries with labour leaders in many states spoiling for war. President Muhammadu Buhari himself, while speaking at the recent APC NEC meeting said, “the fall of oil prices after Nigeria has made itself a mono-economy is a disaster. I wonder why people could not believe that in Nigeria, about 27 out of 36 states have difficulty in paying basic salaries to their workers.”
A major offshoot of the economic hardship that seems to have gripped the nation is the hard times that is now the order of the day due to the dwindling oil price which has also resulted in the acute shortage of petroleum products.
This is compounded by the soaring cost of commodities, especially food prices, thus making it increasingly difficult for most people to feed themselves and their families. This soaring cost of commodities which is also not unconnected with the scarcity of foreign exchange is seriously taking its toll on the people, and became compounded with the acute fuel shortage which has further tasked the financial capabilities of Nigerians. The President’s All Progressives Congress-led government has however got its own part of the bitter pill reflecting negatively on the party’s image.
The federal government had been busy trying to correct the negative impression by attributing the current hardship to sabotage and lack of a clear direction by the past government.
Although, the insurgency war is gradually being won, yet the issue of the Chibok girls remains a pain in the neck for the President. He is worried by the continued stay of the Chibok schoolgirls in the hands of their captors and has been working tirelessly to get them released. The President stated this in Paris while responding to questions from members of the Nigerian community in France under the auspices of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO).
On the economy, restructuring the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is another major task the administration is faced with. For instance, the NNPC was recently split into seven units. No other issue has exposed the government to public sentiments as the recent energy crisis occasioned by the shortage in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit which paralysed the economy of the nation for most parts of the first quarter of the year. Power sector challenge in the country has been somewhat intractable before the inception of this administration. The irony of it all was that the power situation in the country improved shortly after the inauguration of President Buhari in 2015.
It was widely reported that Nigeria’s power generation collapsed to zero megawatt as at March 31, 2016. And the situation lasted for about three hours. According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, no power generation company produced a single megawatt of electricity throughout that period.
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the sudden downing of the three turbines at the Jebba Hydro power station was responsible for the situation, adding that the power supply in the country was inadequate and that the faulty turbines had been fixed.
Another major worry for President Muhammadu Buhari is the issue of Internally Displaced Persons. The Federal Government has continued to struggle to remove the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from the North East and the safety of the over two million displaced persons remains uppermost in the agenda of the Buhari government. The issue of Fulani herdsmen killing people in different parts of the country is another major hard nut for President Buhari to crack. There have been series of calls from different quarters to address the problem of the Fulani herdsmen invasion once and for all.
Diamond Bank Plc on Friday announced a profit before tax of N6.7 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016. This is contained in the bank’s unaudited result submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The report indicated that the profit was against N8.4 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2015. Its profit after tax stood at N5.76 billion compared with N7.17 billion achieved in the preceding period of 2015. Interest and similar incomes declined to N35.71 billion in contrast to N40.49 billion in 2015. The bank’s operating expenses stood at N15.48 billion against N15.61 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015. The bank, during the period under review, reported an impairment charge of N8.81 billion compared to N6.47 billion in the same period in 2015. Mr Uzoma Dozie, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, said that the economic challenges witnessed in 2015 did not abate in the first quarter of 2016. He said that the bank’s streams of income remained resilient and considerable growth was recorded in non-interest revenues. “Our projection of the macro conditions and other external factors for the rest of the year is that these will remain challenging, and it has led to higher impairment charges than for the same period in 2015”. He said that the bank’s continued success in spite of regulatory headwinds was hinged on implementing strategies that promoted sustainable growth and profitability in the long term. He said that the bank would continue to introduce aggressive innovations, enhanced customer friendly services and retail banking strategy as strategic road map to sustainable growth and profitability. This, he said, would enable the bank to focus on driving non-interest income and thereby strengthening explored opportunities to grow its market share. “Diamond Bank’s focus remains on retail banking and providing convenient and easy banking to the micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSME) segment,” Dozie said. He said the bank would also focus on growing its corporate and mid-tier market segment even as the regulatory headwinds blowed tougher and rougher. (NAN)
GOVERNORS of the 36 states of the federation under the aegis of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), are demanding more money and advocating a review of the extant revenue formula.
