Calabar–Lagos Rail Project Was Reflected In 2016 Budget To N-Assembly – Budget Minister Confirms

April 12, 2016

The minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma has made it clear that the N60 billion Lagos–Kano and Calabar–Lagos rail lines were reflected in the 2016 budget to the relevant committees of the National Assembly after the first errors were corrected.
The minister, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Akpandem James said that the corrected versions from the errors in the initial proposals of a number of ministries were submitted to the relevant committees of the National Assembly by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
“This included that of the Ministry of Transportation. The amended Ministry of Transportation budget was accepted by the relevant committees and that was the version defended by the Minister of Transportation and his team.
“It must be emphasized that the two rail projects are part of those for which the President is currently negotiating funding with the Chinese government.
“This is the counterpart funding to support the Chinese financing for the projects. These projects are part of the Strategic Implementation Plan of the government which was disclosed by the Minister of Budget and National Planning at the National Economic Council Retreat in March 2016, in the presence of state governors.”
The minister referred to the recent controversies surrounding the budget, which he said has made it necessary for him to clarify the issues.
He said that the details of the 2016 budget were received by the President on Thursday, April 7, 2016 and that immediately it was received, the President, desirous of signing the document into law as soon as possible, directed that copies should be made available to Heads of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.
“Ministers were asked to go through the details and give their reactions as it affects their respective Ministries so as to guide the President and enable him sign the Appropriation Bill into law.
“That process is still on-going and no statement has been issued by the Executive on the matter, apart from the one by the Honourable Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohamnmed, to confirm that details of the budget are being examined.
“No final decision has been taken by the President and no other statement whatsoever has been issued on the matter.
With reference to the specific issue of the Calabar – Lagos rail project, we will like to state that the two railway projects, Lagos – Kano and the Calabar – Lagos, are very important projects of the present administration; and it was always the intention of the Executive to have both projects reflected in the budget submitted to the National Assembly.
“It is hoped that with this clarification, the raging controversy over the Calabar – Lagos rail project will be put to rest.” [myad]

INEC Names Polling Units For Wednesday’s FCT Council Re-Run Polls

Greenbarge Reporters

April 12, 2016

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has named the polling units in which the rerun elections for the five out of the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be held tomorrow, Wednesday.
A statement from the Commission said that tha Area Councils affected are Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), adding that chairmanship elections will be concluded in four Area Councils of: Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje and AMAC while Councillorship elections will be concluded in four Area Councils.
The Commission said that the Saturday 9th April elections in these areas were cancelled due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), and the approved INEC guidelines and regulations. The elections were cancelled for three reasons namely: violence, over voting and non use of the Smart Card Reader (SCR).
The statement said that a total of 39, 647 registered voters are expected to participate in tomorrow’s elections.
It said that in Abaji Area Council, it will conclude Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in two Polling Units of two Wards, namely: Nuku and Gawu, with a total of 3,513 voters expected to participate.
In Bwari Area Council, Councillorship elections will be concluded in two Wards and three Polling Units with a total of 5,522 registered voters.
The Commission will conclude Chairmanship election in one Ward (IBWA) and two Polling Units in Gwagwalada Area Council with a total of 1,881 registered voters.
In Kuje Area Council, Chairmanship and Councillorship elections will also be concluded in 12 Polling Units of eight Wards, with a total of 13,368 voters. The Wards are: Gwargwada, Kwaku, Kuje Central, Chibiri, Gudunkarya, Rubochi, Yenche and Kabi.
The Commission will conclude Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in six wards and fourteen Polling Units of AMAC. The affected wards are: Karu, Garki, Gwarinpa, Gui, Karshi and Nyanya. A total of 15,363 voters are expected to participate in the elections. [myad]

Ebenezer Obey Clocks 74, Appreciates God For The Gift Of Life

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

Music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has clocked 74 even as said that he appreciated God for the gift of life

At an organized birthday celebration in Lagos, Ebenezer thanked the guests, including the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who described the musician as a philanthropist and a worthy icon of the Gateway State, Nigeria and beyond.

