Blog

NAN-AE-18

Weather

Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy weather conditions over the central states with chances of early morning isolated thunderstorms over Abuja, Jos, Jalingo, mambilla, Markurdi and its environs on Friday.

The predictions are contained in the Weather Outlook issued by NiMet’s Central Forecast Office (CFO) on Thursday in Abuja.

It said that localised thunderstorms were likely over Minna, Bida and Ilorin axis in the afternoon and evening hours with maximum temperatures of 26 to 31 degrees Celsius.

The agency predicted that the southern states would experience increased morning cloudiness with probabilities of localised rains over Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Calabar with maximum temperatures of 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.

It also predicted that the inland and coastal cities of Delta, Bayelsa and Lagos, Benin, Akure, Ibadan, Enugu and Awka would experience localised thunderstorms/rains in the afternoon and evening hours.

NiMet also predicted that northern states of would experience cloudy to partly cloudy situation over most places in the morning hours.

It added that there would be prospects of isolated thunderstorms over Birnin- Kebbi, Yelwa and southern Bornu later in the day and maximum temperatures of 30 to 34 degrees Celsius.

According to the prediction, the country is expected to witness varying degrees of rainfall activities most especially the central and the southern cities in the next 24 hours. (NAN)

OYS/AMY

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Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-99

Recovery

Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Thursday condemned the call by some individuals on the Federal Government to sell some of the nation’s assets as panacea for economic recovery.

The CSOs made their opinions known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

It would be recalled that business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, had last week, advised the Federal Government to sell some of its assets as measure for surmounting prevailing economic recession in the country.

Dangote had added that the step would shore up the Naira against the dollar and other major currencies.

And, at the resuming for the second legislative year of the 8^th Assembly on Tuesday, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, joined Dangote in the call.

Saraki specifically urged the government to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and utilise the funds to halt the recession.

Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), told NAN that the government should not be “deceived’’ into selling the nation’s assets.

“We are strongly against any call to sell our priced assets such as the NLNG or the refinery to any business politician, local or international businessmen in the name of addressing the recession.

“One of the basic fundamental qualities and attributes of a sovereign nation is the ownership of tangible and intangible assets to run the country.

“The biggest democracy in the world, meaning United States, still has assets. It is the assets of a country that attract investors to the country.

“So, why should men of this great country call for our pride to be sold to them? For the sake addressing the economy challenge? How are we sure that this can help the present situation?

“It is a conspiracy between the so-called wise businessmen and this should be discouraged,’’ he said.

Onwubiko recalled that some assets had been sold in the past but that the impact was lost on the economy.

“Assets like NITEL, NEPA, among others had been sold in the name of addressing the economy but where are we today.

“All the government of the day needs to do is to revamp the economy, make the country viable for both local and foreign investors and we’ll be on our way to prosperity.’’

Also speaking, Mr Okeke Anya, Senior Programme Officer with Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), said that selling the country’s assets would not solve the economic problem.

Anya cautioned that should the assets be sold, it may spell doom to the nation, thereby worsening the situation.

According to him, countries that are experiencing recession as Nigeria have assets and think of better ways of dealing with the problems, not selling off assets.

“It is not a welcome idea that our legacy that we have built over the years be sold off for what we are not sure of.

“As a civil society member, economists tell us investment is better than consumption. Consuming your wealth does not make you rich; selling off our investments does not make sense.

“I think it is proper for the government to tell us what we have acquired in past investments. What we should do to increase our assets, returns and our investments to the country.

“We, the CSOs, are calling on the government to revamp the economy with the funds recovered from corrupt Nigerians,’’ he said. (NAN)

COO/YETI/OPI

Edited by Yetunde Bada and Controlled by Olisa Ifeajika

Court of Appeal upholds Gov.Dickson’s election

NAN-H-96

Judgment

By Martins. Odey

Abuja, Sept, 22, 2016 (NAN) The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday upheld the election of Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of Bayelsa.

A former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva, had challenged the decision of the election tribunal that returned Dickson in the Jan.9 poll.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Olukayode Bada led other four justices to decide all the fives issues raised in the appeal against Sylva.

“I have carefully studied the issues raised by the appellant and found them to be frivolous and lacking in substance.

“The appellant had tried very hard to approbate and reprobate. This is not allowed in any of our statues.

“By his sheer participation in the Jan.9 rescheduled election for Southern Ijaw Local Government Area meant that he lost his right to raise any issue on the election of Dec.6, 2015 which was postponed,’’ he held.

Bada also said that The appellant was unable to prove the allegation of non-compliance to the Electoral Act, adding that he failed to discharge the burden of proof sufficiently.

The judge further said that the appellant was wrong to assert that the results from the aborted Southern Ijaw election was cancelled.

“Available evidence shows that no results were collated from the exercise as the poll was proven to have been marred by irregularities and mal-practices.

“The appellant was also wrong when he said he was coasting to victory if all the 120,000 eligible voters in Southern Ijaw were allowed to vote.

“This for us, was a mere wish as the appellant could have been sure of attracting majority of those votes,’’ Bada said.

On whether the Resident Electoral Commissioner was right to have cancelled the election, Bada said the Electoral Act gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the power to mandate any of its officers to do so.

“It is indisputable that the appellant and political party contested the rescheduled election on Jan.9. It was this participation that removed the rug from their feet. It had made them bare footed.

“In other words, since the appellant voluntarily participated in the rescheduled election, he cannot now turn around to condemn the exercise in law.

“He cannot be allowed to blow cool and hot at the same time,’’ he said.

The judge also held that: “no matter the enormity of the allegation of non-compliance, the appellant is still very much required to prove it. He has substantially failed to do so’’.

Bada said the appellant also failed to convince the court that the first respondent (Dickson) did not score the majority of lawful votes.

“With the resolution of all these five issues against the appellant and made in favour of Dickson, the appeal is hereby dismissed and parties are to bare their costs,’’ he held.

NAN reports that the court,however, dismissed two cross appeals brought by PDP and the governor, describing them as counterproductive actions.

NAN recalls that on July 26, the Election Tribunal in Bayelsa held that the supplementary election that took place on Jan. 9 was proper and valid.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa had challenged the return of Dickson in the election, saying the entire process was untidy.

The party attributed the victory of the governor to manipulation of results announced by INEC.

The APC also questioned the cancellation of results in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area viewed as their stronghold. (NAN)

OMO/MO/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NAN-AE-17

Dredging

By Victor Adeoti

Osogbo, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN)The Osun Government is determined to ensure proper dredging of all areas that are prone to flood in the state to enhance free flow of water.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Semiu Okanlawon, the Media Aide to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo on Thursday.

Okanlawon said that dredging work was part of proactive steps taken by the state government to prevent the state from flood disasters.

He said that the flood which destroyed properties in some part of the state on Sept.13, was painful to the state government.

“We are all aware that the present government has been dredging waterways in different areas across the state to prevent flooding and other natural disasters since 2011.

“We have started again to ensure that all our waterways, drains and canal systems are cleared just as heavy machineries have been deployed to various areas to ease flow of water.’’

According to him, the dredging of the water ways will go a long way to preventing flood disaster.

Okanlawon warned the people against indiscriminate dumping of wastes as the nature and character of the waste excavated showed that residents needed more education on their waste disposal culture.

According to him, Gbonmi, Alie Agbede, Fiwasaye, Obatede, Old Garage, Alekunwodo and Ita-Olokan are the areas of focus for dredging in Osogbo Township. (NAN)

VE/MO/MTM/
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Edited by Morayo Omolade
Controlled by Tukur Muntari.

London remains open to EU,  Say Mayor ahead high-level talks
NAN-F-11
Vow
London, Sept. 22, 2016 (dpa/NAN) London will “remain open to talent, ideas and people from across the world” despite Britain voting to leave the EU, Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Thursday.

Khan made this know ahead of a meeting with EU Parliament President Martin Schulz.

He said that the decision to leave the EU “was not what the capital wanted.

He said that he would work closely with the EU and its member states to “boost economic prosperity both in London and across the continent.

“I planned to discuss with Schulz on how he is pressing the British government.

“To “state unequivocally that no retrospective legislation will ever be introduced that curtails the rights of EU nationals currently working in London,” he said.

