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  • FRSC sector commander says rain no excuse to be off roads

    FRSC sector commander says rain no excuse to be off roads

    Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, the new Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Lagos State, says that its officers have been mandated to work under all weather conditions, to ease traffic gridlock in the state.

    Ogungbemide, who took over from Mr Hyginus Omeje on June 11, made the remark on Thursday during the launch of the Command’s ‘Operation Visibility and Impact’ to ensure free flow of traffic during special conditions.

    According to him, the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has provided officers and men of the corps with kits to work under any condition, to stop the excuse of seeking refuge from rain.

    The sector commander, while leading officers to ensure smooth traffic, said that the intervention was holding across all the unit commands where it was raining.

    “We are having a Special Patrol called Operation Visibility and Impact, where we want to go outside the routine to show reasonable visibility, that is attached to some occurrence like we have at present; gridlock everywhere because of rain and virtually everywhere is locked up.

    “We thought of what prompt intervention to give in this special session that can give us positive result.

    “We woke up this morning witnessing heavy flood and everywhere was full of gridlock and I thought this intervention can make a lot of difference for Lagosians.

    “I told them (officers) that they don’t have any excuse under any condition. They are expected to work and perform because the corps marshal has been able to make provision for them as regards kits to work under all conditions,” he said.

    Ogungbemide said that in spite of the intractable nature of the gridlock, the moment FRSC men came out to intervene, there was a remarkable difference.

    “What we see most times is that when there is rain, the enforcement agencies do have a way of taking to cover, but now, with the provision of rain coats and boots, they are expected to assist Lagosians.

    “What I have come to do now is to ask everybody to utilise every material that has been provided for them to work under this condition.

    “As I talk, they have been given the mandate and are all over, especially at all the unit commands in all areas when it is raining.

    “It is going to be regular, it is going to be continuous; as we as managing the township, we are managing the corridor,” he said.

    Ogungbemide said that Lagos residents should rest assured that when there was any special condition like rainfall, FRSC officers would always be out to intervene.

    According to him, running for cover during rainfall is believed to be one of the reasons why gridlock occurs at various intersections when it rains.

    He said that FRSC would be intervening from time to time to address any overwhelming situation in the state, apart from managing the major highways.

    Ogungbemide said that no fewer than 300 officers had been deployed for the intervention, working simultaneously across the state.

  • Gombe Assembly restates commitment to malnutrition control programme

    Gombe Assembly restates commitment to malnutrition control programme

    Gombe State House of Assembly has reiterated commitment to support campaign aimed stemming Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in the state.
    Mr Ali Manu, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, stated this when  members of the coalition of Civil Society Organizations Coalition (CSOs) against SAM, visited the House, on Thursday in Gombe.
    Manu said the House would support campaign aimed at reducing the burden of SAM in the state.
    He noted that Gov. Inuwa Yahaya accorded priority to healthcare service delivery, adding that the Assembly had keyed into the priority area and support the state government’s healthcare programmes.
    “As the chairman House Committee on Appropriation; I will ensure that fund allocated for nutrition has been adequately increased or the amount is maintained.
    “Speaker; Abubakar Sadiq-Kurba is one of the nutrition champion in the state, therefore, no body will temper with nutrition allocation,” he said.
    Manu advised the organisations to actively engage the line ministries with clear provision for nutrition services to ensure effective utilisation of the fund.
    The nutrition line ministries included Health;Women Affairs, Science and Technology as well as Agriculture.
    Also speaking, Mr Alhassan Yahya, spokesman of the organisations decried the high rate of SAM in the northeast, describing the trend as “pathetic”.
    Yahya noted that the National Nutrition and Health Survey 2018, indicated that  Nigeria has 2.6 million cases of SAM with Northeast where Gombe is located carrying the highest burden of 60 per cent of the cases.
    He, therefore, advocated for increase in nutrition funding to curb the menace of SAM in the state.
    it is reported that the organisations included the Care for life; SAIF Foundation, International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), and Advocacy Centre for Nigeria, among others.
  • Buhari congratulates new Burundian President, Ndayishimiye

    Buhari congratulates new Burundian President, Ndayishimiye

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Evariste Ndayishimiye on taking office as President of Burundi after a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday in the political capital, Gitega.

    The Nigerian leader’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The President also felicitated with the Government and people of Burundi on the historic peaceful transition to a democratically elected government, after the sudden demise of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

    READ ALSO:Prof Abdullahi, Baba-Ahmed not fit to speak for northern elders – BMO

    President Buhari observed that, with a resounding victory at the polls, President Ndayishimiye, has what it takes to consolidate democracy in the east African country.

    Ndayishimiye had served as Secretary-General of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, and played an active role in guiding the country on the path of peace and development.

    President Buhari said he looks forward to working with the new Burundian leader and his government to strengthen the warm relationship between the two countries.

  • BREAKING: Acting APC chairman, Gaidom, nullifies Obaseki’s disqualification

    BREAKING: Acting APC chairman, Gaidom, nullifies Obaseki’s disqualification

    The Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressive Congress, Victor Giadom, on Wednesday, nullified the disqualification of Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the party’s governorship election in Edo State.

    Gaidom said this at a media briefing at the party’s National Secretariat, where he also announced himself as the new Acting National Chairman of the party.

    He said the reports of the APC’s screening and appeal committees were nullified because “Oshiomhole acted as a judge in his own case.”

    He said his action was sequel to a meeting held with other members of the National Working Committee after Tuesday’s Appeal Court ruling affirming the suspension of the substantive National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

    He said, “Yesterday the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, in a unanimous judgement, affirmed the suspension of comrade Adams Oshiomhole as National Chairman of All Progressives Congress.

    “Consequently, I bring to your notice that on the 16th of March 2020, Hon Justice S.U Bature in suit no FCT/HC/M/6447/2020 had ordered that, with the earlier suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, I, Chief Hon. Victor Giadom should act as the National Chairman of our great party.

    “That Order could not be immediately effected at the time because of the temporary reprieve Adams Oshiomhole got from the Court of Appeal on the same date.”

    He further said, “As your Acting National Chairman and presiding officer in the NWC, we, therefore, cancel the decision of the Screening and Appeal Committees of the former Chairman of the party on the Edo primary.”

    Giadom’s announcement is coming a few hours after the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, issued a statement announcing the Deputy National Chairman (South), Senator Abiola Ajimobi as Acting National Chairman.

  • China, India in close communication after deaths at border

    China, India in close communication after deaths at border

    China and India on Wednesday said they were in close communication to resolve a deadly flare-up in border tensions, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
    According to the ministry’s spokesman, Zhao Lijian, the incident occurred on the Chinese-run side of the line of actual control, the two countries’ de facto border.
    Lijian, however, denied any responsibility on the Chinese side and would neither confirm nor deny reports of Chinese casualties in the confrontation, in which at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
    The spokesman said the overall situation was stable and that both sides were jointly resolving the issue.

  • Prof Abdullahi, Baba-Ahmed not fit to speak for northern elders – BMO

    Prof Abdullahi, Baba-Ahmed not fit to speak for northern elders – BMO

    The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), has said that Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and Professor Ango Abdullahi, who had often addressed the media on behalf of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), are not fit for such representation.
    “They masquerade as a Forum of Northern Elders but have no business pretending to speak for northern interests, nor are they fit for such representation,” BMO said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
    The statement was signed by Mr Niyi Akinsiju, BMO Chairman, and the Secretary, Cassidy Maduekwe.

    “The two men are spent politicians; they have neither the character nor mandate to lead anybody. They are simply craving for attention by playing politics with very serious issues,” the statement said.

    It alleged that NEF, as presently constituted, is an extension of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “What we have there is a group of politicians who are craving attention after losing out in the 2019 election.

    “These two men, who parade themselves as NEF, are members of the PDP who have been exiled from the political space, courtesy the votes of Nigerians.

