President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has formally replied a letter ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote to the National Assembly on January 13, accusing the country’s federal lawmakers of corruption, greed, lawlessness and impunity.

This came barely days after the Senate President took delivery of exotic cars for the Senate.

In his reply, dated January 29, Saraki responded to Obasanjo’s concern, saying the 8th National Assembly under his leadership was already taking deliberate steps to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and ensure prudent management of resources.

“This is to ensure that we plug all leakages and minimize waste across our expenditure systems,” the Senate President said in the two-page letter.

“Likewise, the 8th National Assembly has made the issue of plugging leakages and cutting wastages in our public expenditure system a major priority that should not be toyed with. This may have happened in the past but it will not happen with us,” he said.

The former president had in his letter, addressed to Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, accused the lawmakers of fixing and earning salaries and allowances far above what the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission approved for them.

He also alleged that most of the 109 senators and 369 members of the House of Representatives were receiving constituency allowances without maintaining constituency offices as the laws required of them.

He faulted the plans by the lawmakers to acquire new exotic cars for themselves, saying “whatever name it is disguised as, it is unnecessary and insensitive.”

He advised that “a pool of a few cars for each chamber will suffice for any Committee Chairman or members for any specific duty.”

But in his response, Saraki told the former President that the lawmakers were fully aware of the challenges the nation was facing.

He said:  “As leaders with a duty, we will not disappoint Nigerians in their yearnings for a more transparent public expenditure system.”

On corruption, Saraki said the National Assembly was working with President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the menace in the country.

According to him, the legislature was already overhauling its oversight functions to make it more effective in exposing corruption in federal ministries, departments and agencies.

He said: “We are hand in glove with the President on this matter and this is why we are overhauling our oversight functions to make it more effective in exposing corruption in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“We recognize the hard work our anti-corruption agencies are putting into this fight.  The Senate is resolved to support them to perform their duty effectively by providing them with adequate funding where necessary, as their work in integral to our oversight responsibility.”

The Barcelona star, who has been given the award for January, has amazingly never previously won the prize which is now in its third season

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been named La Liga’s Player of the Month for the first time in the two-and-a-half-season history of the award.

Messi – crowned the best player in the world for the fifth time at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in January – has ended his wait for the individual La Liga award following an impressive month.

Despite suffering a hamstring problem midway through January, the Argentina star scored six goals in as many matches to help keep Barca top of the league.

The 28-year-old follows Neymar in winning the award – the Brazilian was recognised for the first time in November – with the pair the only Barca players to claim the prize since its conception prior to the 2013-14 season.

“While it may be almost impossible to believe, Messi has finally been named the La Liga Player of the Month,” read Barca’s website on Friday.

“The award has been given out since the beginning of the 2013-14 season and, this January, after 22 other players had been deemed more worthy in past editions, it was finally given to the world’s best player.”

Messi was rested along with Neymar and Luis Suarez for Barca’s 1-1 draw with Valencia in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

A Messi hat-trick helped Barca to a 7-0 first-leg advantage before he underwent medical tests at the start of this week due to renal colic, which kept him out of the FIFA Club World Cup final against River Plate.

Source – goal.com

You probably missed this tweet. Senator Ben Murray Bruce had apparently tweeted another of his now renowned vacuous tweets and this was the punch renowned Twitter user, Feyi Fawehinhi landed on him. We wish the Senator quickest recovery.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Ali Abdullahi, a personal assistant to the chairman of the Code of conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, for alleged fraud.

Mr. Abdullahi is facing a two-count charge for allegedly providing false information to the EFCC during the commission’s investigation of a case of false asset declaration by a former official of the Nigerian Customs Service, Rasheed Owolabi.

According to the first count of the charge, Mr. Abdullahi told the EFCC that N1.8 million collected from Mr. Owolabi was meant to assist his (Mr. Abdullahi’s) father’s medication.

But during a cross-examination, Mr. Owolabi said he paid the sum to the tribunal’s chairman, Danladi
Umar, through a Zenith Bank account belonging to Mr. Abdullahi, with the account number: ? 1002849471.

Mr. Owolabi said he paid the money after Mr. Umar demanded N10 million to influence his case before the tribunal.

The charges read: “That you Ali Gambo Abdullahi, sometimes in August 2013 at Abuja within the judicial division of the court did make a statement to one Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, a detective with the EFCC, while in the course of the exercise of the duty of his office that the sum of N1.8m paid into your Zenith Bank Account Number 1002849471 on December 12, 2012 by one Rasheed Owolabi was a payment made to assist you to settle your father’s hospital bill; which statement you knew to be untrue and thereby committed an office contrary to section 39(2)(a) of the EFCC Act, 2004 and punishable under section (39) (2) (b) of the same act.

“That you Ali Gambo Abdullahi, sometimes in August 2013 at Abuja within the judicial division of the court did make a statement dated 13th August 2013 pertaining to N1.8m paid into your bank account by one Rasheed Taiwo, which is inconsistent with the statement you made on August 12th, 2013 to one Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, a detective with EFCC while in the course of the exercise of the duty of his office and thereby committed an offence? contrary to section (39) (2) (b) of the EFCC Act 2004”.

The case was adjourned to March 15.

Source: Premium Times

Looks like Scott Disick may have moved on from his split with Kourtney. He is rumoured to be seeing Swedish model, Lina Sandberg. According to a source, the pair have met up a few times in Los Angeles.

‘He’s seen her a few times in Los Angeles and thinks she’s really hot,’ the source said. ‘He’s definitely interested and seeing where it goes.’

Lina hails from Malmo in Sweden but is based in LA. Scott’s children, Mason, six, Penelope, 3, and one-year-old Reign continue to live with their mother, but are regularly seen with their father.

Swiss billionaire Margarita Louis-Dreyfus has announced she is pregnant with her second set of twins. The 53-year-old chairwoman of French conglomerate Louis Dreyfus Commodities and widow of French businessman Robert Louis-Dreyfus is expecting twin girls in early April. Margarita and Robert, who married in 1992 had three sons, Eric and twins Kyril and Maurice, before he died of leukemia in 2009.

The expectant mother is currently dating Swiss banker Philipp Hildebrand, 52, the vice chairman of US investment manager BlackRock, however she has not confirmed or not he is the father of her
unborn children.

In a statement made via her company, Margarita confirmed that she plans on continuing her duties as non-executive chairwoman until the birth, before taking a brief maternity leave and returning to work full time in late April.

The Russian-born businesswoman gained Swiss nationality through her first marriage before she met Robert in 1988 on a flight to London from Zurich. Margarita, who was working as a circuit-board-equipment seller when they wed, became a full time wife and mother. However, before his death, Robert set up a family trust called Akira BV to hold his majority stake in the privately held, Amsterdam-based company, naming Margarita the family trustee.

She also owns the Olympique de Marseille football team, and according to Forbes, she is among one of the richest women in the world with a net worth of $7.1 billion.

With her late husband and two of their sons

Folawiyo Energy Limited (FEL) has firmly affirmed its innocence of any infractions of the regulations that guide the sales of petroleum products. The company said that it has not had its own products in storage for the past three months, during which it has only stored and distributed products for the NNPC, without any involvement in collecting payments from the companies taking the NNPC stock. A company spokesperson said that FEL has notified the appropriate authorities of these facts and has protested the unfair attempt to tarnish its corporate reputation.

A statement signed by Adeshola Komolafe, public relations consultant to FEL, said that: “Our attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly issued by the spokesperson of the DPR announcing sanctions on our company for allegedly “allowing Sahara Energy to use its depot to sell above the stipulated price”.

“The management of Folawiyo Energy Limited (FEL) has affirmed that its operations conform to best practice and are not in breach of any regulations. FEL is not involved in any conduct that could either invite fines or be construed as selling fuel stocks above regulated prices. How can you sell product you don’t have?

“FEL’s Apapa depot has not held commercial stock since 20 September 2015. Operations at the depot since that date have been purely about dispensing NNPC  and other third party stock, which is done following clear procedures and without any involvement by the company in charging or collecting payment for the stock. FEL has acted merely as storage and throughput providers. Therefore there is no way that FEL would be involved in the unseemly practices that have been unfairly and baselessly alleged. If there is a case against any importer that is squarely between the DPR and that importer. It is beyond conception that the company could be held responsible for a policing/monitoring function which it is neither able not equipped to do.

“FEL cherishes its reputation for proper conduct and has through proper channels vehemently protested this unfortunate attempt to besmirch its name. We have always been partners in progress with  the DPR and all agencies of government and strongly believe that the necessary corrections will be made.”

The ongoing investigation into the $2.1 billion arms deal involving a former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki? and some of his associates took another twist Thursday, with the former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa exonerating himself of any wrongdoing.

There has been a chain of revelations as to how the money was dispensed, with the ex-governor’s name featuring prominently as collecting about N4.6 billion for “spiritual purposes”.

However, an aide of the former governor who served under him as a Special Adviser on Youth and Students Matters, Alhaji Akibu Dalhatu told our correspondent yesterday that his boss has no such financial dealing with the former NSA nor did he collect any money from him for any purpose.

“The former governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa did not receive any money from Col. Sambo Dasuki for any arms deal or for any purpose” Dalhatu said.

Dalhatu who said had visited the former governor at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, added that his boss was never arrested at home or anywhere else as has been alleged in some quarters. He said Mr Bafarawa merely honoured an invitation extended to him by the anti-graft agency.

“The truth is that Governor Bafarawa went to the EFCC to honour an invitation made to him by the agency while he was abroad. He had informed them through a letter by his lawyers that he was abroad and would honour their invitation on return. Governor Bafarawa went to the office of EFCC with his lawyer and an aide” he said?

He was however quick to lament what he described as orchestrated media campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of the former governor noting that it “appears that the media is being used to play out a script that has been written long before now”

“We have seen deliberate falsehoods published in the newspapers and social media platforms, designed deliberately to tarnish the image and person of Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa. Some of the writers and media outfits have access to Governor Bafarawa and his media advisers. It would appear that the media is being used to play out a script that has been written long before now” he added.

At least 3,952 people have been killed in the US-led coalition’s campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group in Syria, according to a monitoring group.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday the death toll included a total of 250 civilians.

The air strikes occurred in the period between September 2014 and November 23, 2015, SOHR said.

The US announced the formation of the coalition against ISIL in Syria and Iraq in September 2014 which then included 28 countries. It now includes 65 countries.

Among those killed were 66 children below the age of eight, and 44 children above the age of 18.

At least 3,547 ISIL fighters were killed in air strikes on Hama, Aleppo, Homs, Hasaka, Raqqa and Deir Az Zor.

The air strikes also killed 136 al-Nusra Front fighters.

The Dalai Lama has said God will not help us in the wake of the ISIS Paris attack – because ‘humans have created this problem’.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said the rise of suicide bombings could not be countered ‘only through prayers’ and described the terrorists as ‘short-sighted’.The 80-year-old told DW:

 ‘We cannot solve this problem only through prayers. I am a Buddhist and I believe in praying. But humans have created this problem, and now we are asking God to solve it. It is illogical. God would say, solve it yourself because you created it in the first place.
‘We need a systematic approach to foster humanistic values, of oneness and harmony. If we start doing it now, there is hope that this century will be different from the previous one. It is in everybody’s interest. ‘So let us work for peace within our families and society, and not expect help from God, Buddha or the governments.’

A young couple have died in a tragic honeymoon accident in South Africa six days after exchanging their wedding vows.
Lynette 26 and John Rodgers ,28 drowned on Friday after getting caught in a rip tide while swimming at Plettenberg Bay.
According to Daily Mirror,Members of the National Sea Rescue Initiative attempted to resuscitate the couple after they were discovered washed up on the beach, but they were declared dead by a NSRI team doctor.

Lynette, 26, an NHS physiotherapist, from Holywood, Co Down, was swimming with her husband
John, 28, from Ballygowan, Co Antrim, when tragedy struck on Robberg Beach.

They got caught in a rip tide while they were swimming at Plett Bay.They were both healthy, both decent swimmers and both very physically fit but the tide was just too much for them.

When he began his first stint as Nigeria’s Head of State after a coup in 1983, General Mohammadu Buhari promised not to allow the “the nonsenses of litigation” interfere with his fight against corruption. He then proceeded to oversee an anti-corruption drive characterized by public executions, secret military tribunals, and imprisonment for journalists who dared to disagree with his policies. He jailed hundreds of high-profile politicians, businessmen, and civil servants, and instilled enough fear to dissuade many others from corrupt practices. Today, Buhari’s supporters hail those efforts as ‘sanitizing’ the system. Evidence, they say, that Nigeria would have been different today had he remained President.

That narrative significantly undermines the role Buhari’s extreme practices played in bringing about his own downfall some 20 months after he took power. As General Ibrahim Babangida, who led the coup to overthrow Buhari, said in a take-over speech, the 1985 coup was to end the “insensitivity of the political leadership.” (Of course, Babangida and his crew were also driven by personal ambition thwarted by Buhari’s clampdown.) The Buharist narrative misses a fundamental point: draconian measures that depend on personality rather than transparent rules that are equally applicable to all are often simply temporary. After Buhari’s ouster (which was greeted with widespread relief), Nigerians went right back to doing what they did before his ascent to power – shrugging off his reign like one would a despised ex-boss.

Today, Nigeria is arguably not much different from when Buhari took power in 1983. As then, the nation is haunted by endemic corruption, dwindling oil revenues, an economic crisis, and a militant Islamic movement. Buhari’s supporters insist he will (again) ‘sanitize the system’ by bringing corrupt former officials to justice. They point to an on-going trial against the current Senate President (a member of Buhari’s own party) as evidence that there will be no “sacred cows” during Buhari’s regime. They justify his decision to retain a key cabinet post – Petroleum – for himself as necessary to re-install order in the oil & gas sector. And, they insist, this time he will rule with respect for democratic due process and the rule of law.

Perhaps they are right. Already, the fear of harsh consequences for inefficient and wasteful government practices appears to be stirring increased productivity in previously moribund agencies. Three of four national oil refineries resumed production in July, operating at between 60%-80% of installed capacity – despite no new investment from Buhari’s administration. And, the recent arrest of a widely condemned former oil minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke, has raised hopes that there will be some serious accounting for brazenly fraudulent practices in the oil & gas sector under her tutelage. Importantly, unlike the on-going trial of the Senate President (whose relationship with leaders of his own party is strained), Allison-Madueke’s arrest is not generally regarded as politically motivated.

But, there are disturbing signs that President Buhari is fundamentally the same man that took power in a coup over 30 years ago: a man unaccustomed to democratic negotiation.  In a 2004 interview, he defended his persecution of the press, critics, and dissidents in 1984/5 as necessary to maintain focus on the nation’s problems.  Just over a month ago, he urged lawyers not to defend corrupt Nigerians, suggesting he misses the entire premise of democracy: guaranteed due process.  And, by delaying cabinet nominations for over four months despite growing criticism, he has shown he is as impervious to negative public opinion as he was in 1984.  It is still unclear why the nominations were delayed for so long, as they contain the same names observers expected six months ago

Most do not doubt that President Buhari is sincere in wanting to “fix” Nigeria, and that he has a vision of what a reformed Nigeria should look like. That is a vast improvement over former President Goodluck Jonathan who appeared to have neither deep convictions nor intellectual depth.

The problem is that Buhari seems to value the ultimate end – i.e. his vision of a “fixed” Nigeria – over the means employed to get there. But democracies are built on the premise that no one person should get to single-handedly determine critical national policy. So, while Presidents play a significant, sometimes disproportionately large role, other institutions must be able check potential excesses. Otherwise, nothing will prevent a future leader from easily undoing reforms. If Buhari’s focus, as it was in the 1980s, is on treating the symptoms of weak institutions (such as unaccountability & corruption) rather than the causes (weak disclosure regimes, lack of transparency & consistency, etc), any policy success will be fleeting.

Luckily, Buhari has (at least) three years to prove he has learned from both his previous mistakes and Nigeria’s history of failed anti-corruption campaigns. To do that, he must oversee a host of enduring reforms that will significantly move Nigeria towards actually potentially “ending” corruption, such as:

• Exhibit goodwill and political commitment by: (1) disassociating himself from chieftains in his own party with credible accusations of corruption against them; and (2) substantively following through on a key campaign promise to publicly disclose his assets (not simply via an aide’s summary posted on Facebook).
• Strengthen the nation’s primary anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Specifically, he must make the EFCC independent of the presidency and appoint competent & motivated leadership for both institutions, with clear political backing and increased funding for the ICPC;
• Push through campaign finance reforms that would require disclosure of party and individual financing;
• Order federal agencies to publish or freely make available upon request all expenditures and awarded contracts;
• Push for enactment of a bill empowering the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publish all asset declaration forms collected and investigated;
• Encourage a race to the top by establishing a regularly updated public rating system that ranks government agencies based on existing “corruption risks” (e.g. in procurement) and on-going efforts to address them;
• Require ministries, including any headed by Buhari himself, to submit public progress reports on anti-corruption efforts; and
• Work with the federal judiciary to institute new process rules that will curb judicial corruption, such as a delineated, clear, timeline (with built-in deadlines) for corruption trials, to avoid outrageous delay tactics effectively employed by previous high-profile defendants.
• In conjunction with Nigeria’s international partners, explore ways to use technology (such as e-payments, electronic surveillance, and computer forensics) to change behavior and mindsets.

Buhari should have learned that enduring change requires a greater focus on process than on outcomes. For a chance at winning his second ‘war against indiscipline’, he must be prepared to be significantly more transparent than he was the first time around.

Amaka Anku runs Dilikam Advisors, an Africa-focused research and advisory firm based in Washington DC. She is also a non-resident fellow at Lagos-based Center for Public Policy Alternatives. Follow her on Twitter at @AmakaAnku.

A former factional Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Dele Olugbemi, has rejected his nomination by Governor Ayodele Fayose as a member of the House of Assembly Service Commission.

Olugbemi shunned the screening and confirmation of nominees on Wednesday but the four other nominees were confirmed by the Assembly.

Those whose nominations were confirmed are a former Speaker, Olatunji Odeyemi (Chairman), Bode Ajewole, Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi and Muyiwa Fadahunsi.

The Leader of Government Business, Olatunji Akinyele, moved the motion for the amendment of the House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2003 (as amended) “to accommodate nominees from the three senatorial districts.”

It was the fourth amendment to the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission Law.

This, according to the House, “is to ensure fairness to all the districts and to ensure equitable distribution of positions.”

Reacting to Olugbemi’s non-appearance and rejection of the appointment, the Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, said a nominee could not be forced to accept an offer.

Oluwawole said, “If you offer somebody an appointment and he says no, there will be a replacement because there are so many people yearning for this opportunity.

“People who are very intelligent and qualified are looking for this opportunity and government will ensure that another replacement is made.

“We stepped it down (on Tuesday) because we wanted to ensure that there is a balance in representation on the commission.

“It had to be stepped down to do some necessary adjustments to ensure equity and fair play because every segment of Ekiti State should be made to feel a sense of belonging.

“It is a development we have to address and it has nothing to do with the fact that somebody declined the offer.

“If I am offering you an offer and you say no, you cannot be compelled to serve in a particular agency or commission, it is a matter of choice.”

Akinyele also said, “It’s no big deal at all, we are to clear the House of Assembly Service Commission board nominees.

“The members have to be five and we are having four nominees now, the fifth person is going to be included so that the confirmation will be done at the same time. That is just the simple reason.”

On why he rejected the appointment, Olugbemi said his action was based on principle.

He added that he was shocked about the manner his appointment as a member of the commission was announced in the media without Fayose first consulting him.

He said, “I’m a member of the appointment committee. I was shocked to hear my name announced on the radio as being appointed as a member of the commission without my knowledge.

“The governor’s action was against the ethos of democracy and he is simply running a one-man show. Since he came into office, he has been operating without regards to the party.

“I gave so much to defend his mandate but he has shown me no respect at all. I was still wondering about the appointment when he sent a message to me that some people were interested in replacing me in case I reject the offer. Since he had decided to preempt my decision, I did not find it difficult to reject the appointment.

“All I did to defend him during the impeachment plot was to prevent the state from plunging into chaos so I have no regret.”

Source : Punch

Dear Youth and Young Adults,

I am honoured to celebrate and mark the 2015 International Youth Day with you. The theme, Civic Engagement, resonates with the Vice President and I for the roles that millions of you played during the last general elections. Civic engagement is at the heart of what it means to be a citizen and today I want to talk about what you and I, what governments and citizens can do to develop a better Nigeria – a Nigeria that delivers on our aspirations and dreams for progress, peace and prosperity.

I try to read for my personal development for at least an hour a day, lately with my schedule, I am lucky if I get 30 minutes. A few days ago I re-read excerpts from Lee Kuan Yew: The Man and His Ideas and I was struck with 3 things that I want to share with you.

1. If ‘the history of man has been a history of his need to get access to more resources, to satisfy his needs’ – then the responsibility of governments is to create a more enabling environment for citizens to work towards meeting their needs.

A more enabling environment would be one where the obvious deficits in our infrastructure are addressed. It would also be one where ‘irrespective of wealth, background or status, you (all) enjoy the same opportunities from primary school to university’. Though blessed with many natural resources, we have found ourselves incapacitated by the Dutch Disease and have wasted a lot of our resources instead of investing wisely for our common welfare. The good news is that we know that we cannot continue to rely only on revenue from the petroleum sector.

Work is a touchy subject in a country with an unemployment rate of over 34%, where 50% of the unemployed are people within the ages of 15-24 and where up to 55% of the unemployed are female. People want to work but there are no jobs.

In 1968 Singapore faced economic existential issues due to its expulsion from Malaysia and Britain’s possible military withdrawal. Job creation was imperative. Someone said to Yew ‘look if you need to create jobs, why don’t you make fishhooks? It takes labour and skill and…it’s high value added’.

What are our fishhooks? What are the best opportunities for use of labour and skill in Nigeria? Where are the opportunities for developing skills we do not have or do not have in sufficient numbers to create a competitive advantage and where can we best add high value to what we and the world already have?

We must create and expand opportunities in technology, agriculture and trade.

Apart from the obvious challenges with the petroleum industry, I ask myself – do we have enough young people trained to take over half the jobs currently being undertaken by expatriates? Do we have enough Nigerians who can build and maintain oilrigs, make the pipes, drills and bits that are needed in this industry? How many related patents have Nigerians filed since crude oil was first discovered in the Oloibiri oilfield on January 15 1956?

Our creativity in the arts is celebrated worldwide. It makes us proud. I know we have equal and maybe even better talent in the sciences. Technology is changing daily and I worry that the world is leaving us behind. How best do we strengthen our STEM curriculums and how can we get organizations such as the Petroleum Development Trust Fund thinking beyond the foreign doctorate and masters programs to create a viable research and development hub right here in Nigeria?

We all agree that we have not scratched the surface of our potential in agriculture – the story of Malaysia and where they got their palm kernel seedlings from is legendary to our shame. Now we can add loss of ground to Ghana and Japan in exporting yams – when everyone knows our yams are the best. We must get to work.

I am pleased to announce one fishhook that the 36 governors have all signed up: to a project to ‘make farming cool’ designed by PAT Farms and to be executed in collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Each local government will commit 10 hectares for the creation of greenhouse farming estates which will be serviced with built in irrigation and technical support. 10 hectares gives us 100 greenhouses, which gives us a total of at least 77,400 greenhouses. Eligible young Nigerians of no more than 35 years will under terms and conditions that ensure the enterprise is mutually beneficial to them and the states, will be given 5 years to operate. Each cluster will employ at least 125 people directly – when we get this running, this project will employ thousands; a mere scratch on our unemployment numbers but it is a good start and fulfills some regional obligations under the Youth Decade Plan of Action (2009-2018) and the Ouagadougou 2004 Plan of Action on Employment Promotion and Poverty Alleviation. Details of the project will be formally published within a few weeks.

2. ‘If you have a system where the chap who cuts corners is a man who gets rich and the man who studies hard is the chap who’s a mug then you will fail’

Unfortunately, this is how we have operated in Nigeria over the last few decades but we can change this with the right incentives and deterrents. We must create a society where only hard work and enterprise is rewarded and where what distinguishes you is how productive you are.

Aspiration is human. Wanting better things is what drives most and when you work hard there is absolutely nothing wrong with being able to afford the good things of life. What is important acknowledging the balance between our satisfaction and our responsibility to our communities and appreciating the connection between our welfare and happiness and the welfare and happiness of our neighbours. Let us work hard, pay our taxes, earn an honest living and spend our hard earned earnings on things that will enrich us and let us start planning for the day where most of our spend is on items that are made in or assembled in Nigeria.

3. ‘A well-kept garden, is a daily effort and demonstrates the people’s ability to organize and to be systematic’.

Yew shared how hard it was to build a garden city in a country of only 718 km² – smaller even than the city of Lagos at 999km². Worrying about landscaping and how best to recycle water for the lush green lawns which did not come naturally due to the climate in Singapore would not have seemed like a priority when the country was worried about economic survival but with planning and commitment, Yew made it happen. One key lesson: small things matter. The same dedication we pay to generating revenue, fighting corruption and securing our lives and properties, is the same dedication we must pay to keeping our streets clean, maintaining our offices and preserving public spaces. Take nothing for granted. Everyone in society has a role to play in building the country we say we want – from the street cleaners to the generals, from the receptionists to the nurses – everyone is adding value to the nation doing what they do and we must undertake every task with dignity and attention to detail. If we can’t take care of the small things well, we will never take care of the big things well.

If today I have focused predominantly on employment and work ethics, this is not to trivialize the many other obligations government has to Nigerian youths. It is because tackling unemployment was one cornerstone of my campaign and I believe getting more people working will reduce the tragic numbers of Nigerians endangering their lives to migrate to Europe in search for a better life.

As the months go by, you will hear more about our initiatives to improve education, health, research and development and job creation. The ongoing initiatives such as YouWin, the graduate internship scheme, vocational training schemes, etc. will be reviewed for their effectiveness and strengthened as appropriate. I urge you to share your thoughts and your ideas about possible ‘fishhooks’ at the specially created portal of the Presidency’s website at www.asorock.org

I end with a favourite quote of mine by James Baldwin which I have adapted for obvious reasons. “ I love Nigeria more than any other country in the world, and exactly, for that reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually”.

But don’t just criticize – do something. Be relentless in your attention to detail and to your civic responsibilities and never tire of trying to make Nigeria the country of your dreams. Keep demanding, keep asking, keep calling the attention of your federal, state and local government – to things that should improve. Do not forget to say where things are going well – it is human to enjoy praise and those in government are very human. This will encourage us to continue to put in our best. In the quest for a better country for us all – we all have roles to play, and we must take responsibility for our part.

Thank you.

God bless Nigeria

*This is an imaginary speech given by the President on August 12 2015 International Youth Day

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has shut facilities belonging to six major depot owners in Apapa Lagos culpable of flagrantly disregarding the government directive that the depot price of petrol should not be above N77.66 per litre.

The depots closed by the agency, according to New Telegraph, are AA Rano, Ascon, Obat, Integrated Oil, Sahara Energy and Swift Oil.

DPR, it was gathered, held separate meetings with the affected companies over the issue with no positive result.

“Efforts by the government to ensure that the fuel is sold at N87 per litre to Nigerians at the filling stations could not yield the desired results because depots are sabotaging these efforts by selling the products to filling stations above the ex-depot price of N77. 66 per litre, and still claim subsidy payment.

“This action has made their counterparts to begin to display their prices using various outdoor media,” a source told New Telegraph newspaper.

He added that complaints by some Nigerians that they buy the product above N87 per litre “will soon be a thing of the past.”

Meanwhile, DPR has threatened to withdraw their licences for violating the pricing template and guidelines of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulating Agency (PPPRA).

On Sunday, the DPR announced the sealing of 12 filling stations in Abuja and many others in Ibadan and Osun state for profiteering and selling above government approved prices.

A statement by Mohammed Usman, the DPR Zonal Operations Controller, said in Abuja on Sunday that the 12 stations had brought to 34 the number of filling stations sealed by the DPR in Abuja and environs.

It said that surveillance was carried out by four teams covering Abuja and its environs.

“A total of 46 filling stations were visited and the exercise indicated availability of PMS in the stations with some queues observed”, it disclosed.

The statement named the stations as Harry Pet filling station in Gwagwalada for selling PMS at N110; Drison Oil filling station at Giri for selling PMS at N100 and Ohinoyi Oil in Kwali for under dispensing with -3770 mls.

Also sealed were Gausiya filling station at Giri where one pump was sealed for under-dispensing with -740 mls; Adelhi Ltd filling station at Masaka for selling PMS at N105 and Hariz Pet at Masaka sealed for selling PMS at N110.

Oando Plc at Maraba Aso was sealed for suspected diversion of PMS (45,000 litres), Mobil New Nyanya had one pump sealed for under-dispensing with -730 mls and Badeggi Petrol station at Dikko Junction sealed for selling PMS at N110.

Others were Edewa Ltd at Kwamba Suleja sealed for selling PMS at N105, Shemaco filling station, Kwamba Suleja was sealed for selling PMS at N97 and Dee Jones, Kwamba, Suleja was sealed for selling PMS at N105 and under dispensing with -420 mls.

The statement noted that the affected stations were to remain sealed for at least one month as well as forfeiting their bridging claims for the products in question.

Earlier in July, the DPR shut 23 private petroleum products depots across the country also for selling PMS N77.66 per litre.

A lawyer and rights activist, Kabir Akingbolu, has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over allegedly failure to keep to their promise to Nigerians during their electioneering campaigns to publicly declare their assets.

Akingbolu, who initiated the suit, is contending that by declaring their assets secretly, Buhari and Osinbajo have violated Section 172 and Section 11 (1) and (2) of the Code of Conduct for public officers under the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Other defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and the Code of
Conduct Bureau, CCB.

Buhari and Osinbajo had declared their assets to the CCB secretly, a development which drew public condemnation, with many insisting that it was a departure from the anti-corruption posture of the president and his vice.

Akingbolu, is asking the court to declare that it was mandatory for the CCB to publicly publish the assets of Buhari and Osinbajo.

He is further praying the court to declare that the secret declaration of assets by Buhari and Osinbajo was unconstitutional.

He also want the court to mandate them to publicly declare their assets in line with the Code of Conduct for public officers under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

Akingbolu, in an affidavit in support of the suit, averred that Buhari and Osinbajo made it abundantly clear while canvassing for votes from Nigerians that they would publicly declare their assets in order to prove that they would run a transparent government.

He further averred that under the code of conduct, the President and the Vice President were duty as public officers to declare their assets publicly, and that the duo have breached the said stipulation by not publicly declaring their assets as dictated and mandated by the Constitution.

He added that the sad aspect of the development, was that the CCB “has been shielding Buhari and Osinbajo by not publicizing their purported declaration of assets in line with the law.”

“I know as a fact as a legal practitioner that Buhari and Osinbajo are duty bound to declare their assets publicly and it will be in the interest of justice, public peace and good governance to grant the reliefs in this suit,” he averred.

Source: Vanguard 

Increasingly, the business world is competitive. It evolves daily with innovations, challenges and new trends.  An effective brand strategy gives you a major edge in increasingly competitive markets. But what exactly does “branding” mean? Succinctly put, your brand is your promise to your clients. It clearly shows them what they should expect from your products and services and such differentiates your offering from the crowd or competitors. Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.  Your brand strategy is how, what, where, when and to whom you plan on communicating and delivering on your brand messages. Where you advertise is part of your brand strategy. Your distribution channels are also part of your brand strategy. In fact, everything is about your brand strategy, certainly.

Consistent, strategic branding leads to a strong brand equity, which means the added value brought to your company’s products or services that allows you to charge more for your brand than what identical, unbranded products command.

In the 21st century business world, entrepreneurs’ need to build strategic brands that would transcend to the future. There are basic fundamentals SME, corporate and evolving organisations should have in mind in building an enduring brand.

Without these foundations, one cannot successfully build an enduring brand. The truth is when the fundamentals fail, the brand suffers.  A brand is built on foundation of these fundamentals.

DEFINATE VISION:  An enduring brand must have a definite vision. A vision is an expression of corporate ambition.  Vision is an aspiration or description of what an organization would like to achieve or accomplish in the mid-term or long-term future. It is intended to  serve as a clear guide for choosing current and future decisions. Therefore, every brand as a matter of foundation should have its vision well defined from the inception. It will birth corporate values, ethos and beliefs.

COMPETENT HUMAN ENERGIES:  Yet another deciding factor for brands.  Some refer to it as human resource, but it connotes same thing.  Brands must have very motivated and competent human resources that are passionate, prepared and persistent about the brand’s vision.  When your brand’s resources are not ambassadors of the brand, then there is a clog in the wheel of your progress.  Constantly identify how to motivate your “energies” towards your corporate vision. It pays to do so.

SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:  Nothing wrecks brands like financial recklessness. To mention brands that have kissed the dust based on this single action is messy. The effect is better imagined that experienced. Therefore, enduring brands must have very sound, technical financial management in place. Things should follow the established rules and regulations.  Most especially in Africa and Nigeria in particular, people want to cut corners on their duties with the hope of deceiving the system. Hence, every brand managers should ensure proper financial technicalities to cage mismanagement. This is vital for brands.

EXECELLENT LEADERSHIP:  This is the ability to guide, direct, control or manages a set of people. This is crucial in brands management. The old adage that says “When the head is bad, the whole body will be affected” is very apt here. If your business must succeed, then up your leadership skills regularly. There are various trainings, free seminars on leadership development to attend.

STRATEGIC PLANNING:  Strategic Planning is putting positive efforts into your future. For your brands to last, you need to constantly ensure plans ahead of your competitors.  Be alert of new trends, inventions and technologies in your service industry.  Learn to embrace these new ideas if you must remain industry relevant.

GOOD CORPORATE VALUES: Do you know that your corporate values determine what you value which in turns determines your corporate value in the industry? Think on that!

Brand value exists in segments. You need to indentify your niche market and play there. A brand succeeds when the fundamentals are taken care of.

Sunday Osanyintuyi, with over 12 years rich media industry experience, Sunday is passionate about using media for national development. As an expert in media relations and corporate communications, Sunday consults for SME, churches and other corporate organisations to maximize their media exposures. He belongs to some professional bodies like Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR), and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) among others. He has undergone international trainings on media, leadership, and management.

sundayosanyintuyi@gmail.com

Twitter: @SundayOs

What Would You Do if this was you ?

Crisis is brewing in the Peoples Democratic Party over the election of principal officers’ elections in the National Assembly among its senators.

One of the senators, who spoke with journalists on condition of anonymity in Abuja on Thursday, said powerful forces in the party were planning to install their cronies as principal officers of the party in the National Assembly.

It will be recalled that the party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, had on Wednesday announced the zoning of the offices to different zones.

Metuh said that in the Senate, the party zoned the office of the Minority Leader to the South-South and the position of the Minority Whip was moved to the North-Central. However, the North-East and South-West, he said, will provide the Deputy Minority Leader and the Deputy Minority Whip, respectively.

In the House of Representatives, Metuh said the PDP caucus in the chamber had already zoned the placement of the Minority Leader to the South-South without informing the party.

He said the party had accepted the decision.

Metuh listed other offices, as zoned by the party, to include the Minority Whip to the North-West and the Deputy Minority Leader to come from the South-East while the North-East will fill the position of the Deputy Minority Whip.

The senator said that the zoning had pitched some influential leaders of the party, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, against the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, as well as the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

The family of the former President was said to be rooting for Senator George Sekibo as the Minority Leader while both Ekweremadu and Wike were against such a choice.

The immediate-past Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, who is now a senator, Chief Godswill Akpabio, was also said to have shown interest in the same position.

Akpabio’s ambition, however, is against the Senate Rules on ranking.

The opposition party is expected to bring its decision on the zoning to the Senate on July 21, when the upper chamber resumes plenary.

A senator from the South-South zone, who spoke with journalists, said that the crisis was “capable of weakening the PDP ahead of its role as a viable opposition party in the years ahead.”

He said, “We are seeing the All Progressives Congress crisis now. Ours is also in the making, because before July 21, if we too don’t sort ourselves out, we can at best say that what is capable of weakening the PDP ahead of its role as a viable opposition party in the years ahead may have been planted.

“We all thought the issue of Senate Minority Leader has been laid to rest until the Deputy Senate President called us for a meeting in his house, where he sort people’s opinions on the propriety or otherwise of selecting Sen. John Eno for the position.

Punch

On June 22, 2015, (Page 32) THISDAY newspaper reported that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) would, from September 1, 2015 mandate that “all transactions involving the identification of individuals must be done with the National Identification Number.” This means that it would not be possible for Nigerians to conduct transactions “offered by applicable government institutions” (for example, opening a bank account, applying for a license, participate in social welfare programs) unless they acquired the agency’s ID card and a National Identification Number (NIN), “which is the single version of truth and the foundation identity”.

Does the NIMC have the authority to impose such a diktat? Section 27 (1) and (2) of the NIMC Act, 2007 appears to provide the undergirding for this fiat. And it cannot be gainsaid that identity is the strong pillar that underpins security, banking, credit, social welfare, civic participation, etc. Thus, the Commission’s case for its authority is rather convincing. But as we discover in Logic, what is convincing is merely convincing, not necessarily true. A different picture emerges upon closer examination showing that this authority is a contingent one. The aim of the NIMC being the creation of “Foundation Identity”, the sine qua non for such an undertaking is primary data, specifically, Births and Deaths registry. This registry is required to first exist because it constitutes the “Trusted Process” that must undergird a “National ID.” Data that is at present available to the NIMC can be considered secondary data (defined as any data set with dependency on another more basic set for validation – for the purposes of illustration, for your passport enrollment (2) you need proof of citizenship (1)). This type of data set (secondary data) is never used as the basis of a national identity program. In fact, nowhere in the world are identities established on the basis of secondary data. When we are talking about “National ID”, i.e, “Foundation Identity” it must be based on primary data – births and deaths – because only this data set is acceptable as the basis for determining eligibility (the right to a passport, the right to vote, the right to participate in social welfare programs, etc can only be conferred by this record only).

Primary data – births and deaths registry – is the absolute condition precedent (and every banker knows about “the condition precedent”) for any national ID system. Such a registry does not yet exist in Nigeria. This is the crux of the matter.

To be sure, the NIMC process of data acquisition was designed to ensure that its database is tightly coupled and interoperable with other data sources necessary to vouchsafe enrollment records. Indeed, one of the most important requirements in identity management technology is creating interoperability between many identity records systems. The entire process is not meant to simply pass a document from one point to another, but rather, to create an interoperable system that ultimately would aggregate data from any and all sources.  Once this data is aggregated from any source, the need exists to then integrate that data, normalize or refactor that data into useful views based on specific requirements and then distribute the data to wherever it may be needed. By adding layers of business functionality and interface components on top of an extensible aggregation framework, NIMC can deliver the much-needed identity management system.

So, who is responsible for creating the births and deaths registry? The National Population Commission (NPC) is constitutionally mandated to undertake vital registration activities all over Nigeria. A universal system of registration of births and deaths was first established in Nigeria in 1979 with the promulgation of the Births and Deaths Compulsory Registration Decree (Now Act) 39 of 1979 that provided for the establishment of a uniform system of vital registration nationwide. This was followed by the ‘Births, Deaths, etc (Compulsory) Registration’ Decree (Now Act) No. 69 of 1992. The law gave the sole authority to register these events nationwide to the NPC. These provisions were further reinforced by Section 24 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wherein Section 153 established the NPC as one of the country’s Federal Executive Bodies. Registration activity is currently carried out by the NPC in 3,539 registration centers using manual operations and some technological innovations such as ‘Vital Rek’ and RapidSMS. It has also partnered with, and enjoyed the support of international agencies. But coverage still remains low, as statistics for 2013 indicate that 43% of under-5 children remain unregistered in Nigeria and in legal terms do not exist.

Efforts are presently underway at the NPC to build the infrastructure necessary to create a truly national births and deaths registry. When such a system is deployed, NPC will have to deal with decades worth of paper records, archived in storerooms or other facilities. The data contained in those records is most valuable but, up until now, it could not be mined in any practical manner as live analytical data. The organization aims to build the capacity to apply advance high speed scanning to those records and not just scan into electronic images, but to scan into extractable and usable analytic data that can be inserted into the proper assigned field mapped to any existing identity management system.

The NIMC records are very valuable but it is no different from others in its class. In addition to the NIMC, biometrics data exists at the NIS, FIRS, FRSC, INEC, N-SIM, NHIS, and the CBN (BVN). Indeed, there is every reason to support the contention that the Bank Verification Number (BVN) is superior to the data captured by the NIMC because the banks require a higher threshold of proof in the establishment of personal identities – opening a bank account involves due diligence, aka “KYC”. All the data sources above are sufficient for their various purposes. When we mean a “National ID” however, the essential building block is births and deaths data. NIMC is not in possession of this record. In an earlier press release the Commission posited, “Functional Identities established pursuant to various organizations’ databases such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN), the Taxpayer Identification Number, etc., are not substitute for the NIN”. The implication is that the MINC ID is superior and occupies a higher plane of “Foundation identity”. This is an immoderate claim. Its ID card, like all the other biometric data sources above is based on secondary data. Its data set is therefore not superior by any stretch of the imagination.

Without a doubt, the thinking that informs the September 1 deadline is fundamentally flawed. And I daresay the organization is simply being presumptuous in proposing to enforce rules that it is not in any practical position to execute. But I suppose facts are hardly of any consequence for us as a people used to happenstance arrangements in our governance. In the premise, NIMC is simply acting in a manner to which we have become accustomed. That is to say, the rigorous dictates of its own brand of organizational dysfunction and lack of purposiveness.

To preserve things in their proper context, it is necessary to share the history of the organization in the briefest possible compact. And the PREMIUM TIMES has attempted to do this with fair aplomb. (See Over N121 billion wasted, Nigeria’s National ID Card Scheme In Fresh Controversy ) Among other underwhelming facts, the publication has revealed that,

“since 1981 when the first contract was signed by the Shehu Shagari administration, the project has been a prime waster of taxpayers’ money. It is a financial black hole that consumes everything thrown at it without a trace. Like a compromised slot machine, it consumes but never regurgitates. From then to date, more than ?121 billion has been spent on the project, meant to authenticate the true identity of every Nigerian, with nothing to show for it” … “the project has been repeatedly torpedoed by executive high-handedness, mind-boggling corruption, sheer irresponsibility of government officials and asinine abuse of power.”

Wallowing in the ooze of such dysfunction, the NIMC is without an iota of doubt one of the vectors of the social ills in which the country is indulgently mired. It is an institution at odds with itself and the times and its stupendous failure of purpose makes it ultimately a symbol of our collective underachievement and larceny.

It is not the subject of this disquisition to delve into the sordid history of NIMC; to unravel the skein, as it were. Suffice it to say that its appetite for graft has remained undiminished by the effluxion of time. One of the most well funded government institutions in recent times (in the 2012 budget, it was allocated the total sum of ?30billion or $150M), the Commission remains a handy-dandy tool in the hands of the cabal that has so uninhibitedly pillaged the country.

Let us be clear about this: it is an absolute necessity to first establish a trusted process of births and deaths registration before we can ask Nigerians to subscribe to a national ID scheme. Therefore, the NIMC’s proposal to compel Nigerians to register or face sanctions amounts to putting the cart before the horse.

On a practical note, despite its gratuitous humble brag of having “404 Enrolment Centers nationwide” (NPC and INEC have more) NIMC is not ready to register the tens of millions of Nigerians that would have to be prohibited from carrying out economic transactions from September 1 (and this includes acquiring passports, opening bank accounts, accessing credit, etc) unless they registered for the ID card. A great number of Nigerians who have already enrolled have not been issued cards – some up to 1 year. In any event, the task that it has set for itself is not solely dependent upon the quantum of physical infrastructure available (everyone remembers how INEC, a more organized institution with massive financial resources struggled to register voters) but more importantly, on the availability and validity of the basic data set indispensable to establishing “Foundation Identity.” If we must insist on a National ID card, we must wait for the NPC to put in place the basic support infrastructure in order to avail the prerequisite for such enrollment – births and deaths registry data.

More disturbingly, it is worthy of note that the NIMC’s right to conduct the proposed ID card registration scheme under its current arrangements has been challenged in court by the leading ICT company Chams. This litigation has a fair chance of success in view of the aphorism that sunlight is always the best disinfectant.

Apart from these pertinent issues, the definitive question becomes the relevance of a “National ID” to our age. The idea of national ID card is a 20^th Century concept. And with its bloated staff roll and a myriad of intractable labor problems, the NIMC is truly an anachronism; a sort of vestigial anomaly, like the Appendix organ that has lost much of its original function.

One suspects however that the current Sept 1 deadline is designed, in popular phraseology, “for show.” This is by way of saying that it probably wants to put a meritocratic gloss on a discredited process. Properly harnessed, such an exercise might help in portraying the NIMC as doing something valuable. Consequently, our attention would be deflected from an overdue probe, which ought to be the proper recompense of its management.

Ultimately the question is, “what should the government do with the NIMC?” The government should act like a good businessman and immediately cut its losses by commencing the process of dissolution of the NIMC – sell off its assets to recover whatever it could. The naked truth is that the organization’s mandate, which was based on what was undoubtedly once a noble idea, has been overtaken by events in consonance with the course in which life advances. Its presence now superfluous it chooses, rather than fading away, to skulk the neighborhood like a debauched geriatric dandy importuning ever-younger victims and breaching propriety.

As a nation, we can no longer afford to peddle the pernicious myth of the indispensable National ID. The NIMC ID card is just another form of ID, not “the ID”. There is no such thing as a “National ID”. Passports, Drivers licenses, Voters cards, etc; these are all National IDs – as long as eligibility for such enrollments has been irrefragably established by NPC’s primary data. If we must be a nation, we must learn to do things the way they ought to be done. There are no half pregnancies. One is either pregnant or not. Nigeria is a great country, not a Banana Republic.

In conclusion, the NIMC September 1 deadline is misguided and represents an unnecessary burden on an already over-burdened people. The government should call an immediate halt to this spurious mandate.

Haven’t we had enough of this charade of national identity??

