Babachir’s Northern Christian Group Splits: Some Go For Atiku, Others Stand With Peter Obi

November 24, 2022

While a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal had declared support for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP, a group coordinated by him has pitched tent with Peter Obi of the Labour Party as its preferred candidate for 2023 poll.

This was contained in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, indicating that the group comprising some northern Christian politicians had settled for Peter Obi, after a painstaking review and analysis of the alternative presidential ticket holders.

The group said that Peter Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed would ensure justice, equity, fairness and unity of the country.

“As one of the foremost critics of APC’s single-faith presidential ticket and also in difference to those who have patiently waited for our guidance as to where to pitch our tent, after a painstaking review and analysis of the alternative presidential tickets, we now wish to recommend the Obi/Datti presidential ticket.

“We wish to briefly narrate some few reasons among many, why we have endorsed this ticket and recommend it to all Nigerians of good conscience who desire justice, equity and a harmonious co-existence of all Nigerians across tribes, religion and geopolitical regions.

“It is an indisputable fact that the whole of Northern Nigeria is currently mired in several intractable socio-economic problems, due to the activities of several nebulous criminal groups.

“Agriculture, the mainstay of the northern economy, is all but abandoned because kidnappers and bandits have prevented people from venturing out of the safety of their homes,” Mr Lawal was quoted to have said.

Source: NAN.

I’ll Embrace Igbos Through Dialogue, Same Way I Did When I Was Lagos Gov – Tinubu

Editorial staff

November 24, 2022

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised integrate Igbo speaking people of the Southeast through proper dialogue, the same way he embraced them when he was governor of Lagos.

“I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo. I encouraged a lot of Igbo businesses and investments in Lagos and will even do more if I become president.

“If elected, there will be no discrimination, Igbo’s interests will be respected and protected. I will also encourage policies to aid commerce and support South East states to reach their full potential.

“I will engage the leaders of the South East in a heart-to-heart discussion on all issues agitating their minds.”

Tinubu, who spoke at the APC presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State today, November 24, stressed: “if elected, I will address all issues and policies that tend to hinder their commerce and enterprise. I will work with businessmen and women and encourage them to make the South East the Taiwan of Africa.”

The APC candidate commended Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi for his excellent performance in lifting the state.

“I commend Governor Umahi for lifting up Ebonyi and for his developmental projects, some of which I commissioned yesterday (Wednesday) and his transformational and impactful leadership,” Tinubu said.

“He has laid a solid foundation for Ebonyi. He remains a good testament to what is possible in Nigeria.”

Tinubu said that if he becomes President, he would work with the government and mechanize the Ebonyi solid minerals sector as well as install processing plant.

“We will expand Ebonyi agricultural sector and make it one of the largest rice producing states in Africa.”

Governor Umahi acknowledged that Asíwájú Tinubu had always believed in merit and competence, and had demonstrated this in his past record of service particularly when he was governor of Lagos.

“Asíwájú knows the road, we must follow him. He has shown that he loves and trusts Igbo and our people.

“He has been here since yesterday. He slept here in Abakaliki and ate our food. Only a man who loves you eats your food.”

For Governor Uzodinma of Imo State said that there is no more lamentation for the Igbo because they are following the right man to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the rally which was held at Abakaliki Township Stadium, were APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, Deputy National Chairman, South, Barrister Emma Enekwu, representing the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Host-Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Also present were Governors Hope Uzodinnma (Imo), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross Rivers) as well as members of the party’s National Working Committee and National Assembly members.

EFCC Recognizes NCC Boss As Anti-Corruption “General,” Makes Him Ambassador

Editorial staff

November 24, 2022

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has acknowledged the great anti-corruption roles which the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has been playing, and has, therefore, been made him Ambassador of the EFCC.

The chairman of the anti-corruption agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa, while presenting Professor Danbatta with an ambassadorial badge today, November 24, in Abuja, acknowledged that the NCC, under the leadership of the Professor, has been in the vanguard of promoting transparency and openness with the strengthening of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit in line with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act.

In a statement, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, recalled that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), had in 2020, similarly ranked the NCC above other departments and agencies of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MoCDE).

He said that the NCC topped the list among three other agencies under the ministry, which featured in the intra-ministerial agencies’ ranking in ethics compliance and institutional integrity with 81.15 per cent.

According to Mouka, the Commission led 24 other regulatory agencies to emerge as the most ethically-compliant parastatal among 25 different regulatory agencies assessed in the anti-graft agency’s Ethics Compliance and Integrity Scorecards (ECIS), 2020.

He said that in 2017, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) awarded the NCC the topmost Platinum recognition for its institutional work processes, courtesy of its robust business organizational structure, policies, and practices that facilitated effective and efficient service delivery.

