Blog

NAN-H-2
Management
By Akeem Abas
Oyo(Oyo State), Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Dapo Asaju, the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University(ACU), Oyo, says Nigeria will be great with proper resource management and discipline.

Asaju, who spoke to newsmen in Oyo, advised public officers to block leakages, develop talents, entrench discipline and avoid corrupt practices.

The professor of biblical studies, who noted that the university was not owing its workers salaries, said the institution had always managed its resources based on priority.

“We did not achieve this in our institution because we are comfortable, we have always managed our resources prudently on the basis of priority.

“We ensure discipline, block leakages and avoid corrupt practices.

“ We do not receive grants nor subvention from owners. We charge the lowest tuition as a private university in Nigeria.

“We have a wage bill of N70million on a monthly basis and we are still able to meet up without owing our workers,” he said.

The former deputy Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University called on government to allow private universities access the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, saying the fund was coming from the private sector.

He also advocated a three-month agriculture, construction and military training for graduates under the National Youth Service Corps Scheme.

Asaju further said a university radio station was underway in addition to a distance learning programme to allow people run programmes online across the world.(NAN)
TAA/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-1
Death
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) The Oyo State Government has commiserated with the management and staff of an Ibadan-based radio station, Space FM, on the demise of its General Manager, Bunmi Atekoja.

Mr Toye Arulogun, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, described Atekoja as an amiable person whose zeal for creativity and innovations would be greatly missed.

Arulogun, who visited the radio station, extolled the virtues of the late Atekoja, saying she lived a fulfilled and impactful life.

He said that her death came as a rude shock to the state government, adding that she would be remembered for her dedication to duty and unflinching support of the state government.

Arulogun condoled with the station, her family members, colleagues and friends, praying God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss. (NAN)
TAA/OJO
=======
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-126
Roads
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Nov. 22, 2016(NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Works on Tuesday in Ibadan commended Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State for rehabilitating some federal roads within the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the committee led by its Chairman, Mr  Abubakar Amuda-Kannike, gave the commendation while paying a courtesy call on the governor.

The chairman noted that the governor’s  gesture  was a demonstration of  his concern for road users  and the need to enhance the growth of business in the state.

He said that the committee’s visit to  the state had enabled it to have first- hand knowledge of  the condition of federal road projects  in  the state as part of its oversight functi

Amuda-Kannike assured the governor that his committee was working with  the relevant authorities to ensure prompt reimbursement of the  fund spent on reconstruction of  federal roads.

“We deem it necessary that with the recent release of funds by the Federal Government for road construction, the committee must monitor for efficiency and quality delivery.

“As you are conversant with the responsibility of the committee on oversight, we are  very much aware of the efforts of Oyo State in particular, among other states, to rehabilitate federal roads in order to give immediate impact and values to the people.

“ We want to say this is commendable,” he said.

He explained that the visit would take members to the Abeokuta-Bakatari-Ibadan road being dualised; Ibadan-Ilorin-Oyo Ogbomoso (Section 2) road as well as the rehabilitation of Odooba-Takie-Gambari-Otte road on the Old Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin road.

Amuda-Kannike said the committee would also inspect the Ogbomoso-Oko-Ilogbo-Osogbo road under rehabilitation, Igbo Ile-Okun connector road at Surulere Local Government and Iseyin-Okeho road.

Responding, Ajimobi expressed delight at  the lawmakers’ monitoring exercise, saying this was essential to ensure quality delivery of work and quick reimbursement process.

He appealed to the Federal Government to empower states to construct roads within their borders, noting that the common people hardly realise the dichotomy between federal and state roads.

“I will not overlook the strategic position your committee holds in its oversight functions on due diligence, which is to ensure quality work is  delivered at the right time. It is a noteworthy effort.

“All roads, whether state or federal roads, are situated within the state. That is why we think states are supposed to be empowered to care for such  roads.

“The roads impact on smooth movement of commerce, infrastructure and manpower for economic growth.

“We assure you of our support during your stay and believe that your visit will create the necessary fillip to fast-track the reimbursement of the fund we have so far committed to construction of federal roads,” he said. (NAN)
TAA/OSA/OJO
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(Edited by Shittu Obassa/Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-

Postponement

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The O’odua Renaissance Movement (ORM) has called on INEC to postpone the Ondo State governorship election slated for Nov. 26.

 Mr Gboyega Adeoye, who spoke on behalf of the group, made the call in Lagos on Tuesday while speaking to journalists after an emergency meeting of its members.

Adeoye said the group’s stance was  hinged on the sensitivity of the election and the setting of precedence in Edo, where election was postponed for two weeks to avert breakdown of law and order.

“The need for the shifting of the poll becomes imperative in view of the intra party battles that characterised the contest, which left no ample time for candidates to sell their manifestoes to the electorate.

“The electorate will have so much to lose under the present arrangement as there is no clear cut promise from the candidates to galvanise a principled stance among the voters,” he said.

He said that not less than 20 political parties had already signified their interests in having the election postponed, adding that this, raised suspicion of a stiff reaction should the election umpire go ahead with its plan.

He said, “We are all aware of what happened during the last INEC conducted election in Edo State, where election was said to have been postponed as a result of perceived security threat.

“It beats one hollow that the same INEC has kept silent on the Ondo election up till now. The silence, to us in ORM, is evil and should be discouraged.

“Those with sense of history should know the sensitivity of Ondo State and its, kind of politics.

“Ondo State is strategic and very sensitive when it comes to responses to political issues. This is why the INEC must tread with caution and do the needful in this case.”

Adeoye, therefore, urged a three-week extension of the election to allow candidates run campaigns to guide the electorate in their choice of the next governor.

“With the case between Jimoh Ibrahim and Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP still in court, none of the three major parties in the race has had enough time to sell itself to the electorate,” he said.
LED/IGO
Edited by Moses Solanke/Ijeoma Popoola

NAN-H-123
Appeal
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The FCT Chief judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, has appealed to lawyers to take up pro bono cases in order to help indigent persons in the society.

Bello, who is also the Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee, made the appeal at a ceremony to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Legal Aid Council (LAC) of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

The chief Judge said that the occasion was not just 40 years of physical existence but a celebration of 40 years of community service.

He added that “this is a celebration of 40 years of approbation for those who are in charge of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council.

“There is community service among the duties of a public lawyer; this is covered in the handling of pro bono in furtherance of the mandate of the Nigerian Legal Aid.

“This service is required to rescue indigent and down trodden members of the society; we welcome and encourage such service.

“One thing that bothers me is the lamentable situation under which the LAC operates.

“The legal aid process started in the early 60s as an affair of a few private lawyers before the involvement of government.

“Therefore, there should not be a problem with getting lawyers to engage in pro bono services to rescue indigent members of the society.”

Bello explained that the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee, of which the Director General of LAC was a member, had identified some lapses hindering the smooth administration of the Council.

“We have decided to make a case to the Federal Government so that the organisation is given the support it requires.”

The chief judge said the lack of manpower was a major hindrance to the efforts of the Council, adding that “many people have been kept in prisons for ages in the remotest parts of Nigeria because LAC
does not exist there.

“We are waiting for statistics from the prisons to articulate a document that we will present to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

In her remarks, Sharon Ikeazor, daughter of the late Mr Chimezie Ikeazor (SAN), one of the founders of the Council said “it is the aim of the founders of Legal Aid that no one is denied justice because of poverty.

“We don’t have enough lawyers taking up pro bono cases in Nigeria and the Legal Aid itself does not get enough funding from government in its fight for injustice; the most serious task is the decongestion of prisons.

“People cannot afford to pay their fines, so, many of those awaiting trial are convicted; maybe their sentence would have been for six months but they are there for years.

“The way forward is to educate our young lawyers to take up pro bono cases; only a few lawyers in today’s generation are passionate about social justice or are inclined to take up such cases,” she said.

Ikeazor urged Nigerian lawyers to take up three to four pro bono cases every year to assist the indigent who could not afford to hire lawyers.

“It takes someone with compassion to go out of his or her way to render pro bono services to
anyone.

“Lawyers want to make money, want to be paid for the cases they have taken; it takes a compassionate human being to help the poor.

“We all need a little help every now and again; we must also be willing to help others, especially the less privileged, the indigent.” (NAN)
NEO/HAS/HA
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Edited By Hajia Sani/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-H-121
Vandalism
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday described the damaging of pipelines and oil installations in the Niger Delta as destruction of facilities meant to help the people of the region.

Osinbajo said this when he received a delegation of Urhobo leaders, led by Chief Tuesday Onoge at the Presidential Villa.

The vice president lamented that “so much damage is being done, governments will come and go, but these damages will ultimately destroy people’s livelihoods, aspirations and future.

“Nobody else anywhere in the world will destroy the facilities meant to help them, there is no benefit whatsoever from the destruction”, he stressed.

He maintained that the Buhari administration would continue its outreach to leaders and groups in the Niger Delta in seeking for peaceful solution to the crisis in the region.

Osinbajo, however, called for understanding, especially on the part of the leaders of the region, stressing that “destruction and damage do not lead to anything good”.

He also commented on the opened channels of communication and negotiation with the Niger Delta leaders and representatives.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has shown exemplary leadership and is someone that can be trusted once he gives his word.

“He (Buhari) is quiet, but fiercely determined, once he makes up his mind and gives his word,” the vice president said and encouraged Niger Delta people to work with the President.

Osinbajo commended the delegation from the Urhobo Leaders of Thought, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 elections, Olorogun Ortega Emerhor.

He also commended the leadership and understanding of the Urhobo Leaders of Thought.

Earlier, Onoge had lamented that if the money sent to the Niger Delta in the last 16 years was
judiciously spent, the people of the region would have benefitted, and asked “what happened to the monies?”.

The leader of the delegation, who pledged support to the Federal Government, criticised the vandalism of oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta and offered to assist in furthering peace in the region.

He said that the group supported the anti-corruption efforts of the Buhari administration.

In a related development, the vice president disclosed that the Federal Government was ready with the counterpart funding for the designated railway constructions from Lagos-Kano and Calabar-Lagos lines.

He said this when the new Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Zhou Pingjian, paid him a courtesy visit
on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the relationship between Nigeria and China was getting stronger and strategic.

The Chinese envoy said trade between both countries had increased and described Nigeria
as “giant of Africa”. (NAN)
DCU/ASS/HA
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Edited by Saidu Adamu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

N16.7 b withdrawn by Plateau SSG’s office unaccounted for – judicial commission alleges

NAN-H-118

Commission

Jos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) A Judicial Commission of Inquiry has alleged that N16.7 billion, withdrawn by the office of the Secretary to the Plateau State Government (SSG), under Gov Jonah Jang’s administration, has not been accounted for.

The commission, which was set up to probe activities of Jang’s eight years as governor, made the allegation on Tuesday in Jos.

The commission announced the said discovery while examining witnesses with respect to a memo against Sen. Jonah Jang and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The chairman of the commission, Justice Stephen Adah, while analysing the contents of the memo, observed that the sum of N16.7 billion was allegedly withdrawn by one Yusuf Pam, a former cashier, attached to the office of the SSG, during the period under review.

Mr Kelvin Bamshak, former Director, Finance and Supply, Office of the SSG, while standing as a witness, told the commission that it was a “classified expenditure”.

Bamshak said that the purpose for the withdrawal, and how it was expended, was only known by the Jang.

He also revealed that N100 million was released as running cost to `Operation Rainbow’, a security outfit established by Jang, to complement the police and the Special Task Force, in addressing lingering security issues.

Pam, who made the withdrawals, while taking his turn on the witness box, corroborated Bamshak’s testimony, adding that the N16.7 billion which he withdrew, was based on “executive directive from the former governor”.

He told the commission that he was given security backup to withdraw the cash, and disclosed that each withdrawal was “usually a maximum of N150 million, which is always delivered to the governor”.

The commission also observed that another N5 million was withdrawn via the Automated Teller Machine in 2010, and revealed that the money could not be traced to anyone as no beneficiary was identified.

The chairman thereafter adjourned further hearing on the memo to Nov. 23. (NAN)

ADY/ORO/ETS

================

Edited by Razak Owolabi and Ephraims Sheyin

NAN-H-120
Election
By Emmanuel Mogbede
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Segun Oni, will lead a six-member team from the party’s national leadership to coordinate the Situation Room during the Ondo governorship election.

The information is in a statement by Mr Edegbe Odemwingie, the party`s Assistant Director of Publicity, made available on Tuesday in Abuja.

Odemwingie stated that the decision was reached after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He noted that other members of the team were the party`s National Vice Chairman (South-West), Chief Pius Oluwole Akinyelure and its National Vice Chairman (North-West), Inuwa Abdul-Kadir.

He added that the party`s Zonal Youth Leader (South West), Mr Adedotun Oluwasegun, the Zonal Woman Leader (South West) Mrs Kemi Nelson and APC Chieftain, Hon Acho Obioma would also
form part of the team.

He stated that the party’s Situation Room was expected to liaise with the Control Centre, which would be situated at its National Secretariat in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ondo State governorship election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov, 26. (NAN)
EMM/HA
========
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Former Executive Secretary, Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Board, admits diverting N94m

NAN-H-116

Pilgrims

Jos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, immediate past Executive Secretary, Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Board, has owned up to diverting N94 million from funds paid by intending pilgrims.

Mohammed made the confession on Tuesday in Jos, while testifying before a Judicial Commission of Inquiry setup by the Plateau government to probe activities of former Gov Jonah Jang’s administration.

He told the commission that the money was diverted into sponsoring himself and some politicians on pilgrimage.

“The funds were diverted from no fewer than 131 intending pilgrims, who paid for slots to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2013 Hajj,” he said.

According to him, “they were disqualified from participating in the pilgrimage because I was instructed, verbally, by the then Secretary to State Government (SSG), Prof. Shedrach Best, to do so and use the money to sponsor some political VIPs,” he said.

“The VIPs and I sponsored ourselves, with the fund collected from the pilgrims, to attend the World Islamic Conference in the United Kingdom and to the Hajj itself,” he further explained.

Mohammed, however, revealed that the payees had neither gone on the pilgrimage nor had their monies refunded to them.

He said he wrote to the then Governor, Jonah Jang, asking for the remittance of the money and got an approval but that the money was not released uptill the time Jang left office in 2015.

The chairman of the commission, Justice Stephen Adah, who was visibly miffed, expressed bitterness over the development and wondered why the former official got involved in such an “unholy” action.

He frowned at the act of depriving persons from performing spiritual rites for some selfish reasons, “ after they had paid the fees”.

Adah promised that the commission would look into the matter and force those responsible to refund the monies to the owners. (NAN)

ADY/ECN/ETS

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Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye and Ephraims Sheyin
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Fashola warns DISCOs against blackmailing FG over MDA electricity debt

NAN-HE-22

Warning

By Kingsley Okoye

Abuja, Nov.22,2016(NA) Mr. Babatunde Fashola Minister of Power, Works and Housing, has warned Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCos)  to stop blackmailing the Federal Government over outstanding debts allegedly owed them by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA).

A statement in Abuja on Tuesday by Mr Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser, Communications to the minister, stated  that Fashola gave the warning at a meeting with power sector operators in the country.

Fashola was reacting to the advertorial placed  by the Association of Electricity Distributing Companies (AEDC) on the debt owed  DisCos by MDAs.

Fashola said government would not succumb to blackmail and would only pay verified debts.

Fashola also advised the DisCos to pursue the debt issue in their capacities as Discos and not under the aegis of any association.

He said that although the constitution guaranteed freedom of association, the privatisation that resulted in the transfer of the distribution assets of power was not held between the Federal Government and any association.

According to the minster, the DisCos have so far failed to provide details of such debts for verification.

Fashola said “Let me say without any equivocation that government will not succumb to the blackmail, at least not the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

He said that government had provided an online platform where it requested all the DisCos to submit details of their debts to that platform for government to verify it.

“ I think that advert should have told Nigerians how many DisCos have complied with that instruction. That advert should also have told Nigerians how much was owed and to which DisCo.”

“So while I respect the rights of association, indeed our constitution allows freedom of association.

“But the Nigeria government will not pay its debts estimated to be about N100 Billion under the aegis of an association.

“That is not how to resolve debts, every DisCo knows how much power it supplied.

“Debts are not calculated by estimates. It is either N100 billion or less than N100 billion but not an estimate,” the minister said.

He promises to respond on behalf of government to provide the other side of  information, any time the DisCos go to the public without giving them the full information.(NAN)

KC/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman