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Niger Deputy Speaker Wants Council Chairman Sacked

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Niger Deputy Speaker Wants Council Chairman Sacked

By Nma Shekwolo

The Deputy Speaker of the Niger state House of Assembly, Abdulrahman Gambo, on Thursday called for the removal of Mohammed Saidu, the chairman of Borgu local government area in the state where he comes from.

This was contained in a petition to the House by the Majority Leader, Haruna Labaran, titled “the clarion call for the removal of Borgu Local Government Chairman”.

Labaran who moved the motion, however, did not give details of the offence of the local government chairmen in his petition, prompting the Speaker, Adamu Usman, to direct the House committees on public petition, ethics and priviledges, local Government and finance to investigate the request and report back in two weeks.

Efforts to get the petitioner for further information on the petition were futile, as the Deputy Speaker left the chamber as soon as the session ended. He also had his telephone line switched off.

But the Majority Leader who moved the motion told newsmen after the day’s sitting that details of the petition and the offences of the chairman would be made public after the committees must have completed their assignment and reported their findings to the House.

“All I can say is that the deputy speaker who is from the local government sponsored the petition and that the allegations are in the body of the petition. I want to assure the public that everyone will be given fair hearing. That is why no action is taken yet,” Labaran stated.

President Jonathan Undergoes Medical Checkup In London

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President Jonathan Undergoes Medical Checkup In London

President Jonathan Undergoes Medical Checkup In London

President Goodluck Jonathan has undergone a medical checkup in London after a brief illness that sidelined the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Honorary International Investors’ Council, HIIC.

Special adviser to the President on media and publicity, said in a statement on Thursday that the President was examined by competent medical practitioners after feeling on well while in London.

He has also been advised to rest for a few days.

“The Presidency wishes to assure all Nigerians that President Jonathan’s condition is nothing serious. The medical attention he has sought is only precautionary,” Abati said.

The President left Abuja for London on Wednesday to preside over a three-day meeting of the HIIC which is expected to discuss among other issues, the generation of long-term affordable finance for Nigeria’s real sector, developing Nigeria’s private equity and venture capital sectors to attract more foreign investments as well as Nigeria’s information and communications technology master-plan.

The meeting of the council which is coordinated by Baroness Lynda Chalker will also feature a review of Nigeria’s existing investment policies by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, the Paris-based international organization dedicated to the promotion of policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

President Jonathan is not expected back in the country until the weekend.

PDP Accuses APC Of Plotting To Pervert Justice In Edo

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PDP Accuses APC Of Plotting To Pervert Justice In Edo

Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, alleged Wednesday that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state was planning to scuttle its case at State Election Petition Tribunal.

This follows the filing of an election petition by the candidate of the party challenging the result of the October 20 Esan North east local government re-run election, which was declared in favour of the APC candidate.

State chairman of PDP, Dan Orbih, while briefing journalists in Benin, said that the party stumbled on a YouTube documentary where officials of Edo State government held a clandestine meeting at office of governor Adams Oshiomhole’s senior special assistant of special duties, government house, Benin City aimed at subverting justice in the petition.

According to Orbih, those present at the alleged meeting included Francis Ebare, commissioner for energy and water resources; Theophilos Afuda, senior special adviser to the governor on special duties; Douglas Usoh, member, Edo State Board of Internal Revenue; and Samuel Oboh, chairman Esan North east council area.

He explained that at the alleged meeting, 11 returning officers that conducted the election were briefed on what to say at the tribunal in the event that the PDP challenged the outcome of the election.

“We will forward the material downloaded from the internet to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, the state Commissioner of Police, CP, and the State Director of Directorate of State Security Service, DSS, to ensure that all those involved in the meeting were brought to book to serve as a deterrent to other who may want to take this evil course” he said.

“The revelation of this document of the meeting at Government House was posted on the u-tube by an aggrieved member of the APC. And we want to thank God for using the APC member to unearth the evil plan by the party on the Esan North-East LG re-run election, and we are going to resist this evil plan,” Orbih said.

