Buhari Orders Probe Of Death Of NYSC Member

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday ordered independent investigation of the death of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Ifedolapo Oladepo in Kano State.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President’s fresh probe is to unravel the true circumstances surrounding her death.

The President also commiserated with the families of three NYSC members who lost their lives recently during the 2016 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Programme in three States of the Federation, including Ifedolapo.

He described the demise of the young Nigerians as “shocking, sad and unfortunate,” noting that they died in the course of answering the national call to serve.

He urged the families, friends and associates of the deceased to be consoled by the knowledge that their loved ones paid the supreme price while on national service and not for ignoble reasons.

President Buhari also extended condolences to the Director-General and Management of the NYSC over the transition of the youth corps members, Chinyerum Nwenenda Elechi, Ifedolapo Oladepo and Monday Asuquo Ukeme, in Bayelsa, Kano and Zamfara States respectively.

http://dailytimes.ng/buhari-orders-probe-death-nysc-member/

ASUU Ends Warning Strike, Orders Lecturers Back To Class Wednesday

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Tuesday confirmed that it had ended its one week nationwide warning strike over the non-implementation of a 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.

The President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, who said this in Abuja, urged lecturers to return to work.

“We are making progress, especially with the intervention of the Senate. In the next one or two meetings, if we are able to get a clear path to the matter, we will avoid elongation of the strike action.

“I have been receiving these reports that ASUU says strike continues. No. The strike ends today (Tuesday). All lecturers are to go back to work Wednesday morning.”

According to him, ASUU was hopeful of a positive outcome, going by the response coming from the Federal Government.

Credit:

http://punchng.com/asuu-ends-warning-strike-orders-lecturers-back-class/

COAS Orders Investigation Of Woman Murdered 6 Months Ago

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has ordered an investigation, commencing monday into the alleged murder of Mrs. Alice Akparobi, and the shooting of one Shedrack Saduwa in the stomach at Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State six months ago.

The army boss gave the directive in response to the May 16, 2016 petition by lawyer and rights activist, Oghenejabor Ikimi to the Nigerian Army through the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) demanding that the matter be investigated to let justice prevail.

It was learnt that the COAS order for inquiry was directed to the Army Special Investigation Bureau and communicated in an October 7 letter through the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police to Ikimi on behalf of Isaac Akparobi, relative to late Mrs. Akparobi and seriously injured Saduwa.

The military police’s letter to Ikimi, signed by Col. K C Okoro, Commander of the Special Investigation Bureau, requested the lawyer to avail his clients, Isaac and Saduwa to the bureau for interview.

“The interview is necessary to have further insight into your petition. Your client are also requested to come with all relevant, and where necessary, duly certified documents in support of the petition,” the letter further stated.

FG Orders Reintroduction Of History In Schools

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Following the outcry that trailed the suspension of History as a taught subject in schools nationwide, the federal government on Thursday reinstated it across basic schools in the country.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who called for the disarticulation of Social Studies in the current curriculum of basic schools and reintroduction of History as a subject, said this had become imperative given the critical nature of History to the nation’s socio-political development.

The minister made the statement in Abuja yesterday while addressing delegates at the 61st meeting of the National Council on Education Ministerial Session.

The minister also urged the council to consider making the study of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) compulsory for Christians and Muslims to the end of Senior Secondary School.

Adamu said the reintroduction of History as a subject would give the Nigerian child a self-identity of who they really are.

He added that Nigeria owes present and future generations the responsibility of removing all inhibitions against opportunities of acquiring morals and ethics as taught in religious traditions.

Again, Buhari Orders NNPC To Search For Oil In North

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Staff Reporter

For the second time in three weeks, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has received an express order from President Muhammadu Buhari to explore for oil in the North.

This time, the President directed the national oil firm to commence exploration activities in the Benue Trough. The Benue Trough is a major geological formation underlying a large part of Nigeria, extending about 1,000km North-East from the Bight of Benin to Lake Chad.

The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, disclosed the President’s directive on the oil exploration in the North while receiving a delegation from the Benue State Government at the corporation’s headquarters in Abuja.

About three weeks ago, the President had directed the corporation to speed up its prospect for oil in the region, specifically in the Chad Basin and Kolmani River, following the reported discovery of hydrocarbons by Shell in the area.

The 19 northern state governors are also fired up about the prospect of oil production in their domain as they have hired a British firm through the Northern Nigeria Development Company, which they jointly own, to carry out the exploration activities.

But energy analysts and several socio-cultural and other interest groups on Tuesday expressed divergent views on the pressure by the President on the NNPC as regards oil exploration in the North.

The NNPC GMD, in a statement from the corporation on Tuesday, said the new directive was in line with the current efforts to guarantee energy security of the country.

http://punchng.com/buhari-orders-nnpc-search-oil-north/

CBN Orders Bank Workers To Declare Assets

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Central Bank of Nigeria has ordered workers in all the 19 Deposit Money Banks in the country to declare their assets. The move analysts say looks like the Federal Government is beginning to expand its ongoing anti-corruption crusade to the private sector, especially the banking industry.

The directive, which came in a letter through the Banking Supervision Department of the CBN to all the 19 commercial banks in the country about four weeks ago, gave bank officials only one week to complete the assets declaration process, sources close to the DMBs said.

As of Thursday, investigation by our correspondent revealed that all the staff members of Ecobank Nigeria, First City Monument Bank Limited and Fidelity Bank Plc had complied with the directive.

Top officials of Ecobank, Fidelity Bank and FCMB, among others, confirmed the development. The workers said there was a directive from their management asking them to comply within one week.

Narrating his experience, a top official of one of the tier-1 banks, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said, “All our staff members, from the most junior to the most senior, were asked to declare their assets through a court affidavit. It was handled by the company’s lawyer.

“We were asked to declare all our assets, including developed and undeveloped parcels of land, properties, houses in Nigeria and outside Nigeria etc. We were asked to also declare everything, including power generators at home. We complied within one week.”

Top bank executives said the move by the apex bank was not unconnected to the Federal Government’s plans to extend its anti-corruption crusade to the private sector.

It was also gathered that fear had descended on bank workers, especially top officials whose assets were beyond their means.

http://punchng.com/cbn-orders-bank-workers-declare-assets/

Malawi Orders Arrest Of Man Paid To Have Sex With Children

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Malawian President Peter Mutharika ordered the arrest Tuesday of a man paid to have sex with more than 100 adolescent girls as part of a traditional ritual marking their passage to womanhood.

The order was issued after the man from the southern district of Nsanje gave a media interview confessing to have slept with the girls for a fee of between four and seven dollars paid by each of their families.

“I order police to immediately arrest Mr Eric Aniva, investigate him and take him to court forthwith for defilement cases,” Mutharika said in a statement.

This little-known local practice is performed in southern Malawi by men known as “hyenas” at the behest of a girl’s parents after her first menstruation.

The ritual is believed to train girls to become good wives and to protect them from disease, or misfortune could fall on their families or their village.

But it is blamed for spreading AIDS.

In a BBC interview broadcast last week, Aniva confessed to being infected with HIV and sleeping with virgin girls without using protection.

Aniva said that the girls were as young as 12.

“All these girls find pleasure in having me as their ‘hyena’,’ he said. “They actually are proud.”

Mutharika said Aniva should “be investigated for exposing the young girls to contracting HIV and further be charged accordingly.”

He also ordered an inquiry into the role of parents, saying “harmful cultural and traditional practices cannot be accepted.”

The sexual cleansing ritual by a “hyena” is also performed on bereaved widows in Nsanje district to exorcise villages of evil spirits or to prevent another death occurring.

Aniva said a “hyena” was selected by the community based on good morals and that custom did not allow him to use condoms.

Malawi, which has one of the highest HIV infections in the world, criminalises sex with a person under the age of 16.

Credit: Guardian

Court Orders EFCC To Pay N5 Million Damages To Fayose’s Aide

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to Abiodun Agbele, an aide to the Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Mr. Agbele was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on July 1 on allegations of fraud.

The EFCC said Mr. Agbele received huge public funds from a former defence minister, Musiliu Obanikoro, and delivered same to Mr. Fayose.

The judge, Olukayode Fadeniyi, declared that the failure of the EFCC to charge Mr. Agbele to court, since his arrest, amounted to an abuse of his fundamental rights.

He ordered the commission to pay a compensation of N5 million to Mr. Agbele.

The court also ruled that Mr. Agbele be admitted to bail with a bond of N50 million and a surety not below the cadre of a director in the civil service.

Alternatively, Mr. Agbele is required to provide a surety who is a responsible Nigerian citizen, with landed property in any part of Abuja.

“The surety shall depose an affidavit of means,” the court also ruled.

Mr. Fadeniyi also ordered Mr. Agbele to submit his international passport at the commission.

Credit: PremiumTimes

IGP Orders Disarmament Of Biafran Protesters

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Inspector General of Police Mr ?Solomon Arase has ordered the immediate disarmament of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Arase’s order followed the killing some police officers in Asaba, Delta state, by a mob of Biafra campaigners on Monday.

He gave the order to the heads of the police formations in the southeast, saying that IPOB had crossed the line.

“Following the manifestation of the disposition of the armed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) activists to undertake premeditated attacks on Police officers engage in operations aimed at restoring public order in states in the south-east and south-south geopolitical zone of the country, the inspector-general of police,IGP Solomon E. Arase has directed the assistant inspectors general of police and the commissioners of police in the affected area to disarm members of the group operating firearms immediately,” a statement issued by Olabisi Kolawole, police spokesperson, on Tuesday, read.

“The IGP noted that the targeted attacks on Police personnel, who have been performing their statutory functions in the most professional and civil manner since the latest resurgence disorder, portrays the IPOB activists who are orchestrating the insurrection as having crossed the threshold in their misguided attempt to test the common will of the nation.

“IGP Arase, while condemning the killing by members of IPOB, also directed the arrest of any member of the group found in possession of firearm and bring him/her to deserved justice, while all IPOB activists arrested in connection with the killing of the Policemen should be charged to court for murder.”

The police say that they “will continue to diligently work towards eliminating any threat to internal security and assure Nigerians of their commitment to their safety and security.”

Credit: Sun

Court Orders IG To Arrest PDP’s Acting Chairman

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase to arrest anybody who parades ‘himself or herself’ as the acting chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) pending the determination of a suit before it.

Justice Ibrahim Buba who gave the order insisted that the order earlier issued by the court must be obeyed.

The court had earlier granted an order stopping the convention of the party.

Buba had ruled in a suit FHC/L/CS/613/2016, filed by the acting national chairman of the party, Ali Modu Sheriff; the national secretary, Adewale Oladipo; and national auditor, Fatai Adeyanju, praying the court to abort the convention, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Joining PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants, the plaintiffs, all national officers of the party, averred that their tenures were yet to elapse, contending that allowing the convention would amount to abridging their mandates.

Credit: Sun

Court Orders Jonathan’s Govt To Account For ‘Missing’ N30trn

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to “provide information on the spending of the alleged missing N30 trillion which represents some accruable income during the last four years of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.”

The judgment was delivered last week by Justice Ibrahim Buba, following a Freedom of Information suit number FHC/L/ CS/196/2015 brought by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

SERAP’s suit followed revelations by former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Charles Soludo, that, at least, N30 trillion “has either been stolen or unaccounted for, or grossly mismanaged over the last few years under Okonjo- Iweala’s watch.”

Justice Buba ruled that: “Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government have no legally justifiable reason for refusing to provide SERAP with the information requested for. The court has gone through the application and agrees that SERAP’s application has merits and the argument is not opposed. SERAP’s application is granted as prayed. SERAP commenced this proceeding by way of originating summons on February 23, 2015, and filed February 25, 2015. Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government filed a Memorandum of Conditional Appearance, a Notice of Preliminary Objection and written address, all undated but filed on September 29, 2015…He who wants equity must do equity. This suit was filed on February 25, 2015. And, from the record of the court, it was served on Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government on July 3, 2015. It took about three months for them to come up with technical response to the simple request for information under the FOI…“Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government have, therefore, been caught by Order 29 of the rules of this court, which requires that an application shall be made within 21 days after service on the defendants of the originating summons…”

Credit: Sun

Buhari Orders Creation Of Technical Committees On New China-Nigeria On Joint Projects

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that technical committees be immediately established to finalize discussions on new joint Nigeria-China rail, power, manufacturing, agricultural and solid mineral projects.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Tuesday quoted the President as giving the directive in Beijing after talks between his delegation and high-ranking Chinese government officials led by President Xi Jinping.

The technical committees are to conclude their assignments before the end of next month. The talks are part of the President’s weeklong trip to China

Buhari had at the talks welcomed China’s readiness to assist Nigeria in her bid to rapidly industrialize and join the world’s major economies.

President Jinping agreed that Nigeria’s chosen path of development through economic diversification was the best way to go. To assist Nigeria to achieve this, China promised to fully support the country through infrastructural development and capacity building.

China also expressed an interest in setting up major projects in Nigeria such as refineries, power plants, mining companies, textile manufacturing and food processing industries as soon as the enabling environment is provided by the Federal Government.

“In response to Buhari’s desire to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production, President Jinping offered 15 million U.S. dollars agricultural assistance to Nigeria for the establishment of 50 Agricultural Demonstration Farms across the country.

China and Nigeria also agreed to strengthen military and civil service exchanges as part of a larger capacity-building engagement.

In line with this, China offered to raise its scholarship awards to Nigerian students from about 100 to 700 annually. In addition, 1,000 other Nigerians are to be given vocational and technical training by China annually.

President Jinping applauded the war against corruption being waged by President Buhari. The Chinese leader assured President Buhari that Nigeria will always have a special place in the affairs of the Peoples Republic of China.

After the talks, Buhari and Jinping witnessed the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding by Nigeria and China.

The agreements include a “Framework Agreement Between the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Development and Reform Commission of the Peoples Republic of China.”

Others were a “Memorandum of Understanding on Aviation Cooperation between the Ministry of Transportation (Aviation) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China” and a “Memorandum of Understanding Between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on Scientific and Technological Cooperation”.

A “Mandate Letter Between the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the Central Bank of Nigeria on Renminbi (RMB) Transactions was also signed.

Credit: ngrguardian

Buhari Orders Thorough Review Of 2016 Budget Before Assent

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Following the passage of the 2016 Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly last week, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered all the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to thoroughly review the budget before it is sent to him for assent.

A source in the presidency said yesterday that Buhari gave the directive just before the Easter break in order to ascertain if any significant amendments were made by the legislature that are inconsistent with the spending plan of the executive arm of government.

He said: “We hope to get the budget this week from the legislature immediately after the Easter holiday. But before the president assents to it, he has directed that it should be sent to all the MDAs to double check it to ensure that there were no significant amendments or errors that could adversely affect the implementation of the budget.

“It is only when this is done and the president is satisfied that there were no material alterations that are not consistent with the objectives of this administration, then he would assent to it.”

The presidency official said that the process of reviewing the budget should not take more than a week or two, following which Buhari would assent to the bill.

“However, if there are significant alterations, it may have to be sent back to the National Assembly until a compromise is reached on what should be passed in the budget,” he explained.

Credit: Thisday

Court Orders Release Of Dasuki’s Former Aide

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

An Abuja High Court sitting at Jabi has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigerian Army, to forthwith, release Col. Nicholas Ashinze, a former aide to the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), who has been in detention since December 23, 2015. ?

In a judgment on Monday, Justice Yusuf Haliru, directed the respondents to immediately release the applicant on self-recognition, saying his detention for over three months without trial, was “?illegal, wrongful, unlawful and constituted a blatant violation of the fundamental rights of the applicant”.

The court also ordered immediate release of documents and items the anti-graft agency seized from the house of the applicant. Col. Sambo Dasuki ?Justice Haliru blasted both the EFCC and the Army which he said acted as if Nigeria was still under military ?dictatorship.

“The EFCC is a creation of the ?law. The court will not allow it to act as if it is above the law. It is remarkable to note that the motto of the EFCC is that nobody is above the law, yet they are acting as if they are above the law.

“The EFCC Act is not superior to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The respondents in this matter have not behaved as if we are in a civilised society. They have behaved as if we are in a military dictatorship ?where they arrest and release persons at will. ?

“The respondents, I must be bold to say- the EFCC and the Army- have behaved like illiterates”, the Judge added. ? He said the constitution stipulated that any person so detained should be charged to court within reasonable time not exceeding two months from the date of arrest. Justice Haliru stressed that under section 36 of the 1999 constitution, as amended, an accused person is deemed innocent until his guilt is established.

? “Why has the 1st respondent kept the applicant without bringing him to court? Why was the applicant, being a serving military officer who could be easily reached, not granted administrative bail? Or is it that the applicant has been found guilty and already serving his jail term?

? “Nobody should be subjected to the whims and caprices of the EFCC. The essence of the rule of law and constitutional provisions is to ensure a just balance between the ruler and the ruled, between the powerful and the weak.

“Though the EFCC has the responsibility to investigate financial crime, it must however conduct its operations in accordance with the rule of law.

“The court is empowered to guard against i?mproper use of power by any member of the society or agency, EFCC inclusive.?

“The detention of the applicant, for all intent and purposes, is not just unfair but unfortunate”, the court held.

Credit: Vanguard

Court Orders Release Of Jonathan’s ADC

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court in Abuja says the detention of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ADC by the EFCC without trial is unlawful and that he should be released immediately.

According to Trial Judge, Yusuf Halilu, the EFCC is a statutory government agency set up to save the country from corrupt practices and not to serve as a holding prison for the Nigerian Army under which Colonel Adegbe is still serving.

Justice Halilu ordered the EFCC to release him immediately until it is ready to arraign him before a competent court of jurisdiction.

Justice Halilu, however, struck out two other reliefs sought by Colonel Adegbe asking the EFCC to apologize and pay him 100 million Naira in damages on the grounds that Colonel Adegbe is a serving officer in the Nigerian Army.

Counsel to the former ADC, Mr Ogwu Onoja, had approached the Federal High Court to enforce the fundamental human rights of his client whom he said was still in detention with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since his arrest two weeks earlier.

Credit: ChannelsTv

Buhari Orders Investigation Into Recent Benue Killings

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into the clashes between herdsmen and indigenes of communities in Benue State in central Nigeria.

A statement by a spokesman for the President, Garba Shehu, said Mr Buhari expressed deep shock at the latest incident during the past week, which led to hundreds of deaths in four communities in Agatu, Benue State.

He ordered security agencies to get to the root causes of the problem.

“We will conduct an investigation to know exactly what happened. The only way to bring an end to the violence once and for all is to look beyond one incident and ascertain exactly what factors are behind the conflicts,” he said.

President Buhari stressed that all Nigerians must learn to live together as one, in peace and unity.

“We are all one nation and one people. There should not be any reason why Nigerians of any group or tongue cannot now reside with one another wherever they find themselves after decades of living together.”

The President further expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue State, particularly the people of the Agatu communities, assuring them that the government would do everything possible to ensure that no such incident ever occurred in their midst again.

“Once the investigations are concluded, we will act immediately to address the root of the problem,” he said.

Credit: ChannelsTv

Nigeria Consumer Agency Moves Against Multichoice, Orders Compensation For Users

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) on Monday ordered MultiChoice Nigeria to compensate its subscribers and henceforth provide them toll-free lines for their complaints.

MultiChoice Nigeria Limited is Nigeria‘s biggest provider of Digital Satellite Broadcast Television (DStv) service.

CPC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Abiodun Obimuyiwa, said in Abuja that the order followed an extensive investigation over alleged violation of consumers’ rights by the company.

Following CPC’s order in line with the Order of Council of February 16, 2016, MultiChoice Nigeria said it confirmed its commitment to continue its engagement with the CPC to resolve the matter in the best interests of DStv subscribers.

Mr. Obimuyiwa said the CPC had ordered MultiChoice to suspend its service when consumers were away, while releasing free-to-air channels even when subscription had expired and compensate consumers for lost viewing time.

The council also ordered the cable television company to introduce local toll-free lines and reasonable equitable spread of popular sports channels, among others.

In addition, the CPC said MultiChoice would, for 18 months from the date of the orders, subject its processes to the Council’s inspection to ensure compliance with the directives contained in the orders.

Credit: PremiumTimes

CPC Orders MTN To Pay N1.85m To Subscriber Within 14 Days

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Consumer Protection Council on Wednesday directed MTN Communications Limited to pay within 14 days the sum of N1.85m to one of the winners of its Ultimate Wonder Promo for lack of due diligence.

The council’s order came on the heels of a complaint brought by Mr. Omeje Fidelis against the telecommunications company alleging that he had been underpaid after he was declared winner of N2m in the said sales promotion, which was held in 2012.

According to Omeje, he participated in the promo and was called through MTN line 180 on October 10, 2012 that he had won N2m in the Ultimate Wonder Promo and that on October 12 of the same year he got a text message informing him of the presentation ceremony fixed for October 19 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The complainant had claimed that during the said ceremony, he was presented with a dummy cheque of N2m with his name on it, interviewed and paraded before the media and the world as a winner of the said amount.

He recounted further that he was stunned to receive another call from MTN line 180 on November 2, 2012 that his winning was N150,000 and was thereafter given a Verve ATM card for that amount.

MTN, in its response to the Council’s intervention, denied the claim of Omeje, saying that he was from the on-set informed that his winning was N150,000 and that the complainant deceitfully presented himself when winners in the N2m category were called forward on the day of the prize presentation.

The company had stated further that Omeje’s antics was discovered at the verification of winners, which was done after the ceremony and he was thereafter contacted through its 180 line on his misrepresentation pursuant to which he apologized.

Credit: Punch

Senate Orders NDLEA To Stop Harassing Kashamu

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Senate on Wednesday ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) to stop any further harassment of Senator Buruji Kashamu over allegations bordering on drug peddling said to have been allegedly committed by the lawmaker in the United States of America.

The order by the Red Chamber of the National Assembly came on the heels of a petition written and sent to its committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition by Barrister Ajibola Oluyede, counsel to Kashamu, over alleged plans by the NDLEA to abduct the embattled senator.

Through his lawyer, Kashamu told the committee that based on information he got from some whistle blowers within the agency, while the plan to abduct him has reached advance stage, the arrangement is that he should be whisked to the United States on phantom charges of drug trafficking.

Oluyede informed the committee that the plan which is coded ‘rendition plot’, had always been used by the American government against fugitives or terrorists, non of which Kashamu can be said to be.

Specifically, Kashamu’s counsel fingered the immediate past Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade as the person behind the plot, saying, having failed to achieve such illegal action against Kashamu when he was NDLEA boss through court pronouncements, he (Giade) was now trying to achieve it as Special Assistant on Narcotics to the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF).

Credit: Leadership

Buhari Orders Customs To Distribute Seized Rice, Others To Displaced Persons

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammudu Buhari has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to transfer relief items in various customs warehouses to designated officials for onward distribution to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Service Public Relations Officer, Wale Adeniyi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

According to Adeniyi, the Comptroller General has set up a national committee that would coordinate and manage the movement and the transfer of seized relief items to give effect to the president’s directive.
He said the relief items currently in government warehouses for distribution to the IDPs included goods that had been forfeited to the federal government.

“It is important to stress that these items are only those that have been condemned properly in the competent court of law and have been forfeited to the federal government.
“They include food items like rice, vegetable oil, spaghetti and essential items like soap, used clothing materials, mosquito nets, beddings and others,’’ he said.

Credit: Thisday

Securing Chibok Girls My Responsibility, Buhari Orders Investigation Into Abduction

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into the theft of the 219 girls from Government Secondary in Chibok, Borno State in April 2014.

The investigation would seek to, among other things, unravel the remote and immediate circumstances leading to the kidnap of the girls by Boko Haram terrorists as well as the other events, actions and inaction that followed the incident.

This plan was revealed on Thursday when President Buhari met with some of the parents of the Chibok girls behind closed doors.

The President assured the parents that he remained fully committed to his pledge to do all within his powers to save the girls.

“I assure you that I go to bed and wake up every day with the Chibok girls on my mind.

“The unfortunate incident happened before this government came into being.

“What have we done since we assumed office? We re-organized the military, removed all the service chiefs and ordered the succeeding service chiefs to deal decisively with the Boko Haram insurgency.

“In spite of the terrible economic condition we found ourselves in, we tried to get some resources to give to the military to reorganize and equip, retrain, deploy more troops and move more forcefully against Boko Haram.

“And you all know the progress we have made. When we came in Boko Haram was in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno. Boko Haram has now been reduced to areas around Lake Chad.

“Securing the Chibok girls is my responsibility. The service chiefs and heads of our security agencies will tell you that in spite of the dire financial straits that we found the country in, I continue to do my best to support their efforts in that regard.

“This is a Nigeria where we were exporting average of two million barrels per day at over 140 dollars per barrel. Now it is down to about 27 to 30 dollars.

“You have been reading in the press how they took public funds, our funds, your funds and shared it, instead of buying weapons. That was the kind of leadership I succeeded. That was the kind of economy I inherited.

“God knows I have done my best and I will continue to do my best,” President Buhari said.

Credit: ChannelsTv

Court Orders The Arrest Of Tompolo

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has issued bench warrant against Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo for failing to appear before it to answer to a 40 count charge of alleged 13bn fraud.

The court had earlier threatened that it would order the arrest of the former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) if he fails to appear in court today.

Credit: SunOnline

Amaechi Orders FAAN To Erect Befitting Headquarters

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, on Wednesday directed the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to erect an appropriate and befitting headquarters within the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for itself.

Mr. Amaechi, accompanied by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and some key management staff of the agency, gave the directive at the FAAN’s headquarters. He gave the order shortly before embarking on a tour of the airport’s facilities. He said the present FAAN’s headquarters was not a befitting office.

Mr. Amaechi, who expressed his discomfort with what he observed, wondered why FAAN, despite its huge revenue-profile, could not build a befitting office for itself since its establishment.

He said that safety was not negotiable and that it should not be toyed with, adding that after safety, the next thing that should be discussed and uppermost to FAAN should be an appropriate office space.

“From what I have observed, this is not a befitting edifice and office that should house FAAN workers. Once we have discussed safety, the next thing should be the construction of new FAAN office,” he said.

Credit: PremiumTimes

FG Orders Deployment Of NNPC Staff To Petrol Stations

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Federal Government, yesterday, ordered the deployment of staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to petrol stations across the country to help check sharp practices and ensure the smooth supply and distribution of the product.

This was even as the NNPC stated that about 200 truckloads of fuel have entered Abuja, while another ?567 trucks have been dispatched nationwide under the special intervention fuel supply for the Yuletide season.

This was contained in a statement issued by the NNPC, after ?an emergency meeting between the Minister and senior staff of the NNPC in Abuja.

?The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, who gave the directive during the meeting, stated that the involvement of NNPC’s staff became necessary following the need to ensure total eradication of queues from fuel stations across the country and for effective monitoring of the distribution system.

He urged the staff to be ?ready to sacrifice their Christmas break if need be?, while he called on the staff to work towards achieving zero-queues at their respective stations as soon as possible.

He challenged staff to volunteer for the monitoring exercise, adding that standing up to provide creative solutions to challenges was what the new NNPC is all about.

Kachikwu further stated that though there were a number of challenges in the supply and distribution system that hamper efficient distribution of products across the country, it was time for NNPC to rise above the challenges by ensuring that the special intervention supplies are not diverted or hoarded.

He said, ?“This calls for effective monitoring of the supply system, especially at the end points, to ascertain that what is trucked out from the depots is delivered at the designated fuel stations and dispensed to the public in the most efficient manner. We need you to be out there to help achieve this; we can’t be at ease while Nigerians are going through so much pain to get fuel.”

Credit: Vanguard

FG Orders Investigation Into Why Aero Passengers Disembarked Using Ladder

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The federal government has directed an immediate investigation into the use of an unauthorized equipment by Aero Contractors Airlines at the conclusion of a charter flight to Bauchi over the weekend .

Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika who directed for an immediate investigation said the incident is inconsistent with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).

A statement by spokesman of the aviation ministry said the investigation will determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident with a view to developing and implementing measures that will prevent a reoccurrence of the unsafe and unacceptable procedure that exposed passengers to high risk of serious injury.

He reiterated that if the airline is found culpable, the full weight of sanctions within extant laws and regulations would be applied on it.

The minister assured the traveling public that the ministry of transport in collaboration with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will ensure strict adherence to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations as well as ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices by all operators.

A special charter flight operated by Aero to Bauchi, on Saturday, had problems with unserviceable equipment by the airport management in disembarking about 34 passengers from Abuja. As a result, the passengers had to use a ladder to disembark.

Credit: DailyTrust

Kachikwu Orders Special Fuel Supply For Christmas

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who is spending time with his constituency in Delta State, has given assurances that from 2016, the country’s oil sector will experience a turn around that will allow the refineries work effectively and then petroleum products will be available to Nigerians at affordable prices.

He said that as a technocrat he would give his best with the opportunity given to him to serve as the Minister of State for Petroleum.

On the current petroleum scarcity, the Minister attributed the situation to panic buying and hoarding, warning all those concerned to demonstrate patriotism.

Meanwhile, Dr Kachikwu has ordered what he called a special petrol supply intervention to ensure a hitch free Christmas and New Year celebration.

This order was given to the Pipeline Products Marketing Company (PPMC) for them to embark on special supply intervention measures to ensure country-wide availability of product ahead of the yuletide and beyond.

The NNPC says that daily fuel trucks which leaves depots to Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, Kano, Ibadan and Jos has increased significantly.

Credit: ChannelsTv

Amaechi Orders 48 Hours Cargo Clearance

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Minister of Transport and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday urged maritime agencies in Nigeria to ensure their operations are in line with the 48 hours international cargo clearance policy.

Mr Amaechi made the statement in Lagos State while on an assessment tour of facilities in some parastatals attached to the Transport Ministry.

The Minister also called for the implementation of reforms in all units of maritime agencies.

At the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Resource Centre Mr Amaechi made an on-the-spot assessment of facilities and expressed displeasure with the state of disrepair of Equipment at NIMASA office.

“If NIMASA has the responsibility for security, protection, including search and rescue, then we are yet to begin.

“With the kind of money I hear they have spent, they should have at least gotten equipment for search and rescue,” the Minister said, decrying the state of the equipment he saw.

Credit: ChannelsTV

Court Orders Dokpesi Remanded In Kuje Prison

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered that media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi should be remanded in Kuje prisons pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole, while granting bail to Dokpesi who is standing trial on a six-count charge of fraud and violations of Public Procurement Act, refused to allow the media mogul go home on self-recognition as argued by his counsel.

Rather, the Judge imposed stringent bail conditions on the former chairman of DAAR Communications.

The Judge granted Dokpesi bail in the sum of N200 million and two sureties in like sum.

The Judge also stipulated that one of the sureties must be a civil servant of the status of serving or retired director in the federal or state civil service.

In addition, the Judge ordered that if the surety is retired, he or she must produce a gazette where the retirement is gazetted to show that he was not sacked.

The Judge also said the if the director is still serving, he or she must produce a letter from his permanent secretary.

The other surety, the Judge said, must be a private entrepreneur who must also produce his three years certificate.

In addition, he added that the surety must deposit title deeds worth N200 million which must be verified by the court.

The Judge added that the sureties must file an affidavit of means confirming that they are ready to forfeit their property if the accused escaped.

Credit: Sun

FG Orders Transfer of 250 Million Dollars To Sovereign Account

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Economic Council has approved that 250 million dollars of the 400 million dollars dividend from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas be invested in the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to increase capital.

The balance of 150 million dollars will be shared among the states of the federation according to the prescribed formula at the federation account.

Briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the council meeting presided over by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, said that the decision was taken after reviewing the report of the 2014 status of the fund.

The NEC has also directed the Minister of Finance to constitute an executive nomination committee and work in consultation with NEC to find appropriate persons to take over as board members of the NSIA when the current board is dissolved.

The Council was also told that the balance of Excess Crude Account (ECA) still stands at 2.257 billion USD indicating that there is not much change from the last report.

The council mandated the Ministry of Finance to also investigate the report that some government agencies collect revenue in foreign currency, but remit the Naira equivalence to the federation account.

Credit: ChannelsTv

Buhari Orders Arrest Of Dasuki, Others

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Staff Reporter

President Mohammdu Buhari Tueday night ordered for the arrest of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki over the misappropriation of monies for the procurement of arms.

The arrest order was also extended to several others who were found culpable in the saga.

The development was sequel to the release of the interim report by the presidential committee investigating arms procurement.

Credit: Vanguard

Kachikwu Orders DPR To Auction Petrol Hoarded In Stations

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has directed the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR not to seal off any petrol station but instead to auction petroleum products of any marketer found to be hoarding petroleum products at this time.

Dr Kachikwu, who took a monitoring tour of petrol stations in the federal capital, said that the NNPC was deploying all its available resources to bring down the heightening panic buying and appealed to Nigerians to be patient as they bring the situation under control.

Credit: ChannelsTV

Governor Reportedly Orders Suspension Of Prayers In Schools

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has given a directive that henceforth no public or private primary and secondary school in the state should hold morning or afternoon prayers.

The governor also directed that all teachers with effect from next year must be in suits during official hours. A letter signed by the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Education, Mrs Anne O. Odey, dated October 21, said the suspension of prayers will subsist till further notice.

The directive which was sent to all zonal heads in the state said, “the ministry hereby directs all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state to suspend all assemblies (morning and afternoon) till further notice.”

All school heads were directed to comply strictly or risk sanctions.

Credit: DailyTrust

Tribunal Orders Re-Run In Akwa Ibom Gov. Election

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Akwa Ibom State governorship tribunal has ordered for a rerun of the governorship election in the state.

The Tribunal ordered Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct re-run election in 18 local government areas of the state. There are 31 LGs in Akwa Ibom.

Giving its verdict on Wednesday, the Tribunal said it was satisfied that there were discrepancies during the governorship election held on April 11.

The Tribunal further asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the re-run elections.

Credit: Vanguard

Defamation: Court Orders Service On Metuh

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Lagos High Court, sitting at Ikeja, yesterday, ordered that the court process in a N500 million defamation suit filed by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, be served on the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Olisa Metuh.

The court presided by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye gave the order after listening to the claimant’s lawyer, Wahab Shittu. She ordered the service of all processes including the motion for interlocutory injunction on the defendant. Consequently, the matter has been adjourned to November 17 for report of service and/or the hearing of the pending applications for interlocutory injunction filed by the claimant.

It would be recalled that the APC spokesperson slammed a N500 million suit on Metuh over alleged defamation of his character and person. In the suit, Mohammed claimed to have been defamed by a press release allegedly authored and circulated on September 20 by Metuh.

He disclosed that the PDP spokesperson had in the statement accused him of embezzling funds meant for fencing an airport in one of the APC-controlled states in the South-West. He also claimed that Metuh accused him of diverting money he collected to supply ambulances to one APC-controlled state in the South-West.

Metuh had, in the statement, allegedly wondered where Mohammed got the courage to speak on corruption when indeed the APC spokesman had mastered the art of corruption having been “a personal aide to one of the most corrupt politicians to ever bestride the political space of the country.”

Credit: NigerianPilot

Yobe Governor Orders Free Treatment For Bomb Blast Victims

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has directed the free treatment of all victims of Wednesday’s suicide blasts in Damaturu.

The governor in a statement issued by his spokesman, Abdullahi Bego, also sent his condolences to the victims’ families.

The statement reads: “His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims of the suicide bombing attacks in Damaturu today in which 17 people lost their lives and 11 others injured.

“While praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, the Governor has ordered immediate and free medical care for those who sustained injuries in the attack.”

Gaidam also condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly and barbaric.”

Credit: thenationonlineng

Tribunal Nullifies Reps’ Election, Orders Fresh Polls

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Elections Petitions Tribunal siting in Akure, Ondo State, has nullified the election of Victor Akinjo as member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State.

The tribunal nullified the election and ordered fresh polls on the grounds that Mr. Akinjo was not a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party at the time the election was held.

Credit: premiumtimesng

Produce Saraki In 24hrs, CCT Orders IGP Arase

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to arrest and bring the Senate President, Bukola Saraki before the Tribunal on Tuesday, by 10am.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, gave the ruling on Monday, after Saraki for the second time, failed to show up before the Tribunal.

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Code of Conduct Tribunal Orders Saraki’s Arrest

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja has ordered the arrest of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for failing to appear on Friday as the tribunal commenced hearing of a 13-count charge of alleged corruption against him. The chairman of the tribunal, Danladi Umar, issued a bench warrant against Mr. Saraki, brushing aside a Federal High Court order seeking to stop Mr. Saraki’s arraignment.

Mr. Saraki had on Thursday obtained a Federal High Court order directing that the case against him be halted. On Friday, the prosecution counsel, Muslim Hassan, asked the tribunal to order his arrest for failing to appear before it, arguing that the high court had parallel jurisdiction with the tribunal and as such, had no powers to halt a trial of the tribunal.

Mr. Saraki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, however, prayed the tribunal to adjourn the case until after the Federal High Court sitting on Monday. But the tribunal chairman granted the prayer of the prosecutor. The Code of Conduct Bureau had slammed a 13-count charge of corruption on Mr. Saraki.

Read More: premiumtimesng

Akwa Ibom: As PDP Closes Case, Tribunal Orders INEC To Open Defence

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Emmanuel Udom closed their case yesterday, the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to open its defence against the allegations of aiding election malpractices in the April 11 polls.

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Sadiq Umar, gave the order after counsel to the PDP, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), announced that the party would not present additional witnesses originally listed to testify at the tribunal.

As a result, Justice Umar ordered INEC as the third respondent in the petition, to present its defence today (Tuesday) when the proceedings will commence.

Read More: thisdaylive

Buhari Orders Probe Of Past Security Budgets

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The president has ordered the military authorities and the other relevant security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into how monies appropriated in the country’s budgets by the immediate past administration as security vote were spent.

Accordingly, he has ordered that the State House management and other government agencies should stop drawing money from security vote for emergency funding.

Findings revealed that the president gave the directive following a report before him that security votes had been the main channel in which funds were diverted for other unofficial purposes other than government projects.

A dependable source at the presidency said the failure to implement previous budgets on human development was because the allocation security took a huge chunk of the budget proposals of the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Read More: leadership

Buhari Orders CBN To Pay Amnesty Beneficiaries

Posted on August 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari, has directed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to ensure the outstanding tuition, stipends and allowances of all amnesty beneficiaries were paid without further delay.

This is as the European Union (EU) has strengthened its partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, under which the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) is domiciled, to seek ways of ensuring that the programmes meets up with its mandate.

This was confirmed in a statement yesterday by the Head of Communications, Amnesty Office, Mr. Daniel Alabra.

Read More: thisdaylive

FG Orders Continuous Stringent Screening Of Cabin Crew Members

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Federal Government has ordered the Department of State Security Service, DSS, to henceforth carry out stringent screening of all crew members of airlines, especially those operating regional and international routes.

This is as the management of Arik Air on Tuesday commenced critical investigation into activities of its ground staff following the arrest of one of its crew members, Mr. Chika Ugwu Udensi in Heathrow, London in United Kingdom over drug possession.

A presidency source confided in our correspondent that the federal government was highly embarrassed by the involvement of the crew in the dastardly act.

To this end, the Presidency had ordered the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello, to immediately write a circular to the DSS to continuously carry out strict checks on cabin crew members while all the privileges they hitherto enjoyed should be scrapped.

Read More: nationalmirroronline

FG Orders Withdrawal Of Diplomatic Passports From Unauthorised Persons

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The government was miffed by the fact that some Nigerians, who are not entitled to such privilege, are already in possession of the official documents.

A statement signed by Director of Press in the Ministry of Interior, Isiaka Yusuf, said Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Musa Magaji, said government was determined to protect and promote Nigeria’s integrity in the comity of nations.

Read More: nationalmirroronline

Buhari Orders Full Investigation Into How ISIS Leader Got Nigerian Visa

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian government has ordered a full investigation into how a wanted terrorist was granted Nigerian Visa in Lebanon to visit the country.

An official of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign affairs said in Abuja, that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of Visa to the wanted terrorist? who has been on the wanted list of several governments.

It would be recalled that a radical Muslim cleric, Ahmad al-Assir was arrested by Lebanese authorities as he attempted to leave Lebanon to Nigeria via Cairo.

According to the official of the ministry of foreign affairs who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the ministry of foreign affairs has been directed to explain how the wanted terrorist was able to get Nigerian Visa.

“The reported? arrest of the wanted terrorist is a huge embarrassment to Nigeria and the President has directed that the matter should be investigated. The embassy in Lebanon has been directed to furnish the ministry with details of how the man got the visa. The National Intelligence Agency Officer has been directed to provide details of what happened” the officer said.

Credit: vanguardngr

2016 Census To Cost N273bn As Buhari Orders Govt Agencies To Harmonize Biometrics

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The 2016 national population census will cost N273bn, with N10bn needed urgently to ensure the fidelity of the process. Chairman, National Population Commission, NPC, Eze Duru Iheoma, SAN, who led other National Commissioners to the Presidential Villa yesterday, stated this in his operational briefing to President Muhammadu Buhari. Curiously, only about N4bn is allocated for the purpose in the 2015 budget.

Consequently, as part of measures to ensure cost-effective governance, President Buhari has charged government agencies to harmonise collection and usage of biometric data in the country.

The president wondered why each agency would gather its own biometric data, when such data could easily be shared.

He said: “It will be more cost effective if you work together. It helps even the credibility of the election process, as Nigerians of voting age can be identified easily.”

Several government organisations that currently collect biometric data include the National Population Commission, NPC, National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, among others.

President Buhari added that all the agencies should work collaboratively, instead of going in different directions, stressing that adequate data was necessary for planning and development in any country.

Read More: nationalmirroronline

Buhari Orders EFCC To Trace Funds Stolen Under Jonathan

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission to compile documents on funds stolen under President Goodluck Jonathan.

Reports reliably provided on Sunday that the directive was part of efforts to know the exact amount stolen under the Jonathan administration with a view to tracing them to foreign countries.

It was learnt that such documents would be needed by the international community, which had expressed readiness to assist Nigeria to recover the funds.

Buhari, had in a live programme, Good Morning Nigeria, on the Nigerian Television Authority, on July 27, said the international community was willing to assist Nigeria to recover stolen money.

He had said that his administration had started compiling necessary documents that would enable the international community to assist Nigeria recover the funds.

The President had stated, “We are trying to get these documents; we are getting cooperation from the international community. We are going very soon to make sure that those who perpetrated this crime against Nigeria will be faced with facts and be taken to our courts.”

Read More: punchng

Buhari Orders Take Over Of Nigeria’s Airspace Over Gulf Of Guinea From Ghana

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the takeover of the security of the nation’s airspace over the Gulf of Guinea from Ghana, even as he directed the Ministry of Aviation to expedite action on the setting up of a new national carrier.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviattion, Mrs Binta Bello, told journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday, that the president had given instructions to commence the process of taking over the airspace immediately, as neighbouring countries now have the capacity to cover their own airspace. “We have a directive by the president to start the process of securing the management of Nigerian airspace over the Gulf of Guinea, which Ghana has been maintaining since 1945 and there is a move on the ground by Togo and Republic of Benin to take over the management of their own airspace from Ghana,” she said.

She assured Nigerians and the international community that the country’s airspace was safe and had just recorded a score of over 90 per cent by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Read More: thisdaylive

Gov. Ambode Orders Enforcement Of Law Prohibiting Street Trading, Begging

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday directed the Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Other Special Offences to carry out full enforcement of the law restricting street trading in the metropolis. The Governor, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, expressed concern about the resurgence of street trading in major areas of the state, noting that not only do they constitute environmental nuisance, but also pose security threat to citizens.

He said there is an existing law in the state prohibiting street trading, urging those interested in doing business to seek for space in the various modern markets redeveloped by the state government to enhance business activities.

“At the State Security Council Meeting on July 7, it was resolved that the act of street trading that has continued to hamper free flow of traffic on Lagos roads which further constitutes nuisance and security threat to law abiding citizens will no longer be tolerated”.

“Therefore, street traders and buyers will henceforth be arrested and prosecuted. The Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences has been mandated to ensure the Law of the State against street trading is enforced to the letter”, the Governor said.

He said that all security agencies have resolved to beef up security in the State so as to ensure that it remains safe for citizens and investors alike.

He also urged residents in the state not to encourage the trend by patronizing them, saying in doing so, they indirectly aid and abet crime.

Governor Ambode also frowned at the prevalence of street begging, saying that some unscrupulous persons hide under the guise of seeking alms to rob unsuspecting members of the public. To this end, he said efforts will be made to rid the state of street beggars and destitutes.

“We’ve had security reports on the activities of persons who pose as beggars, especially in traffic, but their sole aim is to perpetrate evil. We are putting a search light on this trend and one way to do that is to ensure that we take preemptive measures to forestall this development”, the Governor said.

Credit: vanguardngr

Court Orders Nyako, Son Remanded In EFCC Custody

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday ruled that a former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, and his son, Abdulaziz, should be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission till Friday when applications for their bail would be heard.

In making the order, the judge overruled the argument of the defence counsel who wanted his clients remanded in prison. Mr. Nyako, his son and two others, are standing trial over a 37-count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering.

The EFCC arraigned the suspects on Wednesday after rearresting them on Tuesday. When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty. The EFCC is prosecuting the governor and the three other suspects over allegations of stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

The anti-graft agency had interrogated them over alleged illicit funds traced to companies in which they have interest.

Read More: premiumtimesng

Buhari Orders Re-Issuance Of Villa Press Pass To Deutsche Welle Correspondent

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr Femi Adesina, disclosed this while presenting the re-issued villa press pass to Musa at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adesina said that Musa’s re-accreditation as a State House correspondent was in keeping with Buhari’s commitment to correct the wrongs of the past.

“Part of the change promised by President Buhari is correcting things that were wrongly done before.

“Mr Ubale Musa’s accreditation was wrongly withdrawn. To redress the wrong done to him by the withdrawal, we have returned his Villa Press Pass to him so that he can continue his work without hindrance,’’ he said.

In his remarks after receiving his Villa Press Pass, Musa thanked the President and his media team for restoring his accreditation.

He promised that he would continue to do his work as a State House Correspondent objectively, professionally and with due regards to the ethics of journalism.

Credit: vanguardngr

Court Orders PDP Reps Member To Vacate Seat

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered the Peoples Democratic Party member of the House of Representatives representing Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Godwin Idu, to vacate his seat.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola also cancelled the certificate of return which the Independent National Electoral Commission earlier issued to him as the winner of the March 28, 2015 election for the Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

Read More: punchng

Buhari Orders Removal Of Military Checkpoints

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the military checkpoints set up in the wake of Boko Haram activities in parts of the country be removed.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Aliyu Ismaila, said that Buhari instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to get the Chief of Army Staff and Inspector-General of Police to remove all the military men along the roads across the country during his meeting with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, quoted the President as saying that the soldiers must concentrate more on ending insurgency in the country.

He said however, the checkpoints shall be retained in areas outside the North-Eastern states where the military considered them absolutely essential for the maintenance of national security.

Read More: Punch

Buhari Orders Sale of 9 Presidential Aircraft to Cut Cost

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly ordered that nine government aircraft from the presidential fleet should be sold. The move is aimed at reducing the cost of government, as previously promised by the All Progressives Congress politician, This Day reports.

According to the raw calculations, the presidential fleet, which is registered as Nigerian Air Force aircraft, is one of the largest in Africa and the third largest in Nigeria after Arik Air and Aerocontractors. The annual cost of maintenance of the fleet totals N12billion.

An aviation source disclosed: “Nine, which still have market value, are to be sold immediately to reduce maintenance costs.”

Read More: thisdaylive

Bullet Proof Cars: Court Orders First Bank To Disclose Loan Details To NCAA

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Justice Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court, Lagos on Tuesday ordered First Bank of Nigeria Plc., to disclose details of a loan facility it granted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, over alleged purchase of some bullet proof cars.

The court also gave an order of mandamus compelling First Bank to grant access to or make available to Enough Is Enough, EIE, Nigeria, the information it requested, in a letter dated October 30, 2013.

The judge issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by EIE Nigeria against the bank over its refusal to disclose the information to the organisation.

Read More: vanguardngr

President Buhari Orders Release Of N4 Billion To Fight Boko Haram

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate release of $21 million (N4.2 billion) to the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF. The money is to be released within the next one week to the multi-country military agency fighting the insurgent group, Boko Haram.

Nigeria made a pledge of $100 million as part of funds needed by the MNJTF- made of troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon – to fight the war against Boko Haram.

Speaking while chairing the Peace Security Council meeting at the ongoing 25th African Union summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mr. Buhari said it is time to put an end to the crisis in the African region before the 2020 target.

“Our continents is inundated with conflicts of diverse forms. They include the crisis in Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, and more recently in Burundi.

“As you are aware in 2013 during our 50th anniversary celebration of our union, we as African leaders committed ourselves to the objective of silencing the local guns in Africa by 2020.

Mr. Buhari said though achieving a conflict free continent within five years might seems doubtful with the numerous conflicts persisting, efforts must be made for peace to exist.

He spoke about the Boko Haram crisis and the global dimension to the crisis and added that countries need to partner to curb the crisis.

“In particular, we are witnesses to the rampant destruction of homes, roads, communications lines, vital infrastructures and displacement of persons not to mention terrible loss of lives.

“The Boko Haram insurgency has extended its reach to Nigeria’s neighbours but is not necessarily limited to these immediate countries as terrorism is a global phenomenon with linkages across the globe.

“In this regard, the member countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin, met recently where far reaching decisions were taken to immediately put into operations the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“To this end, the summit approved the immediate provision of $30 million for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“Consequently out of the pledge of $100 million which Nigeria made to the Multinational Joint Task Force, I have directed that $21 million be released within the next one week,” Mr. Buhari said.

Mr. Buhari lamented the situation in South Sudan and Burundi and criticised their leaders for what he termed “bickering”.

“Today’s meeting of PSC, which is to discuss the situations of South Sudan and Burundi, requires us to put these situations in proper context. The people of these countries are suffering while their political leaders are bickering among themselves.

“I believe that it is incumbent upon us as leaders to always place the interest of our countries above narrow and personal interest.

“It is therefore my expectations that at the end of this summit, the PSC will come out with a united message to call on all parties to act in the interest of their people and the entire continent.

“We must change the face of Africa, we must give hope to the hopeless.

“The time to do so is now as we look forward to the much await 2020 to deliver a continent that is at peace with itself, prosperous, a global partner and a democratic show case,” the President said.

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Don’t Call Me “His Excellency”, Abia Gov. Orders

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has formally directed that the appellations: “His Excellency” and “Executive”, be dropped in all official and informal communications with him.

He said he would rather prefer to be addressed simply as “Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State”.

A statement Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Godwin Adindu, said,”The governor wants all public communication to be concentrated on the work and policies of the state and not on the person of the governor and has therefore directed all contractors, political groups, individuals and party loyalists not to put his portrait on billboards, posters and signages but to ONLY use the pictures of ongoing projects in their billboards and posters.

“The governor has also directed the general public to remove all congratulatory posters and election billboards littering the environment as these public posters are defacing the environment of the state. He has further charged the people of the State to be partners with government in ensuring a healthy and beautiful environment.

“He is also, by this directive, re-assuring the good people of Abia State of his mission of service to the people and therefore urged the citizenry to key into the new vision.”

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Amosun Orders Removal Of Jonathan’s Portraits From Offices

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has ordered the removal of portraits belonging to former President Goodluck Jonathan still adorning various government offices in the state.

Amosun gave the directive during his visit to a number of offices and ministries during a routine visit to government establishments. A mild drama ensued when the governor sighted Dr. Jonathan’s portrait in one of the offices at the Ministry of Finance at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Yetunde Onanuga, Head of Service, Modupe Adekunle, and number of Permanent Secretaries, could not hide his displeasure when he saw the former president’s portrait still hanging on the wall.

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IG Orders Tight Security Nationwide Ahead Of Presidential Inauguration

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Police High Command urged members of the public to continue collaborating with officers and men of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to stamp out crimes, including terrorism.

The statement noted that the police had perfected strategies to prepare a safe and secure ground for hitch-free inauguration of new governments nationwide.

Meanwhile, the IG has warned policemen against involvement in land dispute, stressing that such cases should be referred to the court of law or for Alternative Dispute Resolution.

He frowned at the participation of police officers in land issues, which he said bred corruption, noting that land dispute is not a criminal matter that should be settled by policemen unless there is a criminal dimension to the case.

Arase at a meeting with Inspectors and the rank and file at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, cautioned his men against carrying bags for VIPs, insisting that this is not part of their job schedule as security personnel.

Apparently reacting to reports of policemen carrying VIP bags and luggage, especially at the airport and at public functions, the IG who flayed such conduct, stated that any policeman, particularly men of the Special Protection Unit, caught degrading himself would be severely punished.

The IG announced that 36,599 rank and file would be promoted soon, adding that the police management is also working hard to improve the welfare of men of the Force.

Court Orders Banks To Freeze Lamido’s Account, Jigawa State Accounts, Others

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High court sitting in Dutse, Jigawa state capital has ordered all commercial banks operating in the state to freeze accounts bearing the names of Governor Sule Lamido, Birnin-Kudu local government and the Jigawa state government with immediate effect.

The court also summoned all commercial banks in the state to appear before its with statements of their accounts.

The court’s decision followed the refusal of the governor and the state government to obey the court’s order in a judgment to pay the sum of N50 million as compensation to APC senator-elect, Muhammad Sabo Nakudu and one other.

Reports indicated that the court gave the order during a court proceeding presided by Justice Sabiu Yahuza who gave the verdict after the plaintiff through their counsel Barrister Umar Aliyu to complain of dependent’s refusal to comply with the court judgment to pay the damage compensation.

Speaking after the court order, the plaintiff counsel, Barrister Umar Aliyu expressed satisfaction with the court decision, “we dragged Jigawa state governor and the state government, Birnin-kudu local government and state’s commissioner of police to the court for illegal trespass, attacking my client resident in Birnin-kudu town and violation of his right”.

“We convinced the court beyond reasonable doubt with genuine evidence, the court made the judgment in our favor and ordered the dependents to pay my clients the sum of N50 million, the dependent failed to abide by the court verdict within the period provides by the law”.

According to him that was why they went back to court and complained, hence the court ordered and served all the Banks in the state with the order of freezing their dependent’s banks accounts until after the verdicts on the matter.

The Attorney general later called and said “I’m having a meeting with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), I will call you later”, but till the time of filing in this report he didn’t call back.

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Enugu Assembly Orders Arrest Of State Accountant General

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Enugu State House of Assembly has directed the Commissioner of Police in the state to arrest the Accountant-General, Paschal Okolie, for failing to appear before it for the third time.

The Leader of the assembly, Sunday Ude-Okoye (PDP-Awgu North), moved the motion for the issuance of a warrant of arrest on the accountant-general during plenary on Wednesday in Enugu.

Mr. Ude-Okoye said the arrest became imperative because of his consistent failure to appear before the assembly. “We are all from Enugu State and every time he pretends to be sick, but we keep getting information that he attends to his duty. This is the third invitation to him and there is no sign or reason why he is not here. As of today, he is in Enugu State.

“Maybe as one of us said yesterday that we have no powers, he feels that we have no powers indeed and he will continue to fry us like `akara’ in the frying pan. So because of his continuous failure and neglect of this honourable House, l therefore evoke the powers bestowed on us to order the Commissioner of Police to issue a warrant of arrest on the accountant-general,’’ he said

Mr. Ude-Okoye, therefore, moved that the accountant-general should be brought before the assembly on April 21. The motion, which was seconded by John Anichukwu (PDP-Nkanu East), was put to vote and was unanimously passed by the lawmakers. Mr. Okolie was invited by the lawmakers to explain why he decided to withhold the assembly’s monthly subvention.

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Court Orders N’Assembly To Disclose Allowance Paid To Lawmakers

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to disclose financial details of its highly secretive constituency allowances, in a landmark judgment that may unearth the true scale of allowances earned by Nigerian lawmakers.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Abdu Kafarati in a Freedom of Information suit, filed against the National Assembly by a nongovernmental organization, the Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP.

Details of the judgment shows the court directed the Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, to declare all budgetary allocations to members of the National Assembly for Constituency Projects between 2011 and 2013.

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