Blog

Commercial drivers laud FRSC’s advisory enforcement of speed limiting device
NAN-DS-17
Device
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, Oct.12, 2016 (NAN) Some commercial drivers have commended the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) for carrying out advisory enforcement of the Speed Limiting Device instead of immediate impounding of vehicles.

Some of the drivers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the Kaduna-Abuja, Abuja-Lokoja – Nassarawa highways on Wednesday said they were glad that the Corps kept to its promise by advising them on the device before enforcing it.

Mr Musa Yunusa, an inter-state commercial bus driver plying Abuja – Kaduna – Kano road, said that he came from Kano and was glad that he was educated on the need to install the device.

According to him, the initiative is better than punishing him for not installing it.

Yunusa said that though he liked the initiative, he had no money to buy the device, yet.

He said that he would use the grace period given by the commission to save money to buy the device and install it.

“When we were informed by our unions that the implementation of the device would begin on Oct.1, we were agitated because we felt it was another way of extorting money from drivers.

“ From today’s education, I learnt that the device is for my safety and it will also help to preserve my car, so I will install it,”he said.

Mr Solomon Magaji, another inter-state commercial driver who plies the Abuja-Lokoja route, also commended commission for keeping to its promise of starting with advisory enforcement and putting into consideration the present economic situation in the country.

Magaji said that the initiative was good as it aimed at protecting the lives of drivers and other Nigerians.

He commended the corps for considering the present economic situation by adding some month’s grace to enable the drivers to comply.

Mr Tena Mathew, who plies the Nassarawa – Benue – Jos road, commended the introduction of the device, saying that it would protect lives of drivers and passengers on the road.

“I have been doing this driving work for more than 10 years now; I have seen terrible accidents on the roads and have lost some good friends too in ghastly accidents.

“Some of the accidents are caused by avoidable speed, all the same, I thank God that I am witnessing its implementation, others did not live to tell the story, ”he said.

Mathew thanked the Federal Government for the apt intervention, adding that it would drastically reduce accidents and protect lives.

He, however, pleaded that the price of the device be regulated to enhance easy purchase.

The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, had earlier told NAN that the device was to regulate the maximum speed limit of vehicles plying the highways to reduce road crashes.

Oyeyemi said that the device controlled the speed of a vehicle without allowing the driver to accelerate beyond the stipulated speed limit allowed by law, as programmed in the vehicle.

He assured transport unions and commercial drivers of lenient approach toward its implementation.

Oyeyemi added that commercial vehicles would be subjected to guided compliance in the mode of the corps’ free vehicle safety checks.

“This time around, it will be speed limiter installation checks.

“The exercise shall, therefore, be known as Speed Limiting Device Verification Checks,” the corps marshal said. (NAN)
ATAB/DUA/AMY
Edited by Dada Ahmed and Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-93

Forgery

By Thompson Yamput

Jos, Oct 12, 2016 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Jos on Wednesday adjourned a case of alleged certificate forgery  against assemblyman Ibrahim Baba-Hassan to Oct. 20 for continuation of hearing.

Baba-Hassan is representing Jos-North Constituency in the Plataeu House of Assembly on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

He is accused of falsification of a Diploma certificate in Business Administration (Lower Credit) from University of Jos sometimes in 1996.

The defendant allegedly presented the certificate to INEC when he contested for House of Assembly primaries of the party in February 2015, which he won.

The petitioner, Mr Abdul Saleh, in his statement of claim, is challenging Baba-Hassan’s eligibility to contest the  primaries, having allegedly forged the certificate.

Salleh, therefore, urged the court to disqualify Baba-Hassan and compel APC and INEC to declare him winner of the party primaries, having emerged second position.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Mr Monday Danjem, Registrar of the University of Jos, in his testimony,  denied that the institution issued any certificate to the defendant because he was never a student of the school.

Danjem told the court that: “the defendant (Ibrahim Baba-Hassan) did not graduate from the university of Jos from our records.

“Therefore, the Diploma Certificate in Business Administration (Lower Credit) of the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, dated Nov. 25, 1996 did not emanate from the University of Jos, ’’ he said.

Danjem, however, said that Hassan was offered admission in 1993, but he allegedly failed some courses and did not   graduate and “could not have been issued with any certificate”.

According to him, “as a result, the university came up with a notice, which was published in page 47 of Vanguard Newspaper of Friday May 27, 2016 to put the general public on Notice.’’

