Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Mr. Patrick Ukah! Delta Information boss
Chairman of the Delta State Planning Committee on One Year In Office Anniversary of Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has commended the governor for successfully delivering on his electoral promises to Deltans.
Ukah stated this in Warri on Thursday during the ongoing inspection and commissioning of numerous roads and other mega projects in some parts the state, as part of activities to mark Governor Okowa’s one year in office anniversary.
He said that despite the present economic challenges, Governor Okowa has promised to sustain the pace of development of the state, through effective youth entrepreneurial engagements, fostering agricultural economy, infrastructure development in the education and health sectors as well as improved capital base for the state.
According to him, “The desire of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to transform Delta State is already yielding good fruits. This is a man who believes that the people he leads should come first in his priority list. He has even vowed to ensure that the policy gains of the SMART agenda matra are fully achieved and Deltans have testified to this rare feat exhibited by the governor during the inspection and commissioning exercises.”
The Information Commissioner said the landmark achievements recorded so far by the Okowa-led administration is very reassuring for Deltans that the dividends of true governance have just begun to set in, despite dwindling allocations that accrue to the state.
While commending Deltans for the warm receptions accorded the governor and his team as he transverses the state for the inspection and commissioning exercises, Ukah assured that there are budgetary provisions for more projects to be executed in all parts of the state.
“Okowa is a man who is totally detribalized and committed to growth of the entire state. I can assure you that the entire state is going to be linked up by roads for further economic development. Our plan is to basically touch on all local governments in Delta. If we can achieve these harvests of roads and other infrastructures in one year, what do you think about the remaining years?
“This government is focused and determined to deliver on its promises to the people, especially in terms of building on unity, peace and security.”
He therefore appealed to Deltans to complement the state government’s efforts by building confidence in government’s determination to improve the lots of the people and imbibing a maintenance culture to help preserve the numerous projects that have been executed for the benefit of all.
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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka*News *Literati* Adverts
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right); the Immediate Past Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle); Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya (left) and Other Dignitaries, during the Commissioning of Ogbemudein Model Secondary School Agbor, Ika-South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Claims that the alliance between the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his predecessor in office, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan had ceased, may have been put to rest, as the duo, to the admiration of all and surprise of some, jointly commissioned projects at Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.
The premises of Ogbemudein Model Secondary School, Agbor was charged, when Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan arrived to commission the school and its upgraded facilities, which Governor Okowa recalled, was started by former Governor Uduaghan’s administration.
According to him, “We must commend the immediate past Governor for starting the construction of these schools, though, only four of them have been completed at the moment, we hope to complete all and construct new ones.”
While assuring that he will consolidate on the projects initiated by his predecessors, Governor Okowa specifically, thanked former Governor Uduaghan for leaving the United Kingdom to attend the commissioning exercise, asserting, “it is my prayer and hope that one day, all the schools in Delta State will look like this edifice.”
On his part, former Governor Uduaghan at the occasion, eulogized Governor Okowa for his giant achievements within one year of being in office despite the huge economic challenges and commended the Governor for inviting him to commission projects as part of activities to mark his one year in office.
“I want to thank you (Governor Okowa) for inviting me to commission this project, I am happy that you did not abandon the project,” Dr Uduaghan renarked. Gov. Okowa unveiling the he plague during the commissioning.
Highpoint of the event was the official cutting of the tape by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and unveiling by incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In his speech, the Obi of Agbor, HRM Keagbokuzi I who spoke through Dr Emmanuel Tibi said they were excited that Governor Okowa had been able to manage the resources of the state to put in place such numerous projects in his Kingdom within one year.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said, “it is worthy of note to mention that though twelve of such legacy projects were embarked upon by the previous administration, only two could be completed before their exit; significantly, this administration took giant steps at ensuring the continuation of some of these projects and I make bold to state today that two similar projects have been duly completed and are now in use.”
Also, the commissioner for information; Hon Patrick Ukah who doubles as Chairman of the Planning Committee, in an interview explained what motivated the Okowa led administration to complete the project. According to him, the Governor had taken a resolve to ensure that there would be no abandoned projects from the past administration especially those nearing the 80% completion stage.
While applauding the zeal and enthusiasm of Governor Okowa, the Commissioner for Information said “It was like with every commissioning came an inward desire to go to the next one, never have I seen anyone to have such commitment and passion for work like his Excellency, I Speak for Deltans when I say truly he is a gift to us all.”
Governor Okowa had earlier, inspected the Construction of Alisimie-Ozanogogo Road as well as the dualization of Old Lagos Agbor Road, commissioned Orikeze Street, with a spur to Orikeze Close, Agbor, Upper Imudia/Dr Whyte Streets, Agbor.Ogbemudein Model Secondary School
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Dame Okowa commissioning the sickle cell clinic
Delta State First Lady and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Evangelist (Mrs) Edith Okowa has formally commissioned an ultra-modern Sickle Cell Clinic at the Central Hospital, Oleh in Isoko South local government area of Delta state.
Dame Okowa, who was given a rousing welcome by elected and appointed Isoko women as well as wives of political appointees at the hospital premises on Monday, May 30, 2016 inspected the various equipment in the laboratory, which include Hematology auto analyzer, Haemoglobin electro phoresis and Hematocrit centrifuge provided by the 05 Initiative.
The elated wife of the state governor explained that the 05 Initiative was borne out of the passion to bring succour to sufferers of sickle cell anaemia with a determination to add value to the lives of the less privileged in the society, through the establishment of sickle cell centres in all Central Hospitals in the state.
While expressing joy that the state governor, Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the establishment of a standard referral centre at the General Hospital in Asaba, she described the 05 Initiative as a humanitarian and interventionist programme which draws its objectives from the Biblical book of Matthew 25: 35-36 with an obligation of “Changing our world, one person at a time.”
She admonished parents of carriers of sickle cell anaemia to adhere to medical advices and ensure that their children and wards know about their genotype and get bes medical treatment, even as the 05 Initiative engages on effective, intensive advocacy and enlightenment campaigns.
Dame Okowa commended the founder of Martha Charity, Chief Emmanuel Emoefe and othe notaboe Isoko sns and daughters for their magnanimous contribution towards the purchase of equipment and renovation of the sickle cell clinic.
In her talk, Justice Excel Timi, who donated hot water bottles to the 05 Initiative for onward distribution to sickle cell carriers.mentored them on the need to embrace God in the course of traveils, insisting that there is a high survival rate as a result of education and frequent enlightenment campaigns.
Earlier in her welcome speech, Director General of the 05 Initiative, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, said the 05 Initiative was passion driven, having reached out to men and women of similar passion.
She revealed that the scheme was established to ensure that the survival rate of people with sickle cell disorder is higher, adding that the essence of the equipment at the clinic was to eradicate encumbrances faced by Survival Success People in accessing health facilities.
Dr. Mrs. Uche Okwe in her oral presentation spoke on the importance protein food to enhance growth and reduce risk.
The Zonal Medical Director, Dr. Ugbaja Christopher Amaechi, thanked the founder of 05 Initiative and her team for giving hope to people with Sickle cell disorder, urging the hospital authority to imbibe good maintenance culture in handling the hospital facilities.Dame Okowa with the children
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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka*News *Literati* Adverts
“We see that the greatest challenge lies with Nigeria. The arrears that Nigeria is owning is 694,000 dollars because there was no payment made between 2015 and 2016.
Because of the debt burden it carries, ECOWAS is now losing its credibility” –President of ECOWAS, Mr Marcel De Souza.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The President of ECOWAS, Mr Marcel De Souza, has expressed frustration over the paucity of fund being experienced by the commission.
De Souza, a Béninoise, was speaking in Abuja last Thursday, when he led a delegation from the commission to a courtesy visit on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Khadijat Abba-Ibrahim.
He appealed to Nigeria and other member states to rescue the commission by paying up their outstanding levies.
“We have certain challenges that we are facing. The first is our financial situation that has become quite precarious.
“The situation is tied to the economic condition in the member states and the fact that the price of oil has dropped.
“The community levy which represents 90 per cent of our funding is no longer regularly paid by most member states; Nigeria is not alone in this regard, also Cote D’Ivoire,” he said.
He said that Cote D’Ivoire, Cape Verde and Senegal were major defaulters, but the greater challenge was Nigeria.
“We see that the greatest challenge lies with Nigeria. The arrears that Nigeria is owning is 694,000 dollars because there was no payment made between 2015 and 2016.
“Because of the debt burden it carries, ECOWAS is now losing its credibility,” the president said.
According to him, Transcorp Hilton where meeting of all Heads of State was held in 2015 had not been settled by the commission.
He added that the bills of peace building troop sent to Guinea Bissau and Mali were yet to be paid, stressing that peace would always come with a cost.
“So, we wish to see our credibility restored. We appeal to Nigeria that the outstanding bill between 2015 and 2016 be paid.
“Without Nigeria and without Nigeria’s contribution we will not be able to sustain our activities neither we will be able to restore our credibility,” he said.
The minister congratulated the president on his appointment, stressing that his vast experience would help in addressing the challenges of the commission.
She said that the issue of finance raised should be brought before President Muhammadu Buhari in as much that ECOWAS delegation would visit him latter.
She said that other issues raised would be discussed in due course.
The minister said that she would discuss the issue of accommodation raised earlier by the ECOWAS leader with her counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory.
She pledged to assist the commission to secure a guest house for its president through the FCT minister so that it would not incur further hotel bills.
According to her, the issue of security is a thing of general concern and that it is necessary that troops are paid on time to give them the incentives to fight terrorism.
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E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka*News *Literati* Adverts
It is one year today since our administration came into office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements. By age, instinct and experience, my preference is to look forward, to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and rededicate the administration to the task of fixing Nigeria. But I believe we can also learn from the obstacles we have overcome and the progress we made thus far, to help strengthen the plans that we have in place to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.
We affirm our belief in democracy as the form of government that best assures the active participation and actual benefit of the people.
Despite the many years of hardship and disappointment the people of this nation have proved inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous.
The past years have witnessed huge flows of oil revenues. From 2010 average oil prices were $100 per barrel. But economic and security conditions were deteriorating. We campaigned and won the election on the platform of restoring security, tackling corruption and restructuring the economy. on our arrival, the oil price had collapsed to as low as $30 per barrel and we found nothing had been kept for the rainy day. Oil prices have been declining since 2014 but due to the neglect of the past, the country was not equipped to halt the economy from declining.
The infrastructure, notably rail, power, roads were in a decrepit state. all the four refineries were in a state of disrepair, the pipelines and depots neglected.
Huge debts owed to contractors and suppliers had accumulated. twenty-seven states could not pay salaries for months. in the north-east, Boko Haram had captured 14 local governments, driven the local authorities out, hoisted their flags. Elsewhere, insecurity was palpable; corruption and impunity were the order of the day. In short, we inherited a state near collapse.
On the economic front, all oil dependent countries, Nigeria included, have been struggling since the drop in prices. many oil rich states have had to take tough decisions similar to what we are doing. The world, Nigeria included has been dealing with the effects of three significant and simultaneous global shocks starting in 2014:
A 70% drop in oil prices.
Global growth slowdown.
Normalization of monetary policy by the United States federal reserve.
Our problems as a government are like that of a farmer who in a good season harvests ten bags of produce. The proceeds enable him to get by for rest of the year. However, this year he could only manage 3 bags from his farm. He must now think of other ways to make ends meet.
From day one, we purposely set out to correct our condition, to change Nigeria. We reinforced and galvanized our armed forces with new leadership and resources. We marshaled our neighbours in a joint task force to tackle and defeat Boko Haram. By the end of December 2015, all but pockets and remnants had been routed by our gallant armed forces. Our immediate focus is for a gradual and safe return of internally displaced persons in safety and dignity and for the resumption of normalcy in the lives of people living in these areas.
EFCC was given the freedom to pursue corrupt officials and the judiciary was alerted on what Nigerians expect of them in the fight against corruption. On the economy, in particular foreign exchange and fuel shortages, our plan is to save foreign exchange by fast tracking repair of the refineries and producing most of our fuel requirements at home. And by growing more food in Nigeria, mainly rice, wheat and sugar we will save billions of dollars in foreign exchange and drastically reduce our food import bill.
We resolved to keep the Naira steady, as in the past, devaluation had done dreadful harm to the Nigerian economy. Furthermore, I supported the monetary authority’s decision to ensure alignment between monetary policy and fiscal policy. We shall keep a close look on how the recent measures affect the Naira and the economy. But we cannot get away from the fact that a strong currency is predicated on a strong economy. And a strong economy pre-supposes an industrial productive base and a steady export market. The measures we must take, may lead to hardships. The problems Nigerians have faced over the last year have been many and varied. But the real challenge for this government has been reconstructing the spine of the Nigerian state. The last twelve months have been spent collaborating with all arms of government to revive our institutions so that they are more efficient and fit for purpose:
That means a bureaucracy better able to develop and deliver policy
That means an independent judiciary, above suspicion and able to defend citizen’s rights and dispense justice equitably.
That means a legislature that actually legislates effectively and
Above all; that means political parties and politicians committed to serving the nigerian people rather than themselves.
These are the pillars of the state on which democracy can take root and thrive. But only if they are strong and incorruptible. Accordingly, we are working very hard to introduce some vital structural reforms in the way we conduct government business and lay a solid foundation on which we can build enduring change.
An important first step has been to get our housekeeping right. So we have reduced the extravagant spending of the past. We started boldly with the treasury single account, stopping the leakages in public expenditure.
We then identified forty-three thousand ghost workers through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information system. That represents pay packets totalling N4.2 billion stolen every month. In addition, we will save Twenty-Three Billion Naira per annum from official travelling and sitting allowances alone.
Furthermore, the efficiency unit will cut costs and eliminate duplications in ministries and departments. Every little saving helps. The reduction in the number of ministries and work on restructuring and rationalization of the MDAs is well underway. When this work is complete we will have a leaner, more efficient public service that is fit for the purpose of changing nigeria for the good and for good.
As well as making savings, we have changed the way public money is spent. In all my years as a public servant, I have never come across the practice of padding budgets. I am glad to tell you now we not only have a budget, but more importantly, we have a budget process that is more transparent, more inclusive and more closely tied to our development priorities than in the recent past. 30% of the expenditure in this budget is devoted to capital items. Furthermore, we are projecting non-oil revenues to surpass proceeds from oil. Some critics have described the budget exercise as clumsy. Perhaps. But it was an example of consensus building, which is integral to democratic government. In the end we resolved our differences.
We have, therefore, delivered significant milestones on security, corruption and the economy. In respect of the economy, I would like to directly address you on the very painful but inevitable decisions we had to make in the last few weeks specifically on the pump price of fuel and the more flexible exchange rate policy announced by the central bank. It is even more painful for me that a major producer of crude oil with four refineries that once exported refined products is today having to import all of its domestic needs. This is what corruption and mismanagement has done to us and that is why we must fight these ills.
As part of the foundation of the new economy we have had to reform how fuel prices had traditionally been fixed. This step was taken only after protracted consideration of its pros and cons. After comprehensive investigation my advisers and I concluded that the mechanism was unsustainable.
We are also engaged in making recoveries of stolen assets some of which are in different jurisdictions. The processes of recovery can be tedious and time consuming, but today I can confirm that thus far: significant amount of assets have been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at different stages of recovery. Full details of the status and categories of the assets will now be published by the Ministry of Information and updated periodically. When forfeiture formalities are completed these monies will be credited to the treasury and be openly and transparently used in funding developmental projects and the public will be informed.
On the Niger Delta, we are committed to implementing the United Nations Environment Programme report and are advancing clean-up operations. I believe the way forward is to take a sustainable approach to address the issues that affect the delta communities. Re-engineering the amnesty programmes is an example of this. The recent spate of attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in addressing Niger Delta problems. If the militants and vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken. We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice.
The policy measures and actions taken so far are not to be seen as some experiment in governance. We are fully aware that those vested interests who have held Nigeria back for so long will not give up without a fight. They will sow divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad, incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria.
The economic misfortune we are experiencing in the shape of very low oil prices has provided us with an opportunity to restructure our economy and diversify. We are in the process of promoting agriculture, livestocks, exploiting our solid mineral resources and expanding our industrial and manufacturing base. That way, we will import less and make the social investments necessary to allow us to produce a large and skilled workforce.
Central Bank of Nigeria will offer more fiscal incentives for business that prove capable of manufacturing products that are internationally competitive. We remain committed to reforming the regulatory framework, for investors by improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the first steps along the path of self-sufficiency in rice, wheat and sugar – big users of our scarce foreign exchange – have been taken. The Labour Intensive Farming Enterprise will boost the economy and ensure inclusive growth in long neglected communities. Special intervention funds through the Bank of Agriculture will provide targeted support. Concerns remain about rising cost of foods such as maize, rice, millet, beans and gari. Farmers tell me that they are worried about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the absence of extension services. The federal and state governments are on the same page in tackling these hurdles in our efforts at increased food production and ultimately food security.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the increasing role that our women are playing in revitalizing the agricultural sector. Modern farming is still hard and heavy work and I salute our Nigerian women in sharing this burden. In this respect I am very pleased to announce that the government will shortly be launching the national women’s empowerment fund, which I have approved to provide N1.6 billion in micro-finance loans to women across the nation to assist in rehabilitating the economies of rural communities, particularly those impacted by the insurgency and conflict.
With respect to solid minerals, the minister has produced a roadmap where we will work closely with the world bank and major international investors to ensure through best practices and due diligence that we choose the right partners. Illegal mining remains a problem and we have set up a special security team to protect our assets. Special measures will be in place to protect miners in their work environment.
For too long, ours has been a society that neglects the poor and victimises the weak. A society that promotes profit and growth over development and freedom. A society that fails to recognize that, to quote the distinguished economist Amartya Sen “ poverty is not just lack of money. It is not having the capability to realize one’s full potential as a human being.”
So, today, I am happy to formally launch, by far the most ambitious social protection programme in our history. A programme that both seeks to start the process of lifting many from poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunity for people to fend for themselves. In this regard, Five Hundred Billion Naira has been appropriated in the 2016 budget for social intervention programmes in five key areas. We are committed to providing job creation opportunities for five hundred thousand teachers and one hundred thousand artisans across the nation. 5.5 million children are to be provided with nutritious meals through our school feeding programme to improve learning outcomes, as well as enrolment and completion rates.
The conditional cash transfer scheme will provide financial support for up to one million vulnerable beneficiaries, and complement the enterprise programme – which will target up to one million market women; four hundred and sixty thousand artisans; and two hundred thousand agricultural workers, nationwide. Finally, through the education grant scheme, we will encourage students studying sciences, technology, engineering and maths, and lay a foundation for human capital development for the next generation.
I would like to pay a special tribute to our gallant men and women of the armed forces who are in harm’s way so that the rest of us can live and go about our business in safety. Their work is almost done. The nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
Abroad, we want to assure our neighbours, friends and development partners that Nigeria is firmly committed to democratic principles. We are ready partners in combating terrorism, cyber crimes, control of communicable diseases and protection of the environment. Following on the Paris Agreement, COP 21, we are fully committed to halting and reversing desertification. Elsewhere, we will intensify efforts to tackle erosion, ocean surge, flooding and oil spillage which I referred to earlier by implementing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
We are grateful to the international community notably France, the US, UK and China for their quick response in helping to tackle the recent Ebola outbreak in our sub-region. We also acknowledge the humanity shown by the Italian and German governments in the treatment of boat people, many fleeing from our sub-region because of lack of economic opportunity. We thank all our partners especially several countries in the EU.
We appreciate the valuable work that the UN agencies, particularly UNICEF, ICRC, the World Food Program have been doing. We must also appreciate the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund and Educate A Child of Qatar for the excellent work in our health, education and other sectors.
Fellow citizens let me end on a happy note. To the delight of all, two of the abducted Chibok girls have regained their freedom. During the last one year, not a single day passed without my agonizing about these girls. Our efforts have centred around negotiations to free them safely from their mindless captors. We are still pursuing that course. Their safety is of paramount concern to me and I am sure to most Nigerians. I am very worried about the conditions those still captured might be in. Today I re-affirm our commitment to rescuing our girls. We will never stop until we bring them home safely. As I said before, no girl should be put through the brutality of forced marriage and every Nigerian girl has the right to an education and a life choice.
I thank you and appeal to you to continue supporting the government’s efforts to fix Nigeria.”
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The Federal Government has appointed the Chief Executives of six information-related parastatals under the Ministry of Information and Culture.
The appointments were announced in Abuja on Wednesday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator, Ifeanyi Okowa (middle); Bishop Justus Mogekwu (2nd right) Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah (right); State PDP Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso (2nd left) and Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, during the Commissioning of Esenwa Street.
INSPITE of the present economic situation in Nigeria, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said his administration was partnering with private investors to ensure speedy development of Asaba as a befitting state capital.
The Governor made the disclosure shortly after commissioning four roads and inspecting some of the on-going projects in Asaba on Thursday, May 26, 2016.
Roads that were commissioned include, extension of access road to the Orthopaedic Surgical Ward and the Doctors quarters at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC); Usonia Road, access road to Christ Embassy Church and the Esenwa Street all in Asaba and the inspection of the Cable Point road dualization and the Okpanam road dualization.
According to the Governor who spoke at the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, his administration was partnering with investors to develop the Delta Commercial City and the Delta SMART City, disclosing that the projects, when completed, would boost the socio-economic life of the people.
“I want to reassure Your Royal Majesty that we are going to remain focused; we are partnering with some investors to see how we can develop Asaba to become a befitting state capital; we have signed some MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) on housing development while others are in the works,” he said.
He further stressed that his administration is developing the Delta Commercial City at the bridge head
“We have resolved all the issues hindering the construction and soon work will begin on this project, we will start the development of the Delta SMART City when we find the right partners to see it to fruition; the projects were part of the requests made by the Asagba-in-Council and the construction of road at the FMC was based on the fact that many Deltans make use of the facilities in the hospital.” He added.
Speaking on behalf of the Asagba, the Iyase of Asaba, Chief Patrick Onyeobi commended the developmental strides of Governor Okowa within his one year in office, describing him as a man who came into governance with a mind-set of what he will do for the people.
At the FMC where Governor Okowa commenced the commissioning of projects, mammoth crowd came out to receive him, singing his praises, saying that from his days as the Senator representing Delta North, his passion for the provision of adequate facilities at the FMC knew no bounds.
Chief Nicholas Chizea who spoke on behalf of the Asagba of Asaba at the venue said, “God endorsed what the Governor is doing that is why they are going on smoothly; the paucity of funds have not deterred the Governor from working for the development of the state.”
Also, the Delta state Commissioner for Information and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Patrick Ukah disclosed that the spate of development being experienced in the state is a true picture of the good mission and vision of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the state.
The Commissioner who commended Deltans for their cooperation with the state government thus far, assured them that the transparent policy initiatives of the Governor Okowa led administration is people driven, adding that the achievement recorded by the state governor within one year of his tenure would be sustained.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Deputy Corps Marshall, Operations, Mr. Chidi Nwachukwu (middle), Delta Sector Commander, Rindom Kumven 2nd left) and rep of Zonal (2nd ) flanmked on the extreme left and right by the Delta state Comptrollers of Immigration and Prisons Services respectively.
The Delta state Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Wednesday in Asaba, kick-started its week-long enlightenment campaign to enlighten against the use of expired and substandard tyres.
The Deputy Corps Marshall, Operations, Mr. Chidi Nwachukwu, who flagged-off the mega sensitization rally, tagged “Know Your Tyre” which held at the Benfiko Park, told motorists and members of the public that the campaign was to curb tyre burst and related road crashes.
Nwachukwu explained that all tyres have a four-year life span from the day of manufacture, urging motorist to always check the manufacturing date to avoid buying expired tyres. “The expiration date is usually indicated on the sidewalls of the tyre. It comes in four digits; the first two digits shows the week the tyre was manufactured while the last two represent the year of manufacture. For example, if the numbers are 0514, it means that the tyre was manufactured in fifth week of 2014.”
While advising drivers to maintain specified tyre pressure to improve vehicle safety and extend tyre life, he encouraged car owners to replace their tyres after covering a maximum of 80, 000 kilometres whether it has been used for four years or not.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Delta state Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Rindom Kumven, said a survey carried out by the corps revealed a very disturbing trend of how motorists risk the lives of passengers by using worn-out tyres, tokunbo tyres and expired tyres.
“When it comes to vehicle safety, tyres are very important as they provide traction, basis movement and maneuverability and deadens the impact of vibration. FRSC carried out area wide survey on 2486 vehicles and 1024 tyres from 2011 to 2015,” he said.
Kumven said non-compliance with instruction on tyre; ignorance; control challenge; cost; and poor condition of the road and failed portions were the major reasons for the use of worn-out and expired tyres, according to the survey reports.
“In view of the above, FRSC organised a stakeholders’ forum on safe tyre usage and has embarked on public enlightenment on tyres nationwide. In this public enlightenment, free vehicle safety checks are carried out on tyres to enlighten members of the public.”
Inspite of the heavy rains in Asaba and its environs, the FRSC mega sensitization rally was well attended by stakeholders including vehicle drivers, vulcanizers, tyre dealers, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), representatives of the Delta state Ministry of Transport, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Special Marshals, Nigeria police, Immigration and Prison services, motor park associations, among others.
During the interactive session, participants who commended the FRSC for initiating the campaign to save lives, promised to inform other members of the public to be wary of the existence of substandard or expired tyres, even as they called on the federal and state governments to improve on the current condition of Nigerian road which are also responsible for accidents across the country
Highlight of the event was the practical demonstration on the means of identifying expiry dates, genuiness and use of meter guage in tyres.
Recall that the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, had recently directed Zonal and Sector Heads of Operations of the commission to embark on sensitisation of motorists on the dangers of using expired tyres, saying that the step was part of the efforts to minimise road crashes.
The corps marshal said that FRSC had recorded significant success in checking crashes involving articulated vehicles and was out to replicate same success on vehicles with expired tyres.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd left); Orhue 1, the Orodje of Okpe (2nd right); member representing Okpe constituency of the State House of Assembly, Hon Sheriff Oborieowori (right) and the Chairman, Okpe LGA, Hon Godwin Ejinyere (left) during commissioning of Ejinyere/Orodje Road in Orerokpe, head Quarters of Okpe LGA, to mark the Governor’s one anniverssary
AS part of the first year Anniversary Celebration of his administration, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has embarked on the commissioning of various completed road projects and inspection of ongoing ones, saying his administration will complete all the projects it has started before the end of his first tenure in office.
The Governor who kick-started the event with the commissioning of the 1.7 kilometres Ejinyere/Orodje Streets in Orerokpe, Okpe local government area of Delta State , stated, “all these roads we have started will be completed within our first tenure.”
“The development of urban and rural infrastructure is crucial to the achievement of this administration’s main objective of delivering prosperity to Deltans as being demonstrated through this project, which tallies with our aim of a transformed environment through urban renewal,” the Governor said at the occasion which was attended by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue I, Chiefs and top government functionaries.
According to him, “since assumption of office, we have embarked on a number of road projects in most parts of the State; we have also continued and fast-tracked some projects inherited from past administrations, especially those, which are in tandem with our SMART agenda, as these projects are aimed at unleashing the enormous but latent wealth and job creation potentials of our people, engendering a sense of belonging, impacting on socio-economic lives of communities and ultimately promoting commerce and industry within and outside communities.”
While observing that, “the commissioning of this road today is a testimony to the deliberate attempt by our government to upgrade the renewal of our towns and cities, even rural communities,” the Governor charged contractors handling projects in the State “to be conscientious in the execution of government projects so that together, we can move the State forward, because, adherence to project specifications and timely completion of projects are of utmost importance.”
“This administration is also, engaged in the primary function of providing access to agricultural, industrial, educational and health institutions and other facilities, amongst others,” he said, adding, “we are also mindful that our roads, as part of the environment, should be built to be in harmony with and also have a transforming effect on the environment.”
The Governor used the occasion to appeal to Deltans “to remain peaceful and cooperate at all times, with the PDP led administration in the State with a view to creating an enabling environment for government to deliver more dividends of democracy to all parts of the State in line with the SMART agenda of my administration.”
Earlier, the Orodje of Okpe in a welcome address thanked Governor Okowa for his developmental projects stating, “I want it to be on record that since ten years, that I have been on the throne, this is the first time that contract for project are awarded and duly completed and commissioned in Okpe Kingdom by the state government.”
At Ekpan-Ovu n Ethiope East local government area, where the governor inspected the poultry cluster farms, Governor Okowa assured that the Youths Agriculture Empowerment Programme (YAGEP) of his administration would be expanded to allow more youths benefit from the well spelt out people oriented policy initiatives of the state government.
His Royal Highness Ogurime-rime Ukori 1, Ovie of Agbon Kingdom commended Governor Okowa for “working and delivering on his electoral promises despite the economic problems because, he was prepared for governance since 2007.”
Governor Okowa also inspected the Orerokpe Ultra-Modern Market which the Governor said would be commissioned during the 25th anniversary of the state creation in August this year.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
An emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held today, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Bolton White Hotels, Abuja on the on-going protest action against the increase in pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity tariff. NEC reviewed the protest action and its impact across the nation, noting the sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of Nigerians, government’s attitude and the brutality of the police in some states. NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi State Police Command where our members were intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted its protest action was informed by the twin issues of the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of both internal and external challenges.
NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship they portend for Nigerian masses.
NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be compelling but that the scenario had changed as both the actors and the terrain were different.
NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not surprised by government’s negative response. Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it will still rise and stand with the people.
NEC therefore commended those who took part in the action in one way or the other and reaffirm its commitment to the struggle. The action, it reiterated was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak and in drawing government’s attention to the dangers of relying on importation of petroleum products as a sustainable strategy for making available petroleum products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead, time would prove its position right.
Congress singled out for commendation, its state councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
In consideration of the above, NEC after due consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend with immediate effect, the action it commenced on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby suspended.
Congress will resume negotiations with government on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an increase in the pump price of petroleum products and any other issue that may arise thereof.
It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue within the framework of internationally established and recognized principles of representation.
The Congress will continue to resist wrong legislations, policies and programmes and will always act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion, region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
The Congress urges the government to play by the rules in its engagement with its constituent parts, stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its commitment to deepening our democracy and also in acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes around, comes around.
The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Congress commends all Nigerians for their understating and support.
. Being a statement by Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, the President General and Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Cross Section of PDP Governors
AHEAD of the 2019 general elections, notable contention has continued to bedevil the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), even as the party unanimously zoned the Presidential position to Nigeria’s North at its national convention held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The unanimous decision to zone the Presidential position of the PDP in the 2019 elections to the Northern part of Nigeria, followed a motion by Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State and seconded by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.
The seeming crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party however worsened on Saturday as governors of the party sacked the party chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff and appointed former Kaduna state governor, Ahmed Makarfi as caretaker chairman.
The party chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff had announced the suspension of the convention in Port harcourt, citing the need to settle outstanding court cases and reconcile aggrieved factions especially those that held another convention in Abuja.
But as soon as Sheriff and members of the National Working Committee left the convention venue, some party stalwarts inclusive of some governors vowed to continue the convention and proceeded to dissolve the party National Working Committee.
Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi emerged the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the party and Dr. Ben Obi as his Secretary, shortly after Senator Godswill Akpabio moved the motion to set up a National Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the party pending the organizing of another national convention to conduct election within 90 days. The motion was seconded by Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State.
Hon. Odion Ugbesia will represent South South geo-political zone in the committee.
While the Makarfi group claimed the Port Harcourt convention which was declared open by Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was duly convened, the Sheriff group said the convention closed once the chairman proclaimed a suspension.
A swift statement issued by the PDP which announced the management committee at the Port Harcourt convention reads:
“The leadership of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party came to the rescue at the 2016 National Convention in Port Harcourt after the cancellation of the Convention by the former Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff due to court orders.
“The leadership of the Party swiftly constituted a Committee to manage the affairs of the PDP and conduct another Convention after all the pending cases in courts are resolved.
“To that regard, the 2016 National Convention approved the nomination of Senator Ahmed Makarfi as Chairman and Sen. Ben Obi as Secretary of the Committee Respectfully. Other members of the Committee shall be announced later.
“The two officers have been sworn in immediately.”
Meanwhile, some elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including Senator Ibrahim Mantu and Prof Jerry Gana have challenged the appointment of an Interim Chairman for the party.
The duo who are co-chairmen of the Concerned Peoples Democratic Party Stakeholders, had on Saturday in Abuja, declared that the Board of Trustees should take over the running of the party in the event of dissolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“There is a body that is constitutionally mandated to take over the affairs of the party and that body is the conscience of the party called the Board of Trustees.
“There shouldn’t be any vacuum and we are concerned that what is coming out of the party from Port Harcourt may likely deepen our disagreement.
“In this situation, therefore, the BOT leadership must take up its responsibilities over the reign of the affairs of the party.”
But Senator Wale Jubril, who is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP attended the Port Harcourt convention where he said, “we will bring everybody together, this party is for all of us and we will come back to power in 2019.”
Also at the Port Harcourt convention, Chairman, PDP Governors Forum, Dr Olusegun Mimiko flanked by all the PDP Governors stated, “We will do everything within our endeavour to strengthen our party, we did not know how to conduct elections and make them inconclusive, we believe in the rule of law. The PDP will continue to do what it knows how to do -uniting the country; the PDP states will continue to provide unmatched governance, we encourage Nigerians to remain united.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman of the convention committee, Barr. Nyesom Wike said, “today, Nigerians know that we have only one united party, that is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
Delegates from different states of the country attended the convention which was witnessed by officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Recall that a federal High Court had recently ordered that 18 national offices of the party are not vacant but was revalidated on Friday by the same court in Lagos state.
The stage is now set to see which of the factions will claim the Wadata secretariat of the party on Monday as the Sheriff group insisted its remains the legally recognized leadership of the party.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The Defence Counsel to James Ibori, former Delta State Governor, Mr Ivan Krolic, QC has alleged that there may be no fair trial in the confiscation hearing of James Ibori that is due to start in June at a Southwark Crown Court in London.
Krolic QC said that there are established cases of corruption against the police and the crown prosecution counsels involved in James Ibori’s investigation. The discovery has led to the entire police investigating the money laundering and crown prosecution team in the case being dismissed from and changed.
Mr Krolic notified the court that following the revelation that the police involved in the investigation of James Ibori for money laundering were themselves involved in corruption, covered up by the crown prosecution, the integrity of the entire process has been put in doubt and it will only be fair for the court to look at their application of abuse of court process following a deliberate and calculated attempt by the crown prosecution to manipulate the process in order to gain undue advantage in the case and inflate the confiscation figure.
Speaking, Krolic said ‘there are cases of abuse of process against the crown prosecution to deliberately manipulate the process to gain undue advantage and inflate the confiscation figure which will require a stay of proceeding in this case to allow for the abuse of process to be dealt with’.
Acknowledging the precarious situation the on going case has been put to and the issues around police corruption which has led the Police authority to set up a review of the process and corruption allegations against its officers, the Judge, His Honour Tomlinson noted ‘there are a lot of perceptions and it is inevitable that the team involved in the investigation and prosecution be changed following these allegations’.
Putting the judge on notice should the confiscation trial begin as scheduled while the application for crown and police abuse of process is held, Mr Krolic said ‘our argument is that the whole process is infected and it will be wrong for the confiscation hearing to continue…the allegation is that the crown consistently and deliberately manipulated the system and James Ibori to plead guilty and inflate the figures in the light of the serious allegation of police corruption in this case’.
Reacting, the judge, His Honour Tomlinson admitted ‘I have an obligation to keep an open mind and keep this under constant review’. The Judge also admitted, having read the statement witness of James Ibori’s former defence counsel, Mr Nicholas Purnell QC that the crown counsels misled him to cause his client, James Ibori, to plead guilty, that ‘ I have read Purnell’s statements and there are potentials in the statements’. The Judge notwithstanding, the June start date of the Confiscation hearing stated ‘A number of Potential hazards to this proceedings have been flagged off’.
The Confiscation hearing in the meantime is due to start next month at Southwark Crown in London.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Omatseye
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administrative Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Raymond Omatseye, has bagged a jail of Five years for his involvement in the 1.5 Billion Naira contract scam.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court arising from the chargers instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC said the former NIMASA boss committed the crime while he was in office, in violation of the country’s public procurement law.
Mr. Omatseye was arraigned before the court on a 27-count charge bordering on alleged contract variation, bid rigging and awarding contract above his approval limit.
At the final hearing of the matter on March 24, before the court fixed a date for judgment, the prosecution counsel, Godwin Obla, SAN, and defence counsel, E. D Onyeke made their final addresses and adopted them before the court.
Mr. Onyeke filed and served the court and prosecution a written address and adopted it.
He urged the court to dismiss the case against the former NIMASA boss on the grounds that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Mr. Obla also adopted his written address and expressed confidence that the 27-count charge against the defendant was proven beyond all reasonable doubt and prayed the court to find the defendant guilty of all the charges.
According to Mr. Obla, 25 counts of the charges preferred against Mr. Omatseye dwelt on the approval of contract above the threshold level and the other two counts dealt with bid rigging.
He also said that, contrary to existing regulations, contract was awarded to a company that was the highest bidder and which was not even pre-qualified for the contract.
After listening to all their submissions, Mrs. Ajumogobia adjourned the matter and fixed May 9, 2016 for judgment.
Judgment date was however moved to May 20.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba in Abuja on Thursday, said it was ready to negotiate with the Federal Government, just as President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, confirmed that NLC had shown commitment for dialogue, adding that the National Assembly will play its role in resolving the crisis.
Wabba expressed NLC’s readiness for dialogue while briefing newsmen after a closed-door meeting between the leadership of the union and the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
He, however, insisted the strike would continue as the government had yet to reach out to the union for negotiation.
He said he did not walk out of any meeting with the federal government, adding that the union had also not received any formal invitation for meeting with the government since they commenced the strike.
The Wabba-led faction had embarked on industrial action since Wednesday due to the hike in fuel price from N86.50 to N145 per litre.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joe Ajaero-led NLC faction withdrew from the industrial action.
Protests against the federal government have been going on in several states despite the court injunction on the Nigerian Labour unions to suspend the intended strike action over the recent fuel hike.
Federal and state Government offices, schools and banks remained closed on Thursday across the country as the nationwide strike declared by NLC enters the third day.
In Delta state, the protesting workers were led by the Delta State chapter NLC Vice Chairman, Jonathan Jemiregbe, who said the State chapter of the NLC is only obeying the mother union’s strike directives following the recent fuel price hike from N86.50 to N145.00 per liter and the hike in the electricity tariff by the federal government.
“All ministries, departments and agencies are complying with the strike order and the frivolous court cannot even stop us. The judiciary is fond of giving obnoxious court orders. Before an injunction is given, the parties concerned must be carried along. But the NLC was not carried along. Labor leaders that refused to join the strike are government agents and sponsors,” Mr. Jemiregbe said.
The striking workers grounded official and economic activities on Wednesday, causing a heavy gridlock along the popular Nebisis and Illah roads in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
On Thursday, the NLC strike in Asaba, Delta State continued successfully on Day 2, as the protest was restricted to under the Interbau Flyover in a bid to lessen the adverse effect already caused by the hike in petrol price on traders, banks and other business owners.
However government offices remained closed while the media houses were asked to provide skeletal services to keep the people of the state abreast of happenings. The protest continues on Friday May 20, 2016.
Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
French President Francois Hollande confirmed the plane, which left Paris headed for Cairo carrying 66 passengers and crew, had crashed into the Mediterranean Sea after an unexplained disappearance from radar.
Ships have been dispatched to the last points of radar confirmation to find the wreckage. Officials caution that investigations are in their early stages, as many were quick to point to terrorism fears after the Greek defense minister announced the plane suddenly dropped 22,000 feet, spun sharply and then disappeared from radar.
•EgyptAir Flight MS804 was flying from Paris to Cairo and vanished from radar with 66 people on board.
•The Airbus A320 crashed into the Mediterranean Sea but the cause is unclear
•Thirty Egyptians, 15 French and 10 other nationalities were on board.
An EgyptAir plane, en route from Paris to Cairo with 66 people on board, crashed Thursday into the Mediterranean Sea, officials said.
Greek and Egyptian search teams are now looking for survivors near the Greek island of Karpathos, east of Crete.
“We must do everything to find crash debris,” French President Francois Hollande said at a news conference.
EgyptAir Flight MS804 left Paris at 11:09 p.m. and was scheduled to land at 3:05 a.m., Cairo time. It was cruising at 37,000 feet when it vanished from radar around 2:45 a.m. Cairo time.
Search teams spotted two objects in the sea 230 nautical miles south of the island of Crete, a Greek official said. It has not been confirmed as debris from the plane crash, however. The search for the flight currently involves a frigate from Greece, as well as French, American, Greek, Turkish and Egyptian military planes. ***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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Corruption charges, a deepening economic crisis and insurgency by opponents led to the downfall of Rousseff.President Dilma Rousseff
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
BRASILIA Brazil‘s Senate voted on Thursday to put leftist President Dilma Rousseff on trial in a historic decision brought on by a deep recession and a corruption scandal that will now confront her successor, Vice President Michel Temer.
With Rousseff to be suspended during the Senate trial for allegedly breaking budget rules, the centrist Temer will take the helm of a country that again finds itself mired in political and economic volatility after a recent decade of prosperity.
The 55-22 vote ends more than 13 years of rule by the left-wing Workers Party, which rose fromBrazil‘s labor movement and helped pull millions of people out of poverty before seeing many of its leaders tainted by corruption investigations.
Fireworks rang out in cities across Brazil after the vote at the end of a 20-hour session in the Senate. Police briefly clashed with pro-Rousseff demonstrators in Brasilia during the vote, but the country was calm early Thursday, with scattered celebrants in São Paulo and other cities draping themselves in Brazil‘s green, yellow and blue flag.
Rousseff, a 68-year-old economist and former member of a Marxist guerrilla group who was the country’s first woman president, is unlikely to be acquitted in a trial that could last as long as six months.
The scale of her defeat on Thursday showed the opposition already has the support it needs to reach a two-thirds majority required to convict Rousseff and remove her definitively from office.
“It is a bitter though necessary medicine,” opposition Senator Jose Serra, tipped to become foreign minister under Temer, said during the marathon debate. “Having the Rousseff government continue would be a bigger tragedy. Brazil‘s situation would be unbearable.” The final score of a Senate vote with an overwhelming 55-22 on suspending Brasilian President Dilma Rousseff and launching an impeachment trial is pictured on a large screen inside the Senate in Brasilia on May 12, 2016. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was suspended on May 12 to face impeachment, ceding power to her vice-president-turned-enemy Michel Temer in a political earthquake ending 13 years of leftist rule over Latin America’s biggest nation. / AFP / EVARISTO SA (Photo credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP/Getty Images)
The Senate voted 55-22 to suspend Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and launch an impeachment trial.
Early Thursday, a Temer aide said the incoming government would announce a series of austerity measures to help reduce a massive budget deficit.
Temer plans to appoint Henrique Mereilles, a former central bank president and banking executive who is popular with foreign investors, as finance minister after taking office during the day, added the adviser.
Senate Speaker Renan Calheiros said Rousseff would be formally notified of her suspension on Thursday morning, after which she would leave Brasilia’s Planalto presidential palace. As suspended head of state, she can continue to live in her official residence, have a staff and use an Air Force plane.
Rousseff, who has denied any wrongdoing and has called the impeachment process a “coup,” was expected to make a brief statement, aides said. She would later address a rally of supporters accompanied by her mentor, Workers Party founder and former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Rousseff dismissed her cabinet, including the sports minister, who is in final preparations for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August, Brazil‘s Official Gazette showed. The central bank governor, who has ministerial rank, was not included in the decree.
Temer, 75, a constitutional scholar who spent decades in Brazil‘s Congress, now faces the challenge of restoring economic growth and calm at a time when Brazilians, increasingly polarized, are questioning whether their institutions can deliver on his promise of stability.
‘CRISIS TO CRISIS’
In addition to the gaping deficit, equal to more than 10 percent of its annual economic output,Brazil is suffering from rising unemployment, plummeting investment and a projected economic contraction of more than 3 percent this year.
“Only major reforms can keep Brazil from moving from crisis to crisis,” says Eduardo Giannetti da Fonseca, an economist and author in São Paulo who has written extensively about the country’s socioeconomic problems.
But those changes, including an overhaul of pension, tax and labor laws and a political reform to streamline fragmented parties in a mercenary Congress, could remain elusive at a time of turmoil.
While opposition supporters celebrated in the central Paulista Avenue of Brazil‘s largest city, Sao Paulo, many Brazilians are concerned that the end of Workers Party rule could bring back bad times for the poor, who have made great strides in the last decade.
And many Brazilians are unsure whether a new government will make much difference in the short term.
Maria Carmo, a 48-year-old hair stylist at a shop in central Brasilia, expressed serious doubts.
“I don’t see anyone who has the capacity the lead us out of this complicated mess we’re in – all the politicians are under investigation,” said Carmo. “This crisis impacts everyone – poor, middle class, and I would even argue the rich given all the turbulence.”
WILD CARDS
Rousseff’s government made a last-ditch effort to annul her impeachment but it was rejected by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
By dismissing her cabinet, Rousseff sought to frustrate a smooth transition for Temer. She views him as a traitor because of his efforts, as leader of the party that was her main ally in Congress, to unravel that coalition and force party colleagues to resign from government posts.
Temer plans to swear in new ministers on Thursday afternoon and is promising pro-market policies to bring the deficit under control, rein in inflation and get the economy growing again.
Brazilian markets have for weeks rallied as investors welcomed the likely dismissal of a president they believe crippled the economy, but were largely unchanged on Wednesday.
Wild cards remain for Temer himself, including still-pending investigations by an electoral court into financing for his and Rousseff’s 2014 re-election campaign.
Then there is the far-reaching kickback probe around state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, which has ensnared dozens of corporate and political chieftains and fueled the discontent that led to Rousseff’s impeachment.
Rousseff, energy minister and chief of staff to her predecessor before taking office in 2011, was chairwoman of Petrobras at the time when much of the graft occurred.
She has not been accused of corruption, but the scandal at Petrobras encouraged opposition lawmakers to oust her for disguising the size of the government’s budget deficit in the lead-up to her re-election.
Temer has not been accused of wrongdoing in the scandal either, but some of his allies and party colleagues have. Prosecutors say they are far from finished with the probe.
Though many lawmakers have expressed their desire to join forces and get on with a recovery upon Rousseff’s exit, dozens of parties are jockeying for power in the Temer government and angling to position themselves for new elections in 2018.
Temer has indicated he will not run for president in 2018. A recent survey from polling group Datafolha showed just 1 percent of those surveyed would vote for him, and other polls show around 60 percent of Brazilians want him impeached too.
“Temer may have a honeymoon, but let’s not forget this was a shotgun wedding,” said Mauricio Santoro, a political scientist at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. “Reforms aren’t easy at the best of times and these are for sure not the easiest.”
Courtesy (Reuters) –
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The unilateral increase in prices of petroleum products by government represents the height of insensitivity and impunity and shall be resisted by the Nigeria Labour Congress and its civil society allies.
With the imposition on the citizenry of criminal and unjustifiable electricity tariff and resultant darkness and other economic challenges brought on by the devaluation of the Naira and spiraling inflation, the least one had expected at this point in time was another policy measure that would further make life more miserable for the ordinary Nigerian.
The latest increase is the most audacious and cruel in the history of product price increase as It represents not only about 80 per cent increase but it is tied to the black market exchange rate.
Further more, the process through which government arrived at this is both illogical and illegal as the board of the PPPRA is not duly constituted. In our previous statements and communiques, we had stressed the need for reconstituting the boards of NNPC and PPPRA and wean both away from the overbearing influence of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources who has assumed the role of a Sole Administrator.
The allusion to the fact that the this increase was arrived at after due consultation with stake holders is not only ridiculous and fallacious, it goes to show that the brief meeting held today during which government was advised to shelve the idea until at least it meets with the appropriate organs of the Congress was in bad faith.
Accordingly, we urge the government to revert the prices to what they were. We would want to put everybody on notice that we shall resist this criminal increase with every means legitimate.
Already an emergency NEC meeting has been scheduled for Friday, May 13, 2016 to decide on the next line of action. Meanwhile, our affiliates, state councils and civil society allies are requested to commence mobilization immediately.
Dr Peter Ozo-Eson
General Secretary
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In a press release issued by the Niger Delta Avengers, the new militant group stated that its goal is to establish an independent, sovereign Niger Delta state..
New militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, who have carried out acts of sabotage on the region’s oil blocs in an effort to cripple Nigeria’s economy since the group’s inception in April, has stated that its goal is to establish an independent, sovereign Niger Delta state.
In the press release signed by their spokesman, Mudoch Agbinibo, the group vowed to continue their attacks, but emphasized that they are only targeting oil blocs, not people.
Read the full Press Release below:.
“From the high command of the Niger Delta Avengers we congratulating all strike teams of the Avengers without taking any innocent life or that of the Nigeria military we were able to shut down 50% of crude production.
We have been seeing a lot on the media about us. Some are asking, “Who are you avenging?” some calling us empty heads, ex-agitators have been condemning us on daily basis. Our criticizer from other part of the country, we don’t have any thing to tell you because you clearly don’t know how life is in the region.
To our criticizers from the region we want you to know you are all cowards and afraid to stand for your people.
To ex-agitators of the likes of Tompolo, We know why you people are after us. Our agitation is more civilize than yours the Niger Delta Avengers is more concern with people of Niger Delta unlike you (ex-agitations) that were into kidnapping, killing of Nigeria soldiers, sea pirates, vessel and tanker hijacking. But we were able to carry out all our operations without killing a fly. We have sophisticated arms far better than what you use to have during your kidnapping days.
After the amnesty Programme you (ex-agitators) has been enjoying patronize from the government and royalty from multinational oil companies. While we (Avengers) have been strategizing on how the voice of the Niger Deltans can be heard. we are fighting a radical fight without taking any life.
Lets make it clear, to you our elder brothers (ex-agitators) that we are not begging you to join this agitation. We are young, educated, well travelled and most of us were educated in east Europe but don’t worry when we achieved our goal (sovereign state of Niger Delta) then you people will be proud of us. In as much as we respect you as our elder brothers (ex-agitators) please don’t dare to stand on our way because if you do we will crash you.
To the citizens of the Niger Delta who share same idea with us we thank you all. Just know that no amount of criticism within and outside the region can stop us.
For the record the Niger Delta Avengers is enjoying the blame game going around.
To the Nigeria military the Niger Delta avengers is among you. And we know all your plans so we will always ten steps ahead of you. In our meeting comprising all heads of the strike teams, which was held in Bayelsa. The Niger Delta Avengers high Command comes to the conclusion that, if the military harass or invade any community in the region then you (Nigeria military) will get a feel of the Avengers.
