Breaking: Buhari Travels To Turkey Wednesday

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 17, 2017

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By ‘Dotun Akintomide

President Muhammadu Buhari will be traveling to Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday to participate at the 9th Summit of the Developing 8 nations (D-8) scheduled for Friday 20th October.

According to a statement tweeted on @NGRPresident, Buhari is also billed to pay a working visit to Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

Details later…

Prior to the D-8 Summit the President will, at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pay a working visit to Ankara, the capital

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) October 17, 2017

Lawan’s Case To Start Afresh 24 October

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 17, 2017

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Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT High Court, Jabi on Tuesday granted the application of Farouk Lawan seeking transfer of his case from Justice Angela Otaluka of FCT Lugbe High Court.

The judge will now hear the case in his court from 24 October.

Halilu said that the administration of criminal justice must be followed in the interest of justice, adding that the transfer of cases from one court to the other remains the administrative power of the Chief Judge.

Lawan’s lawyer had petitioned the Chief Judge of FCT, Ishaq Bello, alleging bias and lack of confidence in Otaluka’s court.

He argued that the Chief Judge of the FCT has the prerogative to reassign cases, based on Section 168 of the Administration of Criminal Justice.

Justice Halilu however said that the chief Judge did not need to consult anyone to take any action. He thus dismissed the counter-application by the prosecutor, for lack of merit and authority.

He said that the administration of criminal justice system has to do with the liberty of the citizens.

“This matter has been transfered back and forth and this is not good for the image of the bar and the bench, though the prosecutor has the right to appeal against the judgment.

“The court has no interest in this case other than to ensure that justice must not only be done but it must be seen to have been done,” he said.

Mr Jude Odi, the prosecuting counsel, said that he would require time and a specific instruction from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to go ahead with the matter based on the court ruling.

He asked for time to brief the office of the AGF. He said the ruling has made it necessary to consult his principal.

He said he could not proceed with the case because he was not prepared to do so.

Mr Sekup Zumka, Counsel to the defendant said that there was no legal basis for the court to defer an arraignment to a latter day, adding that the court could proceed after its ruling.

According to him, taking the plea of the defendant does not signify a miscarriage of justice; there must be significant ground for adjournment.

“I hereby urge the court to dismiss the application of the prosecuting counsel and proceed on arraignment.

Justice Halilu however granted the prayer of the prosecuting counsel and adjourned arraignment till Oct 24.

Lawan is facing prosecution for receiving $600,000 bribe, from oil mogul, Femi Otedola during a probe by the House of Representatives of the scandalous oil subsidy regime during the Jonathan era.

Mr. Otedola’s companies, Zenon and Synopsis, allegedly paid Mr Lawan bribes to get their names off the indictment roll of the House.

Court Orders Abaribe, Others To Produce Secessionist Kanu

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 17, 2017

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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and two other sureties to produce secessionist Nnamdi Kanu who has been on trial for alleged treason.

The senator and two others stood as sureties for the bail of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who was granted bail on health grounds.

The other sureties are Immanuel Madu and Torchokwu Uchendu.

The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, on Tuesday gave the order when Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to Kanu told the court he could not decipher the whereabouts of his client.

Kanu, whose bail was perfected by the voluntary endorsement of the three sureties failed to appear in court to stand his trial.

Nyako said the sureties’ failure to produce Kanu would compel the court to invoke the forfeiture of their N100 million bail bond each.

“The trial of Kanu and his co-defendants was fixed for Oct.17, but reports from both the prosecuting and defendant’s counsel show that Kanu is absent.

“The sureties that helped to perfect his bail conditions are solely accountable for his presence for trial. These sureties are therefore, given time to produce him for trial.

“In the event that they are unable to produce him, the court shall go on to invoke the remaining options left to it,’’ she said.

Earlier, Mr Mohammed Labaran, the prosecuting counsel had moved an application praying the court to grant a bench warrant for Kanu’s arrest.

He said the defendant had flouted all the bail conditions spelt out for him by the court.

The counsel to Kanu, Ejiofor objected to such application, adding that he had filed a suit against the Chief of Army Staff on the where about of Kanu.

Ejiofor had claimed that the military’s invasion of his client’s home on July 11 led to his disappearance, adding that the military was in the best position to tell the where about of Kanu.

Similarly, Mr Ogechi Ogbonna, counsel to Abaribe moved a motion seeking court’s approval for the withdrawal of his client’s consent as Kanu’s surety.

Ogbonna said his client was not in a position to tell the where about of the defendant at the moment.

He further said Abaribe was no longer interested in offering his consent to serve as Kanu’s surety in view of recent happenings.

The judge, therefore, gave Ogbonna a list of options ranging from automatic forfeiture of his client’s N100 million bail bond to time within which to still search for Kanu.

Ogbonna, having aptly received the hint of the court, selected the latter option.

Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi are standing trial on five-count charge of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, treasonable felony and publication of defamatory materials along Kanu.

The court adjourned until November 20, 2017, a date given to the sureties to produce Kanu in court.

Why Buhari Shunned Zuma’s Invitation To Imo State

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 17, 2017

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22310392_899295306902456_4761219424610308657_n-600x400 — Zuma being presented with honorary award by Okorocha

By ‘Dotun Akintomide

South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma has unravelled the mystery of his visit to Imo State without the company of his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the leader, when he told his colleague to accompany him to the honour by Governor Rochas Okorocha, he got the reply that ‘’he (Buhari) was indisposed.’’

Zuma made the clarification yesterday at the palace of the State Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Sam Ohiri, during the conferment of the chieftaincy title of ‘Ochiagha’ (war commander) on him.

However, scores have taken to the streets to condemn the erection of a N520 million statue for the South African leader.

The protesters, including the governor’s former aide and one-time member of the House of Representatives, Uche Onyeaguocha, retirees, Advocacy Against Corruption Initiative (AWACI), among others questioned the rationale behind the erection and naming of a road in a choice high brow area of Owerri after the South African president.

AWACI, in a statement, sought commencement of impeachment proceedings against the governor for alleged hosting of the South African leader with state’s resources and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Rochas Foundation College for Africa with Zuma Foundation.

Also, the Unified Nigeria Youth Forum condemned Zuma’s statue.

In a statement yesterday in Kaduna by its president, Abdulsalam Muhammad Kazeem, the body considered the development as a misplaced priority in view of the economic situation of the state where some workers and pensioners had not received their entitlements for months.

But Okorocha had explained that the visit would translate to economic gains to the state.

He mentioned education, Imo Industrial Park, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport among others that would get direct benefit.

Okorocha accused those against what he termed good things coming to the state, as enemies of progress.

Countering the governor, Onyeaguocha, who represented Owerri Federal Constituency, said Zuma had no business coming to Imo, advising him to go back to his country and face the corruption charge against him as ruled by his country’s Supreme Court.

UN Elects Nigeria, Others To Rights Council

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 17, 2017

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The UN General Assembly on Monday elected, by secret ballot, Nigeria and 14 other countries to serve on the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2018 to 2020 term.

UNHRC is the highest intergovernmental body in the UN system for matters relating to protection and promotion of human rights worldwide.

The other newly elected countries to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council are Afghanistan, Angola, Australia, Chile, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Senegal, Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine.

All would serve three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2018.

Africa and Asia-Pacific have four seats each on the council; three seats for Latin American and Caribbean; two seats for Eastern European States; and two seats for Western European and other States.

On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: African States, 13 seats; Asia-Pacific States, 13 seats; Eastern European States, six seats; Latin America and Caribbean States, eight seats; and Western European and other States, seven seats.

Ghana and Nigeria are already serving out their tenure for the 2015 to 2017 term while Ghana, which initially sought re-election like Nigeria, stepped down for Nigeria to get on board for another term.

Nigeria has illustriously served the global community on the UNHRC for three terms since the establishment of the Council in 2006.

These are 2006 to 2009, 2009 to 2012 and currently, 2015 to 2017, and with the reelection, would remain on the Council till 2020.

NAN reports that the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN hosted a reception for envoys to launch Nigeria’s re-election bid on Friday in New York and solicit countries’ “firm support” for Nigeria’s re-election on the council.

The 47-member council was created by the General Assembly in 2006 to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe, address situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

Its meetings are held at the UN Office in Geneva, located at Palais des Nations, which used to house the League of Nations, dissolved in 1946.

Kachikwu’s Home Under Police Siege

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 17, 2017

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By ‘Dotun Akintomide

The Abuja residence of the minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has witnessed heavy presence of the men of the Nigerian Police Force since Sunday evening to prevent the invasion of suspected intruders, The New Diplomat has learnt.

This follows a fire outbreak that was said to have gutted the residence located in an estate in Asokoro affecting mainly, Kachikwu’s room. Though there has not been coherent reports on what led to the incident, but neighbors were said to have noticed that there were suspicious characters around the house of the petroleum minister before the fire outbreak on Sunday evening.

Since Sunday the house has been sealed off and it is being heavily guided by security men and the police.

it was gathered that the damage caused by the inferno has been minimal, so far, as security personnel and some first responders on the ground at the time of the incident were able to put off the fire.

Though, the minister hasn’t made any statement of note on the incident, but some of the witnesses to the inferno reportedly claimed it was caused by electrical faults in the home.

