According to Remi Sonaiya, she joined Occupy Nigeria in 2012 but is not interested in the NLC protest this time around. See more of her reasons after the cut...
Read from bottom up...
Wednesday, 18 May 2016
KOWA Presidential candidate, Remi Sonaiya Explains Why She Is Against Fuel Protest This Time
According to Remi Sonaiya, she joined Occupy Nigeria in 2012 but is not interested in the NLC protest this time around. See more of her reasons after the cut...
Read from bottom up...
Area Boys & Traders Clash In Ladipo Market, Mushin Which Caused Damages & Burnt Of Properties
Area Boys reportedly stormed the area and wreaked havoc that left one or two people killed and several others injured.
Policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad were notified and arrived at the market to stop the civil disturbance. They were able to restore normalcy to the area and arrest some suspects. The Commissioner of Police has reportedly ordered a full scale investigation into the matter.
More pictures below...
Fire Outbreak At Udi Hall Of Residence At Unversity Of Uyo
Photo Credit: Facebook | China Chris & Destination Akwa Ibom
EFCC Seizes Fani-Kayode's Passport,Detains Ex-Gov Yero
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized the passport belonging to a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.
The former minister, who served as the Director of Publicity of the Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 presidential election, was arrested on Monday last week for receiving N840m.
The money, which Fani-Kayode admitted to receiving, was said to have emanated from the account of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The ex-minister had, however, insisted that he did not know that the money emanated from the CBN because he was assured by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party that the money was sourced from private individuals.
A spokesman for Fani-Kayode, Mr. Jude Ndukwe, confirmed to our correspondent that the ex-minister had submitted his passport to the EFCC.
Ndukwe said the EFCC had given the ex-minister bail conditions but had refused to release him despite meeting the conditions.
He said, “The EFCC gave him two bail conditions. The first condition was that he would hand over his passport while the second condition was for him to provide two sureties. The two sureties must be at least directors in the civil service and must have properties in AMAC (Abuja Municipal Area Council).
“Five days after meeting the conditions, the EFCC has refused to release him.”
In a related development, the EFCC has arrested a former Principal Private Secretary, to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Hassan Tukur.
Tukur, it was learnt, was arrested by operatives of the EFCC in Abuja on Monday.
It was, however, not clear as of press time, why the ex-aide was being detained.
However, Tukur had been on the radar of the EFCC for several months over the alleged $15bn arms scam.
He was said to have been given money to help negotiate a peace deal with Boko Haram during the Jonathan administration.
Meanwhile, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero, has a guest of the EFCC for the last 48 hours where he is being quizzed for allegedly receiving N700m.
Sources at the EFCC told our correspondent that Yero was being investigated for his alleged role in the $115m shared by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The money, which was handled by Fidelity Bank Plc, was said to have been used in bribing several officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission during the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.
A reliable source at the EFCC told our correspondent that Yero was still being grilled as of 8pmon Tuesday.
The source said, “He was arrested after two officials of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kaduna State implicated him. We were told that he personally handled N700m during the election. However, he said all the money was distributed to party members during the election.
“He is still in our Kano zonal office.”
All attempts to speak with the spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, proved abortive.
Punch
Preliminary Autopsy Report On Ronke Shonde Says “She Did Not Die From Marks Of Violence”
Earlier in the month Ronke Shonde was allegedly beaten to death by her husband, Lekan, who is currently in Police custody.
According to a source quoted by Punch Metro, the report is still being compiled and only a phase had been completed.
The source said, “As of now, the report showed that the marks of violence on the victim have nothing to do with her death. Other areas are still being explored. The actual thing that killed her has not been stated.”
Punch Metro reports that the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the police had yet to get the report. She said, “I just spoke with the people in charge now and they said the result is not complete yet. I will advise we exercise patience and caution. The police are also monitoring the case and we intend to get the report soon. This will be disclosed to the public.”
New Fuel Supply And Pricing Regime: President Buhari Had No Choice- VP Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, asserted yesterday at a public book presentation event in Abuja “If there is one person in Nigeria that believes that petroleum prices should not go up by one Naira, it is President Buhari,”.
Explaining the difficult decision announced last week by the federal government, Prof. Osinbajo said the President simply had no other option. Although the President did not want the fuel price to go up, the Vice President said “he is left with no choice. What can we do if we don't have foreign currency, we have to import fuel.”
While observing the petroleum products are being imported today into the country, he asserted that even “if we repair our refineries today, we would still be able to refine 40% of our petroleum, so we still need to import.”
Prof Osinbajo then raised a rhetorical query: “in the absence of foreign exchange and you have to import your refined petroleum, what are you left with?
The Vice President who spoke at the public presentation of Anatomy of Corruption in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges & Solutions, a collection of essays edited by Yusuf O. Ali, SAN, asserted that “a lot of the problems associated with the refineries are corruption related.”
He also attended the public presentation of Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun, who just published his autobiography, I Remember.
According to the VP, corruption “explains why many States are owing salaries and continue to owe salaries.”
Furthermore he noted that “when we look at corruption and its deleterious consequences, we must relate it directly to what we are experiencing at this time.”
For example, he said “most of the States, since February 2016, many have been owing, some up to 6 months. When we came into office we tried to settle many of those debts but the Federation Account is lower and we are unable to find the resources to shore up the Federation Account.”
Driving home the point about the consequences of corruption, the Vice President said “When you consider that today, Nigeria's reserves stands at about $27billion and we are investigating $15billion from one sector alone. That is over half of the entire reserves of the country.
“We are investigating cases which shows that over $15billion was lost in one type of contracts alone. We are not talking of oil contracts, we are talking of security related contracts alone. We have not talked at all about oil contracts, several billions.
“How we dimension the problem must be different. We can not look at it the same way as if it is just petty stealing. This is not just stealing the resource of the country, it is stealing the future as well.
“Let me just state one clear example. All through the period when Nigeria was earning over 100 - 115 dollars in proceeds of oil for a period of almost 5 years, the external reserves of Nigeria remained much the same. It did not (significantly) increase at all despite the very high earnings.
“And that is why we have the situation that we find ourselves today. It is the external reserves that a country resorts to as a last resort in protecting its currency.”
Doing a quick international comparative analysis using another oil-producing country, the VP said :
“when countries were experiencing these high prices, some countries were putting money aside, Saudi Arabia saved over $700billion,-(as at last year) so when their currency began to suffer, of course they were able to shore up their currency with their reserves.”
In the case of Nigeria however, Prof Osinbajo lamented that “we are unable to do so. And the reason is because the reserves have been depleted. It is the same reason why it is difficult to do very very many other things that we should be doing as a nation.”
He then declared that corruption poses an existential threat to the country.
“I want to just very quickly say that corruption has no label. It is not just a social evil, it is an existential threat to our country . There is no doubt at all that this is unlike other countries, (where) people say that there is corruption everywhere, which is true.
“But I think the one distinguishing feature for Nigeria and for many other countries like ours is that it is a threat that directly affects the lives and livelihoods of everyone.
“It is not just an evil, it is not just an immorality, it is an existential threat because it could truly destroy lives and it has destroyed many many lives and has continued to destroy the Nigerian economy.”
Prof. Osinbajo then declared that “unless there is a determined effort to fight corruption at all levels, unless that effort is determined, unless we have the political, the judicial, even the religious will, we would find ourselves in a continuous cycle of corruption, economic adversity, more corruption, more economic adversity.”
“As I observed at another event, when you look at those who are accused of corruption in Nigeria, look at any typical case of fraud or corruption, you will never find three Igbo men (by themselves alone) or three Yoruba men or 3 Hausa speaking men, (by themselves alone) NO! You will find federal character, well-represented.
“You find the Yoruba man, you find the Igbo man, you find the Hausa man, the Fulani man. All different groups are very well-represented. Amongst them you will find Christians and you will find Muslims.
“All of the defenses that people put forward, that, oh! it is the Igbo man, oh! it is the Hausa man, it is Yorubas, and so on, none of that is demonstrated by the facts. “That is why it is important that as a Nigerian elite, we have the special privilege of education, we have a special privilege of position. It is the responsibility of that privilege that we must fight everything that normally hinder and distorts our economy and kill our people as well.”
“That is why we must as an elite in leadership fight corruption. Some people suggest it is a matter of religion, It is not a matter of religion, I pastor a church. I pastor churches, so I know. What is important is that we must recognize corruption for what it is. Make no excuses for it and fight it with determination.
“I want to assure you that the government of President Buhari is determined to fight corruption, and that despite whatever those naysayers may say, we would fight it with everything that we have and we will leave a legacy in this nation of at least a government that chose to stand by principle and chose to stand by doing things right.”
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
FG Tells Workers "You Must Go To Work Today, No Work No Pay" Despite NLC's Threat To Continue With Strike,
Despite threats by the Ayuba Wabba faction of NLC to continue with its planned strike action today May 18th, the Federal Government has advised all workers in the Civil service to resume for work today, saying the no work no pay rule will be invoked in all ministries, agencies and department. Speaking after a meeting with labor yesterday May 17th, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal said:
"The National Industrial Court has given an injunction that no strike by NLC and TUC should hold tomorrow (today). It is therefore clear that anyone embarking on strike tomorrow (today) is doing so illegally and government is assuring all Nigerians to come out and do their jobs tomorrow (today). It the duty of government to provide security for her citizens and anyone who tries to coerce any worker to do their bidding would be made to face the law of the land. We had full cooperation with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and they said they are not going on strike.For them, it is a complete return to work tomorrow (Wednesday).
"It is not the same with the NLC however. They have two factions, one agreed completely with the position of the TUC. Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal action. Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their workplaces, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.
"Accordingly, security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded access to offices, workplaces and markets. Accordingly, all ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of ‘no work no pay’ in respect of any staff member who absents himself or herself from work to join the strike. Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”he said
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Trade Union Congress Backs Out Of Planned NLC Strike
Members of the Trade Union Congress TUC have backed out of today's planned strike action by the Ayuba Wabba led NLC. The TUC announced this after a joint meeting between Labor leaders and the Federal government yesterday night May 18th. Electricity workers, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have already signified they will not be participating in the proposed strike action.
#SarakiAtCCT: We Are Not Under Influence To Convict Saraki – Danladi Umar
The Chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, on Tuesday, decried insinuations that he was being influenced to convict the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Umar, who stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, swore to Allah to do justice in Saraki’s trial.
“During Bola Tinibu’s case, we were under influence but we did the right thing. I swear by the Almighty Allah to do justice. On our part, the insinuation that we are being influenced to see the conviction of the accused is false”.
On the number of lawyers in Saraki’s defence team, Umar said, the records of the tribunal showed that “there are about 100 counsel standing for the defendant”.
Umar insisted that although the defence had right to have as many lawyers as they want but the tribunal had the power to regulate the conduct of counsel.
He said there must be orderliness; all the counsel may not be allowed to cross examine the witness. He stated that all the other lawyers can assist the leader of the defense team, Kanu Agabi (SAN), rather than every other person in the defence team doing the job.
He observed that there were many counsel cross examining a witness. This, he said, made the process untidy. “Henceforth, only the lead counsel, Agabi can do the cross examination. For purpose of the records of the court, it will be tidy for only the lead counsel to do the cross examination,” he said.
Lawyer to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had complained about the slow pace at which the defence team was handling the cross examination.
“This is the ninth day. The defence is still cross examining only one witness,” Jacobs had complained.
Agabi said: “Are you surprised that those who come before you are afraid? People come here and they are ruled by fear of prejudice. Prejudice ought not to have a place in this court but we are afraid”.
The tribunal adjourned sitting till May 18th for continuation of hearing.
NLC Insists On Strike Tomorrow May 18th.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Ayuba Wabba says they will proceed with its planned strike despite this morning's injunction by the National Industrial Court restraining organized labor from embarking on its planned strike action tomorrow May 18th.
The head of information of NLC, Benson Upah, in an interview with TheCable said “NLC’s position has not shifted. The strike will go on tomorrow,” he said.
When asked if he could be quoted, he said: “Quote me, the strike will go on tomorrow.”
The leadership of NLC say the take-off point for workers in Abuja is at the NLC secretariat by 8am
She Did It! DJ Cuppy Is A Graduate Of NYU
The graduation ceremony was held earlier today and the DJ was joined by her billionaire dad Femi Otedola, mum Nana Otedola and sisters Temi and Wumi Otedola.
In 2014, Cuppy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (2.1) from the prestigious King’s College London.
See pictures from the graduation day, as documented on Snapchat.
Photo Credit: Snapchat – @cuppymusic @jtofashion
Fuel Subsidy Removal: Court Stops NLC & TUC From Embarking On Proposed Strike
Justice Babatunde Adejumo of the National Industrial Court on Tuesday stopped the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress from embarking on their planned strike over the increase in fuel price by the federal Government.
He gave the restraining order after the Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, argued an ex parte application in which the prayer for the order was contained.
According to PUNCH, Adejumo ruled:
The defendants are hereby restrained from carrying out the threat contained in their communique issued on May 14th, 2016 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on May 16.
It is the order of this court that status quo be maintained as at May 17th. The order being an interim one will last for seven days, although it is subject to renewal.
It is the order of this court that none of the parties shall engage in any act, conduct, overtly, covertly on this matter pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Adejumo, speaking on why he granted the order said:
I decided to take this case this morning because it is on an issue that will affect everybody. I don’t want people to be subjected to hardship. There will be scarcity of foods, people may die, students will engage in all sorts of activities. This is why I have to grant this order.
Fakeawyer Arrested In Ogun State
47 year old Ayodele Balogun has been arrested by the Ogun state police command for parading himself as a lawyer in the last 10 years without training. The fake lawyer was arrested by some police officers attached to the Otta Division of the Ogun Police Command following a petition by a victim who he duped of N140,000.
Speaking on his arrest, the spokesperson of the Ogun state police command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said
“While the police detectives were on with their interrogation, one of the revered legal practitioners in the area alerted the police of the suspect’s criminal antecedents and urged the police to widen the scope of their interrogation, hence the confession of Ayodele Balogun, who has been practicing at a popular chamber in otta for a decade, to be a fake legal practitioner. The suspect and others,who might be indicted in the course of police investigation,be charged to court without delay and his(their) details be sent to the Nigerian Bar Association and other concerned groups/bodies for necessary action,” Adejobi said
He will be arraigned in court soon.
Saraki Pays Tribute To His Late Father, Olusola Saraki
Senate President Bukola Saraki, this afternoon, shared this tribute he wrote to remember his father, Olusola Saraki, who passed away 4 years on November 14th 2012. Bukola Saraki on his facebook wall wrote
"Dear father, It has been four years since you left us. You died as a titan of your time; a legend of the years that you walked the earth. As we remember you today, and pay homage to your memory, I want to say: Thank you Baba. We miss your presence.”
Senate Backs New Petrol Price | Wants Immediate Implementation of Palliatives
Rising from an Executive Session, presided by Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, the Senate called on the government to parley labour unions to forestall the threatened strike.
Ekweremadu said that the Senate sympathised with Nigerians for the hardship which the new prices of petrol will cause and called on the government to implement the palliatives.
“The Senate in a closed session deliberated on the increase in the pump price of PMS by the Federal Government and the threats by the organised Labour to embark on a nationwide strike. We resolved as follows:
That we sympathise with ordinary people of Nigeria on the hardships they are going through.
That the Senate will engage the Federal Government to find sustainable ways of improving the welfare of the people of Nigeria.
That we call on government to continue to engage the organised labour and other stakeholders to resolve issues in order not to ground the system and impose more hardships on our people.
That government should immediately start implementing palliative measures contained in the 2016 Appropriation Act passed by the National Assembly,” he said.
The Federal Government last week announced the removal of subsidy from petrol and pegged the price at not more than N145 per litre.
Organised labour threatened to embark on strike by Wednesday if government fails to revert to N86.5 per litre.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)