I Owe Nobody Apology For My View On Retiring God-Father In Politics – Gov El-Rufai

May 13, 2019

The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Ahmad el-Rufai has made it clear that he owes no one an apology for his comment on his ability to retire god-father from his state.

The governor who spoke to news men today, Monday, after an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, stressed: “I have no apologies; I don’t apologize for my views.

“My views are thought-out and I put them there. I don’t have to explain anything to anyone. This is a democracy, and in a democratic space, there must be room for people to express their views. “You can disagree, you can abuse me if you don’t like my views but that is it.

Governor el-Rufai, who was answering question as to whether such comments by him had not created conflict between him and the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu, said that there is no dispute between him and anyone in the APC, adding that the APC is one family.

“I don’t dispute with my own party. They may dispute with me but I don’t. I made comments about how to retire god-fathers; it’s a template that we have used in Kaduna and it has worked. If anybody thinks he is a god-father, the template may apply to him but I am not in dispute with anyone.

“I expressed my views firmly and very clearly. There is no human being that I am afraid to express my views on, and when I am ready to express my views specifically on a particular name then I will do so but I haven’t. I made a general statement but people have gone in to overdrive, creating fake news, abusing me and so on. I am thick-skin, I can take the abuse and I will wait for my time when I want to….”

Asked if he would want Tinubu to be retired, he said that he never even knew that Tinubu is a god-father of Lagos, adding that he was only referring to his State for which the question was originally asked.

“What I know for sure is that we have retired God-fathers in Kaduna and I have told those that asked me the question that ‘there are six million registered voters in Lagos but only one million voted,’ in the last election. So there are five million people that you can bring into the electoral play ground and you can defeat anyone if you work hard. It is hard work, and it is four years. That is what I said and if anyone feels offended by that, that is his business or her business.

“I have not recommendations to Lagos; I am the governor of Kaduna State. I know Kaduna politics pretty well and I played my role in my party towards the success of the party. I have not recommendation for anyone, I am just saying, if I am asked a question and I gave an answer, anyone that feels offended by the answer, it’s his own business.”

Police Officers In Africa Converge On Abuja To Brain Storm On Transnational Crimes

Editorial staff

May 13, 2019

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu will host West African Police and Security Chiefs in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, from May 14 to 16, under the auspices of WAPCCO to address security challenges in Africa.

The meeting is coming as part of the ongoing efforts at galvanizing multinational efforts towards finding a lasting solution to transnational crimes, especially terrorism, violent extremism, kidnapping, illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, maritime security, herders and farmers’ conflict amongst others.

According to statement by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, the event will be attended by the INTERPOL Secretary General, representatives of African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), members of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in South Africa and representatives from Committee of Chiefs of Police from Central Africa among other key Security Stakeholders.

The statement said that the meeting will present an opportunity for all Security Chiefs across West Africa to re- commit themselves to collaborate more effectively towards tackling trans-border crimes and other regional security threats in an increasingly globalized world.

The West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) is a structure under ECOWAS designed to bring together Heads of Police of ECOWAS Member States to exchange and share intelligence and collaborate with one another in the fight against criminality and Security threats in West Africa.

WAPCCO’s areas of interest include the tackling of illicit trade on drugs, enforcement of immigration laws, policing of marine space, customs activities, and financial intelligence amongst others.

I’ve Transformed From Techno Politician To Full Politician – Gov Ambode Of Lagos

Editorial staff

May 13, 2019

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that he had learnt his mistakes in politics and has transformed from what he called ‘techno-politician’ to full politician.

Answering reporters’ questions today, Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Ambode said that he is now wiser, having learned the job for four years in office.

“You see, every politician learns every day. The fact remains that I came in as a technocrat, so I used to call myself a techno-politician. But I think I am wiser now. I am more of a politician than a technocrat.”

Ambode lost his re-election bid to Babajide Sanwo-Olu after failing to win the primaries of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His visit to the President today clashed with the funeral of the father of Lagos Deputy Governor-elect, Obafemi Hamzat.

