Retired, Dead Staff Still Draw Salaries From Kogi Judiciary, Report Laments

December 6, 2020

The Special Staff Verification Committee inaugurated by the Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Henry Olusiyi has discovered that some retired and other deceased staff of the state judiciary still draw salaries and emoluments from the State treasury.

The chairman of the committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Alhassan, who disclosed this while presenting the report in Lokoja, the state capital, indicted the personnel department of the judiciary for alleged administrative negligence.

According to the report, lapses were discovered in the Personnel Department on improper documentation of staff information, as well as job description within the terms of reference.

This was even as the Ag. Chief Judge said that the report will be thoroughly scrutinized before implementation, describing as unfortunate, some of the irregularities discovered.

He said that the State government is resolved to equally carry out an in-house screening of the recommendations without fear or favour, commending members of the commitment for carrying out their assignment diligently and within stipulated time frame.

Senator Ndume Moves To Withdraw Surety For Maina, Says He’s Not Trustworthy

Editorial staff

December 4, 2020

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, has said that he would commence the process for the withdrawal of surety agreement with the ex-chairman of the defunct pension reform task force, Abdulrasheed Maina.

Ndume, who spoke to news men in Abuja today, December 4, said: “with the successful arrest, extradition, and subsequent remand of Maina at the Kuje Correctional Centre, I will proceed to direct my legal team to begin the process of withdrawing my suretyship for Maina with immediate effect because his action has shown that he is not trustworthy.”

Senator Ndume commended the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and other security personnel for ensuring the arrest and extradition of Maina from Niamey, Niger Republic.

The Senator had stood as surety for Maina, standing trial for alleged money laundering at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Maina later jumped bail and fled to the Niger Republic where he was arrested last Monday.

The development forced Justice Okon Abang to revoke the bail granted Maina and issued a warrant for his arrest. He also ordered the ex-pension chief’s trial to go ahead in his absence.

The judge, thereafter, ordered the remand of Ndume at the Kuje Correctional Centre for failing to produce Maina in court.

He was granted bail on Monday.

Reaction to Maina’s arrest in the Niger Republic and subsequent extradition to Nigeria, Ndume said the development has established the fact that the Nigeria Police Force is not a write-off.

“I commend the Nigeria Police Force for executing the bench warrant issued on Maina by the Federal High Court in Abuja. This has shown that the NPF is not a write-off.

“They are professionals under the able leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.”

Appeal Court Confirms Death Sentence On Maryam Sanda For Killing Husband

Editorial staff

December 4, 2020

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the death sentence passed on Maryam Sanda, who stabbed her husband, late Bilyamin Bello, to death.

A three man panel of the appellate court, in a unanimous judgment today, December 4, affirmed the decision of Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the grounds that Maryam’s appeal lacked merit having failed to prove allegations of miscarriage of justice against the trial court.

In the judgment read by Justice Stephen Adah, the judges held that the trial judge was right in reaching a guilty verdict against the appellant as well as passing the maximum punishment.

“I have gone through the record before the court and I am fully certain that the learned trial court did not engage any investigation outside the evidence before it.

“The appellant did not point out where the trial judge went out of the scope of his duties to carry out an investigation.”

The court said that the word “investigation” used by the lower court was “taken out of context” by the appellant, adding that ingredients of the offence were clearly established as it is required by law.

Justice Adah explained that where there are no organic facts leading to get the cause of death, circumstances surrounding the death can be the best proof of what is being alleged in a case.

“We have no choice also in the face of these convincing situations that the conclusion of the trial court cannot in light of the facts in the face of the records before us be faulted.

“Having resolved all the issues against the appellant, it is our conclusion that this appeal is lacking in merit and the appeal is hereby dismissed.

“Then that of the trial court delivered on the 27 day of January 2020 is affirmed and also the conviction and sentence handed down by the trial court are also affirmed.”

Justice Halilu had, in a judgment delivered on January 27, this year, found Maryam, a mother of two, guilty of culpable homicide preferred against her by the federal government and consequently handed her the maximum punishment.

“She should reap what she has sown, for it has been said that ‘thou shall not kill’ and whoever kills in cold blood deserves death as his own reward.

“Convict also clearly deserves to die, accordingly I hereby sentence Maryam Sanda to death by hanging until she dies”, the trial judge had held.

Dissatisfied, the mother of two approached the appellate court, seeking to upturn the judgment.

In a notice of appeal predicated on 20 grounds, the appellant through her legal team described the judgment of the trial court as “a miscarriage of justice”.

She submitted that the judge relied on circumstantial evidence as there was “lack of confessional statement, absence of murder weapon, lack of corroboration of evidence by two or more witnesses and lack of autopsy report to determine the true cause of her husband’s death.”

She also submitted that the trial judge “erred and misdirected himself by usurping the role of the police when he assumed the duty of an investigating police officer (IPO) as contained in page 76 of his judgment…”

Police Boss Withdraws Case Against States’ Judicial Inquiry On Disbanded SARS

Editorial staff

December 4, 2020

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has ordered the immediate discontinuation and withdrawal of the suit challenging the legality of the States’ Judicial Panel of Inquiry into alleged brutality by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The IGP’s order, today, 4^th December, according to the Force spokesman, Frank Mba in a statement, is sequel to the outcome of investigations into the role played by the Force Legal Section in the institution of the said suit.

The IGP had yesterday, December 3, ordered a probe into the alleged involvement of the Force Legal Section in the attempt to halt the ongoing States’ Judicial Panel inquiries into the activities of the defunct SARS.

Meanwhile, the IGP reassured citizens that the Force remains committed to the course of justice at all times and will not allow anybody to constitute a ‘brick-wall’ to the ongoing reform processes of the Force.

Executive Policy Students In NIPSS Kuru, Acknowledge Buhari’s Purposeful Leadership

Editorial staff

December 3, 2020

Participants of Senior Executive Course 42 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos, Plateau State have acknowledged the strategic and purposeful leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for the country, in spite of daunting challenges

The Director-General/Chief Executive officer of NIPSS, Professor Habu S. Galadima, who led the participants to a parley, today, December 3, with President Buhari at the Presidential villa, Abuja, expressed appreciation on the swift ways the President and his government handled the coronavirus pandemic.

The Director-General noted that the participants for Senior Executive Course 42, 2020, were properly guided by daily briefs and guidance of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

“We thank you for enormous investments in the people of this country through highly commendable programmes designed to take Nigerians out of poverty. One can only imagine the magnitude of the outcomes if these investments were not made.”

This was as the President Commended the group’s research for the year which focuses on “Population Growth and Human Capital Development: Challenges and Opportunities, adding that it is most appropriate in timing, and that the recommendations will be fully considered.

“I have no doubt that you have evaluated the theme given to you. I can assure you that many of your recommendations would be considered to further enhance Human Capital Development in the country.

“Let me reiterate that our administration is committed to diligently pursuing investments in people, especially in our youths as well as most vulnerable and poorest members of society. We will study and explore the creative and innovative recommendations in your report and direct implementations as soon as possible.”

President Buhari said that his administration had made tremendous efforts at diversifying the economy and reducing heavy dependence on the oil sector for government revenues and foreign exchange earnings.

“We are refocusing the economy on agriculture, agro-processing, arts, entertainment, mining, manufacturing, information technology and labour intensive industries to generate millions of jobs for our teeming youths and able-bodied Nigerians, while gradually integrating the economy into the global economy.

“This administration developed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan for 2017–2020, which focused on economic diversification and stabilization, making the business environment more competitive, as well as achieving macroeconomic stability by means of fiscal stimulus and improving the balance of external trades.

“We focused the plan on key sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, especially rail, roads, broadband networks. We have made considerable progress in food production, especially in rice. We will continue to encourage private capital for infrastructural development through Public Private Partnerships.”

President Buhari said that efforts had been made in putting in place various programmes to equip Nigerians, particularly the youth, with requisite skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation, which include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme, N-Power scheme, Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme, Graduate Internship Scheme and Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria programme.

The President said that the Federal Government had taken steps to harmonise all operations related to technical and vocational skills development by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, culminating in a new partnership between the Industrial Training Fund and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association under a special initiative called the Technical Skills Development Project.

“In addition, Government is implementing the Special Public Works programme to provide employment opportunities to 774,000 youths across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria. We have also recently introduced N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, of which N25 billion have been provided in 2021 Budget. All of these are consistent with our policy of positioning the youth for strategic leadership in different fields of endeavour.”

Buhari commended management and members of faculty of the National Institute for getting participants of Senior Executive Course 42 to focus on a theme and present a report as experts on the subject matter.

Nigeria LNG Emerges World Outstanding Contribution To Oil Industry For 2020

Editorial staff

December 3, 2020

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has won the most outstanding contribution in the industry award as a joint winner at the ongoing 2020 World LNG Virtual Summit and Award.

NLNG emerged the winner alongside Kplerin a nomination group comprising British Petroleum (B.P.), Chart Industries, Natural Gas Company (DEFA), Qatar Petroleum and Sempra LNG. The award was the first of two awarded by summit organiser, DMG Events. According to DMG Events, the Annual LNG Award is awarded to a company from the LNG value chain that has excelled in the previous 12 months and made positive commercial or technical contribution to the LNG business.

NLNG was adjudged to be one of the two bestorganisationsthat have made outstanding contributions to the industryand has shown itself to be an industry leader.

Reacting to the award, Engr. Tony Attah, NLNG’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, said that the company, which represents Nigeria in the industry, has always been a leading champion in the LNG business and has achieved remarkable milestones in 2020.

“In the last 12 months, we have been awarded the Company of the Decade by a reputable media group in Nigeria. We also closed 2019 on an excellent footing with the Final Investment Decision for our Train 7 Project. In early 2020,the Coronavirus pandemic outbreakmeant that everything would grind to a halt for most companies in the world. Not for NLNG. Despite the challenges from the pandemic, the declining energy market and the resultant economic downturn, we stood firmly by our ambition to grow our capacity to actively play a significant role in the energy transition, in readiness for the future.

“The Final Investment Decision (FID) for Train 7 and award of its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts arevery reassuring as they renewed our hope that NLNG will maintain a significant market share in the global gas market and will continue to reap the potential benefits in that market,” he said.

Engr. Attah stated further that the company was inspired by its ambidextrous vision of “being a global company, helping to build a better Nigeria,” which has fuelledits passion to bring real value to Nigerians and keeping the country on the global energy map.

He added that NLNG was also leading the advocacy for gas utilisation in Nigeria through its Domestic LPG and Domestic LNG initiatives. He said theseinitiatives would boost gas utilisation in Nigeria as the energy of the future.

NLNG is owned by four Shareholders; namely, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (49%), Shell Gas B.V. (25.6%), Total Gaz Electricite Holdings France (15%), and Eni International N.A. N. V. S.àr.l (10.4%).

Nigeria Owes Foreign Airlines $53 Million From Ticket Sales – IATA

Editorial staff

December 3, 2020

International Air Transport Association has said that Nigeria is owing foreign airlines the sum of $53 million, which is the proceeds from sales of foreign airlines’ ticket that are trapped in Nigeria due to foreign exchange crunch.

The IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East (AME), Muhammed Albakri, who made this known at the 76th Annual General Meeting of the Association, said that the inability of some international airline had in the past led to the suspension of their operations in Nigeria

Muhammed Albakri said that foreign airlines operating into Nigeria are having difficulties repatriating the fund back to their operational base, adding that Nigeria and other African countries have blocked funds that amounted to $516 million.

“IATA has been at the forefront of the campaign, soliciting governments’ support for the aviation industry in order to salvage the situation.”

It is discovered that Nigeria is not the only country with trapped funds but fourth among 12 others with similar issues. Others African states are Zimbabwe $160 million; Eritrea $79 million; Algeria $54 million; Ethiopia $52 million; Sudan $45 million; Libya $27 million; XAF Zone $27 million; Angola $9 million; Mozambique $6 million; Burundi $3 million and Zambia $1 million.

The IATA’s disclosure is an indication that the airlines could not access foreign exchange due to COVID-19 pandemic, as most countries are struggling economically with its attendant effect on global airline industry.

International airlines are owed $824 million globally and $516 million out of $824 million is in Africa.

Kogi Gov Describes Rural Electrification Boss As Worthy Ambassador Of His Birthplace

Editorial staff

December 3, 2020

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has described Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund as a worthy ambassador of Kogi State.

The Governor who spoke at the official commissioning of solar hybrid mini grid project at Ukpogo Community of Okene local government area, commended the zeal of REA in ensuring that rural communities across Nigeria enjoy steady energy supply through solar power.
The governor, who was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Energy, Hon. Otayite however, called on the agency to extend the community light up project to other deserving rural based facilities across Kogi State, such as the famous Bariki market in Okene with uninterupted solar power for the benefit of the market women.

The REA team has provided a 65kWP Solar Hybrid Mini Grid for the 250-Bed Cottage Hospital in Ukpogo Community of Okene local government and a 5.4kWp Solar Mini Grid for the Government Cottage Hospital, Adavi-Eba in Adavi LGA with the capacity to power most of the hospital equipment round the clock.
Earlier, the team from the rural electrification agency paid a courtesy visit to Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim who lauded the giant strides of President Muhammad Buhari in rural electrification and the rebuilding of the nation’s collapsed infrastructures.
Dr. Ado Ibrahim alongside Community elders and members of Ebira traditional council appreciated the President for appointing a Son of The Soil for such an important task of lighting up Nigerian rural communities.
In his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad assured the community of the agency’s commitment to ensuring all deserving areas benefit from the rural electrification projects.
Engr. Ahmad said that the essence of providing the solar mini grid to the cottage hospitals was to fulfill the federal government’s determination to improving lives at the local communities through steady power supply.
He appealed to the community to protect the facility from vandalization to guarantee better health care delivery to the people of the area.
While appreciating the people for the warm welcome accorded his team, the Executive Director of Rural Electrification Fund, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare said the agency has received approval for the provision of Solar Street lights for some parts of Okene township.

Nigeria Still Faces Huge Infrastructural Deficit, Needs $3 Trillion To Bridge It – Osinbajo

Editorial staff

December 3, 2020

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has admitted that in spite of the Government interventions over the years, Nigeria still faces a huge infrastructural deficit.

He said: “inspite of Government interventions over the years, Nigeria still faces a huge infrastructural deficit, which is constraining rapid economic growth.

“The Federal Government recognizes this fact which is why we are considering other approaches to complement and boost financing for the development and maintenance of infrastructure in Nigeria.
“It is clear that this deficit can only be made up by private investment. Private sector is 92% of GDP while the Public Sector is mere 8%. So, the synergy between the public and private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is really the realistic solution.”
professor Osinbajo, who spoke today December 3 at a webinar organized by Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) on deepening the Nigerian infrastructure stock through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), said: “Nigeria needs up to $3 trillion over the next 30 years to bridge the infrastructure gap.
“The Federal Government would have to spend the entire revised 2020 appropriation of N10.81 trillion continuously for the next 108 years or more on capital expenditure (CAPEX) to meet that target. The fact that only N2.49 trillion was appropriated for capital expenditure in 2020, reflects the importance of deliberate and pragmatic action to boost infrastructural spending.
“It seems to me to be quite clear that the financial outlay and management capability required for infrastructural development and service delivery outstrip the financial and technical resources available to government.
“In other words, the traditional method of building infrastructure through budgetary allocations is inadequate and set to become harder because of increasingly limited fiscal space.”
On the benefits of effectively implementing PPP arrangement for Nigeria, the Vice President explained that if properly designed and executed, PPP models will unlock innovative infrastructure financing and management in a transparent and more efficient manner. Indeed, using PPP frameworks, Nigeria has the potential to attract and benefit immensely from huge local and foreign private sector resources.
On how the Buhari administration is leveraging the partnership with the private sector to bridge the huge infrastructure gap, Professor Osinbajo said: “the Federal Government has recently issued a circular on the administration of PPP projects in the country to provide the much-needed clarity. The circular re-emphasizes that the BPE shall be responsible for the concession of public enterprises and infrastructure already listed in the First and Second Schedules of the Public Enterprises Act.”

Coronavirus Raises Number Of People Living In Extreme Poverty To 32 Million – UN

Editorial staff

December 3, 2020

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said that coronavirus will end up raising the number of people living in extreme poverty will increase by more than 32 million in 2020.

In a report it released today, December 4, UNCTAD said that between October 2019 and October 2020, the economic growth forecast for the least developed countries (LDCs) was revised sharply downwards from 5 to -0.4 per cent.

“This revision is expected to lead to a 2.6 per cent reduction in per capita income in LDCs in 2020, with 43 out of 47 LDCs experiencing a fall in their average income levels.

“This is the worst economic outcome in 30 years for this group of countries, and represents a significant reversal of the economic and social progress achieved in recent years, including in terms of poverty and social outcomes,” the report read.

“The pandemic is also expected to have a dramatic negative impact on global poverty and food insecurity.

“The average poverty headcount ratio in LDCs with a poverty line of $1.90 per day is expected to increase by 3 percentage points — from 32.2 to 35.2 per cent.

“This is equivalent to a rise of over 32 million people living in extreme poverty in the LDCs, and is expected to have the deepest impact on African and island LDCs..”

The UNCTAD said that LDCs were able to cope with the health aspects of the pandemic better than initially predicted due to such specific factors as previous experience with epidemics, measures adopted to counter the pandemic, favorable demographics and low population density.

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