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

Nigerians should stop selling their votes

0
0

Election in Nigeria has become something else. Many eligible voters no longer vote for the sake of the future of the country again nor do they bring in credible people into power anymore.
The electorate now vote for money. Some even use it as their source of income during election period. They collect money, food items and other materials as bribe to vote for anybody contesting, not minding the credibility of the candidate.

The money given to people during election determines the party that will win the election. Let us look at the just-concluded Ekiti State election, it was recorded that most of the electorate were given up to ten thousand naira each as bribe. Some were even interviewed and they said it was an opportunity for them to make money.
One of them even said, he did not know when he would get that kind of opportunity again.

Election in Nigeria has now become business for the poor. People have forgotten their Right to Vote, they no longer have interest in free and fair election; they no longer have the interest of the country at heart; all they want now is to make money.

This kind of attitude is not good for a developing country like Nigeria. After collecting money and voting wrong people into office, we will start to blame them for not performing to expectation. We would have forgotten that we sold our birthright for a token.
Nigerian citizens should desist from this kind of attitude. They should be ready to exercise their rights accordingly. They should stop selling their PVC.

Nigerians should look out for credible candidates and when the election comes, they should be voted for.
All of us need to work together to make Nigeria great.

30 total views, 15 views today

The post Nigerians should stop selling their votes appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.


Bigotry is human attribute

0
0

While we are basking in the euphoria of defections that have recently filled the polity, we must remain focused on the issues. It does appear that so far, the leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party has benefited the most from the gale of defections.

There is no doubt that Nigerians have looked forward to it for hope of taking Nigeria back from those who have destroyed it by their actions and inactions. The PDP, while they celebrate the recent increase in their stock, must remain vigilant and not be fooled into thinking that it is all Uhuru for the party. To those who shall determine the standard bearer of the party at the general elections, be reminded that the single most important factor that must drive votes in the next election should be an intrinsic ability to heal our divides.

The nation has never been this divided since post the civil war period and this is made apparent in the number of agitation and insurgencies there are. Even if we are naive enough to think that we have never been really united, we can say for sure that this administration has made it worse.

The bonds that bind us together have remained at their weakest. Yes, the economy is in shambles and there is a dearth of infrastructure but all these will come only after there is a country. A fair, progressive, united Nigeria is only possible with a fair leader free of fanatical tendencies, a leader who truly sees Nigeria as his constituency, despite belonging to a constituency, a leader with no fanatical association with any group, tribe, region or religion. For these are the issues that have brought us to where we are now

The desperation of the opposition party to take back power is understandable but such efforts will be wasteful if they allow such desperation to becloud their sense of judgment as they search for a presidential candidate.

Irrespective of who leads the government, it will be difficult for Nigeria to survive another four years of bigotry, bickering, incompetence and retrogression. Our presidential system of government makes for a very powerful president whose thoughts, belief and attitude influence all levels of governance.

Parties don’t change bigots. Irrespective of the party that such individual is in, such traits are so strong that they usually will erode even well thought out party policies that were designed to ensure fairness. It is safe to say therefore, that bigotry is a human attribute and not that of parties.

The antecedence of the candidate must therefore be seriously considered. Even as difficult as the task of defeating this incumbent may be, the task of righting all the wrongs, including uniting us, is humongous.
To be concerned alone with winning the election, hoping that the party structures and policies will keep the candidate in check, will be a huge mistake. A mistake Nigeria may not be able to survive. History does have a way of repeating itself and the happenings already are looking like a déjà vu. The opposition party must therefore ensure that the mistake of the past is never repeated.

25 total views, 10 views today

The post Bigotry is human attribute appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Mode of Primaries: APC cursed, confused, needs deliverance – Says Party’s Ex-spokesman

0
0

As controversies continue to trail the mode of primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the immediate past Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Timi Frank, has said that Nigerians will soon realise that the ruling party has been cursed, now in confusion and urgently needs deliverance.

Reacting to current division on the mode of primary elections to be adopted by the party which has pitched one organ of the APC against the other, Frank said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that if a ruling party cannot be united in making a decision on whether to adopt direct or indirect primaries, such a party can neither unite nor lead the country on the path of progress.

Frank declared that it is increasingly difficult for APC to unite its members and make decisions that are in their best interest.

He stressed that the current chaos in the APC is reflective of the lack of direction which the ruling party had foisted on the country in the last three years.

According to him, “It is a shame that a ruling party cannot unanimously take and stand by its decision on the mode of its primary election.

“Nigerians will soon realise that the calibre of people remaining in the APC are only there for their personal political interests and not for the good of the country.

“It is only in the APC-led Federal Government that more than three camps exist around the President – where the Chief of Staff has his own camp, Vice President leads another camp and the President himself is comfortable presiding over a divided house.

“The case is the same among the security agencies where there is no synergy and harmony. So how can a disunited ruling party protect or unite a vast country like Nigeria?”

Speaking on why some prominent members of the party – himself inclusive – recently defected from the APC, Frank who was a pioneer member, said those who are rushing to join the APC currently will soon have themselves to blame as they will soon rush out with bitter experiences.

He said that the APC is a one-man-show-political-party where nothing happens without express orders from the Führer.

He also recalled how the President himself was talking back and forth on whether tenure elongation or not should be adopted during the last days of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s chairmanship of the party.

The former APC spokesman said that the infighting within the party “epitomizes APC’s lacklustre leadership approach which has manifested in unmitigated crisis, policy somersaults, dwindling economic fortunes and rising unemployment and insecurity across the country.

He, however, called on Nigerians to unanimously reject the APC at all levels in 2019, warning that if the current administration is allowed to continue beyond the next general elections, Nigeria might witness further economic and social stagnation.

45 total views, 20 views today

The post Mode of Primaries: APC cursed, confused, needs deliverance – Says Party’s Ex-spokesman appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Kaduna State plans to consolidate sports achievements in 2018

0
0

Commissioner of Youth, Sports and Culture, kaduna, Hon. Daniel Danauta has declared that the year 2017 was a very successful one for Kaduna State in sporting activities, adding that there is a work plan to consolidate on it.

Danauta who expressed this during a press briefing in Kaduna said that, “On the whole therefore, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture had a superlatively successful outing in the year 2017.

“Consequently, the Ministry has put in place a strategic work plan to cash on the aforementioned successes and improve on them, with the kind and continuous support of the able and performing Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai,” he said.

According to him, some of the successes recorded in 2017 include Kada Hockey team representing Nigeria in the African Cup for Club Championship, Nairabi, Kenya in January where they won bronze after finishing third position.

“Jacinta Okorie, Kaduna Cyclist represented Nigeria at the African Continental Cycling Championship held in Cairo, Egypt. APRIL and won1 bronze medal.

“National Cricket U-17 League, Abuja April/May 1 Gold medal male, while eight male players and seven female were invited to the National teams.

Speaking further, he said that at the “KBUN – GYM FIGHT FACTORY KICK Boxing Tournament, Togo in APRIL, 1 Gold and two silver medals were won.

“29th Edition of C.B.N Open championship, Lagos, JULY 1 – Silver medal

“Inter-clubs Open Kick-Boxing Championship, Lagos AUGUST 1 Gold, two silver medals,” he added.

The commissioner said that at the 2017 U-17 National Youth Games, Ilorin in September, Kaduna won six gold, four silver and seven bronze medals, making a total of 18, which is an improvement from previous records.

35 total views, 20 views today

The post Kaduna State plans to consolidate sports achievements in 2018 appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Football Dance Competition ends in Lagos

0
0

Football fans in Lagos and it’s environs were last Saturday treated to fun filled entertainment as competitors in the finals of the maiden edition of Football Dance Competition thrilled them with unlimited combination of dance and football jogging.

The event held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium were in three categories of U-5-10, U-11-14 and U-15 with the participants keeping spectators spell bound with their mastery of various dancing steps while jogging the ball.

At the end of the highly competitive and energy sapping finals, Pace Coker, Adeniyi Qadri and Oloko Mubarak were adjudged winners in the cadet category with Edward Israel, Abdulaseez Abdulwahab and Aisha Agbaje winning the junior category while Benjamin John, Onyeka Okanu and Olamide Kazeem won the senior category.

The winners got N100,000 each while the first and second runners up went home with bicycles, smart phones, Lap tops and video players.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, organiser of the event and Chief Executive Officer of Towas Events/ Entertainment, Mrs. Alayoteju Onasanya described the football dance competition which is the first of its kind in the country as a help project designed to empower talented youths with the aim of rewarding creativity in dance.

“Football dance is a vision that I was asked to organise as a pet project to enable youths use their individual skills to get reward.

Also speaking, her husband Olayiwola Onasanya who doubles as Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, explained that he decided to support the project because of its potential to not only empower youths but give them opportunity of showcasing their talents for people to appreciate them.

30 total views, 15 views today

The post Football Dance Competition ends in Lagos appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

OONI donates vocational centre to destitute in Umuahia

0
0

Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has commissioned a vocational training centre which he donated to a rehabilitation home for destitute people called So-Said Charity Home in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government, Abia State in the Eastern part of Nigeria through his Hopes Alive Initiative HAI.

The Obawure of Ife-Titun, HRM, Oba Taofeek Osunmakinde who represented Ooni Ogunwusi at the event said the project was in furtherance of the Ooni’s commitment to putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged in the society cutting across tribes, religion, ethnicity and geographical lines.

Oba Osunmakinde stated that the donation of the centre was aimed at empowering the vulnerable persons to become self-reliant and productive to themselves and the society at large thereby reducing vulnerability through efficient rehabilitation techniques, well equipped staff and charity.

“Baba Ooni is a great humanitarian who has chosen to live his life for the survival and advancement of the indigent youths, underprivileged children and destitute people in the global society. What we are witnessing here today is In furtherance of his quest to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in the society irrespective of religious ethnic and geographical lines”

“This will go a long in empowering the vulnerable persons so that they can be self-reliant and productive to themselves and the society thereby reducing vulnerability through efficient rehabilitation techniques…”Obawure said

Deputy Convener/CEO of Hopes Alive Initiative HAI, Miss Temitope Adesegun stated that the donated vocational training centre is equipped with sewing machines, hair dryers, shoe and bag making machines, cobblery equipment’s, barbing and other equipment.

The HAI’s boss pointed that the rehabilitation home has functioned for 22years without a vocational centre that could have trained numerous destitute people who have been helped at different times by the home, also saying that Ooni Ogunwusi’s decision to put a structure for the rehabilitated members of the home is to empower them so as to become useful to themselves and their immediate environment.

Welcoming the team to Umuahia, the Enyi Abia, HRH, Eze Raphael Mbagu who was the Host Royal Father at the occasion described the Ooni of Ife who is Co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria as a detribalized Nigerian traditional ruler and a great humanitarian who has proved that Nigerians are one family and should not allow tribalism to tear them apart.

The Nonagenarian prayed for long life for the Ooni Ogunwusi who was represented by Oba Taofeek Oshunmakinde, the Obawure of Ife. He also urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the King in his humanitarian service by donating to the Hopes Alive Initiative’s selfless service to humanity, adding that those who listen to the cry of poor people will live long and obtain favour of God.

Mrs Felicia Martins, the CEO of So-Said Charity Homes with seven branches across the country said the Home was established for the vulnerable persons on the street and has been operating for over 22 years to rescue those who had fallen on the way path.
According to her the initial plan was to focus on mentally derailed people but later realised that not all persons roaming the streets are mentally ill but there are women with marital issues who are sent packing from their matrimonial homes, children who lost their way home, special children with syndromes, prostitutes, beggars and people with challenge in different areas.

136 total views, 136 views today

The post OONI donates vocational centre to destitute in Umuahia appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Ekweremadu cautions political office seekers to be civil in their aspiration

0
0

Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu has appealed to politicians aspiring for political positions in Enugu West Senatorial Zone to be civil in their quest and avoid unguarded utterances.

Ekweremasu said that in his entire political career he has not lost anyone in his quest for position while calling on them not to overheat the polity in the zone.

Speaking at his Enugu residence, Sunday, Ekweremadu when his constituents presented to him senatorial nomination form they purchased for him to return to the Senate, cautioned his co-aspirants to be civil in pursuing their aspiration.

“Now we are going into election, I just want to plead that as always we should be civil about it. We should do everything possible to ensure that we don’t overheat the political space in our zone.

“I hear some people are boasting how they will use federal might to come and chase us out of Enugu west and retire us from politics. Those are the people who don’t know that there is God. They don’t even bring God in their own equation. They believe in their power and might but we serve the living God who is Almighty.

“What I am pleading with them is, don’t bring any calamity for our people. In my whole political career I have not lost one person in any election not one person. So if anything happened in 2019 you know whom to hold responsible but by the Grace of God nothing will happen to any of us. If they come after us they will be the people who will suffer it,” he said.

While appreciating his constituent for asking to go back to the Senate, the Deputy President of Senate promised that he is not going to let them down.

“I make a new pledge to all of you that I will continue to represent you with all my ability. I will see every man and woman in Enugu West as my brother and sister. Every community is my community, every local government is my local government, you’re people are my people and whatever you do I also do.

“If you cry I will cry with you and when you rejoice I will rejoice with you but, by the Grace of God we will continue to rejoice.

“I want to thank you for this and you will never regret this your decision. We can only make better progress and by the Grace of God things will keep to be better for all of us. Because you have wished me well the goodness of God will dwell with you in your home forever and ever”, said.

He thanked Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his support stressing that by the God’s grace he would return as Governor of Enugu state in 2019.

Presenting the form to Ekweremadu on behalf of the Enugu West, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu state, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, appealed to the people of southeast to allow all the experienced Igbo senators to return to the National Assembly in 2019 for better representation.

121 total views, 121 views today

The post Ekweremadu cautions political office seekers to be civil in their aspiration appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

USIP Report: Hold Buhari, APC responsible for electoral violence, PDP tells world leaders

0
0

Opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday told Nigerians and the international community to hold President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC responsible, should there be violence ahead of the 2019 general elections or in the aftermath.

Reacting to the as alert contained in the pre-election assessment by the United States Institute of Peace, USIP, the PDP urged world leaders and international bodies to immediately call the Buhari Presidency and the APC to order, so that their electoral desperation does not result in a large-scale political and humanitarian crisis in our country.

The PDP said through its Spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan that the independent report by USIP, which details the plots by the ruling party to ‘use intimidation tactics’ in the electoral process, has vindicated its stand that the APC has been stoking the ambers of violence, having realized that Nigerians have rejected it and that it will lose in any credible, free and fair election.

The party declared that the use of violence and intimidation by the APC in recent elections, including the Ekiti governorship election as well as recent bye-elections in Kogi, Bauchi and Katsina states, further validates USIP’s report on the violent proclivities of the APC.

“Besides, USIP’s direct caution to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over its manifest credibility doubts to deliver credible election, also places a huge moral burden on INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, given its exposed clandestine meetings between officials of the commission and APC leaders on ways to rig the elections.”

While the PDP expressed worry over the desperation of the APC as reflected in the USIP report, the party called on all Nigerians and friends of our nation to rally in unity against the machinations of the APC, a party that has shown itself to be against the unity and stability of our country.

“Moreover, Nigerians are already decisive on a peaceful and united country, where compatriots live harmoniously and will do all to resist the divisive machinations of the APC, particularly ahead of the 2019 general elections.

“Furthermore, President Buhari and the APC should know that no amount of intimidation and harassment can break the will of Nigerians in their iron-cast resolve to rally on the platform of the PDP to free our nation from the oppressive grips of the incompetent and anti-democratic Buhari-led APC administration.

“Nigerians have witnessed enough violence, bloodletting and deaths under the APC and are not ready to allow such to prevail in the 2019 general elections.

“President Buhari and the APC should therefore accept the reality of their rejection by Nigerians and immediately retrace from all their anti-democratic tendencies and actions that tend to push our nation to the brinks.”

79 total views, 79 views today

The post USIP Report: Hold Buhari, APC responsible for electoral violence, PDP tells world leaders appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.


Nigerian banks not ready to fund mining sector- Minister

0
0

Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa-Bwari, has stated that Nigerian Banks are not set to finance mineral exploration and exploitation projects in the Mining Sector.

Bwari revealed this in Abuja yesterday, at the Nigeria Metallurgical Stakeholders’ Forum, themed- ‘Nigeria’s Economic Growth: Industrial Development through Value Addition in the Metal Sector’.

He pointed out that there’s the need to educate stakeholders in the banking sector about the wealth that can be tapped from mining, noting that several countries depend on the sector’s revenue contributing immensely to the growth of their Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

“Nigerian government should help educate local banks to assist in mining investments,” he admonished.

Addressing the theme, Bwari said unless the steel sector is also reformed, there would be no meaningful development, adding that almost the entire sectors in Nigeria depend on metal to thrive.

To mention a few, the Minister said the power sector cannot do without steel, including the transport and construction sectors respectively, further stating that their focus is ‘Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through the Re-organised Down Stream Metal Sector’.

Bwari later hinted that the Federal Government has concluded plans to commence ‘Modern Mining’ in Bauchi State.

The minister’s summation is coming as a recent revelation by the Chairman of Symbol Mining, Australia, Andrew Simpson, an investor in Lead/Zinc mining in the State.

According to his findings, Nigeria’s Lead/Zinc Ore contains 22% zinc compared with world’s average of 6%.

He then urged the Nigerian banking industry to support mining businesses, noting that one of the disappointments faced by mining companies in Nigeria has to do with poor investments due to lack of good mining history.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Abdulkadir Mu’azu, said the metal sector is arguably the bedrock of industrialisation and key ingredient for sustainable growth and development of any nation.

He noted that the current government would endeavour to create the enabling environment for metallurgical operators as well as ensure curbing the production of substandard metals in Nigeria to create a market that would qualify our products for exports.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, House Committee on Steel and Metallurgy, Hon. Lawal Ahmed Idris, harped on the need to develop the steel sector, calling on policy makers to come up with favourable policies, stakeholders to raise funds, and legislators to contribute their quota.

88 total views, 88 views today

The post Nigerian banks not ready to fund mining sector- Minister appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

ATBU VC calls for urgent upgrade of school’s infrastructure

0
0

…Says budget allocation grossly inadequate for projects

Vice Chancellor of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi State, Prof. Abdulrahman Ibrahim, has called on the attention of the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to upgrade as well as provide adequate infrastructure within the university premises.

Prof. Ibrahim lamented that the present budgetary provision of the university is grossly inadequate for these huge projects; hence they crave the support and intervention of the Ministry towards the realisation of these projects.

The School came to Abuja on Tuesday with a delegation led by the Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Amb. Mrs. Nimota Akanbi, Vice Chancellor and other Council members to pay a courtesy call on the Minister of State II, Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Surv. Suleiman Zarma.

The Vice Chancellor, who spoke on behalf of the University, stated that their mission is to solicit the support of the ministry towards the provision of road network projects in the main campus and also the upgrading of its present 0.5 megawatt to 3.5 megawatt electricity, to enhance proper and effective utilisation.

He however thanked the Ministry for including ATBU among the nine pilot universities to benefit from the rural electrification project in Nigeria.

Prof. Ibrahim commended the Ministry on its achievements and success story in the housing, power and road sectors since the inception of this administration.

Later, the Minister of State II, Suleiman Zarma reiterated that Federal Government is commitment towards the provision of critical infrastructure services across the nation, despite inadequate resources and low budgetary provision.

Zarma stated that budget is usually inadequate in all MDAs, but noted that President Buhari, in fulfilment of his campaign promises to Nigerians is committed to the yearnings and aspiration of the people towards the nation’s development.

The Minister thanked ATBU authority for the honour accorded him at the last convocation ceremony of the school, adding that the Ministry will not hesitate to render necessary support on the issues presented.

83 total views, 83 views today

The post ATBU VC calls for urgent upgrade of school’s infrastructure appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Nigeria/China partnership attracts $5bn projects – Presidency

0
0

President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that Nigeria’s partnership with China has resulted in the execution of key projects valued at over $5 billion within the last three years of his administration.

The president who disclosed this yesterday in Beijing at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC Round Table meeting, stated that through the Chinese support, Nigeria has impressively addressed significant challenges in the areas of infrastructure, human capacity development, power, transport, agriculture and humanitarian assistance.

According to a statement made available by Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the Nigeria/China partnership has resulted in the construction and operation of the first rail system in Africa that uses modern Chinese standards and technology.

“For Nigeria, our partnership with China through the FOCAC platform, has resulted in the construction of the first urban rail system in West Africa. This $500 million project in Abuja was commissioned in July this year.

“This 180km rail line that connects Abuja and Kaduna was commissioned two years ago at a cost of $500 million. Today the rail line is functioning efficiently with no issues – indeed, a sign that Chinese technology is world class.

“Nigeria is leveraging Chinese funding to execute $3.4 billion worth of projects at various stages of completion. These include the upgrading of airport terminals, the Lagos – Kano rail line, the Zungeru hydroelectric power project and fibre cables for our internet infrastructure.

“Furthermore, less than 3 months ago, Nigeria signed an additional $1billion loan from China for additional rolling stock for the newly constructed rail lines as well as road rehabilitation and water supply projects,” the statement read.

According to the president, the many projects had demonstrated the high level of consistency and commitment China has shown in boosting its relationship with African countries under the umbrella of FOCAC.

“These vital infrastructure projects synchronize perfectly with our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. Some of the debts incurred are self-liquidating. Our country is able to re-pay loans as and when due in keeping with our policy of fiscal prudence and sound housekeeping,” he added.

While applauding China for its overall commitment to the ideals of FOCAC, the president further dismissed purported insinuations about the death trap by Chinese government on developing countries, insisting that Nigeria would be able to re-pay the loans.

59 total views, 59 views today

The post Nigeria/China partnership attracts $5bn projects – Presidency appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Ijaw youths protest raid on Edwin Clark’s residence

0
0

Ijaw you operating under the auspices of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC Worldwide on Tuesday protested the raid on the private residence of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark.

Nigerian Pilot reports that over 30 fully-armed, stern-looking security agents stormed Chief Clark’s house in highbrow Asokoro Distriat with search warrant from a court.

In a statement made available to journalists, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC Worldwide, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubor condemned the take-over of the residence of the elder statesman.

Pereotubor said Nigeria is gradually descending into a full-blown anarchy.

According to him, “This is dangerous for our democracy. Nigeria is heading to the cliff.

“Relevant stakeholders need to rise in defence of our hard earned democracy. President Buhari should call his overbearing security agencies to order before they plunge the Country into an unmitigated crisis.

“There can be no democracy where there are no dissenting voices. Mr. President should accept that our democracy cannot exist without opposition elements to his government.

“Chief Clarke who is an elder statesman, his views on national issues needs to be appreciated by the government of the day instead of being witch hunted.”

64 total views, 64 views today

The post Ijaw youths protest raid on Edwin Clark’s residence appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

We’ll support any presidential candidate that will embrace restructuring – Afenifere

0
0

Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group has again restated its determination to support any presidential candidate that will embrace the restructuring of the Nigerian nation.

Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Secretary General of the group, Sehinde Arogbofa disclosed this during the courtesy visit of Former Vice president Atiku Abubakar, to the leader of the group Pa Reuben Fasoranti to inform the Afenifere about his ambitions to contest next year Presidential election, in Akure the -Ondo state capital yesterday.

He said the group is happy that the former Vice President assured them that he will restructure Nigeria if voted in as the President of the federal republic of Nigeria in the 2019 general election.

According to him, the issue of restructuring is very important in the mind of the group, without which the nation will not overcome the various challenges facing her presently.

Pa Arogbofa said that the group has not endorse an presidential candidate for the 2019 general election.

He said the group is still expecting other presidential candidate to inform them about their ambitions after which the group will compare and contrast the best among them.

64 total views, 64 views today

The post We’ll support any presidential candidate that will embrace restructuring – Afenifere appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

We‘ll respect rule of law, protect all citizens – DSS

0
0

Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday declared its commitment to support democratic institutions, respect rule of law and protect citizens of Nigeria.

In a statement made available to Nigerian pilot by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Mr Peter Afunanya, yesterday in Abuja, said that the service would continue to discharge its duties in line with Standard Operations Procedures, SOPs.

” Dark forces should not bring the Service into a collision with the Government it is meant to diligently serve,” Afunanya said.

He said that the service was aware of several speculations making the rounds in the media on some internal affairs of the Service.

Afunanya said that the speculations were unhealthy for the service as it had undoubtedly remained a committed institution with focus on the stability and security of the nation.

“Over the years, the Service has been known to be both a strategic stabiliser and a unifying factor in the Nigerian project.” he said

The spokesman said that it deserved and desired to be focused and supported by all stakeholders to deepen the country’s democracy. “Only a professionally driven DSS can support and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy.” he said

He advised the media to report issues of national security with caution to avoid a breach of peace. Afunanya warned self-serving interests against bringing the service to ridicule.

“The Service is undaunted and will pursue noble goals only meant to uphold integrity in security and intelligence governance.” he said

He said that personnel of the service across the Commands and Formations had been enjoined to be calm, loyal and united in the discharge of their duties.

57 total views, 57 views today

The post We‘ll respect rule of law, protect all citizens – DSS appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

We won’t be intimidated into submission – IPOB

0
0

Leadership of the dreaded pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has stated unequivocally that no amount of intimidation and harassment from any quarters would cow them into submission.

The group in a statement credited to their media and publicity secretary, posited that efforts were made in the past by the Jihadists to conquer Biafraland but failed, adding that IPOB would make sure that similar attempts at subjugation will also fail.

According to him, the group’s decision was informed by a security meeting in Awka, Anambra State which the organisation sees as a prelude to attacking them for their civil agitation.

The statement goes thus: “The report of a supposed joint security meeting in Awka, which happens to be in the most peaceful part of the artificially created British contraption known to the world as Nigeria, is reaffirmation of the strategic naivety plaguing the country’s security apparatus, because these security meetings should be held in the terror ravaged north where it would no doubt serve a more useful purpose.

“Boko Haram and armed herdsmen is the creation of northerners, therefore a northern police commissioner in Anambra State planning on how to unleash state terrorism on IPOB is not only misplaced but counterproductive. What we are witnessing with these supposed ‘security’ announcements is a Fulani attempt to intimidate and subdue the east into submission.

“We must remind the Hausa Fulani dominated security agencies in Nigeria, especially their henchman in Awka, that the attempt made by an Arewa army to conquer and occupy Biafraland many centuries ago failed woefully. They perished in Idomaland and the remnants returned to Zaria diseased and cursed. They never recorded one military success against our indigenous populations. If our fathers were not intimidated into submission then, this generation of IPOB will not be intimidated into submission now.

“The fact that Britain helped engineer a hollow victory over Biafra, by enforcing diplomatic, land and sea blockade against our army and people in the 1967-70 war, should not give the feudal north the impression that Igboland and the rest of Biafraland is their domain to treat as they please. Anambra Police Commissioner should be wary of starting something he cannot finish.

“IPOB will continue to carry out its peaceful activities and civil resistance to the illegal occupation of Biafraland regardless of the threat of bloodshed from the Nigerian army and police. IPOB did not get where it is today by being afraid of anybody or government agency. The northern Islamic dominated security agencies in Nigeria should focus on dealing with insecurity in the Fulani controlled core north rather than wasting valuable and human resources in a vain attempt to conquer Biafraland because it won’t happen.

“Fulani controlled Nigeria may have succeeded in cowering the Yoruba and silencing the Middle Belt and rendering South East governors and Ohaneze leadership impotent, they will never succeed in their quest to intimidate IPOB,” the group declares.

62 total views, 62 views today

The post We won’t be intimidated into submission – IPOB appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.


N5.8bn allowances: Legislative aides threaten to shut down NASS

0
0

Legislative aides to the federal lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly, yesterday threatened to shut down the parliament in protest against the alleged nonpayment of their allowances totaling N5.8billion.

Protesting under the aegis of National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum, NASSLAF, the aggrieved staffers accused the leadership and management of the federal legislature of being insensitive to their plight after alleged several meetings with them, vowing that nothing would stop them from carrying out their threat on or before September 25 when the lawmakers are expected to resume from their ongoing annual recess.

They turned out in their hundreds during the protest held at the central lobby of the National Assembly, shouting “We are aides and not slaves, pay us our entitlements”.

Addressing journalists on their plights, the chairman of the aggrieved legislative aides, Comrade Sam Melaye, said the entitlements totaling about N5.8 billion now, must be paid before resumption of the lawmakers this month failure of which will lead to shut down of the federal parliament.

The entitlements, according to him are Duty Tour Allowances, DTA not paid to any one of them within the last three years which is over N2billion now and training allowances which based on calculation of N1billion per year, is N3billion now.

“By laid down procedures and yearly budgetary provisions of N250million on quarterly basis, each of the legislative aides is expected to go for training on the template of capacity building the totality of which is N1billion per year but for the past three years, no category of the aides have been sent on any training, let alone, paid the required allowances”, he explained.

Melaye disclosed that the aides have made concerted efforts to get the leadership of the National Assembly politically and administratively within the last three months in getting the monies paid without required response or cooperation from them.

Clerk to the Senate, Mr. Nelson Ayewoh later met with the protesting aides on behalf of the Clerk to National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Omolori in his office but when they came back to the lobby, they were shouting “no retreat, no surrender” until they dispersed in groups.

67 total views, 67 views today

The post N5.8bn allowances: Legislative aides threaten to shut down NASS appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Restructuring! Osinbajo, Atiku at War!

0
0

*Osinbajo, Atiku at War!

“Restructuring in whatever shape or form will not mean much if our political leaders sees public resources as an extension of their bank accounts.” Osinbajo

“It is a surprise that the Vice President would take such a position and fail to appreciate the connection between Nigeria’s defective structure and its underperformance.” Atiku Abubakar

The incumbent Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and former vice President, Atiku Abubakar are engaged each in a war of words following different views on whether Nigeria should be restructured or not.

While Osinbajo believes that the problem with Nigeria is not a matter of restructuring, Atiku Abubakar insists that restructuring is a necessity and not an option.

“It is about managing resources properly and providing for the people properly, that is what it is all about,” the vice president Insists.

But Atiku Abubakar has countered him saying “It is a surprise that the Vice President would take such a position and, in particular, fail to appreciate the connection between Nigeria’s defective structure and its underperformance.”

He says the Vice President merely scrambled a response to him because many Nigerians condemned his recent stance on restructuring.

But in an open letter yesterday, Professor Osinbajo insisted that restructuring in “whatever shape or form, will not mean much if our political leaders see public resources as an extension of their bank accounts.”

It however took Atiku only a matter of hours to reply the vice president, in a statement titled; ‘restructuring is a necessity, not an option’, cautioning that the vice president should not attempt to revise history by saying that he spoke against “geographic restructuring”.

“I have been in the forefront of the discourse on restructuring since the 1995 Abacha Constitutional Conference and to the best of my knowledge; there has not been any term like ‘geographic restructuring’.

“It is a strange concept, not only because it is not what the restructuring debate is all about, but also because the words of the Vice President, which prompted my response were clear, unambiguous and unequivocal” Atiku Abubakar stated.

He insisted that Osinbajo said, “The problem with our country is not a matter of restructuring” explaining that he and many other Nigerians disagree with that and that if the Vice President has changed his stance, “I welcome it, but we should not use one finger to hide behind semantics.”

“For the Vice President to say Alhaji Atiku’s concept of restructuring is understandably vague because he seeks to cover every aspect of human existence in that definition is most unfortunate.

“I have been very clear, detailed, and unambiguous about my ideas for restructuring. At several occasions, including, but not limited to my speeches at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), and at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (made in April this year and July 2017, respectively), I gave a very clear and concise ideas about administrative, political and economic restructuring.

They are as follows: Devolution of powers and resources to the states; Matching grants from the federal government to the states to help them grow their internally generated revenue position; The privatisation of unviable federal Government-owned assets; A truly free market economy driven by the laws of demand and supply; Replacing state of origin with state of residence, and Passing the PIGD so that our oil and gas sector will run as a business with minimal governmental interference.

“My advice to the Vice President is that he should choose whether he is for restructuring or whether he is against it and stick to his choice. This continuous prevarication, this approbation and reprobation, helps no one, least of all true progressives who know that Nigeria needs to be restructured and restructured soon,” Atiku explained in his statement.

However, Osinbajo in his letter took time to explain that he had always argued that what Nigeria requires now is not geographical restructuring but good governance, honest management of public resources, deeper fiscal Federalism, and a clear vision for development.

He recalled that the 2014 National Conference actually recommended the creation of 18 more States and that he argued that, with several States struggling or unable to pay salaries, any further tinkering with the nation’s geographical structure would not be beneficial to anybody and wondered why Abubakar would say he is in support of geographical restructuring.

“I have been an advocate, both in court and outside, of fiscal Federalism and stronger State Governments. I have argued in favour of State Police, for the simple reason that policing is a local function. You simply cannot effectively police Nigeria from Abuja.

“Only recently, in my speech at the Anniversary of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I made the point that stronger, more autonomous States would more efficiently eradicate poverty. So I do not believe that geographical restructuring is an answer to Nigeria’s socio economic circumstances.

“That would only result in greater administrative costs. But there can be no doubt that we need deeper fiscal Federalism and good governance”, he added.

34 total views, 34 views today

The post Restructuring! Osinbajo, Atiku at War! appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Reps give nod to nine federal varsities

0
0

…Charge administrators on quality graduates

Nine federal universities established by the immediate past administration of Dr Goodluck Jonathan yesterday got parliamentary nod as bills establishing the institutions were approved by the House of Representatives.

The schools are located in the six geopolitical zones of the country and they include, Federal University, Lafia, Federal University Wukari, Federal University Otuoke, Federal University, Lokoja.

Few federal polytechnics located in Shendam, Abriba and Dukku in Bauchi, Abia and Gombe States respectively were also endorsed alongside the nine varsities by the lawmakers at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives committee on tertiary education on 16 bills seeking the establishment of various higher institutions nationwide.

Amendments were also made on the old laws creating federal universities at Nsukka, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Bauchi, Ile-Ife, such that chairmen of the governing councils should possess the mandatory qualifications in line with rules and regulations required of the institution and the office

However delivering his remarks at the public hearing, speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara urged heads of the institutions, the vice chancellors, rectors and other stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that graduands of educational institutions receive qualitative education.

He also called for increase in the number of educational institutions in the country as a prerequisite for increased access to qualitative education.

Dogara who was represented by the House deputy minority leader, Hon. Chukwuka Onyema, said that education is the key tool for development and advancement of a nation and lamented that past leaders had underdeveloped the nation due to poor planning and lack of foresight.

He further said that the House is committed to improving the funding of education through its annual budgetary appropriation to the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the House committee on tertiary education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman noted that there is need for the establishment of more universities and polytechnics in the country in order to ensure increased access to qualitative education for the citizenry.

Suleiman explained that the committee is determined to bridge the gap that exists in respect to access to qualitative education for the citizenry through appropriate legislations done in consultation with education stakeholders.

98 total views, 98 views today

The post Reps give nod to nine federal varsities appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

2019 Polls: Umuagu youths beckons on Elunor to represent Oshimili South state constituency

0
0

As the 2019 general elections draws nearer, the youths in Umuagu quarters in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State have beckoned on Barrister Winifred Elunor to contest the State House of Assembly election to represent Oshimili South constituency.

This was made known yesterday in Asaba by the Chairman Umuagu Youth,Ogbueshi Emeka Ogbotobo while speaking to newsmen.

According to him, “Promoting and instilling a generational change in governance and leadership is vital for the upcoming elections in Delta state”.

Ogbueshi Ogbotobo stated that it was the turn of Umuagu, being the host community of Delta state government, which has never represented Oshimili South State constituency in the House of Assembly.

Continuing, “the youths in Umuagu in Oshimili South have beckoned on Barrister Winifred Elunor to contest for the Delta state house of Assembly”.

He described Barr. Elunor, as someone who possess the right qualities of a legislator and will best aggregate those defining factors of good governance, prompt and equitable delivery of dividends of democracy in Oshimili South and like Macron of France has the ideas that would transform Asaba and Delta state if given the chance.

He further said that the seasoned lawyer who has a passion for the less privileged runs a Non Governmental Organisation and a grassroot politician under the Peoples Democratic Party flagship, has the educational and political clout to aspire for any elective position.

Others who spoke included Onyeisi Okwulagwe, and Mr Chiedu Nwosa beckoned on Barrister Elunor while urging her to aspire for the position to represent Oshimili South in the House of Assembly.

93 total views, 93 views today

The post 2019 Polls: Umuagu youths beckons on Elunor to represent Oshimili South state constituency appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

2019: CAN BUHARI DELIVER FREE AND FAIR ELECTION AS PROMISED?

0
0

Since the conduct of the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State and bye elections in Rivers, Kogi, Bauchi and Katsina States, the hope of many Nigerians and members of the international community that the present administration will conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2019 has drastically dampened. However, in an effort to convince Nigerians and to placate foreign powers that have reportedly declined support for his second term bid, President Muhammadu Buhari has been relentlessly pledging the commitment of his administration to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

For instance, on August 29, 2018, President Buhari promised the visiting Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May that he was committed to delivering free and fair elections in 2019 during the bilateral meeting between the two leaders. The president confidently told his guest that, “I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. I’m very pleased that my party is doing very well. The High Commissioner will brief you more. The recent successes in polls in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kogi have boosted our morale greatly. Nigeria has accepted multi-party democracy and that is putting politicians on their toes, forcing them to work harder,” he said.

In July, during his keynote address at the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court at The Hague, President Buhari equally assured the international community that the 2019 General Elections will be free, fair and peaceful: “Let me intimate you that Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019.

“Contrary to the tragic incidents that characterised the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal Court, I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents. We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019,” he said.

Then while in China few days ago the FOCAC, the president boasted that “I’m not afraid of free, fair elections”. According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the 2019 polls are free, fair and credible: ‘‘I have no fear about free and fair elections because that is what brought me to the present position. I know what I went through and very few Nigerians could boast of trying four times (contesting for President)”.

But there are worrisome realities threatening the promise of the president to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2019. For instance, both in practice and body language, the ruling party is increasingly becoming intolerant of opposition leading to persecutions; there is no decisive effort to tackle the vote buying scandals; the obvious threats to freedom of the press; blunt refusal of the president to sign the Electoral Bill as amended by the National Assembly; the clumsy end of the continuous voters’ registration ended, and several other issues.

The latest ignominious lexicon that has been criminally introduced into our election is ‘vote buying’. It was firmly rooted in the Ekiti election owing to the wild desperation of political actors. Unfortunately, up to now, this act of electoral breaches has not been challenged by any constituted authority, including the executive that has promised free and fair elections next year.

For many observers of several of the promises of the present administration, it is about the issue of trust, citizens confidence anchored on evidences of practical delivery of the promise of ‘Change’. This is where the problem lies. The question is: Can the president be trusted to be true to his words as proclaimed?

30 total views, 30 views today

The post 2019: CAN BUHARI DELIVER FREE AND FAIR ELECTION AS PROMISED? appeared first on Nigerian Pilot News.

Viewing all 20583 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images