Amosun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, as a special guest at the thanksgiving service that marked the 74th birthday of Ebenezer Obey at Decross Gospel Mission, Headquarters of Praise, Mulero, Iyanapaja, Lagos State, also prayed and felicitated with the music icon.

“Chief Ebenezer Obey is my father and I hold him to a great esteem. Ogun State is proud of him. His impact has gone beyond the state, Nigeria and also spread to the entire world. His 74th birthday is a huge milestone and the state and the entertainment industry have really benefited from his God-given talent.” [myad]

Lagos-Calabar Rail Project Not Included In Original Budget By President Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

The House of Representatives has disclosed that the Lagos-Calabar rail project was never included in the budget presented by President Muhammadu Buhari. It was the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi that attempted to pad the bill.

Chairman of the House’s Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas, told news men that majority of the stories in the media were “mere propaganda.”
“The item was brought for inclusion in the budget by Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, but was not included in the budget because only the President is allowed to present the budget before the National Assembly,” Namdas said.
“The media is awash with story that the National Assembly has removed the Calabar-Lagos railway project from the budget. I want to make it very clear that we don’t have that in the presentation made by the President to the National Assembly, so we couldn’t have removed what was not even inserted in the first place.
“It was the Minister of Transport that brought the Calabar-Lagos railway to be included in the budget. We want to state clearly that the budget is something that is proposed by the president; we do not receive budget from minister.
“So, for somebody to say we actually removed the Calabar-Lagos railway project from the budget, I think someone is trying to spoil our good image.
“We want to state again that all that was sent to the National Assembly from the supplementary budget and others had a smooth sail and it is on record that some people lost their job because of this budget.”
Namdas said that the executive had agreed that some people tempered with the budget.
He said that if the President discovered something that he wanted to be included, he should have sent the budget back and we will take a look at it.
“But right now, there is no official notice to the National Assembly that the President will not sign the budget.” [myad]

FIFA Appoints Oliseh For 2016 Rio Olympics Football In Brazil

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

The world football ruling body, FIFA, has appointed the former Nigeria footballer and international football pundit, Sunday Oliseh into its Technical Study Group for the 2016 Rio Olympics Football in Brazil.
Oliseh who skippered Nigeria at the France 1998 World Cup, announced his appointment today via his tweeter handle: @SundayOOliseh, saying that he was “flattered.”
The ex-international tweeted: “Honoured To Be Appointed Into the “new look” FIFA Technical Department. Next mission; The 2016 Rio Olympics Football.

“It is with great honour that I share with you my appointment by the world’s Football governing body F.I.F.A as a member of its Technical Study Group amongst other functions.

“I am flattered to be a part of this football family and I believe that this is a blessed period not only for me personally but for my beloved Nation, Nigeria!,”

The 38-year-old player was a physical and technical central midfielder in his active years. He played for clubs such as AFC Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus F.C.

Oliseh played 63 international matches and scored four goals for Nigeria. He played at the Football World Cups of 1994 and 1998. Oliseh was also a part of the Olympic gold medal winning team of 1996.

In January 2006, at the age of 31, he retired from professional football after playing a half season for Belgian top club K.R.C. Genk. [myad]

FCT Inconclusive Election: INEC Fixes April 13 For Re-Run In 39 Polling Units

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Wednesday, April 13 for re-run elections in 39 polling units within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to complete the chairmanship elections in areas where elections were cancelled.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commission’s FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Jacob Jatau on Monday in Abuja.

INEC had declared elections in Kuje, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Gwagwalada and Abaji Area Councils to be inconclusive.

“INEC-FCT will on Wednesday, April 13, conduct re-run elections in 39 polling units in 20 Registration Areas (RAs) of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Results in the affected polling units were cancelled for reasons ranging from violence, over voting and non-use of Smart Card Readers or accreditation of voters.”

It stated that accreditation and voting in the affected polling units would begin simultaneously from 8 am to 2pm.

The Commission therefore called on the political parties and their candidates to toe the path of peace to ensure the conclusion of the elections.

INEC Deputy Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Mr. Nick Dazang, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said adequate security had been provided for the re-run elections.

“There will not be restriction in the movement of people as areas affected are not many but certainly there will be presence of security to secure the area.” [myad]

Fibroid In Women, Causes And Solution

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes, these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The growths are typically benign (noncancerous). Another medical term for fibroids is “leiomyaoma” (leye-oh-meye-OH-muh) or just “myoma.”

Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. In unusual cases they can become very large. About 70 to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s. Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms often find fibroids hard to live with. Some have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids also can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination, or the rectum, causing rectal pressure. Should the fibroids get very large, they can cause the abdomen (stomach area) to enlarge, making a woman look pregnant.

Types of Fibroids

The name given to fibroids determines where it is located, different fibroids develop in different locations in and on the uterus.

Intramural Fibroids: They are the most common type of fibroid. These types appear within the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Intramural fibroids may grow larger and actually stretch your womb.

Sunserosal Fibroids: They form on the outside of the uterus, which is called the serosa. They may grow large enough to make the womb appear bigger on one side.

Pedunculated Fibroids: When subserosal tumors develop a stem (a slender base that supports the tumor), they become pedunculated fibroids.

Submucosal Fibroids: These types of tumors develop in the inner lining (myometrium) of the uterus. Submucosal tumors are not as common as other types, but when they do develop, they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.

What Causes Fibroids?

It is unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation. Some of these factors are:

Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroids.

Age: Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during the 30s and 40s through menopause. After menopause, fibroids usually shrink.

Family history: Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. If a woman’s mother had fibroids, her risk of having them is about three times higher than average.

Ethnic Origin: African women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women.

Obesity: Women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids. For very heavy women, the risk is two to three times greater than average.

Eating Habits: Eating a lot of red meat (e.g., beef) and ham is linked with a higher risk of fibroids. Eating plenty of green vegetables seems to protect women from developing fibroids.

What Are The Symptoms Of Fibroids?

Symptoms will depend on the location and size of the tumor(s) and the number of tumors. If tumor is very small, or if the patient is going through menopause, she may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may shrink during and after menopause.

Symptoms of fibroids may include:

Heavy bleeding between or during periods that includes blood clots
Pain in the pelvis and/or lower back
Increased menstrual cramping
Increased urination
Pain during intercourse
Menstruation that lasts longer than usual
Pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen
Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen What if I become pregnant and have fibroids? Apart from generating symptoms, such as heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic and back pain, constipation, and bloating, the most common problems seen in pregnant women with fibroids are: · Cesarean Birth:Multiple fibroids located in the lower part of the uterus can block the vagina during pregnancy, making it necessary to have a cesarean birth.
If you been diagnosed with Fibroids and you’re looking for a natural, safe and easy way to permanently remove it and prevent its recurrent growth without surgery, then Our 100% Natural Fibroid Remover Pack will help you eliminate all types of Fibroids and its complications in the shortest possible time. For more info, visit: tonaturalhealth.com
· Baby’s position can adversely be affected: Depending on the location and orientation of the fibroid, the baby can end up in either a transverse or breech position.
· Miscarriages: Due to the increase in estrogen levels during pregnancy, fibroids can enlarge and displace the placenta. Large fibroids in the uterine cavity can create a shortage of space and hinder the growth of the baby, which may either lead to miscarriage or cause congenital deformities in the baby.
· Premature Labour:Depending on the location and size of the fibroids, pregnant women with fibroids may be at a greater risk of experiencing premature labour.

Source: LIB. [myad]

Rumbles In NFF: FIFA’s Sack Damocles Hangs On Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

World’s football governing body, FIFA, has threatened to sanction Nigeria again if the ruling of a Jos Federal High Court in Plateau State sacking the Amaju Pinnick as the President of the Nigeria Football Association is implemented.
Such sanctions, FIFA said, could include a ban on Nigeria from international football.
The position of FIFA was contained in a letter by its Acting Secretary General, Markus Kattner.
Kattner in the latter addressed to Pinnick and dated April 11, 2016, expressed surprise that Chris Giwa could resort to a court action after he had taken his case to the highest judicial sport authorities, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and lost there.
FIFA said it was not pleased that football issues could be taken to normal courts when its law forbids such.
This is not the first time FIFA will threaten to sanction Nigeria over the face-off between Pinnick and Giwa.
The last time Giwa forcefully took over the NFF secretariat in Abuja, FIFA pronounced a ban on Nigeria.
It took the intervention of former President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve the face-off, with FIFA lifting the ban thereafter.
The letter by Kattner reads in full:

Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick
President
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
E-mail: nigeria_fa@yahoo.com
Zurich, 11 April 2016
ASG/pco

Verdict of the Jos Federal High Court

Dear President,
We acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 8 April 2016 with regard to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Jos which apparently nullified the elections of 30 September 2014 of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
In this respect, and first of all, we would Iike to remind you that according to articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes, all members associations have to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties In addition and according to article 68 of the FIFA Statutes, recourse to ordinary courts of Iaw is prohibited unless specifically provided for in the FIFA regulations.
Furthermore, it is the duty of each member association to ensure that these provisions are implemented by its members and possibly take sanctions against those which fail to respect these obligations.
In view of the above, the decision of the Federal High Court in Jos, if implemented, would likely be considered as interference in the internal affairs of the NFF and the case would be brought to the highest authorities of FIFA for consideration of sanctions, including the suspension of the NFF.
Lastly, we would like to Stress that the plaintiff in question already filed an appeal in relation to the same matter with the highest judicial Sport authorities, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and that said appeal was dismissed by the CAS on 18 May 2015.
We thank you for taking note of the above and kindly ask you to keep us informed of any
development.

Yours sincerely,
FIFA
TI. (l Markus Kattner
Acting Secretary General. [myad]

2016 Budget: No Friction Between Buhari And Lawmakers – Ita Enang

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, has made it clear that there is no friction between President Muhammmadu Buhari and members of the National Assembly regarding the 2016 national budget.

He insisted that the President did not reject the budget as being speculated, saying that such speculation was untrue.

Enang who spoke to newsmen in Abuja today, Monday said that what Buhari did before he travelled to China was to send the budget to ministries in order to get feedbacks that would inform his assent.

“The president received the budget and convened an emergency Federal Executive Council meeting.

“He gave each of the ministers, departments and agencies the opportunity to look at the details as submitted by the National Assembly.

“This is to enable him get opinion on the state of the budget to enable him take a decision. The exercise was conducted on Friday and it is ongoing by the different ministers and ministries.”

Enang said that currently, Buhari had not fouled the constitutional time frame to assent to the budget, adding that it should not be assumed that the budget had been rejected.

“The constitutional time frame for Mr. President’s receiving and considering the budget began on Friday last week. The question has not arisen as to returning or otherwise.

“But, I want to say the best way we as liaison officers are handling this matter is to speak less and work more, creating interactions.

“So, we will raise more interactions, consultations, engagements. There is nothing for the country to worry about, because we do not want to have crisis between the Executive and the Legislature, and it would not arise; this is one government.” [myad]

Channels Television Reporter Kidnapped In Imo

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2016

The correspondent of Channels Television in Imo state, Mr. Tope Kuteye has been kidnapped. He was reportedly kidnapped at his residence in Owerri at about 3am today, Monday.

Vice President of the South East Zone of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo who announced the kidnap in a statement, called on his abductors to release him unconditionally as he is neither a politician or money bag.

Part of the statement reads: “Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone C (South East) has received with shock, the report of the kidnap of Channels Television Correspondent in Owerri, Imo State, Mr. Tope Kuteye by 3am Monday April 11, 2016.

Kuteye is neither a politician nor a money-bag business man. It therefore baffles the Union as to why he should be the target of this dastardly act.

We therefore appeal to the abductors of Mr. Kuteye to release him unconditionally without delay.We similarly call on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to secure the release of Kuteye soonest should his abductors hedge.

We regret that journalists, who are always at the forefront in the battle for social change, accountability, transparency in governance and social justice should be made the victim of the vices they stood against.

Please, and please, we plead with abductors of our colleague to release him without further day!

Signed: 1. Comrade Christopher Isiguzo, Vice President, NUJ Zone C.2. Comrade Kenneth Ofoma, Secretary NUJ Zone C. [myad]

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