Senate President Declares Vacant, Seats Of Bayelsa Governor, Deputy

February 21, 2020

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has declared the seats of Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts vacant, following the election of their occupants as governor and deputy governor of Bayelsa state.

The governor, Senator Diri Douye represented Bayelsa Central while his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo represented Bayelsa West.
Speaking at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) today, February 21 in Abuja, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the electoral umpire would soon pick dates for the conduct of a by-election to fill the two seats.
“In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court, the Commission has presented Certificates of Return in respect of the Governorship elections in Imo and Bayelsa States.
“In the case of Bayelsa State, both the Governor and Deputy Governor were serving Senators. Consequently, the Commission yesterday Thursday 20th February 2020 received two communications from the Senate President declaring the seats for Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts vacant.
“The Commission will soon meet to determine the dates for by-elections in the two Senatorial Districts.”

Jail Fathers Who Allow Their Children To Beg On The Streets – Emir Of Kano

Editorial staff

February 21, 2020

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, is seeking for a jail term for irresponsible fathers, especially those who send their children to beg on the streets in the name of Almajiri system.

Muhammadu Sanusi, who is former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, in keynote address today, February 20, at the Joint National Conference in Abuja, of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Future Assured Initiative, advised men to take full responsibility for their marriages, especially in economic terms, by marrying only when they can take care of a wife and bear only children they can cater for.

The joint conference is themed: “Repositioning the Muslim Family for National Development.”

The Emir challenged State Governors and States Houses of Assemblies to make laws which will regulate some of the vices such as Out of School Children, Almajiri system, divorces and drug issues in the society.

“I will suggest that henceforth any man who wants to divorce his wife should be ready to leave the house for her and the children. I am advocating that men should send their children to go and beg for alms instead let man go and beg to feed the children.”
Emir Muhammad Sanusi suggested that Almajiris should not be arrested in the streets, arguing that their fathers should instead be made to face the music.

Soldiers Kill 3 ISWAP Boko Haram Commanders, Wound Many In Aerial Onslaught

Editorial staff

February 20, 2020

The Nigerian soldiers have, in a combined aerial bombing and ground assault, killed three top commanders of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram terrorists in parts of Borno State.

Intelligence sources said that the devastating air raids by the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole led to the killing of ISWAP Naval and War Commanders with many of the terrorists’ fighters wounded, adding that as a result of the ground and air operations, a large number of the insurgents are currently fleeing Baga Town.

According to the sources, the insurgents are fleeing in droves in fear of the offensive by government security, saying that in fleeing they vandalized machines and boats in the area.

“Hundreds of wounded terrorists sustained during the recent air raid are currently receiving treatment under International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC) trampoline at Tudun Wulgo.”

It was gathered that the three Boko Haram/ISWAP Commanders were killed in the air attack carried out on Kirta and Wulga camps of the terrorists.

The Commanders killed include the new Naval commander of the ISWAP, Malam Abubakar Dangurmai. He was the newly appointed Naval Commander that coordinated the operations of their flying boats.

Others are Amir Malik a Buduma by tribe and a war commander who led foot soldiers to war amongst others; and Malam Mohammad a Shuwa Arab by tribe from Kala Balge town who appeared with the rank of a captain in the group and also a war commander also among those killed. But when contacted on why they are treating Boko Haram suspects, an official of ICRC said it is within their policy and acknowledged in the international law to treat all the wounded in the war including civilians and combatants.

“Our major objective is to treat the wounded without discrimination. So we first see human being needing medical attention and not terrorists. However, it doesn’t stop the law from taking its cause if such a combatant had violated the law.”

Source: PRNigeria.

Concentrate On Family Values, Buhari Begs Religious Leaders, Preachers

Editorial staff

February 20, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Christian and Muslim leaders, and preachers to give more attention to issues that strengthen the family towards building value-added society.

Speaking today, February 20, at the Joint National Conference of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Future Assured Initiative on Repositioning the Muslim Family for National Development, President Buhari said the family provides the bedrock for any society, and deserved more attention in Nigeria.

“In this endeavour, our religious leaders and organizations are most important catalyst. They are the custodians of our values and of our social ideals. It is therefore, commendable that the Nigerian Supreme Council in collaboration with the Future Assured Initiative has risen up to this challenge.

“I, however, wish to call on all our religious leaders and organizations, both Christian and Muslim, to follow suit by redirecting important elements of their preaching and teachings on family issues with a view to broadening the sensitization of people at the grassroots level.”

The President said the government would also put more effort in ensuring economic support, and empowering of family members for more stability.

“We have been conscious of the havoc poverty is wreaking on the family. We therefore believe that poverty alleviation is central to safeguarding the integrity of our families.

“Our administration introduced a number of economic empowerment and poverty alleviation schemes. Some of these directly impact on families while others have indirect effect on families through their multiplier effects.

“The first, and most robust programme, is the Social Investment Programme, which serves as a very broad framework for availing Nigerian families at the grassroots level different forms of economic support.”

According to President Buhari, many homes have benefitted from the Conditional Cash Transfer, while trader-moni and market-moni schemes have also been impactful.

“The school feeding programme has assisted immensely in supporting poor Nigerian families in getting their children enrolled and sustained in school.”

On flagging-off of marriage counselling projects across the country, President Buhari noted that the search for national rebirth, efforts at fighting corruption, indiscipline and struggle for attitudinal change must all begin from the family unit.

“While we appreciate the significant role of the mass media and other public enlightenment channels and outfits in propagating and promoting positive values, we just have to acknowledge the fact that all these build, after all, upon the foundations that must have been laid down at home.”

The President said that most of the challenges affecting the family fall within the mandates and jurisdictions of the state governments, urging the governments to rise up to the challenges and do their full parts in the effort for social regeneration.

Buhari commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and Future Assured Initiative, under the leadership of the First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, for the projects on marriage and family.

This was even as the First Lady said that the project will identify critical marriage challenges and suggest relevant instruments for addressing them, which include sensitizing relevant stakeholders on their responsibilities.

“We have succeeded in assembling an array of Islamic scholars to further deliberate on these matters, with the belief that they will do justice to the issues.”

The Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, said the Universal Basic Education should be fully implemented to compel parents to send their children to school, assuring that the National Assembly will work with the Executive to ensure compliance.

The Long Talked About Year 2020 Is Here, What Have We Achieved, Ooni Of Ife Asks

Editorial staff

February 20, 2020

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has reminded the government that the much talked year 2020 for the attainment of vision which dominated the air 20 years ago is now here and asked: “what have we achieved.”

Oba Adeyeye Enitan said: “we are all aware of vision 2020 that was launched in the mid 90s. We all felt 2020 was long but ladies and gentlemen, we are now in 2020 and it will soon be over: what have we achieved in the last 20 years we have been talking about the same problem.”

The Ooni, who spoke today, February 20 at the Joint National Conference of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Future Assured Initiative on Repositioning the Muslim Family for National Development

stressed that there is a problem in the country “and we should face it. Enough of us talking and talking. we should all join hands to walk the talk.

“The problem of Almajiri is not just a problem of a particular section of this country, is a problem of each and everyone of us.

“Like the Emir of Kano said, we shouldn’t blame them, we should blame those that brought them to this world, it is very important we look at other ways and means of how to better the lot of their lives.”

He recalled that in 2010 during the campaign which he was privileged to be part of, “we were welcome by a mammoth crowd but at the end of it, Mr. President asked us what we saw on their faces, we answered joy, happiness, hope but he said no. He said he saw on their faces was that immediate solution has come for them.

“So I am not surprised for this initiative of the First Lady talking about finding solution to this our problem and Mr. President insistence on being part of it because this has been his passion for a very long time right back to 2010.

“Enough of us talking, deliberating on it, it is now time to talk solutions.

“Few solutions I will proffer one: I am happy the Senate President is here, we need to promulgate laws will force fathers to be very responsible for their children.

“We can even link it to BVN, today everything is digitalised, we have to link children to those irresponsible fathers, producing children that are becoming menace to the society.

“It is time they take responsibility for their actions, if you cannot confiscate their assets, confiscate their bank accounts, make life miserable for them, make life unpalatable for them so that they will be very serious about take issue of birth control seriously.

“Secondly, in our religious centers, it is good to revere God but we have to look at things differently. Nigeria has a peculiar problem and requires peculiar solution. I suggest we have economic initiatives that our people can engage in after prayers that will provide solutions to the problems. If you pray alone without anything to back it up, it is tantamount to destroying a particular community. “It is not only about prayer but about what value you are providing.

“Thirdly, thank God for diversification. For the oil that has been discovered in the north, compel those player in that field that you will take some from their hand to develop those assets, so that you will spread development in the north. It is not all about roads, rails, we have to support education.

“Most of those sympathetic to Boko Haram probably think they are doing business, they may not really know what they are doing but we should continue to give them that exposure, that orientation and let them know they have a very important part to play in nation building.”

Imo In Financial Distress, Gov Uzodinma Begs Buhari To Intervene

Editorial staff

February 20, 2020

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has landed in Aso Rock presidential villa Abuja with cap in hand, begging President Muhammadu Buhari to save his state from collapse financially.

Governor Uzodinma, who spoke to newsmen today, February 20 shortly after a visit to the President, said: “Imo State, you know, is not solvent. Imo State is financially distressed, the roads are so bad, security situation is rough, education is backward and a lot of things to do and we don’t have the money.

“So I have come to request the kind intervention of Mr. President to at least refund some monies spent on some of the Federal roads in Imo State before my arrival so that we can address some pressing issues like pension arrears, salary areas so that we can get back the people, recover the people first before we begin to talk of infrastructure.”

The governor said that though consultants are still working on the exact figure but that so far, “we have computed the monies in the neighborhood of N32 billion and my first application to Mr. President, I articulated those ones that will have prior approval before construction and a total sum of N12 billion has been recorded and I have submitted the request and in his magnanimity, he has assured me that he will look into it very considerably.”

He said that wherever the money he is requesting for can take the state government to, it will be a lift even if for palliative purposes.

“Whatever we will be able to achieve with whatever intervention given to us by Mr. President, it does not necessarily mean that all those monies owed to us will be given to us.”

The governor said that he would be wasting time and the few resources at his disposal to be looking for who and what caused financial hopelessness of the state.

“However, whatever may be the case, we will be prudent in the way we manage whatever will be given to us in terms of intervention.

“Today is not for me to begin to discuss the activities of past administrations: time will come when we shall discuss in a very holistic manner that you will get every information you need.”

He promised to look into how to make the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) worthwhile, saying: “we will look for what are the peculiarities on ground and do those things that will be over tasking the citizens for the purposes of raising money.

“We will do what will be a win win situation between the government and the people of Imo State in such a manner that those who are paying the money will not suffer from harsh environment. It will be willing to support the government and government also will not be losing monies.

“For instance, if you have these petty traders, people whose incomes are between zero to one hundred thousand nara a month, running after them to pay tax, for me it does not make any strong sense. We should look at our tax regimes and policies and see how we can get a review to some of them.”

Aso Rock Director Killed By Yahoo Boys For Reporting Them To Police – Investigation

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2020

Information faltering in has zeroed the gruel murder of an Aso Rock presidential villa Assistant Director, Administration, 47 years old Ms. Laetitia Dagan Naankang, to some criminal elements known as ‘Yahoo boys.’
According to investigation by THISDAY newspaper, Ms. Laetitia discovered that her environs in Lokogoma, in the Abuja municipal, was surrounded by ‘yahoo boys’ which made her uncomfortable and told some of her friends that she was contemplating to relocate.
It was also learnt that out of concern over the presence of the boys, she opted to report them to the police, but that the police freed the suspects shortly after they were arrested.
It was learnt that information was later leaked to the assailants that it was Ms Naankang that reported them to the police, and in a revenge mission, they resolved to subject Naankang to an agonising death.
She was said to have first been tied in her apartment before they strangled her to death and set the objects she was tied to ablaze.
It was learnt that her gateman who was suspected to be an accomplice in the sad incident had been arrested and provided useful information that could help in tracking the killers.
It was also gathered that one of the killers took the deceased’s mobile telephone, mistaken it for his and left his own telephone in the crime scene.
It is believed that the telephone will assist the police in tracking down the killers.
The deceased, who hailed from Plateau State, according to a statement by the Deputy Director of Information, Attah Esa, on Tuesday, worked in her State House office on Monday till 8pm, only to be gruesomely murdered in her apartment at 11pm by unknown persons.

Imo: PDP Chairman Insists Supreme Court Was Wrong And Will Reverse Self

Editorial staff

February 19, 2020

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Part (PDP), Uche Seconds has reiterated that the supreme court was wrong in it’s ruling on the Imo State governorship legal tussle and that the party will retrieve it.

Secondus stressed that there are several grounds upon which PDP is relying to ‘retrieve’ its mandate in the State.
Speaking to newsmen today, February 18 in Abuja, the PDP National Chairman expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would review and reverse the judgment which declared Hope Uzodinma the winner of the last governorship election in Imo State.
He insisted that the number of votes cast was higher than the number of accredited voters, adding that the apex court Justices were misled by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Uzodinma.
Secondus alleged that Uzodinma and APC fraudulently obtained the verdict.
“Both Uzodinma and the APC fraudulently misled the Supreme Court into believing that 213,495 votes were unlawfully excluded from the votes they scored in the governorship election, which was held on March 9, 2019.
“If the lies told the Supreme Court are allowed to stay, then the total number of votes cast at the election will be more than the total number of voters accredited for the election. This cannot stay. We do not need to set a bad precedence.
“The number of voters accredited for the election was 823,743 while the total valid votes cast was 731,485.
“Therefore, the inclusion of 213,695 votes for both the APC and Uzodinma would make the number of votes cast to be more than the number of accredited number of voters for the election.”
The Supreme Court had yesterday adjourned the hearing of former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha and PDP’s application, to review its earlier verdict on the governorship election until March 2, 2020.
Ihedioha and PDP had urged the apex court among others to reverse its judgment on January 14 which sacked him and replaced him with Uzodinma.

Nigeria Plans Agricultural Processing Zone In Each Senatorial District

Editorial staff

February 19, 2020

The Nigerian government is to establish agricultural processing zones in each Senatorial district across the country.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, who spoke to newsmen today, February 18 on the activities of his Ministry in the past 100 days, said that he had briefed Cabinet on the same issue, during the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari,

“We briefed Council on how far in implementing the priorities of government and basically we elaborated on one of the priorities given to our Ministry is the activation of the private sector led special economic zones.

“That already is in progress, with regards to one issue that has been in the headlines lately, is the establishment of agricultural processing zones in each Senatorial District.

“The Ministry is already working on that. We have employed consultants who are now going round and looking at each of the Senatorial Districts, with a view to knowing what agricultural processing zone will be set up in each Senatorial zone.”

The Minister further said government is working to ensure that it provides credit to investors, through the Bank of Industry.

According to him, N10 million medium and small-scale enterprises would benefit from the proposed credit scheme.

He said that the country intends to raise $500 million form the African Development Bank for technological innovation in the country.

Federal, States And Local Govts Share N647.29 Billion For January

Editorial staff

February 19, 2020

The Federal, States and Local Governments have shared a total of N647.35 billion for the month of January as the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The N647.35 billion shared is 9.63 per cent lower than the N716. 29 billion shared in December 2019. Mr Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, made the announcement while briefing newsmen after the meeting.
He said the reduction in the allocation was due to what was provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for the month.
Isa-Dutse said the FIRS had explained that the shortfall of revenue was due to the reduction in economic activities which usually occurs in January, adding that revenue generation would improve as the months go by.
He said the N647.35 billion comprised Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Exchange Gain, Non-Oil Revenue and Excess Bank Charges recovered. The permanent secretary said as at Feb. 19, the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $71.81 million. Isa-Dutse said: “The gross statutory revenue for the month of January 2020 was N525.25 billion. This is lower than the N600.31 billion received in the previous month by N75.06 billion. “For the month of January 2020, the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N104.75 billion as against N114.80 billion in the previous month, resulting in a decrease of N10.04 billion. Exchange Gain yielded a total revenue of N1.04 billion, while the Non-Oil revenue was N16.29 billion.”
He said from the N647. 35 billion, the federal government got N267.38 billion, the state governments received N176.92 billion, and the local government councils received N132.94 billion.
Isa-Dutse said the Oil Producing States received N46.19 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue and the Revenue Generating Agencies received N23.90. billion as cost of revenue collection.
According to a communique released by FAAC, a breakdown of the distribution showed that from the gross statutory revenue of N525.25 billion, the federal government received N243.70 billion, the state governments received N123.61 billion and the local government councils received N95.29 billion.
“Also, the Oil Producing States received N46.07 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue and the Revenue Collecting Agencies received N16.56 billion as cost of collection. From the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N104.75, the federal government received N14.61 billion and the state governments received N48.71 billion. The local government councils received N34.09 billion and the revenue generating agencies received N7.33 billion as cost of revenue collection. From the Exchange Gain revenue of N1.044 billion, the federal government received N0.48 billion, the state governments received N0.24 billion, the local government councils got N 0.19 billion and the oil producing states got N0.12 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue.
“From the Non-Oil revenue of N16.29 billion, the federal government got N8.58 billion, the State Governments got N4.35 billion, the local government councils got N3.35 billion, ” it said.
The communique confirmed that for the month of January 2020, there was a significant increase in Import Duty revenue while Companies Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Oil and Gas Royalties and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) recorded decreases.
Source: NAN.

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