Tag Archives: Moves

Government Moves To End Niger Delta Crisis, Merge Agencies

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The Federal Government yesterday moved to end militancy in the Niger Delta region.

Addressing State House Correspondents on the outcome of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai joined by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State Mkem Okeke, said governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) have agreed to form a committee that would collaborate with the Federal Government to combat the menace of vandalism and destruction of oil and power installation among others.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, who also spoke after the NEC meeting, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presiding, said the current administration was only on a rescue mission of an economy that was already battered.

El-Rufai also disclosed that the NEC agreed to step up cost saving measures including a reduction of aides, vehicles in the convoy of government officials and merger of agencies as recommended by the Steve Oronsaye Committee on Public Service Reforms and in view of the recession.

“At the federal level, we are suggesting looking at the Orosanye report. We have discussed very important steps to be taken. We have suggested looking at Orosanye report that suggested merger and reduce publications of agencies,” El Rufai said.

According to him: “FG has 580 agencies. They are too many and they cost too much. There is a need to look at those that are duplicated and merge them. That is a report published since 2012. Even within MDAs, we need to consider merging departments. We may not need as many departments as we have. We have discussed implementing a public service renewal programme to get younger people, more IT-saving people into the public service.”

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http://guardian.ng/news/government-moves-to-end-niger-delta-crisis-merge-agencies/

Reps Moves To Bar Acting President, Governor From Second Term

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A Bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution and limit the tenure of an acting president or governor to a single term, passed second reading at the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The amendment bill is sponsored by the deputy speaker and chairman, Special House Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Yussuff Lasun.

The bill provides that no person who had held office of president or governor of a state, or acted as president or governor of a state for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected president or governor, shall be elected to the office of president or governor of a state more than once.

The aim of the bill? is to give constitutional protection to the two term tradition as contemplated by virtue of the combined provisions of sections 137(1)(b) and 182(1)(b) of the Constitution.

These sections provide that the president and governor of a state shall serve in those capacities for a maximum period of eight years.

“However, the Constitution equally envisaged circumstances where a person can be chosen to act as president or state governor, such as when the president or a governor resigns, dies or is impeached,” Mr. Lasun said.

If passed, an acting president or acting governor who served for more than two years in a four-year term, shall only be eligible to contest election to the same office only once.

Such law would have prevented former president Goodluck Jonathan from seeking a second term in 2015.

Mr. Jonathan took over as acting president in 2010 after serving as Vice President since 2007.

This proposed amendment, the deputy speaker said, was inspired by the 22nd amendment to the constitution of the United States of America.

It provides that “no person shall be elected to the office of the president more than twice.

“And no person who has held the office of president or acted as president for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected president shall be elected to the office of president more than once,” Mr. Lasun added.

Credit: NAN

Amnesty International Moves To Stop Nigerian’s Execution In Singapore

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Amnesty International (AI) has called on the president of Singapore to intervene in the case a Nigerian, Chijioke Stephen Obioha, who is facing death sentence in the Asian country.
A statement emailed to Daily Trust by AI’s Media Manager in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the execution of Obioha has been set for 18 November after he was convicted of drug trafficking.
The statement added that the convict has applied to the president of Singapore for a new clemency after an earlier one was rejected in 2015.
AI urged the president to immediately halt Obioha’s execution and grant him amnsety, saying drug-related offences do not meet the threshold of the “most serious crimes.”
Obioha, a graduate of Industrial Chemistry from University of Benin, was convicted on 30 December 2008 after he moved to Singapore in 2005, seeking to join a football club.
Credit: dailytrust

Senate Moves To Ban Street Begging

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The Senate yesterday began a move to enact a law to ban street begging in the country.
The move was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Isah Hamma Misau (APC, Bauchi Central), tagged “menace of street begging and need to rehabilitate beggars”.
Misau expressed concern over increase in the scourge of street begging and nuisance it constitutes on the street of major cities across the country.
“Though street begging is a global urban problem, the situation in Nigeria appears intractable and overwhelming as beggars are now found everywhere especially at motor parks, religious centres, road junctions, venue of ceremonies and other public places,” he said. In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the plenary said the motion should be sustained in addition to the bill. He said the culture that encourages street begging must be reversed.
Credit: dailytrust

Christian Commission Moves To Prevent Pilgrims Absconding

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The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) said it has put in place measures to prevent absconding during Christian pilgrimage.

Rev. Tor Uja, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), made this known at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja

He described pilgrims’ defection after the spiritual exercise as “a sore point” for the country.

According to him, in future only people duly employed and married will perform the Christian pilgrimage so as to check absconding of pilgrims.

“Absconding is a sore point in pilgrimage because even those foreign nations, they want to lure Nigerian youths to stay in their countries. Because Nigerians are energetic, they are brilliant and they are dependable.

“So, many of these foreign nations want to lure them. So, the structures we have put in place include what I have said before, screening.

“We want to limit those who don’t have any proper engagement or family commitment even though they may be sincere”.

He said that pilgrims would not be easily lured when they have responsibilities back home in Nigeria.

Uja told NAN that the engagement of security operatives to monitor the pilgrims is another measure taken by the commission to stall pilgrims’ defection.

He said the commission would also continue to give pilgrims orientations to discourage them from absconding after the exercise.

The executive secretary pointed out that being a faceless person in a foreign country is worse than remaining a poor Nigerian at home.

Uja advised defectors to return to Nigeria in order to contribute their quota to national urged churches to take ownership of the Christian pilgrimage.

The executive secretary explained that the goal of the commission has been to reposition and create a new orientation to Christians and the Church on pilgrimage.

He said that the churches’ participation in the spiritual exercise would enable Christian pilgrims to derive the maximum benefits of the exercise.

Credit: NAN

 

Senate Moves To Legalize Lobbying

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The Senate on Wednesday began the moves to legalize lobbying in the country with a bill tagged, “an Act for the regulation and registration of lobbyists in Nigeria”.

The bill sponsored by Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West) today scaled through second reading and it has been referred to the Committee of Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative actions.

Leading debate on the bill, Melaye said the bill seeks to make provision for registration and regulation of professional lobbyists in the Legislature.

“It makes a provision for the intending lobbyist to be duly registered under the Company and Allied / Matters Act to be able to carry out the business and as such register with the Ministry of Justice to practice as lobbyist in the Senate or House of Representatives or both Houses,” he said.

Defining lobbyist, Melaye said, “It is an activity in which special interests hire well-connected professional advocates, often lawyers, to argue for specific legislation in parliament”.

“lt is a highly controversial phenomenon, often seen in a negative light by journalists and the public. Lobbying takes place at every level of government, including Federal, State and Local Governments, “he said.

Contributing to the debate, Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio cautioned his colleagues against legislating for corruption.

“Until we see who will pay the lobbyists, it will be as if we are legislating for corruption. In view of the fact that it is going to be a profession, I hereby support it so that we can all retire to be lobbyists, “he said.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki said the bill when passed to law would strengthen the country’s democracy.

Credit: dailytrust

Senate Suspends Moves To Amend CCB/CCT Act

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The Senate on Wednesday suspended further deliberation on the amendment of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Tribunals Act as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, announced the suspension following a two-hour closed door session.

The close-door session was informed by a Point of Order raised by Sen. Hope Uzodinma (PDP-Imo West) on the need for the senate to discuss some issues affecting the integrity of the upper house.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Bill to amend the Acts, sponsored by Sen. Peter Nwoboshi (PDP-Delta North), passed through the first and second readings on April 12 and April 14.

The senate, while declaring support for the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, in view of his trial, also suspended discussions on the petition of inflammatory statements on the Senate against Sen. Kabiru Marafa (APC-Zamfara Central).

“The senate in a closed-door session discussed a number of issues affecting the smooth working of the senate.

“And I am happy to announce to our colleagues and the entire nation that after exhaustive deliberations and being sincere to ourselves, we decided to put behind us all things that have divided us since the inception of the 8 Senate and work as a united senate in the best interest of our country.

“We also agreed in the closed-session to suspend the discussion of the committee on Ethics report on Senator Marafa.

“We agreed to suspend further deliberation on the amendment on the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal’s Act and the Criminal and Administration of Justice Act the amendment thereto.

“We agreed that this senate should stand and we do stand by the senate president in his trial until proven guilty by the court in accordance with our constitution and democratic practices all over the world including South Africa, Brazil and Russia.”

The deputy president of the senate further announced that the upper house had set up committees to reconcile the warring factions in the senate and other pertinent issues.

“We also agreed to set up a committee two from each geo-political zone to address all the remaining issues and as part of the reconciliation those in court should consider withdrawing the cases.

“Further to the agreement to set up the committees, the geo-political zones have sent names of their representatives.

“For South South, we have Sen. Akpabio and Sen. James Manager; for North West, we have Sen. Sani Yerima and Suleiman Hunkuyi; for the North East, we have Sen. Bukar Abba and Joshua Lidani.

“For the South East, we have Sam Egwu and Hope Uzodinma; for the North Central, we have Gemade and Abdullahi Adamu; and for the South West, we have Monsurat Sumonu and Sen. Gbenga Ashafa.”

Credit: ngrguardian

FG Moves To Secure List Of Properties Owned By Nigerians In Dubai

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Few weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the federal government has revealed that efforts were in top gear to secure a list of Nigerians who owned choice properties in the country from proceeds of fraud. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, while briefing the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs during the budget defence of the ministry, said the Nigerian government was in talks with the UAE government  in getting a list of all properties owned by Nigerians. 

According to him, with the presence of the new All Progressives Congress (APC) government and the change mantra, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions will be repositioned to effectively carryout their functions. 

On the issue of money laundering and the role of Nigeria’s foreign missions abroad, ?he disclosed that the Ministry is presently engaged  in the recovery of over $300 million laundered money in the State of New Jersey in the United States of America.

Meanwhile, a Senate panel has urged foreign missions abroad to be watchdogs of the federal government in its fight against money laundering which has made countries abroad their safe havens. 

Credit: Sun

Buhari Moves To Stop Senate, House From Buying Over N4.7 Billion Exotic Cars

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President Muhammadu Buhari has frowned at plans by the National Assembly to buy over 400 new vehicles valued at over N4.7 Billion at a time the nation is facing cash crunch.

Mr. Buhari criticised the plan on Wednesday during his first televised Presidential Media chat, saying he had rejected a plan to buy new vehicles for him in the 2016 budget estimates.

“I turned down a N400 million bill for cars for the presidency, because the vehicles I am using are good enough for the next 10 years,” he said.

The president said he was having problems with the National Assembly because they were refusing to subject themselves to the new policy of a Treasury Single Account, TSA, and were planning plan to buy new vehicles.

“As for the National Assembly, we are having problems with them. I think everybody has to subject themselves to TSA as far as federal money is involved,” Mr. Buhari said.

When reminded that as the president, he might have the power to try to stop the purchase, Mr. Buhari said “I will explore that power to stop the expenditure of N50 billion for cars by the National Assembly.

“If I can turn down N400 million for the presidency that I do not need any new car because of the economy, I can’t see the National Assembly spending more that N47 billion to buy cars, on top of transport allowance they collect.

“I have to revisit that story. The budget for their transport allowance comes up to a N100 billion. With the kind of money that goes into the National Assembly, we have to look at it conscientiously and see how we can live within our means,” he said.

Credit: PremiumTimes

FG Moves To Amend Charges Against Orubebe

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The scheduled commencement of trial in the case against former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe was stalled Thursday by the Federal Government’s decision to amend an earlier charge of four counts filed against Orubebe.

Orubebe is charged with false asset declaration and acceptance of bribe totaling N70 million.

The prosecution, led by Peter Danladi had on November 9, 2015 sought an adjournment for two weeks to enable it prepare its witnesses for trial.

The tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar granted the prosecution’s prayer and adjourned to November 26 for the prosecution to open trial.

Thursday, everyone had expected the prosecution to call it witnesses only for Danladi to announce plans by the prosecution to amend the charge.

Credit: Nation

Arase Moves To Remove Lamorde As EFCC Chair- Report

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The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission indicating his plan to recall all police officers who have so far served in the commission for five years, authoritative sources at the police headquarters in Abuja say.

In a letter, with reference number CB/33/80/IGP.SEC/Abj/Vol.52/60, and dated July 14, 2015, Mr. Arase directed the EFCC to compile a list of all officers in the category, and forward to his office without delay.

Sources said the directive, if implemented, would affect key leaders and investigators at the anti-graft agency – including the EFCC chairman – who has also spent more than five years at the commission.

