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INEC reiterates promise of automatic employment for distinguished NYSC ad-hoc staff

Nneoma BENSON
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INEC reiterates promise of automatic employment for distinguished NYSC ad-hoc staff

“I want to appreciate all @officialnyscng here and those not here. Presently, we are conducting the 2019 Election Review and we promise to reward some corp members with excellent performance in the elections with automatic employment,”  Yakubu said.

He said those who will participate in the Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections in November 2019 will get the same reward.

The event featured the presentation of laptops and phones used by the European Election Observation Mission to 75 corps members who were selected by a panel of NYSC and EU delegation.

The INEC had earlier in February promised automatic employment to members of the  NYSC who“do exceptionally well”  during elections as INEC supporting staff.

The NYSC had charged the INEC to commit to the welfare and security of corps members that will be working as ad-hoc staff during the general elections, following several reports of unpleasant experiences endured by corps members across the country in the run-up to the postponed elections.

Also, President Muhammadu Buhari  had on April 19,  presented awards to 168 ex-corps members at the combined 2015/2016/2017 President’s NYSC Honours Award held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

Buhari had also announced automatic employment to the awardees in the Federal Civil Service and scholarships up to doctorate level in any Nigerian universities.

 

Bomb attacks kill 30 people, more than 40 injured in Borno

Rebecca Akinremi
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Bomb attacks kill 30 people, more than 40 injured in Borno

NOT less than 30 people have been killed, about 42 injured, in multiple bomb blasts that rocked a Borno State village on Sunday night, according to state emergency service.

Three suicide bombers detonated explosives devices outside a viewing centre in Konduga village, few kilometres away from Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

“The death toll from the attack has so far increased to 30. We have over 40 people injured,” Usman Kachalla, director of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said on Monday in Aljazeera report.

“Yesterday around 8:00pm, it was reported that there was a very loud explosion in (the village of) Konduga”, he said.

“Lack of an appropriate health facility to handle such huge emergency situation and the delay in obtaining security clearance to enable us to deploy from Maiduguri in good time led to the high death toll,” Kachalla said.

Ali Hassan, a leader of the local defence group in the village said that the bombers were two females and a male, and they all died in the process. Before the bomb was detonated, the owner of the viewing centre had prevented one of the bombers from entering, however, the male bomber blew himself up in the course of the argument. The other two females bombers who had mingled among the crowd at a tea stall nearby detonated their suicide vests as well.

“Nine people died on the spot, including the operator, and 48 were injured,” said Hassan.

Though Boko Haram group has not claimed responsibility for the attack, it bore the imprint of the group insurgencies. Boko Haram violence has been a major security challenge in Northeastern Nigeria for a decade now. In April, two female suicide bombers also blew themselves up at a village in Borno, killing a soldier and 24 other people. 

Last Sunday multiple attacks had the highest killings so far in this year, despite the federal government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari’s  claims of winning the fight against insurgency in the Northeast.

Moghalu: I made practical decision not to challenge Buhari in court

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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Moghalu: I made practical decision not to challenge Buhari in court

THE Presidential candidate for the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the 2019 general elections, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, at the weekend said he decided not to challenge the election result that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power despite the ‘stolen’ votes.

Moghalu said it was not the wisest decision since the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has already challenged the election result in court.

The ICIR had earlier reported claims by the YPP presidential candidate of the stolen mandate.

 He spoke during the launch of a book written by the Bishop of the Niger Diocese, Anambra state, Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo at Ascension Church, Isiafor, Obosi.

“I did not think it was the best thing to do at that time. The PDP came second at the election, they went to court! I felt that’s okay, also by the time you are not APC, you are not PDP and a small party such as we are, I said our votes were stolen and I stand by it and also said that even if all our votes properly counted, we would not have won the election.

“Nevertheless, the votes were not properly counted but I chose not go to court. It was a simple, practical decision that I made; I didn’t think it was the wisest cause of action at that time.”

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor had 21, 866 as against other young candidates Omoyele Sowore from African Action Congress (AAC) and Fela Durotoye of Alliance for New Nigeria who polled 33, 953 and 16, 779 respectively in the 2019 poll.

