Power outage mars flight operations at MMIA

International airlines are finding it difficult to operate scheduled commercial flights from the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following a severe power outage which started late Saturday.

The Lagos international airport gets its power supply both from the national grid and from its independent power plant. Daily Sun however learnt that both power sources had failed to work on Saturday and Sunday thus throwing up the entire airport into a state of darkness and disrupting the ability of airlines to make use of the requisite facilities that could enable them take off and land and also disembark passengers. Major airlines whose flight operations were disrupted  on Saturday lastweek included KLM/Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and South Africa Airways flights.
“On Saturday these airlines had opted to use the ramp to board and disembark their passengers instead of using the fingers because of the absence of electricity to power the airport and it’s facilities,” a source told Daily Sun.
“The power outage continued on yesterday as no effort was made to address the problem and airlines like Arik Air London flight ,Virgin Atlantic Airways, Air Maroc  flights were also hampered and they also had to make use of the ramp,” added the source.
Spokesman for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Yakubu Dati, who confirmed the development, said, “There was a power outage from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the airport was on our independent power supply.
“However when power was restored, the surge adversely affected the k16 transformer that serves the Air-bridges and rendered them unserviceable.
This adversely affected operations of departing flights. The heavy rainfall further delayed attempts by engineers to effect repairs immediately.” he said
‎Dati, apologised to passengers, airlines and the general public for the inconvenience caused by the power outage development , saying efforts are being made to redress the situation and ensure smooth airline and passenger usage of the Lagos international airport.
Dailysun

FG ready to swap B/Haram detainees for Chibok girls

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the federal government’s readiness to swap the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls with Boko Haram detainees.
The president was addressing journalists in Nairobi, Kenya, at the weekend on the sidelines of the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

He reiterated the government’s preparedness to discuss the release of the girls, emphasising that it was ready to take all necessary measures to ensure their freedom.
He, however, stressed that government would only enter into discussions with genuine Boko Haram leaders who know the girls’ whereabouts.
He said authentic leaders of the sect could reach the federal government through an internationally recognised non-governmental organisation and must be able to prove that they are holding the girls.
“I have made a couple of comments on the Chibok girls and it seems to me that much of it has been politicised. What we said is that the government, which I preside over, is prepared to talk to bonafide leaders of Boko Haram.
“If they do not want to talk to us directly, let them pick an internationally recognised non-governmental organisation, convince them that they are holding the girls and that they want Nigeria to release a number of Boko Haram leaders in detention, which they are supposed to know. If they do it through the ‘modified leadership’ of Boko Haram and they talk with an internationally recognised NGO, then, Nigeria will be prepared to discuss for their release,” he said.
The president maintained that the government would not waste time and resources on “doubtful sources”.
“We want those girls out and safe. The faster we can recover them and hand them over to their parents, the better for us,” Buhari said.
On the Niger Delta crisis, Buhari said the government was also open to dialogue to resolve all contending issues in the area.
“We do not believe that they (the militants) have announced ceasefire. We are trying to understand them more. Who are their leaders and which areas do they operate and other relevant issues,” he said.
 Dailytrust

Borno insists Sheriff played role in Boko Haram crisis

Borno state Attoney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu yesterday gave forty points on how a former governor of the state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, aided and abetted the Boko Haram insurgency.

Barrister Shehu had last week at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State said authorities should scrutinize the role played by Sheriff in the crisis, while he was governor.

But Sheriff, in statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Inuwa Bwala, asked for immediate retraction and apology from Barr. Kaka Shehu, saying  there was never a commission of enquiry, instituted by the Borno State government or the federal government, which found Sheriff culpable, neither has there ever been a security report that indicted him.
However, Shehu yesterday insisted that Sheriff remained  a suspect in the matter because after winning the gubernatorial election in 2013,   he established a ministry of religious affairs and appointed Buji Foi as commissioner.
Foi was the student and strong financier of the then leader of the Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf.
The commissioner wondered how Yusuf, who was captured alive by soldiers, was later killed in police custody, after he had met with Sheriff, saying “the move was probably meant to conceal information that might be revealed by the late Boko Haram leader.”
 Source:Dailytrust

Nigeria loses N1.1tr to militant attacks

Nigeria lost over N1.1 trillion in oil revenues in the last five months due to militants’ attacks on oil installations, Daily Trust investigations have shown.

The figure does not include losses in gas revenues resulting from disruptions in gas supplies to domestic power and industrial plants as well as export markets.

There were at least 28 attacks on oil infrastructure between February 10, 2016 and end of last month by the Niger Delta Avengers, Daily Trust findings show.
The militant group had announced a ceasefire as the Nigerian military began Operation Crocodile Smile, which is aimed at ridding the oil region of militancy.

Trillions draining away
The 2016 budget is based on daily crude production of 2.2 million barrels per day but the attacks pushed output down by about a third between April and August 29.
Production dropped by 300,000 bpd in April according to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) figures.
In May Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu said production went down from 600,000 bpd to 1.5m bpd.
It again dropped by 700,000 bpd in June, 700,000 bpd in July and last Thursday output was down to around 1.4m bpd with 800,000 bpd lost.
At an average oil price of $42.01 and 46.94/barrel and exchange rate of N197/$ in April and May, the country was denied crude oil revenues valued at $378m or a Naira equivalent of N75billion and N171billion respectively.
According to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NNPC data, the average price of crude oil in June and July were $48.79 and N41.37 per barrel, while the value of the local currency was estimated at N285 and N292 to a dollar.
The country was therefore denied crude oil revenue valued at N292billion and N262billion respectively.
At about $48.31/barrel and N305 exchange rate, an estimated $112m or N341billionn has been lost in the last 29 days of August.
This puts the total crude oil (excluding gas) revenue shortfall between April and August 29 at N1.14trillion.
The Niger Delta Avengers attacks have cut Nigeria’s output to the lowest in almost 30 years, threatening the projected N820billion oil revenue proposed in the budget for this year.

Oil majors suspending operations
In the last five months, supply disruptions have significantly affected the country’s oil exports as four of the nation’s five largest export streams have been totally suspended.
Currently, Forcados, Qua Iboe, Bonny Light and Brass River are under force majeure, a legal clause that allows companies to cancel or delay deliveries due to unforeseen circumstances.
Shell’s Nigerian unit had declared force majeure on lifting from the Forcados export terminal since February 21 after militants blew up a pipeline feeding the Forcados export terminal, knocking out at least 250,000bpd.
The oil major on August 12, also declared force majeure on exports of Bonny Light crude due to shutdown of the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) by the pipeline operator, Aiteo, following a leak.
The declaration came just over a month after it lifted the force majeure it declared on the grade on May 10.
However, Bonny Light exports were continuing via the Trans Niger Pipeline, which had reopened after being closed since early June.
ExxonMobil declared force majeure on shipments of Qua Iboe after a drilling platform ran aground and damaged the pipeline it jointly owns with the NNPC.
Qua Iboe is Nigeria’s largest crude oil stream and exports usually amounting to more than 300,000 bpd.
Its terminal handled 342,000 bpd last year.
It remained unclear whether ExxonMobil would be able to use a smaller alternate pipeline to resume some Qua Iboe exports. No programme has emerged for the grade.
Schedules for Erha and Bonga were also delayed, according to Reuters.
In April, Italian oil major, Eni, declared force majeure on exports of its Brass River grade after a pipeline fire. The suspension was lifted days after. Less than a month, the oil major again declared force majeure, following an attack on a key pipeline at the Brass Rivers terminal.

Attacks threaten 2016 budget
Explaining the economic effects of the continued attacks, Kachikwu last Thursday said that in addition to price element, the federal government had lost over 50 percent of its income and so too, the states.
“The militancy itself has brought down production from an average of 2.2 million barrels per day to about 1.4 million. And if I consider what I am saying here today, we are probably looking at 1.3 million barrels.
“What it means again, is when you take the cumulative effect of pricing and volume, you are down to more than 60 percent drop on the income of this country.
“You cannot even fund the 2016 budget. If you can’t fund the budget, government does not get money, salaries do not get paid, infrastructures cannot be delivered, development cannot happen,” he said.
Minister of Budget and Planning Udo Udoma recently lamented that Nigeria recorded a revenue shortfall of N1.064 trillion in the first six months of the year or 55% of the country’s projected revenue.

States shutting down
The states are equally affected by the dwindling oil revenue. The situation was so bad that some states had to go home empty handed in April after their statutory allocation was all deducted to service their debts.
About N32 billion was deducted from states allocations from the Federation Account in April for different loans they incurred.
Osun states, for instance, had its allocation of N2.030 billion for the month wiped away by a deduction of N2.391 billion, leaving a deficit of N361 million.
Even the oil rich states are not exempted with Bayelsa state losing N3.207 billion out of its N4.812 billion for April to service debts.
Official figures show that the eight oil-producing states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Imo, and Ondo, Abia shared only N20 billion as 13% derivation in July. This figure is less than 10 percent of their oil earning before the advent of the current oil crunch.
As a result of this, majority of the states in the Niger Delta are facing the twin challenge of payment of salaries and projects execution.

DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY OR RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT

“Dividends of Democracy” is one popular lexicon celebrated by political office holders in Nigeria. It is an unfortunate grand norm of those in power: be it the presidency, states or local governments to elevate government schedule of duties to an honour to celebrate or feast about. This tradition is in itself completely absurd. The celebration of dividends of democracy has risen to the level of a pass time and contemptuous corrupt practice. At any given time politicians deliver on their mandates in form of projects executed with tax payers’ money, crowds of jobless youth, the media space and time are always rented to celebrate what is simply the reason for being in government. Beneficiary contractors and communities of such projects are not left out in the bandwagon effect as they do even beyond their means to appease and celebrate the politician and the project which more often than not were shabbily executed. By giving out customised “Ankara or T-shirt” of the man in power, the mostly illiterate populace and gullible public who lack good understanding of governance especially the role elected office holders play join in the fray and are hoodwinked into believing the so called “American Wonders” done by the politicians. The military ruled Nigeria for years and it was visible that they had laudable projects to its credit. The better part of the foundation and current state of the nation today was an aftermath of that regime your perception of that era notwithstanding. They took it for granted and celebrate none knowing fully well that it was a call to duty.
An average Nigerian politician has a “Vuvuzela Mentality.” The trumpet blowing syndrome and a haughty sense of nobody else does it better than I do underscores the reason for lack of purposeful leadership the show has elicited and the ridiculous level of under development witnessed throughout the nation. With pictorials and graphic presentations of projects purportedly done occupying media spaces and time, the truth of the matter is that they are manifest in sheer propaganda and covered with the hood of deception. The money spent on the media and celebration most a times doubles the actual budget for the project so celebrated. A visit to the state where such high quality pictorials of development emerged tells the direct opposite in the entire jamboree of dishonesty. A one kilometer asphalted road is celebrated with pump and pageantry only for the road to become unpassable few months later.
Using the paraphernalia of power and that of the media as a tool and accomplice to driving home the intentions of politicians are not lost in Nigerian political firmament. The politicians often pay their ways through the media and once such messages are frequently echoed or weaved into a media campaign of say six months, it sticks like a gum of truth in peoples’ consciousness. However, the reality dawns on everyone in no distance time, people become disenchanted leading to some politicians being booed, insulted or are stoned when they visit their homes and villages. The famous one kilometer radius tunnel built by former governor of Enugu State Chimaroke Nnamani was in that category of propaganda extraordinaire and deception. It was nothing short of an over-head bridge and Enugu people can testify to that. So also are other numerous highly celebrated white elephant projects which bore the insignia of wastages around the country.  A good product does not need much promotional spree. It gets desired patronage on its own no matter the point of sale. Good thinking is an outcome of a good product. States that are doing well do not need to buy into advertisements or propaganda.  Their works are good testimonials for prudence and diligence in managing available scarce resources. The wisdom of putting state resources into the right beneficial projects is a lesson ignored by those in power. It is so vital that in it lies the fulcrum of  of development which is in short supply.
During campaigns for elective political offices, politicians pledge to do the unthinkable. So many outlandish promises tantamount to the one a man gives his girl at bed time tend to be the trend.  After the celebration of victory, the voters are shut out completely as the politician zooms pass in tinted SUV’s and police escorts without much attention or concern to the disappointment of all. This unfriendly political culture is annoying and the habit in itself completely silly. Execution of projects for the good of the people is a social contract meant to be fulfilled after elections. It is morally offensive, scorns the law of fairness and in contravention of the oath of the offices for an elected officer to celebrate his responsibilities or assume he does the people favour by keeping to his schedules. Before elections, a deal to be kept was struck between the electorates and elected. The electorates are always faithful in playing their parts at the polls while the elected shamelessly abandon their own part of the bargain. Paying good attention to investments in human capital development, quality and affordable education, provision of excellent and affordable health care, availability of class electricity power supply should interest those in government. In these few instances and many more can we be free from the vestiges of penury, want and underdevelopment states and the entire nation experiences. Propaganda is not the answer to societal development. Deliberate and conscientious attempt aimed at executing good and people oriented projects is.

Sunday Onyemaechi Eze, a Media and Communications Specialist is the publisher of thenewinsightng.blogspot.com.

RE: ELECTRICITY EMPLOYEES RAISE ALARM OVER NEW GROUP

#BringBackOurMoney#The attention of the Coordinator, PHCN SATAFF FORUM, Kaduna Mr. Stanley Ilumah has been drawn to a malicious and false alarm raised by the Kaduna State Council of the National Union of Electricity Employees titled “Electricity Employees Raise Alarm Over New Group” published in Daily Trust edition of 16th August, 2016 Page 18, linking him and the Forum to taxing and extortion of both ex-and serving staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The statement further alleged that, “we are also aware that a faction of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is said to be sponsoring this calculated attempt to disparage the good image of the union and its leadership and called on the general public to be wary of the dubious group…”  Mr. Stanley Ilumah and the Forum do not wish to join issues with Kaduna State Council of NUEE, Ephraim James, Mohamed Auwal Bello and their ilk but for the fact that, this piece of warped information was malignantly misleading. It wrongly insinuated that the group (PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna) is parading itself as representative of the former PHCN staff. Yes, we make bold to state here for the avoidance of doubt that the Forum genuinely represents the interest of its members and will continue to do so within the ambit of the law despite the distraction of those crying wolf where there is none.

As Nigerian citizens, Mr. Stanley Ilumah and the Forum will continue to enjoy the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly as enshrined in sections 24(1) and 25(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and not even NUEE can take away such rights. The issues of having only three registered Unions in the Power Sector does not bother the Forum as it is not in any competition of space with NUEE or the other two Unions mentioned for the simple reason that their interests are different from the Forum's. The Forum therefore wishes to state clearly that it is a law abiding and civil group. In its 10 months of existence, at no time was the group linked with any criminal activities. In fact, it is on record that relevant law enforcement agencies had interacted and have been keeping tab on its activities. Therefore, it is preposterous for an ignorant group to point accusing fingers when relevant security agencies are on top of the situation. One wonders what stops the Kaduna State Council of NUEE from reporting those dubious acts to the security agencies for necessary action before taking to the pages of newspapers.  These unfounded allegations reside purely in the imaginations of NUEE, Ephraim, Mohamed Auwal Bello and his failed co-travelers. If not what stops those extorted from raising the red flag.  The off-side kick qualifies for a simply distraction of a noble course the Forum has embarked upon. However, the Coordinator and the Forum shall not succumb to intimidation or cheap black mail.

Since Mr. Stanley Ilumah signed a letter by the Forum addressed to Joe Ajaero demanding for the refund of over 7.7billion deducted from the Severance Package of ex-PHCN staff without response, the leadership of NUEE has been in total disarray. As their advances to our forum to sheath the sword failed, they have resorted to blackmail. The NUEE spent forces and deflated foot soldiers in Kaduna State Council have been running from pillar to post in their desperate bid to cover up their tracks. Clear conscience fears no accusation is a popular saying. One would have thought that NUEE had better argument or explanation to make on the 7.7 billion naira instead of chasing shadow in the dark and engaging in undignified frivolities. In their futile and desperate attempt to score cheap goal, disparage the Coordinator, the Forum and bring both to the odium of public disrepute, why was it only the NUEE officials that mischievously signed a statement on behalf of three Unions? The NUEE is crying more than the bereaved. Where, when, how were those taxed and extorted? Cant those they seek to protect be mentioned or presented? The statement was the silliest information at the public domain. That by forming a group to propagate definite interests, the leader and such group has become dubious and an extortionist is to say the least diversionary.  The general public is by this medium informed that the statement is a proxy war launched by the National Union of Electricity Employees against PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna through the Kaduna State Council over the Forum’s demand for accountability in NUEE. Mr. Stanley Ilumah and the Forum are undaunted and unfazed until this is achieved.

Instead of addressing the demand and issues raised in the letter frontally and responsibly, the Union is playing to the gallery and has attempted to reduce a critical issue to name calling and insinuations. They should be told frankly that a whooping sum of 7.7 billion naira is too big to be covered under a mere press statement of 240 words. The sum is too much to be left unaccounted for by a Union which was awaken from self-inflicted slumber by our letter and one which has three years ago abdicated its core responsibilities. This attempt to gag an innocent and law abiding group by the foot soldiers of the leadership of NUEE in Kaduna will fail. 

After their two failed attempts to conscript some individuals to work against the letter the Forum wrote to the General Secretary, NUEE failed woefully, it was not surprising that NUEE has resorted to name calling and cheap black mail. It was rather absurd and absolute bunkum to link the leadership of a faction of NLC to sponsoring the Forum. As an ex- staff whose money was deducted, one is free to independently launch an inquest into the said deduction let alone a conscientious group. The Forum calls on well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on NUEE to do the needful instead of chasing shadows. The hallmark of professional journalism lies in fairness, objectivity and balanced reportage. For Daily Trust, wherein lies the above standards? Anyways, our crack team of lawyers have been briefed on this malicious publication accordingly. No Shaking! #SupportAccountabilityInNUEE#

Sunday Onyemaechi Eze

Media Adviser to Stanley Ilumah and PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna

Edo gov’ship: PDP set for protest over alleged arrest of members

Senator Ahmed Makarfi

Members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State will embark on a peaceful protest over what the party’s state chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, described as unwarranted arrest of members in the state.
Orbih, who made the allegation at a campaign rally held at Ogbeson Quarters, near Benin, said that the recent incident in Okada, Ovia North- East Local Government Area, where 13 PDP youths were arrested on “trumped up charges” was unacceptable.

He said that two weeks ago, youths from Egbeta, a rural community near Okada, were arraigned before a court by the state’s attorney-general and commissioner for justice, for alleged “threat to public peace and assaulting a civil commissioner.”
“This week is the last we would allow the Edo state attorney- general to change the charges against our members,” Orbih said.
“If it happens again, we would take to the streets to protest the arrest of PDP members by the APC-led government.”
The PDP governorship candidate in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had on Monday alleged that Governor Adams Oshiomhole was intimidating him with apparatus of the state ahead of the September 10 gubernatorial election in the state.
Dailytrust

Kwankwaso’s office sealed over mass wedding

Senator Kwankwaso
Armed contingent of police personnel have cordoned off the constituency office of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for allegedly conducting a mass wedding despite police order stopping the event.

Daily Trust reports that Kwankwaso had organized a mass marriage for over 100 couples which was scheduled to hold last Saturday, but was aborted by the police who cited security reports about a possible clash with Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s supporters.

A source told our reporter that the aborted wedding took place secretly on Monday at the premises of Kwankwaso’s office located along Lugard Road, a few meters away from the Kano Government House.
 However, speaking to our reporter, an ally of the former governor, Sanusi Surajo said the wedding took place at the residences of the respective couples and not at the office of Kwankwaso.
He said the police got hint of the wedding and sealed off Kwankwaso’s office after the Kwankwasiya Foundation began distributing the wedding gifts to some of the couples on Monday.
Kano State police spokesperson Magaji Musa Majiya said the police sealed off the building because the organizers of the mass wedding did not seek any approval to assemble at the venue.
Dailytrust

Kaduna to Face Increased Hardship as El-Rufai Dares to Sack Those Employed by Namadi, Yakowa and Yero

Kaduna to Face Increased Hardship as El-Rufai Dares to Sack Those Employed by Namadi, Yakowa and Yero. There are some strong  information from our source that indicates the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai,is putting up some arrangements to probe the administration of Arch Mohammed Namadi Sambo, the nation’s former vice president and also a one time governor of the state.

Our source revealed that Governor El-Rufai have given an order for the state civil service recruitment which was done during the stay of the former governor of the state, Arch Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and also the administration of his successor late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, alongside the immediate past governor of the state,  Muhktar Ramalan Yero, to be probed.

According to our source, “The Governor has already brought up committe made up of six persons to probe the recruitment in the states’ civil service from the year 2007 – 2015, in which Sambo, Late Yakowa and Yero were governors of Kaduna State at separate times.

“Governor El-Rufai has given an order for the full list of the entire recruitment that was carried out during the year 2007 – 2015, to inspected closely and thoroughly.”

Our source didn’t release full details on why the probe was being carried out, but on the other hand, another close source from the Government house in Kaduna State said that the probe is being carried out for the good interest for the people of Kaduna state.

He went on to give some explanations that: “Some of these civil servants are not able to either read nor write. It has also been discovered that some of these persons are older than the ages that they claim to be, while so many graduates who are very qualified are walking the streets without jobs for themselves.

For example, it has also been discovered that some of these civil servants aren’t punctual at work, and some of them don’t even know what their work schedule looks like. Won’t it be a very credible thing for the current government to probe the recruitment exercises and also find out how these persons were employed into the state service? he asked.

On the other hand, Mr Muyiwa, who is the Senior Special Assistant  to the Governor media and publicity, didn’t respond to his phone calls when reached to give his side of the story and how true it is. Also, Miss Maryam, who is the governor’s aides on new media, responded to her call by picking up but refused to give any comments on the issue saying that, the matter is way beyond her jurisdiction.

Mr. Samuel Aruwan, who is the Spokesperson  to Governor El-rufai, also refused to comment on the matter when he was contacted.

Someone who is thought to be a strong member of the PDP, Barrister Mark Jacob,who is a chieftain and also a former National Legal Adviser of the party, stated that he won’t be surprised if the speculations are true because the present governor has proven to carry out things that are too offensive or shocking to be published.

Mr Jacob went on to state that in his own opinion, those persons who were recruited be the past administrations were given the jobs because they were qualified, not because they are in support of any political party, saying that if the governor carries out what is speculated, it wouldn’t be a good example at all.
Credit: Kadunanewsonline.com

Army says 'so called 'Shekau' fatally wounded' in air strike

The Nigerian army has said 'so called Abubakar Shekau,' the Boko Haram leader was fatally wounded in a recent air strike in Sambisa forest.


A statement today by Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said: " in what one could describe as the most unprecedented and spectacular air raid, we have just confirmed that as a result of the interdiction efforts of the Nigerian Air Force, some key leaders of the Boko Haram terrorists have been killed while others were fatally wounded."

He added that: "The air interdiction took place last week Friday 19th August 2016, while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village,  Gombale general area within Sambisa forest, Borno State."

He said: "Those Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead include Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman, amongst others. While their leader, so called “Abubakar  Shekau”, is believed to be fatally wounded on his shoulders. Several other terrorists were also wounded."
Culled from: Dailytrust

Foreign reserve drops to $25.209bn

Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance
Nigeria’s foreign continue to depreciate in the face of economic recession, low capacity oil production and dwindling revenue profile.

As at August 17, 2016, the reserve stood at $25.209bn from about $30.837bn recorded on August 13, 2015. It represented about $5.628bn reflected in a year period, CBN data showed.

In a week, between August 11, and 17, the foreign reserve depreciated by $119.810m from $25.329bn to $25.209bn.
However in the same period of 2015, the reserve rose by $84.990million.
In the first week of August 2015, it peaked at $31.537bn as against the $30.837 recorded in the second week, by August 13, 2015.
This period largely witnessed currency control regime of the CBN which saw Nigeria’s foreign reserve to deplete hugely as the CBN struggled to shore up the Naira, a war it eventually lost to the liberation of the naira.
The CBN lately had introduced a number of measures to reduce the pressure on foreign reserve. Some of these measures including, restricting Foreign Exchange (FX) sales to 41 items, banned of sale of FX to BDCs, restrictions on daily FX spending on ATM abroad and other policies.
Credit:Dailytrust

FORUM COORDINATOR CHARGED FOR CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY AND INTIMIDATION

                            Joyous Stanley Ilumah after the bail

The Coordinator, PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna Mr. Stanley Ilumah was yesterday docked at the Customary Court I Tudun Wada Kaduna for criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and defamation of character of Moses Amedu and Ali Sikamta Mishelinga.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Nanjul Amos who read the charges to the hearing of the accused (Stanley Ilumah) informed the court that the above offences contravenes sections 96, 398 and 391 of the penal code of northern Nigeria respectively. The plea of the accused was taken and denied the charges.
Consequently, in his submission, the counsel to the defendant and PHCN STAFF Forum, Barrister Suleiman Rufai prayed the court to grant his client bail. The Honourable Judge, IbrahimTitus Jujas granted the application and accused bail accordingly.

            Members of PHCN STAFF FORUM, KAduna at the Court
Selected members of the Forum were on hand in solidarity with the coordinator. Solidarity songs erupted after the release of the coordinator signaling the resolve to continue to fight on till victory is achieved.
The plaintiffs had no legal representation in court. An executive of the National Union of Electricity Employees who arrived the court after the proceedings looked befuddled, ruffled and bewildered. A member of the Forum who craved anonymity said he confessed that he did not know, this issue will get to this level. The case was adjourned to 1st September, 2016 for further hearing.

ISSUES SURROUNDING THE PLANNED DEMOLITION OF GBAGYI VILLA COMMUNITY KADUNA

Since March 4 when residents of Gbagyi Villa Community - a new settlement behind Kaduna Polytechnic by Sabon Tasha were issued notices of demolition amidst heavy security presence in what the Kaduna state government termed illegal encroachment of Kaduna polytechnic land, life has become terribly unbearable. Apprehension has grown from mere headache to nightmare and worse of all hypertension. Some law abiding residents were molested for daring to inquire the rationale behind KASUPDA’s action and the heavy presence of security in a civil and peaceful environment. From the foregoing, Gbagyi Villa is marked for unjustifiable demolition and waiting for the bulldozers to come in any moment from now. 

As a civil and law abiding community, the temple of justice was its last resort and Kaduna State High Court currently entertains the matter. To ensure that justice was not denied both parties until the determination of the suit, an interlocutory injunction was given to Kaduna State government, its agents and proxies to desist from further actions. At this juncture it was incumbent on both parties and proxies to desist from actions capable of shattering the peace, one that could interfere with the court processes, impugn on the authority of the court or violate the rights of both parties. The community in its characteristic peaceful manner has left the court to do its job bearing in mind that it is the last hope of the common man.
However, in an unscheduled visit by the governor to the over 3000 fully developed housing community, 40 churches, about 12 schools and more than 5,000 inhabitants on Thursday, July 21 the governor said there was no going back on the planned demolition exercise. El-Rufai who stormed the community in company of top Kaduna state government officials, Kaduna Polytechnic Management team amidst heavy security presence said it was unfortunate some people have been coned into buying government owned land. Therefore, the community cannot stop their houses from being demolished. It is disheartening for one to stand and listen to a conversation where it has been concluded that one’s house stands at the mercy of an impending bulldozer. Did Kaduna state government take into account the enormity of pain and damage it will inflict on the community by taking this anti-people oriented action?
El-Rufai informed journalists that although, the government of Kaduna State and its agencies were aware that the case is in a competent court, action will however be taken against criminal trespassers. The Governor said the encroached land case in court has little to do with breaking of the law, “when you break the law you can’t go to court and hide.” This sudden twist and the unscheduled visit to Gbagyi Community by the governor is serious considering his antecedent as a minister of the Federal Capital Territory. That visit is an affront to the ongoing judicial process and crass intimidation of a harmless community with the instrumentality of power.
A good father does not take side when crisis breaks out among his children. He takes pain to peacefully mediate for peace to return and rein in his home. As at this moment, the governor has not deemed it fit to bring both parties to a round table for an amicable resolution of the land dispute. Instead, he has continued to show preference to the Polytechnic by his actions and deeds. The governor has already delivered judgement in his “executive court” in favour of Kaduna Polytechnic. The presence of the Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic Dr. Mohammed Bello Ibrahim, who was in the entourage of the governor at the time of that visit without any representative of Gbagyi Community, is a clear indication of the governor’s subjective position which must be noted. The governor veered off the substance of discussion and blamed some people for giving the matter religious and ethnic colorations maintaining that government will not allow illegal encroachment on Kaduna Polytechnic land to stand. He warned that, the present administration will not condone any form of illegality in the state, stressing that in Kaduna nobody can hide behind religion or his or her ethnic group to break the law and get away with it. As a listening government, the above sentiment raised by the governor should be a good reason to apply brake in the interest of peace.
According to the Chairman, Gbagyi Villa Community, Chris Obodum, Gbagyi Villa is the ancestral land of the Gbagyi people before part of it was acquired by Kaduna Polytechnic. He maintained that the parcel of land in question has been a source of conflict between the native People of Gbagyi because the owners claimed they were not duly compensated at the time of acquisition. Sometimes in 2010, a suit was instituted against Kaduna Polytechnic by indigenous Gbagyi people. In the course of the proceedings, Kaduna Polytechnic sought for out of court settlement of the case. The court obliged and the matter was settled amicably. Thereafter, the late governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Yakowa waded into the matter and after due diligence and administrative processes inaugurated a “White Paper Committee” in May, 2011 which looked into the matter and amicably demarcated the boundary between the two parties. Consequently, Kaduna State government issued a white paper while the Surveyor General of Kaduna State produced a survey map demarcating Polytechnic land from that of Gbagyi Villa Community. As we speak, Kaduna Polytechnic land has been adequately secured with a wall of fence and it is instructive to mention that no member of Gbagyi Villa Community lives or is building inside the fenced polytechnic land. He argued that the governor’s actions are untenable excuses to destroy the products and sweats of ordinary citizens by force of the law and power that have sworn to protect citizens.
Government white paper is a definite instrument employed in the decision making processes of states on various range of issues including settlement of land matters. It is an authentic government policy document which lays to permanent rest such burning issues of state and not one to be dismissed or spurned to satisfy the vested the interest of individuals. Government is a continuum and as such decisions of previous governments which the present found unacceptable could be reviewed in line with laid down administrative processes. That has not been done by Kaduna state government in relation to Gbagyi Villa. The antagonistic and premeditated posture of Nasir El-Rufai on this issue contradicts the amicable out of the court resolution initiated by Kaduna Polytechnic. It scorns the stable peace and friendliness both the community and the Polytechnic enjoy through the good effort of late Governor Patrick Yakowa and the boundary demarcation carried out by the Surveyor General of Kaduna State which was graciously accepted by Kaduna Polytechnic by erecting concrete fence around their portion of land. It is an attempt to rewrite history and an effort to rupture the existing peace in Kaduna because it is unthinkable for people to fold their hands and watch their hard earned properties go down in rubbles.
This matter is before Kaduna State High Court and an interlocutory injunction was given to Kaduna state government, its agencies and proxies, the Nigerian police and others to refrain from taking further action pending the determination of the suit. In the light of above, one wonders what nectar of interest the governor has which prompted him to visit Gbagyi Villa on July, 21 in defiance of the court injunction. It baffles one that Kaduna state government has become a meddlesome interloper in a matter bothering a Federal Higher institution which can sue and be sued, stand firm and defend itself. It is even more curious that Kaduna Polytechnic has resorted to self-help on a matter before a court of competent jurisdiction in the state. President Muhammadu Buhari, the international community and well-meaning Nigerians are called to prevail on Governor Nasir el-Rufai to desist from intimidating Gbagyi Villa Community and allow the justice system to run its full course. This is democracy!

Sunday Onyemaechi Eze, a Media and Communications Specialist is the publisher of thenewinsightng.blogspot.com. He wrote via sunnyeze02@yahoo.com and can be reached on 08060901201

DEALING WITH GHOST WORKERS SYNDROME IN NIGERIA

Ghost worker syndrome in Nigeria predates the second republic. Every government has desired to resolve this caterpillar and cankerworm ravaging the public service without success.  Several committees were set up in the past to end the ugly trend but the more reports were turned in the greater the increase. It is increasingly becoming evident that it takes more than wishful thinking or mere policy statements from government to eliminate this menace. There have been uncountable physical verification exercises of staff of ministries and agencies in the Federal, States and Local governments in the past with minimal or no results.

Who is a ghost worker? He or she is a non-existing employee who earns an undeserved monthly wage and enjoys the unequaled incentives of services not rendered. His or her absence from duty and unknown schedules benefits him/her, the unscrupulous officer or group who employs him to corruptly line his/their pocket(s). The public service has tacitly encouraged this unwholesome and unaccepted trend as if nothing is wrong to the detriment of our nation. The system has pretended to be wag
ing a war against a disorder while the solution knocks at the door step of the same system.
How does one juxtapose an unwholesome situation and a syndrome created by a system to be resolved by that same system? The beneficiaries of the “sweet fruits” of this system are the worms inside the fruit itself which ruins it. Government should not claim ignorant of the source of our clear predicament. The person who is said to be behind the predicament of an individual is that man very close to him. An ordinary Nigerian knows the right source of this mess, can pin-point it and offer useful suggestions to ending it, why does it seem the government is at loss as to the step to take. Those who sustain the evil are same sitting at the committee levels of destroying the condition. It is a syndicated brand where the booty fuels the cars of beneficiaries, pay the school fees of children, satisfies the pleasure of and the lavished life styles of those who should burst it.
The syndicates are known Governors, Ministers, Directors, Commissioners, Heads of agencies and parastatals, Local government Chairmen who constitute the cabal in the public service. Others are powerful politicians and godfathers who make things happen in states throughout the nation. It is not surprising that more than twenty-seven states cannot pay salaries. The practice serves as a patronage for political big wigs who made it happen during elections. They forward names of their wives and children including the dead who stay at home but collects fat monthly pay packages without knowing the road to their offices. In fact, it is incontrovertible that some people earn salaries and wages for years without knowing their state secretariats or local government headquarters.
Before the introduction of e-payment policy by government, states and local government secretariats are always beehives of activities as supposed staff throng in, in anticipation of payment of salaries only for the human traffic to dry up thereafter. It is a desperate cult of money and power seekers who initiate subordinates strategically positioned and designated to take this baton of corruption to the next stage in sustenance of the depraved legacy as the old ones bow out of service. The tall, strong, huge iroko tree of ghost worker syndrome was planted long ago and it must take the gut of a bulldozer to pull it down.

Government must take drastic actions aimed at rooting out those involved in perpetrating the evils of ghost worker syndrome wherever they are in Nigeria. Kemi Adeosun, the minister of finance is at the vanguard of putting an end to it. It was reported that the Continuous Audit Team has saved about 50 billion and over 43, 000 ghost workers were identified nationwide and removed from federal government payroll of ghost workers. She also promised persecution of those involved in the scam. 

One of the lasting solutions to inability of states to pay salaries rests in eliminating ghost workers disorder. The governors should as a matter of urgency borrow a leaf from the federal government to stem the tide. I cannot imagine a non-management staff having a ghost worker. If it is obtainable at all, such a staff must have been induced by the “oga at the top” who has the power and authority to infuse as many ghosts workers as he wants. Therefore, government knows the category of staff to investigate as part of the measures to end this scourge. Dealing with ghost workers syndrome in Nigeria is a joint task for all.

Chai! Woman sells her unborn child for N100,000

A 29-year-old woman from Amasiri, Ebonyi State, Miss Chidimma Okorie,

yesterday, stunned people at the headquarters of the Anambra State Police
Command in Awka, when she admitted that she had already sold her unborn
child for N100,000.
The mother of five, who said she had never been married, also admitted
stealing two three years old boys at Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government
Area of Anambra State, with the connivance of two medical doctors operating
private hospitals in the area.
The two medical doctors, Emmanuel Tobechukwu and Cosmos Ugorji, who the
police described as accomplices in child trafficking, were also helping the police
in their investigations.
Chidimma said she had sold two children since she was introduced into the
“business” by a woman she identified as an Evangelist.
According to her: “I sold the two children for N50,000 each. I am pregnant and
the madam (Evangelist) said when I deliver my baby, she would buy it for
N100,000. I have five children, but I am not married. I have not sold any of my
children, but I have sold two children, starting with the child of a pastor last
month.”
She said the two medical doctors were helping her in the trafficking because
they had a ready market through a nurse, still at large.
She alleged that the Evangelist brought her along with two other girls from
Ebonyi State to Anambra State and took them to a shrine in Asaba where,
according to her, she collected their blood samples for a ritual so that they
would not reveal to anybody the type of business they were into.
We just did blood tests —DOCTORS
Dr Ugorji, however, insisted that he had neither seen her before, nor done any
transaction with her.
He said one nurse, now at large, was coming to his hospital, located at Awada,
Obosi, near Onitsha, for blood tests, adding that he was surprised police
stormed his hospital and started talking about child trafficking.
On his part, Dr Tobechukwu, who said his hospital was at Nkpor, near Onitsha,
admitted that a woman brought Chidimma to his hospital for blood test.
He said: “This woman (Chidimma) has a medical condition, which I would not
want to discuss here. She was brought by one woman, who said she was a
nurse. I did not document their addresses because we did not do any treatment.
What we did was blood test and they left.”
The doctor, who said he was from Enugu State, said he had nothing to do with
child trafficking.
Anambra Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Nkeiru Nwode, said the
suspects were arrested on Wednesday, after a tip-off.
She said Chidimma had come to Idoma village and stolen the boys, but luck ran
out on her as people raised alarm and she was apprehended.
The PPRO said before the latest incident, Chidimma had stolen a child
belonging to a pastor in the area.
Nwode said the doctors were accomplices, who were linking the traffickers to
ready markets.

Stop further attacks, ex-militant leaders beg Avengers, others

EX-MILITANT leader, Mr. Smart Amola (aka) 'General' Gentle,

yesterday, appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers to stop further attacks
on oil installations, insisting that the attacks have negative effects on the
economy of the region and the country.
Also, Niger Delta Sustainable Development Advocacy, NDSDA, has called
on Ijaw elders and leaders of thought not to allow the Avengers and other
militants to use the bombing of oil and gas installations in the region to
continuously hold government and international oil companies to ransom.
NDSDA, in a statement by Greg Afoegba, however, commended the leaders
for their recent intervention, urging militants to embrace dialogue and
cease hostilities.
It said: “Niger Delta region cannot be taken out of Nigeria. As a nation,
we have a government in place from the presidency, national and states
Assemblies, judiciary, state and local governments governed by the 1999
constitution.

Naira hits 400/dollar as banks sell forex to BDCs

The naira plunged to 400 against the dollar at the parallel market on

Thursday as shortage of foreign exchange continued to have negative
effects on economic activities in the country.
The local currency had closed at 390 against the greenback on Wednesday.
The shortage of forex at the interbank and the black market has continued
to weigh on the value of the naira.
After closing at around 378 against the dollar for most part of last week,
the naira dropped to 380 on Friday before falling to 382 on Monday.
The currency closed at 315.06 to the United States dollar at the interbank
market on Thursday.
Economic and financial analysts have linked the wide depreciation in the
value of the naira against the dollar at the parallel market to huge demand
for forex by holidaymakers seeking to travel abroad.
However, some experts said the huge demand for forex at the parallel
market was beyond the normal summer rush.
They linked the development to the activities of speculators and significant
demand by manufacturers and importers whose demand was not being met
at the interbank market.
Currency analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ezun, said, “The issue still
has to do with inadequate forex supply. As far as you continue to have
some 41 items banned from the interbank market, importers and
manufacturers of those items will continue to seek for forex at the parallel
market.
“This is part of the reason you are having pressure at the parallel market.”
According to Ezun, the global plunge in oil prices has affected the capacity
of the Central Bank of Nigeria to defend the naira.
“If the price of oil should go up, more forex will come in and you will see
that things will change,” he added.
A Professor of Economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye,
Sherrifdeen Tella, said the huge demand for dollars could be due to the
activities of genuine manufacturers and importers seeking forex for
production and business purposes, or corrupt people who had stolen state
funds.
Tella said, “The naira is falling at the parallel market because there is
scarcity at the interbank market. This fall could be due to the activities of
genuine manufacturers or some people you cannot identify. These are
people who have stored naira somewhere and are seeking to convert them
to dollars. They use every chance they have to buy dollars. What the CBN
may need to do is to neutralise that money by changing the colour of the
N500 and N1,000 notes.

Rio Olympic: Eagles beat Japan in a 5-4 thriller

Despite arriving the venue of the match late, Nigeria’s under 23 male team fired by the spirit of patriotism and zeal, Friday morning defeated their Japanese counterparts 5-4. Nigeria’s Sadiq Umar opened the scoring chart, but the Japanese were able to equalise through a penalty kick. The hero of the match, Oghenekaro Etebo scored four goals, which sealed the fate of the Japanese. Not even late effort at equalisation could save them as their effort could only fetch four goals. The I can do it spirit of Nigerians is never in short supply.

Budget crisis: APC bars Dogara, Jibrin from public comments

Speaker House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara and a former chairman

committee on appropriation have been barred by their party from speaking
further to the press on crisis in the House over illegal pork barrel projects.
Daily Trust learnt that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) gave the gag
order in a letter sent to them dated yesterday.
The House has been set against itself since the scandal broke and it continues
to dominate newspaper headlines and the social media.
It all began when on July 20 the Speaker sacked Abdulmumin Jibrin as
chairman appropriation committee over allegation that he illegally inserted
projects worth N4 billion for his constituency.
Few days later Jibrin responded by embarking on a damning media campaign
against the Speaker, his deputy Yussuf Suleimon Lasun and two others, alleging
that they have done far worse than what they said he did.
He said the Speaker, his deputy together with chief whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa
and the minority leader, Leo Ogor, have illegally pork-barrelled projects worth
over N40 billion into national budget.
Jibrin released documents to the social media, some with hand written notes on
the margin, which he suggested were made by the Speaker and the others to
prove his allegations.
At the last count Jibrin had made about 23 allegations against the quartet and
personally delivered petitions he wrote against them to anti graft agency, the
EFCC, the internal intelligence agency, the DSS and Force Headquarters.
It was at this point that the party said it had had enough and summoned both
sides for a separate meeting on Tuesday to broker a truce.
Sources told Daily Trust that it was as a result of that meeting that the party
sent separate letters to both Dogara and Jibrin, directing them to stop further
public statement on the matter.
The letter, seen by Daily Trust, which was signed by the party’s deputy national
chairman, North, Lawal Shuaibu, said:
“As you are aware, the party and indeed the Government have not been happy
over recent developments in the House of Representatives over the issue of the
2016 Budget. We found it embarrassing to have to deal with another new
phenomenon you tagged ‘Budget Padding.
“However, I write to thank you for your cooperation in honouring our
intervention and your readiness to afford the party the chance to handle the
House of Representatives ‘budget padding’ crisis.
“Arising from the series of meetings we held with you over the subject matter,
the National Working Committee had decided to request you to henceforth avoid
issuing any public statement on this matter.
“This, however, includes statements through social media or other means of
transmitting an opinion on the matter to the public, as the party is now looking
into it towards finding possible solution.”
Daily Trust gathered that during the party’s meeting with Jibrin on Tuesday, the
officials expressed their displeasure over the happenings and told him the
implication of his action to the party, saying it could go beyond the National
Assembly.
It was further gathered that the session got so heated that Jibrin broke into
tears.
However, Jibrin told Daily Trust on Wednesday night, before the party’s letter of
yesterday, that the APC leaders only demanded the details of what happened.
He spoke only briefly on the matter.
“They called me to hear the full details of what is happening. But they didn’t in
any way try to force me to drop the criminal allegations that I made against the
13 members of the House.”
Asked about the displeasure expressed by the party about his action and its
consequences on the party and some of its officials, Jibrin simply said “I don’t
know about that.”
When Daily Trust further asked Jibrin if it was true that he cried during the
interaction, he burst into laughter and then said “I’ve already responded, and I
think what I said is enough,” he said.

Jimoh Ibrahim buys Ondo gov’ship forms from Sheriff

A governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP),

Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, has obtained the Ondo State Peoples Democratic
Party’s (PDP) N11 million governorship expression of interest and nomination
forms from the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction.
Barrister Ibrahim, who expressed optimism about his chance at the poll in Abuja
yesterday, said the Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the
party was not known to the law.
He said his administration would create jobs, develop human capital and pay
the outstanding salaries of workers in the state within 100 days in office.

House of Reps member kidnapped

Rep Bello Sani


The member representing Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency in the National
Assembly, Sani Bello, has been kidnapped.
Daily Trust gathered that the member was picked up from his farm at Gobirawa
village of Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.
The spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, Salisu Abubakar, who
confirmed the incident, said the state command and its Kaduna counterpart
were liaising to address the situation.
Sources at the Katsina Government House told Daily Trust that the state
governor, Aminu Masari, who had given full support for the manhunt of the
kidnappers, asked that everything possible be done to ensure his safe return.
Mashi, 51, has been in the federal legislature since 2011 and had previously
served in the Katsina State House of Assembly. He was also the chairman of
Mashi Local Government Area.
Mashi who is a holder of Higher National Diploma (HND) obtained in 1996 from
the Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, targets to make laws that would bring
development to his constituency, according to the website of the National
Assembly.
He is of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Villages around the Birnin Gwari axis, including Goburawa from where Sani Bello
has been abducted, have in recent times been haunted by bandits.
Thousands of people in the villages have lived in fear of the armed bandits
believed to dwell in a thick forest sharing boundaries with Zamfara, Niger and
Katsina states, from where they plan and repeatedly launch attacks on villagers
and road users mostly around Birnin Gwari, killing some people and abducting
others.

Buhari, Jonathan in closed door meeting

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met behind closed-doors with his

predecessor Goodluck Jonathan.
Jonathan, who visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock President
Villa in Abuja, stressed the need for Nigeria’s unity after a 20-minute meeting
with President Buhari.
He however noted that resolving the Niger Delta crisis was not just about him,
but about traditional rulers, elders and opinion leaders of the Ijaw ethnic group,
adding that they had been in touch to see that peace reigns in the country.
Mr. Jonathan had publicly visited Buhari twice; the first visit took place at the
president’s residence and the second while the president was at work in the
office.
The visits came at a time that Jonathan’s senior civilian and military officials
are being arrested and prosecuted in the government’s anti-graft drive.
Yesterday’s visit took place in the office and even though it lasted 15 minutes
the atmosphere looked more relaxed than during the other times.
While the former president walked away without speaking to reporters on
previous occasions, yesterday he stopped to answer their questions.
A source in the presidency also told Daily Trust that President Buhari took the
visit seriously.
The source said Buhari announced at beginning of the cabinet meeting that he
had an important engagement at 2.00 pm and the meeting should end well
before that.
Jonathan arrived the Presidential Villa at exactly 1.55pm in a black Range Rover
Sport Utility Vehicle marked KWL 86 CN, and after the meeting, warned that the
country would go into extinction if fragmented.
A militant group, the Adaka Boro Avengers, had recently said it would declare
the Niger Delta Republic on August 1, 2016 and open its headquarters in
Kaiama, the country home of the late Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Isaac Adaka
Boko. The group however did not make the declaration, saying prominent
leaders of the region had advised against it.
Jonathan said: “Those of you that have followed my talks when I was here, my
emphasis is that we need a united Nigeria, and I always emphasise that Nigeria
is great not just about the oil. So many countries produce more oil than
Nigeria, nobody notices them, we are great because of our size, the human
resources we have, the diversity we have.
“If we fragment the country into small components, we will be forgotten by the
world. That has been my focal position, and without peace, there cannot be
development anywhere in the world. We are all working collectively to see that
issues are resolved.”
Answering a question on the Buhari administration’s anti-corruption war, he
said it would be unfair of him to comment on it since many cases were in court.
Jonathan said he visited Buhari to intimate him on his international
engagements, especially his recent appointment as leader of the African Union
election observation mission to Zambia.
He said: “One key thing is that having been a head of a government, a former
president, you become a state property. That is the privilege you have, but
every privilege has its corresponding responsibility. And once you become a
state property, most of your international engagements become national
assignments, you brief the president.
“Even when I was here, former presidents used to do that. I have been coming,
most times, I come in the night; that is why you don’t see me. I came to brief
the president about some of my engagements. It is the tradition.”

Commission confirms Omolori as N/Assembly Clerk

The National Assembly Service Commission has confirmed the appointment of

Mohammed Sani-Omolori as the substantive Clerk to the National Assembly.
The confirmation was contained in a letter signed by the commission's
Chairman, Malam Adamu Mohammed Fika. Omolori had been on acting
capacity since June when the former clerk, Salisu Mailasuwa, proceeded on
terminal leave.
The letter said the appointment was in recognition of his hard work, dedication
to duty and responsible conduct as well as loyalty to the leadership of the
National Assembly. The appointment takes effect from August 15, 2016, the
letter said.
PASAN threatens Assembly shutdown
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) in the
National Assembly has threatened to shut down the federal legislature if the
alleged plan to extend the tenures of some senior officers due for retirement was
carried out.
PASAN took the decision at its meeting yesterday, alleging that there were
pressures from some quarters to extend the tenure of some officers, which they
said would deny junior officers the opportunity for elevation.

THE PROPRIETY OF IMMUNITY FOR NASS AND STATE ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIPS

The propriety or otherwise of immunity for the leadership of National and State Assembly's leaderships has sharply divided Nigerians. The weight of public opinion has exclusively reserved immunity for only the executive arm of government. Some premised their reasons on some mundane rhetoric while others were anchored on emotion. Our opinions are often moulded by what we hear from people, what we see or read from the mass media which more often than are preconceived ideas of what the editor churns out for public consumption. That was why it is said that news is what the editor says is news. The bill which has passed second reading in the Senate recently threw the House of Representatives into another round of legislative commotion. 

In an ideal democratic situation, the law is sacrosanct and a respecter of no man. It firmly stands independently on its own without anyone interfering with it. The roles of the three arms are properly defined by these laws and no arm interferes with the other. In our unique democracy and the Unitary-Presidential system of government in practice, the power at the disposal of the executive is enormous that it is sometimes overbearing. The executive arm flaunt or throws the weight of this power recklessly around to compel and intimidate other arms to comply with certain decisions.
Section 308(1)(a) of the Constitution stipulates that “ no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office.” Subsection (3) further defined such persons as, “a person holding the office of President or Vice Presidents, Governors or Deputy Governor; and the reference in this section to “period of office” is a reference to the period during which the person holding such office is required to perform the functions of the office.” The writers of the Nigerian constitution did not envisage or foresee the crass overbearing influence of the executive arm of government over others arms. They took care of any imminent distractions that could hinder the smooth running of governments at the federal and states but did not envisage the kind of acrimony witnessed today in our polity especially as it affects the smooth running of the legislature.
Therefore, the urgent drive for immunity for the leadership of NASS and State Assemblies was a child of circumstance and necessity. When it has become evident that those who refused to rise from the defeat they suffered in the election of the leadership of the NASS are throwing deadly punches even from their lost grounds, a law to insulate the leaders of that arm who we knew are targets of prosecution from distraction is the only right approach very handy. Protection of the independence of the legislature at the national and states that makes good governance possible should be paramount. When someone under whatever guise tend to prosecute the principal officers of an arm of government which makes the laws as a pay-back for their strong will and seeming disobedience of party directives, the simple thing to do is to seek refuge within a law.

The politics behind immunity was one that has unduly favoured the executive arm since Abraham Lincon defined democracy as government of the people, for the people by the people. Does it mean that there is no element of corruption and executive recklessness in the executive arm in Nigeria? For many, it has been so and so shall it be forever and ever. Democracy is a beautiful practice anchored on equality and designed to better the lives of the practitioners. It provides excellent services and development to the people, checks and balances between the three arms of government which ensures synergy for smooth running of government. In Nigerians the tenets of democracy are desecrated with impunity by those in power. It is a master slave relationship between the executive and legislature where there seems not to be a clear mutual respect for the independence and authority of other arms. Democracy has evolved in Nigeria but we are far from reaping the beauty of representative government. 

It is always difficult for everybody to be on the same slate whenever Nigerians ventilate their views on issues bothering on our overall well-being. The constitution did not prohibit NASS or the Judiciary from immunity. It is pertinent to point out that the attendant backlash and inherent opposition to the bill by some members of the NASS acting the badly written scripts of party god fathers is a futile attempt to gag NASS and State Assemblies perpetually.  The bill on the long run is for the good and well-being of democracy. The NASS is determined than ever to do it, therefore no external influence or forces can stop it. 

Sunday Onyemaechi Eze, a Media and Communications Specialist is the publisher of thenewinsightng.blogspot.com. He writes via sunnyeze02@yahoo.com and can be reached on 08060901201. Twitter: @thenewinsightng

Pres Buhari's Economic Team in Special Meeting with Experts, Consider Quick Recovery Options

Concerted efforts to address the economic challenges intensified as President

Muhammadu Buhari's Economic Management Team, EMT, held a consultative
forum with a team of notable economic and financial experts at a meeting
presided over today by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
At the parley which held at the Presidential Villa, strategies and suggestions on
how best to reflate the economy, bring it out of recession and promptly restore
growth topped the agenda, with the Vice President expressing the President's
determination to continuously consider and adopt policies that would boost
business, increase employment and provide succor to the poor and
disadvantaged.
Speaking at the forum, Prof. Osinbajo said:
"We will continue to engage with experts and other stakeholders so we can
measure progress of the economic policies that have been put in place. The
challenges are many but the opportunities are much greater, we are clearly on
the path to building an economy that will create jobs and ensure inclusive
growth."
The EMT meets weekly and also hold special consultations with members of the
private sector and economic experts from time to time.
Experts who attended the four-hour long special meeting were Mr. Bismarck
Rewane, Mr. Bode Augusto, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Dr. Ayo Teriba and Prof. Badayi
Sani.
Issues discussed at the consultative forum include the review of the new foreign
exchange regime and its effect on the economy as well as the draft Medium
Term Economic Framework for 2017-2019. The EMT members and the experts
made a plethora of suggestions on how to reflate the economy, especially
through massive infrastructural spending with active private sector participation,
ensure pro-people economic policies, increase the supply of dollars to the forex
market among other issues.
Speaking with reporters at the end of the meeting, Minister for Budget &
National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma said "we’ve just finished a
special meeting of the economic management team, as you know, we are in the
middle of consultations to develop the new mid-term economic framework, M-
TEF."
He further disclosed that the meeting is "part of a comprehensive consultation
process that we are embarking on to make sure that we reach out to a wide
spectrum of Nigerians to get a feed back in terms of how best to make sure
that we come out of this recession."

OPC members storm Ogun to fight militants

NO fewer than 5,000 members of the Reformed Oodua People’s Congress

on Tuesday stormed the Imushin community in Ogun State, to confront
suspected militants in the area.
Our correspondent gathered that the members of the ethnic militia, who
arrived in more than 100 buses and cars, came from Lagos and Ogun
states.
They reportedly moved around some of the areas and visited the Olumushin
of Imushin, Oba Taiwo Bamgbose, who received them outside his palace.
A palace source said the OPC members, which did not carry any weapon,
were only armed with charms, which they claimed had powers.
He said, “They were over 5,000 and they filled the whole community. They
carried all kinds of charms and a few of them even carried placards,
protesting militant’s invasion of the South-West.
“They said they were ready to enter into the creeks to face the militants
and kill them and all they needed was the permission of the traditional
ruler. Some of them said they could transform to snakes and lions, once
they get into the creeks.
“The traditional ruler, after thanking them for their concern, asked them to
leave because he had not received authority from higher authorities to
allow them fight the militants. He urged them to get approval from the
government before doing anything in the community. ”
The President of the OPC group, Dare Adesope, who confirmed the visit to
our correspondent on the telephone, said their presence in the community
was to assure residents of their security.
Adesope said his group was incensed by the killings and kidnap of
residents without any response from the government.
He explained that the members of the group had issued a 14-day
ultimatum to the militants to vacate the South West, adding that the
ultimatum expired on Monday.
He said, “On July 19, we issued a 14-day ultimatum to the militants to end
their activities in the South-West and we said if they didn’t leave, we will
challenge them and defend our people. That ultimatum elapsed yesterday
(Monday).
“The recent military action against the militants might have been influenced
by our ultimatum, because prior to the release, the Federal Government
didn’t do anything.
“We decided to go to the community in 107 buses and some cars, to show
that the Reformed OPC is still on the ground and our aim is to protect the
lives and property of everyone that is residing within our area of
jurisdiction.
“Our silence all this while is not an act of cowardice. It is because we
believe in dialogue before action. It is wrong for anyone to be kidnapping,
raping, robbing and killing our people. We say no to that and we don’t
want anything like that again in Yoruba land. After today, if we hear
anything again in the area, we know what to do.”
The traditional ruler, who also confirmed the visit on the telephone,
appealed to the fleeing members of the 18 villages in the community to
return home.
He thanked the Federal Government, the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle
Amosun, and the members of the Joint Task Force for the efforts aimed at
restoring sanity to the area.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website,
may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in
whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

EFCC arraigns Fayose’s ally, Agbele, on fraud charges today

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will on Wednesday (today)

arraign Mr. Abiodun Agbele, an ally of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti
State, on charges of fraud involving N1.2bn belonging to the Federal
Government.
The said sum was alleged to be part of the N4.7bn that was mysteriously
transferred from the imprest account of the Office of the National Security
Adviser to the bank account of Sylvan McNamara, a company allegedly
owned by the sons of a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator
Musiliu Obanikoro.
Obanikoro allegedly took N1.2bn from the N4.7bn and flew it to Akure
during the build-up to the governorship election in Ekiti State and handed
the sum to Agbele for onward transfer to Fayose.
It was learnt on Tuesday that the EFCC filed the charges against Agbele
before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja on
Monday.
The EFCC had arrested Agbele in Lagos on June 28 and kept him in its
custody pending investigations.
The EFCC said the amount was part of the proceeds of economic and
financial crime in which Agbele “was found to have allegedly assisted in
receiving and concealing in conspiracy with the former Minister of State for
Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele
Fayose.”
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of a Federal Capital Territory High Court in
Maitama, had on July 21 ordered the EFCC to release Agbele from its
custody.
Justice Adeniyi in a ruling on the suspect’s bail application declared the
continued detention of the suspect without being charged to court and
without the backing of any competent remand order amounted to a “gross
violation” of his right.

The judge awarded N5m against the EFCC as compensation to Agbele for
his unlawful detention by the anti-graft agency.
Justice Adeniyi in another ruling on Tuesday, dismissed an application by
the EFCC seeking an order of stay of execution of the court’s July 21 order.
The anti-graft agency had filed the motion for stay of execution along with
its notice of appeal challenging the court’s ruling.
But the judge in dismissing the application for stay of execution, held on
Tuesday that there was no special circumstances to warrant the stopping
the enforcement of the order granting bail to the accused.
One of our correspondents confirmed from court officials on Tuesday that
Agbele had now been charged before Justice Dimgba of the Federal High
Court and his arraignment slated for Wednesday.
In a related development, the EFCC has quizzed Agbele’s account officer,
Rita Balogun, over the suspicious payments made into his company
account domiciled in Diamond Bank.
Balogun, who works at the Business Banking Unit of the Ibadan West
directorate of Diamond Bank, said in her statement of oath that Agbele
received over N60m from the Ekiti State local governments funds.
The funds were allegedly paid into his company account, BYKD Consult,
with number 0059177132, between February 18 and March 30, 2015. The
money was then wired to Affordable Motors.
Agbele allegedly got the funds under the pretext that he was given a
contract by Fayose. Investigators are, however, of the opinion that there
was no evidence of any contractual agreement.
Balogun in her statement of oath, said, “On February 18, 2015, he received
N18,159,050 from MDG-CGS-LG. On the same day, he received
N15,319,850 from the same account. On the same day, he also received
N11,238,500 from the same account.
“On February 19, 2015, he debited the account with N40m and transferred
it to Affordable/Toyota. On the next day, he transferred N15m to
Affordable/Toyota. On March 30, he received N15,704,325 from MDG-CGS-
LG.
“On April 1, he transferred N3,195,000 to Fini Insurance Brokers. On April
29, he transferred N5m to his personal account titled Abiodun Agbele. On
April 30, he transferred another N5m to his personal account while N2m
was on May 15, transferred to his personal account.”
She noted that the account had since been frozen by the EFCC. Punch