The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah, today, made a brief appearance at the Presidential Villa, Abuja where he held a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Bishop Kukah, who was confronted by newsmen shortly after the brief meeting with the President, dodged the question as to what he discussed with the President and instead reminded them that he was rushing to catch his fight back to Sokoto.
Kukah, simply told journalists: “I have a plane to catch by 12:30pm.
Though details of the brief meeting were hidden from the prying eyes of the news men, it was learnt that it might not be unconnected with the President’s determination to go ahead with probe of the past leaders.
Bishop Kukah is a member of the National Peace Committee which members had earlier this month, visited the President. [myad]
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh has advocated the abolition of huge rates of salaries and allowances for members of the National and State Houses of Assemblies as a way of greatly cutting down on the nation’s overhead expenses.
The cleric stressed that salaries and allowances of those at the National Assembly and other appointees in public offices remain a major threat to the country’s finances.
His call came against the background of the recent directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review the excessive remunerations approved for political office holders.
Reverend Okoh, who did not oppose to any legitimate measure taking by the government to block leakages in government, insisted that such action was not enough to solve the financial challenges facing the country.
Okoh, who spoke at the just concluded of a 2-day conference of Anglican Arch-Bishops and Bishops of the Northern part of Nigeria, held in Kubwa, Abuja, suggested that those in the National Assembly should be on part-time basis like in some countries to cut down the government expenditure.
“I think that, to reduce the cost of governance requires more than reducing salary, it requires a structural adjustment, that is to say, should people in parliament be there on permanent basis or part-time basis? So, that if they are there on part-time basis they earn allowances, but as it is now, they are employed in the business of lawmaking.
“Therefore, the country has to chose, if really we want to reduce the cost of governance, reducing salary is not going to be much, because the salary in itself is not much. So, what comes out of it after reduction is not going to be much.
“But if we take a much serious approach as it was being done in the past. Let those who are member of the parliament do so on part-time basis, then, it becomes possible to have a reduction of expenses being made on the lawmakers. But just reducing salary will not solve much problem.
“Aside that, there are other leakages; there is duplication in various government offices, this also needs to be looked into. So, that government would pay actually for the services it receives.” [myad]
Fitch Rating has warned that Nigerian banks are heading into financial and operational storms in view of what it called the increasingly difficult conditions under which they are operating.
It made it clear that the difficult times are likely to result in a sharp deterioration in profitability, asset quality, liquidity and capital ratios.
In its latest report released today by the Director Financial Institutions, Mahin Dissanayake, Fitch Ratings insisted that Nigerian banks are highly exposed to the domestic market and that the economic slowdown will affect their performance. “We said the sector outlook was negative in December. GDP figures for 2Q15, released yesterday, show weaker year-on-year growth of 2.4%, down from 4% in the previous quarter, the slowest quarterly growth rate for over 10 years. “The volatile operating environment is highly important in determining ratings for all Fitch-rated Nigerian banks, keeping their Viability Ratings low, in the highly speculative ‘b’ category.
“Nigeria’s oil sector growth slowed in 2Q15 and non-oil growth was just 3.5%, down from 5.6% in 1Q15. Part of this slowdown was caused by temporary fuel shortages, which caused industrial production and manufacturing output to contract. Lower oil prices, reduced government spending and restrictions on foreign exchange availability are also taking their toll on performance across the economy. Positively, agricultural output, construction, telecommunication services, internal trade and financial services continued to grow. “Nigerian banks have had to contend in recent months with the increased vulnerability of the oil and gas sector, pressure on the naira, the slower economy and tightening bank liquidity. These are all credit negative for the sector. Since the beginning of August, public sector deposits, which represent around 8% of total system deposits, have exited the commercial banks and must be held at a single treasury account at the central bank. This adds pressure to liquidity. No significant changes in economic policy have materialised following the change of government at end-March 2015, but until a new cabinet is formed and a clear policy framework is announced, uncertainty will weigh on the outlook. “Loan growth contracted in 1H15, which is likely to translate to weaker bank financial metrics for the year. We believe sector non-performing loans will rise above the central bank informal cap of 5%, but below 10% of total sector loans by end-2015. Regulatory capital adequacy ratios are likely to fall further due to lower earnings, weaker asset quality and a limited ability to raise capital. Tier 1 capital ratios could fall below 15% for many banks, which is low by historical standards for Nigeria. “In our opinion, key financial metrics reported by Nigeria’s banks are likely to continue to decline in the closing months of 2015. A prolonged economic downturn would likely to put pressure on bank ratings.” [myad]
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that those who declared the National Publicity Secertary of the Party, Chief Olisa Metuh suspended a couple of weeks ago are unknown to the party.
“The NWC of the PDP notes with concern, misleading reports that a certain group in Anambra State, unknown to our party, has purportedly suspended Chief Olisa Metuh.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC reiterates that Chief Olisa Metuh is a member of the National Executive Committee and as such, can only be disciplined by NEC.