At a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja yesterday, the governors, in addition to a new revenue formula, are also demanding refund of debts owed them for 10 years for federal projects done and 18 months moratorium for debts they owe the Federal Government.
This was just as Buhari has expressed concern that nearly two-thirds of states of the Federation are still having difficulties paying salary despite the bail-out funds provided to them by the Federal Government.
The current revenue formula provided by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) gives the Federal Government 52 per cent while states take 26.72 per cent and local governments 20.60 per cent from the federal account. Oil-producing states get 13 percent from the federal purse.
Governors, under the NGF, in 2012 demanded a drastic reduction in the executive’s share from the Federation Account and an increase of the percentage given to states from 26 percent to 42 percent.
Buhari, at a meeting with the NGF at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said he was very disturbed by the hardship workers across the country and their families were facing due to the non-payment of salaries.
He has assured that the Federal Government will strive to make more funds available to the states by expediting action on refunds due to them for the maintenance of federal roads and other expenses incurred on behalf of the Federal Government.
Buhari, in line with the demands of the governors, agreed to establish an Inter-Ministerial Committee to study a fiscal restructuring plan for the federation.
The president said the committee will review the plan to improve the finances of state governments and make recommendations on how proposals in the plan should be dealt with by the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly through legislation.
Buhari told the governors that while he was ready to do all within his powers to help the states overcome their current financial challenges, they should bear in mind that the federal government also has funding problems of its own to contend with.
“You all know the problems we have found ourselves in. You have to bear with us,” he said.
Chairman of the forum, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State and his colleague from Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, who chaired the committee that worked on the Fiscal Restructuring Plan, asked the federal government to do more to help the states financially.
The governors told the president that while they had resolved to take other measures to boost their internally-generated revenue, implementation of the Fiscal Restructuring Plan will help them to deal with their funding problems on short, medium and long-term bases.
They said if the plan was adopted and implemented, states will become more financially empowered to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Yari described as temporary measures all the support received from the Federal Government in terms of bail-out, restructured debts and 15 per cent of the excess crude account for development.
According to him, the state workforce have increased and since they cannot attempt to cut salaries and wages, and the issue of internally generated revenue cannot be done overnight, they needed more funds to meet the demands of the state.
“You will agree with me that states are the landlords, we own the land and the people, so, the economy of this country lies in the states. Everything comes from the state, the oil, agricultural produce, mining and people are in the states while the federal government is in Abuja.
“So, if any state has any issue and is known to Mr President, I doubt very much if he will be able to sleep with his two eyes closed.
“We are closer to the people and have many challenges in the states. Today we have received support from the federal government in terms of bail-out, restructured our debts, given us 15 percent of the Excess Crude Account for development. All these are temporal measures.
“For the short term we are looking at a situation whereby our debts that are hanging since 2005 right from Obasanjo’s exit from the Paris club, be released to us so that the states that are having difficulties can get money from there.
“We are asking for loan restructuring, bail-out and ECA, we are asking for 18 months moratorium on our debts before we can start paying, so that we would able to strategise.
“To develop Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is not overnight, it is a long term programme that one has to plan for. And also our service have exploded and there is nothing we can do about it because people are getting their daily bread from there and we cannot say we are going to cut salaries and wages.
“We have to find a solution otherwise we would keep going back and forth because the plan you had for $100 per barrel and with oil now selling for $28 and $31, you will not achieve any thing.
“Part of the medium term programme, we are looking at the revenue mobilisation formula in ensuring that resources which were due for the past 10 years to states will be made available to them after the National Assembly approval. While the agricultural and minining will be a long term programme.
“The committee that will be set up will have the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo minister of power, works and housing Babatunde Fashola because he headed similar committee on revenue formula at the Nigeria Governors Forum in 2012/2013.
