The All Progressive Congress, (APC), has described as a lie, story making the round that it had postponed the scheduled meetings of it’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Reacting to media report that the party’s National Caucus and NEC meetings, scheduled for October 30 and 31 respectively, have been postponed, the APC’s publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said there was no truth whatsoever in the report. He told news men: “I am really surprised because there is no such thing. The caucus meeting is still holding on the 30th and NEC on the 31st.”[myad]
Special Adviser to the President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has assured Nigerians that the President will remain unwavery in his transparent leadership. He emphasised that President Buhari is committed to leaving Nigeria better than he met it in 2015 as he remains focused on programmes and projects that would make such commitment a reality. The Presidential spokesman who received a delegation of well wishers to the President, led by Ambassador Eze N. Ebere, Adesina said that the President is determined to improve the lives of all Nigerians. Adesina expressed the appreciation of the Presidency to all Nigerians Nigerians for the outpouring of prayers and show of goodwill to President Muhammadu Buhari when he was on medical vacation in London and since his return to the country. “The Presidency is deeply appreciative of the prayers of Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians, during his ill health, and after his recovery.” Adesina, who promised the visitors that a letter from them would be delivered to the President, said that the positive reviews on the President’s handling of conflicts in various parts of the country has been most encouraging for the administration. “The President really appreciates all the prayers, and will like to say a big thank you for your support for his leadership style and handling of the conflicts.” This was even as the leader of the delegation, who is also the National Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), said that the association remains thankful to God for restoring the health of the President. “We are here to commend the President over his leadership style, especially the way he handled the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issue, and others, by ensuring that peace is restored across Nigeria. Ebere pledged the association’s continued support for President Buhari’s administration. The Justice of the Peace, an association, gave Adesina a special recognition as a “Peace Conservator.” [myad]
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the government of President Muhammadu Buhari as uncoordinated and rudderless for linking his government to the recall to duty of who he called ‘fugitive’ Abdulrasheed Maina.
Ex President Jonathan made it clear that such attempt to link his government to the controversial return of Maina to duty after he was dismissed was “absurd.”
Jonathan said that the fact that efforts are being made to link him to the return and reinstatement of Maina underscored how “uncoordinated and rudderless” the Buhari administration has become,” and asked: “are they saying it is President Jonathan that flew him back into Nigeria and promoted him in two levels ahead of where he was as at 2013 when he fled from civil service?”
The former president, who spoke through his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, to PREMIUM TIMES, said “they should stop insulting Nigerians or seeing them as fools.” [myad]
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for ts national contention on December 9 this year, it has asked those aspiring to be chairman of the party to buy nomination form at the rate of three million.
The amount was approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, the aspirants for the post of deputy national chairman to buy the nomination form at two million naira each.
In a communiqué by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, nomination form for the office of the National Secretary is two million, even as all the national officers, including the National Publicity Secretary, National Treasurer amongst others will pay the sum of N1.5 million each while ex- officio members will pay N500, 000. [myad]
“In the last administration (of President Goodluck Jonathan), two weeks before the elections, cash in excess of N100 billion and over $250 million, was released in a few days ostensibly for security purposes. The aggregate sum released was more than some States earned in a whole year. That is the enormity of the embezzlement that we are talking about.”
These were the remarks by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today, when he spoke at jointly organized Workshop by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute, on capacity building, in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory
Professor Osinbajo swore that corruption had been, for a long time, the nation’s single greatest challenge, stressing that the notion that security was a more serious challenge was exploded, “when in the last administration, it became clear that the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast was on account of the fact that billions of dollars allotted to the purchase of arms for our military, was cynically embezzled by senior military and civilian government officials.”
Osinbajo made it clear that the reason why Nigeria built no major new roads or no new infrastructure in the last six years, despite earnings from oil in excess of $100 dollars a barrel, is largely because of corruption.
“Corruption threatens our security, health, education and even our corporate existence. GAVI, the global fund for provision of vaccines for the poorest in developing countries, stopped providing funds to Nigeria for alleged mismanagement of funds by the Ministry of Health officials between 2011 and 2013. Nigeria had to refund $2.2million. These were vaccines and drugs meant to fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, amongst the poorest of the poor of our country.
“The enormous resources in the hands of perpetrators today are being used to subvert justice; to bribe pliable senior government officials, to bribe in some cases judicial officers, to subvert the legislative process and, of course, even to subvert the press.
“The problem with corruption is that it is a cancer. It may be terminal if not checked. The failure of African States, civil wars and destruction of lives and livelihoods, is the result of failure of institutions largely caused by endemic systemic corruption.”
Professor Osinbajo said that because of the existential nature of the threat of corruption, the need for collaboration between the Judiciary, the Executive and of course the Legislature had become imperative, adding that in working together, all the stakeholders: the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature, would be mindful that by the nature of systemic corruption, all the institutions are affected one way or the other.
“But we must come together and we are coming together, as a patriotic gesture to rescue our nation from looming disaster.
“At the swearing in of the last batch of Senior Advocates, His Lordship, the Chief Justice of the Federation, announced one of the most far reaching plans by the judiciary to effectively and promptly try corruption cases. First, his Lordship directed all courts in Nigeria to designate courts to exclusively hear and determine corruption and financial crime cases expeditiously.
“And secondly, the constitution of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Monitoring Committee headed by the Honourable Justice Salami, and deservedly his Lordship was commended both locally and internationally.
“That plan is a crucial component of the anti-corruption agenda, proposed by the executive because impunity seems magnified when the trial of alleged perpetrators of corruption never seems to end. That such individuals can afford the best legal assistance only deepens the sense of hopelessness that the corrupt will never be punished.”
The Vice President said that with the Chief Justice’s new initiatives, alongside the earlier practice directions issued by the Supreme Court and those issued by the Court of Appeal, and the Administration of Justice Act, “and again, the recent Supreme Court decision which stopped the dilatory tactic of staying proceedings in criminal cases on account of interlocutory applications, there is certainly great hope that corruption cases will be concluded and concluded promptly.”
According to him, alll nations that have successfully confronted corruption did one thing in common and that is that the administration of the justice system changed its attitude to the investigation and trial of corruption cases.
He said that such thing is important as it is not just about the Judiciary, because investigations must be conducted properly and thoroughly before cases go to court even as when cases go to court, what is presented is the best case the prosecution can present.
Professor Osinbajo said that most of the countries that have successfully dealt with corruption have had to dispense with needless technicality and focused on the offence.
“In the case of public officers, they recognized that there can be no real explanation for a public officer, whose pay is public knowledge, to have cash and assets several times more than his earning, let alone his savings. And the reason why people can never understand the way that cases are decided sometimes, is because it goes contrary to common sense. If somebody earns in excess of what he should possibly even safe in several life times, freeing him by technicality can never make sense. It will always seem as if something has gone wrong with the system.
“I think what most nations recognise, what most judiciaries, and what most administration of justices systems recognise is that even the whole process of the decision-making process, must make sense. If it doesn’t make sense, then we undermine the very fundament of the judiciary and justice, and if this undermined, then everything is undermined.
“Why should terrorism or homicide cases be more strictly viewed than corruption cases? Clearly the misery and loss of lives on account of corruption far exceeds that of any other single crime. There is no question at all that if you look at the extent of damage caused by corruption, it surely is a crime against humanity without a doubt. If you look at the sheer loss of lives on account of what we’ve seen even in our own country, there is no question at all that it is possibly the worst sort of crime that can be committed. So it must be taken seriously.”
He said that the seminar has turned out to be a step in the right direction, adding that the timing is right to re-jig the entire system. [myad]
The Presidency has suspected that some influential officials loyal to the previous government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might have been the invisible hand in the latest scandal that saw the return of Abdulrasheed Maina to the public service, despite being on the EFCC’s wanted list. The Presidency assured Nigerians that President Nuhammadu Buhari is determined to get to the bottom of the matter of the impunity that led to Maina’s reinstatement. “Everything will be uncovered in due course. This just goes to show us the scale of corruption that this government is fighting. And, as we can all see, corruption keeps fighting back viciously.” In a statement today, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garab Shehu, described Maina as one of the monsters created by the former PDP government, and which are still rearing their ugly heads long after the Party was soundly defeated in the 2015 elections. “Over and over again, the President Buhari government has pointed out that the administration’s greatest problem is the mess left behind by the previous government. Maina is just one more example.” Garba Shehu referred to document records from the investigations that led to the disgrace of the former pension boss and his being declared wanted by the EFCC, saying that Maina was not the only top member of the former government involved in the multibillion naira pensions scandal, but a man warmly ensconced in the bosom of power. “Top officials in the PDP government, from sectoral heads, to those charged with responsibility for law and order received some of these billions of naira from Maina. “We have all the transaction records and these are matters that the EFCC has been pursuing to ensure that they all have their day in court.” [myad]
Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), a None Governmental Organization, has expressed satisfaction with the support which governors of 36 states of Nigeria gave it in the quest to reduce maternal child mortality and other health challenges in the states across the country. Presenting 2,000 copies of advocacy tools on reduction of maternal child mortality and other health challenges in the states, to the Director General of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Asishana Okauru, in Abuja, the Chairman of NHED, Dr. Shehu Sule described the partnership with the NGF secretariat as very supportive. He said that the secretariat made good contributions that have helped in developing the tools. Dr. Shehu, who led a delegation to the NGF secretariat, expressed the hope that the tools will help to further improve the health care delivery in the country. According to him, the advocacy team would work within the two year span, 2017 to 2019 it was given to complete all the targets, to reduce maternal and child mortality and other killer diseases. Dr. Shehu said that the Programme is funded purely by the Bill and Belinda Gate Foundation, with the sole purpose of using the NGF platform to improve commitment of governors to Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR). He explained that Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) is to be implemented in line with the National Health Act that was passed in 2015. “It is to help ensure that we have good advocacy for maternal and child health programmes in Nigeria.” Dr. Shehu said that the two objectives of NHED that has to do with NGF are: to support the NGF secretariat in advocating for the establishment of Primary Health Care in line with the Primary Health Care Under One Roof objective and to work with Federal Ministry of Health and National Primary Health Care Development Agency to generate evidence and tools for advocating to the NGF. He said that already the staff of the NHED, NGF, the ministry of health and primary health care agency have begun work to generate the much needed evidence to do the work. He said that the materials presented was worked on for seven months which included several meetings where ideas on what best form of advocacy should be adopted for the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR). He said that there are nine pillars that were arrived at after feedbacks were received from all the executive secretaries of primary health care agency in the states. Dr, Shehu said that it has been a very thorough process of consultation inclusiveness with all the stakeholders, adding that the next phase is to develop specific advocacy kits peculiar to each state of the federation. He said that these specific tools will be developed after a visit to each state to see their peculiar situations, a talk with each state governor during such visits as well as a final talk at the NGF. In his remarks, Dr.Okauru said that the advocacy tools document were very comprehensive. He said the issues of health is a major priority for the NGF. He said that the NGF secretariat tries to align the priorities of governments in the health sector with the kind of things expected to be seen in the states. He said that the National Healthcare Act is a law with general applicability to all in the country. He said the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) is central to what any state should be doing at this time. He described as unfortunate that people tend to run to the wrong place health plate form every time there is a challenge. He said that the federal government wants all the basic health issues like immunization, malaria, vaccination and the likes to be handled at the primary health care. He commended the Bill and Belinda Gate Foundation for focusing on this at this time as it aligns with a number of things the NGF is doing. The DG assured that the NGF secretariat will study the advocacy tools documents and utilize the tools effectively. He said that already the governors are having growing confidence in the primary health care following proper brief for relevant agencies concerned. “If we don’t get healthcare right there is little you can go on in other sectors.” [myad]
Facts have emerged to show how Senator Isa Hamma Misau tried severally to influence the tampering with, or removal of queries and warnings in his record of service in the Police Force failed. Information had it that the Senator had one of the worst records as an officer, which he wanted removed from his file due to his fear that his opponents would use such accounts against me in his future political exploits. It was gathered that at one time, he met a top police officer and begged him to remove his records but that the officer told him politely to forget it as such documentation had already became police material which could not be tampered with. The records were believed to have already been serialised, making any form of tampering with them to be easily detected. It was further learnt that while serving in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Senator Misau, who was known in the Police Force as DSP Mohammed Hamma, was not only a serial offender but had service record that included his admittance of visiting unholy places. The former top cop later metamorphous into a law maker, and admitting that he visited a herbalist in search of traditional cure for a strange ailment that tormented his health while in service. In a written answer to a query issued to him on 6th November, 2005 and addressed to the Commanding Officer of the 44 PMF, FHQ, Abuja, the then young officer, DSP Hamma said: “It is true that I was absent without permission for the number of days stated because of sickness I have found myself into. “I was sick for a long time, since I was a Divisional Crime Officer, Wuse Division, Abuja. I have visited so many hospitals, including National Hospital Abuja, which I was diagnosed and x-ray was taking and all proved that there is nothing they have seen or detected that I am alright, but myself I knew there is something disturbing me. “I confided on a friend and made him know what I am going through, which he told me that he would take me to a native doctor in a village under Abaji Area Council on 28th October, 2005 at about 10:00hrs, we embark on the trip to see the Native doctor. I was given concussion which I drank and it turn out that my system did not agree with it and it became position to me. I started vomiting and stooling which lead to my unconsciousness for days in that village. “The person that took me there refused to rush me to the hospital for fear of being arrested according to him, and that the native doctor convinced him that it is normal, everything would be alright, they tried and luckily I survived it.” Documents made available to our correspondent also revealed that another query, dated January 16, 2009 and signed by CP Suleiman Abba, was served on Hamma, with the title: ‘Query For Serious Misconduct.’ It read in part: “You were nominated to participate in 24 weeks Junior Command Course 49/2009 at Police Staff College, Jos, vide letter No. CE.6421/’E’ DEPT/FHQ/ABJ/JCC/VOL.4/726 dated 19/11/2008. “The Course commenced on 05/01/2009 and you contemptuously failed to report for the course despite the long notice.” He was accordingly found guilty of disobedience of lawful Order without good and sufficient cause, for refusing to attend Junior Command Course 49/2009 at the Staff College, Jos, contrary to rule 04401 (iv) of the Public Service Rule 2000. The former Police officer was also found guilty of negligence of duty and discreditable conduct as the sum total of his conduct was found to be prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of an officer of the rank of DSP, contrary to rule 0430 (i) of the Public Service Rules 2000. It was learnt that sometime in 2006, DSP Hamma was served a warning letter that was signed by ACP HM Dagala, who was then the Commander of the Police Mobile Force, Abuja. The warning letter read in part: “You will recall that you were queried for being absent from duty without leave/permission vide letter No. CH:6350/44PMF/B/FHQ/ABJ/-VOL. 1/26, and dated 8th November, 2005.” The warning was issued after the Commissioner of Police considered his representation to the query and found him liable in all instances of questionable conduct that was not expected of a Superior Police Officer. [myad]
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken steps to embark on aggressive internal revenue generation. One of the steps is the appointment and confirmation of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the person of Malam Abdullahi Oteh Attah. His appointment was confirmed by the Federal House of Representatives. Abdullahi Oteh Attah is a 1978 Accountancy graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Born in January 15, 1952, he hails from Doma in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1987 and comes to the agency with a very impressive pedigree. He was General Manager Finance, NITEL, 1996 and later founding member of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC – 2003. He was also former special adviser to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS and a Director in the same organisation – 2010 until his retirement in 2013. Attah is currently a member of the governing council of the Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State. He is married and blessed with children. Speaking at an interactive session of the FCT Executive Council with Area Council Chairmen, heads of security agencies and traditional rulers, the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, said that the confirmation of Abdullahi Oteh is the right way towards boosting the revenue profile of the capital territory. He said that IRS would also provide fund for the implementation of projects that would make life meaningful for the residents. He said that the session was convened to build strong partnership between the various stakeholders and the FCT leadership. The Minister assured the officials that the Administration is working to ensure early preparation of the 2018 budget “FCT administration is desirous of ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt at the grassroots. This is why the focus of the second half of this Administration would centre on education, health facilities, rural infrastructure among others.” Malam Bello said that FCT would soon recruit 300 teachers to bridge the gap created by various retirements and other sources of manpower attrition in the sector. [myad]
A 40 year old graduate of the Nasarawa State University, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro has been appointed to mount the throne of Sarki Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which his father, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Ijakoro occupied until he died on August 29 this year. The appointment of the new Sarki Bwari has been approved by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, under the relevant sections of the FCT Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Act, 1997 and in accordance with established customs and traditions of the Bwari Chiefdom. The nomination of Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro was endorsed by the Bwari Kingmakers. Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro was born in Bwari on June 9, 1977. He did his primary and secondary education in Suleja and Kwali respectively. He holds a Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Abuja and a B.Sc Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Until his appointment to the throne of Sarkin Bwari, he was the Chiroman Bwari. Commenting on the appointment, the minister said that the exalted traditional office of Sarkin Bwari demands high sense of responsibility, maturity and commitment. He implored Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro to strive to uphold those virtues at all times even as he asked all stakeholders, particularly the people of Bwari Chiefdom to live in peace with each other. [myad]
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As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for ts national contention on 
Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), a None Governmental Organization, has expressed satisfaction with the support which governors of 36 states of Nigeria gave it in the quest to reduce maternal child mortality and other health challenges in the states across the country.
Facts have emerged to show how Senator Isa Hamma Misau tried severally to influence the tampering with, or removal of queries and warnings in his record of service in the Police Force failed.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken steps to embark on aggressive internal revenue generation.