But the the lead Defence Counsel, Mr N.D. Gwaison, pleaded for an adjournment on the excuse of ill health.

The Judge, Justice Musa Kurya, granted the request and adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for continuation of hearing.

“Since the lead defence counsel has complained of ill health, we should not continue so that we do not face a more difficult situation here as the issue of health is paramount to us all, ’’ the judge ruled.(NAN)
TYC/KOO/IA
==========
Edited Kevin Okunzuwa/Idris Abdulrahman

Early marriage: IPAS advocates mandatory policies for parents
NAN-HG-8
Policies
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Country Director, IPAS Nigeria, Mrs Hauwa Shekarau, on Wednesday called for mandatory policies to prevent parents from giving out their children on early marriage.

Shekarau made the call while speaking at the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja.

According to her, the parents who violated the policies should be made to face the rough of the law.

“The policy should be enforced at all levels of government and once they send their children to school, under no circumstances should they be pulled out from school or married off.

“Let the children grow and let them enjoy their childhood, girl education is a human rights and educating girls would contribute significantly to development of a viable nation,” Shekarau said.

She said girls and women suffered educational exclusion across the country, girls from the poorest families in rural areas of the North West and North East region were among the most at risk of ever attending school.

“Nigeria’s progress and national development will be constrained if women and girls continue to be disadvanteged and gender equity is ignored,’’ Shekarau said.

She said well educated girls were more likely to avoid early marriages, plan their pregnancies and have better maternal and child health outcomes.

Shekarau said more investment in the girl child education for the development of a viable nation.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mrs Victoria Awolomo, said the Child Right Law in all states should be enforced in states yet to comply.

“Everyone must be ready to help his or her neighbours and expose the vices facing girl child in our society, some of which is teenage pregnancy for commercial purpose.

“This way the incidence of rape, child prostitution, early or forced marriage, child labour, lack of education and all forms of discrimination and exploitation will be stopped,” Awomolo said.

She said educating the girl child was the best form of weapon against all discrimination, exploitation and oppression.

The Abuja Coordinator of the association, Mrs Olanike Bakrin, said the purpose of the girl child day was for people and organisations to raise public awareness of the different types of discrimination and abuse that many girls around the world suffered from.

“Many community and political leaders talk to the public about the importance of girls’ right to equal education and their fundamental freedoms.

“Various events are held to showcase the work that people are doing to empower girls through active support and engagement with parents, families, and the wider community,’’ Bakrin said. (NAN)
OEO/ORO/MST

Edited by Razak Owolabi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Equipment procured by ex-Governor Dariye’in 2000, still operational witness

NAN-H-87

Dariye

By Sylvester Thompson

Abuja, Oct.12, 2016 (NAN) A defence witness, Stephen Igmala, has told an FCT High Court that the vehicles and equipments acquired by former Plateau governor, Joshua Dariye, in 2000 are still in operation.

Igmala, who is the General Manager of Plateau State Road Maintenance Agency, made this known during a cross examination by the Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), on Wednesday.

Dariye’s counsel Garba Pwul had tendered exhibit specimens of machines, vehicles and equipments received from Plateau Ministry of Works in year 2000.

Igmala who was employed as a Principal Technical Officer by the ministry in May 2000, also said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had never visited them in Jos.

“We were only invited to come to Abuja by the EFCC to give statement in March 2016.’’

He, however, admitted that the equipments were fairly used and that he did not know how they were procured because he was by then not a member of management.

Igmala said the vehicles and machines which consisted of two bulldozers, Pick-up Mercedes Packer, tippers, CAT machine, one water tanker, and three Graders were still working.

“When they got spoilt we repair them and they still function,’’ he said.

He also said that the equipments they had was more than what was contained in the exhibits. (NAN)

SET/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

Economic Summit: Group pledges to follow up recommendations

NAN-HE-22

Recommendations

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Abuja, Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) The National Economic Summit Group (NESG), the organiser of the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), on Wednesday pledged to follow up the recommendations of the 2016 summit presented to the Federal Government.

Mr Kyari Bukar, the Chairman of the NESG, said this at a news conference after the 22nd edition of NES in Abuja with the theme: Made- in-Nigeria.

Bukar had earlier presented the recommendations of the summit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the execution of those recommendations is key to using and producing Made-in-Nigeria goods and services.

“ We are always working throughout the year to follow up our recommendations and we will do same this year.

“We are satisfied with the talks; but we will not be satisfied until the recommendations are implemented.’’

He recalled that 2015 edition of the summit was significant because of the change in the administration then and the current dynamics of the economic scene, which required urgent attention.

The theme of NES 21 was: “Tough Choices: Achieving Competitiveness, inclusive Growth and Sustainability.’’

Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mrs Fatima Mede, commended the NESG for its commitment in collaborating with the government.

Mede commended the group for working with the government in addressing key national issues and challenges.

She, however, pledged that the government would be committed to implementing the recommendations of the summit.

“The report of the NES 21 was approved by the National Executive Council and it formed part of the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) of government.

“We are planning to release a long-term National Development Plan soon; so you can hold us accountable for our policies,’’ the permanent secretary said.

NESG was incorporated in 1996 as non-profit, non-partisan private sector organisation.

It was given a mandate to promote and champion the reform of Nigerian economy into an open, private sector-led globally competitive economy.

The summit was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. (NAN)

CIA/AK/IA

Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Idris Abdulrahman

ICRC trains Human Rights Commission on international humanitarian Law

NAN-HG-6

Training

By Talatu Maiwada

Abuja, Oct.12, 2016 (NAN) The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday commenced a three-day workshop to train 40 staff members of Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on International Humanitarian Law in armed conflict.

ICRC said this in a statement signed by Miss Eleojo Esther, Media Officer ICRC, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Esther said that the ICRC in collaboration with British Red Cross convened the workshop in Abuja, to foster exchange of knowledge and learn about International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

She said the essence of the workshop was to advance the knowledge of IHL among participants and enhance their teaching capacities.

The spokesperson added that the workshop would focus on sexual violence, the rights of people who are detained, access to healthcare, and issues concerning missing and displaced persons.

Mr Karl Mattli, Head of ICRC delegation, also said the staff members of the commission who interact with the most vulnerable in the society needed a thorough understanding of the law.

“Those that are constantly in touch with the lives of the most vulnerable people during armed conflicts and other violence need to thoroughly understand international humanitarian law.

“This workshop for the National Human Rights Commission is the result of our long cooperation on a number of salient issues in today’s Nigeria,’’ Mattli said.

Mattli stated that representatives from the commission travelled from no fewer than eight states across the country to participate in the workshop.

NAN reports that ICRC has worked in Nigeria since 1988, sharing information on IHL with the government, universities and security services, among others.

ICRC aims at working to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. (NAN)

TIM/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

3 killed, 2 policemen injured in Police/Shi’ites’ clash in Funtua

NAN-DS-16
Clash
Funtua (Katsina State), Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Police in Katsina State said at least three persons died during a clash between policemen and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, in Funtua Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, stated this during a news briefing on Wednesday in Funtua.

Abdullahi said that two policemen were also injured during the clash.

According to him, the police have arrested 46 persons comprising men and women for participating in the unlawful procession.

He said the incident occurred when members of the Shi’ites group attempted to burn the Police Area Commander’s office in the town during the procession.

The commissioner also said that members of the group opened fire on policemen using Dane guns, which he said, compelled the police to retaliate, killing three persons.

According to him, one of the sect members killed wore a mobile police uniform.

The commissioner said that the police recovered five Dane guns, sticks, cutlasses, among other locally made weapons from members of the group.

He said that the police had intensified surveillance and patrol in the area to ensure safety of lives and property.

Abdullahi called on the people of the area to go about their lawful businesses as the situation had been brought under control.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that commercial and other activities were brought to a halt in the town, particularly on the roads leading to the Funtua Central Mosque, during the incident.(NAN)
HMH/AMY
Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-DS-15
Base
By Ali Inuwa
Baga (Borno), Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Wednesday gave an assurance that a naval base would soon be inaugurated at Lake Chad.

Ibas stated this while briefing newsmen at Baga shortly after inspecting the site of the proposed base in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

He said that the proposed base, when operational, would consolidate on Nigeria’s efforts in ending the Boko Haram insurgency.

Ibas said that the Federal Government decided to establish the base at the lake because of its strategic importance.

“I think that the decision was taken by the president because the lake stands at a strategic location.

“You are aware that it provides a means of communication for the four nations bordering the area.

“You are also aware that inside the lake lies resources that might be of interest to the countries.

“But for us, I think our being there will help consolidate our fight against terrorism and provide security for the post-conflict recovery of the people,” Ibas said.

He said that his visit was to get first hand information which would help in the plan to establish the base.

“My visit to Borno is to personally appraise the ongoing operations to rid the nation of the Boko Haram terrorism.

“I also want to use the opportunity to assess the level of preparations for the induction of naval forces in the base that we are establishing in the Lake Chad area,’’ he said.

Ibas, however, lamented that Boko Haram terrorists had destroyed almost all the infrastructure that would have facilitated the take-off of the base.

“The madness we had brought down almost all the infrastructure in the area.

“One has to repair the communication facilities, the access road and other vital things in the area.

“Even government buildings there are torn apart; this is not only a challenge for the people there but also a problem to the government as resources are scarce now.

“Putting those facilities back is our major challenge,’’ he said.

He said that even the site for the base needed an access road.

“We will also need electricity supply; you are aware that all communication facilities have been brought down, we need those things to settle down fast.

‘’All these are apart from the operational requirements which the Federal Government has provided for us,’’ he said.

Ibas, however, expressed optimism that all the challenges would be overcome in the nearest future for the base to be inaugurated. (NAN)
ABI/DUA/OJO
===========
(Edited by Dada Ahmed and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

World Sight Day: FCT hospital to offer free eye screening
NAN-HG-5
Screening
By Yashim Katurak Rebecca
Abuja, Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) To celebrate the World Sight Day on Oct. 13, the Management of Garki Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Wednesday said it would hold free eye screening for the general public.

Dr Sewuese Bitto, the hospital’s Head, Department of Ophthalmology, said in a statement that the screening would hold on Oct. 13 from 8 a.m to 2 p.m.

Bitto said the hospital would offer free eye examination and health talk to members of the public who would be present.

She assured that the hospital had a fully equipped ophthalmic service delivery department to address various eye problems including surgical eye care delivery.

“The World Sight Day is an annual event held on the second Thursday of October every year. It has been scheduled to hold on the 13th of October this year.

“It is a day set aside to celebrate and create awareness about eye health, causes and prevention of visual impairment and blindness.

“Universal eye health involves ensuring that all people regardless of financial, social, religious, racial and ethnic status have access to quality eye care at little or no cost.

“This year, the call to action is `Stronger Together’; all stakeholders are encouraged to be involved.

“Stakeholders such as Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Nurses, Opticians, Community Eye Health Workers, Local, State and national leaders and the legislative arm of government.

“Governments are also called upon to increase funding of eye health and ensure its inclusion into primary health care,” Bitto said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s celebration is “Universal Eye Health”. (NAN)
KRY/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-HE-21
Market
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) Nestle Nigeria on Wednesday topped the losers’ chart on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), forcing the market indices to drop by 0.03 per cent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nestle shed N19.43 to close at N805.57 per share.

It was trailed by Lafarge Africa with a loss of N1.28 to close at N46.81, while Presco dropped N1.25 to close at N40.25 per share.

Flour Mills lost 65k to close at N20.05 and UAC Property declined by 37k to close at N3.58 per share.

Consequently, the All-Share Index lost 7.09 points or 0.03 per cent to close at 28,027.23 compared with 28,034.32 posted on Tuesday.

Similarly, market capitalisation which opened at N9.629 trillion dipped N3 billion or 0.03 per cent to close at N9.626 trillion.

Seplat led the gainers’ table, growing by N18.37 to close at N385.88 per share.

Guinness came second with a gain of N3.74 to close at N79.74 and Total garnered N2.50 to close at N289.50 per share.

Guaranty Trust Bank increased by 15k to close at N24, while United Bank for Africa appreciated by 13k to close at N4.31 per share.

Also, the volume of shares traded dropped by 33.57 per cent with a total of 155.58 million shares valued at N1.43 billion exchanged in 3,277 deals.

NAN reports that this was in contrast with 234.19 million shares worth N2.72 billion transacted in 3,335 deals.

GTBank drove the activity chart, trading 28.09 million shares valued at N672.81 million.

United Bank for Africa followed with 28.04 million shares worth N119.80 million, while Transcorp traded 14.75 million shares valued at N14.98 million.

Fidelity Bank sold 14.29 million shares worth N12.83 million, while FCMB Group exchanged 11.55 million shares at the cost of N13.003 million. (NAN)
JNC/JEO/HA
===========
(Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)