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President Buhari Moves To Aso Rock

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Three weeks after his May 29 inauguration, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday evening relocated to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He joined his wife, Aisha, who had moved in on Thursday.

Before he finally moved in, the President had in the afternoon of Sunday visited the Presidential Villa where he stayed for about 30 minutes.

Those who thought that he had finally relocated to the seat of power were however shocked when Buhari left the premises after spending a few minutes. He later returned finally in the evening.

Credit: Punch

Aisha Buhari Moves To Presidential Villa

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The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has relocated to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, barely three weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was inaugurated.

Since they were inaugurated, Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo have been operating from outside the Presidential Villa.

This is despite the fact that both men have their official residences and offices inside the Villa.

Both of them have been operating from their private residences as well as the Defence House, official residence of the President-elect located at Maitama District, Abuja.

“Hajia (Buhari) arrived here (Presidential Villa) with her entourage at about 6pm on Thursday. She had relocated ahead of her husband. She passed the night here,” a Presidency official told our correspondent on Friday.

As of the time our correspondent visited the First Lady’s Wing of the Presidential Villa on Friday, some exotic cars were seen parked in front of the premises, an indication that Mrs. Buhari was playing host to some guests.

Another Presidency official told our correspondent that the President is expected to join his wife inside the Presidential Villa on arrival from his local trip.

Credit: punchng

Buhari Moves To Aso Rock Villa This Week

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President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will move to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa this week, Daily Trust has learnt.

Due to the ongoing renovation of the State House, Buhari and Osinbajo had been operating from the Defence House Abuja since their inauguration on May 29.

But our correspondent learnt this morning that the contractors, Julius Berger Plc, will complete its work and formally hand over the Presidential Villa today.

As of 12 noon, Julius Berger staff were still renovating the vice president wing of the State House. They were seen painting the walls and fixing air-conditioners.

Some of them told our correspondent on condition of anonymity few minutes ago that the president’s side of the Villa, including his residence, offices and the Council Chambers, had been completely renovated.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, had said last Monday that his principal would move to the Aso Rock Villa when the contractors completed the renovation.

“The contractors are working probably at their own pace. If I need to know or if you need to know this, probably, we have to talk to someone. I am not saying he (the president) is comfortable where he is at his rented house, but he is operating from there at the moment. When the Villa is ready, he will move”, Shehu had told journalists.

Read More: dailytrust

Military Moves Command, Control Centre To Maiduguri

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Following President Muhammad Buhari’s directives to military to move its command centre to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital fight Boko Haram sect, the authorities of the Nigerian Army has heeded to the order and concluded arrangement for all Service Chiefs to move in tomorrow (Tuesday).

The establishment of the Command centre for ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya’ was contained in a press statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman and made available to our Correspondent in Maiduguri on Monday.

“In compliance with Presidential pronouncement and the Chief of army Staff’s directive, a reconnaissance and advance team for the establishment of Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) for Operation Zaman Lafiya for the fight against terrorism and insurgency has moved to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

“The team, which is led by a Two -Star General, has already commenced work in earnest and it is comprised of elements of the officer of the Chief of Army Staff, all the relevant Army Headquarters Departments and other combat support components. The centre will serve as a forward command base for the Chief of Army Staff and other service chiefs.

“The centre is essentially an elaboration of an already existing Army Headquarters Command and Control arrangement. From now on, the fight against terrorism and insurgency would be monitored, coordinated and controlled from this centre.

“I wish to inform you also that its establishment would not create another layer of Command structure but would add impetus and renewed vigour to Operation Zaman Lafiya, all aimed at bringing terrorism and insurgency to an end.

“However, an alternate command centre is also being established in Yola, the Adamawa state capital of the north east”. Colonel Usman stated.

Credit: vanguardngr

Senate Presidency: APC Moves To Resolve Issues

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) is making moves to resolve the rift caused by the tussle over leadership of the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly.

In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party explained that it would meet with the federal lawmakers on Thursday.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold a crucial meeting with all its senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect on Thursday, June 4 at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

“The party will meet with its senators-elect at 10 a.m. while the meeting with its elected members of the House of Representatives is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the same day at the same venue”.

It urged all the elected APC federal lawmakers to be punctual for the meetings. The party, in preparing the lawmakers for the 8th Assembly, held a retreat for the lawmakers on May 22 and May 25.

Credit: NAN