By Charles Mgbolu: Since Munachi Abi came into limelight after winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria( MBGN) crown in 2007, life has never been the same again. Within a very short period of time, Muna, as she is fondly called by her admirers became a household name especially when she emerged one of the formidable female artistes in the Nigerian entertainment scene, floating her own record label company called, No Koncience. But while Muna’s profile was constantly on the rise, so did the number of controversies trailing her. From her rumoured ‘love affair’ with Peter Okoye, one half of the superstar duo, P-Square, to her public dispute and reconciliation with rapper, Mode 9, Muna fluctuated between popularity and notoriety. However, in this interview, she addresses some of the nagging issues affecting her personality and career. She also narrated the circumstances that informed her decision to set up her own record label, No Koncience among other things…. Do you still recall how you felt that fateful day you were crowned as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN 2007? I was excited. I didn’t think I was going to win but I won. Before you won the beauty pageant, you were with a group called, The Specimen? No, I wasn’t with them. They only gave me an opportunity to feature on their album as at that time. That was my first time rapping on wax. I used to write a lot of lyrics until my friend saw my notepad and quickly notified “The Specimen” about me. They were glad to ask me to join them as they wanted to see what I could do with my talent. I would say, I learnt the art on the spot.
*Muna Have you written songs for any Nigerian artist? Yes, back in the days, I wrote a song for J Martins, Waje. I have a good chemistry, I co-wrote the song, “I Wish” with Waje in her current album. Aside writing songs and rapping, you are also into modelling. Do you still have that contract with Unilever as Face of Lux? My contract with Lux is under review. They are trying to renew it. And your programme with Sound City. Is it also under review? I still have an amazing relationship with SoundCity. I worked with them for over a year. We didn’t actually split but at that time, I was trying to get into the music business seriously. You really can’t do a lot of things at the same time. So, I took a break. I can always go back and say, I need my job back. Looking at your first video, Ifunanya, you played your character well; the love smitten girl and you have the looks too. Why didn’t you get into Nollywood? No. I really don’t think I can act or even make it as a good actress although I haven’t tried it. I probably do know how to act, it’s just that I haven’t found the right script yet. Have you been approached before? Yes, I do get a lot of scripts. But I still haven’t found that one; when I find it, its going to make everybody cry. Do you want to play a tragic character?
Exactly, the kind of story I’m looking forward to interpreting because it moves me.You recently set up your own record label called, No Koncience. Why did you leave RMG to form yours? I needed to become a little bit more independent and you know one needs to grow. I have learnt how to handle things on my own and become responsible. It was something I needed to do because one cannot continue to be under someone’s wings forever. There comes a time when you have to spread you own wings and fly. And you have a first single from this label? Yes, my single “No Tomorrow” is out. It came out on the 10th of this month, and it’s been good and a video for the song will soon be put together. My album, The Goddess, The hustler” is still receiving finishing touches but I may have to change the name. Unlike many of your counterparts in the entertainment industry who prefer to climb the ladder of stardom by escalating their biffs with their colleagues. While your misunderstanding with Mode 9 lasted, you took the pain to call him on the phone and even tweeted a public apology, what informed your decision to re-trace your steps? I hate to be in enmity with someone. Life is too short for that. It’s not who I am. I have a good relationship with Mode 9, there’s no biff. And really it wasn’t a big issue it’s just you, the media who escalated things, trying to make a mountain out of nothing. You keep hammering on the same question trying to get the person to react negatively and it’s really frustrating. Mode 9 and I are very good friends and we’ll keep it that way. It is alleged this is partly why you left your former label, RMG, for being too hard on fans with that strong worded press statement that told everyone off? No, I did not leave RMG for that reason. I still have a good relationship with my former label and I was aware of all the statements written concerning that issue. I left RMG because I needed to start up my own thing; there was nothing more to it. I have no issues whatsoever with RMG. What’s your opinion about love? Love is life. It’s the most beautiful thing to happen to anybody. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes, it could happen. It is possible. Is this what happened between you and Peter Okoye (PSquare) love at first sight? Look, I know Lola Omotola very well. I have known her for years and we are really close. All those things you heard or read about us are not true. Peter Okoye and I are friends. I know his family well. I was just invited to be in his video (Ifunanya) and that was it. Nothing more than that. I know how Peter and Lola love each other and I respect their love. I could never do that to them. I could never bring myself to do anything to hurt them. It’s good to have you clear the air! (She interrupts) What you’ll see is another screaming headline, “Muna again denies affair with Peter Okoye.” It’s not fair, it’s heartbreaking and very frustrating. Some of these things you media guys write about us hurts us so badly. How have you learnt to deal with rumours about you? I try to remain focused and I move on. How supporting has your family been? My family has always been there for me. My mum particularly, she is my rock. She’s always asking when am I going to get your song to use as my ringtone? If offered a role to play in a steaming love scene who will you do it with? Maybe, with Johny Depp and Brad Pitt … except Brad Pitt says he won’t be doing sex scenes again because of Angelina Jolie, but for them, I am ready to play more than romantic. What about Nollywood Actors? No. There is no one hot enough for me in Nollywood. No one. What’s your vision for your new label? To take over the world. (laughs) really it’s just to grow and be an inspiration to the next generation. To let them know anything and everything is possible once you set your mind to it. Is marriage knocking on your door? Yes, I believe it will come when it has to come and you all will know when the time is right. What’s your favourite dance move? I really don’t think I have any particular one. You know as a rapper you aren’t really supposed to dance. You just stand on one spot and wave your hands.
By A.C Nwana.: University lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Benin zone, have threatened to embark on industrial action over shortfall in university allocation. FILE: Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, during a rally/protest to sensitize students and the public on the plight of academic staff in the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos. The lecturers accused the Federal Government of stoking the embers of crisis when the university
system was yet to fully recover from the damaging
effects of a prolonged strike in 2013. The union said it was an unfortunate and sad development that the federal government was contributing to the threat to peace in the Nigerian university system by not sending enough money to pay salaries. Zonal Co-ordinator, ASUU, Benin Zone, Prof. Anthony Monye-Emina in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City, said the use of co-operative, welfare savings and union dues to make up for the shortfalls and the ridiculous handouts in whatever guise in place of salary was unacceptable. Prof. Monye-Emina said the union should not be held liable for any crisis in the Nigerian university system. He noted that most universities were under the burden of severe financial crisis, stressing that government was yet to proffer an explanation on when it would end. Emu a said: “In universities where full salary is seemingly paid, deductions for co-operative societies, welfare associations, union dues and so on, come in arrears. This implies that such deductions are accumulated to be able to make full payment of salary in subsequent months after which remittance is made.” “In essence, university staff savings is what is used to augment the shortfall. It is important to note that this accumulation of deductions/remittances is exclusive of tax deductions. This implies that tax deductions are remitted as at when due to the same government that does not feel obliged to avail the universities the full complement of their allocations. This development is in addition to shortfall in running, operational, logistics and other costs.”
MANDATE:The Police Service Commission (PSC) invites applications from suitably qualified Nigerians for enlistment into the Nigeria Police Force in the following categories:
Sunday Aborisade, Femi Makinde, Adelani Adepegba, Ihuoma Chiedozie, Mudiaga Affe, Onche Egwu and Gibson Acholonu
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, and the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to immediately secure communities under the attacks of herdsmen and arrest the perpetrators.
Buhari stated this in his speech delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the public presentation of a book by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, titled, ‘Who will love my country: Ideas for building the Nigeria of our dream’.
Buhari lamented the carnage and destruction of property being perpetrated by the herdsmen, noting that his government would no longer tolerate any form of lawlessness and killing of innocent citizens.
He said, “Let me use this platform to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attack perpetrated on the Ukpabu Nimbo community in the Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State on Monday.
“I deeply sympathise with all those who lost their dear ones as well as those who lost their properties in the attack.
“I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to secure all communities under the attacks by herdsmen, and to go after all the groups terrorising innocent people all over the country. This government will not allow these attacks to continue.”
The President added that the issues raised by Ekweremadu in his book amounted to preaching to the converted as his administration was set to initiate a major campaign, tagged, ‘Change Begins With Me’, aimed at getting Nigerians to realise that the change they so much desire starts with them.
Buhari stated, “If we all change our ways for the better, the society itself will change for the better. Our 2016 budget is designed to bring millions of our people out of poverty, enhance the living conditions of the citizens and bring smiles to their faces.
“Anyone, who puts his or her country over and above other interests, will not engage in unbridled corruption, divert money meant for public use to private purposes or divert money for the national treasury into private pockets.”
A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who was chairman on the occasion, condemned the activities of the herdsmen, expressing satisfaction that the cattle rearers menace would not threaten the unity of the country.
He said, “Many years back, we fought a war to remain united, indivisible nation. This was because we believed and still believe that what binds us is far greater than what divides us.
“Definitely not insurgency or Fulani herdsmen’s menace will divide us because with the help of God and cooperation of the citizenry and the gallant security forces, we shall soon conquer.”
Ekweremadu called on Nigerian leaders to govern effectively and use power wisely, saying that was the only way to safeguard the citizens’ interest.
He also challenged Nigerians to show more love for fatherland by rising above tribe, ethnic, religious and political differences.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari, has attributed the massive arms proliferation in the hands of herdsmen to the crises in some north African and West African countries that shared borders with the northern states in the country.
Masari, who stated this while speaking on efforts to attract investors to his state through an economic summit being planned by his government, urged the Federal Government to tackle the menace before it degenerated into something serious.
He said, “There are about seven local government areas that border the local forest that has remained a route that has been in existence since the colonial era. It passes through Mali, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and also shares the forest with Niger Republic.
“So all the local government areas that border the forest are seriously affected. I will go and see the Chief of Army Staff on the issue of security challenge because we want to attract investors to our state.
“These renewed criminal activities could be linked to the crisis in the north African countries and even part of West Africa, where there has been an inflow of arms and ammunition.”
Arase orders arrest of suspected policeman
Meanwhile, Arase has ordered the detention of a policeman, one Corporal Chukwu, who allegedly aided Fulani herdsmen during the attack on Ukpabi Nimbo, a community in the Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State.
Arase visited the community on Wednesday.
The police chief ordered Chukwu’s immediate detention after the villagers informed him that the policeman had collaborated with the herdsmen in their notorious activities in the community.
Addressing journalists after inspecting the embattled community, Arase noted that the police corporal would be dismissed and prosecuted if the allegations against him were established.
He stressed that any police personnel that aided and abetted crime would suffer dire consequences.
“I have zero tolerance for any policeman that connives with any criminal gang.
“I have already ordered that he (Chukwu) be put in custody and if after investigation, it is discovered that he connived with the people that carried out this attack, I must make sure that he gets out of the Nigeria Police Force,” Arase said.
The IGP also expressed sadness with the killings in the community.
He assured the people that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to book.
He added, “I am not happy about it, even the death of one person.
“I want to assure every Nigerian that nobody takes the life of any other Nigerian and goes scot-free; we will catch them and prosecute them.”
Meanwhile, there was tension in Enugu on Wednesday following reports that Fulani herdsmen attempted to attack Umuchigbo, a community in the Nike area of the state capital.
Although details of the attempted attack are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, it was learnt that news of the alleged incident caused a scare among residents in the Nike area.
Our correspondent learnt that schools were shut hurriedly, before closing time, when reports of the alleged attempted attack spread.
The police had not confirmed the alleged attempted attack as of the time of filing this report.
Okorocha asks Buhari to intervene in killings
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has appealed to Buhari to urgently intervene in the repeated killings in the South-East by herdsmen, describing the recent killings in Enugu State as very unfortunate and barbaric.
Okorocha stated this on Wednesday while addressing traditional rulers in the state in Owerri, the state capital.
He called on the monarchs to take absolute control of security in their various communities, asking them to promote peaceful co-existence between their people and people from other areas.
The governor appealed for calm on the part of both Enugu people in particular and the South-East in general, expressing optimism that Buhari would address the unfortunate development.
Okorocha sympathised with the families of those who lost their beloved ones and appealed for peace in the region, promising that the government within the zone was on top of the matter.
He added, “This is an important meeting. I want to kindly request all of you to take responsibility for security in your domains to ensure peaceful co-existence between the Igbo and other Nigerians living in their areas.
“The killing in Enugu State was inhuman and those behind the killings should be made to face the law.”
Attacks may assume B’Haram dimension, says Army chief
The Head, Defence Headquarters Committee on Persistent Clashes between Herdsmen and Farmers, Maj. Gen. Edward Nze, has said attacks on some communities could assume the menace of the Boko Haram dimension if not checked.
Nze, who paid a courtesy call on the acting Governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu, at the Benue Peoples House on Wednesday, told journalists in an interview that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, was worried that the clashes between herdsmen and farmers were beginning to threaten national security.
He said the committee had visited Nasarawa State, adding that it would proceed to Enugu State after the assessment of the situation in Benue State.
