Quantcast
Channel: Nigerian Pilot News
Viewing all 20583 articles
Browse latest View live

Expect your democracy dividends on my 3rd anniversary, Bello tells kogi people.

0
0

Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said the people of the state will witness massive commissioning of projects during his third year anniversary, saying that many of the Administration’s legacy projects currently under construction would have been completed before his administration clocks three.

The Governor dropped this hints in Lokoja on the occasion of Democracy Day celebration in the country .

Governor Bello congratulated Nigerians for their steadfastness in defending the nascent Democracy since the berth of the Fourth Republic, 19 years ago.

” Though the quality of leadership and the nation’s fortunes during the period should definitely have been better, Nigerians should nevertheless be proud that the country continues to extend her longest period of multi-party Democracy since Independence.

” During this period, baring slight differences in electoral schedules due to Judicial interventions, the country and the 36 States, excluding the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja which does not elect Governors, have successfully transmitted power through the ballot box, a record of four times”, he said.

Governor Bello described successful transitions as one of the most critical incidents of a deepening Democracy, stating that beyond the chronological significance, Democracy Day, 2018 must be seen as a reminder that Democracy is a work in progress in the country.

The governor noted further that given the inherited challenges, the last three years of President Muhammadu Buhari on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC),it has been the most challenging and at the same time the most rewarding period of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

The Governor who was sworn into office on January 27, 2016 noted that the two and a half years of his Administration has been dedicated to carrying out needed reforms, blaming his predecessors for the pains associated with the civil service and pensions screening exercises.

He argued that those states in the federation which have seen incremental development during the Fourth Republic were those where visionary administrators worked hard to lay enduring foundations for their successors to build upon.

The Governor therefore promised Kogites that success would be much easier for those who will succeed him in office in the fulness of time,saying , he has been working hard to put the state on autopilot towards rapid development through the automation of government processes.


Kogi NGO Networks: Nigerians now united in Democracy.

0
0

Chairman of Kogi Non-Governmental Organisations Network (KONGONET) , Mr Victor Adejoh has said Nigerians were now more united in democracy , since the present administration has guaranteed to a large extent, citizen rights.

Adejoh disclosed in Lokoja as part of celebration of the 19th anniversary of Democracy in Nigeria.

He said that most developed nations had faced similar challenges the country is facing presently, several years back in their attempts to advance democratic government, before they got to where they are today.

The anniversary, he said, presented another leap by government and citizens of the country to sustain the momentum started in 1999.

“We must congratulate all Nigerians for keeping democracy on course.
“Nigerians are now united in democracy, because citizen rights are to a large extent guaranteed”,he said.

He expressed further that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) had in no small way, played great role in balancing the efforts of government and citizens in the process of ensuring that democracy thrived in the country.

However,Adejo advised political parties to strengthen their internal democratic processes and allow registered voters to exercise their franchise during elections to ensure credence in the exercise, stressing that impunity in governance at the Federal, State and Local government levels be stopped.

The NGOs Network chairman emphasized that citizens at the grassroots should also be allowed to enjoy democracy, saying that it was not right for states not to conduct Local Government elections.

“Finance and security have been given as excuses. Government must therefore, device other means to ensure democratic structures are in place for Nigerians in their local government areas.

“At 19, Nigerian democracy should be getting to a level of stability. I see possibilities of a strong virile Nation”,he expressed

The human right activist however, urged the Judiciary to strive and ensure that the democratic process in the country is rooted in the rule of law at all levels of governance.

BSN empowers business executives with scholarships

0
0

In a bid to celebrate her 30th Anniversary, Business School Netherlands, a leading business school and
the Pioneer of Action Learning MBA has announced plans to empower Nigerians with Scholarships.
Mr. Lere Baale, Director of the School in Nigeria, wrote; “Our umbrella theme is – Celebrating 30 years of
Resilience. A line-up of activities will be taking place all through the year. We call upon our students,
alumni and the general public to join the celebration.”
The Director in a statement announced that the school will be holding an Essay Competition on the topic
– “The Application of Action Learning to Business Growth” in which Nigerian working class professionals
stand to win scholarships for her Executive Masterclass programmes. “We observe that when Nigerians
are exposed to international education, they excel. Every year, Nigerians emerge among our best
students. Our aim is to celebrate the opportunity to shape the brighter future for business in Africa and
across the world.”
The climax of the celebrations will be the Resilience Awards, to be held later this year, where
outstanding personalities and organisations that have built lasting legacies will be recognised and given
the BSN International Award for Resilience. The school enjoined students, alumni and the general public
to join her celebrations. “We have many reasons to celebrate. We are celebrating Resilience, Learning,
Dedication, Achievements, Impact, Recognition, and Bright Future” the statement concluded.

Breaking: Minister, Ibrahim Jibril welcomes team from CITES

0
0

The Minister of State for environment, Ibrahim Jibril welcomes team from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) on inspection visit. The invitation was extended to the Delegation from the Government of Nigeria as part of efforts in strengthening the CITES Enforcement and Regulation in Nigeria.

The CITES Delegation is made up of Juan Carlos Vasquez and Pai Jason. They were joined by representatives of Wildlife Conservation Society Nigeria (WCS) and Wood Export Association of Nigeria with the press present.

Also in attendance are the representatives of the Nigerian Customs, the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

Speaking during the event, the Minister Ibrahim Jibril reiterated ongoing Government efforts in protecting endangered species through the Endangered Species Act the President signed into Law in 2017. The Minister also emphasized sovereignty and standing bilateral agreements with other countries.

NotTooYoungToRun is only the first phase, Saraki tells youth

0
0

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that the passage and assent to the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill, will be the first phase in the journey for more youth inclusion in politics.

Saraki, according to his Special Assistant on New Media, Olu Onemola, said this at a meeting with the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement, YIAGA, led by Samson Itodo, its founder.

The senate president encouraged youths to advocate for free and fair elections, stating that the next step in the advocacy process is to ensure that more young people have their Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVCs.

He said: “Let me congratulate you on the campaign that helped in the passage of the Bill in the National and State Houses of Assembly. What you have done has become a reference point across the continent.

“You need to use same energy that you applied to the ‘Not Too Young to Run’, to push for free and fair elections. When you have the voice, you have the numbers.

“So the first thing for the advocacy that will support ‘Not Too Young to Run’ must be free and fair elections.

“The only way you’re going to make a difference is for you to have your voter’s card.

“Not Too Young to Run’ has just finished phase one. Phase two is ensuring that you have a lot of young people that have PVCs and letting everyone know that you have PVCs so that all the political parties will pay attention that you have the numbers.

“My advice for all young people is that, this is not a short race, it is a marathon”.

At the meeting, speaking for YIAGA, Samson Itodo, its founder commended Saraki, the Senate and the National Assembly for the passage of the Bill.

“This is the first time that we had a National Assembly whose leadership played a visible role in the passage of the Bill. The fact that you played a part in providing the leadership for the passage of the Bill is significant.

“We want to convey our appreciation to you and the other 108 members of the Senate that we are pleased with this development. You and your counterparts in the House of Representatives have written your names in gold”, Itodo said.

Senator Melaye Dumps APC Upon Resumption At Senate

0
0

There was drama at the floor of the Senate as embattled Senator Dino Melaye on Wednesday appeared with clutches and neck support at the Senate, declaring his intention to cross-carpet to the opposition wing of the chamber.

Melaye said he was no longer comfortable sitting on his seat at the wing of the All Progressive Congress (APC), saying he would cross over to the wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dino Melaye who had been away from the Senate, since over a month, when the Nigerian Police arrested him and he was subsequently admitted at the intensive care unit of the National Hospital, Abuja.

Details later…

Insecurity -Lalong launches security gadgets in Plateau

0
0

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has directed the states security outfit operation Rainbow to carry out a massive recruitment exercise towards broadening it’s intelligence network .

Governor Lalong disclosed this during the launch of the Early Warning system of Operation Rainbow at its Headquarters in Jos.

