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APC Baits Ondo Electorates With Federal Appointments

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APC Baits Ondo Electorates With Federal Appointments

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President Muhammadu Buhari has promised citizens of Ondo State of a fair representation with regards to federal appointments.

The President who was in the state to participate in the campaign rally of the All Progressives congress, APC, preparatory to the governorship election scheduled for next Saturday, November 26, made the pledge at the palace of the Deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, .

Buhari was responding to a request by the traditional ruler that more appointments be extended to indigenes of the state in federal ministries and parastatals and agencies.

He explained that it was not a deliberate action to overlook Ondo state citizens during appointments, adding that he would take action to address the issue.

“Not giving federal appointment to any indigene from this kingdom is not deliberate,” Buhari Said

“I came here for your votes which I got, so, there is no reason why indigenes of this state should not enjoy equal benefit as indigenes of other states.

“You have raised a serious observation that needs urgent attention.”

Buhari expressed happiness that in spite of the misunderstanding that greeted the Ondo APC governorship Primary election, the party was still waxing stronger.

“I am here because of our party governorship candidate who is fully enjoying the support of Akure people and its environs,” Buhari told the traditional ruler, while calling on the people to come out en masse and vote the APC during the election proper.

Oba Aladelusi in his remarks urged President Buhari to wade into the crisis rocking the Federal University of Technology, Akure, whose non-academic staff has been on strike for some time.

He said that the incessant crises between the school’s management and staff members do not portray the institution, which he described as “one of the modern landmarks of the ancient city”, in good light.

The monarch also pleaded with the president to return some of the lands in the state which was given to the military years ago, so that indigenes may use them for agricultural purposes.

He said, “Another issue that agitates the mind of this ancient city is a large parcel of land ceded to the military authority in 1966.

“A large portion of the land remains underutilised and is wasting away.

“Our request is to give 1,000 hectares back to the community for agricultural purposes.”

Kano Police Intercepts Truck Carrying Weapons For Shiite Group

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Kano Police Intercepts Truck Carrying Weapons For Shiite Group

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The Kano State Police command has intercepted a truck it said was conveying weapons and supplies for the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN.

Spokesman of Police in Kano State, Magaji Majia, made this known while addressing a press conference on Friday.

He said the truck was coming in from Potiskum in Yobe State and was headed for Zaria where the Shiites were marking an annual religious ceremony.

“You can see the weapons made up of cutlasses catapult, generators and other supplies and the truck full of clothes and flags of the movement,” Majia said

“You can remember few days ago, members of this movement attacked and killed one police officer and injuring three others during their illegal procession.

“Since then, we embarked on investigation, including stop and search, to see if it is true they are carrying dangerous weapons, the results of such investigation led us to this discovery,” he told reporters.

However, store keeper of the group, who was arrested alongside the truck, insisted that he was not aware that weapons were among the supplies he was escorting to Zaria, adding that the things found in the truck were meant to construct tents in an event of stop over during the course of their seven day trek to Zaria.

“We don’t carry weapons. I am not aware the weapons are here but we use them to make tent and to protect women and children against intruders especially at night since we are all trekking.”

Over 40 Persons Arrested In Fresh DSS Raid On Bureau D’Change Operators

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Over 40 Persons Arrested In Fresh DSS Raid On Bureau D’Change Operators

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More than 40 Bureau d’ Change operators were on Friday arrested in raids conducted by the Department of State Security, DSS, at a popular money-changing spot in Kano state.

A DSS source who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development, adding that the arrested persons were touts who were allegedly responsible for the hike in exchange rate.

The source stated that several warnings had been issued to the illegal merchants before the raids were carried out on Friday morning.

Similarly, the Auditor General of Al-Amanat Association of Bureau de Change, Abdulhamid Kabir, confirmed the arrests and said that members of his association were among those arrested.

“The DSS had a meeting with us earlier in the month and notified us of the need to control the exchange rate,” he said.

“Some of us have started adjusting the prices and the price rose again which made our people hike the prices.”

He pleaded with the federal government to give them some more time to adjust.

Govt Moves To Prevent Re-Looting Of Recovered Funds

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Govt Moves To Prevent Re-Looting Of Recovered Funds

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Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture has revealed that the Federal Government has taken concrete steps to ensure that monies recovered in the anti-corruption drive were not re-looted.

Mohammed who said corruption was “as dangerous as terrorism” said that a register has been created in the ministry of finance, for all recovered assets, adding that it would soon be made public.

He was speaking during a meeting with Mohammed Ibn-Chambas, the West African representative of the United Nation’s Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon.

