Cost Of Governance In Nigeria Too High, Unsustainable – Revenue Mobilization Boss

November 4, 2020

Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Engineer Elias Mbam, has said that the cost of running government in Nigeria is on a high side and is being reviewed.

Professor Mbam, who spoke today, November 4 when he appeared before the Committee of the Federal House Representatives Committee on Finance, said the commission has started the process of reviewing the existing Revenue Allocation Formula.

“The cost of governance in Nigeria is very high and has continued to be on the increase and this is clearly unsustainable as no country can develop with such a high level of recurrent expenditure.

“Some of the reasons responsible for this include duplication of Agencies of Government with virtually similar functions and responsibilities, corruption, unlimited number of political appointments, wasteful spending; ghost workers syndrome, etc.

“Recommendations to ensure cost reduction include avoiding unnecessary duplications of agencies with similar functions, reduction in number of political appointees to the barest minimum as recommended in the commission’s remuneration package, strict compliance with approved remuneration packages of office holders, and ensuring prudent spending of government funds.”

He complained about the management and operation of special funds like Stabilization Fund, Ecological Fund and Development of Natural Resources Fund for their respective purposes have been a source of concern to the commission because of the absence of an all-embracing management structures to manage the funds.

He said that sometimes, these funds are applied outside the objective of their establishment, saying: “the commission wishes to state that these funds are supposed to be kept in trust by the Federal Government on behalf of the Federation.”

362 Ghost workers Receive N20 Million Monthly Salary In Ekiti State

Editorial staff

November 4, 2020

The Ekiti State Government has uncovered 362 ghost workers receiving a total sum of N20 million monthly in the Local Governments.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Professor Adio Folayan, who spoke today, November 4 while presenting a State Staff Verification Committee report to Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, said: “further screening by the committee revealed that only 362 workers out of the initial figure were clarified to be on the government payroll as of June 2019.

”The committee recommends that all illegal salaries so far earned by the affected workers should be deducted from their pension and gratuity.

”It also recommended that all involved should be prosecuted for fraud, along with anyone or persons identified to be their accomplices.”

The commissioner emphasized on the need for the councils’ Heads of the Department to start enforcing discipline.

”They must introduce schedules of duties to their officers so that errant officers would be punished for any infraction,” he said.

Governor Fayemi, after receiving the report, expressed gratitude to members of the committee for their dedication and promised to look into the recommendations for immediate implementation.

The state government had set up the committee to audit the local government staff towards identifying those who are genuine or fake workers.

Saudi Fine-Tunes Labour Policy To Attract Foreign Talents, Increase Job Opportunities

Editorial staff

November 4, 2020

Saudi Arabia has concluded plans to remove several key restrictions on foreign workers in an overhaul of the kingdom’s controversial labour policies, aimed at attracting foreign talent and increase job market mobility.

In the new policy, according to the deputy minister at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Sattam Alharbi, none indigenes will no longer need their employer’s permission to change jobs, travel abroad or leave the country permanently.

He said that “Runaway” reports that employers can file against foreign workers who stop showing up to their jobs — effectively rendering them fugitives — will be abolished and replaced with a procedure for ending their contract.

Alharbi told newsmen in an interview today, November 4, that the new rules will come into effect on March 14, 2021, and will apply to all foreign workers in the private sector, regardless of salary level.

The changes could have a dramatic effect on Saudi Arabia’s labor market and the lives of the 10.5 million foreign workers who make up about a third of the kingdom’s population.

The current “kafala” or “sponsorship” system, used for expatriates in Gulf Arab countries for decades, has been criticized by human rights groups as a form of indentured servitude. Some economists argue that the system also entrenches a practice of private employers hiring cheaper and more easily-controlled foreign workers who enjoy scant protections, even as Saudi unemployment rises.

“These changes are not small changes — it’s huge,” Alharbi said, explaining that the government had worked on the overhaul for two years. “We aim to achieve more inclusion for Saudis, attract talent, improve the working conditions, make Saudi Arabia’s labor market more dynamic and productive.”

