Sani Zorro, Reps Member, Vows To Champion Good Working Conditions For Journalists

August 11, 2015

Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs and former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Sani Zorro, has vowed to lead a crusade in the House of Reps against cases of non-payment of journalists’ salaries and other deprivations by their employers across the country.

Zorro, who spoke to newsmen in Aso Rock after paying a solidarity visit to President Muhammadu Buhari’s media team, led by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that to ensure that journalists also benefit from the change agenda of the present administration, the House of Representatives would consider granting autonomy to Federal Government-owned media organizations.

“The media should also benefit from reform and change agenda of the present government. The House of Representatives will consider granting of autonomy to Federal Government media.

“This is important to secure them from abuse that comes their ways especially during electioneering. The House will also not tolerate the non-payment of salaries of journalists and other deprivations.”

Zorro said that Buhari’s media advisers have been doing their jobs professionally, which he adjudged to be a clear improvement over what obtained in the immediate past administration.

The lawmaker from Jigawa State advised Nigerians to continue to support Buhari in his task of repositioning the country, saying that the House of Representatives would also back the President’s agenda.

He called on members of Boko Haram and others who have taken up arms against the country to consider the commitment of the present administration to correct the wrongs of the past and embrace dialogue.

“All Nigerians should also support him. Disgruntled elements that have taken up arms, especially the Boko Haram sect, should see the transparent commitment of this administration to right all the wrongs of the past and seek dialogue.

“People of the Niger Delta too where some people were shot last week should also give peace a chance.

“It is time to give peace a chance. No effort is too much for the Niger Delta to be brought back to the mainstream of national life.

“The President recently ordered the clean up of the Ogoni area and we are very happy. Nigerians should continue to give the APC government the support needed”, Zoro said. [myad]

25 Year Old Marriage Collapses, Husband Accuses Wife Of Preparing Meals Late

Greenbarge Reporters

August 11, 2015

A 25-year-old marriage, today, kissed the dust as the Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos dissolved it following the complain by the husband, one Olufade Adekoya that the wife, Olusola, used to prepare his meals late.

The 57-year old husband had told the court that his wife was not cooking for him regularly and whenever she decided to do so, the food used to come late.

“My wife had failed in her matrimonial obligations; she doesn’t prepare my food on time. I have warned her several times but she wouldn’t listen to me. Most times, I go to the canteen to eat when I am hungry. There is no point in harbouring a wife that makes me hungry.

“In fact, my sister saw me there one of these days, I am totally fed up. Please separate us. I am no more interested in the marriage.’’

However, the 45-year-old respondent denied all the allegations and accused her husband of wanting to take another wife.

“He is accusing me wrongly because he wants to take another wife, please help me beg him.”

However, the President of the court, Olu Adebiyi said that there was no longer any love in the marriage, saying that the court had tried several times to reconcile their indifferences but all efforts proved abortive.

“Therefore, you have ceased to be husband and wife, henceforth. I put an end to the union between both of you from today in the interest of peace,” he said. [myad]

OPEC Dreams Big, Raises 2015 Oil Demand Forecast

Greenbarge Reporters

August 11, 2015

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is dreaming big for members as it expects that the world oil demand will grow by 1.38 million barrels per day — about 90,000 more than announced in its July estimates.

OPEC, today, revised upward its growth forecast for global oil demand in 2015 and maintained projected record levels of world consumption next year, despite turbulent market conditions spurred by financial instability in Greece and China.

In its August monthly report, the Organization, which has traditionally defended price levels by cutting output when necessary, dramatically switched strategy last November when it opted to leave its production target unchanged.

“Given the better-than-expected growth in global oil demand so far this year, together with some signs of a pickup in the economies of the major consuming countries, crude oil demand in the coming months should continue to improve and, thus, gradually reduce the imbalance in oil supply-demand fundamentals,” OPEC noted in its latest report.

Oil prices collapsed 60 percent between last June and January, hitting a low of $45. This was due in part to a supply glut caused by the boom in US shale oil.

The cartel also stuck to last month’s prognosis that demand growth in 2016 would reach 1.34 million barrels per day thanks to global GDP expansion set to reach 3.5 percent, up from 3.2 percent this year.

OPEC has since stuck to this strategy, keeping its output target level at 30 million barrels per day.

On Monday, the World Bank warned that the lifting of sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear programme would have a “significant impact” on the world oil market in 2016.

Iran’s return to the global market would eventually add about a million barrels of oil a day, lowering prices by $10 per barrel, the bank said.

Oil markets have also been shaken by China’s reduced economic growth and collapsing stock market.

As a result of losses “triggered by China’s stock market slump” and global supply glut, US crude prices posted their biggest monthly drop since the 2008 financial crisis, with Texas light sweet declining to $47.12 per barrel on July 31.

Meanwhile, general expectations for Europe’s oil demand during 2015 have improved since OPEC’s last monthly report, but remain “coupled with large uncertainties” over the region’s economic developments, particularly in Greece, the cartel said. [myad]

Woman Allegedly Sells Her Newborn For N70,000, Lands In Police Cell

Greenbarge Reporters

August 11, 2015

A 26-year-old woman, identified as Chinwendu Agbo from Ehalumona, has been picked up by Enugu Police Command, accused of selling her newly born baby for N70,000.

The suspect, who is now residing at Obolloafor Lodge, was said to have sold her baby, identified as Ngozi Eze which she gave birth to on August 6, for the said amount to another woman.

The woman, who bought the baby allegedly hails from Umuabor Ehalumona but is currently living in Enugu.

The police public relations officer in Enugu, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the development, saying that the command had commenced investigation into the matter.

“The Enugu State command of the Nigeria Police has commenced investigation into the alleged incident of child trafficking at Obolo Afor in Udenu local government area of the state.

“The suspect, Chinwendu Agbo of Ehalumona residing at Obolloafor Lodge and about 20 years, was said to have sold her new born baby boy identified as one Ngozi Eze which she gave birth to on 6/8/15 at the sum of N70,0000 to a woman at Umuabor Ehalumona but living in Enugu.

“Full scale investigations have commenced as suspects are helping the police in their investigations,” he said. [myad]

Maitama Sule Visits Vice President Osinbajo In Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

August 11, 2015

Former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) and a renowned orator, Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule paid a courtesy visit on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Aso Villa, Abuja today. The two leaders exchange pleasantry during the visit. [myad]

Buhari Formally Launches War Against Corruption, Appoints Professor Sagay To Head The Committee

Greenbarge Reporters

August 10, 2015

Reminiscent of the 1983 War Against Indiscipline (WAI) when he was military Head of State, President Buhari has today, formally launched War Against Corruption (WAC) with a prominent Professor of Law and human rights activist, Itse Sagay heading it. Sagay was appointed as Head of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the War.
A statement today by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that the committee would be expected to advise the President Buhari on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Adesina said that the committee is also expected to develop comprehensive interventions for achieving recommended reforms.
He named other members of the Committee as Professor Femi Odekunle who is a Professor of Criminology from Ahmadu Bello University; Dr. (Mrs.) Benedicta Daudu, an Associate Professor of International Law from the University of Jos; Professor E. Alemika who is a Professor of Sociology also from the University of Jos; Professor Sadiq Radda, a Professor of Criminology from Bayero University, Kano and Hadiza Bala Usman, a civil society Activist as members while
Professor Bolaji Owasanoye of the
Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies would serve as member and Executive Secretary of the Committee
Adesina’s statement said that an Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund has been established by three international development partners in support of the Federal Government’s efforts at fighting corruption.
The three international development partners are the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Open Society Foundation.
Adesina said that the $5 million fund would be used to assist the implementation of key components of the Action Plan and the work of the Presidential Advisory Committee.
“The fund will be managed by Trust Africa, an international development Civil Society Organisation with programme presence in more than 25 African countries.” [myad]

Nigeria Is Not A Rich Country, President Buhari Complains

Greenbarge Reporters

August 10, 2015

“An impression has been erroneously created that we (Nigeria) are a rich country, but looking at the economic profile of the country today, you will see that that is not necessarily the case.”
This was the verdict of President Muhammadu Buhari today when he received in audience at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Donald Kaberuka.
President Buhari said that with the shock of falling oil prices, lack of revenues, and insecurity, Nigeria cannot be said to be rich, even as he asked the elites to wake up and provide the right guidance in their
communities, and to lead the economy on the right path more than they used to do.
He said that his administration will welcome more support from the AfDB for projects in versatile sectors like agriculture that can easily be explored to create more jobs for unemployed Nigerians.
“Our social services have to be seriously rehabilitated. We need urgent attention on areas like education and health services, not only in the north eastern part of the country, but all round the country.
“We will fall back on institutions like the AfDB for support in generating employment. We have vast potentials in the agricultural sector that can be explored to create more jobs.
“We also have small businesses that need funds for expansion.”
The outgoing AfDB President told President Buhari that some development institutions like the World Bank, German Development Bank and the European Development Bank had already indicated their readiness to provide long term loan facilities to small businesses in Nigeria.
Kaberuka assured the President that the AfDB will always support economic projects in Nigeria.
Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina of Nigeria will replace the outgoing AfDB President next month.
The AfDB currently has a strong capital base of 4.8 billion U S dollars. [myad]

How Over N200 Billion Loan For Rail Line Contract Was Diverted By Jonathan Government – Permanent Secretary,

Greenbarge Reporters

August 10, 2015

The Permanent Secretary in the federal ministry of Transport, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar has revealed how $1.005 billion (over N200 billion) foreign loans obtained for rail projects in Nigeria was diverted to other purposes during the regime of the immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
According to him, the loan was obtained from the Chinese Exim Bank for the construction of a standard gauge rail line linking Lagos and Kano but that the fund was moved elsewhere.
The Permanent Secretary made these revelations today when he briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the performance of the ministry during the last regime. The briefing took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Alhaji Mohammed Bashar said that out of the total amount of the loan, only $400 million is currently in the purse of the Ministry of Finance.
An angry President Buhari quickly called on the ministry of finance to explain the circumstances surrounding the loan and why substantial part of it was diverted for different purposes.
President Buhari said that it is disappointing to find that foreign loans obtained in line with signed agreements were moved from one project to another.
“I hope that due process was followed before such diversions were carried out. Taking money from one project to another has to be done properly,” the President warned.
The President regretted that government had, over the years, failed to meet its counter-part funding obligation on some projects, leading to such projects being left uncompleted or abandoned.
He added that there was a clear need to streamline, harmonize, and prioritize on-going projects in the transportation sector.
The Permanent Secretary also briefed the President on other challenges facing the transport and maritime sectors such as encroachment on railway land, lack of security on inland waterways and the confused nature of agreements between the Nigeria Ports Authority and ports concessionaires.

Also after receiving a briefing on the activities of the National Population Commission from the Chairman, Eze Duru Iheoma (SAN), who led other National Commissioners to the Presidential Villa, President Buhari asked government agencies to harmonize the collection and usage of biometric data in the country, instead of replicating their efforts in this regard.
The President wondered why each agency would gather its own biometric data, when such data could easily be shared.
“It will be more cost effective if you work together. It helps even the credibility of the election process, as Nigerians of voting age can be identified easily.”
Government organizations that currently collect biometric data include the National Population Commission, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Road Safety Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, among others.
President Buhari said that all the agencies should work collaboratively, instead of going in different directions, stressing that adequate data was necessary for planning and development in any country.
Eze Duru Iheoma had briefed the President on what will be required for the commission to conduct a national census next year, 10 years after the last exercise, as stipulated by the United Nations.
A national population census, the chairman said, would cost about N273 billion, while about N10 billion of the amount would be needed immediately.
He told the President that a biometric-based census was being proposed because it will eliminate multiple respondents, and ghost respondents, while making the outcome easy to audit. [myad]

WAEC Visits The Sins Of 13 States Owing It On 118,101 Students

Greenbarge Reporters

August 10, 2015

The West African School Certificate, (WAEC) has decided to visit the sins of 13 state governments which had failed to settle their candidates’ registration fees on 118,101 such candidates by withholding their results.
INEC, which released the result of the May/June 2015 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) today, said that a total of 1.5 million students sat for the examination.
Head of National Office of the WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu said today in Lagos that the candidates in public schools in the 13 states would not have their results until their state governments pay their candidates’ registration fees.
The examination body had recently raised alarm that 19 states owed the agency about N4 billion which, if it is not paid, could cripple its operations. The SSCE result is currently online to make it easier for candidates to access, using the number on the scratch card they had earlier purchased. [myad]

Buhari Eagerly Waiting To Receive Victorious Nigerian Special Athletes From America

Greenbarge Reporters

August 10, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigeria’s team at the just concluded Special Olympics in Los Angeles, United States that he is waiting to give them Presidential hand-shake when they returned to the country soon. The Special Athletes won a total of 71 medals, including 34 gold medals in the games.
In a congratulatory message, President Buhari commended the team for the diligence, dedication and wonderful performance in the games.
He described the victory of the special athletes as inspiring even as he believed that such performance epitomized the true Nigerian spirit.
Buhari said that he is personally conviced that whatever challenges Nigeria faces as a nation, “we can overcome them through similar dedication, hard work and perseverance, and rise to the highest possible levels of accomplishment.
President Buhari assured the athletes that the government and all Nigerians are very proud of their exhilarating and dominant performance at the Special Olympics. [myad]

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