Blog

NAN-H-51
Marriage
Ibadan, Nov 22, 2016(NAN) Mrs Deborah Ekundayo has dragged her daughter-in-law , one Ikeoluwa Adelugba and her mother, Risikatu Adelugba, before the Grade C Customary Court, Agodi-Ibadan, Oyo state.
The mother-in-law had alleged that Ikeoluwa wanted to abandon his son for another man.
The plaintiff who filed the suit on behalf of his son, Kayode Ekundayo, prayed the court to grant her the custody of the only child of the union.
In her testimony on Tuesday, Ekundayo narrated how his son impregnated Ikeoluwa in 2015 and the couple wanted to abort the pregnancy.
“I quickly intervened when I heard that my son and Ikeoluwa wanted to get rid of the pregnancy by taking the defendant to a hospital where she registered for her ante- natal.

“She was safely delivered of the baby and I spent about N50,000 during delivery.
“But Ikeoluwa started following other men to hotels to commit adultery two weeks after her delivery.
“Her easy virtues made me to conduct a DNA-test to confirm that my child was the biological father of the baby and the test was positive.
“I got information recently on the Facebook about a proposed wedding between Ikeoluwa and another man, and I will not want her to take my grandson to another man.
“I pray the court to allow me have the custody of the only child of the marriage who is six months old, so that I can take good care of him, “ she said.
The defendant, Ikeoluwa, was not in court but her mother, Risikatu, who was also joined in the suit, was present to defend the case.
She admitted that the testimony of the plaintiff was true but told the court that her son in-law, Kayode, was not interested in the child’s welfare when her daughter got pregnant.
She also pleaded with the court to continue to allow her be in possession of the child saying the child was too young to be given to the plaintiff.
In his judgment, the president of the court, Chief Mukaila Balogun, ordered that the child should remain with her mother till when he would have attained one-year old.
After then, the plaintiff could be allowed to have the baby in her possession, Balogun said.
He warned both parties against causing any troubles but that they should allow peace to reign.(NAN)
DAK/PAD
========
Edited by Peter Dada

NAN-H-47
Tariff
By Joan Nwagwu
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has advised the Federal Government to reverse the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as ordered by the court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on July 14, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered the NERC to reverse the tariff increase it imposed on Nigerians, saying the commission flouted due procedure in effecting the increase.

NLC General Secretary Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, who made the appeal in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Tuesday, described the non-reversal of the court order by NERC as violation of “the highest order’’.

Cue in audio

“Again we are back to the issue of the rule of law.

“A court gives judgment and we are not complying; the government is not complying and government agencies are not complying.

“That is an endangerment of the democratic environment that we are in, because if government and its agencies can so easily flout court directives, then it is a jungle (we’re in).

“And before you know it, there can be a total collapse of the underlying foundations of the rule of law.

“Our position is that now that the court has so pronounced, the government needs to get NERC to implement the court decision by rolling back that increased. ’’

Cue out audio

Ozo-Eson recalled that the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariff was declared illegal by a Federal High Court with competent jurisdiction and had ordered NERC for a reversal.

He said that NERC had refused to adhere to the Court’s order.

According to him, rather than obey the order of the court, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors; an umbrella body for the DISCOs is canvassing for 200 per cent increase in the tariff.

He said the violation by the government agency was unfortunate and unhealthy for the democratic growth of the country and should not to be taken lightly.

He said that it was scandalous that eight months after the hike in electricity tariff and years after the privatisation of public electricity, the country still falls short of enough electricity.

The NLC general secretary noted that power stability was important and critical to industrialisation, self-sufficiency and economic growth of the nation.

“We must not allow this and we reject their proposal in its totality because it would amount to crude exploitation and insensitivity.

“We therefore reiterate our demand for full adherence to the judgment of the Federal High Court that the increase in electricity tariff should be reversed immediately.’’(NAN)
JAN/LAB/YEE
Edited by Lydia Beshel/Emmanuel Yashim
==============================

Ozo-Eson’s audio

World Health Assembly says air pollution causes about 8m deaths annually

NAN-HG-6

Air

By Vivian Emoni

Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The World Health Assembly (WHA) has said that air pollution causes about eight million global deaths annually.

Mrs Ezinwa Ezeka, an environmentalist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that WHA has identified air pollution as one of the global largest environmental health risks in 2015.

Ezeka said said that Paris Agreement’s central aim was to strengthen the global response to the threat of air pollution and climate change.

She added that all parties who made the agreement are to put their best through National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and must strengthen these efforts in years ahead.

“It means that all parties will report regularly on their emissions and on their implementation efforts,’’ she said.

She added that NDCs aimed was to address steps taken towards the adaption of climate change impacts and what support the country needs or could provide to tackle it.

According to her, governments are finding ways to ensure that promulgated laws are complied with and mechanisms are put in place in compliance with environmental laws.

She said that mode of transportation in Nigeria was largely by road, air, rail and water transport in the coastal areas.

“Due to poor economic disposition, majority of vehicles on our roads are second hand with poor engine performance imported into the country and these emit huge quantities of harmful pollutants.

“The reality today is that our transport system relies heavily on fossil fuel, with over 60 per cent of all goods and services conveyed by vehicles.

“Hardly can you let down your car window in a traffic jam without inhaling poisonous fumes from car exhausts,’’ she said.

Ezeka said that poor air quality has untoward environmental and human health causing diseases and promoting unhealthy environment.

The expert said solution to reduce air pollution was to conserve energy by switching off fans and lights when everyone has gone out.

According to her, large amount of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity, you can save environment from degradation by reducing the amount of fossil fuels to be burned.

“We are seeing a series of innovations and experiments aimed at alternative and unconventional options to reduce pollution.

“Air pollution is one of the larger mirrors of man’s follies and a challenge which we need to overcome to see a greater tomorrow,’’ she said. (NAN)

VOE/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-HE-5
Employment
By Simon Akoje
Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commended the Federal Government for living up to its word by employing 200,000 youths.

The Director General of the chamber, Mr Muda Yusuf, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday that the scheme would empower Nigerian youths.

Yusuf said that the commencement of the scheme in a few days was good for the economy.

He said, however, that the number of citizens hoping to be recruited was small compared to the millions of unemployed youths.

“The government should be applauded even though the small number to be given jobs is no match to the millions of youths reported to be without jobs by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“However, if more initiatives are implemented across board over the years, it could change the unemployment narrative in the country,’’ he said.

Yusuf noted that more should be done by the government to improve the business climate in the country.

“There should not be an end to improving the business climate to ensure that many of the youths could venture into entrepreneurship.

“With encouragement, many of our youths could change their economic fortunes and create wealth in the long run,’’ he added.

The Federal Government has announced the employment of 200,000 out of the 500,000 job intervention programme, with successful candidates set to start work on Dec. 1.

The programme came to fruition after one year and seven months of the administration.

Some 150,000 of the youth will be teaching while 30,000 will be involved in agricultural schemes and 20,000 in healthcare. (NAN)
STA/ENN/MVO
(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-H-46
Nyaeme
By Sylvester Thompson
Abuja, Nov.22, 2016(NAN) The EFCC on Tuesday closed its case against former Taraba governor Rev. Jolly Nyaeme, who is standing trial before an FCT High Court on charges of N1.6 billion fraud.

The EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that the prosecution had decided  this morning to close the case against the former governor.

In  response, the lead defence counsel,  Mr Omosanya Popoola, said that he  would  file a  `no case submission.’

“In view of the closure of the prosecution case, we shall be making a no case submission pursuant to section 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,’’ Popoola said.

He said he would  serve the prosecution with the written address, next week.

The trial judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko, adjourned the case till Dec 5.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  prosecution closed its case after calling 14 witnesses during the trial which started since 2010.

Nyame is facing trial on a 41-count charge of criminal misappropriation of N1.64 billion state funds, during his tenure as governor.  (NAN)
SET/BOLA/YAZ
=========
Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Yusuf Zango

NAN-H-45
IATA
By Adekunle Williams and Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA), has announced the appointment of Mr Muhammad Albakri as its Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East (AME).

IATA made the announcement in a statement by its Director General, Mr Alexandre de Juniac, in Lagos on Tuesday.

Juniac said Albakri succeeded Mr Hussein Dabbas, who led IATA in the region from 2012 until June, 2016.

According to Juniac, the appointment is effective on Jan.1, 2017 and will be based in the IATA regional office in Amman, Jordan.

