President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he would sack any of his ministers who is found to be corrupt by the competent court of justice in Nigeria, even as he asked Nigerians to take any of them to court if they have evidence of corruption against such minister.
He also indicated the possibility of banning the use of Hijab by Muslim women if Boko Haram continues to use women in Hijab to launch attacks on innocent people.
The President, who spoke today during his first presidential media chat said: “if I picked anyone guilty of corruption, then it wasn’t intentional. But if anyone is found guilty, you (referring to one of the interviewers) should take the person to court.”
Asked what he would do if any of his appointees is found guilty of corruption, Buhari responded: “I will sack such persons and also ensure they are prosecuted.”
President Buhari who expressed anger at the renewed spate of bombings, said he was considering banning the hijab to check attacks.
“I was in Chad and the ban is one of the measures they have adopted.
“We will have to take that option here in Nigeria if these senseless bombings go on,” the president told his interviewers.
Hijab is a veil that covers the head and chest and worn by some Muslim woman beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has announced that his government is considering closing down some unproductive foreign missions and merging of parastatals very soon. He disclosed that already Boards of government’s companies have been abolished.
The President spoke today during the first Presidential media chat aired by the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), other private television stations across the country and was broadcast by Radio stations.
President Buhari said that his government would look critically at the foreign missions to determine which ones to close down to cut the cost of running them, adding that some parastatals too would be merged while others would have to go.
He said that the cost cutting in the running of government began with the cutting of the number of ministries and ministers from 42 to 24, and that the exercise would carried out down the line.
The United States comedian, Bill Cosby has been charged with sexual assault which allegedly took place in 2004. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Pennsylvania later today.
Assistant district attorney for the state’s Montgomery County, Kevin Steele told reporters: “Mr. Cosby is charged with aggravated indecent assault. This is a felony of the first degree.”
The development marks the first criminal charges to be filed against the actor after dozens of women claimed abuse. A warrant of arrest is said to have been issued for Cosby earlier.
The comedian allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted former Temple employee Andrea Constand at his mansion – Elkins Park – in Pennsylvania in January 2004.
“A prosecutor’s job is to follow the evidence wherever it leads and whenever it comes to light. Upon examination of all the evidence, today we are able to seek justice on behalf of the victim.”
Constand’s allegation is one of dozens of allegations leveled against Cosby by over 50 women. The allegations which date back to the 60s revolve around rape, sexual battery, child sexual abuse and drug-facilitated rape.
Over the years, the 78-year-old Cosby had declined to comment on the allegations, which have more recently forced him to cancel shows.
In July, US President, Barack Obama, said in response to a question about whether a Medal of Freedom awarded to Cosby by President George W. Bush in 2002 would be revoked, that there was no precedent for revoking a medal.
He, however, said: “if you give a woman, or a man for that matter, without his or her knowledge, a drug, and then have sex with that person without consent, that’s rape. And I think this country, any civilized country, should have no tolerance for rape.”
The embattled legendary comedian has received up to 10 Grammys, four Emmys and over 50 honorary doctorate degrees, many of which have been rescinded because of the sexual assault allegations. [myad]
The Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos, Professor Solomon Akinboye has said that many undergraduates of the Nigeria universities cannot write what he called robust research proposals. This shortcoming, he said, has been responsible for the setback to the research and development in the country.
Professor Akniboye, spoke to news men in Lagos today, emphasized that one of a major setbacks for attracting stakeholders from within and outside the country is the postgraduates’ inability to write detailed and meaningful research proposals. I think the challenges of research and development in our university system is multifaceted.
“On the part of the postgraduates, they seldom avail themselves the opportunity of getting research funds by not doing the first thing first. So, many of them still lack the skill of writing very good and robust research proposals that can attract funding from within and outside the country.
“This is majorly what is lacking on the part of students,’’ the university teacher said.
According to the professor, there is the need for university authorities to consider organizing research proposal workshops for postgraduate students, saying that such workshops should be organized in collaboration with those with expertise on proposal writing that could attract research grant.
He suggested that such workshops should hold annually even as he said that there was no way Nigeria could move forward without research and development, in terms of actualizing all that had been put in place to reposition the country.
He said that many advanced countries of the world had gone very far in terms of achievement as a result of research.
“So, we must ensure that we put our resources together to enhance productivity. “We must also device a means of ensuring that the bureaucratic bottlenecks that slow down the process are reduced to the barest minimum.
“In other words, let’s find a way of fast tracking the process,’’ the don said. Akinboye urged the government to adequately fund research to enable postgraduate students to engage in serious research works. He said that without funding, no institution would grow.
“Funding is very essential in promoting research the world over. It is critical; it is of paramount necessity and indispensable. “It is only when this is available for postgraduate students that they can engage in serious research. And any serious research requires serious funding.
“So, sometimes it becomes difficult for our postgraduate students to get the necessary financial support for their research.’’
Professor Akinboye said however, that research grants would not come that easy because it is limited.
He said that there is the need for government to pay more attention in this area by investing heavily in the various universities, advising universities to seek means of generating funds internally for the purpose of encouraging research and development. [myad]
Governor Mohammadu Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State has confessed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar loves the state so much that he created many job opportunities for the residents of the state.
“My allegiance to Atiku Abubakar is due to the fact that he is one politician in the state who has Adamawa at heart. He has demonstrated it by his massive business investments in the state and if he decides to fold his businesses up today, our state will be nothing. “I commend him for that and I am encouraging our sons and daughters to invest more in this state because we do not have any other place apart from this state. “His businesses have impacted positively on the lives of our people through employment generation and wealth creation.” Bindow who spoke at a town hall meeting with the Jimeta community at the Government House in Yola, the state capital, praised the former vice president for his massive investments in the state and the country at large. According to him, the investment by the former vice president had impacted more on the socio economic life of the people in the state. He noted that his businesses had provided employments to the youth as well as created wealth for the populace. He advised other well meaning sons and daughters in the state to emulate Abubakar for his patriotism to the state. The governor said that he would not shortchange the people of the state with resources already allocated for their development. “I will not do what the previous administrations were doing by carrying people’s money to service our ‘big brothers’ in Abuja.” Bindow called on the people to continue to support the administration to achieve its task of transforming the state. “I can’t imagine me carrying moneys that are meant for the development of the state to our ‘big brothers’ in Abuja. Even if one wants to give money, where is the money? “For me, I do not have anybody who dictates to me what I should do for the state and I am assuring you that I will not disappoint you people. “What you will do for me is to pray for us and support us to achieve our goals of turning this state to an economic viable state. Earlier, Alhaji Abdulrahman Adamu, the Chairman of Jimeta community in Yola North Local Government, commended the governor for the provision of massive infrastructural development in Jimeta. Adamu said the physical projects, at their completion, would add glamour to the community. According to him, this development is unprecedented in the community. He appealed to the governor to improve on waste management in the area, adding that the efforts of the local government in environmental sanitation were inadequate. Adamu also solicited the state government to improve on water supply within the Jimeta community. He said the Jimeta community would continue to support the governor to succeed. Jimeta is the headquarters of Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa. The community is the socio economic hub of the state as it harbours the seat of government, the judiciary and the House of Assembly among many others. [myad]
Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima has ordered the payment of a N20 Million bonus for members of the vigilantes working with the military in the anti-insurgency operations in the North East. Shettima announced the payment to the volunteers, popularly known as the Civilian JTF, at a meeting, today, with members of the group in the Government House, Maiduguri. The governor described his gesture as an appreciation for their efforts in the war against Boko Haram. The governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, gave the details of the gesture in a statement in Maiduguri. “Shettima held closed door discussions with leaders of the vigilantes with focus on enhancing community policing during which he appreciated their gallant efforts and unveiled welfare packages for them. “He said no amount of welfare package can equal the sacrifices being made by the volunteers especially given the fact that some of them had laid their lives for state. “Shettima announced a bonus of N20 million to the volunteers while directing that any backlog of their monthly allowances be paid immediately.” Gusau said the governor had directed the Ministry of Health to put a system in place that would guarantee free medical treatment to all youth volunteers in all public hospitals in the state. Gusau said Shettima also ordered the supply of more patrol vehicles to the volunteers. The statement quoted Shettima as saying: “We are all eternally indebted to you and we thank you most sincerely for the sacrifices you have made for us to have peace in this part of the world. “I want to assure you that once the dust settles down, once this madness is over, we have the herculean task of creating jobs, of engaging the multitude of youths who stood firm and ensure that we have peace in this part of the world.” The governor also commended President Muhammadu Buhari in his fight against Boko Haram and for his role towards restructuring the military. He said: “I have to pay a special tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari; he has shown the zeal, the courage, the passion and the commitment to bring about peace in this part of the world. “Our military men and women are now adequately armed and supported so that they carry out their task, they have so far recorded great successes not withstanding some attacks being carried out by insurgents on soft targets.” The Leader of the volunteers, Malam Lawan Ja’afar, pledged the continued commitment of his members to supporting the military in the fight against insurgency in Borno State. Ja’afar said they were motivated by Shettima’s support for them over the years. Ja’afar condoled with the governor over last Sunday’s attack on Ali Dawari town located on the outskirt of Maiduguri, where many lives were lost. “We have also changed our tactics and strategies. By the grace of God, we are going to resist their new tactics of inflicting havoc.” [myad]
Lagos State Government has promised to kick-start Employment Trust Fund, designed to boost productivity and economic capability of the youths in 2016. The state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who dropped this hint when he addressed the people of Epe at the ongoing “One Lagos Fiesta” holding simultaneously in five locations across the State, said that when it becomes operational, all unemployed youths in the state will be engaged and supported financially. He reiterated the determination of his administration to continue with its policy of inclusive government by ensuring that Lagosians are given first consideration and are involved in the plans, programmes and activities of the State Government. The governor said that during his tenure, Epe, like other divisions of the State, will witness more of government programmes similar to the OLF that is economically and socially beneficial and imbued with tourism potentials. This was even as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abiodun Tobun, commended the Governor for bringing, for the first time in the history of Epe, such a well packaged programme for the benefit of the people. He also appreciated the contribution and support of traditional rulers and all stakeholders to the success of the programme so far in Epe. In the same vein, the Government, through the State Council of Arts and Culture, is using “One Lagos Fiesta” as a vehicle to educate and enlighten Lagosians on government activities, policies and programmes
At Agege stadium, one of the locations of the fiesta, issues such as the dangers involved in streets trading, driving against traffic, benefits of prompt payment of taxes by the residents to the government and the need to always abide by the stipulated laws were amply dramatized to the admiration and understanding of the people. [myad]
The trouble of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki seems getting compounded as the operativesof the Department of the State Security Service (DSS) promptly re-arrested him as he emerged from the Kuje prison, on bail.
He was re-arrested while he was about leave the prison after meeting the bail conditions set for him by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
The DSS took custody of Dasuki shortly after perfecting the third bail granted him by Justice Peter Affem even as two other courts also granted him bail.
Counsel for Dasuki , Ahmed Raji (SAN), said that the former NSA had met all the bail conditions given by Justice Affem but regretted that the court order was not obeyed by the operatives of the DSS.
“That’s correct; he was re-arrested by the operatives of the DSS and whisked away to an unknown destination.
“He met the bail conditions set for him by the judge, but as he was stepping outside the prison, he was arrested.”
Raji who perfected the bail condition of his client disclosed that the actions of the security agents was an affront on the rule of law under democracy.
The lawyer appealed to the authorities of the security agents and the federal government to respect court order and allow Dasuki to enjoy the bail granted him by the court.
Dasuki is facing two sets of criminal charges involving alleged diversion of about N45 billion meant for arms procurement along with others before two judges of the FCT High Court, Abuja. [myad]
Change-A-Life Nigeria Foundation, a social service non-profit organisation has scheduled a special annual talk show to welcome the New Year on, January 1st. The talk show, which will be hosted by Funmi Iyanda on NTA, will have the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, as special guests. In a statement Iyanda said that through segmented spotlights on peculiar human stories and hard talk bordering on security, poverty, education, governance and empowerment, the Foundation will address matters at the core of human behaviours in Nigeria and the world in general. “As is tradition since the first edition in 2002, Change-A-Life continues to foster hope on the nation through moments of opportunities and good cheer evoked on the show, as well as the continuous celebration of heroes who inspire others.” Iyanda said that the talk show in the New Year will be broadcast live on NTA Network and DSTV channel 251 from 9am to 10am on New Year Day. She invited members of the public interested in joining the studio audience are to send an email to abiodun@changealifenigeria.org. [myad]
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the Federal Government against removing subsidy on petroleum products which it said will be resisted by the organized.
In a statement by its General Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, the NLC asked the government to immediately constitute the board of the Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) which has the sole legal responsibility to fix prices of petroleum products.
The congress said that what the government is planning is to remove subsidy through the back door, adding that any price fixed for the products now by the minister will be illegal since only the PPPRA has the right to fix prices.
In the statement titled: “We will resist removal of fuel subsidy through the back door,” the NLC said: “In the past few weeks, we have heard discordant tunes from government officials and chieftains of the ruling APC on what the future portends for the prices of petroleum products and the management of the subsidy scheme.
“Party chieftains who supported and encouraged the massive protests against subsidy removal in 2012 are now preaching the inevitability of subsidy removal. The honourable Minister of State for Petroleum first announced that come next year the price of petrol will revert to ₦97 per litre and that subsidy will be phased out.
“Two days thereafter, he denied this and stated that what he said was that the price will operate within a band of ₦87 to ₦97 and that this did not mean removing the subsidy. The same minister now said that the price of petrol will now be ₦85 in January signifying the deregulation of the sector.
“These vacillations and flip flops are, in our view, designed to confuse Nigerians and pave the way for deregulation of petrol prices through the back door. The fact of the matter is that as long as we continue to depend on imported refined products, deregulation and the abandonment of a subsidy scheme will unleash hardship on Nigerians.
“In any case, according to our laws, the determination of the recommended prices of petroleum products is the responsibility of the Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). By law, the board of PPPRA is made up of stakeholders.
“None of the contradictory prices the minister is throwing up is a product of the agency. Indeed, the board of the PPPRA has not operated for over two years, although we have made repeated demands for the convening of the board.”
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachukwu was recently quoted as saying that the government will stop paying subsidy on petroleum product in 2016, while prices of petrol will be fixed at N85 per liter. [myad]
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President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he would sack any of his ministers who is found to be corrupt by the competent court of justice in Nigeria, even as he asked Nigerians to take any of them to court if they have evidence of corruption against such minister.