“In arriving at this conclusion, the BPSR also listed accountabilities and responsibilities for setting Standardized Operating Procedure (SOP) manuals of the Commission’s 19 departments as some of the high points.

“In the same vein, the NCC’S Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has been at the forefront of rolling out series of preventive measures in the country, helping in the process to curbing cyber-related crimes.

Bawa presented the badge to Danbatta yesterday in Abuja when the latter paid a courtesy visit to his office to deepen the synergy between the two agencies.

Buhari Worried Over Multiplicity Of Threats In West Africa, Calls For More Actions

Editorial staff

November 24, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed worry over the escalating volatilities and multiplicity of threats across West Africa and the Sahel, and called for greater cooperation among neighbouring countries with Nigeria to contain them.

The President, who spoke today, November 24 in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic, at the launch of the French version of his biography, Muhammadu Buhari: the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria, said: “my remarks will not be complete if I did not mention the escalating volatilities and multiplicity of threats across our region of West Africa and the Sahel.

“The ever-evolving nature of the threats we face underlines the need for enhanced coordination. There is no doubt that we have made incremental progress in our collective fight against terrorism and other trans-border crimes.

“However, a lot remains to be done, especially in the face of renewed efforts by violent extremist groups to expand their operations and footholds in West Africa.”

Buhari, who spoke after inaugurating a 3.8km length and 160m wide Boulevard, named after him by the Government of Niger Republic expressed the belief that ending terrorism and trans-border crimes in the region is achievable.

President Buhari reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral as well as multilateral initiatives, with neighbouring partners such as Niger, Chad and Cameroun, toward realising this objective.

The President hoped that the book ‘‘would serve as a clarion call to emerging leaders across Africa, and inspire them to always be guided by the core values of hard work, integrity and patriotism.’’

He added that the lessons from the book should spur leaders to also work in accordance with the rule of law and constitutional constraints.

The Nigerian leader thanked President Bazoum for the honour bestowed on six Nigerians in August of this year, in recognition of their roles in strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

He described the relationship between Nigeria and Niger as a true one, characterized by shared history, values and tradition.

“No wonder our people are able to coexist peacefully across our shared border, which spans over 1500 kilometres, and we remain the best of brothers and neighbours.

“It gives me great pleasure to note that President Bazoum has taken active steps to consolidate those fraternal bonds since assuming leadership in April last year.

“Mr. President has undoubtedly championed the expansion of frontiers of cooperation between our two countries and fostered an environment of mutual trust, further underscoring the importance that Niger attaches to the strategic nature of our relations.

“It is within this context that I find it auspicious that Mr. President dedicated time and resources to translate into the French language, a book chronicling my modest life.”

President Buhari also commended former President Issoufou for initiating the project and the incumbent for seeing to its completion and launching it.

“There is no greater honour than when one’s life is considered worthy of emulation.

“Your kindness translated through this gesture, is a further testament to the affinity that exists between our two peoples since time immemorial.”

He expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerien President ‘‘for the enviable honour’’ bestowed on him in a profound way.

The book reviewer was Prof Abdallah Adamu, former Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

At the book launch were President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau as well as the current Chairman of ECOWAS, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno; Head of the Transition Military Council and President of Chad as well as former President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou.

President of Niger decorated four Nigerians for their roles in fostering excellent bilateral relations between both countries; they are Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, Mohammed Indimi, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources (OER), Sayyu Dantata, Chief Executive Officer, MRS Holdings Limited and Aliyu Farouk, APC chieftain.

Nigeria Media Evolves Code Of Ethics To Address Ethical, Professional Concerns

Greenbarge Reporters

November 24, 2022

The Nigerian media industry has adopted the new co-regulation and code of ethics to address ethical and professional concerns in the industry.

The decision was reached at the end of a media roundtable, organised by the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) in conjunction with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

Media chiefs and operators at the roundtable also noted that the success of the co-regulation would be achieved via a workable enforcement mechanism.

To achieve co-regulation, the Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO) comprising NPAN, NGE, and NUJ, along with BON, would work together to make the co-regulation system effective, particularly through the establishment of the ombudsman at local and central levels.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the media roundtable convened within the context of the imperative of a strategic response to the challenge of institutionalizing self-regulatory mechanisms by the media for the media.

The communique was jointly signed by the president, NPAN/NPO, Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf, FNGE, president, NGE, Mustapha Isah, president, NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, MFR, president, GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo and the executive secretary, BON, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose.

The communique noted that efforts must be made to avoid the creation of bureaucratic structures that may have high-cost implications and therefore constitute obstacles to the efficient operation of the ombudsman.

The communiqué reads in part: “That sanctions for the violation of ethical codes and professional standards shall be determined by the Ombudsman, guided by the regulation.

“That media professional bodies and associations shall partner with media organisations to give wide publicity to the decisions of the Ombudsman,” the communique said.

On the revised Code of Ethics of Journalists in Nigeria, the communique noted that a bill of rights would be incorporated into the revised code to address concerns over some industry practices that tend to undermine the welfare and safety of journalists.

The communique also said: “That the revised code shall protect investigative journalism by making the public interest exception to instances where undercover methods may be used to obtain information.

“That the revised code shall distinguish between paid content and editorial content to preserve editorial integrity; and a new clause would be inserted to obligate journalists to promote the right of the people to know, freedom of the press and responsibility.”

The roundtable had two technical sessions in which presentations were made on “Pathway to Co-regulation through an Ombudsman Framework”.

Speaking at the event, the Editor-in-Chief/Senior Vice Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group Limited, Azu Ishiekwene, based his presentation on the report of the committee of the NPO comprising NPAN, NGE and NUJ instituted in May 2021.

The committee was mandated to develop a framework for a generally acceptable, workable, and trusted self-regulatory platform for the industry, both at the local and central levels.

The second presentation was on “A Guide through the Revised Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists” by the editor-in-chief, Diamond Publications/founder of the Diamond Awards For Media Excellence (DAME) Trust Fund, Mr Lanre IDOWU , FNGE.

The revision of the existing code was predicated on the observation that the existing 1998 code is “outdated, not robust enough, (and) too general in nature.”

The committee was mandated to develop a framework for a generally acceptable, workable, and trusted self-regulatory platform for the industry, both at the local and central levels.

The round table came against the background of attacks on press freedom and media independence including through legislation by the government following the wrong perception that the media is unwilling to regulate itself; the poor state of compliance with ethical and professional standards by some journalists and editors; and the pollution of the information sphere by disinformation and misinformation.

The aim of the roundtable, supported by Daria Media and the MacArthur Foundation, was to obtain media stakeholders’ buy-in of the Ombudsman framework and the revised Code of Ethics of Journalists in Nigeria.

Buhari To Prof Gambari: Your Sacrifices For Nigeria’ll Be Cherished, Documented For Posterity

Greenbarge Reporters

November 24, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the sacrifices which his Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, made for the benefit of Nigeria over the years will be cherished and documented for posterity.

In a message felicitating with Professor Gambari who turned 78 today, November 24, President Buhari said that his “exemplary dedication to the growth of the nation, and many sacrifices for the benefit of Nigerians, will be cherished and documented for posterity.”

He described Gambari as “former Minister of External Affairs, whose congeniality, brilliance and rectitude, continue to light his path as a scholar, publisher, international diplomat, and technocrat, with records of distinguished service in Nigeria and the United Nations (UN).”

Buhari acknowledged the courage, experience and wisdom of Gambari, adding that he brought all such qualities to bear on the position, and the difference made in government, “after serving as the longest Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations, President of UNICEF, UN Under-Secretary-General, first Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur.”

The President recalled the days of Gambari as the Under-Secretary-General of the UN for Political Affairs, under Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-Moon and prayed for his well-being and that of his family.

We’ll Restrict Amount Of Money Individual Can Withdraw From Account – CBN Gov.

Greenbarge Reporters

November 23, 2022

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has said that with the redesign and reissue of Naira note the apex bank will insist that cashless economy takes root nationwide.
“We will restrict the volume of cash that people can withdraw over the counter.
“If you need to withdraw large volume of cash, you will fill uncountable forms. We will take your data, whether it is your BVN, your NIN so that enforcement agencies like EFCC or ICPC can follow you and be sure that you are taking that money for good purpose.”
Emefiele, who answered questions from newsmen shortly after the unveiling of the new notes by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential villa today, November 23, said that many countries, especially the advanced ones have far gone in cashless system.
“In other countries, you will find, say in the US, to withdraw $10,000 from the counter, you will be interrogated. You will fill numerous forms. They will even track the use of that $10,000 cash that you are withdrawing.
“Or you want to withdraw £10,000 from the counter, they will refuse and if you insist, then you will fill forms.
“The problems we have had in the past is that we say this is a cash economy. There is no economy that is inbuilt thinking that it has to be cash economy.
“The world has moved away from predominantly cash to cashless economy. And I think Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria is prepared at this time to move towards a cashless economy.”
Emefiele insisted that we have to work as a country, adding that Nigeria is the biggest country both in population and economy in Africa and “we have to ensure that we do things the right way, that also positions us as leader in Africa and one of the leading countries in the world.
“We must do things right and I think it would start from today.”
On the new notes, the CBN Governor assured that they cannot be counterfeited because of the security features in them, emphasising that nobody can counterfeit them.
“What you could only find will be people making photocopy of these notes. If you follow due process to check the authenticity of a currency, take them through the UV light, you will find that this currency cannot be counterfeited. “The best you will find is photocopies. What I am trying to say is that to reduce that incidence of counterfeiting or photocopying, that is why we are saying the CBN must now, without waiting every five to eight years, redesign and reissue these notes. So that those who think they can take advantage of the system by counterfeiting will know that the game is over for them.”
He regretted that before now, out of N3.23 trillion in circulation, N2.72 trillion has been outside the bank vault.
“And we will insist that those N2.72 trillion must return to the bank vault by January 31st, 2023.
“If you chose to hold it after January 31st, 2023 it will become useless in your hand. That’s all.”

Buhari Launches Redesigned Naira Notes In Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

November 23, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari (middled), alongside CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele (second from left); Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba (third from right); Managing Director of Nigerian Security, Printing and Minting, Ahmed Halilu (first from left); Chairman, ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye (second from right) and Chairman, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa (extreme right), as he launches the newly redesigned naira notes before the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential villa, Abuja, today, November 23.

Aliko Dangote Announces Increased Investment In Sugar Sub-Sector

Editorial staff

November 22, 2022

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) is significantly increasing investment in the sugar sub-sector in line with the requirement of the Nigeria Sugar Master plan (NSMP).

Speaking at the Flag off Ceremony of the 2022/2023 Crushing Season and Outgrower Scheme Awards in Numan, Adamawa State, Aliko Dangote said that the company is making massive investments in Adamawa State through the expansion of DSR Numan sugar refining capacity from 3,000 tons of cane per day (tcd) to 6,000 tcd, 9,800 tcd and to 15,000 tcd.

He said that increasing the sugar refining capacity will require a corresponding increase in sugarcane production capacity, adding that the company has concluded plans to increase its sugar plantation from the current land area under cane production of about 8,700 hectares in 2022 to about 24,200 hectares within the next 7 years.

He assured that the company will double its scholarship and empowerment schemes in its host communities.

“We will continue to introduce more initiatives to support our host communities. Through these initiatives and our numerous Corporate Social Responsibility activities which are numerous to mention, DSR Numan will be able to touch the lives of the people, bringing social, economic, and infrastructural development to our host communities.

“We are thus committing over $700 million to our investment in the Backward Integration Programme (BIP) to enable us to put in place needed infrastructure for the eventual commencement of full-scale production.”

Aliko Dangote also assured that the Sugar will change the trajectory by making Nigeria self-sufficient in the sector, adding that already, the company has spent billions of naira in developing infrastructural facilities for host communities.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo described the Dangote Refinery as the biggest contributor to the sugar development stride of the Federal Government.

The Minister commended Aliko Dangote and the Management staff of Dangote Sugar for their massive support through the company’s corporate social responsibility scheme which he said should be highly commended.

He said that Agencies under his ministry will partner with the company to provide the technical know-how that will support the Dangote empowerment schemes in the host communities.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri who was represented by his Deputy, Crowther Seth said that he was amazed by the social-economic transformation carried out by the Dangote Group.

He assured the company of the support of the state government and enjoined other corporate bodies to emulate Dangote’s spirit of job creation across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Hama Bachama, Dr.. Daniel Shaga Ismail described Dangote as God-sent and pledged that his people would continue to support the company.

Brain Drain Not New To Nigeria – Vice President Osinbajo In Canada

Editorial staff

November 22, 2022

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the current brain drain, especial in medical field, will always be there even in the best of time.

Osinbajo, who spoke to some Nigerians in Ottawa, capital of Canada acknowledged that there’s concern around brain drain but that the reality is that, there will always be that issue “and huge countries like ours will always have it.”
He said that there are other countries with similar experiences, “which is why you have a huge Indian diaspora, huge Chinese diaspora.

“What is important is that we train our people well so that wherever they go, they are able to get good paying jobs, so that they don’t get jobs well below their dignity wherever they find themselves.
“That synergy is bound to happen; a lot of collaboration going on in the tech space, in medicine and science, that is always going to happen.
“We already have a reservoir of talent and experience in the diaspora everywhere and the more training we are able to do, the more collaboration we are able to have and the better for us all.”
this was even as the Nigerian High Commissioner, Ambassador Adeyinka Asekun said that Nigerians living in Canada will soon be able to apply for 10-year passport leaflets, being the 3rd country to roll out the process after the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

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