Blog

Gov. Wike urges police to purge system of bad eggs

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Police

By Azubuike Okeh
Port Harcourt, Sept. 27, 2016(NAN)  Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has urged the Nigerian police to take steps toward purging the system of corrupt and ignoble officers.

Wike made the call in Port Harcourt on Tuesday when the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Calabar, Mr Abubakar Marafa visited him.

The governor stated that the police system had officers who were badly influencing it and giving it a bad image.

According to Wike, activities of some corrupt and dishonest officers within the police structure are negatively affecting security plans implementation in various quarters.

“Every organisation has bad eggs within it, the police is not an exception, I call on the police high command to weed out these bad eggs so that the system can be effective.

“As a government, we will continue to provide resources and facilities that will aid crime policing and the protection of lives and property,’’ he said.

Speaking, AIG Marafa said that state governors are crucial stakeholders in crime policing, saying. “they provide the logistic support that strengthen state commands to perform effectively’’

He urged the governor to ensure continued provision of logistics to the police to enable effective crime policing in the state.(NAN)
AZU/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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Wife seeks dissolution of 5-year-old marriage for alleged lack of care

NAN-‎ H-113

Divorce

Funmilayo Okunade

Ado-Ekiti, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) A 33-year-old housewife, Okunola Adebola, on Tuesday begged an Ado-Ekiti ‎Customary Court, to dissolve her five-year-old marriage to her husband, Oluwasayo for alleged desertion and lack of care

Adebola, a resident of No 22, Ado community junction, Ado-Ekiti, told the court that they were both paying the child’s school fees but he suddenly stopped.

She said that she sought for his assistance on the school fees but he refused to pay the school fees.

The mother of one said that since three years ago, she was responsible for the welfare of the child, adding that he was fond of saying she was lazy and jobless.

According to her, atimes, he will drop N20,000 for the child’s school fees, while she was responsible for the feeding allowance and the payment of the house rent.

The petitioner claimed that, they had disagreement on sales of clothes that he send from abroad, saying she did not remit any money to him.

Adebola said ever since then, he came to pack all he bought for her such as house equipment, including her sewing machine.

She, therefore, prayed the court to award her the custody of the child and compel the respondent to pay her N15,000 as monthly upkeep allowance for the child.

But, Oluwasayo, 53, a resident of No 25, Adehun Str. Ado-Ekiti, said Adebola was his ex-girl friend.

He said that there relationship did not last for a month and since then, he had been responsible for her pregnancy including her antenatal treatment.

He said he had invested so much on her, saying he shipped three different containers of wears for her to sell and remit the money to him, but she mismanaged the money.

Oluwasayo said he provides foodstuff, clothes and other house equipment for her to be comfortable, still she was not satisfied.

The respondent said Adebola was a lazy woman and not ready to work, adding that he bought different sewing machines for her but she refused to make use of them.

He said she usually visit him and whenever she comes, he would give her transport fare because he often travel abroad.

He, therefore, prayed the court to award him the custody of his child so that he could put him in a boarding school for proper care.

The President of the court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, after hearing from both parties adjourned the case till Oct. 25 for judgment.
(NAN)

FOA/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NAN-H-114

Investors

By Solomon Asowata

Lagos, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government on Tuesday said it was ready to partner foreign private investors towards addressing the huge infrastructural deficit in the nation’s aviation sector.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Yakubu Dati, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Lagos.

The statement said the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr Saleh Dunoma, made the disclosure at the annual conference and exhibition of Airport Council International (ACI) in Montreal, Canada.

It said Dunoma, who spoke on Public Private Partnership, hinged his presentation with a quotation from President Muhammadu Buhari thus:

“We also have a huge infrastructure deficit for which we require foreign capital and expertise to supplement whatever resources we can marshal at home.

“In essence, we seek Public Private Partnership in our quest for enhanced capital and expertise.”

It said Dunoma further asserted that the appointment of Sen Hadi Sirika as the Minister of State for Aviation, had fast-tracked the provision of the legislative framework and corresponding incentives to attract foreign direct investment.

“The aviation sector is expected to injest about $5 billion out of the $3.10 trillion required by the National Integrated Infrastructure Master plan (NIMP) over a period of 30 years through PPP.

“We invite Investors to join the PPP process for airport management and take advantage of the great and vast opportunities……., he is quoted as saying.