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Corroborating Orbih’s claim, the PDP chairmanship candidate in the election, John Yakubu, alleged that the returning oofficers were promised handsome rewards by the government should they stick to one story that they were harassed by PDP agents and were made to escape for their dear lives during the election.

Edo State commissioner for information and orientation, Loius Odion, while reacting to the allegation said “these guys are simply irritants. If the PDP say something and government reacts, we are simply dignifying them. My simple answer is that initially one use to think that the PDP skill is living in denial. But I don’t know that they have the skill in video or phantom film tricks.

“This is yet another concoction by the PDP denying the new realities in Edo. We want to challenge them to bring to public scrutiny, the video film. We challenged them to petition the security agencies as they have promised. We shall never be distracted. It is a big lie and they should go to court if they have any issue and urged Edo people to disregard them.

Nigeria’s Domestic Debt Hits N600 Trillion

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Nigeria’s Domestic Debt Hits N600 Trillion

The Nigerian economy is bugged down by a domestic debts put at about N600 trillion, Yerima Ngama, the minister of state for finance has disclosed.

Ngama who addressed journalist on Wednesday after a Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the reason for the high domestic debt was because of high interest rate charged by local banks, which he put at about 19 per cent.

The minister said that because of the high interest rate on domestic loans it was preferable to go for concessionary foreign loans, just as he announced the council’s approval of a loan of 100 million dollars (about N15.7 billion) from Indian Import Export Bank to boost power supply in Cross Rivers, Enugu and Kaduna states.

Ngama, however, assured that the country would not be plunged into the era of huge foreign debt with high servicing rate.

He said that the ratio of debt to GDP was slightly less than 20 per cent and that the loan was geared towards the development of infrastructural facilities.

The minister explained that the credit facilities being taken by the Goodluck Jonathan administration were different from the previous loans that led to the pile-up of huge foreign debt.

“Preponderance of commercial credits led to high interest rates, making Nigeria to pay over 40 billion dollars for debt servicing. Under the current regime, government is getting development loans also known as multilateral and bilateral assistance,” he said.

A breakdown of the sum given by the minister revealed that $30 million (about N465 million) would be given to Cross-Rivers for the development of the Calabar independent Power Project.

Enugu State government would get $40 million (about N620 million) for the electrification of 96 communities, including the installation of 33KVA and 15KVA lines as well as the distribution of transformers and other accessories to the communities in the three senatorial zones of the state.

Kaduna State government will get $30 million to augment the resources needed for the construction of the 70 Km transmission line from the Gurara Dam to Kaduna industrial area.

Ngama said the fund would also be used for the construction of 132 KVA and 33KVA sub-stations for power supply to the Kaduna industrial area and that 50 communities in the state would also benefit from solar electricity project.

The minister said that the facility, which is coming at a concessionary rate, was taken at 2 per cent interest rate to be repaid over a 10-year period with three years moratorium.

He added that there would be a commitment charge of 0.5 per cent of undrawn balance and 0.5 per cent for service charge.

Ngama said that the facility had been approved by both the National Assembly in the Medium Term borrowing plan, and by the benefiting state houses of assembly.

“We believe that this facility will go a long way towards transforming our industrial areas and other communities as part of Mr President’s commitment to economic transformation agenda,” he said.

Also, the council in a brief ceremony before the commencement of its weekly meeting, celebrated with President Goodluck Jonathan as he clocked the age of 56.

The ceremony was however, held in the absence of the President, who had left for London to preside over a three-day meeting of Honourary International Investors’ Council (HIIC).

In his remarks, Sambo hailed Jonathan for his leadership style and commitments to transforming Nigeria, saying: “There is no doubt that the great destiny of this man has helped our individual destiny”.

“We are privileged Nigerians sharing from the grace of God upon his life. We will continue to pray that Mr President succeeds in this noble course of transforming our dear country,” Sambo added.

Ministers of Transport and Agriculture, Idris Umar and Akinwumi Adesina, respectively offered special prayers for the President on behalf of the council.

The council, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, also presented a birthday card to the Vice-President for onward presentation to the President, before cutting a birthday cake.

Jonathan, the 14th Nigerian Head of State, was born November 20, 1957 in Otueke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to a family of canoe makers.

He holds a BSc. degree in zoology, Msc. in Hydrobiology and Fisheries Biology and a Phd in Zoology.

24 Year Old Student To Die For Stealing GSM Phone, Recharge Cards

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24 Year Old Student To Die For Stealing GSM Phone, Recharge Cards

From Jessica Tamaradonye, Warri

A Delta State High Court, sitting in Effurun has sentenced a 24 year old secondary school student, Moses Akatugba, to death by hanging for robbing one Mrs. Akpor Mazino of her GSM handsets and recharge cards.

Moses was convicted on a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery, contrary to section 6 (b) and punishable under section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 Volume 14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Akatugha and his accomplice who has since died from gun shot woulds sustained during the robbery, robbed Mazino of the sum of N113,930 cash, three GSM handsets, 54 various denominations of MTN recharge cards, 28 Econnet (now ZAIN) recharge cards and 25 GLO recharge cards all worth over N100,000.

The robbery incident occured at Number 30 NNPC Housing complex road, Ekpan.

Giving evidence for the prosecution, Mazino recounted to the court how she was robbed at her shop at gunpoint by the accused persons.

Al-Makura Votes N20 billion For Urban Renewal Project

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Al-Makura Votes N20 billion For Urban Renewal Project

By Godwin Ojoshimite

Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-makura, disclosed yesterday that his administration has earmarked over N20 bn which it will secure through bonds to facilitate his administration’s desire to complement its ongoing urban renewal programme through the construction and upgrade of infrastructure in major towns across the state.

Al-makura, who stated this yesterday, while on a working visit to Akwanga,headquarters of Akwanga local government area said, his passion was borne out of the fact that the people are industrious and visionary.

The governor, who inspected ongoing projects in the town, particularly the sites for the construction of a palace for the newly installed paramount ruler of the Mada people, the Chun Mada, the 60-bed Akwanga hospital, the 500-stall market and the modern e-library, said the decision to upgrade the town was in line with his administration’s objective on environmental sustainability.

Al-makura stated that his government has identified Lafia, Akwanga and Nasarawa as part of the six urban centers to be upgraded with a view to
adding values to their the cosmopolitan nature.

As part of his visit,the governor also inspected the nearly completed Diamond Bank/AA Koto road, the completed Wamba road bye pass road as well as the PHCN power substation.

In a chat with journalists shortly after the inspection of Akwanga modern market, Al-Makura, said there is the need for the people to co-operate with his administration on its desire to bring development to the state.

He said the state Ministry for Lands and Survey in conjunction with the Nasarawa Geographic information Systems (NAGIS), will be on ground to ensure that the urban renewal projects are done according to standards.

Reps Approves Extension Of Emergency Rule

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Reps Approves Extension Of Emergency Rule

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe for another six months.

The Senate had on Novemner 6 considered and approved the extension of the emergency rule in the three states.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in a letter dated November 5 2013, to the National Assembly, sought an extension of emergency rule he declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa on May 14 this year.

This House resolution followed a motion by the Majority Leader, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, which was unanimously adopted without debate after a closed-door meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs.

Akande-Adeola said 253 members of the house on May 21 considered and adopted the report on the state of emergency proclamation which elapsed after a period of six months by virtue of the provisions of Section 305 (6) (c) of the 1999 Constitution.

Section 305 (6) (c) states that provided that the National Assembly may before the expiration of the period of six months aforesaid extend the period for the proclamation of the state of emergency.

The legislator said that following the efforts made so far by security agencies deployed to the affected states in curtailing the activities of insurgents, it was pertinent to extend the period of the emergency rule.

She said that the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs had briefed the house on the state of security in the affected states.

FG To Cut Down Recurrent Expenditure In 2014

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FG To Cut Down Recurrent Expenditure In 2014

The federal government says it will cut down on recurrent expenditure in its 2014 budget by blocking leakages in the economy.

