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National airline set to take off December – Aviation minister

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Following the presentation of the Outline Business Case Certificate of Compliance by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, to the federal government, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has revealed that plans are at top gear to ensure the unveiling of the county’s proposed national airline before the end of the year.

The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, reiterated the FG commitment while receiving the Certificate of Compliance from the Director General, ICRC, Engr Chidi Izuwah adding that the presentation signifies the official approval of the process through which the project has gone so far.

According to the Minister, there’s no doubt that the issue of national carrier for Nigeria is very close to the hearts of both the government and the people, which is the reason it has taken the option of a Public Private partnership with the belief that it was the only way to deliver a national carrier that would stand the test of time.

He commended the efforts of the ICRC Director General and his team in ensuring that the National Carrier project has remained on track through the observation of all legal aid regulatory frameworks.

Senator Sirika also expressed satisfaction with the way the Transaction Advisers have carried out their assignments with utmost diligence and timeliness, assuring that the National Carrier that would be delivered would be world class in operation and management.

He used the occasion to debunk claims that the National Carrier would sound the death knell for other airlines operating in the country. Nigeria, with a population of over 180million people with so many unserviced routes offered more than enough space for all serious airlines to operate profitably, the Minister asserted.

Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Engr Chidi Izuwah said the presentation of the Certificate of Compliance was an official green light to proceed with the procurement process.

He said that his Commission, in granting the Certificate reviewed the Project Structuring Report, also known as the Outline Business Case, in line with the ICRC Act of 2005.

According Izuwah, the Certificate was granted on the condition that the Federal government has committed to leveraging on private sector capital and expertise towards the establishment of the national carrier through the provision of a Viability Gap Funding for the project.

He stated other conditions for granting the Certificate of Compliance to an official commitment to zero contribution to airline management decisions and zero government, control, warning that any attempt to impose government control would invalidate the Certificate and the entire process.

The ICRC Director General commended Senator Hadi Sirika for his commitment to changing the face of Aviation in Nigeria through infrastructural renaissance and said the PPP remains the only viable option for Nigeria in view of dwindling national resources.

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FG orders clamp down on criminals as insecurity worsens

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…As AGF says insecurity negates nation’s sworn values

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has challenged Attorneys General of the 36 states of the Federation to brace up to the challenge of prosecuting criminals arrested in their various jurisdictions, especially terrorists, murderers, kidnappers among others.

This is just as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN revealed that insecurity in any form in any part of the country is an affront to the values sworn to defend and future envision for the country.

In a press statement made available to Nigerian Pilot yesterday in Abuja by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Comrade Salihu Isah, quoted Vice President Osinbajo as saying that, “This is why it is my charge to you to take up this crucial charge of prosecuting criminals arrested in your jurisdiction especially those arrested with killings, terrorism activities and kidnappings.

The Vice President asserted during a High Level Dialogue with the State Attorneys General and Stakeholders in the justice sector with the Theme: Law, Justice and Security on Thursday July 5, 2018 in Abuja, it is his view that it should be made priority for criminals to be brought to book and such prosecution publicized to deter others who might want to take to crime to desist from it.

“I think that is right we should make them priority and publicise the prosecutions to deter others who might be minded to go the same despicable way.”

He added that every of the challenge that has been raised requires commitment and dedication to solve the problems and also if there is a desire the problem is half solved.

Osinbajo charged the legal practitioners to maintain professional integrity in ensuring that justice would be done and that it is important that at the end of the day such professionals are left with their conscience and their God.

On his part, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami in his speech said that insecurity in any form, in any part of the country is an affront to the values sworn to defend and future envision for the country.

Malami expatiated on the theme of the dialogue, maintaining that law and security are closely intertwined and should be addressed within the same context.

The AGF noted that, it is the law that provides the legal basis for the security architecture of Nigeria through the constitutional duties and obligations to the different tiers of government.

He also firms up the understanding that law plays a critical role through the enactment of appropriation act to fund the security needs of a country and setting standards of accountability and responsibility through appropriate legal instruments.

“It is the duty of the law to ensure that all anti-social actions have consequences and that those consequences are imposed or enforced on deviants.”

He stressed the evil tendencies of Boko Haram terrorist group, farmers/herdsmen clash in the North, kidnapping, human trafficking among others in the south as the nation approaches another general election in 2019, stating that it is easy to see the hands of corrupt politicians with contrary positions in the present security problems.

The AGF revealed that these corrupt politicians desperately attempt to discredit all the gains made by this administration, for pure political gains, advising that these negative tendencies must be resisted.

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We’ve no land for ranching – S/East Governors

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…Reaffirms stand on restructuring

South East governors yesterday rose from a joint meeting with Ohanaeze leaders, traditioner rulers, Igbo technocrats and stated that they will never cede any portion of land in the zone for ranching.

The chairman of the South East Governors Forum and governor of Ebony State, Chief Dave Umahi said that South East does not have enough land to give out for ranching.

Umahi debunked allegations that they have reached an understanding with the Federal Government to that effect neither did they receive any request from the Federal Government to give out any land.

In the 9-point communique, the South East restated their stand on the restructuring of the country as the best way to ensure even development and extolled the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo on his commitment to the restructuring project, stating that in their next meeting, they will make their final stand clear.

Umahi said, “the Forum thanked Ohanaeze on a job well and reiterated its earlier stand that restructuring is the only way forward for Nigeria.”

In another development, the Forum, according to Umahi acknowledged that the term of office for South East traditional rulers council is two years and rotational in alphabetical order, therefore, his royal majesty, Eze Eberechi Dick who has served for two years should hand over to Anambra State, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe of Anambra State with effect from August 1, 2018.

Chief Umahi emphasised that Anambra and Ebonyi States have no bickering over the renaming of Abakaliki Street, stating that the two States are brothers, pointing out that the matter has been resolved.

The governor said that they received with joy the news that NNPC would soon reopen the Enugu depot which repairs are almost completed according to the NNPC manager, Dr. Sam Otoboeze, who pleaded that the governors should assist them with security to safeguard the pipelines from vandalism.

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FCT emerges Nigeria’s fourth populous city – NPC

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Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has been named the fourth most populous city in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano and Ibadan.

Nigerian Pilot reports that, of the three states, FCT boasts the highest growth rate – at 7.1 percent, which forebodes an imminent, overtake of these cities.

Commissioner representing Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Daniel Kwali, made the disclosure when he paid an advocacy visit to the FCT Administration to seek support for the forthcoming Word Population Day.

The one week event with the theme ‘Family planning is a Human Right’ is scheduled to kick off on July 11.

In a wake-up call to Nigerians, the population Commissioner revealed that Nigeria’s population is estimated to hit 450million by 2050, meaning, it would surpass the US, whose current population is estimated at 326million.

Dr. Aliyu Kwali illustrated that this would mean squeezing 450million people in a space that is approximately twice the land area of California, only one of the 50 states of America.

Reiterating the UN’s advised that family planning should be exercised responsibly, he called on Nigerians in general and FCT residents in particular, to take the issues of birth control and birth spacing seriously.

While lamenting the challenge of getting the correct population estimates of FCT due to its peculiar growth patterns as well as the huge dichotomy between the resident population and transient population – people who work in Abuja but leave the city every day. These people he also noted put pressure on FCT facilities and often travel to their hometown during census periods.

FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, who was represented at the occasion by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chiyeaka Ohaa, re-echoed the concern of the great economist, Adam Smith about the dangers of population outstripping natural resources.

According to him, the absence of reliable population estimate, denies FCT the necessary data to convince legislators for adequate budgetary provisions for FCT, noting that raising a child without making plans for them easily predispose the child to crime and deviant behaviours.

Speaking further, Ohaa called on NPC officials to take the message of responsible family sizes to the grassroots, especially through the pastors and imams.

He noted that FCT as an emerging city is witnessing the type of population increase that is very unusual for cities of its kind. He called for concerted efforts to tackle the challenge in order to come to terms with the need to for effective planning.

The Permanent Secretary however pledged the FCT Administration’s cooperation with the NPC to enable it performs it mandate in the FCT.

“We would do everything within the ambit of the law to give the Commission all the necessary support it needs.”

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2019: Ortom, Gemade, others set to dump APC, eyes SDP

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…As plot to deny Ortom APC guber ticket thickens

…Defection not on table for now – CPS

THE promulgation of the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Establishment of Ranches Law 2017 by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to protect the people from killer herdsmen may deny him the All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial ticket in the 2019 general elections.

There are indications that some high profile members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State led by Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Barnabas Gemade are concluding plans to defect to the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

Reliable sources which confided in Nigerian Pilot in Makurdi at the weekend said both the party leadership at the national level and the presidency are uncomfortable with the posture of the governor who has maintained to defend the Benue law in spite of options put on the table by the federal government to resolve the persistent attack by herders on peasant Benue farmers.

“This is the truth of the matter, the forces see Ortom as a hard nut to crack based on his stand on the anti-open grazing law.

“The law is the people’s law, is it a bad thing for an elected governor to stand up for his people?

“We have been advising him (Ortom) to seek alternative platform for his second term aspiration. With what was is happening the coast is getting clearer than before.”

It was gathered that some influential leaders of the APC have vowed to deny Governor Ortom the party’s ticket for second term unless he repeals the anti-grazing law.

This plot is said to have been leaked to the Benue governor and APC leaders in the state, a development that left them with no option but to search for alternative platform to contest election in 2019.

Our sources added that the angry Benue APC leaders did not consider using the platform of PDP even as the main opposition is said to be mounting pressure on them to return to the fold from where most of them defected to the APC saying “our people don’t like going back to their vomit.”

Apart from the plot to deny Governor Ortom ticket in 2016, the people of Benue state are said to be very “disgusted” with the ruling APC over the unwarranted killings going on in the state without the federal government doing enough to stop the killings.

The people are said to have made up their mind to teach APC political lesson with the Permanent Voters’ Card, PVC, during the forthcoming elections in 2019.