Speaking in Berlin earlier before meetings with Khan and Prime Minister Theresa May in, Schulz said that Britain needs to leave the EU before parliamentary elections in the bloc in mid-2019.

Negotiations on a Brexit can take no longer than two years, meaning that Britain would have to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

This has set rules for a two-year negotiating process for a nation leaving the EU, by the middle of next year.

May has said that she will not trigger Article 50 this year, but many analysts expect her to do so early in 2017.

Schulz said that considering the highly complex modalities of a British exit from the bloc, he could understand that the British government wanted to take its time over the decision.

He said that it would be impossible for Britons to take part in the mid-2019 election, which sees member states elect deputies to represent them in the legislature in Brussels.

Schulz said he planned to “reiterate that the four freedoms of the single market goods, capital, services and persons are equally important” during his meetings in London.

A narrow majority of British voters opted to leave the EU in a Referendum on June 23. (dpa/NAN)
(Editted by Damilola Oyewole/ Julius Enehikhuere)

NAN-AE-15
Vaccination
By Mamman Mohammed
Damaturu, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The government of Yobe state will vaccinate 627,000 herds of animals against Trans Boundary diseases under the annual mass vaccination programme.

Dr Mustapha Gaidam, Manager, Yobe Livestock Development Programme, made the disclosure on Thursday in Damaturu when the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Mustapha Gajirima, inspected vaccines purchased for the programme.

He said that cows, sheep, goats and dogs would be vaccinated to protect them from diseases carried by migratory animals.

“We are vaccinating the animals against Contagious Bovine Pluro Pneumonia (CBPP), Black Quarter (BQ) and Pest Petit Ruminants (PPR) and, Anti-Rabies (AR) for dogs,’’ he said.

Gaidam said that the state recently recorded mass movement of herdsmen and their animals from other parts of the country.

“Government has demarcated over 1,000 stock routes; the programme is to protect these animal routes against encroachment to ensure free movement and curb farmers/herdsmen conflicts.

“Our existing grazing reserves are becoming congested because of massive influx of livestock farmers into Yobe state,’’ he said.

The manager said that the programme had established `test trail plantations’ for animal feeds which would be transplanted in other parts of the state to boost animal feeds across Yobe.

He advised livestock farmers to visit zonal veterinary offices close to them for routine clinical treatment of their livestock.

In his remarks, the Agric commissioner, Alhaji Mustapha Gajirima, lauded the programme for its consistency and for putting government on its toes to sustain the annual vaccination of animals in the state.

He said the vaccination would translate into healthy animals with hygienic beef and dairy for human consumption.

“This will also improve the revenue base of individual farmers as the government looks into available opportunities for diversification of the economy,’’ Gajirima said. (NAN)
MM/FAT/AEA
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(Edited by Fatima Sule and Controlled by Archibong Asuquo)

Saraki urges ECOWAS to focus more on ending violent conflicts, poverty

NAN-H-92
Conflicts
By Temitope Ponle
Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Senate President Bukola Saraki  on Thursday in Abuja, urged ECOWAS Member States to focus more on ending violent conflicts, the spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons and Reduction of  Poverty in the sub-region.

Saraki made the call at the opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.

He was represented Mr Yusuf Lasun, First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The senate president said that violent conflicts and the proliferation of small arms, has remained a challenge that hampered peace and development in the sub- region.

“With more than 70 per cent of the West African population living below the poverty line of one dollar a day, civil unrest and grievances, both recipes for conflicts become widespread.

“Additionally, 77,000 of the small arms are allegedly within the control of West African insurgent groups; the circulation of illegal arms has increased the proclivity of conflicts within the sub-region.

“The restoration of resources peace to troubled states cannot be solved by one nation in isolation; that is why we are here.

“We can go through our collective experience from different backgrounds and nations, champion various causes that will encourage and improve the quality of lives for the citizens.”  Saraki said.

He further called on member states to focus on modalities and programmes developed to facilitate sub-regional trade and reduce poverty.

“With an estimated population of 362 million people spread across 15 sovereign states, the advantages of a stronger trading link among states will make West Africa the business hub of the world.

“Regional trade lag behind compared to trade with developed and emerging countries outside Africa.

