Vice President Osinbajo Police Escort Dies In Accident

March 13, 2020

Police escort riders on the Vice President’s convoy, 45 year old Inspector Ali Gomina, has been reported dead.

A statement today, March 13, by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande said that Ali Gomina died in a road accident while on official duty today.

He said that the accident occurred on the road to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

“The Vice President, who is greatly saddened by this occurrence, has aborted the *scheduled* trip.

“The Vice President described Gomina as a diligent, hardworking and serious-minded officer who will be greatly missed by the team. He is survived by his wife, children and relatives.

Gov El-Rufai Greets Deposed Emir Sanusi In Awe

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2020

Governor Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai of Kaduna State today, March 13, paid a visit on the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, in his new abode in Awe, Nasarawa State. The two have been childhood friends.

Governor el-Rufai had since offered two important appointments to the the deposed Emir, few hours after he was dethroned and banished from Kano by the government of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

One of such appointments was as Chancellor of the Kaduna State University.

Immigration Begins Recruitment Soon – Official

March 13, 2020

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will soon begin recruitment of fresh staff.

The Service Public Relations Officer, Sunday James, who made this known today, March 13 in a statement in Abuja said that the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has approved the recruitment.

James said that the recruitment was approved by the board under its Chairman and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

“The recruitment is going to be on for four weeks from the date of publication. Members of the public are advised to make use of the opportunity and apply,“ he said.
He advised the public against patronising fraudulent websites, pointing out that the authentic platform for the exercise is www.nisrecruitment.org.ng
“The public are therefore advised to abide by the rules for the recruitment and note that it is free.

BREAKING: Let Sanusi Go, Court Rules On Deposed Kano Emir’s Banishment

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2020

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the release of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, from detention in Awe, a town in Nasarawa State, where he was banished to following his dethronement on Monday.

The interim order following an ex parte application moved by his lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) today, March 13.

The judge also ordered that the order for the release of the deposed monarch should be served on the respondents to the application.

The respondents to the application are, the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu; the Director-General of the Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi; the Attorney-General of Kano State, Ibrahim Muktar, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The judge fixed March 26 for further hearing in the case.

Alleged Attack On Buhari In Kebbi, Handiwork Of Malicious Ones – Presidency

Greenbarge Reporters

March 13, 2020

The presidency has dismissed the news making the rounds, with a video clips about a man who attacked President Muhammadu Buhari in Kebbi State as the handiwork of malicious people.

“Malicious people always twist things to give a negative narrative. But they simply dash their heads against the wall. The country moves on.”

In a statement today, March 13, special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that what happened was that after the President had declared open the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival in the state, he was going round the arena to inspect rice pyramids on display, and take photographs with farmers, when a young man, so very excited to see his President so close, made an attempt to get to him.

Adesina explained that World over, such attitude of trying to get to the president with excitement would not be allowed by security details.

“The young man was prevented, and he protested that he should be allowed to greet his President.”

The Presidential spokesman wondered that just after the incident, “professional contortionists are making mischief of the event. They are passing the video clip off on social media as an attempt to attack the President.

“Malicious people always twist things to give a negative narrative. But they simply dash their heads against the wall. The country moves on.”

First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Campaigns For Tax Incentives For Private Hospitals

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has embarked on campaign for a review of the interest rates associated with loans from both commercial and development banks for the establishment of private hospitals in Nigeria, and the provision of appropriate incentives.

Speaking today, March 12, when she received in audience, the Guild of Medical Directors, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, Aisha Buhari observed that private hospitals are playing a strategic complementary role through the provision of social services that benefit millions of Nigerians.

She therefore emphasized the need for tax incentives to be extended to them to enable them reduce the cost of healthcare. This was even as she commended the patriotic zeal with which doctors carry out their duties, in some cases even at the cost of their lives.

She called for a one minute silence for the repose of the soul of the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh who lost her life while saving an Ebola patient in Lagos and two other doctors that died while saving the life of a Lassa fever victim in Kano, saying that they displayed a high sense of patriotism.

Aisha Buhari also used the opportunity of the visit to call on Nigerians to be vigilant and observe the stringent prevention and control measures against the novel corona virus (Covid 19), which has become a pandemic, saying;

“We are meeting today at a time when the entire world is being confronted by the novel Corona Virus covid-19 Pandemic and I would like to use this opportunity to urge you all to be vigilant and to observe the appropriate infection prevention and control measures for your safety and that of others.”

Speaking earlier, President of the Guild, Professor Femi Babalola commended the First Lady for making universal and qualitative healthcare as one of her top priorities, especially the reduction of neonatal and maternal mortality, which she carries out through the Future Assured Programme.

Professor Babalola spoke of the challenges hindering the practitioners from optimal provision of universal health care for the teeming masses, which he said, include non- recognition of private hospitals as an essential arm of the healthcare structure in Nigeria, multiple and excessive taxation and lack of access to reasonable credit facilities. He recommended the establishment of a special private healthcare intervention fund to cater for the services of private hospitals.

United Bank For Africa Launches Campaigns Against Bank Scammers

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has come up with what it called LEO to assist its customer battle bank scammers.

A promotional statement by the bank, which confessed that the scammers are already losing out said: “they are no longer smiling at all.”

It however warned: “they keep coming up with creative ways to steal your money. So, everybody ‘kaaku’ and be one step ahead. No time to lose guard.”

The bank made it clear to its customers that “scammers can’t scam you without your permission. They always need you to give them your account information. That’s why someone will call you on a Sunday posing as your bank and asking for your bank details. Mtscheww!

“Even if it’s almost certain that na your bank call you, immediately you feel uncomfortable with any question, flip the switch. Ask them why they need that information. Put them on the spot. After all, you worked hard for your money. When in doubt, end the call and contact our Customer Fulfillment Center.

“Stay sharp! Make sure you look out for the verified tick on Facebook or use the right number before you transact with Leo. Don’t fall for the tricks of fraudsters. You shouldn’t allow one random person steal your hard-earned money.”

Economy: I Admit Challenges Still Remain – President Buhari

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that despite some successes his government has achieved in the socio-economic development of the country so far, challenges still exist to be tackled.

“Apart from the successes we have recorded, I admit that challenges do remain. Given our dependence on crude oil revenues for close to 60 percent of government revenues, the recent decline in crude oil prices affects our ability to meet the infrastructure and human capital needs.”

The President, who spoke at a dinner held after the conclusion of The Going For Growth 2:0 Roundtable Session at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that with annual population rates, the government is being forced to continue to support growth in sectors that have the ability to absorb the employment needs of our growing population.

“With our vast arable land as well as population, ample room for growth exist in our agriculture and manufacturing sectors.”

President Buhari appreciated the continued collaboration with the private sector, stressing that the recommendations provided at the roundtable session on ways in which the private sector can support growth in key sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, ICT, and Finance are necessary if the country is to achieve double digit growth of its economy.

“I assure you that this government would pay close attention to your recommendations, as part of our efforts towards developing policies and programs that will enable improved economic growth and creation of jobs.”

CBN Vows To Punish Rumour Mongers About Naira Devaluation,

Greenbarge Reporters

March 12, 2020

The Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) has begun a robust and coordinated investigation in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and related agencies to uncover the unscrupulous persons and FX dealers who are going about spreading rumours that it is on the verge of devaluing the Naira, thereby triggering panic in the FX Market.

The apex bank made it clear that the full weight of its rules and regulations will be meted out to those responsible for the rumours, including, but not limited to, being charged for economic sabotage.

A statement from the bank insisted that the rumours are false, unwarranted and calculated to serve their dubious and selfish ends.

“We therefore wish to state as follows:

We have begun a robust and coordinated investigation in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and related agencies to uncover the unscrupulous persons and FX dealers who are creating this panic, and the full weight of our rules and regulations will be meted out to them, including, but not limited to, being charged for economic sabotage;
For nearly four years, the CBN has successfully maintained relative stability in all segments of the foreign exchange market, which has enabled investors, households and other economic agents to plan and to conduct their genuine foreign exchange transactions with relative ease;
The introduction of several foreign exchange management measures side-by-side with complementary interventions in food production and manufacturing has drastically reduced food importation, which hitherto constituted a large chunk of the pressure on the foreign exchange market;
Although the outbreak of the Coronavirus led to global economic slowdown, fall in the price of crude oil, and less inflow of dollars into Nigeria, the associated public health concerns have also led to factory closures in China, substantial drop in imports, widespread travel restrictions around the world, and cancellation of many conferences, sporting events, business travels, and FX orders;
The size of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves remains robust and comfortable, given the current realities of Nigeria’s genuine and legitimateFX demand. As such, the CBN remains able and willing to meet all genuine demand for foreign exchange for legitimate transactions; and
For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN is also working with the fiscal authorities to properly and accurately dimension the immediate and expected impacts of the Coronavirus in order to respond comprehensively and at the same time, ensure a sound and stable financial system conducive for job creation and inclusive growth.”

The statement emphasized that in light of current circumstances and macroeconomicfundamentals, the CBN has not devalued the Naira.

It said that the CBN will invoke the full weight of applicable sanctions on any persons and authorized dealers found to be involved in such disruptive and speculative market behavior.

Sultan Abubakar Unhappy With Insincerity Of Christian Leaders In Nigeria

Editorial staff

March 12, 2020

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed sadness over what he called insincerity of the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian leaders, that Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the northern parts, are being persecuted and denied certain privileges because of their faith.

Sa’ad Abubakar, who spoke today, March 12 at the first quarterly meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting in Abuja, expressed concerns over the level of sincerity and commitment by members of NIREC to religious peace and tolerance in Nigeria.

The Sultan, who was apparently responding to recent prayer protests by CAN and Catholic Bishops against what they perceived as deliberate attempts by state and non state actors to eliminate Christians in northern Nigeria, said: “it pains me when we gather at NIREC or other meetings and agreed on measures that would promote religious peace, unity and tolerance. But shortly after, you will begin to hear stories of persecution here and there.

“If we go out shouting, marching, dancing and singing that people of a particular religion are being persecuted and killed, you also forgot people of other religions are also affected in the killings by same enemies of the state.

“We must not allow terrorists to come in between us and divide us. If we mistakenly do, then we are finished. There is nothing wrong with any religious organisation marching on the street to call for God’s interventions in a particular issue. But we shouldn’t make show of such things because we want to be visible and therefore bring more problems to the nation.

“We have been reading and hearing reports about persecution of Christians in Nigeria and I keep asking myself, how? Christians are being killed, Muslims are also being killed and they are all lives created by God.

“For me there is no persecution of anybody in this country. If you claim there is persecution of Christians in Nigeria, there would also be claims of persecution of Muslims, but that would not solve the problem.

“People claim they are denied places to build Mosque, Churches in some parts of the country. But the right thing to do in such case is to approach relevant authorities and not to make claims of persecution.

“I can quote from now till the next 100 years, of things that have been done or not done to Muslims, but we usually approach relevant authorities in ways that we believe would bring solutions to the problems”.

Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, insisted that there is nothing like persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the north, as claimed by some religious leaders.
He appealed to religious leaders to be properly guided in their utterances and not to make statements that would incite the people against themselves.

He reminded them of their positions as religious leaders with massive influence and loyalty from Nigerians, appealing to them to use their positions to preach peace and unity among Nigerians irrespective of religious belief.

“Nigeria has recently experienced several challenges including a spike in banditry, insurgency, kidnappings, killings and drugs abuse. It’s time for review of approach and strategy for improved result.”

The SGF reminded them that no religion, community or business will be speared if Nigeria goes up in flames even as he insisted on joint efforts by both religions to strengthen peace and unity in Nigeria.

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