APC Is Over Prepared For Saturday Poll, Oshiomhole Says

September 7, 2016

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state has made it clear that the All Progressives Congress (APC), is “over-prepared” for the Saturday, September 10 scheduled governorship election in the state.

He therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to postpone the election, saying that shifting the election would further postpone the “final burial of the PDP for too long.

“The APC is ready for the election this Saturday and that was why we held our mega rally on Tuesday and after that rally our people across the state became more committed, more dogged and ready for the Saturday election.

“I am already preparing to go to my village to also mobilize my people as other party leaders are doing, that is to let you know that we are not relaxing despite the fact that we know the PDP is already dead and our people are just getting ready for the burial.”

Oshiomhole who said that security issues are security issues and as regards elections they are very critical said: “if on their own they are calling on INEC for postponement, I am sure they must have their reasons because they are experts in it. If you recall, we raise the alarm that the PDP had planned to import thugs from neighbouring states to help them unleash mayhem on our people because they are not prepared for the election.”

Meanwhile, the INEC has confirmed that it is prepared to conduct the Edo State gubernatorial election slated for Saturday, September 10. The commission’s willingness to go ahead with the poll undermines requests by the police and Department of State Security (DSS) to postpone the election.

The two security agencies had on Wednesday morning threatened that “insurgents” and “extremists” would provoke violence during the election.

This was disclosed in a security report issued jointly by the police and DSS.

But INEC officials said that they heard of the “Security Report” while at a stakeholders meeting Benin City with the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations in attendance. The officials said that INEC is 99 percent ready and had already distributed non-sensitive election materials across the State when the devastating report hit its officers and ad-hoc staff

They said that neither the DSS nor the Nigeria Police Force consulted with the commission before advising it to postpone the election. INEC, however, was aware of the security report issued by the two agencies.

Saturday’s election between Godwin Obaseki (APC) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu (PDP) is expected to be tightly contested, with both camps engaging in last-minute efforts to secure victory.

Meanwhile, PDP governors have been pumping funds into local government areas surrounding Benin City, claiming that the party has made progress that would defeat the APC on Saturday.

At the time of reporting, INEC has yet to make a statement officially postponing the election, although a source at the agency admitted that the security report has psychologically demobilized its workforce. [myad]

No Tax Payment No Approval For Building Houses In Ekiti– Governor Fayose

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

Governor Ayo Fayose has said that henceforth, anybody who wants Ekiti State Government’s approval for his building or is seeking permit to build on any piece of land must show evidence of paying correct taxes to the government.

He added that a government team will duly assess the value of the land and the type of structures being proposed among other steps to either accept or reject the tax paper so presented.

The governor’s stand emanated from a meeting he held with the management and staff of the Ministry of Lands in Ado-Ekiti.

In a statement, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, on Wednesday, quoted Fayose as having also given the directive that some temporary staff be employed by the ministry to further boost its enforcement capacity. He also directed that some motorcycles be purchased, while he released a brand new pick up van for the ministry.

Fayose, however, warned that any official of the ministry found wanting would be severely dealt with, adding: “the ministry is supposed to be one of the cash cows of the state government.

“In other states, they generate huge revenue from the Ministry of Lands because people have to build.

“I am not impressed with the performance of the ministry so far. What we have are unapproved structures springing up everywhere. We also have a situation whereby people were given approval after being poorly assessed. Approving officials must be guided in what they do.

“They must not make themselves scapegoats‎ on matters that do not concern them. Correct assessment of values of structures must be done. From now on, approving officials must put their names as well as their signatures on whatever structures they approve.

“We must evolve a system that whoever is seeking approval or permit be drawn into the tax net and subsequently followed up.

“The state government will provide a conducive atmosphere for you to work, but you must reciprocate that by improving on your performance.”

Fayose said that a retreat would be organized where those in the industry from all sectors would rub minds. [myad]

14-Day Ultimatum To Squatters In Lagos Expires, Task Force Moves To Dislodge Them

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

As the 14-day ultimatum issued to all owners of illegal structures, owners of abandoned buildings now harbouring prostitutes, shanties, street hawkers and those who have converted walkways into trading points and food courts in the affected areas expires on September 11, the Special Committee on Clean-Up of Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island inaugurated by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has concluded plans to commence the enforcement of the Environmental Sanitation and Town Planning laws in the affected areas.

The Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Committee, Tunji Bello, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, emphasized that the 14 days ultimatum would expire on September 11, saying that the Committee had decided to first embark on sensitization campaign to give the owners of such illegal structures enough notices to willingly pull down such structures themselves before the government pulls them down as well as prosecute owners of such structures.

According to him, every modality has been put in place to ensure that the original master plan of Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island as envisioned by the founding fathers is maintained.

He ssaid that the committee’s responsibilities include commencement of the implementation of the approved action plan and execution of the clean-up exercise; development of strategies for preventing re-occurrences as well as other recommendations.

It is also charged with sustaining the environmental renewal of these areas and to embark on a public sensitization exercise for the sustenance of a cleaner community in the axis.

The SSG added that the administration of Governor Ambode remains committed to doing everything possible to bring environmental sanity back to every part of the State.

“Cases of abandoned properties have become very rampant with miscreants and criminal elements taking over these properties as their base to cause havoc. The neat road sides of the past now parade pockets of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside beer parlours and commercial centres. In addition, originally residential areas now have industrial and commercial concerns located there, distorting the balance of the environment.

“These bad environmental practices, thriving in these prime areas, can no longer be tolerated and will be brought to an end immediately. These areas MUST regain their lost glory as this administration demands a return of environmental normalcy.”

Bello emphasized that the quest to have a safe, clean and prosperous Lagos is not negotiable as the present administration is committed to ensuring a cessation of the continuation of the environmental infractions being witnessed in Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island.

He used the opportunity to advice owners of some of the illegal structures who may still be sitting on the fence or nursing the hope that the State Government would have a rethink on the Clean-Up to make use of the window offered to them now or face the full force of the law. [myad]

Buhari Mourns Death Of Michael Ibru

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Government and people of Delta State, the Urhobos nation and the family of Olorogun Michael Ibru, who died on Tuesday, aged 85.

President Buhari who described late Michael Ibru as the patriarch of the Ibru family, said that the deceased was an accomplished businessman whose edifying role in the corporate world and private sector in Nigeria would continue to inspire generations to come.

He said that Michael Ibru will be long remembered for his hard work and dedication to entrepreneurship, which opened doors of opportunities to many Nigerians and associates who came in contact with his investments in the banking, aviation, tourism and manufacturing sectors.

The President advised members of his family and his associates to honour his memory by constantly upholding the values of selfless-service, inter-ethnic harmony, knowledge and perseverance, which he passionately promoted through his successful career in the private sector. [myad]

Nigeria Declares September 12, 13 Public Holiday For Eid-El-Kabir

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

The Federal Government has declared September 12 and 13 as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Kabir.
The Minister of Interior, retired Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Muhammadu Maccido asked all Muslims and Nigerians in general to support and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained efforts to diversify the economy and progressively accelerate the pace of economic recovery.
The minister said that government is aware of the current economic challenges the nation is facing even as he assured Nigerians that appropriate steps are being taken to address the challenges.
The minister said that the Federal Government is working to‎ revitalize the agriculture sector and the Youth Empowerment Scheme in Information and Communication Technology.
Dambazau said that other areas of priority included the “The Change Begins with Me,” a value re-orientation programme, and other social intervention programmes as well as massive capital releases.
The minister expressed optimism that the current economic difficulties would soon be over, even as he appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the government toward building a new formidable Nigeria. [myad]

Ibrahim Kpotun Idris Becomes Substantive Nigeria’s Inspector General Of Police

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

The Council of State, made up of the present and past Presidents of Nigeria, governors of the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, as well as other relevant national leaders, has confirmed Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police.

Idris, a longtime Police veteran of over three decades, has been holding the post in acting position. His name was presented by the Police Board.

The Inspector-General, who hails from Kutigi, Lavun in Niger State, was born on 15th of January 1959, and was enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force in 1984, after graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture. He also holds a degree in Law from the University of Maiduguri.

The IGP has served in various commands and formations in the Nigerian Police Force, working in the Police Mobile Force for 17 years as Unit Commander, Squadron Commander, and Commandant. He served as Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa and Kano States and was also the Commissioner of Police in charge of Police Mobile Force at the Force Headquarters.

He was also at the United Nations Mission in Liberia and East Timor and was awarded “Medal of Merit” by the President of the Republic of East Timor in recognition of his service. [myad]

Commission Seals Off Nokia-Alcatel Office For Operating Without License

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sealed off the office of Nokia-Alcatel located in Lekki, Lagos for operating without license.

The Head of Enforcement Unit, NCC, Mr. Salisu Abdul, who spoke to newsmen shortly after the operation, said that the company has been operating without license for years, saying that the company had not obtained the requisite authorization to render services.

He said that Nokia-Alcatel was involved in “equipment manufacturing, supply and installation and that it ought to have obtained the ‘Sale and Installation’ license.”

According to him, the license, which barely cost N2 million will give Nokia the authority to operate wireless transmission, manufacturing and sale of equipment, among others.

He said that after notifying the company for the need to be licensed, it only applied for the license about three months ago, but did not complete the process.

“As a matter of fairness and transparency, we decided to pay them a visit, and we however, discovered that they only applied for license about three months back and are yet to complete the process for the license.

“Basically, we have decided to seal off the premises of Nokia until it obtains the requisite authorization.

“The NCC is the sole regulator of the telecom sector in Nigeria and one of our functions is the issuance of telecom licenses.

“It is criminal for any service provider to operate in the country without license. We have sealed the office until they comply.

“We have to charge them based on the number of years they have operated without license. We will use our discretion to charge them.” [myad]

We Went Off To Get Better

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

Your favourite online medium, Greenbarge Reporters, was off the air from Saturday up to last night to enable our technical crew to effect the annual maintenance of the website.
Of course, the maintenance was prompted by sudden challenge which our technical director had to spend sleepless nights to resolve.
We wish to therefore apologize to millions of our readers across the world who must have missed our incisive, balanced and courageous reportage, even as we assure them that the maintenance of our platform was aimed at providing better and robust service to them all.
Thank you for being there for us.
Management. [myad]

4 Chibok Schoolgirls Matriculate At American University Of Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

Four out of the 24 Chibok girls who escaped from Boko Haram in 2014and came to the American University of Nigeria for their education, were among the new students formally accepted into the University during the Convocation and Pledge ceremony on August 29. The matriculation ceremony witnessed a large turnout of parents and students.

Since their lucky escape, all the 24 girls have been on the University’s scholarship studying under a special preparatory program.

A statement from the university signed by the Head of Communications and Public Relations of the university, Daniel Okereke, said that among the new students were those accepted from assorted applications for the maiden class of AUN’s new School of Law that kicked off this semester.

He said that the university Law program uniquely offers concentrations in Humanitarian, Gender and Environmental Laws.

According to the statement, others who took part in the ceremony were university graduates pursuing various postgraduate programs; among whom were18 winners of the 67 competitive AUN scholarships on offer, while several intakes were transferring from other universities in Ghana, Lebanon, Egypt, the United States and some European countries.

Apart from the novelty of admitting her first class of law students, the American University of Nigeria admitted the largest number of undergraduates in a semester in the past three years, signaling a return to pre-insurgency admission figures, even as commercial and other activities peak in Yola and other parts of Adamawa State.

Addressing the convocation in the Commencement Hall, President Margee Ensign announced that the type of education the new students will receive at AUN will ensure that students become leaders in their chosen fields.

“This kind of education will train you to look at problems from varying perspectives.”

President Ensign reminded them that they are being trained to be the leaders of the continent who, upon graduation, will be ready to solve the challenges that confront them, their community, their country, and their continent.

“All universities identify new problems, come up with new ideas. They discover new truths and some change society. At AUN, Africa’s first Development University, this is what we are trying to accomplish.”

President Ensign said that whether those problems are poverty, literacy, inequality, injustice, or violence, by engaging students in the real world, AUN students deal with such problems during their time at university. She added that asking questions about them, and finding solutions that improve the lives of their fellow human beings is important.

“We not only provide you with a different sort of education, we provide you with the intellectual tools to become the future leaders of Africa.” [myad]

Edo Gubernatorial Poll: Buhari Storms Benin, Sells Obaseki’s Candidacy

Greenbarge Reporters

September 7, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, stormed Benin city, the capital of Edo state, to formally present the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki to the people of the state in the September 10 governorship election.
The President, who arrived in the city in the morning hours of Tuesday, asked Edo people to vote massively for the APC candidate for him to continue the good work which governor Adams Oshimhole had done for the state.
At the party’s mega campaign rally at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Buhari said: “Obaseki is a seasoned technocrat and I recommend him to you so that you can continue to grow the state developmental stride.”
The President recalled the several previous invitations to him by Governor Adams Oshiomhole and applauded his several achievements in the state.
“I am grateful for inviting me to come today to identify with you.
“You have built schools and roads which I have seen myself.”
The President said that Edo people would do well to vote for Obaseki on September 10 to sustain and continue with Oshiomhole’s good works in the state.
He acknowledged the current economic challenges and assured the people that the nation would come out of the woods with the available human and material resources.
The President paid tributes to the late Oba Erediuwa, describing him as a foremost traditional leader with unquestionable integrity.
“I have not seen any more forthright traditional ruler.” [myad]

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