Blog

Christmas
By Egbogota Clara
Lagos, Dec. 21, 2018 (NAN) Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos, (Anglican Communion), has urged Nigerians to pray, ceaselessly, for leaders to enable them overcome the challenges of leadership.

Olumakaiye, in his Christmas message on Friday, in Lagos urged Christians to use the festive season to reconcile with their creator and move closer to God.

The cleric, who expressed optimism in the future of the country, said that the challenges the country was facing would soon end, urged Christians to remain committed, prayerful and focused.

He said:”Jesus Christ was born at the time when ignorance, superstition, greed, hatred and hypocrisy prevailed upon the land. Purity was forgotten and morality was neglected.

“A Saviour was needed to rescue us from difficult and dangerous situation, even as we also have restlessness, economic woes, wars, unemployment and corruption in our Country today.

“Our country should continue to pray for leaders with this kind of attributes at this season of Christmas and beyond. We cannot afford to have anyone lead us without these attributes.

“Asked Christians, we must do things with the fear of God as we use this time of Christmas to return to God and worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

“We should not be confused because confusion is associated with fear. Let us allow God to lead us. The God that has brought us this far in our dear country, Nigeria is saying, Fear Not.

He also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and pray for continued peace and unity of the country.

“Consequently, I urge all of us to avoid anything that can result into disaster and calamity and also disorderliness and go all out for peace by imbibing tolerance, forgiveness and forbearance.

“I pray that as we celebrate Christmas, your hearts and homes will be filled with all of the joys the festive season brings. Nothing will be able to destroy your joy.

“He will take us farther than here in peace. God will take care of the election and make everyone bow to His authority.

“We should all go out and vote for candidates of our choice during 2019 general elections.” (NAN)
ECO/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed

Rules
By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, Dec. 21, 2018(NAN) Justice Adamu Abdul-Kafarati, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, says a brand new Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules (ADRR), have been put together to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

Abdul-Kafarati also disclosed that the court has revised the Federal High Court Assets Management Corporation Rules.

The judge made the presentation of the rules in Abuja, at the court’s end of year get-together, retirement and merit award ceremonies.

He expressed confidence that with the new rules, the administration of justice would be more robust.

“With these rules, I am confident that the administration of justice, particularly in the court, will be more robust and stress free, for judges, practitioners and the general public,” he said.

He expressed regrets that the Amended Civil Procedure Rules of the court, was not ready for presentation but gave the assurance that as soon as it was ready, it would also be presented to the public.

The chief judge also announced an increase in the welfare package of judges adding that the increase was only marginal due to paucity of funds.

“There is a total addition of N50,000 only to the welfare package raising the total from N305,000 to N355,000.

“Due to the large numerical strength of the judges, the new improved welfare package will enhance the duty of care to our judges, to the tune of N252. 800 million yearly.

“But this will take effect from Jan. 2019.”

He was optimistic that the improved welfare package would assuage the occupational hazards of judges and bring out the best in them.

The judge also gave awards to the three most outstanding staff of the court for the year and also honoured all its 93 retirees for the year 2018.

“I announce Mr Rasaq Sule as the winner of the Chief Judge’s Annual Merit Award, Joseph Areh as the first runner up and Mrs Olive Essien, as the second runner up.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court will commence its Christmas vacation on Dec. 24 and the vacation will end on Jan. 6, 2019. (NAN)

WS/OOA/SH
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edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Sadiya Hamza

Certificate
By Bolaji Buhari
Lagos, Dec. 21, 2018 (NAN)The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has presented Certificate of Return to Mr Nurudeen Olufemi, the winner of Bariga (Ward C Owode Orile) by-election held in Bariga Local Council Development Area on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olufemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 1,442 votes to defeat Mr Azeez Sunkanmi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 286 votes.

LASIEC, in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr Olatunde Oladapo, said Olufemi was  issued the certificate at the commission’s head office in Lagos on Thursday.

Presenting the certificate, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, congratulated the elected councillor, urging him to use the mandate given to him for the collective interests of his constituents.

Represented by Mr Olusegun Aiyedun, an Electoral Commissioner, Phillips noted that since political office was a platform to serve the people, Olufemi must demonstrate commitment to service not only in his ward but the entire local council.

She commended the peaceful manner in which the exercise was conducted, thanking all stakeholders for their co-operation in the conduct of the exercise.

Phillips pointed out that the commission observed a high rate of voter apathy during the by-election, adding that many eligible voters in the area were unconcerned about the election.

“If we agree that democracy is about majority rule, we must all work together to ensure that people elected into political offices are actually elected by a majority of the eligible residents of a community,” she said.

The chairman, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders, particularly leaders of political parties, to step up efforts in support of the commission to promote  voter education and improved participation in the electoral process.

In his acceptance speech, Olufemi commended the commission for providing a conducive atmosphere for a free, fair and credible election.

He also expressed appreciation to his political leaders and supporters for standing by him before, during and after the election.

Olufemi promised to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people.

NAN reports that the election was to fill the vacuum left by the death of Mr Solomon Awokoya, the APC councillor that represented the ward. (NAN)
BHB/CHOM/OJO
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(Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Mufutau Ojo)

Ultimatum
By Ariwodola Idowu
Ado Ekiti, Dec. 21, 2018 (NAN) The Ekiti Government has issued a two-month ultimatum to Oba Gabriel Olajide to reconcile with some of his aggrieved subjects.

Olajide, the traditional ruler of Isaoye Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti was given the ultimatum on Thursday.

The state’s  Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi who made the position of government known at a meeting with a delegation from the community, also appealed to the people to give peace a chance.

He said the monarch should act fast within the two-month timeframe to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order in the community.

The deputy governor also gave the stakeholders in the community up till Feb. 28, 2019 to resolve their differences with the monarch, saying the state government was committed to ensuring peace in Isaoye and other communities in the state.

Egbeyemi,  who said the state government had no intention of deposing any monarch, advised Olajide to listen to his subjects and respect the tradition and culture of the community.

The allegations levelled against the monarch by the community’s  chiefs and indigenes  included high handedness, incessant harassment of subjects using the police and non-performance of traditional rites, claiming to be a `born-again Christian.’’

He was also accused of inflicting injuries on his subjects during a traditional ceremony.

Other allegations included the destruction of Ifa symbols and instruments of installation, absconding from the community and cancellation of the meetings of chiefs.

Egbeyemi, however, said in spite of the existence of extant chief laws governing the conduct of traditional rulers, the state government would continue to guide against any clamour that could truncate the peace of any community.

While reacting to Olajide’s alleged refusal to respect the tradition of his community, Egbeyemi said: “You that accepted to be king should know that there are traditions that needed to be observed

“There is nothing good about all that was reported about you. I see no reason why you should go against your people, I am directing you now, go and do what they ask you to do

“You have till the end of February. If you cannot follow the path of peace and secure the interest of your people, everything is left to you.

“I cannot depose you and I cannot ask them to depose you, mine is to ensure that there is peace in your community.

“ We cannot force you on them, you have been given the chance to make amendments and redeem your image in your own interest

“Don’t go on a journey of self-destruction. If you claim that you are serving God, we are all serving God, you cannot be more Catholic than the Pope.

“I will not support that a king be deposed, I plead with you Kabiyesi to go and make peace with the people of your town.’’

Olajide, however, denied the allegations, claiming that he was passionate about moving the community forward.

But while advancing reasons for his opposition to certain rites, he claimed that Isaoye had remained underdeveloped as a result of observance of certain practices. (NAN)
ARIS/CHOM/OJO
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(Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Mufutau Ojo)

Misinformation

By Doris Esa
Abuja,Dec.20, 2018(NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on those spreading the misinformation about the unfortunate incident that led to the death of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, to stop.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He said spreading of erroneous reports and comments in the media on the incident could have adverse effects on the conduct of ongoing operations.

Daramola said some of the reports erroneously stated that the driver of the late former CDS, who was also shot during the incident, was dead.

” Other reports allege that adequate security was not provided for the deceased Air Chief Marshal.

” The NAF wishes to state categorically that nothing could be further from the truth.

” Firstly, all are please requested to note that the driver is alive and recuperating extremely well at one of our NAF Hospitals.

” Secondly, Air Chief Marshal Badeh has always been provided with the full compliment of personal staff and security personnel commensurate with his status as a former Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), CDS and a 4-star general in the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

NAF stated that substantial progress had already been made in the investigation and details would be communicated at the appropriate time.

” As mentioned by the CAS, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Dec. 19, the NAF is working closely with other relevant security agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the former CDS.

“This is with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice.

” Substantial progress has already been made in the ongoing investigation and details would be communicated at the appropriate time.

” The NAF wishes to request that the spreading of misinformation about the incident should stop forthwith as this could have adverse effects on the conduct of ongoing operations,” NAF stated.

Badeh died from gunshot injuries sustained when his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm on Abuja-Keffi road on Tuesday. (NAN )

ORD/KTO/IA

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Idris Abdulrahman

07038862699

2019: Gombe CP warns politicians against carrying weapons to campaign grounds

Election

By Uwumarogie Peter

Gombe, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in Gombe state, Mr Mohammed Mukkaddas, has warned politicians in the state not to allow their supporters to carry weapons to campaign venues.
Mukkaddas gave the warning on Thursday, while speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe.
The police boss said that any person caught in possession of any weapons during campaigns, rallies or elections would be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.
He further warned politicians to guard against hate speech, destruction of posters, flags, billboards and other valuables belonging to their opponents.
The police boss urged them to play the game according to the rules to ensure a violence-free exercise in the state.
He also admonished the political class to educate the people of the state on the need to coexist peacefully with one another in the interest of development.
He further charged the people to strive to sustain the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.
Also, Mrs Adaline Patari, the acting state Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), called on politicians to educate their supporters on the dangers of engaging in election violence.
Patari said that it was necessary for politicians to educate their supporters on the need to eschew violent acts during the campaigns and elections.
“When politicians speak, their followers listen. So it is key to talk to them about the dangers of violence and remind them of what violence has done to us in the past.
“Democracy is about peace and development,” she said, adding that the people should join hands with the government to move the state forward.
The NOA boss lauded politicians in the state for their maturity, saying that the ongoung campaigns had been rancour-free.
According to her, “by this time of electioneering in the past, we used to witness high level of destruction and mutilation of campaign posters belonging to different political parties.
“But that is no longer the case,” she said, adding that efforts should be made to sustain the prevailing peace ahead of the polls.
Patari further charged political parties and the candidates to educate their supporters on their party logos to avoid confusion while casting their votes.
She said that such a measure would help to reduce the case of invalid votes and time spent by voters asking for help while trying to cast their votes. (NAN)
UP/CEO/USO
Edited by Chidi Opara/Sam Oditah

House-help

By Moses Omorogieva

Lagos, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Police in Lagos on Thursday said that a houseboy employed by a retiree was arrested 11 days after employment for allegedly burgling the bedroom of his master.

The command’s spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, confirmed the arrest in a statement, stressing that a former houseboy to the same 73-year-old Mr Alexander Okoye was also arrested as an accomplice in the crime.

Oti said that the houseboy gave the wrong name of Ben Peters to get the job, whereas, his real name is Usang Bassey Effiong, stressing that the suspect was employed on Oct. 12 and stole his master’s property 11 days later.

According to Oti, the employer petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal on Oct. 24, complaining of how the suspect stole their valuables.

Items stolen included their Toyota Camry saloon car (2008 model), US$5,000 (about N1.7 million) cash, six packet shirts and a Motorola Android phone.

“Based on the complaint, the CP directed CSP Kemi Adedeji and team attached to the Command’s Human Rights Section to launch a manhunt for the fleeing houseboy.

“On Dec. 18, barely two months after the incident, the said Ben Peters was arrested from a hideout in Agege, Lagos and some of the stolen items recovered from him.

“Investigation so far revealed that his real name is Usang Bassey Effiong and not Ben Peters, as he made his employers to believe,” Oti said.

The spokesman said that the confession of the suspect revealed how he noted where his boss usually hid his bedroom key and he duplicated the living room key to have access to the bedroom.

“He confessed that he made up his mind to break into his boss’ bedroom on Oct. 23. And to do so undetected, he disconnected the CCTV camera that would have recorded his activities.

“He confessed that he broke into the couple’s room, stole their valuables and thereafter, drove off with their car,” the spokesman quoted the suspect as saying.

Oti said that further confession from the suspect revealed that a dismissed houseboy before his employment, one Matthew Johnson Abam, a member of his syndicate, furnished him with relevant information about the boss.

“The CP urges employers of domestic servants to be painstaking in carrying out background checks on them, to minimise situations whereby these unverified servants take advantage of them.

Both suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a view to helping the Police to arrest their partners in crime and recover the stolen items,” he said. (NAN)
MIO/PIO
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(Edited  by Idonije Obakhedo)

Bond

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lagos, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange on Thursday admitted ₦13.50 billion Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc Bonds series 1 and 2 on its Platform.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the listed bonds were N7.19 billion series 1 and N6.31billion series 2 Senior Unsecured Fixed Rate Bonds under its N100 billion Debt Issuance.

Speaking at the listing in Lagos, Ms Kaodi Ugoji, Associate Executive Director, Corporate Development, FMDQ, commended the issuer for successfully raising ₦13.50 billon from the debt capital markets (DCM).

Ugoji said that FMDQ’s listings, quotations had been tailored to provide, among others, a unique opportunity for issuers, governments (Federal & State) and corporates alike, to raise the profiles of their issues and access a deep pool of funds from the DCM for long-term funding needs.

She reiterated the OTC Exchange’s commitment to continue to develop initiatives that would make the Nigerian DCM highly liquid, deep and well-developed.

Mr Emeka Emuwa, the bank’s Managing Director, said the bank was pleased to be listing its inaugural Series 1 & 2 issuances under its ₦100 billion Debt Issuance Programme on FMDQ Platform.

“The issuance of the Series 1 & 2 Bonds is a key milestone of our corporate funding strategy and listing the Bonds on FMDQ ensures growth in liquidity and transparency within the fixed income market in Nigeria,” Emuwa said.

Speaking on behalf of the sponsor to the issue and FMDQ Registration Member (Listings), Mr Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, stated that Stanbic IBTC Capital was pleased to have supported the bank with the issuance of the Series 1 & 2 Bonds under the Debt Issuance Programme as well as the listing on FMDQ.

“FMDQ has made significant strides with enhancing the liquidity of the DCM, and the listing of the Series 1 & 2 Bonds by Union Bank Plc further provides a competitive investment option for fund managers looking for sustainable returns over and above comparable treasury benchmarks.

“We are excited to continue a fruitful partnership with FMDQ and Union Bank,” Bentsi-Enchill said.

Mr Bola Onadele, FMDQ Managing Director, congratulated the issuer for successfully raising the bonds, and commended the sponsor to the issue Stanbic IBTC Capital, for its concerted efforts towards ensuring the success of the issuance.

Onadele stated that the Nigerian DCM had continued to make essential strides towards its development and the listing of the Union Bank Bonds on FMDQ marks another milestone in the success of the DCM.

He further reiterated that FMDQ, through consistent collaboration with its stakeholders, would continue to further deepen and effectively position the Nigerian DCM for growth, in support of the realisation of a globally competitive and vibrant economy. (NAN)
JNC/IKU/WOJ

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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Wale Ojetimi

ICPC

By David Adeoye

Ibadan, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor finances of political parties.

INEC also called on ICPC to do so  cases of vote buying and other related vices.

Mr Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo state, gave the advicr on Thursday when he and his management team paid courtesy visit to the ICPC commissioner in Oyo state, Mr Stephen Pimor.

Agboke noted that the collaborative efforts of INEC and the anti corruption agency would curb excesses and other acts against electoral laws.

He reiterated the commitment of the electoral body in displaying high level of transparency, openness and credibility in the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

In his response, Pimor commended the synergy that had hitherto been existing between the two organisations.

He promised that ICPC in the state would work closely with INEC in order to achieve credible, free and fair 2019 general elections.

He urged all candidates contesting various seats in the forthcoming general elections not to violate the electoral law, especially as regards finances of their respective political parties. (NAN)

DAK/DUA

• Edited by Dada Ahmed