Co-ordinating minister for the economy and minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, stated this at FBN Capital Third Annual Investors Conference held in Lagos.

Okonjo-Iweala who spoke on the theme, “2014 and beyond: Managing Growth Prospects and Challenges,” noted that the major cause of the distorted current expenditure of the country was the across-the-board increase in salary in 2010.

She said, however, that the federal government has been able to save N120 billion that would otherwise have been paid to ghost workers in the various government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.

The minister said the figure was N20 billion higher the N100 billion earlier discovered by the government in February 2013.

Okonjo-Iweala stressed that government would continue with its fiscal consolidation to increase job creation and provision of the necessary social amenities by promoting the development of infrastructure.

According to her the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, would be rebased to reflect the growth recorded by various sectors of the economy and the GDP growth of 10 per cent would remain government’s target in the years ahead.

Minister of trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga, said that government would maintain investor friendly reforms to encourage foreign direct investment, FDI, in-flows.

Aganga who spoke on the theme, “FDI Flows- Enhancing Nigeria’s Positioning and Competitiveness”, said that government would ensure inclusive growth of all sectors to reduce dependence on oil.

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He said that government would concentrate on areas with competitive and comparative advantage to sustain growth, especially in agriculture development.

Aganga said that Nigeria, with its rapid growth and potentials, would be among the world’s best 30 performing economies by 2050.

The conference, tagged: “Tomorrow’s Nigeria Through Economic Empowerment”, is a yearly event of FBN Capital Ltd that explores how economic empowerment can accelerate Nigeria’s development.

524 Corrupt Public Officers Facing Trial – ICPC

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524 Corrupt Public Officers Facing Trial – ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, says it is currently prosecuting 524 public officers in 278 cases across the country on corruption charges.

Chairman of the commission, Ekpo Nta, said this on Tuesday in Kaduna at the opening of a three-day workshop on anti corruption organised for local government officials in Kaduna State.

Nta who was represented by the kaduna State ICPC Coordinator, Balarabe Mohammed, said the workshop was organised as part of the commission’s public education programme to encourage local council officials to do the right thing.

He advised local council officials who are closest to the people to be models of integrity and live good legacies behind.

“It is imperative to imbibe zero tolerance for corruption as well as equip one self with the requisite skill and knowledge to carry the fight against corruption to the grass roots,” Nta said.

He continued: “I suggest you conduct regular monitoring and deal promptly with infractions of processes and procedures. Trouble shoot hot spots and regularly institute preventive action in high risk areas by your selves, so as to ward-off the prowling eyes of anti graft agencies.”

Governor Mukhtar Yero, in his address to the workshop, said the workshop was organised to increase productivity and enhance financial management at the local government level.

Yero who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Hamza Danmahawayi, said the forum would guide local officials to develop the required integrity to earn public trust.

Speaking on behalf of participants at the event, the chairman of Chikun Local Government, Aliyu Waziri, pledged to utilise the lessons learnt to advance the cause of local administration.

Jonathan Postpones Presentation Of 2014 Budget

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Jonathan Postpones Presentation Of 2014 Budget

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday deferred the presentation of the 2014 budget before a joint session of the National Assembly.

This was contained in a letter to Senate President David Mark dated November 18, 2013.

Jonathan had requested the Senate to grant him the slot on November 19, 2013 from the initial November 12 date to enable him address a joint session of the two chambers.

The President, however, cited the disparity in the benchmark agreed by the two chambers as reason for his inability to present the budget this time around.

He said the budget would be presented as soon as the Senate and House harmonised their positions on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF.

“The distinguished Senate has approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) based on a benchmark of 76.5 dollars per barrel while the House of Representatives used a benchmark of 79 dollars per barrel,” the President pointed out.

He said it was not feasible for him to present the budget in the absence of a harmonised position on the MTEF.

The letter read further: “In the circumstance, it has become necessary to defer the presentation of the 2014 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly until such a time when both chambers may have harmonised their positions on MTEF.”

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