Nze told the acting governor that the committee would visit the ravaged communities of Agatu, Kwande and Logo to assess the level of attacks and the destruction in the areas.
Abounu told the committee’s boss that the atrocities committed by herdsmen and the dimension of the damage caused in Agatu and other communities in the state could not be said to have been perpetrated by the ordinary Fulani herdsmen, calling on the authorities for more investigation.
“In Agatu LGA, more than six large communities were razed down and taken over by the herdsmen; we believe this is beyond some group of people seeking grazing land,” he noted.
While emphasising that Nigeria was battling with a national problem, Abounu added that if no firm action was taken, the herdsmen menace would soon pose problems similar in nature to the Boko Haram insurgency.
“We know that the constitution guarantees freedom of movement, it does not warrant burning of houses, killing and taking over the people’s land.
“As we speak, same devastation has taken place in Tarka, Kwande, Logo and Buruku local government areas of the state. They kill in a most brutal manner. They are in black uniform, with AK 47 rifles. They are well trained; we believe they are from beyond Nigeria,” the deputy governor said.
In a similar vein, the Chairman of the South-South zone of the Christians Council of Nigeria, Bishop Tunde Adeleye, on Wednesday, said the continued silence of Buhari on the increasing attacks by Fulani herdsmen in several parts of the country had become worrisome and could be misconstrued.
Adeleye, who is also the Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Calabar Diocese, warned that if necessary steps were not taken to address the violent attacks, there might be reprisals that might take ethnic colouration.
He said this in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, during a chat with newsmen.
The Anglican cleric added, “The continued silence of Mr. President on this violence and deadly attacks by Fulani herdsmen could be seen as if he is supporting his tribesmen. He needs to speak now to calm frayed nerves in the country.
“The Fulani herdsmen are now everywhere in the country, not only with their cows, but with sophisticated arms. Where or how did they come about such weapons without the knowledge of the security agencies?
“If action is not taken now, Boko Haram would be a child’s play. Herdsmen issue is like a time-bomb. They have become a big risk. They move unhindered and are making other Nigerians vulnerable.”
While noting that various Christian groups were praying to God to avert reprisals, Adeleye cautioned the herdsmen to have respect for human lives.
‘Buhari should resign if he can’t stop herdsmen attacks’
Also, activists under the aegis of Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice have called on Buhari to stop the mindless and incessant killings by Fulani herdsmen across the country.
The chairman of the group, Mr. Sulaiman Adeniyi, who said this in a statement on Wednesday, asked the President to resign if he could not protect other Nigerians from the herdsmen whose activities had led to the destruction of many lives and property.
The group said they had concluded arrangements to storm Aso Rock Villa to protest the killings which had become a daily occurrence.
Cattle rearers menace may overtake B’Haram –TMG
Abuja
In its reaction to the latest killings by Fulani herdsmen in Enugu, the Transition Monitoring Group has admonished the Federal Government to take urgent actions to end the attacks and bloodletting across the country.
It stated that the herdsmen attacks might overtake the Boko Haram problem as the national security challenge, stressing that the country was under the invasion of the attackers.
The group, in a statement by its chairman, Ibrahim Zikirulah, on Wednesday in Abuja, flayed the police and the Department of State Services for their inability to contain the spreading violence, adding that they had shown a lack of capacity to manage the challenge.
It observed that Nigerians knew the herdsmen as friendly people seeking pastures for their cattle, noting that they had become laws unto themselves, killing and maiming people in their host communities.
It said, “TMG is disturbed that in the face of these criminal and subversive activities, which have the potential to undermine national unity, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has shown a clear lack of capacity to grapple with the challenge.
“On its part too, the Department of State Services has not demonstrated sufficient resolve to thwart the machinations of the herdsmen’s killing machine, which is obviously set to overtake the Boko Haram problem as Nigeria’s biggest national security headache.
“In the face of the lethargy on the part of the security agencies, it is therefore of utmost importance that the Federal Government gives immediate marching orders for clinical measures to be taken to stem the tide.”
It described the Monday attack in Enugu as barbaric, saying it was an organised act of terror aimed at inflaming separatist sentiments, noting that in several communities, women could not go to their farms unaccompanied due to the state of insecurity precipitated by the life-threatening activities of the herdsmen.