Celebration Of Democracy Day On June 12 Takes Shines Off Buhari’s Inauguration On May 29 – Lai Mohammed

Editorial staff

May 13, 2019

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has said that the shifting of Democracy Day to June 12 will be fully celebrated with fanfair this year over and above the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.

Speaking to news men today, Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Lai Mohammed explained that a number of events slated for the inauguration will now be held during the first celebration of Democracy Day on June12.

The Minister said that the decision to place more emphasis on the new Democracy Day over the inauguration of the the President was taken at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) lastWednesday, May 8.

According to him, invitations have been sent to all world leaders to attend the ceremonies marking the Democracy Day

‪on June 12.‬

”Since the first observance of ‪June 12‬ as Democracy Day falls into an

election year, and as a measure to sustain ‪June 12‬ as Democracy Day,

the celebration of the inauguration and the advancement of democracy

in the country will now take place ‪on June 12‬.”

Lai Mohammed said that details of the two events will be made public at a world press conference scheduled for ‪May 20th‬ in Abuja

Men Flock To Swaziland Where Govt Decrees 5 Wives Per Men Free

Greenbarge Reporters

May 13, 2019

Information reaching us in Greenbarge Reporters indicates that men from other countries are flocking into Swaziland, a small country around Southern Africa with population of 1.4 million to pick wives for free.

It has been authoritatively confirmed that the country’s King, King Mswati III has decreed that every male adult MUST marry at least five wives, with a warning of sending to prison anyone that violates the order. He gave assurance that his government would pay for the marriage ceremonies and buy houses for men that marry at least five wives.

King Mswati warned that any man or woman who opposes the decision “will face a life sentence”.

He stressed, while speaking in Mbabane Swaziland that adult males should begin to carry out his order from March 2019 or face the consequences of failing to do so.

On the strength of the King’s request on males from other countries to find their ways to his country for the purpose of marrying no fewer than five women free, men from other countries, especially the neighbouring South Africa are thronging Swaziland.

Information has it that the Department of Home Affairs in South African has been witnessing an increasing number of men coming to get their passports sorted so they can travel to Swaziland to get wives for themselves.

King Mswati III is confirmed to be having 15 wives and 25 children even as his father and predecessor has more than 70 wives and 150 children.

The King was quoted as saying that Swaziland is facing a very serious problem as there are more women than men in the country.

Men are therefore required and expected to take more wives so that every woman gets a husband. The country which is known to be full of virgins, is also said to have more women than men.

Senator Ekweremadu Gives His People Notice Of Plan To Quit Senate In 2023

Editorial staff

May 12, 2019

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has announced that he would not seek re-election into the Senate in 2023 after he might have served them for about 20 years.

The Senator, who spoke today, Sunday at an event to mark his 57th birthday and to appreciate God and his constituents for his re-election and triumphs, said: “my dear brothers and sisters, you must admit that no matter how melodious a song may be, it will definitely have an end. Therefore, as I thank you for these 16 memorable and splendid years as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; as I thank my distinguished colleagues for honouring me as the Deputy President of the Senate for three consecutive times; as we recall the accomplishments of the projects of my representation in the last 16 years; as I acknowledge your kindness in keeping me in the Senate for these 16 years; and as I prepare to further represent you by your mandate for the next four years, let me seek your understanding and indulgence to now announce that this will be my last term as your Senator.

“As we get set for the 9th Senate, be assured that I will focus on the completion of all ongoing projects we attracted and ensure that communities that are yet to benefit from our vision in infrastructure adequately benefit.

“I will work with other patriotic Nigerians within and outside the National Assembly and across party, ethnic, and religious lines to address issues of disunity, insecurity, and poverty currently threatening our nation. I believe that together we can pioneer a new order characterised by peace, justice, unity, prosperity, egalitarianism, and boundless opportunities for all.”

Ekweremadu recalled how he became the Chairman of his age grade association at age 10 and served as President-General of Mpu Town Union, pioneer elected Chairman of Aninri LGA, Chief of Staff of Enugu Government House, Secretary to Enugu State Government, fourth term Senator, third term Deputy President of the Senate, and the first Nigerian Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Presidency Wades Into Face-Off Between Labour Minister And NLC: Defends Ngige

Editorial staff

May 12, 2019

The Presidency has waded into the face-off between the minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which led to the labour leaders threatening to attack the minister anywhere he is sighted in the country.

The face-off is caused by the appointment of the Chairman of the board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Comrade Frank Kokori.

In a statement today, Sunday, the special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that All actions taken by the minister of Labour and Employment towards the resuscitation and repositioning of this ailing agency, including the Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the affairs of NSITF and the suspension of the inauguration of the board in 2018 were part of the special work plan approved by the President.

The statement added that the appointment of the Chairman of the board, which is in consonance with Sec. 4(a) of the NSITF Act CAP N88 of 2004 was also approved by the President since 23rd July, 2018 on the recommendation of the minister, saying that Austin Enejamo-Isire, a Chartered Accountant, Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and renowned Insurance expert, Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria (CIIN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) was approved by the President for this position.

“Also approved by Mr. President were the Managing Director and three Executive Directors who had assumed duties since 18 April 2017.

Part of the statement reads: That the NSITF is a hundred percent, Federal Government of Nigeria owned insurance parastatal, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, designed for the role of insuring workers (employees) in the public and private sectors. The organization is empowered by law to implement the Employee Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 with mandate to insure workers and pay them compensation for accidents, deaths and injuries in the course of work.

The NSITF was bedevilled and riddled with corruption between 2012 – 2015, which resulted in a colossal loss and mismanagement of about N48 billion out of the total N62 billion contributions during the said period. These were contributions by the Employers – viz government and the private sector for payment of compensation to workers and even to Employers for loss of man-hours by their workers. This fraud has been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the last Chairman and some members of the former board and some officials of the NSITF are presently being prosecuted by the EFCC.

All actions taken by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment towards the resuscitation and repositioning of this ailing agency, including the Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the affairs of NSITF and the suspension of the inauguration of the board in 2018 were part of the special work plan approved for the Honourable Minister by Mr. President.

The appointment of the Chairman of this board, which is in consonance with Sec. 4(a) of the NSITF Act CAP N88 of 2004 was also approved by Mr. President since 23rd July, 2018 on the recommendation of the Hon. Minister. Mr. Austin Enejamo-Isire, a Chartered Accountant, Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and renowned Insurance expert, Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria (CIIN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) was approved by Mr. President for this position. Also approved by Mr. President were the Managing Director and three Executive Directors who had assumed duties since 18 April 2017.

Others also approved as Non-Executive Directors are two (2) members to represent the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), two members to represent the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and one (1) member each to represent the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. Members of this board are to be formally inaugurated at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2019 by the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

Comrade Frank Kokori, our respected veteran labour leader has Mr. President’s immense respect and has also been appointed on the recommendation of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment to chair the board of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), a diploma awarding labour institution.

Finally, the Presidency has noted with deep concern and regrets, the events that culminated in a skirmish at the private residence of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, and condemns it, in its entirety. However, in the spirit of reconciliation, the Presidency appeals for calm from the NLC and the Ministry of Labour and Employment officials, as there are ongoing efforts to reconcile the NLC leadership with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, led by their Minister who has doggedly been fighting the cause of Nigerian workers whenever their issue is discussed by government, the latest being the enactment of the new National Minimum Wage Act 2019.

CBN Says Money Not Missing Or Stolen, Threatens Legal Action On Rumour Mongers

Editorial staff

May 12, 2019

The Management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that a purported audio recording of selective conversations amongst the apex bank’s Governor, his Deputy and some Senior Officials did not reflect the true position of what happened.

“Contrary to the headline-grabbing narrative that the discussion was about a fraudulent transaction, this conversation, the beginnings of which was omitted to create a different impression, was simply to proffer solutions to a misunderstanding that affected the Bank’s balance sheet.”

A statement by the chief spokesman of the apex bank, Isaac Okorafor, explained by drawing attention to when the bank was approached in 2015 by the National Economic Management Team and the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, to assist State Governments with Conditional Budget Support, in the aftermath of the significant nose-dive in global oil prices and associated FAAC allocations.

The statement said that in order to ensure that ordinary Nigerian workers got their salaries, pensions and gratuities, and that the economy continued to recover from recession, the bank provided about N650 billion in loans at 9 percent with a two-year grace period to 35 States of the Federation.

“These monies were distributed to the States monthly with documented approval of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Presidency.

“In closing the Bank’s 2018 accounts, external auditors in their Draft Account, erroneously classified about N150 billion of these loans as bad, which negatively affected the Bank’s Balance Sheet and shareholders fund. “The selective conversation being circulated was simply a discussion to ascertain why the auditors took that position and next steps to resolving it.” The statement stressed that a State Government loan cannot be classified as “bad” or “irrecoverable” when the State still exists and getting FAAC allocations.

It said that the apex bank then reached out to the Federal Ministry of Finance and they jointly gave comfort to the auditors who accepted in writing that these monies would be repaid.

“On this basis, the auditors reversed the negative entry and the certified that the CBN’s 2018 accounts were a true reflection of the State of Affairs. “Reconciliation of Balance Sheet items are regular conversations amongst Senior Management of many agencies and should not be misconstrued as anything but that. Had the online media which released the selective recordings sought the comments of CBN as required of journalism practice, we would have provided it.”

The statement said that those who listened to the audio can easily ascertain that the conversation had nothing to do with anything fraudulent as purported, adding that the bank called on all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard this audio and continue to trust that the bank is doing everything it can to represent their interests in the best possible way.

“Under the leadership of Governor Emefiele, the CBN has always stood for, and vigorously pursued transparency in its stewardship of public resources and policies. NO MONIES ARE MISSING OR STOLEN. The integrity of the CBN Governor remains unassailable. He has no account in Dubai or anywhere in the world and would never convert the funds of CBN for personal use. Not in the past, not now and not ever.

“The use of selective wiretapped conversations of the Bank’s Management, to malign his character and integrity will never stand. The Bank will pursue every legal means to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Manchester Emerge Premier League Champions

Editorial staff

May 12, 2019

Manchester City came from a goal down today, Sunday to win the 2018/2019 Premier League title.

They beat Brighton 4-1 to end the season with 98 points.

Pep Guardiola’s side are the first side to retain the title 10 years after their city rivals, Manchester United, in 2009.

Liverpool, who were hoping to win a first league title since 1990, beat Wolves 2-0 to finish second with 97 points.

Details later…

CBN Governor Vows To Give Smugglers Bloody Nose As They Vow To Stop His Reappointment

Greenbarge Reporters

May 12, 2019

Importers, especially those involved in the importantation of items tagged ‘not eligible for foreign exchange via the official window’ are not happy with the recent reappointment of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele by President Muhammadu Buhari and are determined to frustrate his confirmation by the Senate.

This is even as the apex bank boss has vowed to continue to deal ruthlessly with such frustrated importers and smugglers with the instruments of the law.

Information at our disposal revealed that most of those in the rice and textile businesses in particular, who have been having sleepless nights over the nationalistic nature of Emefiele are now mobilizing through various means to discredit him.

They are believed to, in their fight against the return of Emefiele, have resorted to use the courts to scuttle the confirmation process or other means, including sponsoring protests, concoction of spurious messages And hacking into official conversations.

But Emefiele is believed to have called the bluff of the smugglers whom he vowed to fight using the powers enshrined in CBN Act 2007 and BOFIA to regulate the financial system and the economy at large toward higher productivity, employment generation, wealth creation and self reliance in the nearest future.

Speaking recently in katsina during the launch of input distribution to cotton farmers for 2019 farming season, Emefiele reiterated that saboteurs would be blacklisted from assessing financial services from banks operating in the country.

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