Why ‘Kafala’ Labor Rules Are an Issue in Persian Gulf: QuickTake

Currently, foreign workers are tied to an employment sponsor whose permission they need to move to another job, leave the country on vacation or even to replace a lost ID.

Under the new rules, they will still need to pay for an “exit visa” to leave the country, but they will be able to request it on their own through the government’s “Absher” system, without their employer’s consent. They will also be able to use Absher to request a transfer of sponsorship to another employer, regardless of whether their current employer approves.

The impact of the new rules will depend on how they’re implemented, though, with earlier changes to Saudi labor practices dismissed by human rights groups as insufficient. Several neighboring countries have taken steps to reform kafala without fully ending it. The changes announced on Wednesday won’t apply to Saudi Arabia’s 3.7 million domestic workers, for example — a category of foreigners among the most vulnerable to abuse. However the separate regulations that govern domestic workers are also under review, Alharbi said.

“We are taking another approach to develop the regulation of domestic labor and review the whole process.”

Source: Bloomberg.

Youths Burn Down Church, Pastor’s Houses In Benue

Editorial staff

November 4, 2020

A group of youths have burnt down the Divine Shadow Church belonging to one Prophet Joshua Uhembe and selected buildings of his alleged accomplice, Noah Saka in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State over their purported complicity in the disappearance of male genital organs in community.

The angry youths had last Saturday morning, barricaded major roads in Daudu on Makurdi-Lafia over the incident in the community which hosts a large population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in the state.

A source in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “the youths are angry because they said there had been cases of male sexual organ disappearance in Daudu in the past few weeks. As at the last count, 12 persons have reported the disappearance of their organs and they accused the pastor of conniving with some individuals to perpetrate the act.

“He is said to collect money from victims to restore the missing male organs. That gave everyone the impression that he is working with those behind the missing organs.”

One of the victims, 25 year Francis Nongu who narrated how he lost his manhood in October said he was referred to the pastor who demanded N16,000 to have it restored.

“But uptil today, my manhood is gone. I cannot have a feeling for a woman and the person the pastor used to take away my penis has committed suicide and the police have closed the case,” he lamented.

One of the protesting youths, who identified himself as Aondoungwa, said: “The attitude of the Prophet Uhembe and Noah Saka have put fear in the people, especially men who now find it difficult to move freely for fear of having their penis removed.

“We are surprised that someone who calls himself a man of God will stoop so low to removing private parts of men for ritual purposes.

“The youths have done this to serve as a deterrent to other people who may have such wicked intentions. We believed that if he (Uhembe) is not stopped, he may extend his activities to women.”

The Vice Chairman of Guma LGA, John Onyigbo confirmed the incidence, adding l that the youths decided to go berserk and set ablaze a Church and some buildings belonging to the alleged masterminds of the act.

“There had been cases of penis disappearance in Daudu, particularly, market days. Times, two or three missing organs were reported.

“So the chiefs and community leaders decided to hold a meeting on the case today (Tuesday). Two victims were interviewed and they confirmed this. “Accusing finger was pointed to a man (names withheld) in the process and a pastor was also mentioned who is found to be charging victims N16,000 to restore the organ.

“So, Our Chief now asked the Divisional Police Officer of Daudu to take the two people away. But in the case of the victim standing here (Francis), they could not restore his manhood.

“It was after this that youths went out to burn down all the property that belongs to the sponsor and the church.”

When contacted, the state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development, said: “Some persons were arrested for destruction of public property.”

We Have Evidence On How Nnamdi Kanu Coordinated Killing Of Soldiers In Rivers – Nigerian Army

Editorial staff

November 2, 2020

The Nigerian Army has said that it had evidence to prove that the leader of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu coordinated the attack on and killing of six soldiers in Oyingbo Local Government Area of Rivers State in the aftermath of the recent #EndSARS protest.

A military intelligence source told PRNigeria that there is a viral video clip to show that Nnamdi Kanu commanded members of IPOB to launch coordinating attacks on soldiers and other security personnel during the EndSARS protest.

The officer said “We have all the audio and video clips were the leadership of the proscribed terrorist organization, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in online interactive radio, actively coordinated the attacks against our troops, other security personnel and innocent citizens. He was even mentioning names, identities and locations to be attacked by the followers.

“In one of the audios, Kanu called on his members to ambush and kill all some politicians, soldiers, policemen and destroy properties belonging to the government and top politicians. In Fact, you can hear his voice saying ‘Go and look for weapons and arm yourselves …build weapons, if you don’t have any gun construct one, even ordinary catapult build one, go and use it and destroy them… Anywhere you see Sanwoolu you attack him, Tinubu, his hotel must be burned down….’ We can’t tolerate this!” the officer concluded.

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike while lamenting the destruction caused by suspected IPOB members under the guise of the #EndSARS protest, said the outlawed group killed six soldiers and four policemen in Rivers.

Meanwhile, Kanu has disassociated himself from the report, stating that it was a manipulation of the government to malign his character.

NNPC Impresses Extractives Transparency Body On Publication Of 2019 Audited Account

Editorial staff

November 2, 2020

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI), a multi-stakeholder coalition that promotes extractives transparency and accountability in over 50 countries, has commended the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, for his commitment to promote and deepen the culture of transparency and accountability in the Corporation.

In a letter addressed to Kyari, the EITI’s Executive Director, Mark Robinson said: “the NNPC has set a good example and could lead in championing transparency for other NOCs in Africa.”

He commended NNPC’s commitment to the EITI Principles, even as it invites Mallam Kyari to speak at its virtual workshop on the topic: “Learning from Mainstreaming Disclosure Efforts” next month. The workshop will explore further opportunities for making the systematic disclosure of extractive data the norm.

The EITI welcomed NNPC’s recent transparency efforts, such as the monthly publication of its Financial and Operations Reports since 2016 as well as recent publication of the Corporation’s 2018 and 2019 Audited Financial Statements (AFS).

“These efforts demonstrate the corporation’s continued commitment to openness in its business dealings.”

According to Robinson, a review of the group’s Audited Financial Statement shows that NNPC has reduced its losses by 99.7% from N803 billion in 2018 to N1.7 billion in 2019 which is attributable to a huge increase in profit from the operations of the subsidiaries.

“This is an indication of good practice and commitment to principles of transparency and accountability.”

In its letter, the EITI affirmed its support for the NNPC in tailoring monthly financial and operations reports and financial statements in line with the EITI Standard and Expectations for EITI supporting companies.

It highlighted the opportunity for the NNPC to champion discussions on upstream contract disclosure in Nigeria.

Mallam Kyari had made opening the books of the Corporation a cardinal aspect of its management under its Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE) Initiative which he launched on assumption of office in July, 2019.

EndSARS: It’s Time To Move From Street Protests To Negotiation Table, Buhari Advises Youths

Editorial staff

November 2, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigeria youths to end street protests and participate in meaningful discussions with government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.

The President, who spoke yesterday, November 1, at the maiden National Youth Day celebration which coincided with the African Youth Day celebration, remarked: “you must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.

”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.

”Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.

”It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.

”As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavour.”

President Buhari, whose message was delivered at the occasion by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, expressed his strong opposition to the wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people.

”No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.

”It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.

”To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy, and faith in the innate goodness of our people.

”This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge.”

The President described Nigerian youths as agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development, adding that his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives aimed at empowering youths across the country.

He said that these noble initiatives, ongoing in the last five years, were aimed at placing Nigerian youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills development and direct employment.

”Today we will unveil the official logo of the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.

”This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise.”

The President announced that over one million applications have already been received since the Youth Investment Fund Portal went live on 12th of October 2020.

He listed other youth-based initiatives, consistent with his administration’s policy of positioning youths for strategic leadership in different fields of endeavour, as follows:

”The birth of the Nigerian Youth Policy in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund in July 2020, Young Farmers Initiative, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership/Mentoring (DEEL) programme, which recently received an approval of N4 billion naira for implementation, and the Not Too Young to Run Act.”

Other initiatives, according to the President, include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) , the N-Power, SI and Disaster Management, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme , Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) and the Youth Enterprise with Innovation In Nigeria (YouWIN).

The President also added the $20 million Technology Fund for Young Innovators as some of the major initiatives empowering youths across the country.

Buhari restated his call for national unity, even as he said that Nigerian youths are better positioned to drive the indivisibility of Nigeria and collectively overcome whatever challenges bedevilling the nation.

”On this special occasion, we affirm our faith and confidence in the indivisible entity called Nigeria and in its future.

”We face many challenges but, in you, this nation has the collective ability and drive to overcome that which confronts us.”

At the event with the theme: ”Invest in the Youth, Secure Our Future”, the winners of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development organised 60-day App Challenge and Youth Innovators were recognised and received cash rewards.

Vandalism, Looting, Traditional Ruler Asks Cross River Gov To Resign

Editorial staff

November 2, 2020

Edidem Ekpo Otu, Obong of Calabar, has asked Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River state, to step aside, Daily Trus reports.

According to the newspaper, the prominent traditional ruler blamed Ayade for the vandalism, looting and destruction of public and private property in the state last week.

He reportedly said the governor needs to step aside to enable an interim administration come up so that he can learn governance.

The Obong spoke when Liyel Imoke, a former governor of the state, paid homage to him

“He (Ayade) has not been holding security meeting regularly. This thing would not have happened if he had called the security people together after hearing what happened in Lagos and other places; If he had called them together and tell them, look my friends; nothing should happen in my state,” he said.

“The Governor should be able to open his door for people to come in, and should work with everybody. We have to face it; we don’t need to play around with it; we cannot continue this way. You tell him that there is a need for total reconciliation; a total rehabilitation of whatever he has been doing.

“Everybody matters in this state. He should be able to talk to people. He wouldn’t call you and even when you call him, he doesn’t answer the call. Nobody talks to him.”

Speaking earlier, Imoke told the Obong that he thought it wise to seek the help and cooperation of the traditional institution in finding a way out of the problem.

He said he was directly affected by the crisis which trailed the #EndSARS protests between October 23 and October 24.

The former governor’s wife, Obioma, lost items in her shop, which was vandalised by suspected hoodlums.

“We came to get some advice from you before we even set out to look for solutions, to ensure that never happens again in Cross River State,” he told the monarch.

“We need your guidance as we go about looking for solutions to the challenge of young people who are unemployed and have grievances; young people who think they don’t have the opportunities others have had.

“We do not understand the extent of the carnage. We are all victims of this incident. If you were not hit directly, you were hit indirectly. For me, I was hit directly. So were very many public officials. They were also hit directly.”

TheCable

UN Picks Nigeria Police Woman For “Police Officer Of The Year” Award

Editorial staff

October 31, 2020

The United Nations (UN) has picked a Nigerian policewoman on foreign mission in Mali, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ugorji for the prestigious UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award for 2020 in recognition of her selfless service.

CSP Ugorji, who is serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), has been selected by the United Nations as one of two runners-up for the award.

The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations in the UN, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who made the announcement today, October 31, said: “through both her words and actions, United Nations Police Officer Ugorji exemplifies the best of United Nations policing.”

Only 21 of the 1,300 UN policewomen deployed in UN peacekeeping operations were said to have been nominated for the award with Ugorji emerging among the top three.

The year’s winner, Chief Inspector Doreen Malambo of Zambia, who serves with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), is billed to receive the award during a virtual ceremony presided over by Mr. Lacroix on November 3.

Superintendent Rebecca Nnanga of Cameroon, serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), is the other runner-up.

Trump Salutes Brave American Warriors Who Rescued American Hostage In Nigeria

Editorial staff

October 31, 2020

President Donald Trump has commended the American soldiers for their bravery in rescuing American hostage in Nigeria.

In a tweet today, October 31, President Trump wrote: “last night, our Country’s brave warriors rescued an American hostage in Nigeria. Our Nation salutes the courageous soldiers behind the daring nighttime rescue operation and celebrates the safe return of yet another American citizen!”

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