Development of an Early warning system is one of the most important platforms in conflict management ,because it enables stakeholders to come up with various ways to identify potential conflict ,before it erupts .
Plateau state’s Early Warning platform for its security outfit operation Rainbow ,was developed by the united Nations Development Programme for timely and appropriate prevention of violent conflict .
Governor Simon Lalong who commissioned the project said at least three citizens from every ward of the state will be recruited by operation rainbow to broadcast its intelligence network .
Governor Lalong disclosed that there is a clear indication that those popularly referred to as unknown gun men will soon be expose,following ongoing investigation by the presidential committee on the Farmers-Herdsmen conflict .
Governor Lalong stressed that other categories of criminals such as cattle rustlers and those burning farm lands will soon be thrown out of business ,but that stakeholders should beware of defending them when they are brought to face justice .
The country director ,United Nations development program who was represented by his deputy ,Joerg Kuehnel said they development is similar to early warning platforms in Kenya ,India and Colombia ,where they record remarkable results in term of reduction of armed conflicts.
State coordinator of operation Rainbow, General Stephen Guar said the project began in twenty thirteen but that it was later abandoned before its completion .
Early warning system experts at the event explained that Operation Rainbow’s platform will empower citizens to give relevant Information through five Chanel’s namely ,the Internet ,Mobile Application’s ,E-mail ,SMS and the social media .

Senate probes OAU sex for marks scandal

0
0

Senate, set machinery in motion to probe the alleged sexual harassment case between a student in the Masters of Business programme at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, Monica Osagie and a lecturer of the institution, Professor Richard Akindele.

Specifically, the upper legislative chamber mandated its Committees on Tertiary Institutions, and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to carry-out a full scale investigation of the case “in order to ensure that there is transparency and accountability, and that satisfactory justice is done to the victim involved and our laws are further strengthened for effectiveness”.

It also urged the House of Representatives to move quickly to concur with the Senate bill on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill which has been transmitted to the House, noting that “this will provide succor and a window of solace for victims of these kinds of atrocities across the country in our higher institutions of learning”.

The senate’s resolutions were sequel to a motion, “The growing trend of sexual harassment in the higher institutions of learning: The case of Monica Osagie” sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP Ekiti South) during plenary.

Osagie had recently released a recorded telephone conversation, which went viral, in which the lecturer demanded five rounds of sex to enhance her marks.

She accused Akindele of deliberately failing her for rejecting his alleged sex demand, and recently told an investigative panel set up by the university that she did not score 33 per cent as the lecturer claimed, but was failed so that she could bow to his sexual demand.

Leading debate on the motion, Senator Olujimi lamented “the growing culture of sexual harassment in our institutions of higher learning; and the psychological, physiological and emotional damage, perverts in our places of learning are bringing upon our children in school as a result”.

She said: “It was for this reason in October 2016; the Senate passed the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill, and prescribed severe punishment for lecturers and academic staff of universities, who either sexually harass or assault their male or female students”.

Though the lawmaker said the university authorities have since weighed in on the matter to ensure justice is done; she insisted that “this is another matter that must not be swept under the carpet of expediency, forgetfulness or deliberate abandonment”.

Contributing, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa (APC Lagos East) saluted Osagie for her courage in the ongoing investigation of the alleged sexual harassment by the lecturer in a sex-for-marks scandal.

He said Osagie’s uncommon bravery at a time many female students have come to accept sexual harassment as a norm in the nation’s educational institutions, is worth commending, “because a lot of sexual harassment are being swept under the carpet”.

In his remarks, the senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki stressed the need for the implementation of the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill passed by the upper legislative chamber in 2016.

He, however, urged the committees to ensure painstaking and thorough investigation of the case so that it could serve as the basis for the protection of female students on campus.


Woman leader harps on good leadership, more roles

0
0

A woman leader and a chieftain of All Progressive Congress In kogi state , Hon. Blessing Aishat Ekele has advocated for good governance in the present democratic experiment, saying that more female leaders should be allowed to hold leadership position in the modern Nigeria

Speaking in her hometown, Ogene-Igah in Olamaboro local government area of Kogi state, the woman leader noted that
“Democracy is widely known to be a government of the people, by the people and for the people, and is unarguably the hope for all the people in the country .

Hon. Blessing Ekele who is aspiring to represent Ankpa, Olamaboro /Omalla federal constituency said a government that is to be upheld by all freedom loving people without giving in for self centred individuals who have no interest of the people at heart is what this period of the nation symbolizes.

She emphasized further that the government of the day, be it at the state or federal should be free of injustice, adding that as the euphoria of the celebration of democracy day celebration annivary is still fresh, it is her hope that women across Kogi state and Nigeria at large should be inspired to break new frontiers of leadership role.

Hon. Ekele who gave an elaborate insight as to why Kogi state and the Nation at large needs more women in politics said “women leaders are more assertive and persuasive, have a stronger need to get things done and are more willing to take risks than male leaders”.

While he argued that Women leaders were also found to be more empathetic and flexible, as well as stronger in interpersonal skills than their male counterparts, which enable them to read situations accurately and take information in from all sides, she said women have ability to bring others around to understand their point of view quickly.

She said, “democracy is not a single event, but institutionalization of process. we therefore share the conviction that accountable governance and service delivery are the core responsibilities of government. True democracy should not in any means be delibrately undermined by any, for democracy aim and objectives is centered on the service to the people”.

The APC chieftain said it is obvious that the real idea of democracy is gradually fading away because the government that suppose to be for the people is now owed by money bags politicians, saying, the new trend in the democratic experiment remains a misplaced priorities , and indeed worrisome.

However, she urged the people to keep faith with present crop of leadershio in the country, as she positioned that the true meaning of democracy will soon be delivered to all in no distant time, advising ” that the electorate has a role to play as well by ensuring that they all participate in deciding the future of democracy in their locality in the forthcoming elections”.

“Arm yourselves with your permanent voter’s card and make impactful political decisions as we go to the field to pick our representatives at all stages next year” she stressed.

Promising the people of Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro of an outstanding representation. and wih quality human relation where accessibility will be without protocols, Hon, Ekele said the execution of numerious capital projects that will enhance the living standard of the constituents will be vigoriously pursued.

Senate condemns detention of juveniles, calls legal aid council to intervene

0
0

Senate moved to stop continued detention of Juveniles in Nigerian prison by calling on the legal Aid Council to step up efforts to ensure that the act is mitigated.

They also called on the Federal Government to establish more Juvenile Remand/Correctional Homes and crèches attached to female prisons across the Nation.

These were resolutions reached from a Motion moved by Senator Victor Umeh titled illegal confinement of under aged offenders and infants in the same prison with adult prisoners.

In the motion he noted that Section 1 of the Child Right Act provides that “in every action concerning a child whether undertaken by an individual public or private body institutions or services court of law or administration or legislative authority the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration.

He also said the provisions of the prisons act stipulates that Juvenile offenders under sixteen years of age and infants are not allowed by law to be confined in the same prisons with adult offenders.

He said he is worried that the negative implication of keeping under age children in conventional prison is that they will mix up with adult inmate who are likely to influence them negatively using manipulation techniques to espouse and enforce beliefs and practices that create a paranoid view of the outside society.

He is further worried by the vulnerable state of the under age children and the fact that one of the fertile grounds for radicalization and mental subversion is the prison.

After various contributions by Senators the Senate resolved to urge security agencies that are involved in the arrest and detention of the juveniles to ensure that they are not incarcerated beyond 48 hours

Breaking: Aliko Dangote Foundation gave out 150 Vehicles to the Police

0
0

Aliko Dangote Foundation presented 150 operational vehicles today to the Nigerian Police at eagles square Abuja, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osibanjo is there to witness the presentation.

Below is the video of the Vice President arriving at the venue.

Details coming later

My CCT trial not discussed at nPDP meeting with Osinbajo -Saraki

0
0

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has denied a media report that his alleged false assets declaration trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT was part of issues discussed at the meeting of new People’s Democratic Party, nPDP with the vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.

The Nation newspaper had reported the story on its front page of Wednesday, May 30, 2018 with the headline “Ex-nPDP: stop Saraki’s trial” with its content on Page 6.

Saraki said ordinarily he would have ignored the story as he has done in the cases of other speculative ones concerning the on-going discussions between the nPDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government published by the newspaper, but since the story specifically mentioned an issue concerning him and the newspaper is associated both in ownership and viewpoint with a section of the APC leadership, it may be perceived to have some level of authenticity.

He added that his “trial over asset declaration issues which is now before both the Supreme Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) was never part of the discussions over the grievances of the nPDP leaders and all those who attended the meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo can attest to this”.

The senate president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu said issues being discussed between the nPDP and the APC leaderships are beyond personal matters.

“Dr. Saraki will want it known that he is not interested in any settlement of the asset declaration case outside the judicial process. He is confident that the court will give him justice and he will be exonerated of all charges as can be seen by the verdicts of the CCT and the Court of Appeal. In fact, he maintains his earlier position that the trial was politically and maliciously motivated.

“The Senate President’s only concern is that all interested parties should allow the judiciary to freely and fairly decide on the issues before it. Dr. Saraki believes in the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and ability of the court to adjudicate on all matters”, the statement said.

It said Saraki had consistently exhibited a strong belief that nobody should compromise national interest with personal issues “and this has guided his actions, conduct and utterances in the performance of his official duties in the last three years, despite the persistent persecution and intimidation directed at him”.

While urging Nigerians to ignore the speculations contained in The Nation’s story, the senate president maintained that there was no reason for him to depart from his avowed principle that the nation is greater than any individual, including himself.

Breaking: NSA to brief Senate on Security

0
0

The National Security Adviser NSA Babagana Mungono is to brief Senate today on proliferation of Dangerous Firearms spate of killings by terrorist and kidnappings by hoodlums across the country.

The NSA last week failed to show up last week when Service chiefs appeared to brief the law makers in camera.

Details later

Breaking: Former Kaduna Governor, 3 others remanded in prison

0
0

Nigerian pilot can authoritatively inform that immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Ramalan Yero, and three others have been remanded in prison by a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.

Justice Mohammed Shuaibu gave the remand order on Today, following the arraignment of the defendants by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former Governor and the other defendants were charged with four counts bordering on money laundering, criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public fund, and breach of trust. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

#BBNaija’s Miracle celebrates his girlfriend, as she turns 22 today

0
0

#BBNaija’s Miracle celebrates his girlfriend, as she turns 22 today his ‘girlfriend’ and former strategic partner Nina on her birthday.

He wrote:

May your Birthday bring a Smile to your Face, Happiness to your Heart and many Blessings to your Life. Happy Birthday dear _@nina_ivy

Nina on her part also shared some lovely photos of herself as she turns 22 today and wrote:

In any circumstance we find ourselves, let’s keep having good focus, in the goal we want to achieve. It’s not where we are that matters, it’s the glorious destination we are going in life that counts. God has brought me this far.

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions and his Grace,My birthday is an inspirational time to remind me to live each day with passion.The best of my life is yet to come. I will embrace it, be confident, and embark on a future of limitless possibilities and opportunities.

Today marks one small milestone in the beautiful journey, that is my life. In all i stay strong,May I continue to be blessed and follow my goals and ambition to succeed.

Happy birthday to me.
And thanks to All Nina fans worldwide ,I’m nothing without you all, God bless you all.


Senate urges relief materials for Kastina, Jigawa rainstorm victims

0
0

Senate has directed the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA to provide relief materials to the victims of flood and rainstorm that recently ravaged Modibi, Sabon Gari Wayo, Shinkafi, Kukar Geza and Ambasada in Kastina local government area of Kastina State and Gumel in Jigawa State, respectively.

The resolutions of the upper legislative chamber followed different motions to that effect by Senator Umaru Kurfi (APC Kastina Central) and Senator Abdullahi Gumel (APC Jigawa North West) during plenary today.

