For Failing Protocols, Saraki LosesInternational Human Rights Commission’s Appointment

May 30, 2019

Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has lost appointment as Ambassador-at-large of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) for not meeting up with the necessary protocols demanded of the office.

A letter signed by the head of the Nigerian Office of the Commission, Dr. Friday Sani, said that Dr. Saraki had not been forthcoming despite several meetings with officials of the International agency.

The letter indicated that the Senator had been put on prior notice by the Nigerian Central Office and Africa of IHRC in which he was properly briefed, regretting that the withdrawal of nomination became necessary in line with the protocols of the agency.

Part of the letter reads: “In view of recent event towards perfection of the intended decoration and the overall interest of the organization in Africa and the world, we hereby withdraw your nomination as Ambassador-at-large.”

The letter added that the International Human Rights Commission’s World Secretary-General, Mr. Rafal Marcin Wasik has been informed of the development.

To lead a diplomatic mission as Ambassador-at-large of the IHRC, Saraki would have to be officially decorated by the Secretary-General of the agency, a development that has been elusive since the appointment in March, 2019.

Igbos In Southeast Shun IPOB Sit-At-Home Protest, Say It Can’t Provide Them Food

Editorial staff

May 30, 2019

Igbos in many parts of the Southeast, today, Thursday, shunned the sit-at-home ordered by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to mark Biafran Day, remembering those who were killed during the civil war.

In the heat of the protest that never took place, one of the residents in Enugu, Charles Odune said: “we are the ones to lose because it is when we do our business that we eat. We should look for the best way to honour the fallen heroes, not necessarily closing everywhere. I don’t know what we will gain by this?”

He stressed that Igbos would lose billions of naira because of the closure of markets and other places, noting that Igbo people are predominantly traders.

“Inasmuch as we want to honour those who lost their lives during the Biafran war, must we shut everywhere down?” the frustrated resident asked.

Another businessman, Francis Ugochukwu, said that everyone had to struggle daily for their livelihood, saying that IPOB would not provide food for anyone.

“It is high time we all learned our lesson. IPOB has deceived us a lot with its seat-at-home order and at the end of the whole thing, nothing happens. Enough is enough.”

There was heavy traffic at some major roads, in Anugu, especially the Agbani road axis, as people, including school children and workers, were boarding commercial buses to their different destinations.

Public and private schools in the metropolis were opened for normal academic activities.

Kenyatta, Garki and Akwata markets in the metropolis were opened for business, while traders were busy displaying their goods as usual. The banks were also running normal services.

There was zero compliance to the sit-at-home order in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital as economic activities, movement of vehicles and individuals were hitch-free.

Academic, banking and transportation activities were in full gear in the state.

The major markets in the city namely: Abakpa main market, Mechanic village, building materials market and timber market were all opened for business.

Meanwhile, over 2000 members of the Akubaraoha Youth Assembly led by the former Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation to Governor David Umahi, Mark Onu, marched around the Abakaliki capital city to ensure total clampdown on the Biafra agitators.

The youth also advised traders not to close their shops.

The movement slowed down traffic along the ever-busy Afikpo road, otherwise, the directive of the outlawed secessionists was not noticed in the state.

As earlier as 6 a.m, officers of the state police command were seen at strategic places to provide security for the people.

Police spokesperson in the state, Loveth Odaa, said officers carried out operation show of force within the state capital and its environs.

She said the IPOB order was a total failure in the state, as no member of the group was seen anywhere during their show of force.

The police spokesperson, however, urged members of the public to report any member of the outlawed group they see in the state to the police.

Residents of Owerri, the Imo capital, also defied the sit-at-home order. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that commercial activities went on uninterrupted in Owerri metropolis and its environs.

Banks were open to customers, while commercial activities went on normally in all the markets in the city, including the Relief and Timber markets.

Academic activities were also going on normally in some schools visited in the city.

Michael Ugochukwu, a school administrator, who spoke on why the IPOB’s order was not complied with, said: “We did not tell the students anything about it.

“We allowed parents to use their discretion. Some came while others stayed back.”

Another school owner, Chinwendu Osuji, said that the sit-at-home order was not captured in the list of holidays for the current academic session.

According to Osuji, “the school did not think it was wise to add an unofficial holiday to the week, having already observed May 27 and 29 as public holidays, respectively.

“We already observed a holiday for two days this week and we didn’t see the need to add an unofficial third.

“We did not announce it, even though some parents held their children back at home, probably for fear of the unknown.”

Also, Anthony Obinka, a commercial vehicle operator, said, “Whether or not there is a holiday, people have to feed. So I came out to look for my daily bread.”

President Buhari Rides On Second Term Train In Style

Greenbarge Reporters

May 29, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari takes a ride in a Presidential Jeep, decorated with national colour as he was, today, Wednesday, May 29, inaugurate to commence his second tenure of four years.

President Buhari taking an oath.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo being sworn-in as Vice President for a second term of four years.

The oaths of office, for President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo were conducted by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

Kano Governor Declares Free, Compulsory Education

Editorial staff

May 29, 2019

Kano State Governor, Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has declared free and compulsory primary and secondary education for school-age children in the state.‎

He made the declaration in his acceptance speech, shortly after being sworn in as Kano State Governor for a second term in Kano today, Wednesday.

According to him, tertiary education for Kano indigenes will also be subsidized, as government consolidates on the achievements so far recorded in healthcare delivery.

Governor Ganduje said that he would establish a new company known as “Kano State Small Town Water Supply Agency” to cater for the water needs of communities in rural areas.

He also promised to boost agriculture and reiterated his administration’s policy of zero tolerance to corruption.

The governor was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Nuradeen Sagir Umar, alongside his Deputy, Dr, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.

Source: NAN.

PDP Governors In South East Greet Buhari On His Inauguration

Editorial staff

May 29, 2019

The South-East Governors’ Forum have sent a congratulatory message to President Muhammadu Buhari on his inauguration today, Wednesday to commence his second term in office.

In a paid advertorial published in a national daily yesterday, the Forum expressed optimism in the determination by the President to make Nigerians happier in his second term in office.

The congratulatory message read, “We, governors of South-East Nigeria, heartily congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on this historic occasion of his inauguration for a second term in office. “We are confident, Mr. President, that with your swearing in for another term, happier days are ahead not just for South-East but the whole of Nigeria.”

The Forum, chaired by the governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi, also has in its fold, the quartet of Willie Obiano (Anambra), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Emeka Ihedioha, the newly inaugurated governor of Imo state.

Apart from Obiano who is a member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, all other four governors were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Gov. Bala Tells Bauchi People: I Will Place Food On Your Table, Secure Your Lives

Editorial staff

May 29, 2019

Bauchi State governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed (R)

The newly sworn-in Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has pledged to work hard towards placing food on table of the people in the state as well as secure their lives and properties in return for their support.

He declared: “to my supporters and the good people of Bauchi state, who defied party lines, creed and place of origin, to support my candidacy, there is no better way to thank you than to reiterate my resolve, under God’s guidance, to provide leadership that will restore confidence in government, place food on your table and secure the lives and properties of all of us”

The governor, who was sworn-in today, Wednesday, by the state Chief Justice, Hajiya Rabi Umar, while delivering his inaugural speech, said that his government would tackle the problem of unemployment and “the long suffering pensioners.

“We are confronting this challenge head-on. Very soon, our government will unveil an empowerment programme that, at once, facilitates capacity building while providing some safety net for the jobless youth.”

The governor also promised to improve health delivery especially to the indigents and most vulnerable members of the society.

“To the most vulnerable members of our society, the incoming administration would provide financial protection as envisaged under the Universal Health coverage (UHC) programme of the World Health Organization (WHO).

“We are confident that this would ensure that families and households do not become impoverished as a result of seeking healthcare as is so often the case in Bauchi state today.

“The incoming administration in collaboration with the Federal government, intends to place half a million family members under health insurance by the year 2023.”

Governor Bala Mohammed said that the primary healthcare level would be strengthened to provide majority of the services required in most of the communities.

He went on to declare that all appointments, promotions and transfers made from the day he was declared winner of the gubernatorial election by INEC as null and void.

“I want to state categorically that all appointments, promotions, transfers and secondments, including those that are meant to create frictions and divisions along traditional institutions from the day I was declared the winner by INEC, are hereby declared null and void.

“Similarly, this directive also applies to all dubious approvals given on land allocations, sale of government vehicles and houses, as well as spurious contracts awarded in the dying minutes of the last administration.

“In cases where the instrumentality of a Kangaroo legislation was used as a mark, we shall use the instrumentality of credible legislation to cancel the absurdity to the scrap heaps of history,” said the governor.

Bala Mohammed asked the Secretary to the state Government and most senior officials in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

The governor said he would establish a high-powered committee to recover all assets and properties of government that were illegally disposed.

Buhari Goes To Makkah For Summit On Hand-In-Hand Toward Future

Editorial staff

May 29, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to leave for Makkah, Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Thursday to attend a Summit tagged: “Makkah al-Mukarramah Summit: Hand in Hand toward the Future.”

The Summit, to be hosted on Friday, May 31 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), will seek to develop a unified stance on events in the Islamic world. Other Heads of State and Governments of Member States are expected to attend the Summit.

A statement today, Wednesday by the senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu President Buhari will address the Summit to underscore the need for member countries to unite and work together to combat common challenges such as terrorism and violent extremism.

The statement said that the President will also push forward themes that have been at the forefront of his domestic and international priorities, including reviving the Lake Chad Basin, investing in Nigeria to create jobs and financing for development.

It said that on the margins of the summit, the Nigerian leader will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders to promote increased cooperation and collaboration on issues of mutual concern.

The statement said that the President will be accompanied by Governors Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State.

Also on the delegation are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mustapha Suleiman; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar; Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Ali Pantami; and the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Mukthar.

Buhari is expected to return to the country on June 2^nd.

Ahead of the Summit, was a preparatory meeting in Jeddah meant to adopt the draft agenda and work programme for the Summit.

On the agenda were the question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict; combating terrorism and violent extremism; the humanitarian situation in the Muslim world; promotion of scientific cooperation, among others.

President Buhari becomes the third Nigerian leader to attend the OIC conference in person, after the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

New Zamfara Gov, Matawalle Declares Free Health Care For Women, Children

Greenbarge Reporters

May 29, 2019

The new Governor of Zamfara, Alhaji Bello Matawalle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that his administration will offer free healthcare services to women and children in the state.

Matawalle, 50, who made the declaration on Wednesday shortly after taking his oath of office at the Trade Fair ground, Gusau, said that the new government would be comprehensive.

“I am going to assemble an enlightened, formidable and politically experienced persons so that we take the state to better heights in the near future.

“Our women and children have gone through serious hardship in the past and we will reverse this situation for the better.

“The new administration will start with tackling the security challenges and everyone must carry live their lives within the provisions of the law.

“No one should think they will take the law into their hands and kill, kidnap, maim, or make life uneasy for others.

“We are aware that poor education, poverty, and unemployment are the causes of criminal activities and I want to plead with members of the public that within the next few weeks we will come up with practical ways of handling these starting with free education and scholarships,” he said.

He added that under his leadership, the state government would work closely with the Federal Government and other relevant bodies to improve the livelihood of the people of the state.

He appealed to PDP supporters in the state to be respectful to leaders and to the Rule of Law as “l am now a leader of all”.

Earlier in his address of welcome Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala, Chairman of the Transition and Handover Committee of the PDP, expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their support.

Wakkala, who abandoned his principal, the immediate past state governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari to join a group called the G-8, said, “no one but Allah has the power to give or take leadership to or from anyone and today, Allah has again shown us this power by giving the state leadership to the PDP despite all odds.

“The success of PDP at the courts is no doubt, the result of the prayers offered by the people and goodwill of members of the G-8 group.

“We, therefore, hope that these prayers will continue for the new administration to succeed,” he said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which recorded very high turnout of people, was conducted peacefully.

How Obasanjo Escaped Plane Crash Today

Greenbarge Reporters

May 29, 2019

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo and other Nigerians escaped Plane crash today, Wednesday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport flying from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other prominent Nigerians in the Ethiopian airline passenger aircraft, Boeing 777-300, included the Director General of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni. Also in the plane was Prof Samson Tunde Adebayo, the Director of Ports Inspection, National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) as well as scores of Nigerians and other nationals.
The passenger aircraft, ET-901, had departed the Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, at about 9:10 a.m., Ethiopian time; 7 a.m Nigerian time.
A NAN correspondent, who was among the passengers, recalled that the almost 5-hour flight from the Ethiopian capital to Lagos had been smooth until the pilot attempted to land at the Murtala Mohammed International airport.
Rather than landing on the first touch line of the runway, the pilot over short it, due to rain and heavy wind, landing on the third touchline.
NAN reports that, on realising this, the pilot quickly manouvered the plane back air, flying out of the Lagos airport.
After hovering around between Lagos and areas suspected to be in Ogun, causing panic in passengers and crew members, the plane landed in Lagos airport, some 20 minutes after the initial false landing.
The atmosphere in the air bus upon landing was replica of what is obtainable in some Nigerian worship centers, as many passengers broke out into worship songs and clapping, while some fell to their knees in prayer.
The duty manager and Chief Customer Service (Nigeria) of the airline, Mr Otori Jimoh Otan, told NAN that if the pilot had continued taxing down after landing on the third touch line, he would have overshot the runway.
“But this is an experienced pilot. He realised this immediately.
“Fortunately, the distance between when he realised the situation still permitted him to take off and renegotiate landing,” Otori said.

Obasanjo and Olukanni had both attended a Stakeholders Dialogue on Continental Trade and Strengthening Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which ended on Tuesday in Addis Ababa.

Central Bank Once More Injects $205 Million Into Forex Market

Editorial staff

May 28, 2019

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again, injected the sum of $205 million into the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market, in its continued push to sustain liquidity in the sector.

Figures obtained from the apex bank indicated that authorized dealers in the wholesale segment of the market were offered the sum of $100 million, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment received the sum of $55 million. The sum of $50 million was allocated to customers requiring foreign exchange for invisibles such as tuition fees, medical payments and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), among others.

Speaking on the development in Abuja today, Tuesday, the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, said that the bank’s effort had helped to guarantee stability in all the exchange rate windows.

He said that the dogged implementation of the country’s foreign exchange restriction to some 43 items had boosted activities in the industrial sector even as he added that the move had equally increased the level of confidence investors and the public had in the Naira.

It will be recalled that at the last intervention, the bank injected the sum of $268.6million and CNY29.2million into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) segment.

Meanwhile, the Naira today, Tuesday, May 28, exchanged at an average ofN361/$1 in the BDC segment of the market.

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