Rice Farmers Support Border Closure To Stem $400 Million Loss To Rice Smuggling

August 30, 2019

Rice Processors Association of Nigeria(RIPAN) has thrown its weight behind the government of President Muhammadu Buhari over the closure of Nigeria’s border, especially with the Republic of Benin aimed at stemming the possible loss of over $400 million to rice smuggling if the over one million metric tonnes of the commodity is allowed to enter the country from that country.
National Chairman of RIPAN, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Maifata and his vice-chairman, Paul Eluhaiwe told news men today, August 29 in Abuja after an intensive border and port survey by the association, that at present, about half a million metric tonnes of the commodity have already been booked in Thailand for onward journey to Nigeria preparatory to the Christmas season.
This, according to the chairman, would no doubt have a ripple effect on rice processors in the country as their activities would be hampered if this impending illegal importation is not checked with the attendant colossal loss of over $400 million.
According to him, the closure of the Nigerian Benin Republic border would go a long way to curb the menace of rice smuggling so that local producers would have a breather, adding that the association supports the current border closure by the government.
Economic Confidential recalls early this year when RIPAN cried out to the federal government that despite concrete and visible interventions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) via the Anchors Borrowers Programme (ABP) on the rice sub-sector of the Nigerian economy, over 70 percent of rice in Nigeria markets remain foreign or imported.
RIPAN and other stakeholders had in a three-week survey on the rice market across the six geopolitical zones in the country observed that foreign rice such as Mama Gold, Royal Stallion, Rice Master, Caprice, Falcon Rice and Basmati are sold alongside Nigerian rice.
He said his association join other stakeholders in the rice subsector, namely, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), in commending the central bank of Nigeria(CBN) for the timely intervention and banning of rice since 2015, a development that has seen growth in local production of rice and serious saving of foreign exchange.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its current and rigorous fight against smuggling of the commodity and enjoined the various security agencies who are mandated by the current directive to raise the bar of the fight to check the various porous borders.

Buhari Meets Nigerian Professionals In Japan

Greenbarge Reporters

August 29, 2019

In the middle is President Muhammadu Buhari. Others are Chairman Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabire-Erewa, Son of Chief Onyeisi, Wife of the President of Nigerian-Japan, Mrs. Onyeisi, her husband, Chief Economist Ogbonna Sam Onyeisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs during the President meeting with Nigerians in Japan at the Tokoyo International Conference on Africa Development today, August 29. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.

Give Special Protection To Religious Leaders, Worship Places, Police Boss Directs Officers

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has directed his top officers to henceforth give special protection to religious leaders and worship places across the country.

A statement by the Force Headquarter spokesman, Frank Mba, quoted the Inspector General as having expressed deep concerns over the recent incidents of attacks on clergymen in some parts of the country “and has directed Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to henceforth pay special attention to the clergy and increase security around worship centres nationwide.”

The police boss, gave marching orders to the Commissioner of Police in Taraba State Command to fish-out the killers of Rev. Father David Tanko who was gruesomely murdered in the most inhuman and barbaric manner by unknown persons in the early hours of today, August 29, at Kpankufu Village along Wukari Road on his way to Kofai Amadu Village in Taraba State.

Mohammed Adamu, who condoled with the Catholic Family in Nigeria over the unfortunate incident, directed the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to provide additional forensic and other investigative assets to the Taraba State Command to aid investigations into the incident.

The IGP asked the people to be calm and give maximum support to the Police in the bid towards unravelling the authors of the crime, their motives and circumstances surrounding the unfortunate killing of the Priest.

He reassures the nation that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go undetected and unpunished.

Audu’s Son Sues APC, INEC For Excluding Him From Kogi APC Gubber Primary

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kogi State and son of late Prince Abubakar Audu in the person of Mustapha Audu, has challenged the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole and the state APC in court over his exclusion from the governorship primary conducted today, August 29.

Joined as third to fifth defendants are the chairman of the Primary Election Screening Committee, Senator Hope Uzodinma; the Chairman of the appeal panel, Lawal Yakawada; and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The motion on notice was filed pursuant to Section 6 (6) (a) and (b) of the 1999 constitution as amended; and Order 11 rule 1 and 2 of the Kogi state (civil procedure) rules 2006.

According to a copy of the court papers filed before the Kogi State High Court, Mustapha claimed that he met the criteria for selection as one of the APC aspirants for the primary election.

He claimed that without going through the laid down process for the selection of aspirants, the APC National Working Committee unjustly excluded his name in the list of cleared aspirants.

He prayed the court for a declaration that the exclusion of his name from the list of the governorship candidates was a breach of his right to fair hearing and that it was unconstitutional, null and void.

He also sought the court’s declaration that the defendants’ conduct of its screening exercise was in breach of the letters and spirit of the party’s constitution.

He also prayed for the order of the court directing Oshiomhole and the state chairman to include his name as one of the governorship aspirants for the primary.

Yahaya Bello Wins Kogi APC Governorship Ticket For Second Term

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

The incumbent governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has won the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to run for a second term of another four years in the November scheduled governorship poll in the state.

The governor won the party’s primary, which was held today, August 29 in Lokoja, the state capital, polling a total of 3,127 votes. There were a total of 3,596 delegates that were accredited for the primary.

Details later.

“It’s Not Only Mosque That Was Demolished In Rivers But Churches And Other Structures – Muslim Cleric

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

A Muslim cleric in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ustaz Yahaya Imam Abdullahi has said that it was not only a Mosque that was demolished in Portharcourt but also churches, houses and other structures.

Speaking on the controversy over the demolition of a Mosque by the government of Nyeson Wike, the Cleric said: “there was an area called Rainbow Community along Trans Amadi area. Five to seven years or so ago the government of Rivers state gave a notice that they needed the land. The issue went to court, there was a legal tussle and the state government won.

“The state government demolished everything there; churches, mosque, houses and shops.

“After some years again, the Muslim community resident in the area got another land from a local chief for over N11.5 million. They built a mosque there – that was after the demolition of the first mosque, which affected all the residents, not only the Muslim community.

“Sometimes again, another demolition took place and they lost this mosque- that was about five years ago. They didn’t leave the place, but are praying there every day and every week. It was when the state government went to clear there again that started this.”

The Imam assured that Muslims in the State are living in peace and going about their normal businesses without fear of molestation in the state.

Imam Abdulahi, who is the leader of Bori Central Mosque in Khana Local Government Area of the state, recalled that Governor Wike addressed his supporters on aborted federal government Ruga project where he declared that Rivers is a Christian state. “That is what people are relating to and saying Muslims are under attack or threat. I see the video in circulation which is not connected with the latest matter.

“I am calling the Executive Governor of Rivers state that he should continue to be the leader he his who does things accordingly. If there is a land bought for mosque and the government has interest in it they should replace it with another one.”

Kidnapping, Crimes: Police Deploys Helicopters To Kaduna, Other Flash Points

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

Nigeria police has announced the deployment of aerial surveillance helicopters to Abuja-Kaduna road and other parts of the country.

In a statement today, August 29, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mmba said that the deployment of helicopters was part of efforts aimed at effectively curtailing crimes in the country.

He said that the directive for the deployment of helicopters came from the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, adding that the aerial surveillance helicopters will operate in major cities in the South-West and North-West of the country.

“While the Police Air-Wing Operational Base in Abuja caters for Abuja – Kaduna highways as well as the adjoining States in the North-West and North-Central, the new base in Ondo State will cater for the adjoining states and highways straddling the South-West.”

The statement asked citizens not to panic but to go about their lawful businesses as the aerial surveillance is geared towards improving the security of lives and property in the affected areas.

Buhari Hails Diasporas’ Positive Impact On Economy, Asks Criminally Minded To Change

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended many Nigerians in other nations that have been positively impacting Nigerian economy in many ways, even as he advised those of them who are criminally minded to change for their own good and the good of their fatherland.

The President, who addressed members of the Nigerian Community living in Japan on the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) today, August 29, expressed satisfaction with Nigerians who, in other countries, have been contributing to the development of the Nigerian economy through financial home remittances, promoting international trade in Nigerian commodities, music, culture, tourism, sports, and education, “while also helping to establish industries in Nigeria.”

President Buhari who said that the few Nigerians abroad indulging in criminal activities do not represent the values of majority of the people of the country, described majority of the over 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora as “the face of Nigeria globally and our ambassadors for good.”

According to the President: “many of our Diasporas, like your good selves here today, have excelled in varying fields of endeavor, both professionally and individually; you have also made significant and overwhelmingly positive contributions to your Nigerian and international host communities. You have continually been a positive bridge between Nigeria and the world. It is not an easy feat and we commend you, salute your courage and efforts.

“Let me also say that there are few Nigerians in the Diaspora that are giving us a bad name by engaging in criminal activities. These Nigerians are a minority, they do not represent the values of our country, and I plead with them to change their ways.

“We will not condone any crime whether at home or abroad, and we will also not allow these Nigerians define us as a people with reputation for criminality.”

He called on Nigerians in Japan to be good ambassadors of their fatherland.

“I am personally very happy that there are millions of Nigerians all over the world, like you here, who are truly making us proud.

“Japan is at the cutting edge of technology and efficiency, two very important attributes that can play a role in Nigeria and improve our capacity for development,” President Buhari urged members of his audience to continue to contribute their quota by helping to develop their host country and Nigeria as well. I look forward to your inborn gift, ability, and capacity in taking up this challenge.”

The President advised them to encourage legitimate Japanese entrepreneurs to come and invest in Nigeria.

Buhari told Nigerians resident in Japan that his government has been working hard to create the necessary enabling environment for investors to thrive, through improvements in our Ease of Doing Business practices, providing security, diversification of the economy, infrastructure and fighting corruption.

He assured them that his government had put in place the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) to put Nigeria on a path of sustained recovery and growth.

On the rationale for his regular meetings with Nigerians abroad and the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, President Buhari said: “as you are aware, I have regularly held town hall meetings with Nigerians in the Diaspora on all my foreign engagements be they in Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

“At these fora, I have always, appealed to our citizens to be our good ambassadors, observe the laws of your host countries, excel in whatever you do legitimately, and also remember us at home (Nigeria). I have established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission specifically to engage with you, signifying a coordinated attempt by our administration to increase the involvement of our Diaspora in our national development.

“Collectively, your resources, skills, and talents will be a positive force for our country which can help accelerate our national growth and development.”

The President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Asia (NIDOASIA) and an energy expert, Professor Ejiogu Emenike, commended President Buhari for efficient leadership, and disclosed that his members have “comparative advantages in human capital development, which we are trying to bring back to Nigeria.”

“Any problem that science and technology can solve, we are able to, and we can help Nigeria in areas of need.”

Engineer Ochade Osakwe, Chairman, Nigeria/Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, recounted businesses that have been attracted to Nigeria in recent times, promising to do more, as the security and investment climates back home improved further.

The President, Nigerian Union in Japan, Nnaji Fintan, asked for more exploits in the areas of education, quality infrastructure and security, which incidentally, are focal points of the current administration.

President Buhari’s meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, coordinated by the Chairman of Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, witnessed a parade of the brightest and best of our citizens, plying their trade in Japan. They included academics, industrialists, top businessmen, scientists, economists, and many others.

We’ve Commenced Investigation Into 3 Bank Accounts Of Ex Nigerian Navy Boss – FIB

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

The Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it has opened investigation into alleged proxy ownership of three bank accounts by a former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice-Admiral Jubril Usman.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ben Okolo made this known today, August 29, in response to a petition filed by the Executive Secretary of Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI). The reply to the petition, dated August 20, with number: CR:3000/FIB/TE/FHQ/ABJ/VOl.22/933, was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the ARDI.

The FIB letter was titled: “Investigation Activities: Re: Petition Against Former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice Admiral Jubril Usman , For Suspected Illegal Ownership and Control by Proxy Of At Least Three (3) Zenith Bank Accounts Containing Funds Suspected To Be Proceeds Of Corruption.’’

The letter reads in part: “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your petition, dated July 29, on the above subject matter and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.

“Accept the warm regards of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (FIB) please.’’

Usman is currently standing trial on allegation of N600 million fraud before Justice A.S. Umar at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Usman, a member of the All Progressive Congress was disqualified from contesting the Governorship ticket of the party in the forthcoming Kogi governorship election.

Source: NAN

Japan Donates $300,000 To Nigeria Defence Academy, 12 Million Yen For Health Sector

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

The government of Japan has pledged a $300,000 support for Nigeria’s Defence College as well as 12 million Yen for the country’s public health sector.

This was announced today, August 29 by the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, at a bilateral meeting with the Nigerian delegation led by President Muhammadu Buhari on the margins of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7).

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also pledged his country’s support for Nigeria’s Presidency of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, while seeking Nigeria’s support for Japan’s bid to occupy some global positions.

This was even as Nigeria and the European Union, in Yokohama, signed a €50 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support humanitarian and development efforts in the country’s North East region.

The cooperation agreement which was signed by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama and EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr Neven Mimica, would bring the total EU support to the country to €562million for 2014-2020.

President Buhari thanked the EU member states for their support, especially for the North East, the Nigeria’s region that is battling with “pathetic situation in internally displaced camps.”

He called for further assistance to improve youth education in the region to take them out of poverty.

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