    “They have been shown a red card. They do not have the interests of the north at heart. What we see them pursuing with their ramblings in the media is selfish interest.

    “Any elder in the north, who truly knows the north and means well for the region, rather than make accusations against the President, will begin engagements with the various communities where insecurity is prevalent.

    “Times without number, Nigerians have been alerted that most of the security threats that communities are facing are as a result of either the cooperation of the community members, and their leaders, with the bandits and terrorist groups.
    “Other communities get hit due to the lack of cooperation from the community and its leaders with our security agencies.

    “Any serious northern elder and politician would call out those community leaders who are in bed with bandits and are failing to cooperate with our security agencies.

    “Security, especially on this issue, is a community matter, not a TV ranting affair. If the so-called Northern Elders Forum were genuine, they would have acted accordingly.”

    The group said that security agencies were making significant gains in their engagements against criminals, adding that the armed forces had undertaken successful onslaughts against bandits nationwide.

    “The security agents achieved aggressive clearance operations across the North-East aimed at conclusively ending terrorism in the region.
    “These active operations led to the elimination of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State West Africa Province top commanders, spies, gun runners, logistic bases, armouries, while many captives of the terrorists have regained their freedom.”

    BMO commended members of the Civilian Joint Task Force for their “bravery which has left the high command of the terrorists in disarray”.

    “What we are seeing now is the last kick of a dying horse,” the group declared.

    The group, while reassuring Nigerians that the President is committed to all ongoing operations against the country’s common enemies, highlighted that one of the most wanted ISWAP commanders, Amir Imar, had just been neutralised by the country’s gallant troops.

    “These operations are still on course with current indicators showing tremendous successes across the various theatre of operations. The renewed zeal and determination by troops to take their firepower to the enemy’s camp has continued to bear fruit.

    “Troops of Operation Whirl Punch under Operation Accord, a joint operation involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, have constantly subdued and dominated the bandits and cattle rustlers along the North West axis.

    “A military operation against the bandits in that zone is ongoing, courtesy of an order from President Buhari. Structures harbouring weapons and ammunition have been demobilised, alongside the bandits.
    “Their logistics couriers are being arrested and are now helping the security agencies with actionable intelligence in tracking and bringing their collaborators to book. Over 400 bandits have since been neutralised since the commencement of the operation in Katsina.

    “If anyone tells you that this administration has not made significant strides in tackling the insecurity challenges in the North, that person has kept the truth hidden in his bushels,” the statement said.

    BMO advised that all actions and utterances must be tailored towards supporting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

  • New FRSC commandant in Bayelsa seeks cooperation of road users

    Mr Robert Ogom, new Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bayelsa, has assumed office, seeking cooperation of road users for safer roads in the state.

    Ogom told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Yenagoa, that before his present position, he worked as Head Project Implementation Office at the Corps’ National Headquarters, Abuja.

    “I took over from Mr Ikechukwu Igwe, who has gone on retirement.

    “I assumed work on Monday, June 15. I have come here to better the lot, especially on safe driving by people as it affects traffic situation in the state.

    “I want to advice motorists and all road users to be traffic compliance, most especially in this period of COVID-19; the tricycle operators should obey the guidelines of caring two only passengers.

    “The bus drivers should not engage in overloading, at least, two passengers per seat in order to maintain social distancing. I believe this will go a long way in reducing the spread of the COVID-19,” he said.

    Ogom added:”This will not only reduce the spread but also save the driver’s life and others from the disease and safety of the road.

    “I need the cooperation of all motorists in the state; we must remember that enforcing traffic rules and regulations is for the good of the people.

    “Also ensure that you have a genuine driving license, put on your seat belt, avoid over-speeding, over-loading and dangerous driving, avoid using expired tyres and ensure that your vehicle wipes are in order before going on the road.

    “You don’t need to be on the road without your driving licence because that is the legal instrument that permits a driver to be on the road.”