Nigerian Pilot also gathered that among the political leaders in Benue State it is only former governor George Akume, now a Senator, that is insisting on staying put in APC.

Benue leaders are said to be shopping for Akume’s replacement if he declines to dump APC before the primaries of the political parties.

While Benue leaders are shopping for Akume’s replacement, the APC is said to be looking in the direction of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Barrister Emmannuel Jime to fly the party’s governorship flag next year.

However, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Terver Akase told our correspondent on phone yesterday that it is true that there are issues in the party but that it has not come to the point of the governor defecting from the party.

“There are issues, like in every political party there are bound to be issues but the issues are being sorted out.

“It has not come to the point of defection that is not the issue on the table for now, the governor has not told us that.

“Like I said it has nothing to do with defection. The issues will be sorted out amicably,” he said.

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Ondo first lady survives 21-yr old breast cancer

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…Says she never went overseas for treatment

Ondo State First Lady, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has revealed that she suffered and battled breast cancer for 21 years without going abroad once to seek medical attention.

Sharing her medical experience while battling breast cancer since 1997, Mrs. Akeredolu, a proud survivor, noted that she got her treatment and care in Nigeria, adding that she didn’t travel once to seek treatment in any other country.

According to a statement issued by her Media Officer, Bola Olagbegi, Yesterday, Mrs. Akeredolu spoke on creating a conducive working environment to encourage Nigerian Doctors remain and practice at home.

For her contributions in fighting cancer, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was honoured with a Distinguished Community Service Award by the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association at an event which took place at Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Akeredolu expressed delight at the event, lauded members of the medical profession in the country who stayed back home to practice despite the knowledge that pastures were greener abroad.

“You know what, you have the skills to take care of us your patients and world class health care is possible in Nigeria,” she continued, but lamented that one of the obstacles to attaining quality health care in Nigeria is lack of enabling work environments.

On Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, effort at lobbying for good policies, Mrs. Akeredolu whose advocacy has gone beyond the shores of Nigeria to the Capitol Hill in the US, called on the members of the medical community to remain an ally of BRECAN in galvanising action against breast cancer.

While calling on the government at all levels to provide an enabling environment for Doctors to work, Mrs. Akeredolu noted with disappointment the cut in appropriated funds for cancer control stressing that with NMA on BRECAN’s side, Nigerian legislators can be made to see reasons why it should not be so.

“We need the NMA as an ally, we cannot do it alone. In the area of appropriation of fund for cancer control, if it were in America, we will march to the Congress. We should therefore be ready to march to the National Assembly, lobby and demand for adequate funding for cancer control in Nigeria. We cannot do it alone; we need the medical community to stand with us.” she added.

Abirin Akeredolu also used the opportunity to congratulate the Oyo State chapter of the NMA for a successful Annual General Meeting, AGM and inauguration of new executives led by the new chairman, Dr. Yaro Akin Shodipo.

The climax of the event was the presentation of a distinguished community award on Mrs. Akeredolu in recognition of her effort at fighting the scourge of breast cancer.

Earlier in her welcome address, the outgoing chairman of Oyo State NMA, Dr. Mrs. Atalabi, explained that the Distinguished Community Service Award is conferred on Arabirin for sharing in the mission of Nigerian Medical Association, by collaborating in the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria through her NGO, BRECAN.

“I can tell you that in Ondo State they are planning a very comprehensive treatment center, from diagnostic to treatment of breast cancer.”

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Fayemi gives free fuel to Okada riders, promises more

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All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode

Fayemi, has provided free petrol to commercial motorcycle riders in

Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, saying he would do more for them if he

wins the governorship election.

The free fuel was launched at Mobil Petrol Station along Ikere  Road

in Ajilosun with many  riders forming long queues to benefit from

the gesture, with many of them  decorating  their bikes with the

posters of Fayemi.

Each of the riders got five litres of fuel each in the scheme which

yesterday.

The APC governorship  candidate urged the riders not to collect

transport fare from the  commuters they would be conveying.

Fayemi’s appearance at about 10.45 am turned the filling station to a

carnival  as the riders hailed his gesture and recalled what he did

for their  unions during his first tenure.

The APC candidate urged the riders to ignore allegation from the

Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP) camp that he would ban commercial

motorcycle operations if he wins the July 14 poll.

Fayemi said rather than banning the okada business, he would give the

operators more incentives including soft loans, equipment and

provide good  roads to aid their operation.

According to him,  his first term saw the purchase of 280 motorcycles, 500

tricycles  and a brand new bus given to them as a union.

He added that his government which was in office between 2010 and 2014

gave the riders unions 150,000 monthly allowance for logistics and

running  of their office.

Fayemi also revealed that his first administration celebrated Okada

Riders’ Day, for the first time in the state’s history an also

provided  3,000 free helmets for their use.

A beneficiary, Segun Fowobaje, hailed Fayemi for the free fuel supply

which  he said would add value to their business.

Another rider, Wale Esan, assured Fayemi of the votes of the riders

describing  him as the “true friend of the masses” saying his

government  did the best for them in the history of the state.

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NSCDC deploys 19,997 personnel, sniffer dogs for Ekiti Election

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COMMANDANT General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has ordered the deployment of 19,997 personnel, Mobile Surveillance Vehicles and Sniffer Dogs for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election.

Gana gave the directives while addressing the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations Hillary Madu Kelechi  on the need for effective deployment to cover all nooks and crannies in Ekiti state before, during and after the election.

According to a statement issued and signed by  DCC Emmanuel Okey, the Corps Public Relations Officer, the CG ordered that, the  deployment should comprise of personnel from Osun, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Kwara, headquarters and other neighbouring states for the purpose of maintaining peace, law and order before, during and after the election.

In addition to the operational officers deployed, Three (3) ACG, Six (6) Commandants along with other senior officers from the rank of DCC to ACC below are to support the DCG Operations in supervising the deployment of personnel to critical areas, identified black spots, as well as to all the critical infrastructure within and around the state in other to deter criminal minded persons that always take advantage of occasions like this to foment troubles in other to carry out  their nefarious activities.

The Commandant General also approved the deployment of surveillance/Intelligence unit, SWAT, Medical and Disaster Rapid Respond Team, CBRN Unit , Special Forces and other specialised unit for the purpose of beefing up  security in and around the State.

He charged personnel to work in synergy and collaboration with  personnel of sister agencies deployed for the same purposes; he cautioned that, the Corps will not condoned any act of indiscipline or sabotage,  as anyone found wanting or engaged in any sharp practices will face the wrath of the law, therefore, he charged them to be good ambassador of the Corps and be diplomatic in their approach.

Gana enjoined Ekiti people to be peaceful and resolute in the forthcoming election noting that there is no gain indulging in violence act considering the fact that there is no alternative to peace. Instead they should come out en mass to vote for the candidate of their choice without fear of molestation or favour, for whatsoever mistake made now will affect the future of the State.

He cautioned the youths  to shun act of violence, thuggery, rigging,  electoral malpractices, ballot box snatching and other social vices in other not to truncate the political and democratic processes. The law is not a respecter of anybody, therefore, whosoever engages himself in any act inimical to the peace of the State shall face the wrath of the law, Gana added.

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SSANUS lauds Danbatta on recent honours

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Staff Association of Nigerian Universities SSANU, Bayero University, chapter has congratulated the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission EVC, Prof.Uma rDanbatta two major recognitions he received recently.

Speaking while paying a courtesy call on the NCC boss,  the Chairman of  BUK’s chapter of the SSANU, Comrade HarunaAliyu, who led a high-powered delegation of the leadership of the association, described the double honours as a recognition not only for Danbatta but the entire BUK community in particular and the nation’s university community in general.

 

Aliyu observed that, “You have always made us proud. And the recent honours you received are, no doubt, so remarkable and hence the reason to pay this courtesy visit to felicitate with you and the entire staff of the NCC”.

 

Responding, Danbatta, however, hailed the contributions of the members of the association toward the development of the university.

 

“I held many strategic positions while in BUK. I have seen what the Management is doing. It has transformed the University into a world-class University. Surely, it must be with the support of various Associations, ASUP SSANU, and others.

“The achievement the University recorded in the past years would not have been possible without the harmony in unionism and active partnership between management and the various unions of the University,” he pointed out.

Speaking further, Danbatta vowed to remain a good ambassador of the university at the federal level with more telling contributions toward the development of telecommunications sector in the country.

He said, “The various recognitions and awards will serve as testimony to the fact that we are really representing and protecting the good name and the image of the university”.

It could be recalled that Danbatta was recently inducted as Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, the apex engineering body in the country, and he also received the honorary Doctorate Degree of Science (D It could be recalled that Danbatta was recently inducted as Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, the apex engineering body in the country, and he also received the honorary Doctorate Degree of Science (D.SC) of the prestigious University of Jos, Nigeria.It could be recalled that Danbatta was recently inducted as Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, the apex engineering body in the country, and he also received the honorary Doctorate Degree of Science D.SC, of the prestigious University of Jos, Nigeria.

 

 

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Ekiti guber: Politicians disrupts INEC, stakeholders’ meeting

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Stakeholders meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti state, yesterday ended in a rowdy session as politicians from both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC turned it to a shouting match alongside their supporters.

The ‘Ekiti Stakeholders Meeting’, which was attended by candidates of the 35 political parties, ended in uproar as members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where in a show of strength.

The meeting which was attended by 33 political parties, was convened to douse tension in the already heated state ahead of the July 14th poll.

According to report, moment after the Inspector General, Ibrahim Idris and the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had addressed the gathering, the meeting ended in an uproar as members of the APC and the PDP threw jibes at each other.

Idris and Yakubu had addressed the house after which the representative of the PDP, Hon. Samuel Omotoso, a serving lawmaker, raised observations that the candidate of the APC and ex-governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had allegedly been bragging that he would be declared whether he loses the election or not.

Omotoso also raised observations about how he and his family were allegedly shot by security agencies during the APC rally in his community at Oloje town in Oye Local Government Area of the state, querying why some security agencies have been exhibiting partisanship in the countdown to the election.

The continuous mentioning of Fayemi’s name by Omotoso got the APC members agitated, which made them raise their voices to shut him down but the adamant lawmaker continued until he raised all his party’s objections against alleged misconducts of the security personnel.

It was after Omotoso rounded off his speech that the PDP burst into a loud noise, chanting ‘Eleka Ibo’, meaning: ‘Eleka for Votes’ for more than 10 minutes and the atmosphere of the venue where the event was held became charged and uncontrollable.

Eleka is the political acronym of the PDP candidate, Prof. Olubunmi Olusola, who is the deputy governor of the state.

Spirited efforts made by the INEC chief, IG and the Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, to placate the rampaging party members did not work.

It was at this time that dignitaries at the event started leaving the hall and the parley came to an abrupt end without the interactive session, where stakeholders were expected to ask questions and authorities concerned will give relevant answers.

Earlier, the IG said a total number of 4,390 combined forces of soldiers and other paramilitary will be deployed to complement the 30,000 policemen that have been drafted to Ekiti to monitor the election.

Idris added that a Deputy Inspector General of Police, an Assistant Inspector General of Police and five Commissioners of police will be in charge to give directive and ensure that the election is conducted under conducive atmosphere.

The police boss warned political leaders and their supporters to refrain from arming thugs, saying whoever arrested will be prosecuted in line with the rule of law and laws guiding the conduct of elections.

Also affirming that the election will be credible, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Prof Abdulganiyu Raji, said a total of 913, 334 have been registered by the commission out of which 667,064 had collected their PVCs.

Raji said the commission still has a total of 246,270 unclaimed PVCs that were yet to be collected by owners.

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Pro Ezeibe, inventor of HIV drug lauds FG on grants

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Nigerian inventor of HIV AIDS drugs, Professor Maduike Ezeibe has lauded the Federal Government for the grant given him in furtherance of research for the cure of the deadly disease.

It could be recalled that the inventor of Medicinal Synthetic Aluminium Magnesium Silicate, (MSAMS) was among the Inventors the Federal Government made some grants available last Tuesday in Abuja.

Announcing the grant to a select Journalists in his office at Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike over the weekend, Ezeibe said he alongside other investors were also given certificate of recognition by the government .

He however expressed his delight for the grant and recognition noting that Federal University of Science and Technology had organised a seminar for innovators and Inventors whose research projects were recognised by the federal government.

Ezeibe explained that what gladdens his heart is because his invitation came after the Federal government investigated his claims for the cure of HIV with MSAMS through an inter ministerial Committee set up and was convinced with their findings thus leading to the recommendation for assistance grant to enable him further research on his work, insisting that if the Federal Government can encourage the commercial production of MSAMS, it has the capacity to yield more foreign exchange for the country than crude oil.

He therefore called on the government to sponsor the medical research institute to enable people who need the drugs to have it at a reduced price.

Explaining on the efficacy of his HIV drug,the Professor of Veterinary medicine adduced reasons why Immune deficiency(HIV/HBV/HCV) diseases are “incurable” and how the Nigerian Medical Synthetic Aluminium Silicate overcomes them”.

This was contained in a paper presentation entitled:”Reasons immune deficiency HIV/HBC/HCV diseases are incurable and how The Nigerian Medicinal Synthetic Aluminum Magnesium Silicate overcomes them”

In this connection Ezeibe further explained that the Aluminum Magnesium Silicate (AMS) molecules are made of Nanoparticles (smaller than HIV,Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C Virus)

He revealed that this ultra small size enables them reach all cells adding that the HIV and HCV are positively charged while HBV is negatively charged.

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Washington university partners Ondo Govt on cancer control

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UNIVERSITY of Washington, Seattle, United States of America, USA, has indicated interest in partnering with the Ondo State Government to improve cancer control in the region.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi on recently, the partnership will be in the areas of baseline assessment, monitoring and evaluation through useful and tested information.

Other areas include strategic planning and capacity building for the proposed cancer centre in the state; cancer advocacy and support groups and networking with other interested organisations.

The statement noted that the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is convinced that the setting up of the cancer advisory committee will, no doubt, go a long way in creating more awareness, advocacy, strengthening the system and improving cancer control.

Meanwhile, the Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu – Akeredolu, has been appointed as the Chairman of the State’s Cancer Advisory Committee by the government.

The 13-member committee will advise and serve as an interface between the State Government and the University of Washington, Seattle, USA.

Other members of the committee include Dr. Dipo Olabumuyi, Dr. Kingsley, Dr. Ajibola Adeyeye, Dr. Aba Katung, Dr. Ndidi Okunnuga, Dr. Adewale Alisa.

The list also has Dr. Mojisola Atalabi, Dr. Teniola Akeredolu, Mrs. Folashade Aluko, Engr. Raimi Aminu, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, to serve as the committee’s secretary.

It could be recalled that Mrs. Akeredolu has in last 20 years waged a war against cancer against cancer, being a victim herself,  through advocacy and campaigns.