“Albakri is stepping into a critical role at IATA. Africa and the Middle East are among the fastest growing markets for air transport.

“While the region has tremendous potential, it also faces some big challenges. Infrastructure, regulation and taxation must align to support the social and economic benefits of a successful aviation sector.

“I am confident that Albakri’s solid aviation background will deliver great value to our members and aviation in general across AME,” he said.

Albakri, a Saudi national and aviation veteran, had served as Executive Vice President for Strategic Projects and Transformation at Saudi Arabian Airlines.

“In that role, he was charged with delivering various initiatives as part of a broad transformation strategy devised to strengthen the competitiveness of the airline as it aims to double its size by 2020.

“Under Albakri’s leadership, Saudia successfully moved its second largest domestic hub operation into the new Terminal 5 at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in May of this year.

“He is also leading similar relocations of the airline’s operations to new facilities in Jeddah and Cairo.’’

The statement quoted Albakri as saying that he was tremendously excited to take-up the challenging role.

“IATA has made critical contributions to the development of aviation around the world. That work is especially evident in Africa and the Middle East where the industry is rapidly changing.

“I have seen first-hand the transformational power of IATA’s global standards such as Fast Travel, e-freight and New Distribution Capability. These boost competitiveness and please customers at the same time.

“In my new role, I am excited to be responsible for the full suite of IATA’s activities and shall be a tireless advocate for aviation’s success in the AME region’’, Albakri is quoted as saying.

It said Albakri would lead IATA’s regional office for AME where a total of 124 employees are responsible for IATA’s operations across 68 countries.

The statement said this includes the operation of IATA’s settlement systems which efficiently handle some $23 billion of industry money annually across 38 countries.

According to the statement, aviation supports some nine million jobs and $130 billion of Gross Domestic Product across Africa and the Middle East. (NAN)

WAC/ASO/IKU/IEA
================
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-HE-12
Ports
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) said on Tuesday in Lagos that more dry ports would come on stream in some states in the second quarter of 2017.

The Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Hassan Bello, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Bello said that the council and the concerned states had sorted out the problems that had delayed the coming on stream of the dry ports.

Cue in audio

“The dry ports, one of them has taken off. The dry port in Kaduna and all others are coming up.

“ We have overcome the problems we had with the state governments, including the legal barrier.

“We hope that by the second quarter of 2017, we will have some of the dry ports operating.

“All the ports are gazetted, but not all of them are ports of destination or ports of origin, because the ports should be inspected not only by Nigerian Shippers` Council, but by the Nigerian Ports Authority and other international agencies for them to be certified as ports.

“But progress has been made; most of them have technical partners.

“In Funtua for example, the concessionaire would not only build the port, it would also have rolling stock; it will have its train wagon to carry goods.

“In Isiala-Ngwa in Abia State, the state government has shown tremendous enthusiasm and right now, they have technical partners and they are going to site to start building.

“In Jos, Plateau state, progress has gone far. The state government is also giving it so much support.’’

Cue out audio

Bello said that many other dry ports under construction would come on stream before mid-2017.

The executive secretary said the six dry ports, also known as Inland Container Depots (ICDs) being built across the country through Public Private Partnership (PPP) would be linked to rail lines to ease cargo movement.

He said the ICDs would be located in Kano, Kaduna, Funtua in Katsina state, Isiala-Ngwa in Abia, Jos in Plateau, and Ibadan in Oyo state.

“The rail lines being developed will be linked to the ICDs so that imported goods will get to Nigerians quickly without the stress of having to transport them from Lagos to states where there are ICDs by road.’’

Bello spoke of the need for synergy to make Nigerian ports competitive and effective.

He further urged concessionaires to avoid making arbitrary changes in ports tariffs, in order to make Nigerian ports the economic hub in West and Central Africa.

“It is legitimate for people to make comments on tariffs, because one of the cardinal reasons for port concession is to reduce costs and what we are saying is that we have the standard.

“Tariffs would have to be adjusted over time the tariffs are not fixed and there are scientific ways of arriving at appropriate tariff that must not be tied to service rendered.

“Finally, it is also important to note that no operator should adjust his tariff unilaterally or arbitrarily.

“There are laws in Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act that gives it the power to negotiate charges.