“Joint ventures between states in the development of infrastructure like roads and railway should be in the front burner of our deliberation,” he said.

In his address, Mr Roger Dang, Speaker of the Pan-African Parliament, also reiterated the call for member states to “speak with one voice” and enhance collaboration to address existing challenges.

“Solutions to the problems of Africa is to respect one Africa, one voice.

“We should speak with one voice when faced with these issues and mobilise to fight against terrorism ans violent crime.” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Enehikhuere
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NAN-HE-19

Shares

Lagos, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Activities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday reversed to the downward trend after appreciating for two consecutive days.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation, which opened at N9.691 trillion decreased by 0.17 per cent or N16 billion to close at N9.675 trillion.

Also, the All-Share Index dropped by 48.15 points or 0.17 per cent to close at 28,166.42, compared to 28,214.57 declared on Wednesday following price appreciation.

Dangote Cement recorded the highest price loss, shedding N3 to close at N180 per share.

GT Bank trailed with a loss of 94k to close at N25.83 while Guinness dipped 23k to close at N92.77 per share.

NAHCO lost 16k to close at N3.32, while ETI depreciated by 12k to close at N11.38 per share.

On the other hand, Total Oil led the gainers’ chart by N13.5 to close at N283.5 per share.

Mobil oil gained N8.55 to close at N179.55, while Forte Oil grew by N7.76 to close at N163.11 per share.

Nigerian Breweries appreciated by N1.46 to close at N143.5, while PZ Cussons chalked up 94k to close at N16.19 per share

Diamond Bank emerged as investors’ delight, accounting for 141.37 million shares worth N164.42 million.

FCMB exchanged 48.11 million shares valued at N48.16 million, while FBN Holdings sold 40.76 million shares worth N126.25 million.

Access sold 25.38 million shares worth N141.29 million, while Zenith Bank sold 24.12 million shares valued N371.20 million.

In all, the volume of shares traded decreased by 86.75 per cent as investors exchanged a total of 410.10 million shares worth N3.62 billion in 4,179 deals.

NAN reports that this was against the 3.09 billion shares valued at N6.24 billion traded in 2,815 deals on Wednesday. (NAN)

LUC/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

NAN-H-94

Skills

Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Director-General, National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), Dr Ladi Hamalai, on Thursday urged legislative aides to improve their skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Hamalai, made the call at the opening of a three-day advanced training for senior legislative aides in Abuja, and said that such skill would deepen the aides’ understanding of lawmaking processes.
She said that periodic trainings for legislative aides in the country were critical in view of their role in the legislative processes.
According to her, the quality of bills being drafted by legislative aides plays a major role in the quality of laws enacted by the National Assembly.
“The programme is envisioned to accustom you with the skills and knowledge aimed at enhancing the quality of your operation.
“The programme is also meant to enhance your capacity to conduct research, improve your skills in language and structure of legislation and also strengthen your bill and policy analysis skills,’’ Hamalai said.
She expressed the commitment of the institute towards organizing more training programmes for the aides to keep them at par with their counterparts in other climes.
She urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities available to them to develop “for efficiency in the discharge of their duties’’. (NAN)

CJM/YETI/OPI

Edited by Yetunde Bada and Controlled by Olisa Ifeajika

Sokoto State Govt. hails level of work on public school

NAN-H-74

Schools

By Aminu Ahmed Garko

Gudu (Sokoto State) Sept. 22, 2016 ( NAN) Sokoto State Government on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the level of  work at the Government Secondary School, Balle, Gudu Local Government Area.

Dr. Jabbi Kilgore, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Schools, told the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Gudu after inspecting the project, that the it cost the government about N1.2 billion.

He said the effort was meant to improve the standard of education in the state.

He expressed delight with the level of infrastructure already in place, especially the hostels, classrooms, staff quarters and administrative blocks.

The commissioner said about N112 million was spent to rehabilitate Government Girls College, Sabon-Birni, and N70 million on the reconstruction of some structures at Nagarta College, Sokoto.

He said the projects would provide conducive atmosphere for learning in the state.

” We will continue to accord priority attention to basic educational needs for our pupils to excel in academic performance as future leaders.” ( NAN)
AAG/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman