Leadership Of ICPC Falls On Dr. Musa Usman Abubakar

March 7, 2018

The baton of leadership of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been handed over to the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Musa Usman Abubakar.

In a brief ceremony which was witnessed by the heads of departments and other senior management staff, the former acting Chairman of the Commission and two-term Board Member, Alhaji Bako Abdullahi, said that he was handing over to the Secretary as his tenure as a member had come to an end.

He expressed his gratitude to the government for having been given the opportunity to serve both as a member and an acting Chairman on two different occasions.

Alhaji Abdullahi commended the management and staff of the Commission for the support he had received from them, saying that it was tremendous. He therefore urged them to extend the same level of support to the Secretary.

The out-gone acting Chairman also advised ICPC staff to intensify their efforts in eradicating corruption in Nigeria.

He challenged the staff not to let the recent Transparency International’s rating of the country dampen their enthusiasm, but should see it as a shot in the arm for a renewed drive by the Commission to combat the evil that corruption represents.

In his own response after receiving the handing-over documents, the Secretary eulogized the out-gone Chairman, saying that the task of running a strategic organization like ICPC is a onerous one, and that having worked directly with Alhaji Abdullahi, he could attest to the awesome responsibility it entails and how diligently the out-gone Chairman had discharged his duties.

Dr. Abubakar therefore solicited for staff cooperation, saying that it such support is needed if he is to succeed in carrying the heavy burden being placed on his shoulders even as he promised to put in his best in order to make the Commission better in all ramifications.

Meanwhile, a new Chairman and members nominated by the Federal Government for ICPC are currently awaiting confirmation by the Senate as stipulated in the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

It is expected that until their confirmation, the Secretary, Dr. Abubakar, will oversee the affairs of the Commission. [myad]

Gov Obiano Sacks Commissioners, Other Political Appointees, Heads Of MDAs

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2018

With few days left to his swearing-in for a second term in office, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has sacked all political appointees and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who are not civil servants.

A letter with reference ANS/SSG/HANDOVER/201, signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Solo Chukwudebelu titled: “Submission of handover notes by political appointees and non-civil servant heads of MDAs in the state,” gave the affected persons up to March 16, 2018 to complete the exercise.

The letter reads: “His Excellency, Chief (Dr) Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State, has directed that all political appointees and non-civil servant heads of MDAs in the state submit their handover notes/reports on or before Friday 16`” March, 2018 to the Permanent Secretary of their respective MDAs, or to the most senior civil servant there in the absence of a Permanent Secretary.

“All SSAs/SAs are to submit their handover notes/reports to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the SSG. A copy of the handover note/report must be submitted to the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March 2018.

“Further to the above, political appointees and non-civil servant heads of MDAs and SSAs/SAs under reference, are to also handover any government project/utility vehicles in their custody to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government on or before Friday, 16th March 2018.

“The contents of this letter are for your attention and necessary actions, as I assure you of my high regards.”

Obiano, who was re-elected for the second tenure on November 18 last year, in his move for another fresh start, has already set up a committee, headed by Chief Ifeanyi Ibezim, to oversee the inauguration of his second tenure in office. [myad]

Senate Condemns Kogi Governor, Police Over Attack On Senator Ogembe In Okene

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2018

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki

The Senate has condemned the action of Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly allowing the disruption of an empowerment programme organized by the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Ahmed Ogembe.

The Upper Chamber has therefore constituted an Ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the disruption and violence during the empowerment programme and determine the involvement of the Nigerian Police Force.

The ad hoc committee has two weeks to report back to the Senate.

At today’s, Wednesday plenary, the Senators took turns to criticize Yahaya Bello and the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of been threats to the country’s democracy.

The reactions of the Senators followed Order 43 cited by Senator Ogembe, who told the Senate that the empowerment programme he sponsored was disrupted and in the process violence broke out in Kogi Central.

Ogembe said: “the police command refused to act, my supporters were seriously injured. However, the political intimidation and violence is on the increase. As at now I cannot go home because I am not sure of my safety.”

Responding to the development, the Deputy Senate President said: “we cannot continue like this and call it democracy if Senators cannot freely go back to their homes. This is wrong, and let us have a lasting solution for democracy to stay.”

Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, maintained that the fall out of the
action “must be food for thought for all of us. I am worried for Kogi State, Nigeria and the year 2019. Necessary actions and resolutions must be made on this issue. We should use Kogi State as an example to work together with the FG to bring lasting solutions.”

The Senator, representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, who expressed bitterness at the development, argued that the Governor of Kogi State “cannot shut me up because he must pay the salaries of workers and cater for the welfare of the people of the state.”

Melaye however appealed to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to look into the fisticuff, saying: “Mr. President, please help us on the issue of Kogi State.”

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who represents Abia South, in his contribution, stressed that “The situation between the Governor and the Senators from Kogi State is becoming worrisome, we need to act and make sure the IG is questioned for such an act from the Area Commander.” [myad]

Italy Elects Nigerian As First Black Senator

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2018

A Nigerian immigrant, Toni Iwobi, has become Italy’s first black senator following elections on Sunday – after standing for an anti-immigration party.

Mr. Iwobi posted on Facebook about his victory, saying he was ready to start his “new adventure.”

The new Senator has been a member of the right-wing League party that supports easing restrictions on deporting migrants and increasing barriers to immigration.

Despite being a migrant himself, Iwobi has been the League’s spokesman on migration since 2014 and campaigned under the slogan “Stop Invasion” in reference to illegal immigration.

The election – which saw his party came third with 17% of the vote, a huge increase on the 4% it won in 2013 – comes at a time of heightened anti-immigration feeling.

The killing of Senegalese street vendor Idy Dienec in Florence on Monday prompted two days of protests.

Dienec was shot six times at close range as he sold leather bags, umbrellas and trinkets on a bridge, news agency Reuters said. [myad]

US Announces $533 Million Humanitarian Aids For Nigeria, Other Countries

Greenbarge Reporters

March 7, 2018

The United States of America has announced about 533 million dollars in humanitarian assistance for Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan, as well as countries in the Lake Chad region.

U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson said that millions of people are facing life-threatening food insecurity and malnutrition as a result of ongoing conflict or prolonged drought in the countries.

Of the newly announced funds, more than $128 million is for affected populations from Nigeria and countries in the Lake Chad region.

About $184 million is for affected populations from South Sudan and more than $110 million for affected populations from Ethiopia.

The humanitarian assistance includes more than $110 million for affected populations from Somalia.

Tillerson said: “today, I’m announcing $533 million in additional humanitarian assistance to fight famine and food insecurity and address other needs resulting from conflicts in Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Lake Chad Basin.

“The alarming levels of hunger in these areas are largely man-made, as conflicts erupt and people flee their homes.

“Under these conditions, people cannot produce crops and often lose access altogether to food, education, and health care. Many lose everything.

“And regrettably, Mother Nature can still be cruel, such as in the Horn of Africa, where a prolonged drought is contributing to grave food insecurity”.

According to him, these additional funds will provide emergency food, nutrition assistance, and other aid.

This includes safe drinking water, thousands of tons of food, and deliver health programs to prevent the spread of deadly diseases like cholera to millions of people, he said adding “This will save lives”.

“The American people, as we always have been, are there to partner with African countries to ensure their most vulnerable populations receive life-saving assistance.

“We also call upon others to join us in meeting the growing humanitarian needs in Africa. We hope these initial contributions will encourage others to contribute aid to increase burden sharing and meet the growing humanitarian needs in Africa.

“However, this assistance will not solve these ongoing conflicts, but only buy us time – time to pursue diplomatic solutions,” Tillerson stressed.

According to him, ultimately it is up to the leaders in these countries, particularly in South Sudan, to stop the violence and put the welfare of their citizens at the forefront of their actions.

He said millions would continue to be at risk as long as parties to these conflicts continue to engage in violence, calling on all parties to allow aid workers safe and unhindered access to help communities in need.

The U.S. is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance for these crises in Africa, providing nearly three billion dollars since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2017.

NAN. [myad]

Ex Nasarawa State Governor, Akwe Doma Dies At 75

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2018

The former governor of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Akwe-Doma, is dead. He was said to have died today, Tuesday, at the age of 75 years and six months, after a brief illness in an Israelis hospital.

The nephew to the deceased, Ahmed Bako, confirmed the death of Akwe Doma, even as sympathizers are already gathering around the deceased Abuja residence in Orozo, Karshi district of Abuja.

Aliyu Akwe Doma, was born on 1 September 1942 in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to parents from the Alago Ethnic group. Akwe Doma completed his primary education in Doma Junior Primary School and Lafia Senior Primary School respectively between 1951 and 1957.

He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Katsina Ala and the Higher Teachers’ Training College, Gombe, where he obtained the Grade II teacher’s certificate in 1963. He attended the University of Ibadan from 1964 to1966, the British Drama League, London, England in1968 and the World Tourism Organization, Centre for Advanced Tourism Studies, Turin, Italy in 1973. He attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zarian in Kaduna state in 1976, and Ambros Ali University, Ekpoma in 2002 where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

He entered the old Plateau State civil service, where he rose to become Permanent Secretary in several departments between 1976 and 1983. He then became Deputy Governor of Plateau State. He was a member of the Presidential Joint National Consultative and Advisory Committee of Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thought from 1995 to1998, and a member of the National Committee on the future of Higher Education in Nigeria from1996 to1998.

He was appointed a member of the Technical Committee of Presidential Council on Tourism in 2004. He held private sector positions as Chairman of the Oriya Group of Companies in 1984, Chairman of Integrated Tourism Consultants in 2003 and as a representative of Steyr Nigerian.

Aliyu Doma ran successfully for election as governor of Nasarawa State in April 2007 on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform, taking office on 29 May 2007. He ran for a second term in office in April 2011, but lost to Umar Tanko Al-Makura, the candidate of the opposition Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

2019: Obasanjo Is Not God’s Personal Assistant And Cannot Stop Atiku From Being President – Supporter

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2018

A former Senatorial aspirant and Director-General of Atikunation, Fateema Mohammed, has said that since the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is not God’s personal assistant, he cannot stop ex-Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from becoming Nigeria’s President in 2019.

She said that it is obvious that the next president of the country is Atiku, adding Obasanjo is not God’s personal assistant.

Fateema told Daily Sun: “when you have a good product, you don’t need to go through the stress of hyping the product. Atiku is the most sell-able candidate. The politics of the south-west is very dynamic; we have a lot of people who are exposed and knowledgeable.

“When you talk about APC, it was Atiku’s money that helped the party to stand today and from the day he left APC, you will have seen that the party has taken a dive for the worse.

“It is simply because one of its pillars just left. Selling him is not a problem at all. He is the largest employer of labour in Nigeria. He is the benefactor of over 50,000 employees.

“He is a lover of youth and a detribalised Nigerian. He has wives from south-west and south-east. He believes in the girl child. He lives and says that he will give hope to the women and all that.

“Above all, he believes in restructuring. Is Obasanjo God or is he God’s Personal Assistant. Obasanjo has just one vote. He cannot determine who will be president. Obasanjo will be alive when Atiku will become president. He cannot stop Atiku.” [myad]

Rivers Waiting For Buhari’s Visit, Promises To Report Police, INEC Misdemeanor

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2018

The Government of Rivers State has said that it is eagerly waiting to receive President Muhammadu Buhari who will soon pay a walking visit, and that it will report the misbehavior of the state police command and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We will use the opportunity to also tell him about the peculiar security challenges that Rivers State is facing and the fact that we have not received appropriate cooperation from the Police high command despite our complaints.

“We will also use the opportunity to tell him what INEC is doing and the fact that INEC is working with some security agencies to frustrate the 2019 elections in favour of his party.”

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah, said: “the impending visit is a welcome development. He’s president for all Nigerians, and not the president of a particular part of the country or political party.

“The visit would afford us the opportunity of interacting with him, if his programme would permit, so that we tell him the challenges we are facing and also, the contributions and efforts we are making towards building a stronger and more united nation.

“And we will assure him of our unalloyed commitment as we all work together in patriotism towards building a stronger and more united nation.” [myad]

Nigeria Loses 78 To Lassa Fever, 353 Others Infected

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2018

No fewer than 78 Nigerians have been confirmed dead and 353 others infected in what has been described as “unprecedented” outbreak of Lassa fever in the country. Sixteen health workers were infected out of whom four died within eight weeks of the outbreak.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in a statement, 766 are suspected to be infected while 3,126 contacts have been identified and are being monitored.

The NCDC said that the disease has spread to 18 states since it began in January, adding that it is working with Medicins San Frontiers and Alliance for International Medicine Action to manage cases in Ondo, Edo and Anambra states.

The Director of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said that many of the cases were self-managed and not tested at the onset because the illness is thought to be malaria, a disease endemic to Nigeria and whose symptoms mimic Lassa fever.

He asked to those with symptoms of fever to go to a health care facility in order to get a test that will determine the cause of the fever before treating.

Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, is endemic in most of West Africa, especially Nigeria, where it was discovered in 1969. Symptoms can be mild or severe, including hemorrhaging in the gums, eyes or nose.

According to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease is transmitted to humans through contact with food or items contaminated by multimammate rats or through contact with bodily fluids from an infected person.

On average, Lassa fever is deadly in 1% of all individuals infected, with higher rates of 15% morbidity among people hospitalized with the illness.

According to an NCDC report on March 4, the case fatality ratio in the latest outbreak was 23.8%. [myad]

Kaduna Religious Crisis: 65 Persons Remanded In Prison

Greenbarge Reporters

March 6, 2018

Following the religious crisis at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area, in Kaduna state, no fewer than 65 persons have been arrested, charged to court and are now in remand in prison.

Briefing news men today, Tuesday, on the efforts so far made to bring the crisis to an end, Samuel Aruwan, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Nasir El-Rufai said that 65 persons have been charged before a magistrate’s court in Kaduna, saying that all the suspects have been remanded in Kaduna Prison custody and the case adjourned to the 15th, March 2018.

“After assessing the situation on the ground and preliminary report, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austin Iwar told journalists, that security agencies have arrested 18 persons in connection with the mayhem. Since then, further arrests have been made.”

Aruwa said that it was in the same Kasuwan Magani the state recorded the first religious violence in 1981, adding that the state government will not relent in vigorously prosecuting the suspects.

The governor’s spokesman said that in response to the latest incident, the state government directed that the security agencies to contain the situation, prevent escalation, investigate the violent incidence, effect arrests and prosecute persons indicted.

“The security agencies have since complied with the directives and security agencies are still carrying out internal security operations in Kasuwan Magani and its environs, stretching from Maraban Rido to Maraban Kajuru”, he said.

“On 27th February 2018, a team from the Kaduna State Security Council visited Kasuwan Magani.

“The team, led by the General Officer Commanding, I Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Mohammed, included Commissioner of Police Austin Iwar, State Director of Department of State Services, Mohammed Wakil, Commander Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, AM Bunu, Special Adviser on Internal Security, Col. Yakubu Yusuf (rtd) and Samuel Aruwan, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity.

“The legacy of violence in Kaduna State has been enabled by impunity. This cannot continue. Nobody will be allowed to use religion or ethnicity to justify criminal conduct.

“It is also important to stress that nobody or group has the constitutional right to force other people to embrace their prejudices or beliefs. Matters of faith are the prerogatives of individuals whose voluntary decisions must be respected by all.” [myad]

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