Recall, Kachikwu has dominated news headlines in the past weeks, after a weighty petition he wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari against the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Maikanti Baru, was leaked to the public.

Monkeypox: Victim Commits Suicide in Bayelsa

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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One of the victims of the viral disease, monkeypox, has committed suicide, the Bayelsa State government said on Monday.

The victim allegedly took his own life on Monday at the quarantine centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, located in the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

Addressing journalists on Monday evening in Yenagoa, the state capital, the Commissioner for Health, Ebitimitula Etebu, said the deceased was among the 21 suspected cases of the virus that were being managed at the teaching hospital.

Mr. Etebu was joined at the conference by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Chief Medical Director of the NDUTH, Dimie Ogoina, and other senior health officials.

He expressed regret that the patient took his own life despite impressive progress to stem the outbreak by the government. He said the deceased’s medical history did not suggest any mental illness or features of depression.

The health commissioner maintained the patient did not die from the disease, adding that the police and his family had been duly informed and all due diligence was being followed to ensure the safe burial of victim.

Mr. Etebu said that a committee had been put in place to evaluate the deceased’s clinical and social history to shed more light on the tragedy.

He also formally confirmed the outbreak of monkeypox in the state following laboratory evidence from samples sent to the World Health Organisation in Dakar, Senegal.

Sources reported how the health minister, Isaac Adewole, earlier on Thursday, confirmed that three of samples from Bayelsa tested positive to monkeypox.

Mr. Etebu, however, assured the general public again that ”the government was doing everything to contain the outbreak.”

Mr. Iworiso-Markson on his part urged residents to continue to use preventive measures and ensure they avoid bush meat.

PREMIUM TIMES

Pensioners’ Protest: Edo Govt Calls for Calm

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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The Edo State Government has called on local government pensioners in the state to exercise patience as it addresses backlog of pension arrears using a ‘phased approach,’ nothing that “N2.1 billion has been disbursed to offset the bills from January to September, and that they would get more when economic indicators improve.”

The state government in a statement in response to renewed protests by pensioners, who obstructed vehicular and human traffic at Ring Road, in Benin City, the state capital, on Monday, said that much as it was concerned and sympathetic to the plight of the pensioners, government is doing all within its power to ensure that the backlog owed by previous administrations has not extended into the current dispensation.

“From January till date, since this administration settled into power, it has paid pension emoluments to all arms of government promptly and has promised to clear the arrears owed by previous administrations when the economic environment improves” the government said in the statement.

According to the state government, “We are using a phased approach to tackle the pension arrears issue. It is unfortunate that these bills built up for over two decades. We have already disbursed N2.1 billion between January and September. We are confident that the approach we have adopted would gradually ease the burden of pension arrears in the state, as it would, over time, help in offsetting all outstanding issues.”

The state government faulted allegations that the state governor misapplied the Paris Club refund, stressing “the state judiciously used the fund to offset salaries, emoluments and gratuities, which was why it wasn’t owing workers’ salaries, which is a common trend in many states across the country.”

Reacting to protest by the pensioners, the statement said, “We are pained to see these protesters. But we want them to understand the times, as well. We have just survived a recession, and things are picking up. But in all these, we have been consistent and faithful to our commitments to workers in the state. It is only unfortunate that the pension arrears built up for over two decades.

EFCC Docks Two For N3m Oil Fraud

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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The EFCC, Lagos zonal office, on Monday, October 16, 2017, arraigned the duo of Epebinu Omoniyi, Managing Director, Pure Pack Oil Nigeria Limited, and Adekanbi Adedayo, Managing Director, First Hallmark Energy Limited, before Justice S. S. Ogunsanya of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and forgery to the tune of N300,000,000(Three Million Naira).
The duo allegedly obtained the sum of N3m (Three Million Naira) from one Ayo Faleti under the pretext that they had secured a contract from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to supply crude oil from Nigeria to the United States of America, USA, and that the sum represented one percent of the contract performance bond.

Kanu Nwankwo launches N1bn Jackpot Lotto

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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Nigerian football legend Kanu Nwankwo has launched the N1 billion Jackpot Lotto to Support Kanu Heart Foundation which was inaugurated in 2000.

The foundation has helped not just people in Nigeria, but also paid for 538 children to be treated at facilities throughout the world

Kanu, a philanthropist launched the biggest lotto in Africa to raise funds for the foundation to help build a specialist cardiac hospital in Abuja.

The jackpot starting at N1 billion and will be run in conjunction with AfroMillonsLotto (www.AfroMillionsLotto.com).

It offers twice-weekly draws with bigger jackpots than all the lotteries in Nigeria combined, as well as being the largest jackpot anywhere in Africa.

Twenty per cent of every ticket sold will go directly to KHF to help it continue its work ensuring underprivileged children across Africa with heart problems get the treatment they need.

Since its launch in 2000, KHF has helped not just people in Nigeria, but also paid for 538 children to be treated at facilities throughout the world.

At the launch, Kanu said: “We are excited to launch this major fund-raising initiative for the Kanu Heart Foundation and hope people support it by buying tickets, helping us to build a new heart hospital for Nigeria.”

“Not only could people change their own life with the potential to win the jackpot of over N1 billion, they can help to change the lives of other people by supporting our Foundation”.

The first KHF.AfroMillionsLotto.com draw will hold on 18th October, 2017.

The website also offers nine, ‘Candy Crush’ style, Instant Win games, which can be played for fun or to win cash prizes of up to N12 million.

If there isn’t a jackpot winner, the prize money rolls over, increasing by N100 million with each draw until it reaches a maximum of over N2 billion.

AfroMillionsLotto is the Nigerian Professional Football League’s (NPFL) exciting new lotto.

“Winners of the jackpot could afford one of the most expensive homes on sale in Nigeria, the wedding of their dreams, a chrome-plated Ferrari and still have money left over!

“Another huge benefit of buying your ticket on-line with AfroMillionsLotto is the fact you’ll receive an alert via email if you’ve won.

“Millions of cash prizes go unclaimed every year as people forget to check whether they have a winning ticket,’’ Mr. Shehu Dikko, an official of the organisation said in a statement.

He said that the website also offers nine, ‘Candy Crush’ style, Instant Win games, which can be played for fun or to win cash prizes of up to N12 million.’’

Each NPFL club, he said, would have its own lotto website so football fans could support their favourite team.

“Every time someone buys a ticket or pays to play, that club will receive a percentage of the revenue to help fund player development, contribute to stadium and pitch improvements as well as support community-based projects.’’

EFCC Arraigns Ex- Perm. Sec. Over N14.1m Fraud

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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The EFCC, Lagos Zonal office, on Monday, October 16, 2017, arraigned a former Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Labour and Employment, Clement Illoh Onubuogo, before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, Lagos, on a three-count charge bordering on stealing by conversion and conversion of property to the tune N14, 176,000.00(Fourteen Million, One Hundred and Seventy- Six Thousand Naira).
The suspect who was responsible for supervising numerous programmes such as the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), allegedly awarded fictitious contracts to himself, using his personal company and friends.

6 Injured As Cameroonian Gendarmes Invade Nigerian Community

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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The police in Cross River on Monday said that six residents of Danare community in Boki Local Government Area were shot by gendarmes from Bodam community during an invasion on the Nigerian territory by Cameroonians.

Mr Hafiz Inuwa, the Commissioner of Police, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar.

He said that a Cameroonian community, `Bodam’, on the border with Nigeria’s Boki Local Government Area, had been in crisis with Danare community over the international land dispute.

Inuwa said after visiting Danare community that although no life was lost, six residents of Danare community were shot by the Cameroonians.

“We found out that six persons were shot and they are currently in the hospital as the pellets were being removed from their bodies.

“They were shot by the people of Bodam village from Cameroon. We have advised the people to restore normalcy and shun all forms of crisis and allow the government to take charge.

“They told us that they were preparing to repel the attack because the Cameroonians had encroached almost 43km into their land,’’ he said.

The commissioner further explained that the Danare people were appealing to the government to restore electricity, drinking water, communication and police post in the area.

Dr Itam Abang, the member representing Boki I State Constituency in Cross River House of Assembly, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that over 1,000 cocoa, plantain and banana farms were also destroyed by the Cameroonians.

Itam said majority of residents in the area were mainly farmers and appealed to the Federal Government to intervene by providing the people with adequate security and social amenities.

“When we got there, the Danare people had already mobilised for war. Luckily, we arrived on time in company with the commissioner of police and we had to prevail on them not to go into the forest.

“From where we were standing, we could hear gunshots because the Cameroonians had really encroached into the Danare community.

“And from what my people told me, the Cameroonians have destroyed over 1,000 of their farmlands and this is a huge loss to the farmers.

“We advised residents in the community to hold their peace that the state and Federal Government were going to step in with a view to restoring peace and normalcy in the area,’’ she said.

Russia: Saraki Presides Over Session At IPU

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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Saraki-Chairs-session-at-the-137th-IPU-in-Russia — President of the Nigerian Senate Dr Bukola Saraki presiding over a session of the 137th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Russia

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki on Monday, presided over a session at the ongoing 137^th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The session chaired by Saraki was a debate which focused on ending the grave humanitarian crisis, persecution and violent attacks on the Rohingyas as a threat to international peace and security.

The session also deliberated on ensuring the unconditional and safe return of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar.

Saraki presided over speakers of parliaments from many countries who are participating in the 137^th IPU.

Nigeria is one of the countries faces with humanitarian crisis with the North Eastern part of the country still suffering grave crisis as a result of the activities of the violent group, Boko Haram.

On Sunday, while making a presentation during a general debate, Saraki called for international conference on the North East and Boko Haram threat in Nigeria.

According to him, convening an international conference like the ones convened in London on Somalia and Syria, would go a long way in finding lasting solution to the problem in the region.

“Nigeria’s North East region has suffered terribly under the onslaught of Boko Haram insurgents.

“Two million Nigerians are internally displaced or have fled to neighbouring countries like the Lake Chad region, where 4.4 million people are threatened by food insecurity.

“Of the funds needed to address the problem, less than half has been raised. The United Nations has called the situation in the Lake Chad region the most neglected humanitarian crisis in the world.

“The 8th National Assembly is at the forefront of improved coordination efforts to overcome institutional and logistical impediments in the way of getting aid for those in need.

“We have reached an advanced stage in the plans for a development commission to tackle the crisis in the North East, incidentally the region with the highest poverty rate in the country.

“We have also made economic growth and greater investment the core of our legislative agenda.

“The sooner we deliver economic reforms and greater prosperity to all Nigerian, the sooner we can achieve a more inclusive society and minimize societal divisions and grievances,’’ he said.

The 137^th IPU has as its theme: “Promoting Cultural Pluralism and Peace through Inter-Faith and Inter-Ethnic Dialogue”.

Saraki expressed optimism that the 137th IPU would offer a lasting solution to the growing world conflicts.

Initially, the organization was for individual parliamentarians, but has since transformed into an international organization of the parliaments of sovereign states.

Omo-Agege Doles Out Empowerment Packages To Constituents

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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Senator Omo-Agege empowering people — Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Empowering Constituents

Gives Account Of Stewardship

By John Oghojafor

Barely two months after he spent well over N20 million in empowering women petty traders in various markets across Delta Central irrespective of tribes and political leanings, the Senator representing the Urhobo people in the National Assembly, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has doled out several empowerment packages worth millions of naira to hundreds of his constituents to lift them from poverty and squalor.

Last Saturday, hundreds of beneficiaries thronged the Senatorial district office of the Senator in Ughelli Township in expectation and collection of the various empowerment items procured by Urhobo nation voice in the Red Chamber, for distribution to them. The items included about several tricycles (keke Napep), several grinding machines, block moulding machines and sewing machines, among others.

Addressing the earmarked beneficiaries shortly before the distribution of the items, Senator Omo-Agege urged them to put the equipment given to them to good use, adding that he expects them to be transformed to entrepreneurs and employers of labours from the judicious use of the items.

The Senator also informed thousands of APC supporters who thronged the ‘Urhobo House’ (as his Senatorial district office is named), that more of the empowerment equipment were on the way to take care of those who were not fortunate to be beneficiaries in the first batch, urging them to be patient till it gets to their turns. He urged the people to support the APC in order to change the government of the state in 2019 to ensure a better living condition for Deltans.

Also speaking at the occasion, the APC chairman in Ughelli North, Chief Felix Ekure, who accompanied the Senator to the occasion, thanked the National lawmaker for his kind gesture to the people of the area. He urged the beneficiaries to judiciously apply what they have received to the glory of God and the APC party, even as he asked them to pray and support Senator Omo-Agege for a second term in office.

Sen. Omo-Agege’s Stewardship In Lawmaking

Aside the Senator’s empowerment to his constituents with various income-yielding items, he took time off to have an interactive session with journalists from different media houses in his country home at Orhomurun, Orogun.

He reeled out several bills and motions sponsored and/or co-sponsored by him in the Red Chamber including several public petitions from his constituents which he facilitated in just two years of his assumption of office as Senator representing the Urhobo nation in the National Assembly.

Prominent among the bills Senator Omo-Agege sponsored were the Bill for an Act to prohibit Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions which has been passed by the Senate and now awaiting the House of Reps concurrence; a bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun which has been passed by both the Senate and House of Reps and now awaiting Mr. President’s assent; Electoral Act. No. 6 (Amendment) Bill 2016 which has been passed by the Senate and awaiting House of Reps concurrence; the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Amendment) Bill 2016 which has been passed by both chambers and now to be transmitted to State Houses of Assembly for their concurrence; as well as the Court of Appeal Act (Amendment) Bill 2016.

Other popular bills which the Senator sponsored and/or co-sponsored include the National Industrial Court Act (Amendment) Bill 2016; a Bill for an Act to Amend the Company and Allied Matters Act (Amendment) and Establish States Corporate Affairs Commissions, 2016 and the Dormant Accounts Bill, 2016.

They also include the Compulsory Haemoglobin-Genotype Screening Bill, 2016 which was co-sponsored with Senator Ahmed Ogembe (Kogi Central) and a Bill for an Act to Establish the National Electoral Offences Commission Establishment which was also co-sponsored by Senator Abu Kyari from Borno North.

Within the period, Senator Omo-Agege also sponsored several motions on the floor of the Red chamber. These include the motion in Honour of late Senator Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru, First Executive Governor of Delta State; motion in Honour of late Olorogun Michael Christopher Onajirevbe Ibru (OFR) which was co-sponsored with Senator James Manager (Delta South) and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North) and motion under Matter of Urgent Public National Importance on the Need for Need for National Security Intervention to stop gruesome killing of Urhobos and other Nigerians in Delta Central Senatorial District and other parts of the Nation by terrorist elements masquerading as herdsmen in rural communities, forest and farms.

He also sponsored a motion under Matter of Urgent Public Importance for the Senate’s intervention to urgently stop monumental financial recklessness and economic waste by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Senator Omo-Agege also facilitated more than 10 various petitions from some of his constituents which were heard by the Senate and some received favourable resolution to the petitioners.

The Distinguished Senator used the occasion to also outlined constituency projects that were contained in the 2016 budget that were completed/ongoing under his supervision. These include the construction of 30,000 gallons Braithwaite, hybrid solar powered water supply scheme coupled with reticulation at Abraka PO-Oria in Ethiope East LGA; construction of 30,000 gallons Braithwaite, hybrid solar-powered water supply scheme coupled with reticulation at Orogun Town, Ughelli North LGA and the construction of 20,000 gallons Braithwaite, hybrid solar- powered water supply scheme with reticulation at Ophori village, Agbarho in Ughelli North LGA.

The 2016 budget projects in sited in Delta Central that are ongoing include the upgrading of existing distribution network installation of 11kv/415V, 500KVA transformer sub-station in Ughelli town; the dualization/construction of Amukpe-Agbor road (phase 1); the solar street lights project at Igun town in Ethiope East LGA; supply and installation of solar street light at Abraka, Ethiope East LGA and the supply and installation of dental and ophthalmological equipment at the Ughelli Central Hospital.

The Senator also disclosed that there are about 32 infrastructural projects which he influenced to be included in the 2017 budget, some already awarded and ongoing while others are awaiting award. According to him, a provision of N5 billion was made in the 2017 budget for the Sapele-Ewu dualization while N191 million was provided for the Benin-Abraka road dualization project.

Others include the construction of River Port and Cargo handling equipment at Okwagbe, Ughelli South LGA under the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority; empowerment schemes for local artisans in Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu, Okpe, Uvwie, Ethiope East, Ethiope West and Sapele LGAs among several other projects.

Responding to a question as to how all the 32 listed interventionist projects in the 2017 budget would be completed or provided for in the 2018 budget, Senator Omo-Agege said:

“Yes, there is a move by the executive arm to transmute to the January-December budgetary cycle, meaning that by December, the bulk of the projects in this 2017 budget would by then would have elapsed. But I can assure you that most of the projects I’ve mentioned to you, in fact at least, all my projects which I have mentioned to you, they will be implemented. Anyhow, anyhow, they will be implemented. So, to answer your question, every project that is there will be implemented one way or the other.”

Blood Entertainment Set For “Like Buhari” Major Release

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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Urban music label, Blood Entertainment (BE) has announced that it is set for the major release of Like Buhari, a pop song by its frontline act, King Oogbodo.

According to BE, Like Buhari has been on underground promo for some time now in order to receive the proper feedback on it from music lovers and stakeholders and having obtained a pass mark on that score, it’s now time to push it massively.

The target is for it to become a worldwide hit and to that extent, a major release on all major online platforms, radio and every other form of major promotional avenue is next on the cards.

In Like Buhari, King Oogbodo sings and raps about what it feels like to be successful and rich in the mold of eminent persons like Dangote, Tinubu, Otedola, Adenuga. He also acknowledges entertainment industry icons King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Ibinabo Fiberesima who are an inspiration to him.

Like Buhari was produced by Shocker whose roster of artists includes 9ice, small DOCTOR and Klever Jay.

Pre-listen to Like Buhari:https://my.notjustok.com/track/216465/king-oogbodo-like-buhari

Zuma’s Statue In Imo Causing Uproar As Fani-Kayode, Group Lambast Okorocha

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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By ‘Dotun Akintomide

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has come under heavy criticism for erecting a statue of South African President, Jacob Zuma in the heart of Owerri, the state capital, as former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode on Monday joined other Nigerians to take the Governor to the cleaners.

In a tweet on his official handle, Fani-Kayode said: “Nigerians are murdered by South African security forces every day yet the clown in Imo state builds a statue in honor of Pres. Zuma.

“Igbos are murdered by Nigerian security forces every day yet that same clown in Imo state continues worship @MBuhari.

“Slavery is a curse!” Fani-Kayode tweeted.

Nigerians are murdered by South African security forces every day yet the clown in Imo state builds a statue in honor of Pres. Zuma.

Igbos are murdered by Nigerian security forces every day yet that same clown in Imo state continues worship @MBuhari.

Slavery is a curse!

— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) October 15, 2017

Zuma being presented with honorary award by Okorocha

Zuma, who is facing multiple accusations of corruption, fraud, and money laundering in his country, arrived Imo State on a two-day working visit on Friday.

While in Owerri, he also bagged the chieftaincy title ‘Ochiagha’ (Warlord).

Similarly, the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) has described as “embarrassing” the visit and honour converred on Zuma by the Imo State governor.

CSNAC’s Chairman, Mr. Lanre Suraj said in a statement on Sunday said the honour bestowed on Mr. Zuma would embolden the president to tell his people he is celebrated abroad.

According to a statement by the South African government, Zuma was in Owerri, the Imo State capital, to “strengthen socio-economic relations and further deepen existing cooperation in the field of education.”

“Apart from allowing Mr. Zuma to address a group of selected secondary school students and other young people, Governor Rochas Okorocha directed a traditional ruler in Imo State to confer a chieftaincy title on him.

“It is embarrassing that a state government controlled by the All Progressives Congress which is fighting corruption could play host to Mr. Zuma, allegedly a corrupt leader in the current assembly of heads of state in the African Union and portray him as a hero before a group of African youth,” Suraj lamented.

He continued: “Is Governor Okorocha not aware that Mr. Zuma has been found guilty of corruption by the courts in South Africa and has been ordered to refund the $500,000 stolen from the public treasury to expand his private house to accommodate his many wives?

“Is Governor Okorocha not aware that Mr. Zuma has also been indicted for allowing an Indian family to influence the appointment of his cabinet members?

“In asking President Zuma to address officials of Imo State government, is Governor Okorocha not aware that the people of South Africa are currently demanding for the resignation of a leader who has brought shame and dishonour to the country of Nelson Mandela?”

It would be recalled that last year, a South African Court ruled that Zuma violated the constitution by using public funds to upgrade his private residence, leading to the president apologizing to his countrymen.

Just last Friday, the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that Mr. Zuma must face prosecution over almost 800 charges of corruption relating to an arms deal in the 1990s.

“Though we recognize the federal government’s position on not hosting President Zuma in Abuja as his visit would have questioned the anti-corruption policy of President Buhari,” said Mr. Suraj.

“All the same, the federal government should have called Governor Okorocha to order and advise him not to celebrate corruption. Since Governor Okorocha is part of the APC-led government with mantra of zero tolerance for corruption, he must tender a public apology to the people of Nigeria for promoting President Zuma who has been adjudged to be a corrupt leader by the South African judiciary.

Among those who welcomed the South African president at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri alongside Governor Okorocha were; former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; former Jigawa State governor, Saminu Turaki; and Maurice Iwu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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No $25bn Is Missing In NNPC, Presidency Backtracks

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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By ‘Dotun Akintomide

The Presidency on Sunday said no contracts worth 25 billion dollars were awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

It also said that 25 billion dollars was iinot missing in the corporation.

Mr Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, stated this in a statement in Abuja.

According to him, no contracts were procured by the NNPC based on the leaked memo of Petroleum Resources Minister of State, Ibe Kachukwu, even though such impressions have been maliciously created in the past few weeks.

Akande disclosed that a close look at each of the said projects indicated clearly that “these are not procurement contracts”.

He said “when I tweeted on Thursday morning, I had indicated that the Vice President, while acting as President approved Joint Venture Financing arrangements.

“But for some curious reasons, a few media reports used that tweet to report that I said the then Acting President approved N640 billion worth of oil contracts.

“Such reporting is both false and misleading and therefore, ought to be completely ignored by all seekers of truth.”

He added that what was more important was “when you look diligently at the referenced projects/transactions one by one, you will see, as NNPC has shown, that none of them was actually a procurement contract”.

“Take the Crude Term Contract and the Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP) agreements, for instance, these are not procurement contracts involving the expenditure of public funds.

“Both transactions are simply a shortlisting process in which prospective off-takers of crude oil and suppliers of petroleum are selected under agreed terms, and in accordance with due process.

“It is therefore wrong and misleading to refer to them as though they’re contracts involving the expenditure of NNPC funds, or public funds of any sort,’’ he added.

The vice presidential spokesman recalled that the Petroleum Minister himself had in fact, clarified that he meant “to focus on administrative and governance issues, not red-flag any fraud, because no fraud exists in this matter.”

For both transactions, Akande reiterated that there was falsehood and also inaccurate to attach 10 billion dollars and five billion dollars values on them.

“Attaching monetary values to these contracts is an arbitrary act that completely distorts understanding of the situation.”

He said Nigerians should be informed clearly that whenever there was monetary value on any crude oil lifted in the country, “the proceeds go directly to the Federation Account and not to any company.

“In fact, the Buhari administration in the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), has closed down multiple NNPC accounts in order to promote transparency and probity.”

Akande also explained that in compiling the shortlist for prospective off-takers of crude oil and suppliers of petroleum under agreed terms, “there were public placements of advert in the mass media seeking Expressions of Interest.

“Bids were publicly opened in the presence of NEITI, DPR, BPP, Civil Society groups and the media; in some cases even, these events were televised live.”

“For the sake of emphasis, let me state clearly that both the Crude Term Contract and the Direct Sale and Direct Purchase agreements are not contracts for any procurement of goods, works or services,’’ he stated.

Akande said it was important to “set the records straight that the list of approved off-takers does not carry any financial values but simply states the terms and conditions for the lifting and supply of petroleum products”.

He also said that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Contract was a contractor-financed job, which had not been finalized or awarded.

According to him, it is still making its way to the Federal Executive Council.

The presidential aide noted that there were also three presidential approvals given on Joint Venture financing arrangements, meaning loans to cater for cash-call obligations.

“One of these was okayed by the President in 2015, and two by the then Acting President in 2017,” he explained.

On Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Akande said “there is no contract in the three billion dollars to four billion dollars range as reported in some media.

“You can then see from the foregoing that the 25 billion dollars being bandied in the media does not exist. There is no 25 billion dollars missing.”

How State House Clinic Got N1.9bn In 3 Years

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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Mr Jalal Arabi, the Permanent Secretary, State House, has refuted media report suggesting that the State House Medical Centre (SHMC), had received N11.01billion as appropriation for the period 2015-2017.

Arabi’s refutal is contained in a statement by Mr Attah Esa, the Deputy Director, Information in the State House, Abuja on Sunday.

According to him, out of the total capital appropriation of N2.9billion and recurrent appropriation of N465.9million for the period under reference, only the sum of N969.6million (representing 32.97%) for Capital and N225.5million (representing 48.41%) for recurrent was actually released.

He also revealed that there was zero capital allocation for the Medical Centre in 2017, while out of the N331.7million being recurrent appropriation for 2017, the actual amount released up to September was N91.3million, representing 27.5 per cent.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the above figures were verifiable from the Ministries of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

He observed that, “during the three-year period under review (indeed two years since no capital allocation for 2017), and despite the shortfalls between budgetary provisions and actual releases, the Centre continued to provide free services to the over 10,000 registered patients annually.

He added that the Centre had also continued to execute on-going projects.

Giving further insight into the scope of the Centre’s clientele, Arabi stressed that apart from the Presidency, other beneficiaries of the free services include political appointees, the military, para-military, other security agencies, members of the National Assembly, and the general public.

He said: “Considering the unrestricted patronage base and free services of the State House Medical Centre, coupled with the funding hiccups and periodic receipts, it may not be far-fetched to notice gaps between demand and supply of medical equipment and consumables at certain stages of the budget circle.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State House Medical Centre has come under serious criticisms, from different quarters, over lack of drugs and equipment at the facility.

The House of Representatives, had on Oct. 12, inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate the condition of the medical centre.

The house set up the committee following a motion raised by Henry Archibong (PDP-Akwa Ibom) at the plenary on Thursday, alleging that despite huge budgetary allocations, the clinic lacked necessary facilities, drugs and other consumables.

The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, on Oct. 9, had criticised the management of the facility, and called for a probe of the Centre.

She lamented the poor state of health facilities in the hospital despite the huge budgetary allocation to it.

However, Arabi, in an earlier statement on Oct. 2, said the State House Medical Centre, would be commercialised and repositioned to offer qualitative and efficient services.

No $25bn Contract Awarded in NNPC – Presidency

By

Hamilton Nwosa

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October 16, 2017

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The Presidency on Sunday said no contracts worth 25 billion dollars were awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

It also said that 25 billion dollars was not missing in the corporation.