The Osby Blog

2019 Polls: APC Miffed Over Obasanjo’s Endorsement of Atiku

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 22:55:00 +0000

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed displeasure over the endorsement of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar by former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

In a press statement signed by the Director, Strategic Communications, President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), APC described the “endorsement” as a complete non-event.

Here is the full text of the press statement:
Our attention has just been drawn to the so-called endorsement of the candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party for the forthcoming 2019 Presidential Election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo today at his Presidential Library Complex in Ogun State.
We are inclined to dismiss this gathering and “endorsement” as a complete non-event, but we feel we have a responsibility to Nigerians to remind them of the character and antecedents of these individuals, lest they take Nigerians for granted and see all of us as fools.

We do not intend to dwell on all the unprintable things touching on the lack of character, lack of integrity and corruptibility of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that Chief Obasanjo has repeatedly and consistently told the whole world about up until few weeks ago. These are well-documented and circulated for Nigerians to remember.

However, we are bemused and amused that a character who intends to be President of Nigeria has, for the past eleven years, consistently begged for “forgiveness” from a man who has consistently and unequivocally called him a very corrupt fellow. We wonder what type of character would not vigorously confront his accuser with facts to show his innocence, but would rather consistently ask for “forgiveness” from him.
The desperation to get the endorsement of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo by the PDP and its candidate is a clear sign that they want to return us to our sordid past where a few people decide who should govern us.

In 2014/2015, President Muhammadu Buhari and his team, out of respect and convention, paid courtesy calls on prominent individuals and statesmen in the course of their campaigns when they visited cities in which these individuals lived. However, Nigerians should note that President Buhari was NEVER reported to have groveled and “begged” ANYONE for forgiveness, just to be endorsed as a Presidential candidate. Ultimately, he relied on the people of Nigeria to decide his fate. President Buhari would continue to rely on the endorsement of the people of Nigeria to be re-elected.

Interestingly, just a few weeks ago, specifically on the 4th of August, 2018, Chief Obasanjo was widely reported to have said “God will NEVER forgive me if I support Atiku for President”. Whilst we acknowledge the constitutional right of the ex-president to support anyone of his choice, we draw attention of all God-fearing Nigerians to a character who would use the name of God in vain and in a flip-flop manner in just a matter of weeks. Where is the shame? Where is the honour? Where is the pride?

When a person invokes the curse of God upon himself if he does a particular thing, like Obasanjo has done, and then deliberately does that particularly thing and calls on Nigerians to follow him to receive his curse, Nigerians must flee in the opposite direction. We urge Nigerians NOT to follow this character to receive the curse he invoked upon himself.

We are also constrained to ask Chief Obasanjo about his Coalition For Better Nigeria, otherwise known as Third Force. We hope it is doing well.
We also note with interest the full participation of some “men of God” in the entourage of the Peoples’ Democratic Party for this political re-alignment. We are glad that they have publicly declared their partisan interest and urge all Nigerians to see all their previous, present and future attacks on President Buhari from their pulpits in the context of partisan politics and not in the context of nationalistic or altruistic commitment. We wish them well.

Finally, we see this gathering as a confederate of desperate power-mongers and questionable characters who wish to return us to the era of unbridled corruption. It is significant that the meeting was held in a building which has become the symbol of corruption of the Obasanjo years, where a sitting President collected monies from known government hangers-on and contractors to build a “Presidential Library” in clear violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. We hope President Obasanjo would one day return Governor Ayo Fayose’s Ten Million Naira to that building as Fayose has requested. It is a significant reminder of the difference between the past and the present.

Nigerians would soon be called upon to choose between returning us to the era of corrupt Presidents and their deputies or continuing on this path of transparency and people-oriented Government.

Thank you.

FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, FCIArb (UK)
Director, Strategic Communications,
President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation
(Official Spokesperson)

Recall of N14.9b Paris Club Refund To Benue State Unacceptable

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 05:20:00 +0000

The Coordinator, Benue Arise Enough is Enough, Prince Omoi Obande has condemned the recall of the N14.9 billion Paris Club refund to Benue state government by the federal government, describing it as unacceptable.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Prince Omoi Obande said that the news of the disbursement of the Paris club refund to Benue State government, and the directive by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom for immediate payment of salary arrears and pension came as a big relief for the good people of the state.

But that the decision of the Federal Government to recall the same fund credited to state after raising the hope of the common man in the state, came as a rude shock to the entire people of the state.

He said that the situation has become an issue of concern and worrisome to every family living and hoping on salary and called on every well-meaning people of the state, regardless of their political differences to join hands with the state governor to say no to what he described as “injustice and impunity on the good people of Benue State”.

“I urge our brother, sisters and well-wishers to take this once in a life time opportunity available to us to stand together as one in defense of our sovereignty so that posterity will judge us for good.

“This singular act by the Federal Government has compounded the problem of the good and law abiding people of Benue State. The biggest question to ask is; are we really in the same country? Are we still operating a democratic system of government? Is the Federal Government really fighting corruption or fighting the people? Who are the cartels, advisers behind this injustice? It is clear that the people of Benue state after all they have gone through with the herdsmen saga, and as civil servants who rely on salaries from the state government, are the target of this federal government’s unpopular directives.

“The Federal Government should have considered the sensitive situation of the people of Benue State, and not playing politics with issues that affect the lives of the people of the state. It is clear that this battle is no longer with His Excellency Dr Samuel Ortom, but the entire good people of Benue State. It is their rights and their benefit just like other states that have also benefited from the same Paris Club refund.

"If those elected to represent the interest of the people fail to respond to defend the people within 48 hours, then the people will be left with no other option than to stand and defend their interest, their sovereignty and their right.

"There is no doubt that division and disunity among us has contributed to the crisis and situation we found our self today in Benue State. I urge our brother, sisters and well-wishers to take this once in a life time opportunity available to us to stand together as one in defense of our sovereignty so that posterity will judge us for good.

"The people of Benue State are too big, educated, learned, expose and enlightened to be pocketed by some few individuals as their “FOLLOW FOLLOW” and as such we are calling on every leaders, representatives of Benue State to respond to this impunity and injustice for the defense of our people within 48 hours or face total rejection by the people of the State (electorates), for united we stand, divided we fall", Prince Obande stated.

Turn Your KNOWLEDGE Into Digital Product

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:39:00 +0000

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The Osby Blog : Dr Stella Alhassan Advocates Prominent Roles For W...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 12:55:00 +0000

The Osby Blog : Dr Stella Alhassan Advocates Prominent Roles For W...: The Deputy National Women Leader of the Re-build Nigeria Party (RBNP), Dr. Stella Alhassan, has described lack of prominent roles fo...

Dr Stella Alhassan Advocates Prominent Roles For Women

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 12:47:00 +0000

The Deputy National Women Leader of the Re-build Nigeria Party (RBNP), Dr. Stella Alhassan, has described lack of prominent roles for women in politics as “the bane of political crises in the country.”

Dr. Alhassan, who spoke during a consultative meeting with the party’s states women leaders in Abuja yesterday, said women, considering their importance and expertise, should be considered for key positions.

“It is time for us to rethink about the role of women and consider them as co-labourers in the field of rebuilding Nigeria,” she said, adding that the party was educating women not to be intimidated.

She said educated women were the best to rule Nigeria, adding that there was need to rebuild the country’s economy and fight corruption.

The women rights activist and grassroots politician called on Nigerian women to come out from obscurity, speak out and join hands with their fellow women to build the Nigeria of their dream.

Also speaking, the Kwara State Chairman of the Re-build Nigeria Party (RBNP) and Chairman of Chairmens' Forum, Mr. Sunday Ajileye, who called for unity of purpose, urged Nigerians to stand up against bad governance and underdevelopment.

Clerk Reveals How Senate Rules were ‘amended’ for Saraki, Ekweremadu’s elections

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 17:51:00 +0000

The deputy clerk of the National Assembly, Benedict Efeturi, confirmed to police investigators that the senate’s standing orders used for the 2015 elections of Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu as senate president and deputy respectively, were different from the 2011 version which should have been in use at the time, details of police investigation seen by PREMIUM TIMES show.

Mr. Efeturi made the disclosure to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of the Nigerian Police, which investigated allegations that the rules were forged to help Messrs. Saraki and Ekweremadu to their posts.

He however said the alteration, which some senators denounced as illegal as lawmakers were not informed about, was based on the directive of the former senate leadership, led by its president, David Mark.
He said the amendment was done “by convention and practice” and not be “procedure”, as previous versions of the rules were amended by the same method.

Messrs. Saraki, Ekweremadu, Efeturi and a former clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, have been charged with forgery. They were arraigned on Monday before a High Court in Abuja.
They deny wrongdoing. The senate president and his deputy accuse President Muhammadu Buhari of bias, and argue that the case is a violation of the independence of the legislature.
In his statement to the police, Mr. Efeturi, who is also the Clerk of the Senate, said the leadership of the seventh Senate under Mr. Mark ordered the 2015 Standing Rules be amended “not necessarily by procedure” but “by convention and practice”.

According to the report, he “stated that the leadership of the National Assembly of the 7th Senate ordered the 2015 Standing Rules as amended by their convention and practice. (He stated) that the Senate Standing Orders 2003, 2007 and 2011 followed the same procedure as that of 2015. He emphasized that in the Parliament, amendment of the Standing Orders is by practice not necessarily by procedure.
“He further stated that during the ruling of the Senate President on the 24th of June 2015, that the Senate Standing Orders of the Senate 2015 is authentic, final, relevant and cannot be challenged. He attached a copy of the debates of the Senate on Wednesday, the 24th of June where the Senate President ruled (that) the Senate Standing Order 2015 as authentic Standing Orders of the 8th Senate.”

“Fraudulent amendment”

Mr. Maikasuwa, who conducted the elections of Messrs Saraki and Ekweremadu, said he did not refer to any Senate Standing Rules, rather, he said he only performed his duty using “normal procedures for the opening of a new parliament”.

He said, according to the police report, “that before the election, he called on the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly who is also the Clerk to the Senate to read out the guidelines for the election”.
He denied knowledge of the existence or production of an amended Senate Standing Rules 2015, saying he had no business in the daily activities in the Senate.

He told the police Mr. Efeturi was “in better position to know of the 2015 Standing Orders as amended”.
The report says a number of Senators, including Suleiman Hukunyi, Kabiru Marafa, Ahmed Lawan, Abdullahi Gumel, Gbenga Ashafa, Robert Boroffice and Abu Ibrahim, were invited during the investigation.
In their separate statements, they said the seventh Senate did not amend the 2011 Standing Rules and thus, the amendment rules used for inauguration of the eighth assembly was fraudulent since there was no compliance with the requirements for amendment of Senate Rules.

Mr. Lawan, who contested and lost the senate presidency to Mr. Saraki, said, “The procedures for election into the two presiding offices are clearly stipulated in Order 2 (2(i) of the Senate Standing Rules 2011. That contrary to the provision of the above order, the Clerk to the National Assembly introduced and used order 3(3) e (ii) of the purported 2015 Standing Order”.

The report also noted the submissions of some former lawmakers like Ita Enang, who was chairman, Rules and Business in the seventh senate. Mr. Enang, now President Buhari’s assistant on senate matters, told the police that the previous Senate did not amend the rules.

Mr. Ekweremadu accused the police of bias in its investigation. His spokesperson, Uche Anichukwu, told PREMIUM TIMES that only All Progressives Congress Senators in the Unity Forum—a group opposed to the election of Mr. Saraki – were invited for questioning. He queried the basis for his arraignment as he was neither questioned nor indicted by the police.

In the summary, the police’s CIID said the contents of the 2015 Rules “are substantially different from the Senate Standing Order 2011 as amended” and that “Sections 2(iv), 3(3)EI,ii,iii,G and H, 5 and 7 of the Rules are different in the two Orders”.

“The allusion of the Clerk of the Senate to procedure of amending the Standing Orders of the Parliament through ‘practice and not necessarily procedure’ is a misplaced analogy and undemocratic because the Nigerian Senate has clearly laid down without a proviso, the procedure to be adopted in amending its standing orders as contained in the section 110 of 2011 Senate Standing Orders,” the police said.

It added that, “This practice where some group of senators amend the Rules of the Senate without following legal procedures is not only criminal but portends danger for growing democracy”.
The report, dated July 14, 2015, was forwarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to determine “if this conduct constitutes crime or should be treated as an internal affairs of the Senate”.

Saraki, Ekweremadu not mentioned or indicted

In the report, no complaint was raised against Mr. Saraki. He was not indicted. Although Mr. Ekweremadu was also not expressly indicted by the report, he was part of the seventh Senate leadership which Mr. Efeturi said gave orders for the rules to be amended. Mr. Ekweremadu was deputy senate president under Mr. Mark.
The criminal charges came about a year after the report was submitted to the Federal Government.
Mr. Saraki and the other three accused persons were arraigned before an Abuja High Court on Monday, triggering a war of words between Mr. Saraki and President Muhammadu Buhari.

“That is what infuriated the Senate,” Mr. Anichukwu said. “How could you prosecute Saraki and Ekweremadu who were neither questioned nor indicted in the Police report.”

Source: PREMIUM TIMES

Abia State: INEC issues Certificate of Return to Samson Ogah as new governor

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 17:30:00 +0000

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued Mr. Samson Ogah Certificate of Return as the new governor of Abia State, three days after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was sacked by a court, the News Agency of Nigeria has reported.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had on Monday directed Mr. Ikpeazu to immediately vacate office after convicting him of tax evasion.
The court also ordered INEC to issue a certificate of return to Mr. Ogah, who contested the governorship ticket with the governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Mr. Ikpeazu had said through his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, that he remained the governor because he was challenging the judgment in a higher court.
As an appointee of Abia State Government from 2011 to 2014, he argued that his taxes were deducted at source.
He also argued that the state Board of Internal Revenue in 2014 issued him with valid tax receipts shortly before he contested the governorship election in the state.

At Last, Buhari Signs 2016 Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 May 2016 20:23:00 +0000

Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari has finally signed the 2016 budget of N6.06 trillion into law.
This is just as he said he was not unaware of the hardship being faced by the people because their cries get to him.
‎While signing the budget, Buhari said it gave him great pleasure to sign the first full-year budget of this administration into law.
He gave the assurance that he would be speaking in details about the budget, its implementation and the over-all national economic and social policies of the government in his address on May 29th.
While thanking the leadership of the National Assembly, for their cooperation in making this a reality, Buhari said: ‎ “As I said in my New Year message, living in the State House does not in any way alienate me from your daily struggles. I read the newspapers and listen to the TV and radio news. I hear your cries. Share your pains”.
According to him, the budget was to signpost a renewal of his administration's commitment to restoring it as a serious article of faith with the Nigerian people.
He said, “This administration is committed to ensuring that henceforth the annual appropriation bill is presented to the National Assembly in time for the passage of the Act before the beginning of the fiscal year.
“Through the 2016 budget, aptly titled 'Budget of Change', the government seeks to fulfill its own side of the social contract. The Budget I have signed into law provides for aggregate expenditures of N6.06trn. Further details of the approved budget, as well as our Strategic Implementation Plan for the 2016 budget, will be provided by the Honourable Minister of Budget & National Planning.
“In designing the 2016 budget, we made a deliberate choice to pursue an expansionary fiscal policy despite the huge decline in government revenues from crude oil exports. This is why we decided to enlarge the budget deficit at this time, to be financed principally through foreign and domestic borrowings”.
The president said that all borrowings would however be applied towards growth-enhancing capital expenditures.
Buhari said that N350 billion would immediately be injected into the economy.
He said “The signing of the budget today will trigger concerted efforts to reflate the Nigerian economy, a key element of which is an immediate injection of N350bn into the economy by way of capital projects.
“To illustrate our renewed commitment to infrastructural development, the 2016 budget allocates over N200bn to road construction as against a paltry N18bn allocated for same purpose in the 2015 budget”.
Buhari said that ‎despite the current difficulties, his government would work extra hard to achieve his revenue projections.
He said: “Our revenue generating agencies are coming under better management and are being re-oriented. The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is expected to contribute significantly to improving transparency over government revenues.
“Our determined fight against corruption is resulting in improvements in the quality of public expenditure. The work of the Efficiency Unit, as well as other public financial management initiatives, are also contributing in this regard. The continuing efforts to reduce recurrent expenditures should hopefully free up more funds for capital expenditure in 2017 and beyond.
“We are experiencing probably the toughest economic times in the history of our nation. I want to commend the sacrifice, resilience and toughness of all Nigerians young and old who have despite the hardships continued to have hope and confidence of a great future for Nigerians.
“But permit me to say that this government is also like none other. We are absolutely committed to changing the structure of the Nigerian economy once and for all.
“We are working night and day to diversify the economy such that we never again have to rely on one commodity to survive as a country. So that we can produce the food we eat, make our own textiles, and produce most of things we use. We intend to create the environment for our young people to be able to innovate and create jobs through technology.
“I cannot promise you that this will be an easy journey but in the interest of so much and so many we must tread this difficult path. But I can assure you this government you have freely elected will work with honesty and dedication day and night to ensure that our country prospers and that the prosperity benefits all Nigerians.
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki also spoke with journalists after the budget was signed. He said:‎ “First congratulations to all of us, to the Government of Nigeria and the legislative arm.
“Like I said in my remarks, the passing of the appropriation bill is the most difficult all over the world.
“Even America that we copy sometimes the government is shut down, we didn't see that in our case, it is a first time, is a new government so these sort of challenges are rare.
“But I'm happy we are all here to see that we have passed the budget and the president has ‎signed it and what we await now is implementation.
“I want to assure Nigerians that from the comment from the mouth of the president, our commitment is to see that the budget is implemented. It is not just the assent; it is now the implementation that is when Nigerians will begin to see the benefits.
“Like I said let's focus on the good part and pay less on the controversy that is behind us now and I want to assure Nigerians that the benefit expected from this budget is implemented”.
Shortly after the budget was signed, the Minister for Budget and National Planning Udoma Udo Udoma and the Minister of State, Hajia Zainab Ahmed ‎briefed journalists.
Udoma said‎, “The budget size that the legislature came out with was just slightly lower figure than what the executive submitted. So, it was N6.06 trillion, just slightly lower.
According to him the revenue assumptions of the budget passed by the National Assembly were the same.
Udoma said the budget had 2.2 per million barrels a day at $38 dollars.
Present at the budget signing ceremony yesterday were the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, among others.

SubNews Magazine unveils foundation …urges Buhari to declare emergency in critical job creation agencies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 21:55:00 +0000

SubNews Magazine today officially announced the unveiling of the SubNews Empowerment Foundation (SEF); a novelty that would bring about positive impact on the lives of the unemployed Nigerians and less privilege of the society.

Speaking at the unveiling event in Abuja, the Editor-in-Chief, SubNews Magazine, Mr. Tony Christian, said that SEF is an organ of SubNews Magazine essentially floated to complement various empowerment policies and programs of government in rural communities.

Tony Christian said the Foundation would regularly conduct research on the needs in communities and publish information that might be useful for government planning and empowerment strategies.

While expressing confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari’s job and wealth creation agenda, he called on the President to declare a state of emergency in critical job and wealth creation agencies of federal government across the country.

“With the unveiling of SEF, SubNews Magazine has opened a new chapter in the history of Nigeria media practice where media organizations do not only tell stories but cooperate with government, corporate bodies and relevant stakeholders to empower the downtrodden in our communities.

“Concerned over the growing unemployment rate in Nigeria, SEF is calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in critical job and wealth creation agency of federal government, namely: the Bank of Industries Ltd (BoI), Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Industrial Training Funds (ITF), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) as well as the National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND).

“SEF is particularly worried that while Nigerians are not in doubt about President Buhari strong and robust determination to reposition and restructure BoI to effectively serve as number one delivery vehicle to tackle unemployment and wealth creation challenges of the country, it would be counterproductive if the president fails to overhaul the existing management teams as presently constituted and replace them with individual who truly shares the vision and aspiration of the president alongside his change agenda.

“SEF is confident that with patient and support of all, the present administration will not only fulfill the promises made to Nigerians, but would lay a solid foundation upon which will lead to Nigeria’s greatness”, he stated.

EXPOSED! Positions and job titles of 91 beneficiaries of the CBN Secret recruitment.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 20:43:00 +0000

News website, Sahara Reporters, has published the positions and job titles of 91 children and relatives of politically exposed person secretly recruited by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Top government officials and party members whose children or relatives were hired in secretly hired by the bank include President Muhammadu Buhari, whose niece was employed; former Vice President Abubakar Atiku; Mamman Daura, a close ally of the president; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, whose sons were hired, and the Minister of Interior, Abdurahman Danbazzau.
The recruitments have drawn widespread condemnations from Nigerians.
The CBN told PREMIUM TIMES it conducted a “targeted recruitment” to pick “specialists”, although it refused to directly confirm the names first published by Sahara Reporters over a week ago.
The presidency has not commented on the report, neither has any of the named ministers.
Quoting a top official of the CBN, Sahara Reporters said the governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, had arranged the hiring as way of endearing himself to the presidency and in return for saving his job.
According to the website, the CBN, in order to hide the scandal, often adjusted names of some of the beneficiaries. A common method used by the bank was using candidates’ first names and their fathers’ middle name instead of surnames.
For instance, the daughter of Mr Abubakar, Maryam, was listed as Maryam Atiku, instead of “Maryam Abubakar,” while the son of Mr. Dambazau became “Nagodi Abdulrahman, instead of Nagodi Dambazau.
The website on Wednesday published the positions and job titles of 91 beneficiaries of the clandestine recruitment.
1. Fatima Baba Shehu – Assistant Manager Step 01
2. Carpenter Barka Muhammad – Assistant Manager Step 02
3. Abiola Ologburo Adeniran – Assistant Manager Step 01
4. Akinwunmi Ayodeji Akintola – Assistant Manager Step 01
5. Abubakar Mohammed Yahaya – Assistant Manager Step 01
6. Usman Buba Jalo – Assistant Manager Step 01
7. Aduwak Laraba – Deputy Manager Step 01
8. Aina Michael O – Deputy Manager Step 01
9. Taslim Ganiyu Olalekan – Deputy Manager Step 01
10. Ethel Isioma Ojije – Deputy Manager Step 01
11. Abdulnasir Haruna – Deputy Manager Step 02
12. Iheomamere Chikezie Chikwendu – Deputy Manager Step 02
13. Solomon Ezra Monde – Deputy Manager Step 02
14. Aminu Ahmadu Dauda- Manager Step 01
15. Sunday John Momoh – Manager Step 02
16. Mustapha Mariam Bukola – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
17. Ayoola Oluwabukola – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
18. Adefela H. Adejuwon – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 02
19. Owoade Adedamola Kazeem – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
20. Omitokun Omolola Temitope – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
21. Ibrahim Ahmed Lawan – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
22. Maryam Adamu Bahamas – Senior Supervisor 1 step 0
23. Olajide Tolani Kudirat – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
24. Temitope Adeola Odunowo – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
25. Mohammed Ameer Ibrahim Bunu – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
26. Hajara Sani – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
27. Abdulmalik Atta – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
28. Nagode Abdulrahman – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
29. Ahmed Aminu-Kano – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
30. John Irimiya Balewa – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
31. Na’abba Fatima Ghali -Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
32. Abdullahi Mohammed Nuradeen – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
33. Sadiq Inuwa Baba – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
34. Sadik Uba Sule – Senior supervisor i step 01
35. Olawunmi Adedoyin Kayode – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
36. Ibironke Ifeoluwa Adetunbi – Senior supervisor 1 Step 01
37. Ikyembe Terseel Ikyembe – Senior supervisor 1 Step 01
38. Princewill Eva – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
39. Abdul-hakeem Mohammed Ali – Senior Supervisor 1 step 01
40. Mbwiduffu Ibrahim Auta – Senior supervisor 1 step 01
41. Essien Innocent Joshua – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
42. Titilayo Tola Olowoniyi – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
43. Aminu Halimat Sadia Abdullahi – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 02
44. Abba Mustapha Shettima – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 02
45. Farida Zuhair – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 02
46. Ekayi Nyofo Shitta – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
47. Omoile Kingsley Ucheka – Senior supervisor 2 Step 01
48. Muhammed Hassan – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
49. Ukute Patrick Ewere – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
50. Ibrahim Kabir Tijjani – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
51. Maryam Abubakar – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
52. Odelola Oyekunle Isimenme – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
53. Yinusa Bilikis Orekuleyin – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
54. Muhammad Muhammad Magasa – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
55. Ayoola B Oyebanjo – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
56. Mohammad Ahmad Adamu – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
57. Alexandar Chukwuka Okakwu – Senior Supervisor 1 Step 01
58. Okocha Uzoma Meshwork – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
59. Hassan Usman – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
60. Dahiru Isa Abba – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
61. Joel Ugochukwu Jones – Senior Supervisor 2 step 01
62. Ibrahim usman – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
63. Fatima Imam – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
64. Yisa Daniel Nma – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
65. Yamani Sanusi – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
66. Ejike Emmanuel Ibe – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
67. Jibril Abdullahi Ibrahim – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
68. Shima Kuma – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
69. Loretta Laye – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
70. Hanafi Abubakar Mujeli – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
71. Ahmed Zainab Shehu – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
72. Musa Ibrahim – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
73. Oruche Chukwudubem Godwin – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
74. Yakub Umar Yakub – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
75. Idigo Ifeanyi Charles – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
76. Asuzu Obioma C – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
77. James Elizabeth Edidiong – Senior supervisor 2 Step 01
78. Salami Bashirat Omolola – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
79. Ibrahim Muhammed Kabir – Senior supervisor ii step 01
80. Kamaludden Tukur Tafida – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
81. Ibeh Nnadozie Nathaniel – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
82. Samaila Shehu – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
83. Mohammed Ali – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
84. Rabiu Musa Mbulo – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
85. Aliyu Aisha Yakubu – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
86. Yahaya Sani – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
87. Muhammad Isah Rumu – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
88. Onoja Uwane Jessica – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
89. Ahmad Aminu – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
90. Nasreen Mamman-Daura – Senior Supervisor 2 step 02
91. Babayo Abdulhakeem Abdullahi – Senior Supervisor 2 Step 01
Source: PREMIUM TIME

Discover how to create your own information product on ANY Subject

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President Buhari Returns From Saudi Arabia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 18:13:00 +0000

President Muhammadu Buhari is back in Nigeria after a week-long official visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The presidential jet arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, in the nation’s capital, Abuja, at about 5:30pm local time, where the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory received him.

The presidential guard was also on hand for a brief airport ceremony to welcome him.

The President was in Riyadyh for talks with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Talks focused on how to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports.

In Qatar, President Buhari held talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hammad Al-Thani, which culminated in the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to pave way for direct flights between major cities of both countries.

Both countries also signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and tax evasion on the sideline of President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to Qatar.

At a meeting with the business community in Qatar, President Buhari also assured them that his government would remove any impediment that could hinder investment in Nigeria.

The Nigerian leader also met with Nigerian community in Qatar where he urged them to urged them to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and selfless service to encourage more foreign investments.

Forced Marriage: Abducted 14 Year-old Girl Released To Police

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:44:00 +0000

A 14-year old girl, Ese Oruru, allegedly abducted in Bayelsa State and taken to Kano for marriage under Islamic rites has been released to the Nigeria Police Force. 

It was gathered that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has instructed that Ese be reunited with her family on Tuesday.

The ordeal of Ese started on August 12, 2015 in Yenagoa of Bayelsa State, when Yinusa a known customer of Ese’s mother, Mrs Rose Oruru, took her away from Bayelsa to Kano on the purported excuse that she had converted to Islam.

Yinusa was a Keke [tricycle] rider in Yenogoa, who sold all his belongings before he eloped with the girl.

Ese’s parents have traveled to Kano State on several occasions in the past six months with officers of the Nigeria Police Force to secure her release without positive result.

Her alleged kidnap has caused quite an outrage, as earlier on Monday the President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Udengs Eradiri, in Yenagoa issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Arewa Community in Bayelsa State to ensure that she is released and safely returned to the state.

A human rights activist, Ankio Briggs, had also called for her release.

In a tweet, a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, quoted the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as saying that Ese would be taken to Abuja on Tuesday and handed over to the Commissioner of Police in charge of Bayelsa to reunite her with her parents.

“She is crying and refusing to go home. She does not want to go back but I have insisted she must go,” she quoted the Emir as saying.

Nine Dead In Renewed Agatu Community Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:33:00 +0000

Benue State Governor, Mr Samuel Ortom, has confirmed the killing of nine indigenous farmers in a renewed attack on several Agatu communities by armed herdsmen dislodged by security forces on Sunday evening.
The attack lasted for over three hours, according to the Governor, who spoke to journalist shortly after inaugurating a committee on renewable energy.

He added that apart from the lives lost, a number of Agatu villages were burnt to the ground.

Governor Ortom assured the people of Agatu that he is working with the Nasarawa State government to ensure that the security threats is nipped in the bud.

Labour To Mobilise Nigerians Against New Electricity Tariff

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 14:54:00 +0000

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it will be embarking on a nationwide street protest along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and civil society allies against the 45 percent increase in electricity tariff on Monday.

The NLC declared the new electricity tariff announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria unacceptable.

In a statement signed by its president, Ayuba Wabba, NLC said the planned protest will hold Monday, February 8, in Abuja and the 36 states of the federation.

“Our members have been sufficiently mobilized and are ready to go. If you are an electricity consumer and you are not happy with the bills electricity companies serve you every month, you are invited to join this protest rally.”, the NLC said.

According to the statement, the protest are scheduled to start in Abuja from the Labour House, Central Business District at 8.00am before moving to the NERC head office at Adamawa Plaza, Plot 1099, First Avenue, Off Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District. From the NERC office, they will proceed to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company at Zone 4 and thereafter to the National Assembly.

Wabba explained that the protest have become inevitable following the inability of the labour unions to get the Federal Government to rescind its decision to hike electricity tariff.

NLC noted that due process in the extant laws for such increment was not followed in consonance with section 76 of the Power Sector Reform Act, 2005;

“There has been no significant improvement in service delivery. Moreover, the fact is that most consumers are not metered in accordance with the signed privatization Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of November 1, 2013, which stipulates that within 18 months gestation period, all consumers are to be metered;

“There is a subsisting Court Order dated 28th May, 2015 by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in the case of Toluwani Yemi-Adebiyi versus NERC & Orders, that there shall be no further increment until the determination of the substantive suit.

