Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
STAY AWAY FROM INDIAN GARRI,NAFDAC WARNED NIGERIANS
The National Agency for Food and drug Administration, NAFDAC, has begun investigations into the alleged importation of “Indian garri” in the country, even as Nigerians have been cautioned against consumption of the product. Indian gari Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, who spoke on the development in a statement on his twitter handle, entitled On imported garri, Pt 1 – NAFDAC, said 26 of the 500 mg packets of the product, were seized after regulatory officials visited the supermarket at Ikoyi on Monday, February 20, 2017. Also alerting Nigerians about the development, the Acting Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs Yetunde Oni, urged Nigerians to stay away from the product because its consumption portended health hazards, as the agency was yet to certify it fit for consumption. Oni, who spoke in Ilorin at a one-day zonal campaign on current regulatory issues in the safe use of drugs, animal feeds, pesticides and chemicals, said preliminary investigation had revealed that the product was actually made in Ghana, and not India as some reports earlier claimed, adding that it was packaged in the UK.
NNPC Driver Takes Company's Vehicle To Show Off At Lover's House, Gets it Stolen
A bus driver of NNPC in Lagos state has ran into trouble after he took company bus to his lovers house to flex and the bus got stolen by robbers.
The driver, Wasiu Aliyu was arraigned on Monday on two counts of stealing in an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court.
The father of two who hails from Ilorin, Kwara state woke up at his lover’s house on Assfood Street, Oriola, Alapere, Lagos only to discover that a Toyota Hiace which is worth N23m had been stolen.
Aliyu informed the police that he had been driving the stolen bus for over three years, and had no hand in the stealing.
He said, “ At about 8pm on January 21, I went to my girlfriend’s house in Oriola to pass the night. A man came to wake me up around 4am that he saw some boys inside the bus.
“Before I got to where the bus was, they had left with it. It was a mistake that I parked the bus on the street because there is no security there.”
A police prosecutor, Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan, who brought Mr. Aliyu before the court, said he had allegedly committed an offence, which contravenes sections 285 (1) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Mr Aliyu pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial.
The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Akokhia, admitted him to bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum while the case was adjourned till April 18, 2017 for mention.
The driver, Wasiu Aliyu was arraigned on Monday on two counts of stealing in an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court.
The father of two who hails from Ilorin, Kwara state woke up at his lover’s house on Assfood Street, Oriola, Alapere, Lagos only to discover that a Toyota Hiace which is worth N23m had been stolen.
Aliyu informed the police that he had been driving the stolen bus for over three years, and had no hand in the stealing.
He said, “ At about 8pm on January 21, I went to my girlfriend’s house in Oriola to pass the night. A man came to wake me up around 4am that he saw some boys inside the bus.
“Before I got to where the bus was, they had left with it. It was a mistake that I parked the bus on the street because there is no security there.”
A police prosecutor, Inspector Benedict Aigbokhan, who brought Mr. Aliyu before the court, said he had allegedly committed an offence, which contravenes sections 285 (1) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Mr Aliyu pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial.
The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Akokhia, admitted him to bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum while the case was adjourned till April 18, 2017 for mention.
Wednesday, 23 March 2016
Stop blaming Jonathan, fulfill your promises Bishop Oyedepo tells Buhari”
Founder of Living Faith Church worldwide,a.k.a Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo has described the socio-economic challenges in the nation as those borne out of systemic failure.
According to him, the Muhammadu Buhari’s administratiin had no point blaming any political party or individual for the current travails Nigeria is facing .
He said “The present administration should be more sensitive to issues that affect ordinary people, because things had not been working well.”
Oyedepo who is also Chancellor of Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara state, urged the Buhari administration to be more sensitive to issues that affect ordinary nigerians saying that things have not been working well.
The clergyman cum academician spoke with journalists in Omu Aran at the fifth founder’s day celebration of the private university he estaablished in Omu Aran,his country home.
According to him,”Our problem is a systemic problem not political or leadership problem and we must find solution to it. Nigeria will not go down the drain, we will proffer solution to it.”
He noted that,”Where we are today is not where we should be. The effect of the forex has a lot to do with small scale industries and that is where the bulk of Nigeria employment is.”
“Anybody can make mistakes but if people in the authority are not sensitive to the cry of the people, we would keep making more mistakes. My understanding is that it is never late to be right. If a decision is made and we discovered it is not right we should do an informed review.” he added.
Oyedepo also said, “What am saying is that things have not been working and we are all aware of it. There is no point pointing accusing finger. Each individuals in the country also have a lot to play to recover the dignity of our nation”.
He however stressed that, “The challenges have been with us for many years, it didn’t just happen now. Government should be sensitive on issue that affect everybody.”
“We have been fighting over the issue of power for many decades now. Government should have its priority. They should itemise the fundamentals that can move Nigeria forward and commit to it. “He added.
He noted that,”We don’t have to have the resources, if we have the platform for investors to come in because they are more in touch with the issues.”
“Look at the present fuel problem. It used to be black market but now we have black stations and they have the right to sell at any price because they are private marketers but the government still need to come out and take a decision on it”.
Oyedepo also said, “Solution should not be only thinking, we should go beyond thinking to reasoning, logical, rational and analytical reasoning by identifying the issues and proffer possible way out of the problem.
“Nigeria problems is all about cost effective solution that will come out of sound reasoning. Remember the people in government are from us. So, we are all in government since they are not foreigners. So each one of us has a role to play. Private bodies should be allowed in all other areas of the country just like we have in the education sector. “He stressed.
He further said that,”Nigerians need to take responsibility of our challenges and find solutions to them because we have nowhere else to go. We should not sit down and cast blames.”
“We have to be committed in finding the solution and stop the blame game even though government has a major role to play, each one of us also has roles to play. People will not listen to a critique but a consult who are thinking value addition taught. We learn from other nations efforts in solving problems.”he added
Stop Complaining About Crude Price, Jonathan Left You $30bn - Obasanjo Tells Buhari
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that the global oil price as at the time he became president was much lower than it is now, hence the need for the current administration to still find a breakthrough in making economic advances.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with an Online platform, Frisky Larr, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he met a worse situation in the global price of crude oil when he took power in 1999, but made the best of it.
He however reminded Buhari that unlike his administration that met a paltry $3.7 billion in the coffers, Goodluck Jonathan left behind a whooping $30 billion.
He was quoted as saying, "When I assumed office in 1999, I inherited $3.7 billion in reserve, while Buhari met $30 billion, almost 10 times of what I met then, and the price of oil then was $9. When it got to $20, I was dancing.
"I know the price is down now and with time, it will jump up again. What Buhari is doing currently is preparing ground for Nigeria to take advantage when it goes up again."
Tuesday, 22 March 2016
Premier League striker Dieumerci Mbokani caught up in Brussels terror attacks
NORWICH striker Dieumerci Mbokani was caught up in the horrendous terror attacks on Brussels on Tuesday morning.
The Congolese forward, 30, was at Zavaentem Airport in the Belgian city at the time of the attacks.
At least 28 people have been killed and dozens injured following a series of explosions this morning.
So far, 15 are thought to have been killed and 55 injured after a rush hour blast at a metro station in Maalbeek close to EU buildings.
Another 13 are said to have been confirmed dead and 35 injured following an attack on Brussels Zaventem airport — where Mbokaki was — at around 8am on Tuesday.
However, Alex Neil’s Canaries have released a statement on their website stating that Mbokani is unharmed yet shaken by the events.
“The on-loan Dinamo Kiev striker was unharmed but shaken by the tragic events at the airport, in which a number of people were killed or injured.
“The club is in constant dialogue with Dieumerci, who has now returned home to be with his family.
“The thoughts of everyone at Norwich City are with the victims of the atrocities in Belgium today and their relatives.
“There will be no further statements from the Club or Dieumerci Mbokani at this time.”
Monday, 21 March 2016
Kaduna: El-Rufai Denies Cancellation of Easter Celebration
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has denied rumours going around that the government has cancelled Easter holidays in the state.
"Good Friday and Easter Monday are established public holidays, they are mandatory and are declared by the Federal Government. Pupils and students in Kaduna State will go on Easter Holiday and Good Friday and Easter Monday," he said on Social Media.
"It is falsehood and baseless blackmail to suggest that schools must end the second term before Easter. The school term is not a religious issue. The tendency to place a religious hue on everything is irresponsible”, he said.
The Governor said: “Pupils in Kaduna State will have their Easter break on the prescribed public holidays and return to school to conclude the second term”.
Kaduna State will not curtail its school term to 10 weeks. Education cannot be abridged to appease prejudice.
National Assembly Set For Showdown With Buhari
There are strong indications that there is a cold war that may generate to a major showdown between the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR over some of the recent policies of the Federal Government.
It was reliably gathered on Friday that the lawmakers were not happy with some of the actions of the executive, including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar and the enlistment of Nigeria in the Islamic Coalition Against Terrorism.
Our Source learnt that the grouse of most members of the National Assembly was that the President did not consult them before taking the decisions.
It was learnt that members of the All Progressives Congress in the legislature had not openly come out to express their “real positions” on the policies so as not to be accused of anti-party activities.
But, some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party told our source that the fragile peace in the National Assembly could break down any
moment from now, especially if the executive continued to take the lawmakers for granted.
A member of the House, who confided in our source said, “The actions of the executive smack of disregard for the National Assembly. The President should be consulting the legislature.”
Also, some senators accused the executive of taking the National Assembly, especially the upper chamber, for granted by not seeking its approval as required by law before carrying out major political and economic decisions.
A cross section of senators, who spoke on and off the record with one of our correspondents in Abuja, accused the President of running a one-man show, especially on critical national issues. They cited the case of Nigeria joining the Saudi Arabia-led anti-terrorist group; the re-organisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; and appointments into key positions without the Senate
clearance as some of the offences of the executive.
For instance, a principal officer, who is representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, lamented that she read the story of Nigeria’s membership of the Saudi Arabia-led terrorist group like every other Nigerian in the newspapers.
She said such a major international policy as well as sensitive appointments into key positions were major decisions that the executive was not constitutionally empowered to carry out unilaterally.
She said, if the executive failed to do the needful going forward, appointees into some key positions might lose their appointments
Sen Olujimi said, “What the executive is doing with such a practice is to put the cart before the horse and this would no longer be tolerated by us. We are determined to put a stop to this. We have told our leaders in the senate to convey our message to the executive. “We have told them that the last appointments should be the last that would be made without proper screening and clearance from the senate. Any time such a practice repeats itself. Such nominee will be rejected.”
Speaking on the current major restructuring at the NNPC, the Vice – Chairman, Senate Committee on Police, Women Affairs and Youth Development, Senator.
Stella Oduah, said the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, who also doubles as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, took the National Assembly for a ride by the action.
She said, “I really don’t understand when this House (National Assembly) has become a rubber stamp that whatever is put forward should be rubber-stamped and approved. I think this is totally unacceptable.
“I think when such a thing is to be done, we need to know about it. We need to be informed. We need to brainstorm and we need to agree whether the objective for which such reorganisation is to be done is in tandem and indeed will be accomplished.
“When that is not done, I find it disrespectful, I find it totally objectionable and I think it is not acceptable.”
Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Our source learnt also stressed the need for the executive to respect the m independence of each arm of government. He said that the executive should not underrate the powers of other arms of government to exercise necessary checks and balances.
Our relationship is shaky—Senate spokesman
While the Senate spokesperson, Sabi Abdullahi, refused to confirm a likely showdown with the executive, he admitted that the relationship between the National Assembly and the President was shaky.
He said, “To the best of our knowledge, we don’t have
cold war neither do we have hot war. But we don’t need to deny the fact that there is a kind of shaky relationship between us.
“We have managed the shaky relationship in the overall interest of this country because that supersedes any interest that might have given birth to the crisis. “I also want to make it very clear, without any fear of contradiction that since we came on board, we were very sensitive to that and we have tried as much as possible to carry on our duty in a manner that is devoid of a sentiment attached to the perceived crisis. “This is a democratic system and we are frontally engaging and that engagement is a continuous system through the instruments of our various committees.”
The House had on March 8 opposed the executive’s decision to restructure the NNPC without consulting the National Assembly.
Also on March 8, it summoned the Director-General of the Department State Services, Mr. Lawal Daura, over the “invasion” of the Ekiti State House of Assembly by DSS operatives.
On March 10, the House said Buhari had ignored its three requests to submit the Petroleum Industry Bill.
Commenting on Buhari’s actions in recent past on Friday, the Minority Leader of the House, Rt Hon. Leo Ogor, cited the case of Nigeria’s membership of the Islamic
coalition, saying it was against the secular interests of Nigeria, being a multi-religious country.
Hon Ogor noted that nearly all the countries in the coalition were Islamic nations, whose agenda would not necessarily apply to Nigeria in all ramifications.
He said, “He (Buhari) has to come before the National Assembly. It is against the clear interest of our constitution and our diversity as a country.
“There is no way that coalition will stand because the states in the coalition are mostly Islamic states. Even our soldiers who are not Muslims, how does this apply to them?”
Ogor added that under Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), “no treaty can stand unless in the manner approved by the National Assembly.
“So, every treaty must comply with this constitution and the interest of secular Nigeria must be uppermost at all times.”
It was reliably gathered on Friday that the lawmakers were not happy with some of the actions of the executive, including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar and the enlistment of Nigeria in the Islamic Coalition Against Terrorism.
Our Source learnt that the grouse of most members of the National Assembly was that the President did not consult them before taking the decisions.
It was learnt that members of the All Progressives Congress in the legislature had not openly come out to express their “real positions” on the policies so as not to be accused of anti-party activities.
But, some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party told our source that the fragile peace in the National Assembly could break down any
moment from now, especially if the executive continued to take the lawmakers for granted.
A member of the House, who confided in our source said, “The actions of the executive smack of disregard for the National Assembly. The President should be consulting the legislature.”
Also, some senators accused the executive of taking the National Assembly, especially the upper chamber, for granted by not seeking its approval as required by law before carrying out major political and economic decisions.
A cross section of senators, who spoke on and off the record with one of our correspondents in Abuja, accused the President of running a one-man show, especially on critical national issues. They cited the case of Nigeria joining the Saudi Arabia-led anti-terrorist group; the re-organisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; and appointments into key positions without the Senate
clearance as some of the offences of the executive.
For instance, a principal officer, who is representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, lamented that she read the story of Nigeria’s membership of the Saudi Arabia-led terrorist group like every other Nigerian in the newspapers.
She said such a major international policy as well as sensitive appointments into key positions were major decisions that the executive was not constitutionally empowered to carry out unilaterally.
She said, if the executive failed to do the needful going forward, appointees into some key positions might lose their appointments
Sen Olujimi said, “What the executive is doing with such a practice is to put the cart before the horse and this would no longer be tolerated by us. We are determined to put a stop to this. We have told our leaders in the senate to convey our message to the executive. “We have told them that the last appointments should be the last that would be made without proper screening and clearance from the senate. Any time such a practice repeats itself. Such nominee will be rejected.”
Speaking on the current major restructuring at the NNPC, the Vice – Chairman, Senate Committee on Police, Women Affairs and Youth Development, Senator.
Stella Oduah, said the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, who also doubles as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, took the National Assembly for a ride by the action.
She said, “I really don’t understand when this House (National Assembly) has become a rubber stamp that whatever is put forward should be rubber-stamped and approved. I think this is totally unacceptable.
“I think when such a thing is to be done, we need to know about it. We need to be informed. We need to brainstorm and we need to agree whether the objective for which such reorganisation is to be done is in tandem and indeed will be accomplished.
“When that is not done, I find it disrespectful, I find it totally objectionable and I think it is not acceptable.”
Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Our source learnt also stressed the need for the executive to respect the m independence of each arm of government. He said that the executive should not underrate the powers of other arms of government to exercise necessary checks and balances.
Our relationship is shaky—Senate spokesman
While the Senate spokesperson, Sabi Abdullahi, refused to confirm a likely showdown with the executive, he admitted that the relationship between the National Assembly and the President was shaky.
He said, “To the best of our knowledge, we don’t have
cold war neither do we have hot war. But we don’t need to deny the fact that there is a kind of shaky relationship between us.
“We have managed the shaky relationship in the overall interest of this country because that supersedes any interest that might have given birth to the crisis. “I also want to make it very clear, without any fear of contradiction that since we came on board, we were very sensitive to that and we have tried as much as possible to carry on our duty in a manner that is devoid of a sentiment attached to the perceived crisis. “This is a democratic system and we are frontally engaging and that engagement is a continuous system through the instruments of our various committees.”
The House had on March 8 opposed the executive’s decision to restructure the NNPC without consulting the National Assembly.
Also on March 8, it summoned the Director-General of the Department State Services, Mr. Lawal Daura, over the “invasion” of the Ekiti State House of Assembly by DSS operatives.
On March 10, the House said Buhari had ignored its three requests to submit the Petroleum Industry Bill.
Commenting on Buhari’s actions in recent past on Friday, the Minority Leader of the House, Rt Hon. Leo Ogor, cited the case of Nigeria’s membership of the Islamic
coalition, saying it was against the secular interests of Nigeria, being a multi-religious country.
Hon Ogor noted that nearly all the countries in the coalition were Islamic nations, whose agenda would not necessarily apply to Nigeria in all ramifications.
He said, “He (Buhari) has to come before the National Assembly. It is against the clear interest of our constitution and our diversity as a country.
“There is no way that coalition will stand because the states in the coalition are mostly Islamic states. Even our soldiers who are not Muslims, how does this apply to them?”
Ogor added that under Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), “no treaty can stand unless in the manner approved by the National Assembly.
“So, every treaty must comply with this constitution and the interest of secular Nigeria must be uppermost at all times.”
Friday, 18 March 2016
BREAKING News: Detained Ekiti Lawmaker Reportedly Dies in DSS Detention
Unconfirmed reports have it that the arrested lawmaker in Ekiti state who has of recent been an object of debate has died in the custody of the men of the secret service.
Gov. Ayodele Fayose
Ekiti State government has announced that a member of the state's House of Assembly has died in the detention of the Directorate of State Services (DSS).
The Commissioner for Information, Youth Sports and Culture, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, who made the announcement in a press conference on Thursday, said although the DSS had held him incommunicado since March 4th, "our contacts in the DSS told us that he is dead."
According to Ogunsuyi, "we were told that he developed an ailment last night and he died by morning. The DSS had denied him access to his family, his doctor or to anyone that knows him."
"The Commissioner for Information said they were however, waiting for the DSS to confirm or deny the death of Akanni or produce him for his people to see."
A statement read by Ogunsuyi said: "Information reaching us indicates that one of the abducted members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Afolabi Akanni, has died in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS)."
The statement added: "Significantly, since his illegal detention, he has been held incommunicado without access to his family members, doctors and lawyers.
"We call on the DSS to immediately clarify the situation as to the status (dead or alive) of Hon. Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon Constituency by producing him physically for all Nigerians, particularly his immediate family to see.
"While we are waiting for the DSS, we urge every resident of Ekiti State, particularly the people of his immediate constituency in Efon, to remain calm."
The Commissioner for Information, Youth Sports and Culture, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, who made the announcement in a press conference on Thursday, said although the DSS had held him incommunicado since March 4th, "our contacts in the DSS told us that he is dead."
According to Ogunsuyi, "we were told that he developed an ailment last night and he died by morning. The DSS had denied him access to his family, his doctor or to anyone that knows him."
"The Commissioner for Information said they were however, waiting for the DSS to confirm or deny the death of Akanni or produce him for his people to see."
A statement read by Ogunsuyi said: "Information reaching us indicates that one of the abducted members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Afolabi Akanni, has died in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS)."
The statement added: "Significantly, since his illegal detention, he has been held incommunicado without access to his family members, doctors and lawyers.
"We call on the DSS to immediately clarify the situation as to the status (dead or alive) of Hon. Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon Constituency by producing him physically for all Nigerians, particularly his immediate family to see.
"While we are waiting for the DSS, we urge every resident of Ekiti State, particularly the people of his immediate constituency in Efon, to remain calm."
Global Democracy Ranking: Nigeria's Position Might Shock You
Nigeria’s rating in global democracy and governance has recorded a boost from 121 positions in 2014 to 108 last year according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index 2015.
The EIU is an independent business within the UK based The Economist Group. The Democracy Index measures the state of democracy in 167 countries, of which 166 are sovereign states and 165 are UN member states.
The index is also based on 60 indicators grouped in five different categories measuring pluralism, civil liberties, and political culture.
The report said the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) made scant democratic progress since the Democracy Index debut in 2006, with the indicators of democracy improving from around 20 per decade in 1960–2000, the number of successful “coups from within” dropping dramatically in the 2000s, and regular elections becoming commonplace.
It however noted the success of the 2015 Presidential election won by President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after defeating former President Jonathan.
Nigeria-17/3/16: Today's Naira Rate Against Dollar, Pound and Euro
Today's (17/3/16) exchange rate of the Nigerian Naira against the Pound, Dollars and Euros
Oil Price Bounces Back As OPEC Mend Fences
Oil gains on Thursday, continuing to gather support after the world's biggest suppliers firmed up plans to meet to discuss an output freeze.
Oil producers including Gulf OPEC members support holding talks next month on a deal to keep production at current levels, even if Iran declines to participate, OPEC sources said on Wednesday.
The meeting is said to increase the likelihood of the first global supply deal in 15 years.
U.S. crude was up 65 cents at 39.11 dollars a barrel at 0452 GMT, having earlier risen as high as 39.38 dollars.
Brent crude rose 38 cents to 40.71 dollars.
Qatari oil minister Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said producers from within and outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will meet in Doha on April 17 to discuss plans for a freeze in output.
Oil producers including Gulf OPEC members support holding talks next month on a deal to keep production at current levels, even if Iran declines to participate, OPEC sources said on Wednesday.
The meeting is said to increase the likelihood of the first global supply deal in 15 years.
U.S. crude was up 65 cents at 39.11 dollars a barrel at 0452 GMT, having earlier risen as high as 39.38 dollars.
Brent crude rose 38 cents to 40.71 dollars.
Qatari oil minister Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada said producers from within and outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will meet in Doha on April 17 to discuss plans for a freeze in output.
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