If you smart or intelligent enough you will look inward not outside. We know when you are vulnerable but not take our calmness for granted.
To our brothers from Easterner Nigeria, whom have been condemning and calling us names. The simple fact you are living comfortable doesn’t mean we like you.
The Commander of Strike team 9 of the Niger Delta Avengers is from Eastern Nigeria so no body should limit this struggle to the Ijaws of the Niger Delta only. The leader of the strike team 6 that blew up chevron valve platform is Itsekiri. The Commander of our elite team strike team one is from Akwa Ibom.
So if you are calling us empty heads just know you brothers are part of Niger Delta Avengers as well. Avengers is different from former agitators who limited the struggle to just the Ijaws
To international Oil Companies, this is just the beginning and you have not seen anything yet. We will make you suffer as you have been made the people of Niger deltans suffered over the years from environmental degradation, and environment pollution.
To the President of Nigeria Buhari, we are sure you have not been to the creeks of the Niger delta before and 90% of your cabinets does not know how the region looks like. You think the Niger delta region is full of animals, who are going to frustrate your government. Your government that is not following rule of law, unlawful detention of innocent people just likes of Nnamdi Kanu. All he wanted was to let his people go. Nnamdi kanu didn’t carry any arm against this country but was incarcerated. We want you to know that’s no civilize President will behaves this way. If that is how you devised to run the country we will prefer you do that in the northern region.
When couples are tired of living together to make peace they go their separate ways. That is what Nnamdi kanu and the Niger deltans are asking.
You always say you fought for the unity of this country during the civil war. You haven’t been to the Niger delta, how can you know what the people are facing I believe your Vice will tell how the region is suffering and under developed when he visited the forcados terminal. That is if he ever looks out of his helicopter window.
1. Apo Well was awarded to Sapetro Oil owned by Gen Theophilus Y Danjuma .Apo field is capable of producing 300,000 barrels per day and crude reserve of 500 million barrels.
2. OML 110 Obe oil field own by Alhaji Mai Daribe, Cavendish Petroleum with an estimated 500 million barrel of crude oil that worth $50 billion dollars after tax.
3. Akpo condensate field was awarded to Sapetro Oil owned by Gen Theophilus Y Danjuma. This field worth $100 billions of dollars.
4. OML 112 and OML 117 were awarded to AMNI International Petroleum Development Company owned by Colonel Sanni Bello. Son inlaw to former Head of State. Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar. Its worth $150 Dollars after tax.
5. OML 115 also known as Oldwok field and Ebok field was awarded to Alhaji Mohammed Indimi. Inlaw to former Head of State Gen. Ibrahim Babangida the two fields worth $200 billion Dollars.
6. OML 215 was awarded and operated by Nor East Petroleum Limited owned by one Alhali Saleh Mohammed Gambo. The field worth $100 billion Dollars after tax.
7. OML 108 awarded to Express Petroleum Company owned by Alhaji Aminu Dantata. This field worth $128 billion Dollars.
8. OML 113 was allocated to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited owned by Alhaji W. I. Folawiyo. Net worth is $150 billion Dollars.
9. Prince Nasiru Ado Bayero cousin to the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanisu, owns ASUOKPU/UMUTU marginal oil fields. It worth $110 billion Dollars.
10. Inter is owned by Atiku Abubakar, Yara dua and Ado Bayero has a substantial stakes in the oil and gas exploration in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
11. AMNI International Petroleum Company owns OML 112 and OML 117. Former Minister of Petroleum and OPEC Chairman Rilwanu Lukman has major stakes in AMNI International Petroleum Company.
12. OML 67 is operated Afren Plc. Rilwanu lukman also has a major stakes and the field worth $180 billion Dollars.
13. OPL 245 is awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas owned by Dan Etete. Former President Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abukbakar all has major shares. It worth $50 billion Dollars.
14. OPL 289 and OPL 233 was awarded to Cleanwater Consortium, the two fields worth $200 billion Dollars. Former Governor Peter Odili of River State, Obasanjo and Sultan of Sokoto has major Stakes.
15. OPL 288 was awarded to focus Energy Senator Andy Uba, Obasanjo, and Gen Theophilus Y Danjuma are the major stakeholders. The field worth $70 billion Dollars.
16. OPL 291 was awarded to Starcrest Energy Nigeria Limited owned by Emeka Offor. The field worth $100 billion Dollars.
17. Mike adenuga’s Conoil controls and operates Six (6) oil blocs and exports about 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily. These 6 oil bloc worth $500 billion Dollars.
From our analysis above, 90% oil blocs are allocated to individuals from northern Nigeria and some confused elements from the region are calling the Niger Delta Avengers names, some are calling us criminals. Our question to these groups of individuals calling us names are; where were you when all these atrocities were happening to the people of the Niger Delta? IT’S A PITY.
To owners and operators of these oil blocs in our region the Niger Delta Avengers is giving you two weeks ultimatum to shut down your operations and evacuates your staff. If at the end of the ultimatum and you still operating. We will blow up all the locations. It will be bloody. So just shut down your operations and leave.
There is rumor that oil has been discovered in the North East. How will you feel if this found oil is been managed by Niger Deltans. We are very sure the Niger deltans wont even have 2% oil bloc if oil is really found in the Northeast. If you didn’t shut down we will shut your stations permanently for you.
No agent or representative of the Avengers has called the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Group Managing Director, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu to threaten his life.
To all International Oil Companies, Indigenous Oil Companies and Contractors ,if anyone called saying they are members of Avengers please do not listen or take them serious because our ideology and belief is far from that.
Once again on behalf of all the commanders of the avengers strike teams we congratulate our loyal and gallant soldiers who put human life before their targets. On behalf of the Niger Delta people we said congratulation as we have cripple the Nigeria economy by 50% by the grace of God we will make it 100% if our demands are not met soon.
By October 2016 we will display our Currency, Flag, Passport, our ruling Council and our Territory to the world.
To the United Nations, we are not asking for much but to free the people of the Niger Delta from environmental pollution, slavery, and oppression. We want a country that will turn the creeks of the Niger delta to a tourism heaven, a country that will achieve its full potentials, a country that will make health care system accessible by everyone. With Niger delta still under the country Nigeria we can’t make it possible. So we are calling on the Ban Ki-Moon Secretary General United Nations and all Heads of the government of the five Permanent Security Council members to come to the aid of Niger delta people. We are calling on world leaders to come to the Niger delta to see the atrocities committed by the Nigeria government.
Long Live the Niger Delta Avengers.
Long Live the Niger Delta.”
Col. Mudoch Agbinibo
Spokesperson.
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President Buhari was a panelist at the opening session of the London Anti-Corruption Summit, this morning at Lancaster House. Read the official statement from the president.
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE ANTI-CORRUPTION SUMMIT HELD AT THE LANCASTER HOUSE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, ON THURSDAY, 12TH MAY, 2016
The Rt. Hon. David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Chief Host of the Summit,
Fellow Heads of State of Government,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I feel honoured and privileged to be invited to this Summit dedicated solely to combating corruption, a cankerworm in the social and economic fabrics of all countries. May I first commend Prime Minister Cameron for considering it worthy and timely to convene this Summit. I recall how he championed anti-corruption actions at home and in several international fora as well as his initiative to place tax, trade and transparency on the forefront of the G8 agenda a few years ago. As the Co-chair of the United Nations High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, he took the lead to galvanise agreement to place the anti-corruption fight at the heart of the global approach to combating poverty. Today, this accomplishment is embodied in Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Corruption is one of the greatest enemies of our time. It runs completely counter to our values, as it rewards those who do not play by the rules and also creates a system of patronage where the resources are shared out by a small elite, while the majority are trapped in poverty. When it comes to tackling corruption, the international community has unfortunately looked the other way for too long. We need to step up and tackle this evil. This charge sums up why we are gathered here today.
THE ANTI-CORRUPTION STANCE OF THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION
Excellencies,
Tackling corruption has been a defining feature of my public service. Upon assuming office on May 29th last year, I made fighting corruption as one of the three pillars of our Administration’s priority programmes. Indeed, when I came to office, corruption had become endemic and systemic, threatening the very foundation of our national life, security and democracy. As a result, I have demonstrated zero tolerance for corrupt practices by combating corruption head-on. We are determined to bring integrity to governance through leadership by example.
At the global level, Nigeria is committed to forging strategic partnership with willing countries to combat corruption. For too long, Nigeria has been a victim of both internal and international criminal cartels indulging in corrupt practices. This phenomenon is manifested in the plundering and stealing of public funds, which are then stashed away in secret offshore accounts. As a result, Nigeria is calling on this Summit to create an anti-corruption infrastructure and a strategic action plan that will include the monitoring, tracing and facilitating the recovery of stolen funds and assets hidden in secret accounts abroad.
The anti-corruption measures that we would adopt in this Summit should also include mechanisms that will assist countries like our own in combating illegal activities in the oil sector, involving oil theft that has become a serious threat to the national economy and security. It has been estimated that oil bunkering, which is akin to trade in “blood diamonds”, now costs Nigeria about 7 billion U.S. dollars annually. This Summit must, therefore, come up with measures to combat oil theft, which constitutes a credible threat to global energy security. Multinational oil companies and banks, international financial institutions as well as international shipping lines and insurance firms must cooperate fully with oil producing countries, such as Nigeria, in cleaning up our oil sector and freeing it from the clutches of international fraudsters.
UNDERSCORING THE RELEVANCE OF THE SUMMIT
Excellencies,
This Summit, the first of its kind focusing on anti-corruption, should be leveraged upon by world leaders to send a strong signal to the whole world that corporations and individuals can no longer get away with tax fraud, money laundering, transfer pricing and illicit funds transfer to offshore locations or tax havens. The outcome of this Summit should drive a global process to reduce, if not eliminate, corporate and individual corrupt practices. From today, we should hold these perpetrators to account and freeze their ill-gotten assets.
Furthermore, this Summit should adopt a global anti-corruption agenda that will include transparency, accountability, social justice, as well as fair and legitimate business practices and environment.
Excellencies,
Corruption undermines the ability of countries to finance development. I recall in this regard the landmark Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development held in January this year. A prominent feature of this global framework is the recognition that good governance and measures to combat corruption and curb illicit financial flows will be integral to the efforts to attain sustainable development Post-2015.
It is for these reasons that the Nigerian government expressed its determination to address illicit financial flows as they serve as major impediments to progress. I wish to reiterate our call in Addis Ababa that the global community must come up with mechanisms for dismantling safe havens, and facilitate the easy return of stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin, as mandated in the United Nations Conventions Against Corruption and Transnational Organized Crimes. Let us seize this opportunity to act now.
We must henceforth see the anti-corruption fight, not as an end in itself, but as an instrument in the fight to eliminate poverty and restore the right order of things.
Excellencies,
I recall our proactive roles at the United Nations in the adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September of last year. Goal 16 of the SDGs envisages a world with access to justice and open, accountable institutions as well as recognizes that governance has a development dividend. This provides us a platform to set new milestones for confronting international financial criminality and impunity.
May I plead that we seize the momentum generated by this Summit to design a rules-based architecture to combat corruption in all its forms. The hallmark of this new order must include greater transparency and accountability of all institutions, corporate bodies and individuals. It must also embody stricter enforcement regulations of governing international financial flows and tax havens.
Excellencies,
There is no question that corruption accounts for 10% of the cost of doing business globally. Equally true is that reducing corruption by the same proportion might add 380 billion U.S. dollars yearly to the world economy. These findings are illuminating. But our concerns in Africa go even beyond that
African countries have been accused of endemic corruption, although it is a universal evil. However, African countries have all too often been the victims of international corruption planned and executed from abroad using our own resources. The Report of the High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, headed by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, former President of South Africa, revealed that Africa loses 50 billion U.S. dollars annually and has lost in excess of 1 trillion U.S. dollars in illicit financial flows over the last 50 years. This amount equals to the total sum of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) received by all African countries during the same period! This finding is as troubling as it is revealing.
We can begin to appreciate the stark reality that every dollar siphoned through dirty deals and corruption to offshore tax havens makes the livelihood and survival of the average African more precarious. We of the African continent, therefore, avail ourselves of this opportunity to call for an end to the plundering of our continent through organised international crime.
RECAPITULATION OF THE COMMITMENTS NIGERIA WANTS LEADERS TO SIGN UP TO AT THE SUMMIT
Excellencies,
To conclude, the new anti-corruption architecture that we seek to build must be ambitious, effective and deliverable. To this end, the commitments Nigeria hopes leaders here present to sign up to should include the following:
a) Tracing, freezing and returning stolen funds to their countries of origin without delay or preconditions. There have been substantial progress, but more remains to be done in this regard;
b) Combating illicit financial flows across international borders, particularly from Africa;
c) Initiating practical and enforceable international actions to tackle oil theft;
d) Introduction of stringent rules and regulations on the registration of beneficial or shell companies and disclosure of their transactions; and
e) A concerted international effort to address the general and pervasive problem of money laundering, which distorts the international financial markets, undermines good governance and serves as a conduit for financing the activities of criminal gangs, including terrorists.
May I finally again commend the British Prime Minister for convening this important Summit and I am hopeful that at its end, it will kick- start real action to combat corruption.
I thank you.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The Federal Government’s decision to increase petrol pump price from N86 to N145 per liter would negatively impact the commoners, says respondents from oil-rich Delta state.
The respondents spoke in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday in Asaba, following the formal removal of subsidy from sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and subsequent hike of petrol price by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) on Wednesday.
They also lamented that the impact could be severe, more so, that it could be difficult for government to guarantee the N145/L in a deregulated economy where the dealers on petrol would have to source their dollars.
Speaking on the issue, Mr Raymos Guanah, former Delta Commissioner for Lands and Survey, said that the federal government should have done enough sensitization before announcing the increment.
He said that it would be difficult for the Federal Government to guarantee the N145/L when she had asked fuel importers to source forex from secondary market.
“The FG cannot guarantee the N145 per liter as the importers will sell based on how they got their dollars.
“This action will make the demand for dollar go very high, it will lead to an increase in the price of goods and services and may also be a justification for the agitation for increase in salaries.
“It is the common Nigerians that will bear the brunt,” he said.
Also, a Legal Practitioner, Mr Frank Esenwah, said that the implications of the pricing policy were here and it ranges from spiraling cost of living, inflation, workers agitations, strikes for higher wages.
“Further descent of the societal weakness into more poverty, stress induced illness and even deaths.
“Labour layoffs, low productivity are also imminent arising from burdensome wage bills and cost of production,” he said.
He lamented that this was coming at a time most Nigerians were already traumatized from the glaring poor and weak handling of the economy and going comatose.
“We can only hope the imagined benefits of the decision will come up quickly before suicide rates go up,” Esenwah said.
On his part, Mr Jerry Ossai, former Delta Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said that it may be too early to speculate the outcomes of the pump price increase because government may be providing palliatives.
He said though the immediate outcome of the move would leave the poor worse off.
“Let’s hope some palliative is in the works.
“Besides, we must expect immediate upward spiral of costs especially in the transport sector and this will impact negatively on food and other commodity prices, thus leaving the poor worse off,” Ossai said.
Mr Samuel Mordi, a Journalist said the time was certainly not the best for the masses, adding that the move portends danger for the poor.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
Delta state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah has assured the Federal Road Safety Commission of the support of the State government towards the actualisation of road safety ethics on our roads.
He gave this assurance while hosting a delegation led by the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Rindom Kumven, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Mr. Ukah reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the safety of lives on our roads, which informed the establishment of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), specifically to compliment the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), especially within the town, so as to leave them free to concentrate on the highways.
The Information Commissioner stated that the Ministry will work in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps to sensitise Deltans on the programme of the Corps through its electronic and print media, and called on the Corps to draw up enlightenment programmes which could be supported by stakeholders on Road Safety Project to educate Deltans on Road Safety culture.
Earlier, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander Rindam Kumven, explained that the delegation were in the office of the Honourable Commissioner to appeal for support of the Ministry in the area of publicising and sensitising the general public on the need to inculcate Road Safety habits, especially regarding over speeding, over loading, use of old and expired tyres and non adherence to road signs.
He also hinted that the Corps was planning to set up a motorised patrol unit along the Asaba-Benin express way which hopefully would help to curtail the increased motor accidents occurring along that road.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has formally removed subsidy from sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol with immediate effect, an action which now allows marketers to bring in cargoes and sell, subject to meeting quality standard control.
NNPC sources reveal that a benchmark of N145 per litre has now become the recommended pump price, at which any trader, irrespective of the source of foreign exchange used to import cargo is guaranteed adequate profit.
A statement issued by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu confirmed it stating that “We have just finished a meeting of various stakeholders presided over by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and attended by the Leadership of the Senate, House of Representatives, Governors Forum, and Labour Unions (NLC, TUC, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN).
1. The current fuel scarcity and supply difficulties in the country
2. The exorbitant prices being paid by Nigerians for the product. These prices range on the average from N150 to N250 per litre currently.
3. The meeting also noted that the main reason for the current problem is the inability of importers of petroleum products to source foreign exchange at the official rate due to the massive decline of foreign exchange earnings by the federal government. As a result, private marketers have been unable to meet their approximate 50% portion of total national supply of PMS.
Following a detailed presentation by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, it has now become obvious that the only option and course of action open to the government is to take the following decisions:
“In order to increase and stabilise the supply of the product, any Nigerian entity is now free to import the product, subject to existing quality specifications and other guidelines issued by Regulatory Agencies.
“All Oil Marketers will be allowed to import PMS on the basis of FOREX procured from secondary sources, and accordingly PPPRA template will reflect this in the pricing of the product.
“Pursuant to this, PPPRA has informed me that it will be announcing a new price band effective today.
“We expect this new policy will lead to improved supply and competition, and eventually drive down pump prices, as we have experienced with diesel.
“In addition, this will also lead to increased product availability and encourage investments in refineries and other parts of the downstream sector. It will also prevent diversion of petroleum products and set a stable environment for the downstream sector in Nigeria.
“We share the pains of Nigerians but, as we have constantly said, the inherited difficulties of the past and the challenges of the current times imply that we must take difficult decisions on these sorts of critical national issues.
“Along with this decision, the federal government has in the 2016 budget made unprecedented social protection provisions to cushion the current challenges.
“We believe in the long term, that improved supply and competition will drive down prices.
“The DPR and PPPRA have been mandated to ensure strict regulatory compliance including dealing decisively with anyone involved in hoarding petroleum products.”
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Nigeria’s Military High Command Tuesday said it is aware of the emergence of a group in the Niger Delta region that has vowed to cripple economic activities through pipeline vandalism, oil theft and kidnap of expatriate workers in that region; it will not hesitate to deploy every available resources to deal decisively with any threats to economic lifeline of the nation.
“The military will employ all available means and measures within its Rule of Engagement to crush any individual or group that engages in the destruction of strategic assets and facilities of the government in the Niger Delta or any other location and they will stand to regret the consequences of their actions.
“The whole world has seen what they are causing in terms of economic terrorism against the nation and would be treated as criminals in line with the laws of the land.
“While the military and other security agencies would continue to emplace more proactive measures within the creeks and other places to fish out those responsible for the heinous crime, it will remain focused and assure oil companies and law abiding community members of their safety and protection of their sanctity.
“The DHQ advices the community leaders, Traditional Rulers and the general public to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure the apprehension of the culprits for the interest of our great nation; as no individual or group interest is above national interest of this country,” Defence spokesperson, Gen. Rabe Abubakar said in a statement.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
A new militancy group – the Niger Delta Avengers, which came on the scene with a bang in February, blowing up strategic pipelines in Delta State, and are currently rocking Nigeria’s oil economy, has released a list of demands to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The list demanded the immediate implementation of the resolution of the 2014 National Conference and that oil bloc owners should be 60% indigenes of the oil producing region and 40% the rest of the Nigeria.
Prominent in the group’s demands is the reversal of the cancellation of the National Maritime University which was sited in Delta State, and also demanded an apology from Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport over his role in ending the project and demanded an immediate kick-off of the university.
Below is the full statement as exclusively published byReports Afrique:
We are a group of young Niger Deltans who have support from other parts of Nigeria, namely Northern, Western and Eastern part of the Country.
We have watched with keen interest, the way and manner in which the president Muhammadu Buhari Led APC government runs the affairs of this country, and we not pleased with the way things are going. For instance, the so-called anti-corruption fight is directed towards perceived enemies of the government, and those that are sympathetic to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
We wonder why this persecution, despite the peaceful manner Jonathan hand over government to All Progressive Congress APC. When they did not even the win the 2015 election because he was after lives of Nigerians as he saw that the APC is blood tasty.
So far the only two governorship elections that were conducted under this government were and still remain the most controversial elections in the history of this nation.
The 2016 budget that was presented to the national assembly is full of fraud, yet nobody has owned up to the frauds spotted in the budget by Nigerians and the national assembly.
The president has not deem it fit to expose and prosecute those that are behind these frauds and punish them accordingly, because, because he is neck dip in these frauds. What kind of anti-corrupt fight is this?
This is the time Nigerians need to say the truth and stand by it. There must be a revolution to deliver this country from the hands of this wicked administration now. Imagine all the appointees to the president are all his relations eg DSS, Customs, INEC, and so on. We can no longer continue like this. There is a serious and biting hunger in the land. So many persons have lost their jobs under this Buhari led administration, while his wife and children are doing party everyday in Aso Rock Villa.
We cannot continue like this. Most APC leaders and other big men are pretending as if all is well but all is not well with them. Infact, they are dying in silent. Nigerians must speak up against this Military in Democracy government. Things must be done in the right way.
Therefore, we have chosen to start this revolution to free country from these vampires called APC government. We are hereby giving president Buhari two weeks ultimatum to do the following things urgently.
1. Immediate implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference. Otherwise, this country will break-up forcefully.
2. President Buhari, the DS SSS and Timipre Sylva should apologize to the people of the Niger Delta region and family of Late Chief DSP Alamieyesegha for killing him with intimidation and harassment because of his party affiliation.
3. The ownership of oil blocks must reflect 60% for the oil producing people and 40% for the non-oil producing people.
4. The only Nigerian Maritime University sited in the most appropriate and befitting place Okerenkoko must start the 2015/2016 academic session immediately.
5. The minister of transportation, Mr Rotimi Amechi should apologize to the Ijaws and the entire Niger Delta people for his careless and reckless statement about the siting of the University.
6. The Ogoniland and indeed ll oil polluted lands in the Niger Delta must be cleaned up and compensation be paid to all oil producing communities.
7. Mr Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of IPOB must be released unconditionally as the court said.
8. The Niger Delta Amnesty programme must be well funded and let it continue to run effectively.
9. All APC members that are indicted in any corruption related cases should be made to face trial like the PDP members. Otherwise Buhari should shamefully forget about this nonsense anti-corruption fight.
All oil multi-nationals and foreign investors should observe this ultimatum, as their business interest in the country must be first target.
A word is enough for the wise.
In addition to tell the Nigeria government that we mean business at as 10:55pm on Saturday the Forcados terminal crude oil export pipeline was blown up by Niger Delta Avengers.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
With the support of eminent political leaders in Oshimili South local government area, led by former Speaker, Right Hon Peter Onwusanya, ebullient youth leader and hotelier, Ogbueshi Dda Okonji, was giving the mantle of leadership as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman in the area.
Besides the intrigues that saw the emergence of youthful Ogbueshi Okonji, his mobilization acumen greatly justified his ability to steer the party to victory.
Jubilation rented the air when with 92 votes out of 98 accredited delegates; Mr. Dada Okonji clinched the most coveted Chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oshimili South Local government Area.
The election which was held at the Oshimili South Arcade featured three contestants, which includes Mr. Sunday Obi who had 4 votes, Mr. Dada Okoro who was not present and Mr. Dada Okonji who was declared winner of election with 92 votes.
Addressing the party before the elections, the Returning Officer, Mr. Louis Ndukwe, declared that 100 hundred names were presented as delegates for the elections of which two were absent while one of the contestants, Mr. Dada Okolo, did not give reasons for his absence.
In his speech after the election, Mr. Dada Okonji expressed his gratitude to the party for granting him the mandate to pilot the affairs of the party, adding that he will not let them down. He called on his fellow contestants to work with him in moving the party forward.
Speaking after the election, State Chairman of the Party, Chief Edwin Uzor, while congratulating the winner urged other Local Governments to emulate the peace and maturity that Oshimili South displayed in their elections, adding that the election was transparent, free and fair.
Former Speaker and member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Honorable Peter Onwusanya, said that the full presence of the Local Government party leadership during the election shows a high level of political maturity.
While lauding the party members and executive for their comportment during the elections, Honourable Onwusanya said that the election was free and fair even as he urged members of the party to work with the new executive for the prosperity of the party.
One of the contestants, Mr. Sunday Obi, declared his support for the new executive. He said, ”PDP is a big family and no one can tear it down. I am not going to court and will work with the new executive for the growth of the party because the election was free and fair”.
The Congress was attended by elected and appointed political office holders in Oshimili South local government area including Senator Francis Nwajei, Chief Ejiofor Onyia, Chief (Mrs) Theodora Giwa-Amu, Ogbueshi Dougla Okolotu, Engineer Smart Meka, Dr Mordi Ononye, Dr Nick Azinge, and the outgoing PDP executive members led by the chairman, Evangelist Ebielim Maduemezie, including Hon Emeka Okonji, Mr. Darlington Ijeh, Hon Ambrose Okakwu
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Gov. Okowa (right) and new Delta PDP Chairman, Barr. Esiso
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said the peaceful congresses recorded by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Ward to the state level were clear testimonies that “Deltans are organized and peaceful people.”
The Governor made the statement on Tuesday in Asaba during the state congress of the PDP.
At the congress which was conducted by an 11-man team from the PDP Secretariat in Abuja, led by Dame (Mrs) Uzo Nwandu and supervised by a team of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barr. Kingsley Esiso emerged as the Chairman of the party while Barr. Val Arenyinka was elected as Deputy Chairman.
Others who emerged victorious in the congress which was devoid of any form of rancour were, Mr Moses Iduh, vice chairman – Delta North Senatorial District; Chief Dr A. Fovie. Vice chairman – Delta Central Senatorial District; Hon. Emmanuel Agbanigbo, Vice Chairman – Delta South Senatorial District; Chief Godday Nzete – secretary; Mr John Okoroloko, Assistant Secretary; Hon. Deighan Macaulay, Treasurer; Hon. Tony Anuku, Assistant Treasurer; Mr Ralph Asi, Financial Secretary; Hon. Michael Osuoza, Publicity Secretary; Mr London Owofasa, Assistant Publicity Secretary; MrSunday Onoriode, Organizing Secretary; Barr. Odior Bernard, Legal Adviser; Barr. Hessington Okolo, Assistant Legal Adviser; Chief J. J. Scott, Auditor; among others.
Governor Okowa stated, “we thank God for a very peaceful congress in our state, the Ward and local government congresses were peaceful and Delta State has shown that we are organized people, we are proud of ourselves.”
“In a very peaceful congress, we have been able to elect our 27-man executive committee for our great party, the PDP; I commend PDP faithful, I commend the youths for the roles they play and I thank our women and our elders for their commitment to our party,” the Governor emphasized.
The Governor also, commended the immediate past executive committee of the party in the state for a job well done “and I know that in going into the congresses, Chief Edwin Uzor (the immediate past Chairman of the party) worked tirelessly for us to have consensus situation that we have today.”
“I congratulate the executive committee and I want to call on all Deltans to partner with us, Deltans should pray for us and I appeal to our brothers and sisters who are still attacking oil facilities to embrace peace, they need to be patient with the state and the federal government because things will turn out to be better, for now oil prices are down but, we are working for the internally generated revenue to increase,” he said, disclosing that plans were on to engage the youths and women as liaison officers at different Wards of the state to assist in monitoring projects at that level.
Speaking on behalf of the elected officers, Barr. Esiso thanked members of the party for their confidence in their ability to take the party to greater heights, assuring that the PDP winning streak would be sustained.
He also used the occasion to state that his executive committee would sustain the zoning formula of the party.
The immediate past Chairman of the party, Chief Uzor thanked members of the party for their support which led to the success stories of the party at the polls and called for extension of such support to the new executive committee while Mrs Nwandu observed that the elections were peaceful and congratulated the PDP in Delta State for a peaceful congress.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
IT was a colourful celebration today (08/05/16) as the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba marked its 6th year of existence with the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Konyeke calling on Christians to be proud of themselves and proclaim the word of God without fear.
According to Fr. Konyeke, “Christians should be proud of where they belong and of what they do and preach the word of God without fear.”
“Today, we are not only celebrating the feast of Ascension but celebrating six years of existence as a Church; we are celebrating three hundred and sixty baptized Catholics within this period, we are celebrating the solemnization of the marriage ceremony of more than sixty six couples, we are celebrating God’s goodness to us as Christians and as a Church,” the Priest said, reiterating, “six years ago, we started with few members but, today, we are more than six hundred members worshipping God as a family, co-existing with the power of love of Christ.”
Rev. Fr. Konyeke urged Christians to always love themselves and live in unity as Jesus charged them to do while awaiting His coming.
“It is wonderful to celebrate, it is wonderful to belong to this society of believers; today, our Lord, Jesus Christ has ascended into heaven and we should honour His admonition to His followers to be one.”
High point of the celebration which also featured baptism and thanksgiving was the cutting of 6th anniversary cake of the Church.
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Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki has called for the full implementation of the the N6.06 ensuring budget for the good of the electorate and to ensure national growth.
This is just as the Federal Government has assured that the President Buhari led administration would target 100 per cent implementation of the 2016 budget.
According to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, “The most important part in the signing is the implementation, to ensure it is to the benefit of Nigerians who waited.
“So, you can see the interest of our people; so, the onus lies on all of us to ensure its implementation.
The Senate President added that the National Assembly would play its role to ensure that it flowed with the mood of the people and make sure that the budget would benefit the people.
He said that in the globe, the legislation on appropriation is the most important legislation, and that in all democracies, there had always been issues on passing budgets, policies and equity.
He said the document had continued to maintain the thrust of ensuring that a minimum of 30 per cent went into capital projects and facilitate the President’s policy on diversification for less reliance on oil revenue.
“These sort of challenges are there but we are all happy to see that we have passed a budget and that the President has signed and now it remains implementation.
“I want to assure Nigerians that it is our commitment to ensure that the budget is implemented.
“It is not just the assent, it is the implementation, that is where Nigerians see the benefit and let us focus on the good parts and place less emphasis on the bad which is now behind us.
“I want to ensure Nigerians that the benefits we expect from this budget will materialize,’’ Saraki added.
He also gave the assurance that the kind of delay experienced in 2016 would not recur as the process for 2017 appropriation bill would start earlier.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, on Friday said that in spite of the late signing of the 2016 budget, the administration would target 100 per cent implementation.
He said that the budget was anchored on 38 dollars per barrel of oil benchmark, adding that the projection was also based on 2.2 million barrels of crude per day production.
“Our aim will always be 100 per cent implementation. We know that because we started late we may not achieve it but 100 per cent achievement is our aim. We start with that aim because the budget is a law and we try to implement it as quickly as we can.”
Udoma disclosed that what was signed by the president was slightly lower than what he presented to the National Assembly, adding that revenue assumptions by the executive and legislature were the same as well as the size of the deficit.
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The Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) has condemned the massacre of Nigerians by the alleged Fulani herdsmen and urged the President to investigate, apprehend and prosecute the culprits.
This was contained in a communique raised at the end of a 3 Day meeting of the Elders and Management Committee of SNPA on Friday in Asaba.
The communiqué read by the Co-Ordinating Secretary, Dr Ifedi Okwenna, said that the meeting deliberated on the security, socio-political, economic situations of the country and the killings of Nigerians by the herdsmen.
It described as heinous, wicked and as a threat to national unity, the recent attacks raping and killings of Nigerians in Enugu, Benue and other parts of the country.
It said that the proposed Grazing Bill which seeks to establish grazing reserves across the states of Nigeria was an elevation of private commercial business ventures into a government business.
It, however, charged Nigerians to support President Muhammed Buhari’s effort to move the country forward in his fight against corruption, war on insurgency and moves to revive the country’s ailing economy.
“The president should deal decisively the issue of Fulani herdsmen in the manner government is dealing with the insurgency because if unchecked can snowball into another Boko Haram.
“Reject the establishment of grazing field and abolish nomadic grazing but encourage those who wish to rear cattle to the use of modern technology and rapid production of fodders for feeding cattle,” it said.
The communique also cations those using inciting language, adding that Buhari is the president of Nigeria and not that of a section of the county.
It called on government to look into the gaps that existed in the foreign exchange market and bridge it and to also find solutions to the lingering fuel supply gaps and the epileptic electricity supply in the country.
The communique thanked the host state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa for his support and his dedication to the promotion of unity in the country.
Our correspondent reports that there were other resolutions reached by the communiques which was signed for and on behalf of the body by;
Former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, who is also the SAPA Co-Ordinating Chairman and Leader of South East being represented by Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra, Chief Edwin Clark, Co-Chair, Leader of South South, represented by Sen. Rowland Owie, and Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Co-Chair, Leader, South West, represented by Sen. Femi.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The Delta State Commissioner of Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has described the peaceful nature of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) local government congress as a clear indication that the people of Oshimili North fully support the present administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Mr. Ukah made the statement on Thursday during the congress held in Akwukwu Igbo headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area.
He expressed confidence in the calibre of persons in the new exco and enjoined them to be transparent and shun sectionalism.
Also speaking on the success of the congress, the member representing Oshimili North in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Pat. Ajudua, said the election was one of its kind and advised the new exco to carry the people along when discharging their duties.
Others who spoke, including the Electoral Officer for Oshimili North, Barr. Odo Paul, and the Returning Officer, Barr. Hope Emioma, commended the past executive of the party in the area for their peaceful disposition.
Speaking on behalf of the other members, the new PDP Chairman of Oshimili North, Ogbueshi Nduka Ogwude, promised to carry out his duties diligently especially in ensuring that people turn out enmasse during any election to cast their votes as against their nonchalant attitude towards the polls in the past.
A reception was later held at his residence to celebrate the success of the election.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
After a long wait for his assent to the controversial budget, President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law.
The signing ceremony was performed on Friday by Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The budget has been a matter of national discourse following claims and counter claims by the National Assembly and the Presidency over pecuniary distortions of the budget.
The assent by Mr. President has however ended several weeks of face-off between the National Assembly and the Executive.
Among those who witnessed the signing ceremony were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
Others included the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Samaila Kawo; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Danjuma Goje; and the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumuni Jubril.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The Nigerian Senate has recommended death penalty for kidnappers and tasked state governments to enact laws to enable security agencies to prosecute kidnappers and other crime related offences in their jurisdictions.
The Senate’s resolution followed the report of the Senate Committee on Police, chaired by Senator Abu Ibrahim, who informed the lawmakers that N842 million was reportedly demanded as ransom by Kidnappers
During the debate on the report of the committee on Wednesday, the senators adopted a prayer recommending death sentence for abductors in the country.
According to Senator Ibrahim, October 2015 recorded a total of 105 kidnap and sea piracy incidents in 24 states, in which 100 victims were involved, including 26 foreigners.
He said: “The sum of N842,500,000 was reportedly demanded as ransom by kidnappers.
“Some victims’ family/employers purportedly paid a sum total of N28 million.
“Settlement by foreigners is often behind the scene, as families usually go against advice for fear that force may be applied in rescuing the victim and thereby endangering their lives.
“Recent example is the release of five Polish nationals from costal waters of Rivers and Bayelsa few days ago.
“In November 2015, a total of 117 incidents were recorded, involving 151 victims spread across 23 states.”
After the presentation by the chairman of the Committee, Senator Adamu Aliero recommended death penalty for kidnappers, while contributing to the report, which was adopted by the Senate.
In his contribution to the report, the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, recalled when kidnapping escalated in Nigeria.
According to Akpabio, kidnapping escalated in Nigeria when ex-Governor and now Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, was kidnapped around 2002.
The Senate also adopted the recommendation of the committee on adequate funding of the security agencies in the country because the practice of envelop budget for security agencies have proved ineffective.
“Efforts should be geared towards creating employment opportunities for our teeming unemployed youths and security agencies should embark on training and retraining of their personnel for effective capacity building,” the Senate said.
The Senate also tasked state governments to enact laws to enable security agencies to prosecute kidnappers and other crime related offences in their jurisdictions.
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The Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, says the National Assembly will not support the creation of grazing reserves anywhere in the country.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday after a meeting of the South East governors and stakeholders in Enugu, Ekweremadu said that there was no bill on the creation of grazing reserves before the National Assembly.
He, therefore, said that the purported bill for the creation of grazing reserves was a “hoax’’, adding that the press should strive to stop such rumours.
“There is no such proposal or bill on the creation of grazing reserves either in the Senate or House of Representatives.
“Nobody is considering it; not even at the executive level. I do not think they are considering it but we will not support it even if it has been considered,” he said.
Ekweremadu said that the meeting was convened in reaction to the attack on the people of Uzo Uwani by suspected herdsmen.
He said that the meeting reviewed all that happened since then and thanked all stakeholders who had shown sympathy to victims of the attack.
On the absence of Imo and Anambra governors, Ekweremadu said: “The South East governors proposed to meet today to review these matters but regrettably, the message did not get to Imo and Anambra governors.
“So you can see mainly the PDP governors are here. So, they had to review the matter and more importantly, ensure that every governor will be in attendance in the next meeting.
“The meeting is rescheduled within the week where all the governors are expected to be in attendance,” he said.
Ekweremadu said that the meeting looked at a more regional approach to curbing the menace of the herdsmen so as to ensure that it did not happen again.
“We are looking at a concrete and more coordinated approach on how to protect our people from this carnage,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi said that there was no disunity among governors in the South East zone.
Umahi said that the governors would take a cursory look at the federal budget, when signed into law, so as to ensure that the zone got what was due to it.
He said that the governors would ensure the rehabilitation of federal roads in the zone if such arrangements were captured in the budget.
““I am sure the Federal Government’s budget is not yet signed. So when it is signed, it will be the duty of all zones to start agitating for attention,” Umahi said.
Gov. Umahi, Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia attended the meeting. (NAN)
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Qaddafi Qaddafi was not killed for humanitarian purposes but for the oil and for money. His ideas of an African gold-backed currency were his major undoing.
The recent Hillary Clinton email leaks have opened a can of worms everywhere including in Africa. Wikileaks released an unclassified U.S. Department of State document emailed to Clinton, dated April 2, 2011. Sidney Blumenthal, the sender of the email confirmed what the world already suspected. Qaddafi was not killed for humanitarian purposes but for the oil and for money. His ideas of an African gold-backed currency were his major undoing.
In April 2011, then President of the World Bank, Robert Bruce Zoellick spoke at a panel discussion about how he hoped the World Bank would have some sort of role in the reconstruction of Libya along with other countries.
“Reconstruction now means (Ivory Coast), it now means Southern Sudan, it means Liberia, it means Sri Lanka, I hope it will mean Libya,” he said.
To the ordinary person, this was the World Bank hoping to come in to help a failing state but to Economist John Perkins, the World Bank was not to be considered as fulfilling its supposed mandate. It was in actual fact a U.S. bank together with its sibling, the IMF. The United States controls about 16% of the World Bank while the second largest member, Japan has a paltry 7%. The United States again has around 17% voting rights in the International Monetary Fund. His point was that these institutions were and still are extensions of the Western foreign policy.
“So, we might ask ourselves: What happens when a “rogue” country threatens to bring the banking system that benefits the corporatocracy to its knees?” he asked later saying the Western empire has a standing army (NATO) to violently protect its position.
Libya was the “rogue” nation but the question is: Just what did Gaddafi have in mind?
According to the IMF, Libya’s Central Bank is 100% state owned and in 2011, it was estimated to have 144 tons of gold in its vaults. Muammar Gaddafi’s plan was to introduce a gold-backed currency which he hoped African and Muslim nations would adopt. He felt it could rival the euro and the dollar, and rightly so too.
Sidney Blumenthal, in his email to Hillary Clinton confirmed, “Qaddafi’s government holds 143 tons of gold, and a similar amount in silver. During late March, 2011 these stocks were moved to SABHA (south west in the direction of the Libyan border with Niger and Chad); taken from the vaults of the Libyan Central Bank in Tripoli.”
He went on to say the gold and silver was valued at $7 billion and was one of the reasons Nicolas Sarkozy embarked on a French attack of Libya.
“Sarkozy’s plans are driven by the following issues:
a. A desire to gain a greater share of Libya oil production,
b. Increase French influence in North Africa,
c. Improve his internal political situation in France,
d. Provide the French military with an opportunity to reassert its position in the world,
e. Address the concern of his advisors over Qaddafi’s long term plans to supplant France as the dominant power in, Francophone Africa,” wrote Blumenthal.
If Qaddafi had succeeded, the United States of America and Europe would have been forced to buy oil and minerals in the gold backed currency thus tipping the scales. This was a horror the West dared not experience. The situation would have been a more lethal re-enactment of Saddam Hussein’s currency wars when he supported the new Euro currency at the expense of the United States Dollar. At this point, the U.S. was highly insecure about the effects of the new currency to its economy. Hussein’s decision to sell oil in the then new currency was a blow to the U.S. worsened by the proclamation that the dollar was the “currency of the enemy”. Currency wars have therefore been a fact of history with the Hussein situation being a peculiar intra-Western conflict that culminated in the Middle East instability promulgated by U.S. interventionist policies. That Qaddafi would be killed for planning to introduce an African currency to the fray is not surprising but that does not make it acceptable.
The leaked Clinton email has far-reaching implications on the fluid state of post-colonial relations with the West. If anything, it is an eye-opener. Where Africa seeks to build an independent economic structure, the West is seen to try and derail those plans so as to retain its primacy in world affairs.
With regard to the creation of a new currency, Ministry of Peace Founder, Dr James Thring said, “It’s one of those things that you have to plan almost in secret, because as soon as you say you’re going to change over from the dollar to something else, you’re going to be targeted.”
And Qaddafi was targeted. He may not have been the most democratic leader in the world but Libyan citizens had arguably the best way of life in Africa. His plan of action (without the human rights violations) should be a blueprint for African development.
*Courtesy: The African Exponent
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and the Senator, representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi during the burial ceremony of Obi Francis Nwaoboshi, father of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi at Ibusa in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.
DELTA State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Patrick Ukah, has described the Senator representing Delta North District at the upper legislative chambers as an asset to the state and the nation.
Hon. Ukah made the description on Saturday at Ibusa during the burial ceremony of Obi Francis Nwaoboshi, father of Senator Nwaoboshi.
According to Hon. Ukah, the large turn out of people from different parts of the country was a clear testimony that Senator Nwaoboshi, who is the immediate past chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, was doing well as representative of the people.
“Delta State is blessed and Senator Nwaoboshi obviously is an asset to the state and to the country,” he said, adding, “we are not mourning the passage of Obi Nwaoboshi, we are celebrating his life and time because, we have an asset in Senator Peter Nwaoboshi”
The Commissioner commended those who came out to bid farewell to the late Obi Nwaoboshi and called for support for Governor Okowa’s administration by engaging in peaceful activities.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, members of National Assembly, among other dignitaries, attended the ceremony.
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Firebrand former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has lashed out at President Muhammadu Buhari for adopting a ‘Command and Control Economic System’ that failed the nation when he was Nigeria’s Military Head of State in 1984.
Speaking at The Platform, a public engagement forum in Abuja, she warned that the system that did not work in 1984 is not likely to work in today’s global economy.
Ezekwesili, a former Vice President of the World Bank, recalled that inflation was high and thousands of jobs lost during Buhari’s first coming that led to hardship across the land.
Describing Buhari’s economic policies as “archaic and opaque”, Ezekwesili, recalled “During the first coming of this our new President, a command and control economic system was adopted.
“During that era, inflation spiralled. During that era, jobs were lost. During that era, the economic growth level dipped
“That era wasn’t the best of eras in economic progress. What did not work in 1984 cannot possibly be a solution in a global economy that’s much more integrated.
“In over one year, the President is still holding to the premise that command and control is the only way out.
“In a year we have lost the single digits inflation status we maintained in past administrations.
“Companies are suddenly finding themselves unable to produce because they’re unable to access foreign exchange.”
She therefore, advised that the President should “sit down with his administration officials and reconsider the impact his polices have had on the nation’s economy.”
Also speaking, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said that despite the hardship being experienced now, Nigerians should be rest assured of a better tomorrow.
He said, “We believe that though it may not be easy, though the early signs may be confusing and sometimes discouraging, there has never been a better opportunity than now to turn the country in the direction of success.”
“Today we have the best opportunity in decades for profound change. It is an opportunity in a generation. A revolution whose time has come.”
The Platform, is a public engagement forum organized by the Covenant Church led by Pastor Poju Oyemade.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Nigeria Union of Journalist led by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah during the Match Past by Affiliate Unions
Nigerian workers have been called upon to rededicate themselves to duty to enable them remain relevant in the scheme of things.
The commissioner for information, Mr Patrick Ukah made the call in Asaba while speaking with journalists at the Cenotaph,venue of the May Day celebration.
Mr Ukah said Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was committed to paying Delta state workers regularly in addition to creating enabling environment for them to operate.
He congratulated Nigerian workers on the day and charged them to see it as an avenue to rededicate themselves to service in their activities.
The commissioner said the welfare of workers was dear to the present administration in Delta and urged workers to give their best to meet the high demand placed on them by government at all levels.
Mr Ukah said the all round development being championed by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the midst of scarce resources was a deliberate effort to bring prosperity to all Deltans.
He lauded the state workforce for the support so far and expressed the hope that the SMART agenda would bring a new dawn to the state.
The information commissioner enjoined workers to see themselves as change agent hence the need to be good ambassadors of the service and the state at large.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), receiving a copy of address from the State NUT Chairman, Comrade Jonathan Jemirugbe, representing the State NLC, Comrade David Ofoeyeno during the 2016 May Day celebration in Asaba.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Sunday, refused to pretend about the current economic situation in the country when he told workers to readjust to the present economic realities of dwindling revenue from the Federation Accounts.
Governor Okowa told multitude of workers in Asaba who came out under the aegis of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that: “I need to remind all of us of the need to come to terms with the reality of our situation, especially of the dwindling federal revenue allocation.”
While stating that the financial realities has called for prudent management of funds, Governor Okowa asserted, “we should appreciate the fact that our obvious falling finances notwithstanding, this administration has done much in the areas of provision of qualitative education, effective healthcare service, urban renewal and roads construction among others; it is my hope and expectation that government will continue to enjoy the goodwill of workers in the steady march towards the achievement of our sustainable development objectives.”
Governor Okowa took time to tackle all the issues raised by the Union leaders and called for understanding in line with the current economic situation of the country.
“It is pertinent to note that most misunderstanding between government and workers stems mainly from breakdown in communication, which can often be resolved through dialogue and in this regard, I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, including their affiliate unions in the State, for the sustained understanding and co-operation”.
The Governor who attended the May Day celebration with his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, members of the National Assembly, state House of Assembly and retinue of top government functionaries lauded the good relationship that exists between the NLC and TUC in the state, noting that such was good for the workers and government.
“The prevailing cordial industrial relations in the State have encouraged government to sustain its welfare and training programmes; let me assure you all of this administration’s policy of investment in the wellbeing and professional growth of workers through training and exposure to modern techniques,” the Governor stated.
Chairman of the NLC in the state, Comrade David Ofoeyeno who was represented by first vice chairman of the Union, Comrade Jonathan Jemiereyigbe assured Governor Okowa of the continued support of workers in the state saying, “let me on behalf of the organised labour in the state, express our profound appreciation to you for the giant strides your government has made so far in touching the lives of Deltans through your SMART agenda.”
He described the theme for this year’s celebration, “the working class and the quest for socio-economic revival’ as carefully selected to reflect the present situation of workers of this country find themselves,” while the Chairman of the TUC in the state, Comrade Lawson Efenudu said, ”the administration of Governor Okowa has performed creditably well in service delivery with regard to its SMART agenda of wealth creation and provision of enabling environment for investors through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the social and economic development of our dear state, most importantly, regular payment of worker’s salaries in the state public service which is a headache to many states in the country.”
The occasion featured march past by affiliate unions to NLC and TUC with Governor Okowa taking the salute.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
Delta State Government has released an in-depth analysis of how the bail out funds from the federal government for the settlement of arrears of workers’ salaries and emoluments were effectively used.
Although it expressed dismay over claims made by certain newspaper publications on “How States spent Their Bail-out Funds”, the state government insisted that the newspaper reports were based on a stale update.
A comprehensive analysis carried out by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in conjunction with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), however absolved Delta state of any complicity, having complied with the directives of the Federal Government by providing succour for the workers.
The analysis released by the ICPC and signed by its Commissioner for Public Enlightenment, indicated that “Delta State has a total debt value accrued from Staff salaries and emoluments of N36,417,217,601.53. The State was granted N10,936,799,299.36 as bailout fund and disbursed N8,129,888,279.86 with a balance of N2,806,9I1,019.50. However, the state claimed not to owe salaries as at 24th November, 2015.”
A statement signed by the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah and made available to Blank NEWS Online therefore reads:
“The attention of Delta State Government has been drawn to a news report published on pages three and nine of the Nation Newspaper of Saturday “April 23, 2016 edition titled: “How States spent Their Bail-out Funds”. We thereby wish to state, as follows;
1. The state government received the sum of N10,936,799.36 as bailout funds for salaries on 21/9/2015.
2. Following the monitoring of the utilization of funds by the Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC), the state received a letter dated 12/10/2015 with a questionnaire attached requesting for details of funds utilized. In the response to the ICPC dated 15/10/2015, the state declared that the sum of N8,129,888,279.86 was expended with a balance of N2,806,911,019.50.
3. The balance of N2, 806,911,019.50 as at 31/12/2015 has been applied as follows:
(a) N2, 000, 000, 000 to the State Pension Bureau to reduce the state’s liability to pensioners.
(b) The sum of N806,911,019.50 was used for the payment of Primary school teachers’ salaries.
4. It is pertinent to note that since January, 2016, the state has not received any request of update on the position of the disbursement of funds from the ICPC.
5. It is therefore necessary to state that the aforementioned newspaper report was based on a stale update.”
Blank NEWS Online reveals that a breakdown of the ICPC analysis indicates that out of the 27 states that applied for the fund, only 23 had been paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria as at the end of December 2015.
The benefiting states are: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Cross River, Ekiti, Katsina, Gombe, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Plateau, Sokoto, Kwara, Bayelsa, Imo, Enugu, Oyo, Delta, Kebbi and Zamfara. ***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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