The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the award of contract for the Nigeria police Trust Fund for the supply of vehicles and insurance cover for several other vehicles at a total cost of N4,541,829,704 billion.
The minister of Police Affairs, who briefed newsmen today, October 12, shortly after the FEC meeting, said that the vehicles consist of Landcruisers, Toyota Prado, 2021 model and Toyota Camry.
“The landcruisers are about eight in number while the Prado are about eight number also, and then the Toyota Camry vehicles are about 44 in number.”
He said that the vehicles will be supplied by Messrs. Kaura motors Nigeria limited at the cost of N1. 2 billion while another Firm got N1. 48 billion respectively, totaling over N2 billion.
The cost of fuelling of vehicles has also been awarded to Messrs global resources limited at the total cost of about 5,093,770 liters at the cost of N1,039,169,880 Naira respectively.
He said that the vehicles will be used for tactical operations.
“This is so that the vision and strategic deployment will be achieved, in a bid to strategize for better security networking, as well as aid strategic deployment of technical squads to tackle insecurity across the country.”
According to the minister, the insurance cover is intended to cover all the vehicles purchased by the police Trust Fund between 2020 and 2022, involving about 450 assorted vehicles, at the cost of N812,309,823, 93 kobo.
“We have Leadway Assurance company which will take 70% of the premium while another Company will also take 30%.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU) has given a condition which it wants President Muhammadu Buhari to fulfill before it calls off the eight month strike.
The Union insisted that the President should cancel the no-work-no-pay rule that was invoked by the Federal Government since its strike began eight months ago.
Information reaching us in Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the President’s decision on the matter is key to a decision the union will take on whether to call off the strike or continue.
It was further learnt that only the President can grant the waiver for the arrears of the striking lecturers to be paid.
“The issue of the no-work-no-pay has not been resolved yet. We are still waiting for Mr President,” a source, who does not want his name in print said.
Another source said: “It is only the President who can give that waiver at the moment. He has to forgive them. He is very hurt that they caused a delay for students.”
Meanwhile, branches of ASUU were to begin consultations today, October 22 over the possibility of calling off the strike. The union’s National Executive Council will also meet on the matter tomorrow, October 13.
Confirming the development, the National President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, noted that the union would meet.
He, however, did not disclose the date and the place where the meeting would take place.
“Yes, we will meet and take our decision,” Osodeke simply said.
ASUU had on Monday, February 14, 2022, embarked on a strike over what the union described as the failure of the government to meet its demands.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, after what he described as “failed negotiations” dragged the striking lecturers before the National Industrial Court.
The court, on September 21, ordered ASUU to call off the strike.
The Court of Appeal also handed down a similar order last week.
Nigeria Senate has said that it has started the holistic investigation of 252 government agencies that benefited from N5 trillion Service Wide Votes (SWV) between 2017 to 2021.
Senate’s decision to investigate the Service Wide Votes (SWV) was as a result of findings that many agencies of government collected Fund from SWV without recourse to the National Assembly Panels that is mandated by law to do oversight of the affected agencies. A Service Wide Vote (SWV) which is also known as the Consolidated Revenue Fund Charge is more or less the country’s contingency fund in the annual budget.
Speaking in Abuja. Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, said that the Investigation has to do with disbursement of Service Wide Votes between 2017 to 2021, adding the Service Wide Votes has become major component of nation’s budget considering amount budgeted annually for it in the budget.
Urhoghide said that the Committee has to see how the money collected from Service Wide Votes is being expended because there are confusion on the approval of the Votes.
“We want to see how this money is being expended there are confusion on approval, we want to really get to know what is going on.”
According to him, if any agency fails to appear, the Committee would not hesitate to issue warrant of arrest on the head of the agency against the backdrop that it has been discovered that many agencies collected this fund without informing the National Assembly Committee that is saddled with the responsibility of over sighting the agency.
Senator Urhoghide said that the Senate will not tolerate the absence of Galaxy Backbone, Ministry of Interior, Budget Office, State House , NBET who are scheduled to appear before the committee and that Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) collected N180 billion from the votes, NBET collected N2.9 billion and Ministry of Humanitarian, received N445 billion from the Votes.
Among the 252 Ministries, Departments and Agencies that are expected to appear before the Committee in the ongoing Investigation of Service Wide Votes between 2017 till 2021 are Ministry of Information and Culture; Defence , NHIS, Police , Ministry of Power , Bank of Industry; Water Resources , National Assembly, Public Complaint Commission (PCC), Directorate of State Service (DSS) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina has expressed his belief that President of Nigeria of Igbo extraction is a reality in the country.
Receiving a delegation of Igbo Friends and Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora (OCI) Foundation, that felicitated with him on the conferment of the National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), by President Buhari, Adesina said that he has always been passionate about Igbo people producing the Nigerian President.
“At the Sun Newspapers, I used to write about the Southeast and the need for a President of Igbo extraction and what the people of the area needed to do to achieve it. I know that it would be a reality in this country.”
He said that the country stands to benefit more when all the components of it unite in confronting the ills besetting the land rather than sectionalising it.
“I am very happy to have you as my guests. It gives me great joy when I receive visitors from other parts of the country. One of you is from Benue (State) and others are from the Southeast.
“It shows the brotherhood in us; Nigeria is one country, indivisible.
“You have demonstrated it by coming to congratulate me for the National Award. I took two chieftaincy titles (Nwanne di Namba from Mmaku, Enugu State, and Ugomba of Isieketa, in Abia State), because of where they came from; to show that we are really one.”
This was even as the leader of the delegation, Rev. Austin Ify Epunam (JP), who doubles as President of the SweetHome Africa and National Champion of Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora(OCI) Foundation, said that he was excited for the well merited honour bestowed on the Presidential spokesman.
He said that OCI Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organisation established with the aim of breaking down barriers to the attainment of excellence.
“I have always followed your write ups, especially about President Buhari way before the elections that brought him to power during your days at the SUN. I enjoy your calmness while dealing with individuals and issues. You are a problem solver.
“We should look at antecedents, the foundation of everyone before giving appointments. You were appointed spokesman, it’s God that sent you here and He will see you through, successfully,” Rev. Epunam said.
Other in the delegation include Chief Basil Onuoha, Engineer Chijioke Ojukwu, Ikenna Onuzulike, Comrade Mcgoshen Onwunzo, and Luter Ikyobo.
Federal Government of Nigeria has put measure in place to protect Nigerians who migrated to other countries to work, from discrimination and slavery.
Speaking to newsmen today, October 12, the minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, said that a memo was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) today to support the move.
Ngige, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said that the memo is for the adoption of revised National Policy on Labour Migration and its action plan.
He said that the memo is also about the protection of the dignity of the Nigerians and it’s a two way thing: “Nigerian government is interested in protecting migrant workers who are here with us and our people who go out there.
“They shouldn’t be treated like slaves and just anyhow, discriminated against in so many respects.
“Certainly, this is a policy that is coming to confront the challenges of illegal migration, illegal employment, exploitative policy processes, forced labour, smuggling and human trafficking in our society and entrenching general obligation to respect basic human rights.”
The minister said that another memo the ratification by the Council of the International Labour Organization Convention 181.
“Essentially, this one seeks to permit the operation of private employment agencies in countries. If this is carried through, Nigeria will be the third African country, after Ethiopia and Morocco, to approve.
“This is about protection and the rights of people.”
He said that the memo would also protect domestic workers from being treated as slaves.
“Government is interested in being treated with decency and respect and, of course, their human rights are fully respected.”
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele (third from left); Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Aliyu Ahmed; Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed; Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria , Dr. Kingsley Obiora and Director, Monetary Policy Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Hassan Mahmud at the on-going Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Washington DC yesterday, October 11.
A retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Alhaji Mohammed Zarewa, has been picked as Chairman of the the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO), with Peter Obi as the party’s flag bearer. The party’s National Organising Secretary, Chief Clement Ojukwu, who released the list officially after the inauguration of the team at Chelsea Hotels, Central Area, Abuja today, October 12, said that Dr. Doying Okupe will serve as the campaign organisation’s Director General. He said that the party selected a team of 1,234 persons from across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, youths, women and Persons With Disability (PWD) to reflect the character of LP to carry everyone along. Other members of the PCO are Abure, who is also the Chairman of Presidential Advisory Council (PAC); Oseloka Obaze, General Manager and Mallam Yunusa Tanko as the Spokesman of the Organisation.
Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) rose from its sixth Annual Conference at the weekend, resolving to eliminate fake news and promote professionalism amongst members.
A communiqué emanating from the Conference today, October 11, signed by the chairman of the Conference organizing committee , Ken Ugbechie and the secretary, OlumideIyanda said that GOCOP should “strive to eliminate the scourge of fake news, uphold professionalism within the Guild and pursue the growth and development of online media in the country.”
The body also promised that members would cover the electoral process professionally by sticking to the ethics of journalism in election reporting, namely fairness, objectivity and balance.
It also said that members would collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), labour unions, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the conduct of the 2023 general elections satisfies the letter and spirit of the Electoral Act.
It stressed the need for the formulation and implementation of policies and interventions to support online publishers to keep them commercially viable and competitive in terms of quality reportage.
It noted with concern that political environment is already fouled up and cautioned political parties and politicians to eschew bitter and divisive politics by ensuring that their campaigns are devoid of foul and vulgar abuses.
GOCOP commends INEC for actively engaging with various stakeholders especially the politicians, security apparatchik, media, electorate, etcetera.
It noted the incremental and consistent deployment of appropriate technology by INEC to further the cause of achieving credible elections from cleaning of voter register to actual voting, tallying and transmission of election results.
Other resolutions are that it: Commends the introduction and use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) portal which ensures polling unit results are uploaded to the portal in real-time.
“Urges all political parties and their candidates to abide by the tenets of the Peace Accord agreement which they signed as well as ensure that the spirit of the agreement are respected by the political actors.
“Cautions that no party or individual or both should use the power of incumbency to the disadvantage of other political parties or candidates during the electioneering process and the election proper.
“Notes the critical roles of the media in election management, urging GOCOP to come out very strongly against fake news, mischief reporting and other acts capable of undermining the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
“Urges INEC to pay attention to peaceful campaign devoid of abusive, intemperate and slanderous language as well as the use of innuendoes or insinuations likely to provoke a counter-reaction resulting in the breach of the peace.
“Categorises roles of the Police in elections into three – before, during and post-election period- and urges professionalism among the security personnel during elections.
“Notes that all political parties are involved in election manipulations especially in their areas of strength and urges internal vigilance among the electorate.
“Condemns inadequate security manpower for deployment during the elections since almost half of the security personnel in the country have been given out as orderlies to non-state actors.
“Urges media to embrace institutional synergy with the Civil Society Organisations and security personnel to avoid cases of conflict among these categories of stakeholders.
“Laments the present situation where electoral offenders walk away freely without arrest and even when arrested, are not prosecuted.
“Urges the Federal Government to establish Electoral Offences Tribunal for faster and unencumbered adjudication of electoral offences and offenders.
“Regrets that we are at the bottom of where we are supposed to be as a nation but notes that the 2023 election offers Nigerians the opportunity to choose leaders they can be proud of and correct every mistake made in the past.
“Applauds INEC for the courage to push for the passage of the Electoral Bill and President Muhammadu Buhari for accenting the Bill into an Act of Parliament which will enhance credibility of the 2023 elections.
“Lauds INEC for the use of technology, and hopes INEC can continue to fine-tune technology to a point that we may have no need to use ballot papers in the future.
“Enjoins INEC to find a way of easing the process of collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.
“Notes that for the first time in the history of Nigeria, we’re going to have an INEC Chairman that will be conducting two consecutive elections which is a sign of stability within the system.
“Says that deployment of technology will eliminate rigging schemes – vote allocation, changing of results, snatching of ballot boxes, irregular voting or voting by under-aged persons.
“Urges politicians to behave well and show civility by accepting that elections are bound to produce winners and losers and that there’s the need to accept defeat and victory at the end of the exercise.
“Commends the role of GOCOP in checkmating quackery in online journalism.”
The theme for this year’s Conference which was held on October 6 in Lagos, was: “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”
Among those who spoke on the theme is the chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, a former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase and Regional Director, Ford Foundation (West Africa), Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye.
An Islamic scholar, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who hid 262 Christians in his Mosque thereby shielding them from being killed in the Plateau State religious crisis a couple of years ago, was one of the recipients of the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Also honoured today, October 11, by President Muhammadu Buhari, among the over 400 recipients of various national honours are Ms. Josephine Agu, an airport cleaner who returned $12,200 found in a toilet at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and Ogbanago Muhammed Ibrahim, a bank security man who found and returned $10,000.
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, a religious leader hid over 262 Christians in his mosque from attacks in Yelwa Gindi Akwati village, in Plateau State.
President Buhari described Imam Abdullahi as a good example of religious tolerance.
“I am excited that he is being honoured today with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
“Despite the present economic challenges, Nigeria still boasts of men and women of integrity; Ms. Josephine Agu, an airport cleaner returned $12,200 found in a toilet at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos as well as Ogbanago Muhammed Ibrahim, a bank security man who found and returned $10,000.
“Today, we celebrate their dignity and strong strength of character by conferring National Honours on them.
“They are a shining example to our younger generation.”
Leading the 2022 National Honours Award recipients, in the category of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) are Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, immediate past CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Deputy Secretary-General of UN, Amina Mohammed and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.
President commended the National Awards Committee headed by Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, the Emir of Lafia, for a great and patriotic duty by diligently going through over 5,000 submissions and coming up with these recommendations.
The President noted that the screening and selection of nominees for this year’s award as always, followed established broad criteria, in accordance with the National Honours Act CAP.N43 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
They include but not limited to: ‘‘consistent and meaningful participation in community and/or national development; rendering unsolicited, selfless and philanthropic services to humanity; outstanding sacrifice in the defence of a cause popularly adjudged to be positive, relevant and beneficial to the nation and community.’’
Other criteria listed by the President for selecting the recipients are:
‘‘Distinct act of bravery in the protection and/or defence of national interest, public peace, safety of life and property.
‘‘Remarkable achievement in any field of expertise where the person’s activities in that field have made significant contributions to the attainment of national goals and objectives.
‘‘Immense contributions towards the uplift of community, state, nation and/or humanity through achievements by way of inventions and bringing outstanding honour and glory to the state through personal dedication and patriotic commitment. Service with integrity is also a basis for the selection process.’’
Buhari stressed that nation building involves a lot of sacrifice by the citizenry, the President declared that citizens who contribute to national development deserve to be encouraged and appreciated.
He lauded the 2022 National Award recipients for distinguishing themselves in various ways ‘‘for the purpose of recreating a new Nigeria of our dreams through respect for the rule of law, image laundering, transparency and accountability in management of scarce resources.’’
The President said that those in the private sector have also creditably discharged themselves in business, entertainment, hospitality, transportation and other forms of human endeavours to transform Nigeria.
‘‘We have amongst the recipients today, Amb. Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who are doing our country proud on the international scene. Our dear sisters are a source of inspiration to our young women that through the dint of hard work and dedication, they can achieve greatness.
‘‘Worthy of mention are our Artistes, particularly, our very own Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), who won the Grammy Awards in 2020. He along with other artistes have repositioned the Nigerian entertainment industry and placed it on the global map. At the just concluded Dubai Expo 2020, Nigeria’s pavilion was a beehive of activities as our musicians entertained guests from around the world.
‘‘I congratulate all the recipients today who will be joining the league of Awardees.
‘‘I appreciate the non-Nigerian recipients and assure all of you that this administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to undertake your lawful businesses to allow you to sustain your efforts at contributing to the development of our nation, Nigeria.”
The President acknowledged that the list of awardees is justifiably long because the exercise has not been carried out since 2015.
He recalled that since the inception of this administration, there has not been such occasion like this where individuals and friends of Nigeria have been so singled out for investiture except for the Special Investiture Ceremony in honour of Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN.
The President noted that the Investiture Ceremony for Abiola and others was specially carried out to right the wrong done in the past, to assuage our feelings and to resolve to stand firm now and in the future for the sanctity of the electoral process and our democracy.
He said that the country’s athletes were also honoured recently for their spectacular performances in several competitions.
He appealed to other Nigerians who are yet to receive this recognition to be patient and understand that their efforts in nation building are appreciated and at the right time, would similarly be recognized.
‘‘This administration will continue to partner with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria with like minds in our efforts to build the Nigeria of our dreams where everybody will strive to excel in their chosen fields devoid of parochial sentiments,’’ he said.
President Buhari reminded the recipients and other Nigerians that National Honours are not merely decorative, saying: “they remind us of an important part of our responsibility as citizens. We must always endeavour to do our best for our country.’’
President Buhari restated the commitment of the Federal Government, under his leadership, to root out all forms of banditry, criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the land.
He reaffirmed his solemn pledge in the Independence Day address to the nation of handing over a Nigeria that is free from insecurity to the next generation of leaders.
The award, which is in 10 categories, was presented to Supreme Court Justices, judges, top lawyers, incumbent and former governors, Ministers, traditional rulers, creative artistes, politicians, businessmen, athletes, security officers who died in the line of duty, and other distinguished Nigerians.
A total of 6 persons were conferred with GCON, 55 received Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 65 got the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), 77 were presented with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); 110 received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); 74 were presented with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and 55 received Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
There were four recipients each for the Federal Republic Medal I (FRM I) and Federal Republic Medal II (FRM II) Second Class) respectively.
The seven foreigners honoured received the OFR Award.
Speaking on behalf of the Awardees, the Senate President thanked the President for the honour, pledging that the award is an encouragement to more work and a call to duty to serve Nigeria with renewed strength, loyalty and honesty.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, has said that telecom infrastructure will be very critical for the success of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
Danbatta, who was special guest at the 6th Edition of the Annual Conference of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lagos at the weekend, called on Nigerians in every community to join hands in protecting it for the benefit of the country.
He said that with the planned transmission of election data and results riding on telecom infrastructure, there is need to ensure the fidelity of the transmission systems to enhance the credibility of such data.
“If telecom infrastructure is vandalised or damaged, it would create problem in the area of the data transmission during election; citizens will find it difficult to use their phones to seamlessly communicate and the journalists too might find it difficult in being able to access their web platforms to disseminate necessary information which members of the public require to make informed decisions at every point in time.”
Danbatta recalled that over the years, the telecoms sector has continued to face destabilising situations arising from negative attitudes and actions of hostile communities; theft of diesel, batteries, and power generators from telecom base stations; digging up and cutting of fibre optic cables by construction workers; indiscriminate sealing/locking-up of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites by state governments, other governmental and community stakeholders; as well as other disruptive activities which must be decisively tackled.
Reiterating the importance of telecommunications in all aspects of human lives, including the forthcoming election and other national activities and programmes, Danbatta said that without telecom infrastructure, it will be difficult to communicate with family and friends over long distances or conducting banking, insurance, or accessing government and other social services, including education, entertainment, and other essentials services that enhance quality of life.
“This means that telecom infrastructure is important, and we must all ensure that we guard and protect those critical national infrastructural assets now, during the upcoming elections and thereafter. So, every citizen in Nigeria must take responsibility for the protection of telecom facilities for the benefits to all.”
Danbatta enjoined GOCOP members to use their credible media platforms and enviable experiences to collaborate with the NCC in creating greater awareness and public enlightenment on the need to protect telecoms infrastructure.
At the event, which was chaired by the Founder, Centre for Alternative Policy Perspectives and Strategy (CAPPS), Dr. Umar Ardo; with other personalities including former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; Regional Director Ford Foundation, Dr. Chidi Aniagolu-Okoye; and distinguished members of GOCOP, most of who are senior media professionals, Danbatta commended GOCOP members for their contributions in the promotion of awareness of derivable benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through their online platforms.
“The NCC would like to commend the leadership and entire members of GOCOP for the good work you are doing in your professional practice of disseminating timely and accurate information to Nigerians to enable citizens to take inform decisions,” he said.
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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the award of contract for the Nigeria police Trust Fund for the supply of vehicles and insurance cover for several other vehicles at a total cost of N4,541,829,704 billion.
Nigeria Senate has said that it has started the holistic investigation of 252 government agencies that benefited from N5 trillion Service Wide Votes (SWV) between 2017 to 2021.
Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina has expressed his belief that President of Nigeria of Igbo extraction is a reality in the country.
Federal Government of Nigeria has put measure in place to protect Nigerians who migrated to other countries to work, from discrimination and slavery.