The minister said: “The government is focused and it is not looking back in the fight against corruption, and it is clear today that nobody will be spared.

Through the effort of the Presidential Committee on Asset Recovery, the government has been able to coordinate the collation and categorization of recovered assets from 2015 to 2016.

“The committee has approved a central asset register for recovered stolen assets to avoid a situation where the assets disappear; and this register will be available for the public.”

Ibn-Chambas in his response told the minister that the major purpose of the meeting was to discuss the humanitarian crisis in North East Nigeria.

He reiterated that the UN will continue to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

US Criticises Police’s Treatment Of Shiite Group

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US Criticises Police’s Treatment Of Shiite Group

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The United States has criticized the Nigerian Police Force for the manner with which it handled the procession by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, which led to a clash that recorded fatalities on both side.

A statement issued by the Information Office of the US embassy on Friday in Abuja, described the response of the police during the clash as “disproportionate” and called for calm and restraint on both sides, as well a reduction of tension and greater communication between Shi’ite members and government authorities.

The US statement noted that the federal government should defend the rights of the Shiite Islamic sect to assemble and peacefully express their religious beliefs and mark their celebrations, just like any other religious group in the country.

The Statement read: “The US is deeply concerned by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians during clashes between individuals participating in a Shia procession and the Nigerian Police Force in Kano State on November 14.

“While the matter is still under investigation, we are troubled by the apparent disproportionate response by the police.”

The US also urged members of the IMN and all citizens of Nigeria to respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police in their attempt to maintain public order.

Referring to a similar clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shiite sect in Kaduna state, December 2015, the US called on the government to ensure accountability for the deaths of more than 300 members of the sect who died in the face-off.

“We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law,” the statement added.

Members of the IMN have been protesting in various states of the North, calling for the release of their leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who has remained in custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, since the clash with the army.

 

Buhari Inaugurates NNPC Board, Others

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Buhari Inaugurates NNPC Board, Others

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President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, calling on the members to ensure decency and transparency in the management of the nation’s oil industry.

Also inaugurated on Friday were the boards of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, as well as the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, NNRA.

The president also tasked the newly inaugurated boards to come up with workable strategies to effectively tackle the current challenges facing the oil and gas sector of the economy.

Among other things, the boards will be advising the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, as well as the management of the NNPC, on how the country can get maximum value from its oil and gas assets.

Kachikwu also doubles as the chairman of the boards.

During the brief inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Buhari reminded the members that crude oil remains Nigeria’s highest foreign exchange earner and as such, it was important for them to “ensure propriety in the management of these most vital national institutions.”

He said: “You should advise the Minister and the Corporations’ management on the most effective way for Nigeria to get value for money from our assets.

“My expectation from the members of the boards is for them to ensure that NNPC charts a way to face current economic challenges.

“This will involve a careful look at the ongoing reforms designed to steer the corporation to achieve better performance and efficiency,’’ he said.

The president also tasked the new NNPC board to come up with ideas on ways of dealing with the difficulties in funding Joint Venture projects between the corporation and international oil companies as well as other investment issues.

Buhari said that his administration has introduced transparency in the management of the country’s oil industry through the monthly publishing of operational and financial reports of the NNPC.

He said he was optimistic that given the members’ experience and knowledge, the expectations of Nigerians regarding the oil and gas industry would be met within a reasonable time frame.

Chairman of the inaugurated boards, Kachikwu assured the president that they would ensure transparency and accountability in discharging their responsibilities.

Other members of the NNPC Board include the Group Managing Director, Maikanti Baru; Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari; Tajuddeen Umar, Pius Akinyelure and Mahmoud Isa-Dutse.

Presidency Condemns Report Alleging Donation To Hilary Clinton’s Campaign

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Presidency Condemns Report Alleging Donation To Hilary Clinton’s Campaign
President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

The Presidency has denied reports that President Muhammadu Buhari donated $500 million to Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential campaign during the just-concluded election in the United States.

A US-based group, the American Black Group for Democracy, had reportedly been circulating a video clip on the social media, claiming that  the Nigerian government donated $500 million – about N150 billion, to Clinton’s campaign.

The video also claimed that the money was “pledged to the US secretary of states, John Kerry, and US Ambassador (James Entwistle) in Abuja”, also suggesting that “the donation may create a huge misunderstanding between Nigeria and the incoming Trump’s US government.”

Reacting to the video on Friday, Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, said the report was unfounded and crazy as according to him, “Nigeria doesn’t have this kind of money to throw around.”

He posted the following information through his twitter handle, @GarShehu: “What is the craziest accusation made against President Buhari?”

“That he donated $500m to Hillary’s campaign and that Donald Trump is angry. This has gone viral, sadly Nigerians are believing it!

“President Buhari’s Nigeria doesn’t have this kind of money to throw around. Even if the money is there, this President is the least likely person to give it as donation, and for what?”

The presidential spokesman noted that Buhari is in discussion with the US government on how to return Nigeria’s stolen funds stashed in American banks, adding that “A FGN account has already been given for the return of one million dollars from Alamieyesiegha.”

He further stated: “Judgement on the $480m Abacha loot has been won and our Attorney-General, Malami (SAN) will be in the US next week to speak to the Department of Justice on the next steps for the return of that as well.

“The U.S is paying to Nigeria, not the other way round,” Shehu said.

Ondo PDP Crisis: Appeal Court Adjourns Judgement Indefinitely

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Ondo PDP Crisis: Appeal Court Adjourns Judgement Indefinitely
Eyitayo Jegede
Eyitayo Jegede

The Appeal Court panel that is sitting on the cases involving the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has indefinitely adjourned judgment on the cases.

The Saulawa Ibrahim-led panel had scheduled Friday to deliver judgements on the cases involving Jimoh Ibrahim and Eyitayo Jegede, candidates of the two factions of the PDP in the Ondo State governorship election holding on November 26.

Jegede had appealed the judgement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to replace his name on the governorship candidates’ list with that of Ibrahim.

However, the Appeal Court panel explained that the decision to adjourn “sine die” was in order to await the decision of the Supreme Court on interlocutory appeals filed by the respondents.

Justice Saulawa cited the motion filed by the respondents before the Supreme Court on Thursday, asking for an order of the apex court to disband the Saulawa panel and take disciplinary action against it for going ahead to hear the appeal in defiance to established judicial principle.

The nine respondents who filed the motion before the Supreme Court are Ondo state officials of the Sheriff-led faction of the PDP, led by the factional chairman, Biyi Poroye.

This recent development poses a serious setback for the Makarfi-led PDP in Ondo state and its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede.

With just seven days to go before the election day in the state, it remains to be seen what next action the Senior Advocate of Nigeria will take in order to realize his governorship ambitions.

Two More Explosions Confirmed In Maiduguri

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Two More Explosions Confirmed In Maiduguri

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The Borno Police Command has confirmed two more explosions after a separate suspected suicide bombing in Maiduguri, the state capital earlier on Friday.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Damian Chukwu made the confirmation while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri on Friday.

He said: “Aside from the explosion near a mobile police location in Jiddari, we had two other suicide bombings along Maiduguri-Gamboru road.

“In the first case, a suspected male suicide bomber detonated his explosive after he was stopped at the entrance of the Muna Garage, killing himself instantly,” the Police chief said.

He added that another suspected male suicide bomber detonated his explosive on the same road few meters away killing himself and two local vigilantes popularly referred to as Civilian JTF.

“In all, we recorded six deaths, comprising four suspected bombers and two vigilantes,” Chukwu said, adding that “this is about the sixth or seventh suspected suicide attack (witnessed in the state) in the last couple of days.

He however reiterated that “the police and other security agents are working hard to stop the ugly trend.”

World Class Polio Laboratory Opens In Ibadan

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World Class Polio Laboratory Opens In Ibadan
Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole
Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole
A State-of-the-art polio modular laboratory has been inaugurated at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, to improve the diagnosis of the polio disease in the country.
The world class laboratory was built by the United States government, through one its agencies, USAID, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
At the inauguration ceremony on Friday, the U.S. Consul General John Bray observed that though there is another W.H.O-accredited polio laboratory in Ibadan, the new facility is the first one in the country equipped to detect the wild polio virus from waste water.
According to him, the laboratory was put up at an estimated cost of $400,000.
He said: “This new facility will enhance Nigeria’s ability to respond to polio outbreaks quickly, by promptly diagnosing polio from samples received from the 48 environmental sewage sites across the country.
“The eradication of poliomyelitis will be accomplished only when polio laboratories provide convincing diagnostic evidence of the absence of wild poliovirus infections in humans and prolonged circulation in the environment.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries including government officials, representatives of donor agencies, UN agencies and Rotary International.
USAID has continued to support the Nigerian government through increased access to quality family planning and reproductive health services, immunizations, polio eradication, malaria prevention and maternal health services.
USAID also provides technical support to immunization campaigns through social mobilization, and other activities.
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