However, he expressed optimism that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal would be objective and help promote the nation’s democracy.

Moghalu further advised President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on security and economy while efforts should be made to prevent the country from becoming a failed state.

“This country is moving, drifting into a failed state. With the security situation, we have in Nigeria today, if it is not corrected the fact that the state is failing us is staring us in the face.

“So, it is imperative on the government to perform its number one duty to secure the lives of the citizen of Nigeria and then, the economy.”

4,000 health personnel needed in Borno – Health Union

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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4,000 health personnel needed in Borno – Health Union

THE Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Borno chapter, says additional 4,000 health personnel were required for effective health services delivery in the existing health facilities in the state.

The MHWUN state Chairman, Yusuf Inuwa, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Maiduguri.

He said that inadequate health personnel in the state-owned health institutions was affecting health care delivery in the state, adding that retired workers must be replaced to change the trend.

“The state government recently constructed a kidney dialysis center at the State Specialist Centre which was recently commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Former Gov. Kashim Shettima has done remarkably well in rehabilitating and procuring equipment in health facilities that were destroyed by Boko Haram across the state,” Inuwa said.

He listed the required health personnel to include doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory scientist, technicians and pharmacists among others.

Inuwa urged Gov. Umara Zulum of Borno to prioritise the welfare of the health personnel in order to increase productivity.

The chairman lamented that some of the problems facing the sector was the salary disparities between the health workers.

“Our major challenge is that our local government area workers are earning 40 per cent of their CONHESS salaries while those working in the state capital are getting 90 per cent which is not supposed to be so.

“Another lingering issue has been the 65 years of service for the health workers. We believe if this is implemented, it will enable us to train newly employed workers who will take over from those who retired.”

The state government had spent over N1 billion to rehabilitate and procure state-of-the-art facilities for 38 secondary health facilities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency across the state.

NAN

Gen Diya witnessed how Tinubu lobbied Abacha for post – Bode George

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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Gen Diya witnessed how Tinubu lobbied Abacha for post – Bode George

CHIEFTAIN of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George has claimed that Gen Dipo Diya witnessed how the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu lobbied for a post during the military administration of late General Sani Abacha.

According to a report by The Punch, Tinubu wanted to become a commissioner in Lagos State shortly after the June 12, 1993 poll annulment, thus approached the late dictator but was turned down.

The chieftain applauded Kola Abiola, son of the late MKO Abiola, for allegedly revealing the truth stressed that it was thereafter Tinubu decided to join hands with the National Democratic Coalition to fight for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate.

“It is true that Tinubu went to beg for a commissioner position. He was in the Villa and Gen. Oladipo Diya is a witness. He (Tinubu) said he wanted to be a deputy to a military administrator and when all that didn’t work, he went into his activism.”

Beyond Tinubu, he decried the roles of other “opportunists” who now pose themselves as heroes of June 12.

However, George said Kola must not be victimised for saying the truth, since he was reportedly an insider, being the first son of the late MKO.

Tinubu was a former Governor of Lagos State, facilitated the merger of the opposition parties such as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Progressive Party (ANPP) and a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before the party eventually emerged as ruling party, APC in 2015 election.

“Most of what Kola said is true. He spoke from the heart and he was trying to set the records straight in the face of the many narratives. He had been looking for who would help to recognise the June 12 saga so that his father wouldn’t have died in vain.

“In the course of this, he had bottled up so much. He went through a lot, having lost his mother and family businesses during the struggle. So, he was setting the records straight so that people would not rewrite history.”

The PDP chieftain further advised that lessons should be learnt from the June 12 incident, beyond its adoption as a public holiday.

He argued that Nigerians were more united during the June 12 struggle than today stressing that greater emphasis should be on uniting the nation through the legacy of June 12.

Attempts to speak with Tinubu’s media aide, Tunde Rahman, proved abortive as he neither returned calls nor responded to a text message on Saturday, Punch reports.

Election tribunal: I’ve no plan to protest over INEC server – Atiku

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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Election tribunal: I’ve no plan to protest over INEC server – Atiku

FOLLOWING ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) election server, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the 2019 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday said he has no plan to lead a street protest.

In a statement issued by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku did not make such utterance describing the claim as false meant to mar the pro-democratic record of the former Vice President.

“I wish to emphatically state that such a statement did not emanate from Atiku Abubakar or his privies. It is the work of mischief makers who want to mar his spotless pro-democratic record and lay the groundwork for their threatened actions against him on false charges of being a threat to national security.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Atiku Abubakar believes in the Rule of Law and in the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In his almost four decades in politics, he has never taken action or spoken words against democracy and will not start now,” the statement reads.

Atiku had earlier rejected the 2019 presidential election result, saying it was not credible.

The European Union in its final election report released on Saturday also described the election as such marred with irregularities, transparency issues.

The foreign election observers also blamed the electoral umpire for operational deficiency.

Meanwhile, since the call for the INEC election serves, there have been intense controversies and denial by the INEC on the server.

The ICIR, however, affirmed through its fact check that the server actually exists because it was proposed in the budget, and fund was approved and released.

Some of the commission’s top officials have also been reported to acknowledge the existence of the election server.

“Atiku and his team have confidence in God and thus call on those bent on mischief to have the fear of God and retrace their steps. Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. The culture of fear being created now cannot rein in our democracy. Nigeria and Nigerians have a consistent history of outlasting tyranny and will continue to do so by the grace of God,” the statement concludes.

2019 election not credible, says EU

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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2019 election not credible, says EU

THE European Union Election Observation Mission on Saturday says the 2019 election is marred with irregularities, thus lack credibility and not transparent.

The EU, in its final report on the 2019 general election also blamed the electoral umpire – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its operational shortcomings, political parties for not controlling their supporters as well as security operatives for poor violence prevention during the poll.

“Overall, the EU EOM concluded the 2019 elections were marked by severe operational and transparency shortcomings, electoral security problems and low turnout. Positively, however, the elections were competitive, parties were able to campaign and civil society enhanced accountability,” the report says.

The observers further blamed the security officials in selected locations for maltreating both the electorate and electoral officials.


The report, read by the Head of Mission, Maria Arena at a press conference held in Abuja, however, suggested 30 recommendations the Federal Government could consider to better future elections and develop the nation’s electoral processes.

Speaking on the proposed national dialogue on electoral process by the INEC, the mission, however, supported the move, saying “such reform needs political leadership that is dedicated to the rights of Nigerian citizens, and an inclusive process of national dialogue involving state institutions, parties, civil society and the media.”

“This needs to be urgently undertaken to allow time for debate, legislative changes and implementation well in advance of the next elections,” she added.

Emphasising on other loopholes in the election, the EU Chief Observer, noted that the listed deficiencies including violence, intimidations and poor voters awareness marred integrity of the election.

It reads: “However, considerable weaknesses remained. Operational deficiencies led to the postponement of the elections, there were insufficient checks and transparency in the results process, as well as a general lack of public communication and information.

“The elections became increasingly marred by violence and intimidation, with the role of the security agencies becoming more contentious as the process progressed.

“The EU EOM reported that this damaged the integrity of the electoral process and may deter future participation. During collation of the federal results, EU observers directly witnessed or received reports of intimidation of NEC officials in 20 states.

“While the legal framework broadly provides for democratic elections and some improvements were made to the Constitution, various legal shortcomings remained, including in relation to the use of smart card readers.

“The EU EOM also noted the suspension of the chief justice by the president a few weeks before the elections, which it said was seen to lack due process and reportedly undermined judicial independence.

“Other issues highlighted in the report include: conflicting and late rulings on electoral disputes that undermined opportunity for remedy and created uncertainty; the dysfunctional regulation of political finance; very few electoral offences resulting in arrest or prosecution; problems With the collection of permanent voter cards; and the further fall in the number of women elected.”

Some of the recommendations, however, include: “Strengthen INEC procedures for the collation of results to improve integrity and confidence in electoral outcomes. Establish requirements in law for full results transparency, with data easily accessible to the public.

“Considerably strengthen lNEC’s organizational and operational capacity, as well as its internal communication.

“The inter-agency body responsible for electoral security should work more transparently and inclusively, with regular consultations with political parties and civil society. Introduce a legal requirement for political parties to have a minimum representation of women among candidates.

“The Electoral tribunals should also cover pre-election cases in order to improve access to remedy and to avoid petitions being taken to different courts at the same time.

“Reform the licensing system for the broadcast media to provide for media pluralism and diversity all of Nigeria’s states.”

Notable Nigerians had previously described the election as such that lacked credibility and marred with violence and other irregularities

The ICIR also reported, based on incidents during the poll, why the 2019 election may have lacked credibility.

The mission arrived Nigeria in January and  observed both Presidential and National Assembly elections held on 23 February, the governorship and State House of Assembly elections on 9 March including the supplementary governorship elections held on 23rd March.

TETFUND: Public varsities get N208bn in 2019 budget

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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TETFUND: Public varsities get N208bn in 2019 budget

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday says tertiary institutions across the country will get N208 billion as intervention fund under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) projects in 2019.

Buhari revealed this at the 23rd convocation of the University of Abuja where a total of 4,946 students graduated from the institution with 24 First Class Honours.

“The present administration will continue to improve on the infrastructural facilities in the universities, promote teacher development and curriculum review.

“It is in furtherance of this that I recently approved the disbursement of N208billion to public tertiary institutions under the 2019 intervention of the TETFUND.”

The president, represented by Mr Sonny Echono, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, the current administration would continue to provide funding to fix challenges in the public institutions.

“There is no doubt that Nigeria will be a global player in the emerging knowledge economy. What is required is to ensure the quality of our human capital and also maintain the desirable balance for sustainable national socio-economic growth and development.

“The government will continue to look into the issues raised by the universities especially regarding physical development and will equally monitor the universities closely. I also seize this opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the Federal Government to addressing youth unemployment.”

In the budget, N3 billion was earmarked for the provision of security infrastructure in 104 Colleges and another N4.64 billion for various scholarship allowances. This is from N58.69 billion approved capital expenditure for the year.

Despite these promises, stakeholders in the education sector had repeatedly decried the poor state of varsity infrastructures nationwide.

These incidentally led to various strike actions from the labour unions at varsities, polytechnics among others.

However, the president has pledged to reduce youth employment drastically through improved educational system.

Slovakia gets first woman president Caputova

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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Slovakia gets first woman president Caputova

ANTI-CORRUPTION campaigner Zuzana Caputova was sworn in as Slovakia’s first female president on Saturday, vowing to fight impunity and champion justice in a country shaken by a journalist’s murder last year.

The community activist, who ran on the slogan “Stand up to evil,” was largely unknown before she launched her presidential bid in the eurozone member of 5.4 million people.

The 45-year-old lawyer won the March ballot with 58 percent of the vote, thanks in part to voter disillusionment with the governing coalition a year after the murder of an investigative journalist plunged the country into crisis.

“I did not come to rule, I came to serve citizens, and residents of Slovakia,” the liberal politician, who is pro-choice and promotes greater rights for same-sex couples, said in her inaugural speech in Bratislava.

“I offer expertise, I offer emotion and I offer a healthy activist approach. So I offer my mind, my heart and my hands,” she added alongside family, former presidents, politicians and members of her presidential campaign.

After the ceremony, Caputova walked to a nearby cathedral for an ecumenical service, shaking hands with people along the way, before hosting a lunch for seniors from across Slovakia.

Analysts called her inaugural speech surprisingly mild, given her past criticism of the government.

“The new president’s speech was non-confrontational. It was formulated positively, not attacking political opponents,” political analyst Juraj Marusiak told AFP.

Caputova “does not want to divide, she wants to unite. She talks about the common good, a common path, often using the word ‘we’.”

Caputova was among the tens of thousands of protesters who took to the streets after journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee were gunned down at home in February 2018.

Kuciak was about to publish a report on alleged ties between Slovak politicians and the Italian mafia.

The premier at the time, Robert Fico, was forced to resign but he remains the leader of the ruling Smer-SD party and is a close ally of current Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini.

In her speech, Caputova declared unequivocal support for Slovakia’s membership in the EU and NATO and also spoke out in favour of protecting the environment.

“The process of global climate change must be slowed down and reversed, otherwise it can have major consequences,” she said.

ICPC to prosecute NBET Boss, Marilyn Amobi, others for alleged procurement fraud

Editorial
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ICPC to prosecute NBET Boss, Marilyn Amobi, others for alleged procurement fraud

THE Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is set to prosecute the Managing Director Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company Limited (NBET), Marilyn Amobi, and others for violation of the procurement act.

The commission said Mrs Amobi, like others indicted persons, violated the country’s procurement Act, 2007 and ICPC Act, 2000.

The decision to prosecute the ‘indicted’ was contained in a report sent by ICPC to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in March.

The Deputy Chief of Staff was copied in the letter signed by ICPC Chairman, Bolaji Owosanye.

Allegations of infractions against Mrs Amobi and the management team of NBET was published by Leaks NG, a coalition of Nigerian newsrooms and civil society groups in February.

ICPC’s investigation

In the letter to the Vice President, ICPC notes that the Mrs Amobi was found guilty in at least five of the many allegations levelled against her.

The commission relied on a petition it received for the investigation.

Allegations made in the petition include; disregard for procurement laws, illegal funding of foreign trip for federal lawmakers, six years payment for office furniture for a four-year tenure and side-lining of due process in purchase of Mrs Amobi’s vehicles.

Other allegations include that Mrs Amobi funds NBET’s expenditure without appropriation from National Assembly, authorises withdrawal from Central Bank to fund unnecessary training, sanctioned transfer of staff illegally and stopped payment of salaries to two management staff.

The commission cleared Mrs Amobi of wrong doing in purchase of vehicles, exependiture on new office space, training of staff and posting of staff from Office of Accountant-General of the Federation.

On illegal payment to DISCOs, the commission report noted that ‘all the 11 Distributions Companies (DISCOS) have unpaid invoices because of certain like unprofitable tariff, non-metering and subsisting court order.’

However, ICPC maintained that the MD faltered in areas of procurement and fund approvals.

“The Respondent (MD) does not follow due process in award of contracts.

“The Respondent (MD) makes payments before securing the required approvals.

“The Respondent (MD) received excess furniture allowances of N22, 646, 328.48 above the approved N5,777,595.00 for CEOs of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” the report seen by Leaks NG reads.

The report also indicated two management staff of NBET, Waziri Bintube and Abdullahi Sambo were ‘wrongfully dismissed.’

ICPC said the matter (dismissal) has been referred to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The duo is believed to be victimised by Mrs Amobi for whistle-blowing fraudulent activities in NBET.

They were vindicated by the commission.

“However, the contract award red-flagged by Sambo Abdullahi to two different law firms within the same lot was in violation of procurement process,” a part of the report reads.

Next move

For these infractions, ICPC resolved it would prosecute all indicted and carry out a review of payment to affected DISCOs.

“In the light of the foregoing, the commission would carry out the following;

“Prosecution of all indicted persons, as revealed in the investigation report, for the violation of Procurement Act, 2007 and ICPC Act, 2000.

“A comprehensive review of the operations of all the 11 Discos so as to come up with the necessary recommendations that can enhance better performance and adequate remittance to the Federal Government and make necessary input into the power policy as directed by Mr President.”

ICPC Spokesperson, Rashidat Okoduwa said the commission will make it public once it charges those indicted to court.

“Once that happens (the indicted are prosecuted), definitely we will come to the public with the information,” She said. “You know, taking something to court, you have to be sure you have all your facts, all loose-ends are tied up. You don’t want to take a case to court and still have some technical grounds. Once we got to court, you can be rest assured that we’ll come to public with the information.”

 

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