According to the statement, the Director General of ACI World, Angela Gittens, said the body was working with members everyday to seek common sense approaches to turn short-term challenges into long-term opportunities.

She is also quoted as saying that this year’s conference – the largest “for airports, by airports” gathering in the world – perfectly highlights ACI’s unique position as the voice of airports all around the world.

The statement says Mr James Cherry, President of Aeroports de Montreal, expressed delight in playing host to airport leaders across the globe. (NAN)

ASO/AK/BOS
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola, controlled by Dele Bodunde

VP recommends scaling up Nigeria-India private sectors

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Trade

By Temitope Ponle

Abuja, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that India and Nigeria need to scale up the involvement of their private sectors to expand economic relations between the two countries

Osinbajo made this known at the opening of the India-Nigeria Joint Business Forum in Abuja on Tuesday.

He recalled that the trade volume between both countries stood at 17 billion dollars in 2015 adding that there was the need to explore new opportunities to enhance growth and sustainable development.

The Vice President said that the forum would be an opportunity to explore various areas of cooperation.

“It is, therefore, quite gratifying that the volume of trade between our two countries has reached somewhere in the order of 17 billion dollars as of 2015 which is a significant increase form about six billion dollars less than 10 years ago.

“In addition, the rise of India as a significant source or investment in Nigeria makes a compelling case for expanding such flows into other areas.

“We should in this regard scale up the involvement of the private sector of our two countries in enhancing growth and sustainable development.”

Some of the areas he envisage fruitful collaboration were information and communications technology, agriculture and agro allied businesses; health matters including investments in the Nigerian health services sector;.

The others were energy especially oil and gas, renewable energy including solar power; services, education, capacity building and entrepreneurship, and science and technology.

“I am confident that the two sides will also use this opportunity to work out any outstanding business issues relating to bilateral trade and investments including access to agreed credit lines.”

He further reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s economy and create a conducive business environment to enhance the ease of doing business.

“While the Nigeria economy is now facing challenges of a structural nature, we are fully confident that we shall return to positive growth very soon.

“This is because the Nigerian government has responded to the situation by adopting policies to boost economic activities and to lay a foundation for long-term growth.

“Our vision is anchored on a paradigm shift in governance towards transparency and accountability and making it easier to do business as we diversify the economy.

“We would also be replicating the skill, scale and speed of infrastructure development and focusing especially on power, roads and rail.

“This business gathering is also coming at a time that Nigeria is pursuing reforms in the oil and gas sector while undertaking major social investments to tackle poverty, equality, and promoting social inclusion.

“We expect that these policies will in turn support the private sector and greater domestic and foreign investment,” he said.

He also called on both countries to “move speedily” to facilitate people-to-people relations through strengthening cultural ties.

Osinbajo also urged both countries to utilise the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between them to promote greater connectivity and make import and export easier.

In his address, Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari, commended the Federal Government’s initiatives in strengthening the economy.

Ansari reiterated his government’s commitment to partner with Nigeria in the realisation of economic prosperity.

He noted that both countries had the potential to diversify their relations and enhance cooperation.

The Indian vice president stressed the need for both countries to synergise in the areas of business and economy to expand their relations.

“Indian investments are in diverse sectors such as communications, power, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, automotive sector and oil, among others.

“We need to synergise our efforts in the areas of economy and business; the vast consumer market, youthful and skilled human resources and expertise in the field of information technology of India coupled with Nigeria’s natural resources, youthful population and strategic location would provide a platform for enhanced economic engagement.

“As both India and Nigeria make an attempt to broad base their economy, they should harness the complementarities in attracting investments which is a key factor for a positive economic growth.

“There is a considerable potential for expanding trade in the areas of automotive components, automobiles, engineering products, IT, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and healthcare sectors.

“Infrastructure development and energy security are key areas for cooperation for emerging economies like India and Nigeria.

“These sectors allow for both our countries to collaborate and benefit from each other’s expertise.

Ansari also urged both countries to take advantage of the agricultural potential they shared to boost opportunities for trade and investment and promote value addition to various produce.

“The Green Alternative Plan – a roadmap to make Nigeria not only self-sufficient in agriculture but also a major exporter of quality agricultural products, launched last month offers an opportunity for sharing of India’s experience in agro-industry sector,” he said.

Businessmen from different sectors in both countries were represented at the forum. (NAN)

TOP/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NAN-AE-14
Threat
Yola, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Muhammadu Bindow of Adamawa has declared that 12 out of the 21 local government areas of the state are facing threat of quela birds.

Bindow made this known on Tuesday when he launched the commencement of the Emergency Migratory Pest Control Programme in the state.

The governor, who lauded  President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Ministry  of Agriculture and Rural Development for the timely intervention, pledged the state government’s support for the success of the exercise.

In his speech, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Waziri Ahmadu, said that the measure was coming after an emergency meeting of commissioners of agriculture with Federal Government as a result of the threat of an invasion of quela birds and other pests from neighboring Niger Republic.

He said “the emergency control programme was planned for the whole country and had commenced in some states.

“By the governor’s permission and in line with the comprehensive programme, I announce that aerial spray activities has commences in
Adamawa today.”

According to him, the schedule of the programme shows that identified quela roosting sites and other sites of pest infection shall all be attacked by aerial spray over the next one week.

Speaking on behalf of farmers, Malam Abdullahi Maikano, lauded government for the measure, which he said would help in saving their expected bumper harvest. (NAN)
AMA/YMU/HA
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(Edited by Yakubu Uba/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

My husband is too temperamental, wife tells court
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Temperament
By Usman Aliyu
Ilorin, Sept 27, 2016 (NAN) A mother of two, Afusat Ayinla on Tuesday pleaded with an Ilorin Area Court to dissolve her nine-year-old marriage to her husband, Aduagba for allegedly being too temperamental.

Afusat, 28, told the court that her husband easily got provoked, saying he had destroyed all her property.

She said that the marriage which was contracted in 2008 was blessed with two children – Abdulkadir and Halimah.

“He is too aggressive and get angry under slight provocation. With this aggression, he has destroyed my television set, home theatre and gas cooker.

“So, I cannot continue to endure again as he will soon destroys me,” Afusat claimed.

Aduagba did not oppose the wife’s relief and said: “she can go if it pleases her”.

He, however, urged the court to instruct the wife to ensure the continuity of the education of the children.

The Area court judge, Mallam AbdulQuadir Ibrahim, adjourned the case till Oct 10 for further hearing. (NAN)

AUO/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

Sokoto guber: S/Court decides Gov. Tambuwal fate Dec.9

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Judgment

By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Supreme Court will deliver judgment in the appeal challenging the propriety of nomination of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of APC in the 2015 governorship election. On Dec 9.

Justice Bode-Rhodes Vivour presided over the panel of six other justices that fixed the date in Abuja on Tuesday.

Alhaji Umaru Dahiru and Mr Aliyu Sanyinna who contested the primaries with Tambuwal had filed the joint appeal.

While adopting his written address, Awa Kalu (SAN), Counsel to Dahiru, urged the apex court to reverse the decision of the Court of Appeal.

The lower court had held that the suit had become academic exercise by virtue of the election of Tambuwal in the April 11, 2015 governorship poll.

According to Kalu, the party’s primary is not conducted in line with the party guideline.

Kalu said the lower court erred in law by holding that their joint suit had no life to sustain it.

He argued that the April 11, 2015 general election could not have rendered the life of the appeal useless, adding that it evolved from a pre-election matter.

“This appeal also cannot be a mere academic exercise because the suit was filed on Jan. 27, 2015 long before the general election was conducted.

“Several frivolous motions and applications filed by the respondents at the Federal High Court in Abuja delayed judgment delivery until the election was conducted.

“My Lords, since all the delay tactics were at the instance of the respondents, the respondents should not be allowed to be beneficiaries of the unjust delays which made expeditious hearing practically impossible,’’ he said.

He, therefore, asked the apex court to invoke Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to resolve the issue to finality.

“That provision empowers the apex court to even act as a court of first instance in the circumstances of the case, Kalu said.

Mr Sunday Ameh (SAN), Counsel to Tambuwal, said the reliefs sought by the appellants at the Federal High Court had been overtaken by the conduct of the general election.

“My Lords the issue has been made status bar with the return and declaration of Tambuwal as winner of that election,’’ Ameh said.

Ameh urged the court to dismiss the appeal on the ground that it had become academic.

Chief Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), Counsel to APC, aligned himself with the submissions canvassed by Ameh, adding that the appeal lacked substance.

The appellants had at the Federal High Court sued Tambuwal and asked the court to declare that the primaries of Dec. 4, 2014 which produced him was unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.

They had prayed the trial court to hold that the exercise was inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2010 and the APC guidelines.

They claimed that the list of accredited delegates was swapped at the election venue and that votes were arbitrarily allocated.

They also averred that the exercise was marred by manipulation, intimidation and threat from the then state government that had backed Tambuwal.

They had also asked the trial court to give an order restraining INEC from acting, publishing or recognising Tambuwal as APC gubernatorial candidate.

They also prayed for an order nullifying or withdrawing the nomination of Tambuwal and for a fresh primary election to be conducted.

Late Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, gave judgment in their favour only to be upturned at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.(NAN)

OMO/AK/OFN

Edited by Akin Makanjuola//Felix Nwadioha

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Pilgrims
Dutse, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) A total of 500 Muslim pilgrims from Jigawa returned to the country on Tuesday after performing this year’s
Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pilgrims arrived at the Dutse International Airport at 12.25 p.m. aboard Max Air.

Alhaji Usman Muhammad, one of the officials of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board who confirmed the arrival, said that the pilgrims were the first batch of the 2,378 pilgrims transported in four batches from the state for this year’s Hajj.

The pilgrims are from Kazaure, Guri, Kaugama, Malammadori and Hadejia local government areas of the state.

Some of the pilgrims who spoke to NAN at the airport commended the Jigawa Government for taking good care of them while in Saudi Arabia.

A pilgrim who gave his name as Alhaji Magaji Ibrahim, from Kazaure Local Government Area, said they were provided with “very good accommodation.”

Ibrahim added that each pilgrim received a stipend of 100 Riyals from the Jigawa Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru.

Another pilgrim, Hajiya Binta Lawan from Hadejia, told NAN that officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Board were “very nice to us.”

According to her, the pilgrims used the period of the exercise to offer special prayers for peace, unity, progress and stability in the country. (NAN) MNB/HA
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

Court orders FHA Homes to open its defence Nov.3

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Defence
By Doris Esa
Abuja Sept.27, 2016 (NAN) The National Industrial Court has fixed Nov.3 for the Federal Housing Authority Homes Limited to open its defence for allegedly suspending its Managing Director, Roland Igbinoba.

Justice Maureen Esowe fixed the date after, Tony Ogbulafor, Counsel to the respondent, concluded the cross-examination of Igbinoba.

Igbinoba said he was suspended by the respondent on June 2, 2015, adding that the respondents did not follow due process

He also claimed that he was not given fair hearing before the suspension letter was issued.

Igbinoba said that all he wanted was fair hearing which the respondent denied him.

The claimant said that he had not been paid allowances and other privileges that accrued to his office since his suspension.

On why the claimant did not immediately proceed on suspension as directed, Igbinoba said that he was exploring all avenues to see that the matter resolved.

Igbinoba is challenging his indefinite suspension from the mortgage institution.

The claimant also joined the Federal Housing Authority and Prof.Mohammed Al-Amin, Board Chairman of FHA Homes as co-respondents.

The board of the FHA Homes had on June 2 ordered Igbinoba to proceed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of the verification of the operations of the institution under his watch.(NAN)
ORD/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

Edo poll:  Transport Companies make brisk business

By Imelda Osayande and Monday Ajogun
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Travellers
Benin, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) Transport companies on Tuesday recorded high patronage as travelers thronged the various major parks in Benin ahead of Wednesday’s governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of the parks visited on Tuesday witnessed large number of passengers waiting to board buses to their various destinations to exercise their franchise.

Mr Oshoke Mamazu, a driver with Afemai Motors, who plies Benin to Auchi, told NAN that more than 30 buses loaded with passengers had left the park to various parts of the state.

“We used to load 10 to 15 buses with passengers daily, but today as I speak with you, more than 30 buses loaded with passengers have left this park.

“Although we have a lot of passengers on ground, the fare remains N800.00,” Mamazu said.

NAN observed that because of the large passenger turnout some travellers were stranded at Owan-West motor Park.

One of the passengers, Mrs Roseline Imogan, said, “I have been here for almost four hours waiting to board a bus to Afuze, but there are no buses to convey us to our various destinations”.

” Mr Etinosa Ebogbe, Manager, “God is Good Motors’, said, “the number of passengers has increased since this morning, but there is no increment in fares”.

NAN reports that the situation was the same in many of the intra-city motor parks in Benin. (NAN)
AJOM /IMEL/KOO/AMY
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abdullahi Yusuf