“The Federal High Court has ruled that charges that are not negotiated with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council are null and void.’’ (NAN)
AIC/AJA/LAB/YEE
Edited by Lydia Beshel/Adeleye Ajayi/Emmanuel Yashim
=========================================

NAN-H-21
Transport
By Uchenna Eletuo
Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) Some operators in the petroleum industry on Tuesday said the non-participation of indigenous vessel owners in transportation of  crude oil had created a setback for the economy.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos that the problem was denying indigenous firms the necessary capital to build-up capacity, while encouraging capital flight.

The Logistics and Facility Manager, International Oil Companies (IOCs), Mr Robinson Elerubo, said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over the years, had been giving foreign companies the contract to transport crude.

“I do not see the big thing these foreign companies are doing that the indigenous ones cannot do.

“It is not in our national interest that our companies are relegated to the background in the transportation of crude oil.

“The nation is losing a great deal and capital flight is the order of the day as many of these companies involved in crude transportation, repatriate the proceeds to their countries,’’ Elerubo said.

He said at this moment, the Federal Government ought to block every revenue leakage to save the nation’s economy.

A transport broker, Mr Uba Basil-Ajala, said that denying the indigenous transporters the slots in carriage of crude oil was “anti development’’.

Basil-Ajala said that the stringent conditions being given by government agencies for indigenous companies to participate in the transportation of crude favoured foreign firms who had access to cheap loans.

“Of what advantage is it for us to put guidelines which companies in our society cannot meet; making the foreign ones to continue to have a field day.

“With indigenous carriers carrying our crude, many jobs will be available on-board for our teeming youths and seafarers,’’ he said.

According to him, the indigenous players are not comfortable with the trend because we are being sidelined.

He suggested that the Federal Government should streamline its policies to encourage domestic businesses.

Mr Akin Oderinde, Head of Emergency Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said the agency was working in collaboration with the NNPC to make a national fleet feasible.

“The national fleet which is to be operated on Private Partnership Participation basis will assist in growing the economy of the nation,’’ he said. (NAN)
EUC/FF/AJA
==========
(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-H-43

Arraignment

Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Police, on Tuesday, arraigned an applicant, Idris Obara, at a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court for a two-count- charge of impersonation and cheating.

The prosecutor, Augustine Urom, told the court that Nana Salihu of Gwagwalada, FCT and Imuhani Idris of Lagos, reported the matter at the Central Police Station on Nov. 10.

He said that the 25-year-old defendant identified himself on Facebook as a staff of the Bank of Industry and the Officer-in-Charge of employment in the bank.

The prosecutor also said that the defendant collected the sum of N150,000 from Salihu with the assurance of getting her a job in the bank.

Urom also said that the defendant invited Imuhani from Lagos to Abuja with the assurance of getting her a job.

He said that the defendant failed to get both complainants the jobs and investigation later revealed that the defendant was even an applicant, looking for a job.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 132 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Musa Jobbo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with a surety in like sum.

Jobbo also ordered that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned hearing in the case to Nov. 29. (NAN)
UMD/HAS/YEMI

Edited By Hajia Sani/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

NAN-H-42
Museum
Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) Some visitors at the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) have expressed worry over the poor facilities in the museum.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that the museum was supposed to be well equipped because it houses most of the country’s treasured relics and monuments.

Mrs Mobolaji Adebayo, who has been living around the museum for years, said that the museum needed to be renovated to be at par with modern museums around the world.

Adebayo complained of lack of adequate ventilation in the rooms where the artifacts were kept.

“A national museum of that repute should have a standby generator to be powered immediately there no electricity.

“The museum should not be a place of neglect because that is where we have our history, our children go there to learn more about our history,” she said.

Another visitor, Mr Babajide Agboola lamented the lack of adequate space within the museum rooms coupled with insufficient staff to attend to visitors.

He said that the museum rooms were too small to accommodate a good number of visitors.

“The entire museum edifice must be renovated to accommodate a huge number of guests and more staff should be trained to attend to numerous guests visiting the museum,” he said.

Mrs Adejoke Adejare said that the security around the museum should be improved on, adding that there had been laxities among security men at the museum.

“I observed that many people go into the museum without being screened. People should be inspected when they are going in and coming out to forestall any security breakdown,” he said. (NAN)
PTB/MNA/GY
===========

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Grace Yussuf