Presenting his motion, Senator Kurfi informed that there was a heavy rainfall and flooding in the affected towns on May 17, this year.

The lawmaker lamented that over 1, 000 people lost their houses, other properties like farmlands to the flood, adding that many animals and 15 persons were reportedly dead due to the natural disaster.

Senator Kurfi was therefore worried that “the victims are currently living in deplorable conditions having been dislocated and dispersed into neighbouring villages as a greater number of them; especially victims of farmlands destruction are stranded without the means to operate in the impending farming season”.

He warned that “if expedient measures are not taken, these victims whose means of livelihood have been stripped away may continue to be homeless and hungry with intended threats to their health and survival in the years to come”.

In his own motion, Senator Gumel lamented that several communities in Gumel local government area of Jigawa State suffered calamity caused by the highly destructive rainstorm due to loss of their properties.

According to him, “On Sunday, 27th May, 2018, about 56 houses including residences and schools were blown away by the rainstorm at Gumel in Gumel local government area of Jigawa State”.

Senator Gumel expressed worry that thousands of citizens, including children and women have been rendered homeless, with students and children now out of school and are being housed in school premises and public buildings because of the misfortune.

He added that despite the resultant humanitarian crisis caused by this natural disaster, no agency of the federal government, including NEMA has assisted the victims either through provision of relief materials or rebuilding their structures destroyed by the rainstorm.

The senate, therefore called on NEMA to immediately intervene through provision of relief materials to the victims and help rebuild their homes, worship places and schools.

It also urged the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET to and other relevant government agencies to be more proactive in predicting and giving early warning signals of natural disasters.

This, the Red Chamber, noted would enable people to be warned and take precautionary measures to minimize the disastrous effects of such natural disasters.

Ekweremadu appointed into Int’l Parliament for Peace and Tolerance

0
0

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been invited to occupy Nigeria’s only seat as a founding Member of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace, IPTP, an initiative by the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, GCTP.

This was conveyed to him in a letter signed by the President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, Ahmed Bin Mohamed Aljarwan.

Expressing worry over the prevalence of terrorism and extremism in the world, Aljarwan noted that Ekweremadu’s experience would help the Parliament to achieve its objectives, including building values that promote global peace.

He wrote: “We are all confronted by the present world situation which is disturbed by the prevalent terrorism and extremism caused by racial, religious and ethnic discrimination leading to intolerance, injustice and loss of the dignity of human life among on planet Earth. This has given rise to hatred and instilled destructive ideas especially in the minds of the youth who are the future of the world.

“In order to disseminate the culture of Peace and tolerance, especially among the youth, we have established the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP). This aim is to inculcate and spread humanistic values of compassion, respect for life, acceptance and tolerance as a way to peace.

“We endeavor to do this through preventive diplomacy efforts, supporting youth initiatives and collaborations with the governments, schools, and universities at both public and private levels, research centers, thought leaders and media.

“GCTP has also established, among its main organs, the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace which embodies one of the most specialized parliaments of the world dedicated to promoting peace around the world.

“The IPTP is in line with the International Parliamentary Union and includes representatives from international parliaments from across the world.

“I take this opportunity to invite your Excellency to join the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace. We are sure that your accession is a real addition to the ability of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace to achieve its objectives”.

Meanwhile, the deputy senate president has accepted the appointment, describing it as a “great honour and great privilege and in tandem with my conviction that global peace is possible through concerted efforts and justice for all”.

Ekweremadu is a ranking Member of the Nigerian Senate, the longest serving presiding officer at the National Assembly of Nigeria, and a former Speaker of the Parliament of Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, where his efforts at regional peace was widely acknowledged.

He is also a Professor and Senior Mentoring Scholar of E-Governance and Strategic Government Studies at the Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.

With this development, Ekweremadu will become the first Nigerian to sit in IPTP as it holds its inaugural session at the Maltese Parliament in July 2018.

Breaking: Zinedine Yazid departs Real Madrid

0
0

Zinedine Yazid Zidane O.L.H., A.O.M.N., nicknamed “Zizou”,Real Madrid Boss and coach has announced his departure from the club, five days after leading them to a third straight Champions League triumph, claiming the club needs “a different voice”.

He was a French retired professional footballer who last managed Real Madrid. He played as an attacking midfielder for the France national team, Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid

“What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology. And that’s why I took this decision.”

‘’I love this club,” he added.

Zizou revealed this surprise news in a press conference at 12pm BST today at the Bernabeu, following doubts around his future, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

The 45-year-old Frenchman played 155 times for Real Madrid and became a club legend, before taking over the B team, Castilla

Following the dismissal of Rafael Benitez in 2016, he led the first team to Champion’s League success in his debut season.

He completed the double in his second season, winning La Liga and the Champions League, and beat Liverpool five days ago to make it three European gongs in a row.

It’s not known whether Zidane will take some time to weigh up his options or dive straight back into management. There aren’t any obvious vacancies, following Bayern Munich’s hiring of Niko Kovac as their next manager and PSG’s appointment of Thomas Tuchel.

Senate rejects one nominee, confirms 4 for CBN board

0
0

Senate has confirmed the appointments of four out of the five non-executive directors for the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2017.

The nominees were confirmed following the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, chairs by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim (APC Kwara South).

Those who scaled through are Professor Ummu Jalingo representing North-East; Professor Justina Odinakachukwu Nnabuko, South-East; Professor Mike Obadan, South-South and Adeola Adetunji, South-West, respectively while Dr. Abdu Abubakar from North-West was rejected by the upper legislative chamber.

Senator Ibrahim, while presenting the committee report, explained that Dr. Abubakar, who was not recommended for confirmation failed the committee’s integrity test.

He said: “That four out of the five nominees, Professor Ummu Jalingo, Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko, Mike Obadan and Adeola Adetunji are very resourceful, diligent, articulate, competent and have the needed value for the central bank and they answered questions satisfactorily”.

“The nominees have vast knowledge of the CBN Act. They have been cleared by CCB and relevant security agency.

“One of the nominees, Dr. Abdu Abubakar, failed the integrity test designed by the committee to assess, his response to questions lacked transparency and not worthy to appointed into a regulatory agency by the CBN.”

In their contributions, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Leader of the upper legislative chamber, Senator Ahmad Lawan stressed the need for the committee to revisit the issues surrounding the non-confirmation of Abubakar.

The Senate President Bukola Saraki directed the committee to “look into Abubakar’s record, do more legislative work on it and report back.”

It would be recalled that the committee had on Wednesday screened the five non-executive director nominees for the CBN.

The nominees were screened after introduction by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.

The Senate had last month resumed the consideration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees for the board of the CBN, 13 months after the request was made.

President Buhari had in April 2017 forwarded the names of the nominees for the board of the CBN to the Senate for confirmation in accordance with section 6 (1) (d), and 10 (1) of the CBN Act, 2007.

Police recruitment exams should be cancelled- CAN

0
0

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has today Thursday 31th of May called for the cancellation of the Nigerian Police recruitment examination that was just conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) where Arabic Language was part of the subjects listed in the examination.

The inclusion of Arabic Language created confusion among Christian students and is likely to affecting their overall performance in the examination.

Rev. Sampson Supo Ayokunle, the CAN President said, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is disappointed at the incessant insensitivity of the federal government to the clarion calls being made by all right thinking Nigerians to stop playing religious kite at the expense of peace and unity of the country.’’

“CAN has severally called on President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul the security committee of the government with a view to balancing religious dichotomy have been falling on the deaf ear. His government has also failed to stop the unending killings by the criminal Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country especially in the Christian dominated North-central.’’

“In the 2018 Appropriation Bill, the federal government reportedly appropriated over N600 million in the 2018 budget for execution of capital projects at the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), just as it has committed N200 million to rehabilitation of the board’s buildings ceded to it by the government.’’

“The only reason why Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls remain in the captivity of the outlawed Boko Haram terrorists is because they are Christians. CAN begins to wonder if the islamisation agenda has become a reality or the government is in hurry to bring the hidden plan into a reality.’’

“The just concluded Nigeria Police entrance examination using JAMB Computer based test (CBT) where Arabic language (the official Islamic language) was made compulsory for Muslims and Christians alike is another dirty slap on the 1999 Constitution (as amended).’’

“To many Christian youths who sat for that examination, the display of the Arabic language questions came as a rude shock. Many could not recover from the setback until JAMB logged them out of the CBT platform. Obviously achieving the aim of the Islamic extremists who are hell bent on fostering their religion and culture on the Nigeria Police Force.

“While it is true that in some police examination centers, some officiating officers advised the candidates to ignore the Arabic Language questions but that again ran contrary to the examination instructions wherein a candidate was required to answer 180 questions viz- Use of English 60, Arabic language 40, Fine Arts 40, and Agriculture 40 hence summing up the 180 questions each candidate is required to answer.”

“This deliberate attempt to undermine Christians in Nigeria leaves so many questions as to the unity of the nation. It goes to confirm the following – that in a country we all call our own, because the Inspector General of Police and the President are Muslims, they ensure only Muslims get easy entrance to the force.’’ The Rev explained.

“That they ensure that only Muslims find their way into strategic planning positions. If not how come this policy of forcing Christians to write Arabic language was planned and hatched without any Christian knowing about it until the entire Christian community in Nigeria were told they do not count.’’

“It also goes to confirm the plan to make Arabic language compulsory for entrance to our universities with utter disregard for the principle of secularism of the Nigeria nation will be attempted to be forced down our throats.’’

“However, it’s important to warn here that the Christians in Nigeria can no longer be taken for a ride. We therefore call for immediate cancellation of the purported police entrance exams and a proper examination conducted.’’

“The candidates should be informed of the subjects they will be examined on before time so that they will be properly tested as it is obtained on every sane society.

“We also find the puerile justification of this very provocative action by JAMB very ridiculous.”

“The JAMB explanation does not hold any water at all. Other professional bodies like the West African College of Surgeons, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Pilgrims Board use JAMB for the CBT examination and they don’t use any dummy questions.’’

‘‘They set only Surgery examinations questions or questions relevant to the specific specialty.’’

“Dummies are used for pre test exams, not actual exams to know if the questions are of good standard. And pre-test is performed on very few candidates to gauge the standard of the questions.”

According to the Rev. he observed that “at the Port Harcourt center, it was only few minutes to the end of the examinations, that the candidate were informed that they should answer only USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE. The implication is that they were short-changed as there was little or no time to complete the test.

“The JAMB officer is being clever by half, how can you introduce 120 dummy questions in an exam of 180 questions and then claim they are to answer only 60 questions?

“And why Arabic language, even if they claimed it is Alphabetic abracadabra, why not Accounting that comes before Arabic in Alphabetical order? And the statement by Dr Fabian Benjamin, the JAMB Spokesperson published in Punch Newspaper on May 26th, 2019 showed that JAMB doesn’t know what Alphabetical order is.

“How can Arabic language come before Accounting and Agriculture. If a national examination body does not understand simple alphabetical order, how can they justify their competence and integrity? And the computer programme/software is so versatile that it can be programmed for specific questions, not the so called JAMB dummies.’’

“The most appropriate action is to cancel the exams and conduct a fresh one devoid of controversies. It will be wrong for the President of Nigeria (who swore to defend both the Christians and Muslims alike) turn around to allow his appointees seek to divide the nation through their actions.’’

“If the President can allow this affront now and he is still seeking the vote of Christians for a second term we do not trust he will keep us alive if he ascends that throne for another four years.’’

“CAN demands evidence of cancelation of the examination and fixing of date for a retake within 72 hours of this notice. Else, the Christian community in Nigeria will have no choice than embark on other measures to seek redress of this national insult.’’

“We also demand evidence of the withdrawal of Arabic language as a compulsory elective for management science studies in tertiary institutions from National Universities Commission. The leadership of the association seeks your support in disseminating this information to all the stakeholders.” He said.

Viewing all 20583 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images