I Prefer Losing Few Kidnapped Students, Wipe Off Bandits Than Pay Ransom – Gov El-Rufai

May 9, 2021

The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai has said that his government had planned to launch a counter attack to wipe off the bandits who kidnapped students in the state, even if it meant losing some of the victims in the process, than paying any form of ransom.

The governor, who made this known during a webinar, organized by the Africa Leadership Group, said that plan had actually been concluded before the bandits released 27 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna State, to go on offensive against the criminals.

According to the Governor, in a video clip, in response to a question on his policy of not negotiating with kidnappers and payment of ransom, the loss of lives of kidnap victims would only be collateral damage and a price he would be willing to pay instead of paying ransom to the criminals.

“Two days after the abduction of the Afaka young people, I was assured by the air force and the army that they knew where the kidnappers were with the students and they had encircled them.

“We were going to attack them. We would lose a few students but we would kill all the bandits and we would recover some of the students.

“That was our plan. That was the plan of the air force and the army… But they slipped through the cordon of the army. That is why they were not attacked.

“We know it is risky. We know in the process we may lose some of the abductees but it is a price we have to pay.

“This is war, there will always be collateral damage in war and we will rather do that than pay money because paying money has not solved the problem anywhere in the world.”

Death Of Aisha Alhassan, A Huge Loss, Buhari Mourns

Editorial staff

May 7, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he is deeply saddened by the death of Hajiya Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan, who was Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development during his first term in office.

In a condolence message today, May 7, the President said that the death of this “notable politician, Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan has left many saddened.

“Both in office and out of office, her concern for the education of the girl child, especially those of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists, shone through.

“Her death is a huge loss not only to the female gender activist community but to the country as a whole.”

Federal Government Supports Women’s Participation In Oil And Gas With $20 Million

Editorial staff

May 7, 2021

The Federal Government has allocated $20 million dollars to support active participation of women in Oil and Gas Sector.

Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipire Sylva, who spoke in Abuja today, May 7 when he played host to executive members of Women in Energy Oil and Gas (WEOG), said that President Mohammadu Buhari administration’s keen interest in closing gender gap and promoting active involvement of women in energy sector led to the provision of $20 million through Nigeria Content Development Board (NCDB)to encourage women in oil and gas sector.

The minister said that Nigerians are spectators in the early years of oil exploration, adding that in the last 10 years, Nigerians local content participation had moved from three percent to 33 percent.

He expressed the hope that Nigeria local content involvement would reach 70 percent in the next seven years.

The minister who admitted that women are capable and have a lot to bring to the table, especially in the adoption and promotion of house hold use of gas and other areas in the energy value chain, assured that his door remained opened and urged the group to work with his team to find common ground in advancing the interests of the sector.

“it is important in our enlightened self interest as men, as government or ministry that women are brought in the core of what we are doing,“ Sylva said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Oladunni Owo said that the mission of the group is to close the gender gap in the industry, close energy poverty gap and close the gap of transformational impact of oil and gas sector on the populace.

Oladunni, who commended the minister for appointing women in his team and the sustainable approach to policy implementation in oil and gas sector, sought the support of the minister to include the group in the activities of the Ministry, especially in the Gas Expansion Programme.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of award of excellence to Sylva for his leadership role in closing gender and poverty gap in the energy sector.

Supreme Court Okays INEC’s Deregistration Of 74 Political Parties

Editorial staff

May 7, 2021

The Supreme Court has upheld the deregistration of the 74 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their inability to win any election after the 2019 general polls.

Justice Adamu Jauro who delivered the judgment of the apex court in a virtual court session on Friday, held that the deregistration of the affected political parties, including National Unity Party (NUP) was in compliance with the extant provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Act.
The judgment has to a large extent,
sealed the fate of the remaining 73 Parties many of whom have their appeals still pending in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

The commission, which had on February 6, 2020, announced the deregistration of the 74 political parties, said that the decision was a result of their failure to satisfy the requirements of the Fourth Alteration to the Constitutional Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
”The Commission has determined that eighteen (18) political parties have fulfilled the requirements for an existence based on Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as follows,” the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said.
The Abuja division of the Federal High Court had, in its judgment, affirmed the Power of the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister political parties which failed to comply with the provisions of the law particularly Section 225 A of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo in his judgment delivered in the Suit filed by the National Unity Party, one of the 74 parties deregistered by the INEC in February, affirmed that the constitutional power of the electoral commission and the reasons given by the Commission for the deregistration of parties are valid, in conformity with the law, sacrosanct and could not be affected by the fact of anticipated Local govt elections by some states which dates were not fixed, certain or even ascertainable.

The Court, therefore, held that the deregistration of National Unity Party as a political party in Nigeria was lawfully done in exercise of vested constitutional powers of the INEC in accordance with Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution. The judgment conclusively terminated the legal existence of the Party and also all its other rights and obligations.

The Court also held that the Party failed to show that the exercise of its powers to deregister the Party was at variance with the law and also ultra vires its powers. Hence the court came to the conclusion that the Plaintiff (the Party) failed to prove its case and the issues for determination cannot be determined in its favour and the reliefs it sought could not be granted to it.

The Court of Appeal sitting at Abuja had on July 29, 2020, equally affirmed the power of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties in the country.

Justice Mohammed Baba Idris in his ruling upheld an earlier decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja which held that INEC was right to deregister National Unity Party (NUP) which was one of the 74 parties deregistered by INEC

With the ruling, all pending appeals by other deregistered parties are now an academic exercise.

Speaking on the judgment of the Supreme Court, the President of the Inter Party Advisory Council Dr. Leonard Nzenwa hailed the judgment and said the judgment had ended all speculations and this will aid INEC to now focus on critical issues in preparation for delivering credible, free and fair 2023 general election.

Also speaking, Election Observer groups, several Civil Society Organizations and the Council of Nigerian Ethnic Youth Leaders were unanimous in their applause for the Supreme Court saying the judgment has sanitized the electoral space and that the judgment is a victory for democracy and an end to one man political parties. They also called on the National Assembly to quickly amend the Constitution and Electoral Act to stop further registration of more political parties saying the 18 remaining parties should be enough to satisfy all political tendencies in the country.

The NUP had challenged their deregistration by INEC at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal where they lost in both Courts and the Supreme Court has by affirming the concurrent finding of the lower courts upheld not only the powers of INEC to deregister political parties but also that the process and procedure for the deregistration of the 74 political parties was in compliance with extant laws.

Source: The Sun.

Aisha Alhassan Was My Footsoldier Who Stood By Me Through Thick And Thin – Atiku

Editorial staff

May 7, 2021

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubabar has described former Minister of Women Affairs and gubernatorial candidate in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Alhassan, who died today, May 7 as his reliable footsoldier that stood by him through thick and thin.

Reacting to her death, Atiku said in a statement in Abuja: “Aisha Alhassan was a reliable political ally and a foot soldier who was passionate about her political convictions.”

“I am grieved by the loss of former Sen. Aisha Alhassan. I asked about her condition this (yesterday’s) afternoon after I called her number without a response!.

“I can’t forget her dedication and how she stood by me through thick and thin in the course of my political career,” the former Vice President recalled adding, “I really have lost a sister and loyalist.”

According to the former Vice President, Aisha Alhassan was not only sincere, but also worked very hard for the achievement of whatever cause he (Atiku Abubakar) set himself to accomplish.

He said that Mama Taraba, as she was popularly known, was an accomplished civil servant, astute politician and patriot. She was compassionate, loyal and deeply committed to a better Nigeria.

He pointed out that one of the qualities he admired about her is that she was a determined fighter who never gave up to despair.

“You must also give Aisha Alhassan the credit for breaking the political glass ceiling in an environment in which many women are scared of joining politics because of cultural and traditional stereotypes. Overcoming such formidable obstacles to make an impact is no easy task”, Atiku further extolled her virtues.

He prayed to God to forgive her gentle soul and reward her good deeds with paradise in this holy

Port Harcourt Refinery To Roar Back In May 2023, NNPC Boss Assured

Greenbarge Reporters

May 7, 2021

Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has assured Nigerians that the Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) would roar back to life on or before April 5, 2023, when repairs would have been completed on the old refinery, known as Area 5.

He said the target is to fix the old refinery first so that local refining can resume as soon as possible.

Speaking through the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, Umar Ajiya, at the commencement of the construction work in the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation project, Mele said that NNPC management would do everything to support the contractor, Maire Technimont SPA, to ensure prompt delivery of the project.

“We are happy we have the contractor onboard. With strong collaboration of all parties involved, we will achieve the desired results.

“We have both government and private sector financing. We have the finance ministry, NEITI, labour unions and other stakeholders on board this project.

“They want to see transparency so they can report same to Nigerians and this is one of the most transparent processes ever.”

A statement today, May 7, by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Dr. Kennie Obateru, quoted the NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Refineries & Petrochemicals, Engr. Mustapha Yakubu, as saying that everything is being done to ensure that the project is delivered hitch-free and on schedule.

Engr. Yakubu said that everything about the project had been carefully worked out to ensure that the target of at least 90 percent refining capacity is achieved when operational.

“It must be hitch-free and that is why we are engaging the host communities appropriately. 200 million Nigerians are looking up to us and we can’t afford to fail. We’ve been on this journey since 2019.”

The Chief Operating Officer said that the project would require 3,000 workers at the peak of activities, stressing that out of that number there would be only 70 expatriates while the balance would be sourced locally in line with the local content policy.

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for approving $1.5 million for the project.

In his presentation, the Managing Director of PHRC, Engr. Ahmed Dikko, said that all the process plants have been made hydrocarbon-free to enable the contractor carry out therefore rehabilitation work safely.

On his part, the representative of Maire Technimont SPA, Mr. Masu Alberto, said that the rehabilitation journey started in 2017 with integrity test of the refinery. “In 2019, we did work on it and then now. We’re deploying a good number of engineers”, he said.

He listed some of the key activities that will be carried out in the project to include refurbishing of the technical building, replacement of the fire-fighting and deluge sprinkler systems, refurbishing of 24 offsite tanks, replacement of electrical equipment in substation, installation of primary earthing integration and new lighting system.

He said the project would also involve the replacement of pumps, turbines, one expander, boilers, three compressor fans and blowers, tanks, vessel and drums among other items equipment.

We Did Not Close Because Of Looming Bandits’ Attack, Abuja Private Varsity Explains

Editorial staff

May 7, 2021

The management of Veritas University in Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has said that the institution was not closed down as a result of looming armed bandits’ attack.
Reacting to a social media post claiming that about 800 Fulani men rode on horse approaching Bwari Area Council, the management said that the school was not shut to avert an impending attack by the alleged fulani men.

The management said that the last academic session of the university ended on Monday, hence both staff and students proceeded on vacation.
This is even as a joint security task force in FCT has intensifies patrols and intelligence surveillance as pre-emptive measures against any eventuality.
The joint security chaired by FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Bala Ciroma comprises intelligence and paramilitary agencies.

Source: PRNigeria.

Confiscated Smuggled Rice: Group Accuses Senate Of Supporting Smuggling

Editorial staff

May 6, 2021

Rice Processors Association of Nigeria(RIPAN) has described the directive given by the Senate to the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) to return to their owners confiscated smuggled foreign rice seized from various shops in Ibadan and others parts of the country as a tacit support for smuggling.
The Director-General of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Dr Andy Ekwelem who spoke to newsmen in Abuja said that the development is a gradual reversal of the gains made so far in combating the scourge of rice smuggling into the country of which the Federal Government has committed so much resources.

“This instruction is nothing but a tacit support to smuggling and it leaves much to be desired. It also to a very large extent paints a picture of insensitive to the plight of the Nigerian investor.”

Dr. Ekwelem said they were shocked and disappointed by the directive, and wish to state unequivocally, that the instruction given to the Nigeria Custom Services, counteracts the resolve of both the Nigerian Government and Good people of this country to grow local capacity in the Rice sector in-order to be in control of the country’s food security.
He said that the Nigerian Custom Services has over the years borne the blames over smuggling of food items especially Rice, stressing that each time the menace rises, stakeholders fall over themselves blaming the Customs.
He said that members of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) and indeed all actors in the entire Rice value Chain are patriotic individuals who hearken to the invitation of the Federal Government of Nigeria for private sector investments in the Rice processing sector in particular and the Rice Value Chain in general.
He said that all these individuals have invested trillions of Naira and are currently providing millions of employments (both Direct and Indirect) to the teeming Nigeria labour force, adding that “It is worrisome that the legislative chamber whose responsibility it is to protect them are the ones unwittingly undoing the efforts.
“Today the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria is shocked to learn that after the Nigeria Customs raid on some markets across the country, the Senate has directed the Nigerian Customs to return impounded smuggled Rice to their owners Ibadan.
“Indeed, we are shocked at the fact that now that the Nigeria Custom Service have decided to its duties creditably well and wield the big stick against Rice Smugglers, they are been antagonized and reprimanded by no other organ of Government than the Nigerian Senate”.
“For us as patriotic investors in the Nigerian Economy, it is most disheartening, saddening and unfortunate that the Hallow chamber appears to give support, encouragement and protection to smugglers.”
He advised that Nigerians should know that by this instruction, the senate is inadvertently, demoralizing the officers and men of the Nigeria Custom Services while at the same time emboldening smugglers and Economic Saboteurs who are the true troublers of the Nigeria Economy.
He said the instruction/ directives from the Senate to the Nigeria Customs Services portends dire consequences for both the Nigerian Economy and her People especially current investors, potential investors and Youths.
“It is capable of sending shock waves that can collapse the industry. of course, when investors release that their investments are not protect by adequate legislation, they will have no option but withdraw their funds from the economy.”

The development is sequel to the directive given by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Tuesday 4th of May 2020, where it asked the Nigeria Customs Service to return the smuggled goods it impounded from rice traders’ shops in Ibadan, Oyo State to their owners.
At the hearing, the Senate concluded that the Nigeria Custom Services erred by raiding the market in Ibadan and confiscated smuggled Rice packed in the various Shops.

We’ll Resist Military Take-Over, Afenifere Warns

Editorial staff

May 6, 2021

Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, has warned that it would resist military take-over of any kind, even as it said that the clamour for change is borne out of frustration over the state of the nation.
The National Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Jare Ajayi in a statement today, May 6, said that military intervention in government was a curse “as it set the country back through various non-progressive and undemocratic policies it imposed on Nigeria.”
“Going by what the nation went through under the military, we will certainly not support another military rule in Nigeria under any guise.
“It is on record for example that apart from the general abridgement of the rights of Nigerians under the military, members of the the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) masterminded by Afenifere suffered greatly.
“It is on record that we lost a lot of patriotic Nigerians all because
they were protesting against a continuous military rule.
“Pa Alfred Rewane was killed while the Leader of Afenifere then Pa
Abraham Adesanya narrowly escaped assassination attempts by agents of the the then military junta.
“Besides, with the benefit of hindsight, we can say without any
equivocation that military intervention in the governance of Nigeria has been more of a curse than blessing as it set the country back through various non-progressive and undemocratic policies it imposed on Nigeria.
“But for the military intervention in governance, we would not have had the kind of asphyxiating atmosphere we are having today in governance and in the socio-economic milieu.
“While we are not supporting military take-over of government, we could understand that those allegedly advocating for it are doing so out of frustration – a well-founded frustration for that matter.”
The group noted that the greatest kernel of people’s frustration could be located in the nadir level into which the country’s insecurity situation has sank.
The Afenifere spokesman added, “It has become so bad that bandits and terrorists are the ones dictating terms for governments.
“They have even annexed some territories for themselves within the country. We have never had it this bad! Terrorists have the audacity to say that they will kill 15 innocent students in their captivity if named ransoms are not paid.
“How would people not, out of frustration and seeming helplessness, call for a change of government since the government has failed in its primary duty of providing security and welfare for the people?
“Our own take here, therefore, is for government to sit up, show that it is really in control by putting a total stop to terrorism,
kidnapping and banditry, by stopping Nepotism, by letting the country return to true Federalism without further delay.”
Source: Daily Trust.

Federal Govt Investigates Port Authority’s Management, Suspends It’s MD, Hadiza

Editorial staff

May 6, 2021

The Federal Government has set up an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), even as the Managing Director of the Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman has been asked to step aside.

A statement today, May 6 by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the President had already approved the recommendation of the Ministry of Transportation under Rotimi Amaechi for the setting up of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the Port’s Management.

“The President has also approved that the Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman step aside while the investigation is carried out. Mr. Mohammed Koko will act in that position.”

The statement said that the panel is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry while the Deputy Director, Legal of the same ministry will serve as Secretary.

Other members of the panel will be appointed by the Minister.

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