In a statement by the PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr. Victor Kwon, on Thursday in Abuja, the party noted that contrary to the suspension of the National Publicity Secretary, the party‘s NWC, at its Wednesday meeting, reiterated its implicit confidence in his ability and actions that had stabilised the party so far.
The statement read: “The NWC restates its implicit confidence in the National Publicity Secretary and expresses satisfaction with his commitment toward the progress and development of our great party at all levels.
“He can be disciplined in accordance with Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the PDP Constitution 2012 (as Amended), and that is in the event that a need for such arises. The purported suspension is therefore a nullity.’’
In a similar development, the NWC also declared as a nullity, the purported “impeachment” of Captain Olatunji Shelle (retd.) as the Lagos State Chairman of the party by the Lagos State Executive.
It added that Shelle was also a member of NEC and could only be disciplined by NEC as prescribed by the PDP constitution.
It stated that members of PDP in Lagos with genuine complaints and grievances on the running of the chapter were at liberty to channel such to the NWC for appropriate action in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
“The NWC urges all party faithful to go about their normal activities, in accordance with the constitution of the party and extant laws of the land.” [myad]
A motorcyclist, Alfred Philip has been charged to Okitipupa Magistrate’s Court in Ondo state for allegedly snatching a handbag containing N800, 000 cash from one Miss Adunn Manuwa.
According to reports, the accused, 33, has not been identified with any fixed address.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused conspired to commit felony and theft at about 1.30 pm on July 26. He said two others have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
Zedekiah said that Miss Adunni Manuwa had gone to First Bank, Okitipupa and after withdrawing N800, 000, the bag containing the money was snatched by the accused and others at large.
“By engaging in such criminal act, the accused committed offences contrary to Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State 2006. The police are investigating the case and other accomplices will soon be brought to book,” he added.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge leveled against him.
The Magistrate, Mr. Banji Ayeomoni, granted him bail in the sum of N800, 000 and a surety in like sum.
The case was adjourned to September 10, for further hearing. [myad]
A 67-year old pastor and grandfather, Felix Adebayo, who was arrested by officers attached to the Edo State Police Command for allegedly molesting a 10-year old girl in Ubiane community, Aviele, Etsako West local government area of the state has admitted that he committed the act but that it was under the influence of the devil.
Adebayo was arrested last week Thursday and was paraded on Tuesday at the State’s Command’s headquarters in Benin alongside 35 other suspects apprehended for various crimes.
While parading the suspects, the Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Stephen Onwochei, disclosed that the 67-year-old cleric unlawfully defiled the little girl when she was sent to get a mobile phone from his apartment.
“He carried the child and started whatever he felt like doing,” Onwochei said.
Confessing to the crime, Adebayo who claimed to be a pastor said he committed the act under the influence of the devil. “I have a wife. I do not know what happened that led me to insert my hand in her private part. It is the devil.”
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Adegbuyi had earlier in his office while addressing newsmen, disclosed that a total of 117 suspects were rounded up by the police between July and August for various crimes.
According to Adegbuyi, 35 suspects were arrested for armed robbery; 20 for kidnapping; 33 for cultism; 10 for unlawful possession of firearms; 6 for murder, while 13 for rape and defilement.
The CP commended the effort of the Command to combat any upsurge in crime rate during the ember months. He also applauded members of the public for helping the police with useful information in its fight against crime. [myad]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the request by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to provide financial assistance to State Governments to enable them pay the backlog of salaries of their workers.
This is sequel to the decision by the National Executive Council (NEC) at its meeting of 29th June, 2015 requesting the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with other stakeholders to appraise and consider ways of liquidating the outstanding staff salaries owed by State and local Governments.
The conditions for accessing the loan facility include resolutions of the State Executive Council authorizing the borrowing and State House of Assembly consenting to the loan package, as well as issuance of Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to ensure timely repayment.
“After detailed appraisal of the operation and its terms of agreement, the NNPC is convinced that the current OPA is skewed in favour of the companies such that the value of product delivered is significantly lower than the equivalent crude oil allocated for the programme.”
This was the verdict of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation today as it announced the termination of the Offshore Processing Agreements (OPA), entered into in January this year with three companies, namely- Duke Oil Company Inc., Aiteo Energy Resources Limited and Sahara Energy Resources (Nig) Ltd. Under the agreement NNPC allocates a total of 210, 000 barrels of crude oil per day for refining at offshore locations in exchange for petroleum products at pre-agreed yield pattern.
The NNPC observed that the structure of the agreement does not guarantee unimpeded supply of petroleum products as delivery terms were not optimal, hinging the cancellation therefore on exorbitant cost and inappropriate process of engagement.
In a statement today in Abuja, the Corporation said that after proper evaluation and in line with the terms of contract for the delivery of crude oil to the nation’s refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna, the Corporation has cancelled the agreement.
To address these lapses, the NNPC said that it has commenced the process of establishing alternative OPA based on optimum yield pattern with tender processing fees even as it announced new measures aimed at cost reduction and strengthening of operational efficiency across its value chain.
The Corporation noted that as a stop-gap measure, NIDAS Marine Limited, a subsidiary of the NNPC has been engaged to provide crude delivery service on negotiated industry standard rate pending the establishment of substantive contract.
“We have also commenced a rigorous and transparent process of securing capable and competitive contractors for the delivery of crude oil by marine vessels to Port Harcourt and Warri/Kaduna Refineries pending the restoration of the Crude Pipeline infrastructure.”
The NNPC explained that it resorted to the delivery of crude oil to the refineries by marine vessels following incessant attacks on the Bonny-Port Harcourt refinery pipeline and the Escravos crude pipelines by vandals and oil thieves resulting in the complete unavailability of the pipelines in 2013.
“After due appraisal of performance trajectory, we have invited Messrs. Oando, Sahara Energy, Calson, MRS, Duke Oil, BP/Nigermed and Total Trading to bid for the new Offshore Processing Agreement while we have engaged AITEO, Sahara Energy and Duke Oil to exit the current OPA.”
On the status of the Crude for product exchange agreement (SWAP) reportedly entered into by the NNPC and some oil traders, the Corporation said that the last SWAP arrangement lapsed in December, 2014 and was never renewed.
The NNPC stressed that it has obtained the permission of President Muhammadu Buhari to kick-start the tendering process for the 2015/2016 Crude Oil Term Contract for the evacuation of Nigeria’s crude oil equity from the various crude and condensate production arrangements.
The Corporation noted that the process which would commence with the advertisement of the Crude Oil Term contract in both National and International print media for a period of one month has been carefully structured to weed out “briefcase companies.” [myad]
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lamented that Nigeria is losing no fewer than 500,000 infants to malnutrition annually, which it described as silent health crisis. The international donor agency which began a two-day workshop today in Calabar, capital of Cross River state for media executives and health correspondents of many Nigerian media organisations, stressed that unless something is done, malnutrition would continue to take its tolls on the nation’s children. The workshop, tagged: #Stop Child Malnutrition In Nigeria, was coordinated by the UNICEF’s Communication Specialist, Mr. Geoffrey Njoku with top officials of the federal and Cross River ministries of health in attendance. Speaking on the nutritional situation in Nigeria and its impact on children, the Chief Nutritionist of the UNICEF, Mr. Arjan de Wagt said that most of the children die of malnutrition within their first 1000 days on earth, describing the period as “window period.” Mr. Wagt said that the first 1000 days of a child are so important that they determine not only the child’s growth but also his entire health status throughout the life, up to old age. The Chief Nutritionist stressed that malnutrition affects not only the poor but also some wealthy ones, adding that part of the effects of the malnutrition is obesity. “Whenever we talk about malnutrition, the only thing that comes to the mind is that it is for the poor uneducated rural people who have less to eat. But malnutrition also includes eating wrong food or unbalanced diet. It is about lack of knowledge of the food we eat and not lack of food.” Wagt said that the chief cause of malnutrition is lack of exclusive breast feeding of the child in the first six months of his birth, insisting that breast milk is made strictly for the babies and they must not be denied of it. According to him, children that are not well-fed and properly cared for usually experience stunted growth, over weight, micro nutrient deficiency and are generally prone to life threatening diseases. The speakers at the workshop, including. Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Coordinator of African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, Chido Onuma called on the media to be in the forefront for advocacy on behavioural change amongst Nigeria to reverse the trend. Though, UNICEF announced that through its numerous interventions, about 208,000 lives of mal-nourished children have been saved in the last 12 months, the speakers stressed the need for more financial assistance from donor agencies to increase the number of those it could save from the dangerous effect of malnutrition to one million per annum. The speakers stressed the importance of people regularly going for de-worming and for them to observe behavioural change as well as take other positive measures to stem the tide of death from malnutrition. They appealed to media organisations to join in the crusade against malnutrition so that more lives could be saved and to bring a new way of dieting to ensure proper nutrition into the lives of Nigerians. The workshop, which drew no fewer than 50 journalists, including online publishers, editors, senior correspondents from newspapers, television and radio stations, ends tomorrow, Thursday. [myad]
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the Chibuike Amaechi administration in Rivers has ran into a hitch as the former Commissioner for Agriculture in the former governor Rotimi Amaechi, Emmanuel Chinda goes to court to stop the panel inviting him to give evidence..
Chinda and 12 Presidents of Cooperative Societies have been invited by the panel to appear before it today, Wednesday. The Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Queen Godwill, said this in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday.
She said that those summoned were needed to give evidence as well as produce relevant documents on the disbursement of the N4billion Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Funds.
But,Chinda filed a suit at a Port Harcourt High Court seeking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the commission from summoning, arresting or inviting him to appear before it.
The suit filed by Chinda’s counsel, Mr. Ken Atsuwete, is seeking a declaration of the court that the commission violated his right to fair hearing provided by the constitution.
Chinda also sought a declaration that the commission had unlawfully tried, adjudged and condemned him in the media.
The former commissioner also prayed the court to determine whether the commission as constituted had not breached the principles of fair hearing against him.
No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit. [myad]
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