“• The increment at this time negates the present biting and prevailing economic recession vis-a-vis an attempt to further impoverish the poor masses.” NLC stated.

The labour union explained that, “We stakeholders, on Increment in Electricity Tariff (a broad coalition) met in Lagos on January 28, 2016 and issued a communiqué demanding an “immediate halt of this morbid and exploitative intention” failure of which would lead to:• Mobilization of all Nigerians to resist the new tariff; Mass protests/picketing of all DISCOs’ offices across the country; Directing all consumers to reject any bill with the new tariff and other actions necessary.”

It said, “Earlier, Nigerians had spontaneously moved to the streets in Lagos, Benin, Kano and other cities when NERC announced this increase in the last quarter of 2015.

“At the level of the Congress, we had issued a communiqué on December 22, 2015 rejecting this tariff hike and demanding that pre-paid metres be made available free to all consumers.

“We noted that Distribution Companies “have continued to exploit Nigerians by estimated billing system for the majority of consumers, while deliberately refusing to make available prepaid metres.

“We reached out to core government constituencies including the Minister of Power, the leadership of the National Assembly and NERC, all in an effort to find an amicable resolution through the quality of the logic of argument and practical realities on ground which include the incontrovertible fact that even before this increment, Nigeria paid the highest tariff per kilo-watt in Africa and contiguous regions. We pay much higher than Egypt and countries with stronger economies.

“With the increment, this disparity will not only be substantial, it will kill Nigerians and businesses. The saddest part of it all is that there is no co-relation between the quality of service delivery and this tariff.

“The implementation of this tariff is an act of lawlessness because there is a subsisting restraining court order on further increases. And yet we are in a democracy.

“The point must also be made that the immediate past government in its twilight approved a whoppingN18.26 billion for these companies in order to boost electricity supply. Yet there is nothing to show for it. A privatised sector that continues to parasite on government with insignificant benefit to Nigerians is at best a leech on our economy and should be interrogated.

“We would want to make the point that this tariff increase is only intended to protect the investment of a select few and not to serve the interest of other Nigerians. In light of all of the above, this increase is illegal, unfair, unjustifiable and a further exploitation of the already exploited Nigerians.

“We also said the challenges in the economy which have adversely reduced the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians and slowed down businesses including manufacturing have made this increase unsustainable and unjustifiable.”

Recall that, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC; had in December last year announced a new electricity tariff regime that has various rates of increase in energy charges for consumers across the country.

The commission also announced the discontinuation of fixed power charges for all classes of electricity consumers. However, electricity consumers are to pay for what they consume.

With this development, power distribution companies would no longer charge their customers monthly fixed charges that require electricity consumers to pay an approved amount of money not minding whether electricity was consumed during the billing period.

Agitation for Biafra futile exercise – Obasanjo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 06:04:00 +0000

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the current agitation for the resurrection of the Biafra secessionist agenda as a hopeless and futile exercise. Obasanjo stated this yesterday while presenting a paper entitled: “Resurgent Biafra agitation: Born in error, ignorance and frustration” at a public discussion on Biafra organised by Nextier Advisory in Abuja.
He advised Nigerians especially the people of the South- East, not to take the secessionist agitation or agitators seriously as doing so would only lead to disaster.
According to him, Biafra as a secession issue is dead and nobody should tread that path.
He, however, said he considers the current agitation as more of a cry for attention, amelioration and improvement of socio-economic conditions and situations, especially of the youth in Nigeria in general, but in the South East in particular.
The retired army general-turned-politician said, “No right-thinking person who has experienced the horror or war will ever agitate for more war.”
Obasanjo said, “Biafra agitation as a means of calling for secession or severance from Nigeria is a hopeless and futile exercise on which nobody in seriousness should embark.
“However, I see it as a symbol of desperation, despair and frustration of the youth being expressed by them for all to hear and redress in the South East and elsewhere in the county. But Biafra, never again! And we must avoid the coalition of the unwilling but forced by circumstances.”
He explained that the country currently had enough problems, saying, “Nigeria cannot afford to go from Boko Haram insurgency to any other insurgency under any guise. And on no account should we wittingly or unwittingly allow this to happen again.”
The former President maintained that the solution to the current agitation lies in a collaborative effort between genuine leaders and elders in the South East and a purpose driven leadership at all levels of governance.
He explained that Nigeria must consider youth education, welfare, well-being, empowerment and employment as a lifelong collective duty, obligation and responsibility.
Obasanjo noted that much as the youth have rights to express their frustration, such rights do not include embarking on wanton and wicked acts of destruction of the property ordinary men and women in the markets to make the situation even worse for poor and helpless citizens.
“Bitterness, anger, destruction and wickedness can only worsen an already bad socio-economic situation. That will be unwise,” he said.

Arms Deal: Buhari orders probe of ex-service chiefs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 05:44:00 +0000

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediate commence investigations into alleged shady deals in procurement of arms by some serving and retired officers of the Nigerian Air Force and the Army.

Certain companies, local and international, indicted by the committee established to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to 2015, are also to answer queries from the anti corruption agencies.

In a statement made available to newsmen by Buhari's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the AVM J.O.N Ode (rtd)'s committee found 20 serving and retired officers culpable in the fundamental breaches associated with the procurements by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Those officers found culpable include Air Chief Marshal AS Badeh (Rtd); Air Marshal MD Umar (Rtd); Air Marshal AN Amosu (Rtd); Maj-Gen. ER Chioba (Rtd); AVM I.A Balogun (Rtd); AVM AG Tsakr (Rtd); AVM AG Idowu (Rtd); AVM AM Mamu; AVM OT Oguntoyinbo and AVM T. Omenyi.

Others to face the anti graft agency are AVM JB Adigun; AVM RA Ojuawo; AVM JA Kayode-Beckley; Air Cdre SA Yushau (Rtd); Air Cdre AO Ogunjobi; Air Cdre GMD Gwani; Air Cdre SO Makinde; Air Cdre AY Lassa; Col N Ashinze and Lt Col. MS Dasuki (Rtd).

Those 21 companies mentioned in the arms procurement sleaze include MessrSociete D’ Equipments Internationaux; Himma Aboubakar; Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited; Messrs Syrius Technologies; Dr Theresa A. Ittu; Sky Experts Nig Ltd; Omenyi Ifeanyi Tony; Huzee Nig Ltd; GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd; and Gbujie Peter Obie.

Others companies indicted by the committee were Onuri Samuel Ugochukwu; Spacewebs Interservices Ltd; Oguntoyinbo Tayo; Oguntoyinbo Funmi; Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd; Chief Jacobs Bola; Mono Marine Corporation Nig Ltd; Geonel Intergrated Services Ltd; Sachi Felicia; Mudaki Polycarp and Wolfgang Reinl.

The President ordered investigations into the activities of all these companies and their directors in the arms procurement fraud.

According to the statement, "the breaches identified by the Audit Committee include non-specification of procurement costs, absence of contract agreements, award of contracts beyond authorized thresholds, transfer of public funds for unidentified purposes and general non-adherence to provisions of the Public Procurement Act.

"Furthermore, the procurement processes were arbitrarily carried out and generally characterized by irregularities and fraud. In many cases, the procured items failed to meet the purposes they were procured for, especially the counter insurgency efforts in the North East.

"A major procurement activity undertaken by ONSA for NAF was that concerning the contracts awarded to Societe D’ Equipment Internationaux (SEI) Nig Ltd.
Between January 2014 and February 2015, NAF awarded 10 contracts totalling Nine Hundred and Thirty Million, Five Hundred Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety US Dollars ($930,500,690.00) to SEI Nig Ltd.

"Letters of award and End User Certificates for all the contracts issued by NAF and ONSA respectively did not reflect the contract sums. Rather, these were only found in the vendor’s invoices, all dated 19 March 2015. Additionally, some of the award letters contained misleading delivery dates suggesting fraudulent intent in the award process. The observed discrepancies are in clear contravention of extant procurement regulations.

"The SEI contracts included procurement of two used Mi-24V Helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at the cost of One Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Nine Hundred and Forty Four Thousand US Dollars ($136,944,000.00).

"However, it was confirmed that the helicopters were excessively priced and not operationally air worthy at the time of delivery. A brand new unit of such helicopters goes for about Thirty Million US Dollars ($30m). Furthermore, the helicopters were delivered without rotor blades and upgrade accessories”.

APC Chieftain calls for immediate release of ex-NIMASA DG

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 15:50:00 +0000

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and former Ag Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan, has expressed shock over what he described as horrific manhandling of the immediate past Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Pastor Power Aginighan in a press statement said that to treat Dr. Akpobolokemi who has never refused to honour an invitation by the EFCC as an unrepentant criminal raise serious concern about the threat posed to our democracy by over-zealousness of enforcement agents of government.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to distance himself from “this debasement of our humanity” before the watching world by calling the EFCC to order and order the immediate release of Dr. Akpobolokemi.

Pastor Power Aginighan who is also the founding secretary, Ijaw National Congress, advised the EFCC to confront Akpobolokemi with any new charge that they have against him in court.

“I watched with shock, disbelief and utter bewilderment the horrific manner Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, immediate past Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime and Administration and Safety Agency was bundled into a bus reportedly by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission right within the hallowed premises of the Federal High Court shortly after the adjournment of a case against him.

“To treat Dr. Akpobolokemi who has never refused to honour an invitation by the EFCC as an unrepentant criminal raises serious concerns about the threat posed to our democracy by over-zealousness of enforcement agents of government.

“Section 34(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended states that every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no person shall be subject to torture or to any inhuman or degrading treatment.

“Also one of the aims and objectives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is “to foster and defend the freedom of the Press and the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all Nigerians and the people of the world in general”.

“In the light of the above, I urge Mr. President to distance himself from this debasement of our humanity before the watching world by calling the EFCC to order and order the immediate release of Dr. Akpobolokemi”.

Army cadets allege unlawful, unjustifiable withdrawal from NDA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:49:00 +0000

Some officer cadets, who were enlisted in the recent Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Combatant (SSC) Course 43 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), have accused the authorities of an alleged unlawful and unjustifiable withdrawal from the NDA, after undergoing the mandatory training.

Narrating their ordeals to Peoples Daily in Abuja, one of the affected officer cadets, who declined to disclose his name said the last SSC Course 43 members that just past out of the NDA had 10 cadets ‘unlawfully’ withdrawn after about five months into the training, even as 16 others were also withdrawn a night before their passing out on the 11th of September 2015.

According to him, the authorities claimed that they didn’t pass map reading.

They pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari and the military authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter with a view to ascertaining the true position of things and reabsorb them into the army, as according to them, their ‘unlawful withdrawal’ is a time bomb really waiting to explode.

“The Nigerian Army published application for Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Combatant (SSC) Course 43 by mid 2014 and so many willing Nigerians applied, and names of successful candidates for screening for each state were published and were eventually screened at both Jaji for the DSSC and NDA for the SSC candidates respectively.

“On our arrival at the NDA, we were also screened for Ebola and the first point of screening was the credential screening for each candidate. The next screening was comprehensive as it entails and covers the whole test to ascertain the well being of each candidate and those found wanting in any area were sent packing at each stages of the screening. The screening includes but not limited to ECG, Hepatitis, full blood test, eye test, weight, height, flat foot, x-ray, blood pressure, scan, urine test, heart rate and any other medical test to ascertain the wellness of each candidate.

“After the medical, comes the 3.2km race in 18 minutes, then obstacle crossing. It is after this rigorous screening exercise that those that passed will wait and be hopeful for the final enlistment into the Nigerian Army. The final names were published and those that passed were to resume at the NDA by September 2014 which was later postponed to January 3rd, 2015.

“Few weeks into the training we were tested and those that tested positive to drugs were withdrawn. Subsequently, we noticed this propaganda that some cadets were having high blood pressure and others were said to be having color vision problem but these same cadets were tested and passed through the screening.

“Four to Five months into the training when these cadets have gone for camp initial, drill square test, oath taking ceremony, novices boxing and even attended bush camps coupled with being grounded in weapon training and handling, tactics, map reading and other courses making up to 23, there were withdrawn that they were medically unfit, without any fair hearing and with hatred, malice and injustice in a conspiracy and lie oriented medical report by both the CO Medical And Co Ashanti Battalion. The commandant and his deputy never took time to grant the cadets fair hearing and just worked on the report from the Medical CO.

“On leaving the academy, the cadets went to do a thorough check up and discovered nothing was wrong with them all effort to fight for their rights and get someone to lis ten to their cries proved abortive as it is said that that is the normal trend.

“This war on insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping and more will not stop if the Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Defence Academy keeps training officers for 5 to 9 months and unlawfully withdraw them. These cadets have been well trained on weapon training, tactics, and map reading just to mention a few. They are equipped and have mastered and known in and out of the military operations. I indeed fear the effect on the country”, he stated.

When contacted, the Adjutant Ashanti Battalion, Capt. Lezuya, declined comment on the matter, saying he was no longer the Adjutant as he has been moved to Jaji. He, however, directed our correspondent to speak to the NDA authorities for further enquiries.

When our correspondent contacted the NDA, the spokesperson of the Academy was said to be away on a seminar, but a source at the institution who will not want his name on print said the cadets withdrawn from the institution must have breached rules and regulations of the Academy, adding that even an hour before the Passing Out Parade, a cadet can still be withdrawn.

There is another thinking that the withdrawal might not be unconnected with the recent presidential directive that the institution must ensure that only gallant officers were commissioned into the military.

Investigation further revealed that all cases of withdrawal pass through the Academy disciplinary board headed by deputy commandant and two members of the selection board.

SubNews Magazine petitions IGP over harassment by NEPZA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 18:41:00 +0000

The Editor-in-Chief of the SubNews Magazine, Mr. Tony Christian has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, over the use of Police to harass and intimidate members of staff of SubNews Magazine by the Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Mr. Gbenga Kuye.

In a letter of petition written to the IGP dated 26^th October, 2015 and made available to Peoples Daily yesterday in Abuja, Tony Christian said they are been harassed by Gbenga Kuye over the magazine’s investigation into his alleged involvement in Five Hundred Million Naira Calabar Free Trade Zone contract scam.

He said the action of the NEPZA boss was ultimately to suppress the investigation into an alleged misappropriation of the internally generated revenue collected from General Electric by the agency.

“While I am demanding for a written apology over my arrest of 2^nd October, 2015, by the agency in the course of discharging my constitutional duty as journalist, I wish to bring to your notice an alleged standing order issued by the MD to arrest and detain any member of staff of SubNews Magazine who is found in or around the premises of NEPZA.

“In addition to this, I wish to commend the Divisional Police Officer of Maitama Police Division, where I was taken, for exhibiting highest level of professionalism in refusing to succumb to a premeditated attempt by the MD and his cohort Mr. Richard Obianu, a senior manager (MDO), of the agency to use their position to suppress the media, circumvent probity, accountability and transparency in the agency”, he stated.

Eliminate barriers hindering women de-velopment- Aisha Buhari

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 06:13:00 +0000

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has called for the elimination of all barriers limiting the progress of women farmers in the country.

Aisha, who made the call at the 2015 Oxfam Female Food Hero award ceremony in Abuja, said the present administration had placed high interest in women welfare with focus on agriculture.

The Female Food Hero award is aimed at recognising women farmers that have excelled in spite of numerous challenges and to draw Government attention to the plight.

Represented by Mrs Alayingi Sylva, wife of the former governor of Bayelsa, noted that Nigerian women were in forefront of the agricultural sector consisting 60 per cent of farmers.

She said women are lending their strength to the growing level of national productivity as well as encouraging self reliance.

“Let me at this juncture appeal for the elimination of seeming barriers to women development in all sectors to enable them the opportunity to emerge stronger in the business sector.

“Those enjoying this Oxfam intervention to make adequate use of the opportunity provided to bridge any gap hindering the progress of women,’’ she said.

The wife of the president said recent study showed that Nigerian women entrepreneurs operate in unfavourable business environment characterised by various challenges.

Among those challenges, she listed, were access to land, fund and farm inputs.

Aisha expressed happiness at Oxfam’s intervention in women famers’ affairs, saying that their efforts will not go down in vain.

We’ll return bill to Buhari for assent – Dogara

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 05:43:00 +0000

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has disclosed that the fourth constitution amendment bill would be re-transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said the Speaker revealed this when he received report of the 2015 elections by the European Union Observer Mission in Nigeria from the Chief Observer, Mr. Santiago Fisas in his office.

He said the constitution alteration bill was forwarded to former president Goodluck Jonathan but was not assented to up till the end of the last Assembly.

Dogara said the bill was still very much alive in the National Assembly, as both chambers have provided savings for such legislation after amending their standing rules, adding that they would not commence the amendment afresh.

“I wish to inform you that some of the recommendations by the mission such as independent candidature has received the support of the National Assembly,” he said.

Dogara told the EU delegation that the National Assembly had made provisions for independent candidates in the bill which was also supported by overwhelming vote of 2/3 majority of the State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.

He, however, regretted that, “it is one of the casualties of the non-signing of the bill by the former President. I want to assure you that we will definitely revisit that amendment as it increases the democratic space and more citizens’ participation in the electoral Process.”

Nigeria, according to the Speaker, “is committed to the growing of a robust democracy that not only meets domestic aspirations but, indeed, that which stands the test of international best practices in a world that has been reduced into a global village.”

He commended the EU for supporting the growth of democracy in Nigeria, especially through the committed participation of its Observation Mission in Nigeria’s 2015 General Elections.

In his submission, Mr. Santiago Fisas who was accompanied by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria said the report contained 30 recommendations, aimed at helping Nigeria do better in subsequent elections.

He said the EU was not trying to impose anything on Nigeria but that the recommendations are in line with both Nigerian and International Law.

Among the recommendations is that the process of appointing the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be independent.

They also called for review of voting procedure which separates time of voting and that of accreditation.

He said between one to two million voters were disenfranchised in the 2015 elections as they could not wait to vote after accreditation.

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The Osby Blog Is Back

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 04:58:00 +0000

Hi! Am back again after being away for a while. I actually been away on sabbatical leave and I’m back to be with you again. Sorry for the unannounced break and I appreciate your readership and following.

Your favorite ‘The Osby Blog’ and Newsbytes is here again to serve you and keep you updated on current and breaking news you can’t find anywhere. That’s a promise as long as you stick to the Osby Blog and Newbytes.

Stay informed right here on The Osby Blog. I love you all.