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4 killed as militants attack monarch’s palace in A’Ibom

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No fewer than four persons including the son of a late monarch, Mr Ofonime Ukanga, were shot dead by the militants who attacked the palace of the late village head of Ikot Ese, Chief Ukanga Udo, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom last weekend.

Six others who were fatally injured by gunshots were said to be currently receiving treatment in hospitals prompting angry youths from neighbouring communities to block the major Etim Ekpo-Iwukem road for more than four hours and forcing commuters to Aba, Port Harcourt and other States to be stranded.

A youth leader in the area, Comrade Michael Akpan, told newsmen that the protest became necessary to draw government attention to several unprovoked attacks and killings of innocent people of Etim Ekpo.

“We have endured this untold hardship for over two years, yet no serious intervention from both the Local Government authorities and the State government.  We have lost several able bodied youths and professionals who would have helped in the developing our society.

“Even the Police are helpless in this situation because Friday last week, the hoodlums killed two of them on this road. They also burnt their van at Uruk Ata 11, where the militants have been terrorizing the people and burning their homes.

“We must not continue to keep quiet and die because what is happening now for two years shows a complete absence of government and security in this place.

“In this latest attack, the Police came and repelled them and they (the militants retreated for about two hours and thought they had escaped completely, but they later returned when the Policemen had left to start random shooting and burning of houses in the compound.” Akpan explained.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, said that his men had been working frantically to ensure that peace return to the area.

“My men were there till 8:00 PM, but immediately they left, the cultists returned at about 9:00 PM, to launch attack”. Ogunjemilusi explained, adding that efforts to address the matter through a holistic action plan by stakeholders, leaders and elders of the Local Government were yet to yield fruits.

Meanwhile the police have confirmed the arrest of a traditional ruler and five other suspects for alleged kidnapping of a staff of ExxonMobil last weekend.

Chief Inam Robson Unanaowo, the Village Head of Atibe in Afaha Eket local council and five others and five others were arrested for alleged kidnapping the oil worker who was on his way from Port-Harcourt for a crew change of duty at Qua Iboe Terminal, QIT, at Ibeno local government area.

Local residents had told newsmen that the, “suspects hijacked the workers and took them to their hideout demanding money but unknown to them, the workers had put a call to the police.

The bus was coming from Port-Harcourt to QIT for a crew change of duty offshore but the suspects ambushed them along Marina road. The suspects ambushed them and took them to Atibe village square, where they covered the victims with sack bags on their faces.”

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Police linking me, Saraki to bank robbery ridiculous – Gov Ahmed

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Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has derision the Nigeria Police Force for linking him with Offa Bank robbery that claimed innocent lives.

The governor said this during an interview on Channels Television’s tagged “Roadmap 2019”.

Governor Ahmed imagined how such allegation could be made against him that is trying to improve revenue of the state that is built on commercial activities that is basically on selling and buying adding that the Senate President has been trying his best in developing the state over years.

He, however, faulted the situation where people make very serious statements to indict senior citizens on a national television instead of focusing on how to nip the crime in the bud, in a situation where many lives lost.

“I think we should begin to look at more seriously how we should begin to take security issues because as it were, the economy of Kwara is highly dependent on commercial activities,” the governor said.

He further explained that the state government had to re-engineer its internally generated revenue collection in Offa after the incident had slowed down the economic activities in the community.

Governor Ahmed, however, emphasised that it was time to look more seriously at those issues that would change the economic situation in Nigeria and reform the security position to give more confidence and comfort to the people.

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Adeosun certificate saga: Activist takes battle to court

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…Demands Finance minister’s sack

…Refund of salaries to FG 

A human right lawyer cum activist, Chief  Francis Obalim, yesterday asked a federal High court Abuja to sack the embattled Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, from office for not possessing a valid discharge certificate issued by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.

The plaintiff, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/712/2018, applied for an order quashing and setting aside Mrs. Adeosun’s appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari, same being an act done in circumvention of a condition precedent and in contravention of mandatory Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the NYSC Act which is an integral part of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

He maintained that Adeosun who was cited as the 1st defendant in the matter, was not qualified to be employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria either as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or in any other capacity whatsoever, without first presenting a valid discharge certificate issued by the NYSC.

The plaintiff, through his counsel, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the federal government from further according a Ministerial status to the 1st defendant, until she presents a valid certificate of discharge regularly issued by the NYSC.

He wants the court to compel the 1st defendant to refund forthwith to federal government, through the Treasury Single Account domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria, all the salaries, emoluments, allowances and such other benefits she has enjoyed since her resumption as a Minister in 2015.

Other defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Senate President, Dr.  Bukola Saraki and Clerk of the Senate.

Specifically, the plaintiff prayed the court to determine, “Whether upon an intimate reading and complete understanding Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the National Youth Service Corp Act which is an integral part of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the 1st Defendant is qualified to be employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria either as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or in any other capacity whatsoever without first presenting a valid discharge certificate issued by the National Youth Service Corp?

“Whether the appointment of the 1st Defendant by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria [as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria] and the subsequent confirmation of same by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are not a nullity and therefore liable to be quashed and set aside being acts done in circumvention of a condition precedent and in violation of Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the National Youth Service Corp Act which is an integral part of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended? Upon determination of the questions, he sought for, “A declaration of this Honourable Court upon an intimate reading and complete understanding of Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the National Youth Service Corp Act which is an integral part of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the 1st Defendant is NOT qualified to be employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria either as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or in any other capacity whatsoever without first presenting a valid discharge certificate issued by the National Youth Service Corp.

 “A declaration of this Honourable Court that the appointment of the 1st Defendant by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria [as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria] and the subsequent confirmation of same by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are a nullity and therefore liable to be quashed and set aside being acts done in circumvention of a condition precedent and in contravention of mandatory Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the National Youth Service Corp Act which is an integral part of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended?”

No date has been fixed for hearing of the matter.

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2019 Elections: Fresh trouble for Buhari, APC As R-APC, PDP, SDP, 36 other parties meet

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*Fresh trouble for Buhari, APC

*As R-APC, PDP, SDP, 36 other parties meet

*Sign MoU to defeat Buhari

*To present single presidential candidate

*Election, contest between light and darkness – Sen Ben Obi

The plot to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari thickened yesterday as some leaders of a faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC operating under the aegis of Reformed APC, met in Abuja to sign a memorandum of understanding, MoU with opposition parties to work as a team against APC come 2019 general elections.

The Reformed All Progressives Congress, r-APC was led to the meeting with leaders of opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, Action Alliance, AA among others by its national chairman, Alhaji Buba Galadima.

Also at the meeting was the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu from the PDP, former vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Senator Dino Melaye as well as the Akwa Ibom state governor, Emmanuel Udom.

Other political parties in the alliance include Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, SDP, Alliance for Democratic Change, ADC, NCP, Action Alliance, KOWA party, PPA, Green Party of Nigeria, GPN, Coalition for Change, Democratic People’s Congress, DPC, Grassroots Development Party and PPA.

Also in the alliance is Democratic Alliance, Mass Action Joint Alliance, People for Democratic Change, NGP, ADP, PENDEL, YDP, BNPP, DPC, Mega Party of Nigeria, GDPN, ACD, Alliance for Democracy, MMM, GPN, NUP, NDCP and NIP, PPP, RPN, NCP, UPN and NIM.

In the MoU signed by the leadership of the 39 political parties, they “agreed” to work together in a Coalition of the United Political Parties, CUPP, determined to replace the present APC federal government with a new and acceptable National Unity Government, NUG, in 2019.

“The parties shall work together to ensure the emergence of a joint presidential candidate of which modalities for this collegiate process shall be under a separate agreement by the parties.

“The parties shall ensure the coalition is committed to working together in support of the single presidential candidate to contest the 2019 presidential election.”

The MoU also showed that the political parties will extend the alliance to the state level “to ensure that the cooperating parties under the grand alliance emerge victorious at the state governorship, state legislature and National Assembly elections.”

The parties also accepted the policy of zoning political and elective offices between the six geopolitical zones of the federation.

They also agreed to ensure restructuring and devolution of power through an executive bill if they are victorious in 2019 presidential election.

Briefing Journalists, a former Senator, Ben Obi explained that the political parties gathered to sign a memorandum of understanding, MoU for a coalition that could wrestle power from the ruling party in 2019.

Senator Obi who described the 2019 general elections as a contest between light and darkness explained that the coalition is the light that has come to rescue Nigeria adding that the signing of the memorandum is a signal to the ruling party and the international community that they are ready to take over power in 2019.

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30 killed, villages razed in fresh Adamawa attack

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No fewer than 30 people have been reportedly killed as suspected herdsmen raided five communities in Numan, Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa state and some borderline communities in Taraba state.

Local sources told Nigerian Pilot that a large number of the rampaging herdsmen stormed the area in a commando style on motorbikes in the late hours of Sunday, a market day at Kasuwan-Ladi and opened fire on the villagers.A resident of Kasuwan-Ladi, Manwunya Luka who escaped death by the whiskers recounted his ordeal thus, “the rampaging herdsmen stormed our area in droves and sacked the village”.

The villages affected in this fresh raid are, Bujum-kona, Sabon Layi, Bujum-Yashi in Numan and Demsa LGAs and Bujum-Center of Lau LGA in Taraba State.

The member representing Numan Constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Sodom Tayedi, who was visibly frightened by the incessant attacks, expressed her frustration as the killings have continued unabated.

She also raised concern about humanitarian crisis as according to her “the area remains inaccessible for now”.

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NIMASA suspends Issuance of cabotage waivers

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Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA yesterday said it has suspended the issuance of Cabotage waivers due to alleged abuse by both indigenous and foreign shipping operators.

Speaking at an interactive stakeholders meeting in Calabar on Monday, Director General of NIMASA; Dr Dakuku Peterside said that the abuse of the waiver regime necessitated the agency’s action.Peterside said that the suspension was temporary pending a review of the processes and procedures leading to the issuance.

It would be recalled that House Committee on Marine Education and Administration, had queried the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, over the issuance of Cabotage waivers, challenging them to make available the number of waivers so far approved.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Warri, Delta State, the Committee Chairman, Mr Mohammed Bago, said that the process of granting waivers under Cabotage has been shrouded in secrecy.

Bagosaid the law establishing the Cabotage provides that waivers should be granted through a process, adding that that process must be adhered to. He said, “NIMASA and the Ministry of Transportation said they have not granted waivers to foreign operators in the last six years or more.”

“If they haven’t, how are these foreign operators operating in Nigeria, to the detriment of our indigenous operators?.“My message therefore, is that if NIMASA and the Federal Ministry of Transportation in treating application for waivers under Cabotage as provided for in section 9 to 14 of the Cabotage law, follow the requirement of articles 3-8 of the Executive Order, then the indigenous operators will be better for it. “There will no more be foreign ships scattered on our waterways operating without waivers.”

 

 

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Ekiti guber: Drama as Buhari’s minister, Ngige campaigns for Fayose

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It was a mild drama during the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship mega rally in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday, as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige mistakenly urged people of the state to vote for the incumbent governor, Ayodele Fayose, in the July 14th governorship election.

Ngige, while trying to urge the people of the state to vote for the APC candidate, former governor Kayode Fayemi said, “those who want Saturday to happen should raise your hand with PVCs, Mr President and leaders of our party, our people are ready”.

“We thank the leaders of our party especially those from the South West for forgiving the Ekiti people for the mistake they made in 2014 so they won’t make that mistake again.

“If you marry two wives you will know the one that is good, Fayose is the good one, he cooks, gives his husband food and who is not troublesome, so you must bring back Fayose on Saturday.”

It took the intervention of the moderator, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs, Abike Dabiri Erewa who slightly tapped him to bring him to consciousness before he could correct himself.

The electorate in the state will on Saturday file out at the various polling units across the state to decide who takes over from Fayose as governor.

The two major contenders in the governorship election are the APC candidate, Kayode Fayemi and the incumbent deputy governor, Kolapo Olusola, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

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Peace Corps: Pandemonium as Police shuts at protesters in Abuja

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Law and order broke down for several hours in the Jabi District of Abuja yesterday when policemen opened live bullets and tear gas against some members of civil groups who were protesting the continued closure of the Corporate Headquarters of the Peace Corps of Nigeria in spite the two different court judgments against police.

The civil groups who stormed the sealed office as early as 8:00am in a peaceful protest were demanding that the office located at 57, Iya Abubakar Crescent, Off Alex Ekwueme Way, Jabi, Abuja be opened for the owners in compliance with two judgments of the federal high court, Abuja.

Trouble however started when fully armed police in five pick-up vans arrived the scene and ordered the protesters to disperse immediately.

The police got angry when the protesters who carried placards with various inscriptions attempted to engage them in dialogue on their mission.

In the confusion that ensued, the police fired gunshots sporadically and also tear gassed the group which also comprised some officers and men of the Peace Corps.

During the shootouts, two of the protesters were shot in the head and in the legs.

Although the protesters who were heavily tear gassed beat retreat for few minutes due to the harsh effect of the tear gas, they however re-grouped and continued their demand for the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to obey court order and show respect for the rule of law.

The two protesters who received gunshots were deposited into one of the pick-up vans of police with demands that police be responsible for their hospital treatment and which police complied with to save their lives.

In the end, the police led by an Assistant Police Commissioner, Mr. Danladmi Yusuf Taura, resorted to dialogue and pleaded with the civil group officers to continue to be peaceful and also promised to convey their message to the police highest authorities.

Taura declined to answer questions from the hordes of Journalists at the scene of the protest and referred them to the Police Force Public Relations Officer Mr. Jimoh Moshood.

However when contacted on phone, the police spokesman said that it was the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command that deployed police to the scene and pleaded that he be given time to speak with the Commissioner of Police in the command.

At the time of this report the Public Relations Officer did not call back.

Earlier, the National Commandant of the Peace Corps, Ambassador Dickson Akoh had appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to call the IGP to order.

Akoh while addressing the protesters specifically pleaded with the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami SAN to show concern to the refusal of police to obey court orders and the rule of laws.

The Commandant claimed that his organization rented the office at a yearly sum of N13.8m adding that since February 28, 2017, when police invaded the office, his men and officer have not been allowed to access the office complex.

“I plead with police to allow us to continue to operate as a Non-Governmental Organization, NGO. We attempted to become a statutory body within the confines of the law but regrettably, police fought us to standstill and sealed up our office without any just cause”.

“The two chambers of the National Assembly passed a bill that the Peace Corps be made a statutory body but Mr. President declined to give assent to the bill and yet, police have refused to leave our office for us to operate in spite of the two court orders that they vacate the office for us.

“The police have achieved their aim of sabotaging the Peace Corps from becoming a statutory body, so they should leave us alone. They should allow us to access our office on the order of two of the federal high court”.

At the time of this report, a heavy police truck with no, NPF 3641C had been used to effectively block the entrance of the office complex by police in despite the two court orders pasted on the gate.

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