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Fayemi: God will judge Fayose

Ariwodola Idowu

08066562890

noblearistotle2@yahoo.com

Ado Ekiti, Sept. 08, 2018, (NAN) Ekiti State governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said  he has left incumbent Governor Ayo  Fayose  to God to judge after leaving office.

He said he would accept whatever liability and assets  left behind  by the outgoing government, saying he believed government is a continuum, and that he was coming to office to simply make a difference.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Fayemi spoke while receiving the report of the Transition Committee constituted to interface with the outgoing administration to facilitate smooth change of government.

He said he was leaving the outgoing governor and his regime to God over the alleged mismanagement of state funds and resources.

He  promised to make a drastic change in the life of the people the moment he is sworn to office on October 16.

NAN reports that the governor-elect was reacting to the latest debt figure  released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) which revealed that the debt profile increased from N18 billion during Fayemi’s era  to N117 billion, under Fayose’s watch.

The committee had told Fayemi that the humongous debt was outside arrears of salaries, pensions, gratuities and money owed  retirees and contractors by the Fayose administration.

Fayemi also suggested the enactment of a law to be known as  Transition Act that would  stipulate the duties of an outgoing administration and an incoming administration to pave the way for seamless transfer of power.

This he said had become imperative, given the uncooperative attitude and  difficulties the committee faced in meeting with officials of the outgoing government as well its refusal to allow his own committee obtain information from it.

According to Fayemi, if such law were in place, it would have been difficult for an outgoing government  to refuse to cooperate with his transition  committee.

He said such laws are already operating in countries like Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and the western world.

“The chairman (of the committee) talks about liabilities, that is what government is all about, assets and liabilities, government is a continuum

“We are not unmindful of the fact that there will be debts but we are focused on our agenda to make a difference in the lives of our people

“So for us, we leave whatever that is done by the outgoing government to God and God will handle that in the best way possible

“We want to focus on making the difference in the life of our people, so our people remain our priority

“We hope some reason will prevail between now and inauguration day for the outgoing government to come up with the information this committee

has been asking for since it was inaugurated.”he said

The governor-elect, who promised to hit the ground running after  taking the oath of  office on October 16,  also charged aspirants to national and state legislatures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to familiarise themselves with the contents of the report.

Earlier while submitting his reports to Fayemi, its chairman, Sen. Olubunmi  Adetunmbi said the outgoing government agents refused to cooperate with the committee.

He however said the sub-committees of the Transition Committee was able to meet with 76 interest groups outside of government, including labour unions, interest groups, civil society bodies, development partners who assisted with information of what is going on in the outgoing administration.

“The report we are submitting to you represents the voice of the peoplethat voted you (Fayemi),and it contains what they want in the short term, medium term and in the long term”, he said..(NAN)

ARIS

Ambition
By Ariwodola Idowu
Ado Ekiti, Sept. 08, 2018, (NAN) Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has announced the withdrawal of his ambition to contest for the office of the President in 2019.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the governor, had indicated intention to contest for the nation’s number one position early in the year.

Fayose made this known on Saturday while receiving two presidential aspirants; former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former minister, Taminu Turaki, who came to lobby him and delegates in the state PDP.

He said he had to drop the ambition as mark of sympathy and concern for his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, who lost in the last gubernatorial election in the state.

“I dropped the presidential ambition because of the stolen mandate freely given to my deputy. As a good leader, I cannot abandon my loyal deputy whose mandate was stolen by the APC and be pursuing another ambition.

“My posters are there in a room. I am committed to the recovery of the mandate for now more than anything else,” he said.

NAN reports that before now, Fayose had not only opened campaign offices, but also came out with branded vehicles for campaign for the presidential slot.

The two visiting presidential aspirants assured PDP members in Ekiti that the party would regain power in 2019.

They urged the Ekiti delegates to consider their candidature so as to make the dream become a reality. (NAN)
ARIS/ESAN/IS
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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Ismail Abdulaziz

Aspirants
By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, Sept. 8, 2018(NAN) A total of 47 aspirants under the All Progressive Congress (APC)  have unanimously opposed the adoption of indirect primaries by the party in Katsina State in electing the party’s candidates for the 2019 general elections.

This is contained in a communique signed by Alhaji Abubakar Samaila, on behalf of the aspirants, and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Katsina.

‘’47 aspirants opposed the use of indirect primaries in the state in electing the party flag bearers for various positions during the elections.

‘’Direct primaries remained the most transparent and credible process of electing popular candidates for the party.

‘’We are not part of those who adopted indirect primaries in the state, we have unanimously rejected any process other than direct primaries in electing those that will represent the party in 2019 elections,’’ he said said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party had adopted indirect primaries during its stakeholders meeting held on Thursday, and said that the decision was binding on every member of the party in the state.

The APC Chairman, Alhaji Shitu  Shitu, also said that the stakeholders have unanimously adopted both President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Aminu Masari as sole candidates for President and Governor respectively in 2019. (NAN)

ZI/FHO/

Edited by Hawa Lawal

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By Tukur Muntari
Shekarau
Kano, Sept. 8, 2018 (NAN) Former Governor of Kano state, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Shekarau made the declaration on Saturday in Kano while addressing his followers who converged on his personal residence at Mundubawa quarters in Kano metropolis.

He said that his decision to leave PDP was necessitated by the failure of the National leadership to resolve the lingering crisis which bedevilled the party following the illegal dissolution of the state executive committee.

He explained that the leadership had violated the party constitution by dissolving the state executive committee without giving any cogent reason.

Shekarau added that as a result of the injustice by the PDP and after series of meetings with stakeholders he decided to dump PDP without any formal conditions attached.

“Weighing the available three options, that is either to remain where we are, retire from politics or defect to another party.

“So finally I Ibrahim Shekarau, Sardaunan Kano and my followers have resolved to defect to All Progressives Congress (APC) from today, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018,’’ he said.

According to him, the dissolution of the Kano State Executive Committee of the PDP and subsequent setting up of a seven-member Caretaker committee is against the constitution of the PDP.

“We have tried our best to ensure amicable resolution of the lingering crisis between our side and Kwankwaso side on the sharing of party positions at the state, local government and ward levels but it failed,” he said.

Shekarau said he had no option than to leave PDP because of the inability of its national leadership to respect the earlier court order restraining it from taking the action it took.

NAN reports that the Deputy state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ibrahim KT and secretary, Alhaji Auwalu Danzabuwa as well as gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the party also defected to APC at the occasion. (NAN)
MTM/FHO/IS
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Edited by Hawa Lawal/Ismail Abdulaziz

(more…)

I have forgiven those that invaded my house for the sake of peace -Clark

Clark

Abuja,  Sept. 8, 2018(NAN) Elder statesman, Edwin Clark, says he has forgiven those that invaded his house over alleged stockpiling of firearms.

He made the statement  when Sen. Shehu Sani (APC- Kaduna) visited him in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some policemen on Sept. 4, searched  Clark’s house for alleged firearms.

Clark said he decided to forgive them in the interest of peace and the fact that the Nigeria Police had apologised.

“I have forgotten all that since the Inspector General has apologised to me through a very powerful delegation; I have forgiven them in the interest of Nigeria.

“If I do not,  there are people who are very willing to cause trouble and I do not want that to be done in my name.

“I have also appealed to my youths, my children at home who gathered at Yenagoa in  Bayelsa, who were very upset to be peaceful,” he said.

Clark added that the incident was aimed at discrediting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

He said, “coming to search my house was not a problem, but if it was not properly planned, or with an intention, just to embarrass me and the government then there is a concern.

“Whatever you do, if it fails, it affects the government of President Buhari, if it succeeds perhaps it will go on.”

He said it was unthinkable for him at his age and consistent call for peace, to stockpile arms.

He further said it would be unfair and unreasonable to think that a 91-year old man, who had been fighting for peace in the country and had directed youths to lay down arms, to stockpile arms.

“So today at 91, I should be gathering arms in my house,” he said.

The elder statesman said he had written the President, requesting a full investigation into the incident and those behind it, and not to make those that searched his house  scapegoats.

Earlier, Sani said he was in the house to express concern over the incidence.

“I am pleased that the Police have taken action.

“I will call on you as a father to accept the apology of the police and also to do everything possible to work and express your opinion so that advantage should not be taken on this issue.

“You are not an elder statesman for a section of the country. You have fought for the peace  and unity of this country.

“You are a repository of history of this country; you know what happened yesterday you know what is happening today and we will still need you for the future of this country,” Sani said.

The lawmaker cautioned security agents, who in as much as they needed whistle blowers and informants, to be careful with the information they worked with.

He further warned that false information and whistle blowing could be sources of instability and crisis in the country.

“Intelligence agencies and security agencies must do a background check on people who provide information to them so as not to rubbish their image and that of the government.

“I am of the firm believe that as a father, you will take this as simply an act that was done without the full intention of the person in the position of power in Nigeria.

“But I know very well that the need for probe is important so that we do not simply make scapegoats of very few people while those behind it are somewhere in the dark.”

“Your case should be the beginning of an end on the use of false whistle blowers  and false informants to intimidate, harass and rubbish the reputation of innocent Nigerians.

“You have paid the price for the peace and unity of this country and that should be appreciated.

“I have no doubt that it was an intention to rubbish the name of Buhari’s government by this act and to set him against the people who respect him,” he said. (NAN)

CJM/FF/IA

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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Idris Abdulrahman

Monarch
Omu-Aran (Kwara) Sept. 8, 2018 (NAN) An atmosphere of joy pervaded the Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on Saturday following the approval of a new monarch.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government had given approval to Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti who was the kingmakers’ nomination to fill the vacant throne of the Olomu of Omu-Aran.

Adeoti’s approval was contained in a statement signed by the Kwara State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Saidu Abeeb in Ilorin on Friday.

Abeeb had earlier presented the certificate of appointment as the new traditional ruler of the community to Adeoti in his office.

This development came barely nine months after the death of the last occupant of the throne, Oba Charles Ibitoye, who joined his ancestors on Nov. 30, 2017 after a brief illness.

Ibitoye, from Ijawusi ruling house, ascended the throne in 1993.

A NAN correspondent in the community reports that scores of people ranging from artisans, traders, businessmen and women were seen dancing and rejoicing round the town over the appointment of the new monarch.

Scores of people were also at the Ijoko compound of the Olomu-elect as early as 9am to felicitate with the family and the community.

Chief Bisi Adeyemi, President, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) described the development as “heartwarming”.

“It is a thing of joy for us in Omu-Aran that this historical event is happening during our lifetime.

“We give kudos to the people of the community, particularly the kingmakers, the government and other critical stakeholders, for their untiring and selfless support while the process lasted.

“We pray that the reign of the new monarch witness peace, unity and tranquility,” he told NAN.

Mrs Mogbonjubola Awoniyi, the Iyaloja (Market Leader) in Irepodun Local Government Area, on her part, described Adeoti’s appointment as a “round peg in a round hole”.

Pastor Doyin Lawal, President, Omu-Aran Youth Forum (OYF), in his own contribution, pledged the support of the youths to the Olomu-elect and the Olomu-In-Council in moving the community forward.

“We will not relent toward ensuring the enabling environment and atmosphere for peace and unity to reign in our community” he said.

Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, on his part, applauded the State Government for yielding to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the community over the throne.

He urged both the indigenes and non-indigenes in the community to imbibe tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence in their dealings.

The Olomu-elect, Oba Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, who hails from Olomu-Efon ruling house, was born on Sept. 22 1956 into the family of Malam and Mrs Yusuf Amuda Adeoti Awoyinka of Ijoko compound, Omu-Aran.

He attended Saint Paul’s Anglican School Omu-Aran and Government Secondary School, Ilorin for his primary and secondary education respectively.

Adeoti proceeded to the famous Kaduna Polytechnic, where he obtained his O.N.D., H.N.D. and P.G.D. in Urban and Regional Planning. He also obtained M.Sc. in Environmental Management.

His work experience commenced with the Kwara State Housing Corporation. He also worked with Kwara State Ministry of Works, Lands and Survey, the Ministry of Lands and Housing, and the Kwara State Town Planning and Development Authority.

He served and rose through the ranks to become the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of the Town Planning and Development Authority for two terms before he voluntarily withdrew his service in May 2018. (NAN)
ISHO/FF/SOA

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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Oluwole Sogunle

Image attached Oba Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, the Olomu-elect

Immunisation

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, Sept. 8, 2018 (NAN) A Paediatrician, Dr Okiemute Olibamoyo, on Saturday in Lagos decried poor parental attitudes, beliefs, behaviors and concerns toward their children’s immunisation.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that vaccine hesitancy by parents had been a major characteristic responsible for childhood deaths in the country.

Olibamoyo, of the Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, urged parents to see immunisation as one of the safest aspects in disease prevention in children.

“One major aspect in disease prevention in children that may go a long way in stemming childhood deaths has to do with immunisation.

“I want to plead with Mothers in Lagos, wherever you are located, that there is always a Primary Health Centre; take your children to the one nearest to you and get them vaccinated.

“It will cost you nothing to do so; regardless of whatever beliefs you have, know that immunisation is safest for you and your children.

“Do not stay back for any reason, let the nurse or the health worker be the one to turn you back and ensure that he or she gives you a date to come back for that immunisation,’’ Olibamoyo stressed.

The paediatrician recalled how a mother recently lost her child of one year and four months because of her refusal to take the child for immunisation.

“We lost a child of one year and four months recently. The child had the body size, the head and weight of a two-months old baby because he had never been immunised all his life.

“Due to the mother’s disregard for vaccination, the child could not develop any immunity and the child died,’’ she said.

Olibamoyo, therefore, called on stakeholders to regularly educate the public on the importance of immunization, especially the newly-wedded, new mothers and the not-so-literate.

The medical expert also observed that some churches did not believe in immunization, urging all clerics to preach the significance of immunisation to their followers.

She said also that exclusive breastfeeding from day one of life, without adding water, would protect a child from all diseases.

“Mothers must learn to breastfeed their children from day one of life, without adding water, noting that that was a common misconception that some mothers have.

“They give their children water because they feel breast milk is solid and therefore, they need to give water.

“Breast milk is 98 per cent water and two per cent calories, which is just enough for brain development and for the survival of any child, till he gets to six months.

“At this time, the child’s growth needs are accelerated, energy needs are more, and breast milk cannot meet up with it; at this time, the mother needs to introduce complementary feeds in addition to breast milk.

“Breast milk should not stop till the child is two years, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). (NAN)
LED/PIO/PIO
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(Edited by Idonije Obakhedo)

FDSH expects unchanged inflation rate for August

Inflation
By Olawunmi Ashafa
Lagos, Sept. 8, 2018 (NAN) FSDH Research, a member of FSDH Merchant Bank, says it expected inflation rate (year-on-year) in August 2018 to remain unchanged at 11.14 per cent, the same rate recorded in July.

FSDH said this in its monthly Inflation Watch posted on its Website.

It, however, observed moderation in the prices of some food items in August, saying the contraction in the agriculture sector might place pressure on food prices in coming months.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) will release the inflation rate for August on Friday, Sept. 14.

“FSDH Research’s analysis indicated the value of the naira depreciated at both the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) and the parallel market at end-August 2018.

“At the NAFEX and parallel markets, the value of the naira depreciated by 0.40 per cent and 0.08 per cent to close at $/N362.65 and $/N306.15, respectively at the end of August.

“The marginal increase in the international prices of food coupled with the depreciation in the value of the naira placed an upward pressure on prices of some consumer goods in August.”

The research firm said prices of food items that it monitored in August moved in varying directions.

It also said the movement in the prices of food items during the month led to a 1.10 per cent increase in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Index.

“This index increased year-on-year by 12.76 per cent, up from 251.66 points recorded in August 2017.

“We also observed an increase in the prices of Transport and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels divisions between July and August 2018.

“We estimate that the increase in the Composite Consumer Price Index (CCPI) in August would produce an inflation rate of 11.14 per cent, same as the figure recorded in July.” NAN)
AWA/TÁ
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi