Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Nigeria: December 24th, 25th and 28th Declared as Public Holidays
Nigeria: December 24th, 25th and 28th Declared as Public Holidays.
=====∞======================∞=====
The Federal Government of Nigeria has
declared December 24, 25 and 28 as public
holidays, a statement signed by the Permanent
Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey
Akpanyung, says.
“The Federal Government has declared
Thursday, 24th December, 2015 as public
holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.
“Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December,
2015 have also been declared as public
holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day
celebration,” the statement said.
Monday, 21 December 2015
50 Cent's baby mama says he's lying about how many times he was shot
"You’re a fraud and you’re upset I know it ! You created this fictitious character and you try to discredit me because I know the real!"
50 Cent's baby mama says he's lying about how many times he was shot. Will you lose respect for him if she's right?
The Insect Shown Below has a Dangerous Virus
If you happen to see this kind of insect do not touch it and try to hit it with bare hand. It has a kind of virus which immediately infects your hand and spreads as shown. This insect is found in India and post the rains it is likely to be more in numbers. Hence if you happen to see this please stay away and not venture close to it. Spread this awareness across
Nigerian Banks Block Use Of Naira Cards Abroad
According to a report from Punch, Deposit Money Banks in the country have commenced a process to stop all customers from using their ATM cards for dollar-denominated transactions when they travel abroad with effect from January 1, 2016.
Naira-denominated ATM cards will also be blocked from making local transactions denominated in forex.
This means bank customers will not be able to use their cards to buy products from foreign e-commerce sites like e-bay and amazon.com in which payments are made in forex.
Nigerians living abroad will also be unable to use their cards like they normally do in the past.
Already, Standard Chartered Bank has notified its customers that the new development will come into effect from January 1, 2016.
Other banks have also stopped customers from using their ATM cards abroad but had yet to officially communicate this to them.
Naira-denominated ATM cards will also be blocked from making local transactions denominated in forex.
This means bank customers will not be able to use their cards to buy products from foreign e-commerce sites like e-bay and amazon.com in which payments are made in forex.
Nigerians living abroad will also be unable to use their cards like they normally do in the past.
Already, Standard Chartered Bank has notified its customers that the new development will come into effect from January 1, 2016.
Other banks have also stopped customers from using their ATM cards abroad but had yet to officially communicate this to them.
Buhari Hails Father Mbaka For Courage In Faulting Jonathan’s Government
Buhari Hails Father Mbaka For Courage In Faulting Jonathan’s Government
Buhari, who spoke when he played host to the controversial Catholic priest and founder of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, at the Presidential Villa, described the pre-election exhortation of the priest, when he descended hard on the former president, as the best in his life.
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, commended the courage of Father Ejike Mbaka, for not only criticizing some policies of the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration but also moving against the latter’s reelection bid in the 2015 presidential poll.
Reverend Fr. Mbaka and President Muhammadu BuhariState House Photos/ Bayo Omoboriowo
Buhari, who spoke when he played host to the controversial Catholic priest and founder of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, at the Presidential Villa, described the pre-election exhortation of the priest, when he descended hard on the former president, as the best in his life.
A statement by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president, said the president noted that the message was not only honest but also well delivered. President Buhari has “said that one of the best exhortations to the nation he has heard from the pulpit was the one made early this year by Father Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Minis-tries, Enugu.
“President Buhari expressed his appreciation of the Catholic priest’s exemplary courage, “the statement read. It quoted the president as saying:” “Thank you very much for what you have done and said. It brought you out to the whole country as a man of courage. It was honest and well delivered.
“It has gone into the records as one of the best concerns expressed from the pulpit, not because it favored me and my party, the All Progressives Congress, but because it was good for the country.“ President Buhari reaffirmed his conviction that change will come to the country, “with a lot of hard work, despite the security and economic problems.”
He appealed for the continued understanding and patience of Nigerians. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was present at the president’s audience with Father Mbaka described the priest as a man “who stood for truth and propriety, and declared corruption unacceptable.” He added that the Buhari administration “is committed to truth and justice, and won’t encourage corruption in any way.”
Fr. Mbaka, who in the run up to the 2015 presidential election, told his teeming followers that erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan would not be re-elected because of pervading corruption and insecurity in the land, said he was happy with the mission and methodology of the Buhari administration. He also wished the President a happy 73rd birthday.
Northern Nigeria Governors Endorse Action Against Shiites
Governors of Nigeria’s 19 Northern States on Saturday in Kaduna endorsed the actions of Kaduna State, the location of last weekend’s violence involving Nigeria's Shiites.
BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK
Governors of Nigeria’s 19 Northern States on Saturday in Kaduna endorsed the actions of Kaduna State, the location of last weekend’s violence involving Nigeria's Shiites.
Governors of Nigeria’s 19 Northern States on Saturday in Kaduna endorsed the actions of Kaduna State, the location of last weekend’s violence involving Nigeria's Shiites.
In a communique issued at the end of a meeting, the governors stressed that all Nigerians should respect the law and constituted authority, adding that organization, whether religious or social, must operate within the law.
Offering condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the Zaria tragedy, and wishing the wounded speedy recovery, they endorsed all the steps taken so far by the government of Kaduna State to contain the situation.
They also expressed support for the decision of the Governor of Kaduna to constitute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to examine the remote and immediate causes of the Zaria incident, and commended him for it.
The governors reassured citizens of their readiness to maintain law and order while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens to practice their faith without infringing on the rights of others.
They however frowned on arbitrary blockage of highways by unauthorized processions which inconvenience others, and resolved that processions must henceforth have police permit and protection as prescribed by the law.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to take measures to revive and grow the economies of Northern States to create jobs and other opportunities, adding that efforts are already in top gear to review agriculture and industries related to agriculture.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to take measures to revive and grow the economies of Northern States to create jobs and other opportunities, adding that efforts are already in top gear to review agriculture and industries related to agriculture.
The called on all Nigerians, irrespective of differences in political affiliations, religious persuasions, sectional or ethnic backgrounds, to coalesce into a single unit and collectively fight the nation’s common tragedies of poverty, destitution and illiteracy.
“The problems confronting us go beyond politics,” they said. “We should unite to confront our common challenges.”
Encouraging citizens to report suspicious and concerns to constituted authority, the governors appealed to the media to exercise restraint and decorum, and to avoid inflaming passions or stoking the embers of division and intolerance.
Encouraging citizens to report suspicious and concerns to constituted authority, the governors appealed to the media to exercise restraint and decorum, and to avoid inflaming passions or stoking the embers of division and intolerance.
http://saharareporters.com/
Nigerian Troops Kill Boko Haram Amir And Others
BY COLONEL SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
As part of their determined efforts to rid the society of all known Boko Haram terrorists enclaves and hideouts, troops of 25 Task Force Brigade based on tip-off conducted a fighting patrol along Damboa-Njaba-Bale road in Borno State.
As part of their determined efforts to rid the society of all known Boko Haram terrorists enclaves and hideouts, troops of 25 Task Force Brigade based on tip-off conducted a fighting patrol along Damboa-Njaba-Bale road in Borno State.
Troops kill BH Amir
The troops encountered and killed 3 suspected Boko Haram terrorists that had been terrorizing the communities around Sabon Gari and Damboa. Among those killed was the Boko Haram terrorists Ameer (Leader) in Bulayaga. The Ameer was notorious in terrorizing Bale, Wass and Mufurundi villages.
The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with its magazine, 43 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition, 1 Grinding Machine and 5 Dane Guns. Other items recovered include 7 Motorcycles,21 bags of grains and 2 Boko Haram terrorists flags hoisted.
In a related development today, troops of 7 Division Garrison on patrol at Mainari village in Mafa Local Government Area had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists. The encounter led to the killing of 9 terrorists and recovery of weapons which includes 4 AK-47 and 1 Pump Action Gun
The patrol teams have continued to dominate the respective areas. http://saharareporters.com/
The patrol teams have continued to dominate the respective areas. http://saharareporters.com/
Boko Haram supplies
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations
Acting Director Army Public Relations
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Task Force On Distribution Of Petroleum Products Warns Marketers Against Diversion
Task Force On Distribution Of Petroleum Products Warns Marketers Against Diversion
http://goo.gl/VhxoBO
http://goo.gl/VhxoBO
10 PDP Bigwigs Who Collected Illegal Funds from Jonathan - THE NATION
According to a report from The Nation, some former and serving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have to refund the money shared to them under the last dispensation for the purpose of seeking re-election.
Such PDP stalwarts include:
Bode George, (N100m /$30,000)
Yerima Abdullahi; (N100m /$30,000)
Peter Odili; (N100m /$30,000)
Attahiru Bafarawa; (N100m /$30,000)
Jim Nwobodo; (N100m /$30,000)
Ahmadu Ali, (N100m /$30,000)
Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi (N100m /$30,000)
Bello Sarkin Yaki (N200m);
Tony Anenih (N260m);
Iyorchia Ayu’s company ( N345m)
Others are:
BAM Properties(N300m);
Dalhatu Investment Limited(N1.5billion);
Such PDP stalwarts include:
Bode George, (N100m /$30,000)
Yerima Abdullahi; (N100m /$30,000)
Peter Odili; (N100m /$30,000)
Attahiru Bafarawa; (N100m /$30,000)
Jim Nwobodo; (N100m /$30,000)
Ahmadu Ali, (N100m /$30,000)
Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi (N100m /$30,000)
Bello Sarkin Yaki (N200m);
Tony Anenih (N260m);
Iyorchia Ayu’s company ( N345m)
Others are:
BAM Properties(N300m);
Dalhatu Investment Limited(N1.5billion);
Gani Adams, OPC Leader Reacts to the Clamour For Biafra State
The National President of the Oodua People’s Congress, Chief Gani Adams, has reacted that the Federal Government must hold talks with the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra and others agitating for Biafra for peace to reign.
According to Adams, it is only through dialogue that the agitators can be made to drop the idea of a Biafra state; as the use of force is incapable of guaranteeing the unity of the country.
The OPC leader spoke about the agitation and the clash between the Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Osogbo after he was honoured as a culture ambassador by the Nigeria Union of Journalists Correspondents Chapel, Osun State.
He said, “I will just say that they (Biafra agitators) are entitled to their own self-determination. Look, there is a law in Africa that recognises right to self-determination. Also, there is a law in United Nations that recognises right to self-determination. There is a country in the United Nations that has a population of not up to 50,000 and their flag is at the United Nations.
Adams condemned the killing of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria by soldiers in Zaria.
- PUNCH
According to Adams, it is only through dialogue that the agitators can be made to drop the idea of a Biafra state; as the use of force is incapable of guaranteeing the unity of the country.
The OPC leader spoke about the agitation and the clash between the Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Osogbo after he was honoured as a culture ambassador by the Nigeria Union of Journalists Correspondents Chapel, Osun State.
He said, “I will just say that they (Biafra agitators) are entitled to their own self-determination. Look, there is a law in Africa that recognises right to self-determination. Also, there is a law in United Nations that recognises right to self-determination. There is a country in the United Nations that has a population of not up to 50,000 and their flag is at the United Nations.
Adams condemned the killing of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria by soldiers in Zaria.
- PUNCH
APC Is Engaging In Political Terrorism In Rivers, Akwa-Ibom - PDP
National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of engaging in political terrorism in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, just as it stressed that the action portends great danger to the nation’s democracy as well as capable of threatening the peace and stability in these states and the South-South.
In a statement by the Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, the PDP noted that what was going on in the two states and others controlled by the PDP was a script acted in line with the statement of the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, that the ruling party would capture all the states in the South-South.
Secondus said, “The recent comments credited to Chief John Oyegun, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), conveying the desperation of his party and the Presidency to forcefully take over PDP states in the South-South is, to say the least, unfortunate and disappointing.
“Chief Oyegun’s boast, while reacting to the bizarre ruling of the Court of Appeal judgment on Rivers State governorship petition wherein he stated: “I am more confident of winning Akwa-Ibom than any other state in the South-South…we are going to win; that is almost a certainty”, is not only careless but also smacks of impunity and arrogance that have characterized the APC.
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/
In a statement by the Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, the PDP noted that what was going on in the two states and others controlled by the PDP was a script acted in line with the statement of the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, that the ruling party would capture all the states in the South-South.
Secondus said, “The recent comments credited to Chief John Oyegun, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), conveying the desperation of his party and the Presidency to forcefully take over PDP states in the South-South is, to say the least, unfortunate and disappointing.
“Chief Oyegun’s boast, while reacting to the bizarre ruling of the Court of Appeal judgment on Rivers State governorship petition wherein he stated: “I am more confident of winning Akwa-Ibom than any other state in the South-South…we are going to win; that is almost a certainty”, is not only careless but also smacks of impunity and arrogance that have characterized the APC.
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/
How to Link Your BVN With Your Bank Accounts Online
Nigeria - The Central Bank of Nigeria has mandated all bank customers to get a Bank Verification Number (BVN) for smoother banking experience in the country. Failing to get a BVN has grave consequences.
Here's a compilation of how to link your BVN number to your bank accounts.
GTBank
Option 1: Visit any GTBank ATM and follow these steps:
– Insert your GTBank card in ATM and input your four digit PIN
– Select “BVN Linking” option
– Enter your 11-digit BVN number and select “Proceed”
– The ATM will display the BVN number and request you to validate
– Once the BVN number is validated as correct, select “Proceed”
– Insert your PIN to validate and submit
Option 2: If you have internet access GTBank BVN portal would enable customers provide their BVN for linking to their existing GTBank account.To link your BVN, kindly do the following:-
Go to http://www.gtbank.com/bvnlinking
– Input your GTBank NUBAN
– Select a Bank where your BVN was issued
– Input the BVN number obtained from another Bank, then click on submit
First Bank
Option 1: If you have internet access
Go to https://bvn.firstbanknigeria.com/form/
Fill the form and submit
Option 2: Text BVN#account number#BVNCode to 08076664444 e.g BVN#1010101010#22147733260
Wait for few minutes, you would receive a text message stating your BVN has been successfully submitted for processing.
NOTE: The text message isn’t free, text message charges implies with your network
Access Bank
Simply text BVN, leave a space your account number and BVN number to 20121
For example BVN 0170216788 22193486908 to 20121. Or you can link your BVN on their website here .
Diamond Bank
Simply link your diamond bank account with your BVN number below:
Send your BVN details via email to enquiries@diamondbank.com
Or send your BVN number and account no as SMS to 30811
Call our 24hour contact center on 07003000000
Zenith Bank
Simply update your BVN via your iBank profile
Or call ZenithDirect on +23412787000, 2927000, 4647000
Or mail your BVN number and account no to zenithdirect@zenithbank.com
Ecobank
Simply dial *326*9# on your ecobank phone number you registered to receive alert and follow the instruction prompts to input your BVN number.
United Bank for Africa (UBA)
Simply dial *919*6# on the mobile number linked to your account and follow the prompts
Fidelity Bank
Simply send your account details, BVN, Mobile number, date/bank of enrolment and date of birth via mail to true.serve@fidelitybank.ng
Or call 080034335489 for update.
Or login to the internet banking portal and click on the “no BVN” link.
First City Monument Bank (FCMB)
Simply send your BVN number and account no to customerservice@fcmb.com
Skye Bank
Simply send your BVN and account details to yescenter@skyebankng.com
Sterling Bank:
Simply send your BVN and account details to customercare@sterlingbankng.com
Standard Chartered Bank
Simply send Name, Account Number, Local Government Area (LGA), Sate of Origin and BVN, via any of the following options:
24-Hour Contact Center: call +234 1 270 4611-4
Online Banking: log on to your Online Banking and send a mail by clicking on the “Contact us” button
Send a mail to Callcentre.Nigeria@sc.com
Union Bank
Simply link your Union Bank account with your BVN number via union bank website using account linkage tool here
Stanbic IBTC
Visit stanbicibtc bank website and fill the BVN update form Here or Text “BVN’’ then your BVN Number (e.g. BVN 12345678901) to 30909 by SMS
Keystone Bank
You can easily link your keystone bank account with your BVN number, Click here to go to Keystone Bank’s BVN linker
Heritage Bank
Simply link your heritage bank account with your BVN number, Click here to go to Heritage Bank’s BVN linker.
Why Fuel Scarcity Will Not Go Away Soon In Nigeria
Why Fuel Scarcity Will Not Go Away
Soon In Nigeria
Nigerians are unlikely to see any respite
from fuel scarcity, despite the National
Assembly’s approval more than N590 billion
for fuel subsidy payments and the release
last week of the initial N408 billion by the
Ministry of Finance and Debt Management
Office.
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Nigerians are unlikely to see any respite from fuel scarcity,
despite the National Assembly’s approval more than N590
billion for fuel subsidy payments and the release last week
of the initial N408 billion by the Ministry of Finance and
Debt Management Office.
The Debt Management Office issued sovereign debt notes
to fuel marketers, and the Central Bank of Nigeria redeemed
the notes, with all marketers’ accounts credited.
Even so, most marketers are reportedly unable to increase
fuel imports or even import at all due to non-availability of
US dollars to pay for such purchases.
Part of the problem is the convoluted process for fuel
imports. First, thePetroleum Products Pricing Regulatory
Agency (PPPRA) issues allocation letters to various
marketers to import fuel.
Thereafter, marketers apply to the Directorate of Petroleum
Resources to issue import permits based on the pricing
agency’s approval. This step often takes as much as two
weeks. Fuel marketers then contact foreign oil traders and
refineries for fuel supplies. Once suppliers and the
marketers agree on prices, the supplier issues pro forma
invoices.
The marketers open Form “M” which they submit to their
various local banks. The local banks then seek the CBN’s
approval to open letters of credit, a process that takes
about seven days. Once the approval is obtained, the local
bank opens a letter of credit and seeks a foreign bank to
add confirmation to the letter of credit. The foreign/
confirming bank in effect grants a loan to the Nigerian
bank. Usually, the expectation is that the loan would be
repaid within a period of 60 to 90 days after shipment and
presentation of documents showing shipment and delivery.
SaharaReporters learnt that many fuel marketers had
opened letters of credit and even provided naira to local
banks, but many of the local banks have been unable to
access dollars from the CBN to enable them to clear past
due obligations under letters of credit already granted.
Owing to a series of defaults, many foreign banks have
been reluctant to handle Nigerian banks’ letters of credit.
An executive at one of Nigeria’s major commercial banks
disclosed that some of the bank’s letters of credit issued in
March have yet to be paid till date. He added that, with
rapidly falling oil prices, Nigerian banks would not have
sufficient dollars to meet past and present obligations.
Nigeria’s external reserves currently stand around $30
billion, with total forex requirement by the fuel marketers
around $1billion.
To worsen matters, fuel marketers have been compelled to
pay the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in
dollars, even though the Federal Government has barred the
spending of dollars within Nigeria.
CBN officials disclosed say the bank was not offering
dollars indiscriminately because some fuel marketers were
reselling dollars obtained at official rates in the parallel
market at huge profits. The CBN sells dollars to banks at
N199. One fuel importer alleged that, instead of offering the
foreign currency to them, banks were selling dollars in the black market for N270-280.
Saturday, 19 December 2015
ECOWAS BUILDING ECOWAS Presents Biometric IDs, Awards Founding Fathers
By Chikelu Chinelo
Marking the achievements of the Economic Community of West African States since its inception 40 years ago, Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, presented to the Authority of the Heads of State and Government, specimens of the new ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards scheduled for launch on January 1, 2016. Ouedraogosaid the region recorded another significant political integration with the biometric cards. While announcing that the distribution of the card will commence on the 1st of January, 2016, he emphasized that “It is the responsibility of each member state to issue the ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards to it citizens”. He said that the single biometric identity card replaces residential permit, and abolishes the use of visas to encourage free movement of people in the region. “With the single identity card you can travel all throughout the region”, Ouedraogo enthused. Alongside other landmark achievements to enhance regional integration, Ouedraogo listed the commission’s success with the Customs Union through the establishment of Common External Tariff, the adoption of ECOWAS passport, and the establishment of the Community Parliament and Court of Justice. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, ECOWAS conferred honorary awards and plaques to four founding fathers of the organization. Receiving plaques were Former Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon, His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the sole civilian awardee Koffi G.G. Djondo. President of the Republic of Togo, Faure EssozimnaGnassingbe received the honorary award plaque in place of his father, the late former President of Togo, General Gnassingbe Eyadema.
Marking the achievements of the Economic Community of West African States since its inception 40 years ago, Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, presented to the Authority of the Heads of State and Government, specimens of the new ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards scheduled for launch on January 1, 2016. Ouedraogosaid the region recorded another significant political integration with the biometric cards. While announcing that the distribution of the card will commence on the 1st of January, 2016, he emphasized that “It is the responsibility of each member state to issue the ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards to it citizens”. He said that the single biometric identity card replaces residential permit, and abolishes the use of visas to encourage free movement of people in the region. “With the single identity card you can travel all throughout the region”, Ouedraogo enthused. Alongside other landmark achievements to enhance regional integration, Ouedraogo listed the commission’s success with the Customs Union through the establishment of Common External Tariff, the adoption of ECOWAS passport, and the establishment of the Community Parliament and Court of Justice. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, ECOWAS conferred honorary awards and plaques to four founding fathers of the organization. Receiving plaques were Former Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon, His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the sole civilian awardee Koffi G.G. Djondo. President of the Republic of Togo, Faure EssozimnaGnassingbe received the honorary award plaque in place of his father, the late former President of Togo, General Gnassingbe Eyadema.
ECOWAS BUILDING ECOWAS Presents Biometric IDs, Awards Founding Fathers
By Chikelu Chinelo
Marking the achievements of the Economic Community of West African States since its inception 40 years ago, Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, presented to the Authority of the Heads of State and Government, specimens of the new ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards scheduled for launch on January 1, 2016. Ouedraogosaid the region recorded another significant political integration with the biometric cards. While announcing that the distribution of the card will commence on the 1st of January, 2016, he emphasized that “It is the responsibility of each member state to issue the ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards to it citizens”. He said that the single biometric identity card replaces residential permit, and abolishes the use of visas to encourage free movement of people in the region. “With the single identity card you can travel all throughout the region”, Ouedraogo enthused. Alongside other landmark achievements to enhance regional integration, Ouedraogo listed the commission’s success with the Customs Union through the establishment of Common External Tariff, the adoption of ECOWAS passport, and the establishment of the Community Parliament and Court of Justice. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, ECOWAS conferred honorary awards and plaques to four founding fathers of the organization. Receiving plaques were Former Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon, His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the sole civilian awardee Koffi G.G. Djondo. President of the Republic of Togo, Faure EssozimnaGnassingbe received the honorary award plaque in place of his father, the late former President of Togo, General Gnassingbe Eyadema.
Marking the achievements of the Economic Community of West African States since its inception 40 years ago, Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, presented to the Authority of the Heads of State and Government, specimens of the new ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards scheduled for launch on January 1, 2016. Ouedraogosaid the region recorded another significant political integration with the biometric cards. While announcing that the distribution of the card will commence on the 1st of January, 2016, he emphasized that “It is the responsibility of each member state to issue the ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards to it citizens”. He said that the single biometric identity card replaces residential permit, and abolishes the use of visas to encourage free movement of people in the region. “With the single identity card you can travel all throughout the region”, Ouedraogo enthused. Alongside other landmark achievements to enhance regional integration, Ouedraogo listed the commission’s success with the Customs Union through the establishment of Common External Tariff, the adoption of ECOWAS passport, and the establishment of the Community Parliament and Court of Justice. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, ECOWAS conferred honorary awards and plaques to four founding fathers of the organization. Receiving plaques were Former Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon, His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the sole civilian awardee Koffi G.G. Djondo. President of the Republic of Togo, Faure EssozimnaGnassingbe received the honorary award plaque in place of his father, the late former President of Togo, General Gnassingbe Eyadema.
Nasir el-Rufai’s Ban of VIO Will Cause More Crashes, Injuries In Kaduna – Group
By DAVID ADUGE-ANI
Following a recent ban of the operation of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), in Kaduna State, an Abuja-based non-governmental organisation, Accident Prevention and Rescue Initiative has observed that such a ban might increase the rate of road crashes, injuries and deaths in the state. In an interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend in Abuja, the executive director of the organization, Prince Fidelis Nnadi noted that the operation of VIOs is very critical in the road safety project, which according to him, is among provisions of the Road Traffic Act which is still enforced nationwide by the police, FRSC and VIOs at Federal and State level. “It is unfortunate that most state governments, including Kaduna State government, have continued to abandon their responsibility to equip their respective state VIOs despite the relevance of their operation to safety of vehicle occupants and road users. “How can the governor ban and institution of government on grounds of corruption? Has the governor considered improving the state VIO by adequate welfare for officers, road worthy operational vehicles, human capacity building through training and re-training and above all, acknowledging the VIOs as a strategic safety and revenue generation agency?.” he said. He maintained that banning an agency that is relevant to safety of lives and property is unnecessary and urged Governor el-Rufai to unban the agency and inject funds towards revamping the agency that have existed for years without adequate provision of equipment and resources to carry out their functions. He continued: “For the interest of road user’s safety and road worthy vehicles on our roads, Mallam El-Rufai should bring back the VIOs but ensure they are adequately provided for. While we are not in support of corruption which is the reason for banning the agency, the governor should have dismissed officers involved in corruption while the agency continue to carry out its constitutional functions.”
The APC-led Government Is Gradually Rebuilding The Nation’s Fortune
By Ekele Peter Agbo
Mr Ade Omole is the APC’s UK National Coordinator. In this interview with Ekele Peter Agbo, he speaks about the achievements so far of the present administration, the newly appointed ministers and much more.
After six months in office, how would you appraise the Muhammadu Buhari administration?
I applaud what President Buhari is doing in Nigeria. For you to understand what the President has done to date, I would give you the analogy of a burning house. When a house is on fire, you do not waste time discussing painting and buying new furniture but deploy resources to put out the fire. Such was the case of the nation of Nigeria, under the previous administration, things were so bad. I would go as far as saying that the last 16 years locust rule of the PDP was excruciating for the average Nigerian. Under the rudderless tenure of Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the level of impunity was so high it fuelled so many ills in the country. Many Nigerians could not afford basic necessities of life. Dr Jonathan’s government could not even provide its primary duty of securing its citizens. It should be noted that allegations of corruption, misappropriation of funds, embezzlement and fraud which we now know hindered the fight against terrorism and ran the country aground, have been levelled against the PDP leadership. President Buhari has a tough task ahead but within six months, the threat of boko haram has been greatly reduced, we already have in various states, constant electricity supply and many former colleagues of the previous president being tasked over missing monies. President Buhari studied thoroughly the Nigerian state and made careful ministerial appointments to address our national issues circumspectly and pragmatically. Undoubtedly, there is a new sheriff in town who is determined to clean up the mess left behind by the previous corrupt government and take Nigeria to the next level. President Buhari has set a new standard that we all have to follow which has helped us in the international community. We have regained our standing as the giant of Africa and our soldiers are winning the fight against Boko Haram. Of course, the President should not rest on his laurels; he should continue the hard work with his cabinet.
President Buhari’s frequent foreign trips have been criticised in some quarters. What is your take on this? The President is doing a great job for the nation and I believe he should be supported not criticised for that. As President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari is the number one citizen of the country and in that role, he should do all he can to attract mega-investments into the country though not to the detriment of urgent internal issues. How can the President attract investments if he’s cocooned in Aso Rock when world leaders are meeting on global issues and discussing mega-projects? We need the President to attend these high-profile global events. The queen and David Cameron play the same role in the UK. The President should continue with high-profile foreign assignments that will drive the much needed infrastructural investments into the country but send ministerial delegations to less important conferences. Nigerians are really going through difficult times at home here in Nigeria. We have continued state of insecurity, weakened naira, fuel scarcity etc. Are these not signs of bad governance? I refer again to the analogy I gave in my first answer. The state of the country, after PDP years of the locust, requires tough measures. As we are beginning to see, cronies of the previous President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan did not spare the public coffers. It was a bazaar of some sort; these characters gang raped the resources of the nation and looted at will. Yes, it was bad, corrupt and crass PDP governance at the time that brought us to these difficult times but the APC-led government is gradually rebuilding the fortunes of the nation. The fuel scarcity is nearly over, Boko haram will soon be history and with much anticipated investments driven by the purposeful government of President Buhari, employment opportunities would be created. I strongly believe the glass is half full rather than half empty under the leadership of President Buhari. What is your opinion on the calibre of ministers appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari? It is interesting that there are probably about 11 or 12 lawyers amongst those appointed by President Buhari to be Ministers of our Great Nation. That is reassuring, knowing that lawyers are extremely capable and versatile haven been trained with a unique skill set that is designed to attend to the needs of the society. It is unprecedented in my view and quite laudable. The appointed ministers are quite capable being richly experienced in government, some being former governors and senators. Perhaps they are best placed to know what to do to revive the nation. In terms of performance again generally, the ministers look very capable so let us revisit this question after the first quarter in 2016. What is your agenda for the new ministers? What I want to see is the general government agenda being subsumed into the various ministries. Nigerians want to see that the electoral promises of the APC-led Government are carried out. Nigerians want to know what vision and/or agenda is the government pursuing? How is it to be implemented through the various ministries? Nigerians want to see the individual vision, mission and implementation plans of each minister. Nigerians want to see a timetable. Nigerians want to know what each ministry has identified as real pressing short term and long term challenges which the ministry must address and how it will address it and give a time line. The new ministers have coincidentally the biblical revelatory symbolic period of 42 months left to make a mark. It should be enough by the grace of God. A good number of Nigerians were deported from the United Kingdom recently. You are the APC national coordinator in UK, but you appeared to be silent on the issue? I would never stay silent on any issue that affects Nigerians. On the contrary, I have been very vocal about this particular issue. APC UK alongside the Nigeria High Commission is putting pressure on the UK government to ensure that the appropriate procedures are met before any Nigerian is deported. In addition, APC UK chapter is presently working with two charity organisations to stem the tide of deportations. We are not silent on this issue; we have been working in the background to ensure due process. I am aware of the institutionally racist tendency that afflicts the UK and how this attitude pervades and influences the manner in which Nigerians with immigration issues are treated. It is a real shame. I am very sure that with quality and effective legal representation, some of these deportations could be avoided. There are certainly genuine cases and we would ensure that these genuine cases are taken up by pro-bono solicitors through these charities. However, if you break the law; if you come into a foreign country with an intention to flout your conditions for Stay and are caught; then the full arm of the Law would be applied. This is a change government and we are experiencing the wind of change. We need to be disciplined in our approach to dealing with not just our rights to stay where we are but to be law-abiding and productive members of that society. I am happy that many Nigerians are making significant strides in the UK attaining the highest levels in their fields. Nigeria continues to stand out amongst African Nations in the diaspora. What is your message to Nigerians in the Diaspora and at home? Change does not come in a day. For us to enjoy the change we aspire to see in our beloved country, we must all support President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress in rebuilding the nation. The Nigerian Society is becoming more sophisticated and developed in spite of the bad press and criticisms. The western press and some governments call Nigeria a terrorist-risk nation and publicly advise their citizens not to go there if they have no real need to be there. Yet they send in their businessmen and technicians and have commercial ventures and ties with Nigeria. The only people that truly desire Nigeria to become a World Power and fully developed Nation can only be Nigerians for Nigeria by Nigerians. I think we would be in dire Ostrichian territory with our heads firmly buried in the sand, if we stand back and expect only foreigners to help us build rather than exploit the resources of our God-given, God-blessed and God-nurtured Great Country.
I applaud what President Buhari is doing in Nigeria. For you to understand what the President has done to date, I would give you the analogy of a burning house. When a house is on fire, you do not waste time discussing painting and buying new furniture but deploy resources to put out the fire. Such was the case of the nation of Nigeria, under the previous administration, things were so bad. I would go as far as saying that the last 16 years locust rule of the PDP was excruciating for the average Nigerian. Under the rudderless tenure of Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the level of impunity was so high it fuelled so many ills in the country. Many Nigerians could not afford basic necessities of life. Dr Jonathan’s government could not even provide its primary duty of securing its citizens. It should be noted that allegations of corruption, misappropriation of funds, embezzlement and fraud which we now know hindered the fight against terrorism and ran the country aground, have been levelled against the PDP leadership. President Buhari has a tough task ahead but within six months, the threat of boko haram has been greatly reduced, we already have in various states, constant electricity supply and many former colleagues of the previous president being tasked over missing monies. President Buhari studied thoroughly the Nigerian state and made careful ministerial appointments to address our national issues circumspectly and pragmatically. Undoubtedly, there is a new sheriff in town who is determined to clean up the mess left behind by the previous corrupt government and take Nigeria to the next level. President Buhari has set a new standard that we all have to follow which has helped us in the international community. We have regained our standing as the giant of Africa and our soldiers are winning the fight against Boko Haram. Of course, the President should not rest on his laurels; he should continue the hard work with his cabinet.
President Buhari’s frequent foreign trips have been criticised in some quarters. What is your take on this? The President is doing a great job for the nation and I believe he should be supported not criticised for that. As President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari is the number one citizen of the country and in that role, he should do all he can to attract mega-investments into the country though not to the detriment of urgent internal issues. How can the President attract investments if he’s cocooned in Aso Rock when world leaders are meeting on global issues and discussing mega-projects? We need the President to attend these high-profile global events. The queen and David Cameron play the same role in the UK. The President should continue with high-profile foreign assignments that will drive the much needed infrastructural investments into the country but send ministerial delegations to less important conferences. Nigerians are really going through difficult times at home here in Nigeria. We have continued state of insecurity, weakened naira, fuel scarcity etc. Are these not signs of bad governance? I refer again to the analogy I gave in my first answer. The state of the country, after PDP years of the locust, requires tough measures. As we are beginning to see, cronies of the previous President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan did not spare the public coffers. It was a bazaar of some sort; these characters gang raped the resources of the nation and looted at will. Yes, it was bad, corrupt and crass PDP governance at the time that brought us to these difficult times but the APC-led government is gradually rebuilding the fortunes of the nation. The fuel scarcity is nearly over, Boko haram will soon be history and with much anticipated investments driven by the purposeful government of President Buhari, employment opportunities would be created. I strongly believe the glass is half full rather than half empty under the leadership of President Buhari. What is your opinion on the calibre of ministers appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari? It is interesting that there are probably about 11 or 12 lawyers amongst those appointed by President Buhari to be Ministers of our Great Nation. That is reassuring, knowing that lawyers are extremely capable and versatile haven been trained with a unique skill set that is designed to attend to the needs of the society. It is unprecedented in my view and quite laudable. The appointed ministers are quite capable being richly experienced in government, some being former governors and senators. Perhaps they are best placed to know what to do to revive the nation. In terms of performance again generally, the ministers look very capable so let us revisit this question after the first quarter in 2016. What is your agenda for the new ministers? What I want to see is the general government agenda being subsumed into the various ministries. Nigerians want to see that the electoral promises of the APC-led Government are carried out. Nigerians want to know what vision and/or agenda is the government pursuing? How is it to be implemented through the various ministries? Nigerians want to see the individual vision, mission and implementation plans of each minister. Nigerians want to see a timetable. Nigerians want to know what each ministry has identified as real pressing short term and long term challenges which the ministry must address and how it will address it and give a time line. The new ministers have coincidentally the biblical revelatory symbolic period of 42 months left to make a mark. It should be enough by the grace of God. A good number of Nigerians were deported from the United Kingdom recently. You are the APC national coordinator in UK, but you appeared to be silent on the issue? I would never stay silent on any issue that affects Nigerians. On the contrary, I have been very vocal about this particular issue. APC UK alongside the Nigeria High Commission is putting pressure on the UK government to ensure that the appropriate procedures are met before any Nigerian is deported. In addition, APC UK chapter is presently working with two charity organisations to stem the tide of deportations. We are not silent on this issue; we have been working in the background to ensure due process. I am aware of the institutionally racist tendency that afflicts the UK and how this attitude pervades and influences the manner in which Nigerians with immigration issues are treated. It is a real shame. I am very sure that with quality and effective legal representation, some of these deportations could be avoided. There are certainly genuine cases and we would ensure that these genuine cases are taken up by pro-bono solicitors through these charities. However, if you break the law; if you come into a foreign country with an intention to flout your conditions for Stay and are caught; then the full arm of the Law would be applied. This is a change government and we are experiencing the wind of change. We need to be disciplined in our approach to dealing with not just our rights to stay where we are but to be law-abiding and productive members of that society. I am happy that many Nigerians are making significant strides in the UK attaining the highest levels in their fields. Nigeria continues to stand out amongst African Nations in the diaspora. What is your message to Nigerians in the Diaspora and at home? Change does not come in a day. For us to enjoy the change we aspire to see in our beloved country, we must all support President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress in rebuilding the nation. The Nigerian Society is becoming more sophisticated and developed in spite of the bad press and criticisms. The western press and some governments call Nigeria a terrorist-risk nation and publicly advise their citizens not to go there if they have no real need to be there. Yet they send in their businessmen and technicians and have commercial ventures and ties with Nigeria. The only people that truly desire Nigeria to become a World Power and fully developed Nation can only be Nigerians for Nigeria by Nigerians. I think we would be in dire Ostrichian territory with our heads firmly buried in the sand, if we stand back and expect only foreigners to help us build rather than exploit the resources of our God-given, God-blessed and God-nurtured Great Country.
SSANU declares indefinite strike December 24
By Micheal Oche
The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, yesterday directed all its members to embark on indefinite strike over the planned retrenchment of over 2,000 staff of University Unity Schools.
The association said that the indefinite strike would commence on December 24, 2015 even as it described the planned retrenchment as an attempt to desecrate the sanctity of an agreement entered with the federal government.
Addressing journalists at its national secretariat, Abuja, the National President of SSANU, Comrade Samson Ugwoke explained that following the December deadline for the removal of personnel/teachers of University staff schools from the pay-roll of government, at least 2,000 workers from over thirty Universities would be thrown into the unemployment market.
Ugwuoke lamented that such action by the government would bring untold hardship to members of the association
He revealed that the association had written to the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu urging him to order the immediate withdrawal of all letters from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, National Universities Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education directing Vice-Chancellors to remove personnel of the University Staff Primary Schools from the pay-roll.
http://leadership.ng/news/
Tor Tiv Stool: Traditional Blocs Bicker Over Age, Educational Qualification For Successor
By Solomon Ayado
The traditional sharing units of the Tiv kingdom have argued that age limit and educational qualification should not necessarily form the requisites for selecting the new Tor Tiv, LEADERSHIP has gathered.
Since the news broke of the death of the Tor Tiv IV, Orchivirigh Alfred Akawe Torkula, the battle for who succeeds the late paramount ruler has began. There has been serious agitations from the two traditional sharing units of Ipusu and Ichongo on which part would produce the next king.
The late Tor Tiv, Akawe became king in 1991, reigned for about 23 years before he finally joined his ancestors at the age of 71. He hailed from Guma LGA of MINDA (extraction) in Ichongo traditional bloc.
Torkula held a Ph. D in Cultural Anthropology, as well as an Honorary LL.D and Doctor of Science from The University of Ibadan and Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike respectively.
However, the demise of the late Tor Tiv has provoked mixed reactions, as well as arguments over age attainment for a new Tor, as the deceased king had reigned for only about 23 years on throne.
Although the issue of educational qualification is relevant as the traditional blocs have argued that the Tor Tiv stool should not be singularly selected on the grounds of academic qualifications but also in accordance with the long existing traditional norms and values.
The traditional sharing units of the Tiv kingdom have argued that age limit and educational qualification should not necessarily form the requisites for selecting the new Tor Tiv, LEADERSHIP has gathered.
Since the news broke of the death of the Tor Tiv IV, Orchivirigh Alfred Akawe Torkula, the battle for who succeeds the late paramount ruler has began. There has been serious agitations from the two traditional sharing units of Ipusu and Ichongo on which part would produce the next king.
The late Tor Tiv, Akawe became king in 1991, reigned for about 23 years before he finally joined his ancestors at the age of 71. He hailed from Guma LGA of MINDA (extraction) in Ichongo traditional bloc.
Torkula held a Ph. D in Cultural Anthropology, as well as an Honorary LL.D and Doctor of Science from The University of Ibadan and Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike respectively.
However, the demise of the late Tor Tiv has provoked mixed reactions, as well as arguments over age attainment for a new Tor, as the deceased king had reigned for only about 23 years on throne.
Although the issue of educational qualification is relevant as the traditional blocs have argued that the Tor Tiv stool should not be singularly selected on the grounds of academic qualifications but also in accordance with the long existing traditional norms and values.
Benue: Ortom Needs Our Support – Obande
By Paul Chiama
Prince Omoi Obande is the National Secretary, Friends & Partners – a civil society organisation. In this interview with PAUL CHIAMA, he spoke on the forthcoming re-run election in Benue South senatorial district, the zoning debacle and the need to support Dr Samuel Ortom’s administration, among other issues.
The news on social media criticising the present administration of its involvement on the Appeal Court judgment that nullified the election of former Senate President, David Mark, was said to have been facilitated by Governor Ortom and other APC Senators in the state. What is the position of the Friends &Partners as one of the major stakeholders of the state?
First and foremost, I will like to say that it is a victory not just for the petitioner alone, Mr Dan Onjeh, but for All Progressives Congress as a whole, which by extension, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom and other stakeholders in the state. The Idoma people are too exposed, learned and well-informed to begin to feed and react on such disgruntled elements of liars that are looking for cheap popularity, as the governor is concerned with the development and empowerment of the good people of Benue State.
How can these speculations affect the support of the people of Zone C for this present administration in Benue State?
We all supported and voted for this change. We, the Idoma people, are solidly behind Ortom and his administration that will bring about the desired change we voted for and as such, cannot be distracted by cheap self-centered speculation. Most especially, now that the governor needs the support of every well meaning person of Benue State to move the state forward.
Looking at the over-all interest of the Idoma nation, what in your view is the implication of not re-electing David Mark?
As a military man with a military background nobody would have thought that His Excellency, David Mark would have demonstrated the leadership quality he has shown not just to the good people of the Idoma nation but Benue and Nigeria as a whole. I give you example of Senator Ameh Ebute within the shortest period he served; he attained the position of the Senate president. Then when you talk about the Zone C Senatorial seat you talk about Sen Amen Ebute. I remembered in 1999, we had a joint campaign in Ugbokolo when Mark made a statement and I quote, “That Ameh Ebute is not the only son of Idoma land and if there is anything he has forgotten at the Senate he should tell him and he will be glad for me to bring it back to him.” That is to tell you that Idoma has a lot of potentials if given the necessary support and the opportunity to serve. The only implication here now is when we refuse to avail the opportunity to our people.
There are feelings that zoning may have a big role to play in this fresh election. What is your take on this?
There is no doubt that the seat of the Senate has been stagnant for a long time. Yes it is true, but for some obvious reasons that was compromised. But now it is clear that we cannot have the deputy governor and the Senate seat from the same Zone C. Based on this fact, a lot of consultation is ongoing and in due time the Idomas will make it public who will be representing them at the Senate.
At this critical period what is your message to the people of Idoma and friends and partners of the Idoma nation?
It is with great humility that I call on every son, daughter and well-wisher of Idoma nation to come out and take a bow, not only for keeping this alive but also for the development of the Idoma nation.
There is no doubt that division and disunity among us have contributed to the under-development of our dear Idoma nation. I urge our brothers, sisters and well-wishers to take the advantage of this once in a life time opportunity available to us in this era of truth for a positive change. As it is said that you shall know the truth and the truth you know shall set you free. I will like to assure the entire good people of the Idoma nation of better days ahead as we support our governor, His Excellency, Samuel Ortom and his administration. We cannot be minority and be opposition to the federal and state governments. We have never practiced opposition democracy in the Idoma nation, the only thing that is constant in life is change and the wind of change is blowing.
Prince Omoi Obande is the National Secretary, Friends & Partners – a civil society organisation. In this interview with PAUL CHIAMA, he spoke on the forthcoming re-run election in Benue South senatorial district, the zoning debacle and the need to support Dr Samuel Ortom’s administration, among other issues.
The news on social media criticising the present administration of its involvement on the Appeal Court judgment that nullified the election of former Senate President, David Mark, was said to have been facilitated by Governor Ortom and other APC Senators in the state. What is the position of the Friends &Partners as one of the major stakeholders of the state?
First and foremost, I will like to say that it is a victory not just for the petitioner alone, Mr Dan Onjeh, but for All Progressives Congress as a whole, which by extension, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom and other stakeholders in the state. The Idoma people are too exposed, learned and well-informed to begin to feed and react on such disgruntled elements of liars that are looking for cheap popularity, as the governor is concerned with the development and empowerment of the good people of Benue State.
How can these speculations affect the support of the people of Zone C for this present administration in Benue State?
We all supported and voted for this change. We, the Idoma people, are solidly behind Ortom and his administration that will bring about the desired change we voted for and as such, cannot be distracted by cheap self-centered speculation. Most especially, now that the governor needs the support of every well meaning person of Benue State to move the state forward.
Looking at the over-all interest of the Idoma nation, what in your view is the implication of not re-electing David Mark?
As a military man with a military background nobody would have thought that His Excellency, David Mark would have demonstrated the leadership quality he has shown not just to the good people of the Idoma nation but Benue and Nigeria as a whole. I give you example of Senator Ameh Ebute within the shortest period he served; he attained the position of the Senate president. Then when you talk about the Zone C Senatorial seat you talk about Sen Amen Ebute. I remembered in 1999, we had a joint campaign in Ugbokolo when Mark made a statement and I quote, “That Ameh Ebute is not the only son of Idoma land and if there is anything he has forgotten at the Senate he should tell him and he will be glad for me to bring it back to him.” That is to tell you that Idoma has a lot of potentials if given the necessary support and the opportunity to serve. The only implication here now is when we refuse to avail the opportunity to our people.
There are feelings that zoning may have a big role to play in this fresh election. What is your take on this?
There is no doubt that the seat of the Senate has been stagnant for a long time. Yes it is true, but for some obvious reasons that was compromised. But now it is clear that we cannot have the deputy governor and the Senate seat from the same Zone C. Based on this fact, a lot of consultation is ongoing and in due time the Idomas will make it public who will be representing them at the Senate.
At this critical period what is your message to the people of Idoma and friends and partners of the Idoma nation?
It is with great humility that I call on every son, daughter and well-wisher of Idoma nation to come out and take a bow, not only for keeping this alive but also for the development of the Idoma nation.
There is no doubt that division and disunity among us have contributed to the under-development of our dear Idoma nation. I urge our brothers, sisters and well-wishers to take the advantage of this once in a life time opportunity available to us in this era of truth for a positive change. As it is said that you shall know the truth and the truth you know shall set you free. I will like to assure the entire good people of the Idoma nation of better days ahead as we support our governor, His Excellency, Samuel Ortom and his administration. We cannot be minority and be opposition to the federal and state governments. We have never practiced opposition democracy in the Idoma nation, the only thing that is constant in life is change and the wind of change is blowing.
Friday, 18 December 2015
FALLOUT: A TEST OF ORTOM’S COMMITMENT TO HIS PEOPLE
Benue Bailout Fallout: A Test Of Ortom’s Commitment To His People
=====∞====================∞======
By Solomon Ayado
Benue State government is among the
various states of the federation that could
not pay workers salaries for months, a
precarious situation that was inherited by
the present administration both at the
center and state. A whooping N28 billion
was then advanced to the state to offset the
backlog of salaries and arrears. SOLOMON
AYADO takes a look at what has become of
the disbursement after the loan was
accessed.
The Benue State government got the state’s
share of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s
bailout scheme for financially handicap
states across the country to enable them
offset the over six months backlog of
salaries owned workers. This development
was greeted with unprecedented joy and
excitement across the length of breath of the
state, but, the disbursement process, which
is the most critical to the suffering civil
servants both at the state and local
government levels have turned their joy into
agony and disbelief and, elicited the
question as to whether the government is
paying lip-service or genuinely interested in
alleviating the sufferings of the people.
The introduction of the e-payment and staff
auditing which, initially was designed to
ensure accountability in line with the
change mantra of the present administration
of the All Progressives Congress, APC at all
levels without the exception of Governor
Samuel Ortom of Benue State has so far
presented a contrary stance. It further
depicts a perceived paltering outing or a
choke of stumbling blocks by counter
developers who are deliberately evolving
sordid plots to undermine the disbursement
process and cast the change government in
bad light.
The wrangling emanating from the handling
of the e-payment system by the awardees’
contractor attests much to the fact that
there were underground plans to defraud the
long-owed workers. The wide spread
allegations of under payment, illegitimate
transfer and payment of funds, outright
unnecessary deductions and very high
degrees of inconsistencies heralded the
payment and disbursement processes.
It is important to note that prior to the
commencement of the process, there was an
open display of expletives from the unpaid
workers over the screening and verification
of staff. Many workers, who have been
employed and had provided services for the
state government over decades, were
suddenly found and declared as ghost
workers.
This is notwithstanding the fact that the civil
service is bedeviled with a varied
underground shade of ghost worker system
which, it was gathered, the fictitious staff
only exist on the payment vouchers. And as
such, the fake names are being used to
derive additional funds for settlement of
packages for political bigwig and their
godfathers.
The internal untidy exercise to fish out ghost
workers has become a contemporaneous
decimal for previous and succeeding
administrations to thrive. Such funds
accrued from the illegal deals are succinctly
utilized by the government officials to
brazen their personal aggrandized wealth,
at the expense of the poverty stricken
masses.
It is pertinent to state that Benue state was
allegedly seen by many to be left in
shambles and that the economy was thrown
into total deficit by the administration of
former Governor Gabriel Suswam, therefore,
it is argued that for any successive
administration to bring development to bear,
such must dive into a borrowing spree in
order to foster economic sustainability.
This widely held notion, is what the change
administration of Ortom had announced the
people of Benue on assumption of office that
“the state treasury was not just left empty
but in total deficit.” It was further
discovered in the local government and
primary schools that some alleged looted
funds that are being probed are yet to be
recovered.
To ensure the fair distribution of bailout
funds to clear owed salaries, the state
governor constituted a committee that was
headed by the special adviser on local
government and chieftancy affairs, Mr Titus
Zam to achieve a 100 per cent
disbursement. But the bureau failed in the
discharge of its duties and compounded the
problems for the state.
However, while the contractor handling the
e-payment system was found to have been
employed by the immediate past
administration of Suswam to conduct the
process and it failed woefully, the state
workers protested and said they cannot
subject themselves to hardship and had
expressed fears that ridding on the platform
provided by his predecessor to achieve
accountability through the engagement of
the same contractor hired by former
Governor Suswam would be a tall order for
the incumbent governor, Samuel Ortom .
Another critical issue that came to the fore
was whether or not the screening of workers
was necessary at the time the staff were not
paid salaries for several months, because
they insisted that the non payment of their
legitimate dues had led to deaths and
school-drop-out of their family members.
Others argued that a staff verification and
screening was not initially conducted by the
state government before it had applied for
the bailout funds, therefore another round of
the similar exercise after the bailout was
secured was simply taking them for a ride.
There were lots of questions and
government was left with no better option
than to halt the e-payment to douse the
concerns that were raised over the process
of disbursement, especially with regards to
the payment of local government staff and
primary school teachers.
Disturbed by the worrisome posers on the
bailout funds, the Benue State House of
Assembly had expressed dissatisfaction
over the disbursement of the N28.5 billion
by summoning Ortom’s aides including the
special adviser on local government and the
commissioner of finance to appear before it
and offer valid explanations over the
inadequacies.
Although the ineptitude of the assembly, led
by the speaker, Honourable Terkimbi
Ikyange was at its peak , therefore the
unsatisfactory explaining offered by the
state government officials saddled with the
responsibility of disbursements ended up
another shame and clearly shoddy. The
toothless Assembly tried a suggestion that
all those entitled to the funds be paid since
they were captured before the funds were
released hit the brick wall as an adamant
Special Adviser on local government, Zam
blatantly refused to heed to this position of
the lawmakers , insisting that such
indulgence would encourage fraud in the
Civil Service.
Conversely, the assuming positive image of
the entire administration of Governor Ortom
was being dragged to the mud if the
disbursement of the bailout funds was not
quickly intervened. The people especial civil
servants were sick and tired of the change
government which they fondly regarded as
“go slow” and negatively impacting.
The governor waded and ordered the
immediate suspension of the e- payment.
He explained that the suspension became
necessary in view of the challenges being
encountered in the course of the
disbursement of the funds to local
government workers and primary school
teachers. In the mix of the controversies, the
local government adviser had allegedly
threatened to resign should he be stripped
of the responsibility of handling of the
disbursement of funds, that again was not
just laughable , but goes further to raise the
issues of accountability and self cover ups,
otherwise why would a Special Adviser
threaten to quit, if asked to allow another
component of the same government handle
a responsibility that is not constitutionally
the responsibility of Zam and his Local
Government and Chieftaincy Affairs purview.
However, Governor Ortom and State
Executive Council, apparently noticed the
inadequacies and constituted a new
committee headed by the Special Adviser on
Labour and Employment, Patricia Kupchi to
speed up the process and ensure 100
percent completion of the payment, as soon
as possible. Other members include the
Special advisers on Special Duties, Joe
Kyaagba, politics, Sarwuan Tarnongu, Rural
Development and Cooperatives, Tsenongo
Abancha, Research and Statistics, Adzer
Abya; Development Cooperation and
Sustainable Development Goals, and New
Partnership for Africa’s Development, Dr
Magdalyne Dura; as well as Economic
Development, Bem Melladu.
It directed the committee to liaise with
Directors General Services and
Administration, Treasurers, and Education
Secretaries in the 23 local government
areas to collate names of those who have
not been paid and others who have
complaints for immediate action.
Flytime Promotions and Rhythm 93.7 present Nigeria's No. 1 concert, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2015 featuring Trey Songz!
Flytime Promotions and Rhythm 93.7 present Nigeria's No. 1 concert, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged 2015 featuring Trey Songz!
It was such an interesting night with funful with music, comedy and lots more at the #PepsiRhythmUnplugged, for the first time ever, there there was an exclusive access only, Flytime Premium Lounge with jams by DJ Obi.
The 11th edition of Nigeria's biggest music event takes center stage again on Friday, December 18th, 2015, 7pm at the Eko Convention Centre,
Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
This year, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged is hosted by comedic geniuses, Basket mouth & Bovi.
The show will feature high voltage performances by some of Nigeria's finest and a Grammy award-nominated singer-songwriter.
We are proud to announce that the headliner is none other than the Super Sexy, Mr. Steal Your Girl, Trey Songz!
Artists Performing ; P-Square, Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Flavour, M.I., Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Kiss Daniels, Runtown, DJ Xclusive, DJ Cuppy and Dj Obi all on ONE stage.
The comedic duo of Baskemouth and Bovi will host the show and also serving up the laughs are Okey Bakassi, I Go Die and Buchi.
Young talents Zainab Balogun, Ozzy Agu and K10 will be covering the blue carpet.
Brought to you by Flytime Promotions and Rhythm93.7.
Proudly sponsored by Quickteller, Verve, Arik Air and KIA
Rhythm Unplugged is the ONE entertainment concert to attend every December.
Tickets are available online only at www.naijaticketshop.com.
Also at Naija Ticket Shop Outlets located at: Ozone Cinemas, Eko Hotel and Silverbird Cinemas in Victoria Island
TICKET PRICES
General Admission: Sold Out!
VIP Tickets: N25,000
Gold VIP Tickets: N50,000
It was such an interesting night with funful with music, comedy and lots more at the #PepsiRhythmUnplugged, for the first time ever, there there was an exclusive access only, Flytime Premium Lounge with jams by DJ Obi.
The 11th edition of Nigeria's biggest music event takes center stage again on Friday, December 18th, 2015, 7pm at the Eko Convention Centre,
Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
This year, Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged is hosted by comedic geniuses, Basket mouth & Bovi.
The show will feature high voltage performances by some of Nigeria's finest and a Grammy award-nominated singer-songwriter.
We are proud to announce that the headliner is none other than the Super Sexy, Mr. Steal Your Girl, Trey Songz!
Artists Performing ; P-Square, Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Flavour, M.I., Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Kiss Daniels, Runtown, DJ Xclusive, DJ Cuppy and Dj Obi all on ONE stage.
The comedic duo of Baskemouth and Bovi will host the show and also serving up the laughs are Okey Bakassi, I Go Die and Buchi.
Young talents Zainab Balogun, Ozzy Agu and K10 will be covering the blue carpet.
Brought to you by Flytime Promotions and Rhythm93.7.
Proudly sponsored by Quickteller, Verve, Arik Air and KIA
Rhythm Unplugged is the ONE entertainment concert to attend every December.
Tickets are available online only at www.naijaticketshop.com.
Also at Naija Ticket Shop Outlets located at: Ozone Cinemas, Eko Hotel and Silverbird Cinemas in Victoria Island
TICKET PRICES
General Admission:
VIP Tickets: N25,000
Gold VIP Tickets: N50,000
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