  • Fashola yet to leave Abuja since March 22 – aide

    Fashola yet to leave Abuja since March 22 – aide

    Mr Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser on Communications to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, says the minister has not travelled out of Abuja since March 22.

    Bello made the disclosure in a statement he issued to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said that the attention of the office of the minister had been drawn to a letter signed by the Chairman /Chief Executive Officer of Executive Jets Services, Ltd, Dr Sam Iwuajoku, concerning a flight it operated to Abuja last weekend.

    “In order to set the records straight, the minister “ has not travelled out of Abuja since March 22, 2020, when he returned there from an inspection tour of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway construction work and a visit to Lagos, before the lockdown.

    “The decision of the honourable minister not to travel was taken in strict compliance with Federal Government’s ban on inter-state travels as part of efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “It is, therefore, ridiculous for Dr Iwuajoku to attempt to link the honourable minister with any non-compliant flight,” he said.

  • Your alarm on nation’s debt profile false – FG replies Atiku

    Your alarm on nation’s debt profile false – FG replies Atiku

    The Federal Government says the alarm and doom predictions by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the country’s debt profile is anchored on a false premise.

    The government position is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    The statement was signed by Mr Segun Adeyemi, Special Assistant To The President (Media), Office of The Minister of Information and Culture.

    In the statement, the minister stressed that the scenarios on the country’s debt profile as painted by Atiku in a release he issued on Tuesday had no basis.

    Mohammed said while the Federal Government welcomed constructive criticism, such must be based on verifiable facts rather than “conjectures and innuendos’’.

    “There is no doubt that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar loves our country and wishes it well, otherwise he would not have sustained his serial quest for the country’s highest position.

    “One can only hope that his resort to the use of such words as ‘precipice’, ‘foreclosure’

    and ‘economic ruin’ does not reflect anything but best wishes for the country at this time,” he said.

    The minister explained that the figure of Nigeria’s debt to revenue ratio of 99 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, quoted by Atiku was not in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, where he claimed he got it from.

    “We are also not able to ascertain the source of the first quarter figures of N943.12 billion for debt servicing and N950.56 billion for retained revenue, which he also quoted,” he said..

    The minister said the debt service provisions in the annual budgets include principal repayments, interest payments and all other applicable charges.

    “Therefore, the statement that debt servicing does not equate to debt repayment is not only wrong, but ill-informed,” he said.

    On the former Vice President’s assertion that revenue needed to go up, Mohammed said the administration had introduced several measures to shore up revenues.

    He listed some of the measures as the passage and implementation of the Finance Act, 2019, various on-going reforms in the Oil and Gas sector, Tax Administration and Collections, as well as the Strategic Revenue Growth Initiatives.

    According to Mohammed, Nigeria’s debt service is expressly provided in the annual budgets and the debt service payments are made as and when due.

    He said based on provision and the payments, the issue of creditors foreclosing on Nigeria as predicted by the former Vice President did not arise.

    The minister said Nigeria had not experienced alarming and unprecedented increase in the

    ratios of debt to GDP and debt service to revenue as posited by Atiku.

    He said to the contrary, the country’s ratio of debt to GDP was one of the lowest in the world at 19.00 per cent as at Dec. 31, 2019.

    Mohammed added that the Government is making concerted efforts to increase revenue so as to bring down the ratio of debt service to revenue.

    “One of the reasons why debt service to revenue is high is because revenue generation in Nigeria has been low, with over-dependence on the oil sector.

    “This is corroborated by the fact that the ratio of Nigeria’s tax revenue to GDP is one of the lowest in the world at about six per cent,’’ the minister said.

    Mohammed said unlike what obtained in the past, when the nation borrowed to “service the crass indulgence of a few fat cats”, the loans being obtained by the current administration were being primarily used to finance infrastructure projects: roads, railways, bridges and power.

    He added that the loans also were long-term in nature, which would benefit present and future generations.

    “We have said that in the face of massive infrastructural decay, no responsible government will sit by and do nothing.

    “This administration’s borrowing, therefore, is aimed mostly at revamping our infrastructure.

    “The loans for the educational sector will contribute to the development of our human

    capital while the loans for the agricultural sector will help the move to diversify the economy,” he said.

    The minister said in spite the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country’s economy, the Federal Government had continued to take measures to mitigate effects of the pandemic.

    He assured that the government would always act in the best interest of Nigerians.

  • CSOs Clear CBN of Corruption Allegations

    CSOs Clear CBN of Corruption Allegations

    … Threatens to Sue US Based Organisation

    A coalition of civil society groups, Conference of Harmonised Civil Society Organisations has said the allegations of corruption levelled against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and her officials by a US based group, Young Professionals Forum are mere fabrications and an attempt to demarket the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Speaking on behalf of the CSOs at a press conference in Abuja, Rev Solomon Semaka, Convener, Save Nigeria Movement explained that investigation by the taskforce revealed that the petitioners made no efforts to get clarifications on issues from the CBN before making its allegations and sued for caution.

    Recall that the CSOs had set up a taskforce headed by Rev Solomon Semaka of the Save Nigeria Movement following allegations of corruption against the apex bank and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for illegal diversion of $24,263,008.56 by a US group, to investigate and come up with a report on the exact situation without fear or favour.

    “In the cause of our findings, we discovered that all the allegations leveled against the Central Bank Of Nigeria were premeditated, concocted and represents an indisputable definition of wild speculation precipitated on blackmail , and a coordinated smear campaign against the CBN Governor and the institution.

    “The Young Professional Forum has the right to fact check every information with the CBN using the freedom of Information Act (FOI). As Nigerians, to resort to blackmail, intimidation and smear campaign against the highest financial regulatory authority of our their country why sitting outside the shores of Nigeria is to say the least a very shameful and unpatriotic act”,. he taskforce maintained.

    It further described as unfortunate the petition by the group saying it was unpatriotic for Nigerians to team up with enemies of the country outside to demarket the country and its institutions.

    ” What exactly is the motive of the organisation’s haste in writing to the US Congress Speaker even before writing to the Nigerian Parliament. Is this not simply to demarket the Nigerian state and ridicule the nation?

    “On the allegations of the illegal diversion of $24,263,008.56 by CBN and NNPC, the task force maintained that no such fund ever existed let alone diverted.

    “We wish to further enlightened the Nigerian public that the forex market as highlighted in those allegations was already been run by some individuals and organizations in line with CBN regulations before the assumption of duty of the current leadership. And the market value is well above ($800M).

    “To therefore continue to drop the names of Alh Isa Funtua, Maman Daura, Nasir Danu, Lawan Daura, etc to paint a picture of an illegal cartel against the country is very shameful, despicable and unpatriotic, the task force maintained.

    “To confirm that, the allegation of the award of thirty billion naira contract to Bullet Construction was emotional, light weight and of no effect. Firstly, Bullet construction can do jobs anywhere in Nigeria, including at the CBN. The company is very qualified and above all competent. Or does the group prefer foreign companies as always? Or should Nigerians suspect a sponsorship from a rival foreign company? This calls to question the credibility of the purpose and intent of the US based group against the CBN.

    “We have resolved as the watchdog of the society to always hold governments accountable to communicate our findings to Nigerians and the US Congress just for record purposes. Our resolution 112 is to write to the US Congress to disregard the allegations against the CBN by the Young Professionals Forum in New York”.

    The CSOs further urge the group and any other Nigerian who has issues with operations of any agency in the country to make use of nation’s anti corruption agencies such as EFCC and ICPC to get things done rather than resort to black market and short circuits formulas.

    “By this, and in the interest of our national image, we here pass a vote of confidence on the CBN Leadership .

    “We furthermore , give the group and her leader, Mr Jackson Ude (14 days) to retrieve those publications against the CBN and above all apologize to Nigerians or face legal action”, the group added.