Aloy Chife, Ph.D.

Human rights lawyer, Festus Keyamo, has reiterated his call for the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, to be probed barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari dismissed the NNPC board.

Keyamo had earlier written a letter to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Rep on June 17, asking the National Assembly to commence investigations into the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), especially with regard to the crude oil swap program and offshore processing agreements of the company.

He alleged that some NNPC officials, in collaboration with some local companies, were looting the country’s resources.

In an interview with Sahara TV on Saturday, Keyamo said there was alot of issues necessitating investigations into Alison-Madueke’s management of the ministry.

 “It is about a whole lot of issues. In my petition, I was particular about what has come to be known as the crude oil swap deals. Under this arrangement, we never knew that a lot of our crude oil was given to private oil companies in exchange for their bringing in petroleum products. Under one arrangement, they were supposed to take it out. We signed (out) the products and then took them back to Nigeria whether they were petroleum products or by-products.

“Under the other arrangement, we were supposed to be given the crude oil to sell at the international market and then use the money to import petroleum products into the country. Now, there have been reports in the papers of late that under these arrangements, certain Nigerian oil and gas companies made very huge, unwarranted profits and the simple reason is that they imported far less than the crude oil that they bought.

“Under this arrangement, some of them bought private jets, property around the world and began to live large. Certain individuals in the NNPC were seen as collaborators in this deceitful and grand plot. Before the minister left office, she picked up her pen and wrote a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, inviting it to probe these individuals and these groups. And I asked myself some imple questions: It is a bit curious who had supervisory authority over these individuals and these issues,” he said.

According to the lawyer, Alison-Madueke had access to all the relevant documents and could have easily queried the offenders directly.

“Why did she wait till the last minute to write a petition to the EFCC to probe these deals? And I told myself: It is not a safe person who runs to a police station to complain that is always the victim of the crime,” Keyamo said.

Since the inception of the present board of the Nigeria Football Federation there have been different chronicles of crisis at different levels which is causing a great distraction for the players, Federation and football loving Nigerians.

In Nigerian history, and from my childhood to adulthood, I have never at a time come about or read anywhere that the Football Federation fined a Super Eagles player for the acquisition of a red card. Ogenyi Onazi who went all the way to buy the team a Chad football matches tape at his own expense to help Nigerian football was sanctioned.

Call it criticism and I will say no, it is a simple analysis of the recent process and procedures of the activities of the NFF in terms of discipline and why not? It is good to be disciplined. In my Yoruba local dialect – South West Nigeria, there is a saying that goes thus ‘Ilu tio s’ofin, eshe o si nibe’ meaning ‘you can never go wrong in a town without a rule of law’. Having said that, I am not against the discipline of any coach or player, but they didn’t go through the right processes before the fine of Ogenyi Onazi, he has not committed any offence to warrant such sanctioning; Do the right thing, come up with a ‘disciplinary clause’ for players.

The NFF took side like an aggrieved stepmother who will get delight in the downfall of her rival’s children. What confidence will that give to the NFF? After all, the said player has being issued a 2-match ban by CAF, it is expected of them as a body to appeal for the reduction of the ban. Instead, they ‘pour sand sand for Onazi garri’ (Add more to his troubles).

Neymar got a red card and a 4-match ban, and immediately the Brazilian FA was thinking of how to appeal the ban, so he can play. Apparently, they value and respect their players. In the game of football, anything can happen, tension rises, and, when it does it is a sign they are totally committed to the cause of the country.

Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama made ‘uncomplimentary remarks’ about the teams’ safety in Kaduna and, we no go hear word again, na wetin, why you make am captain? According to some feelers, a lot of players went to complain to Enyeama about their safety concerns. Let me digress a little, early this year Kano Pillars players were robbed and shot by armed bandits on their way to an away league game, what if they lose their lives? God forbid! Will Kano Pillars stop playing football?  As far as I am concerned, Enyeama was spot on and in his capacity as a captain of the team, he has the absolute right to express his concern about the safety of his team.  Maybe, he ought to have addressed the issue internally.

If the NFF thinks he has also erred, why not call and speak to him. There is no code of conduct for them, so why crucify them, these are the players you still use for God’s sake. The Western world respect their players, they get pampered on a regular basis with five-star treatments, and if you can’t provide all these, then you shouldn’t knock them to the ground.

This week, the NFF President went on air to say there are mafias in the Super Eagles, that the Eagles are not friends with each other and so on, ‘haba presido’ he is not in the place to say such to the public and if that is true, why not address these with the players over dinner and in a more friendly environment, propagate peace. Mr. Pinnick is as guilty as Enyeama who was alleged to have made a discretionary private matter public, so who will sanction the NFF President? Lol. You be the judge.

After a private interaction with some NFF board members, I discovered that they have made up their minds to sack Stephen Keshi in revenge to what happened in 2013 where they thought he was going to hold them to ransom, then he threatened to resign his post immediately after the Cup Of Nations, when in reality, they attempted to replace him with another coach in the midst of a competition, believing that, the team will be knocked out at the earlier stage of the competition which we later won. Since then they have refused to forgive him. For how long are we going to allow petty sentiments override common sense at the expense of the Nation?

The way they are persecuting Keshi was how they persecuted Sylvanus Okpala at the 2013 AFCON where they sent him home from the competition unceremoniously, and knowing his right, he sued the NFF to CAS and he got judgement in his favour at the end of the day. NFF is indebted to pay Okpala to the tune of about N100m naira. With the same scenario, feelers also said NFF is owing Keshi an outstanding two months’ salary which contravenes his contractual agreement. If this is true and Keshi is sacked and decides to go to CAS, it is certain they will lose the case to Keshi and may likely pay a heavy sum of money.

Egypt is preparing to play Nigeria home and away in the qualifiers and we are preparing to sack our coach and persecute our players. If they actually love Nigeria the board of the NFF should channel all energy and resources to ensure we win all our games.

I think the raging issues may result to long term problems if the NFF does not act fast, players have their own minds, don’t push them into sabotaging the team. A lot of people follow the Super Eagles religiously. Take Enyeama, Onazi and Keshi to a private session and make it a family matter, it is not worth the noise. And if you must sack Keshi, let it be constructive rather than making it appear personal.

I believe we shall qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon. God bless the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Twitter @Aderonkew

A group, APC Leadership WatchDog has called for the resignation of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun.

The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Johnson Yusuf said Oyegun;s resignation has become necessary so as the save the party of further embarrassment.

Although it acknowledged the sterling contributions of Oyegun particularly during the campaign of the APC which led to its eventual success at the polls, the group said the skills and leadership attributes of Chief Oyegun are not amenable to suit the purpose of a party in power.

“Chief Oyegun has now displayed his lack of management and leadership experience to coordinate a governing party in order to deliver maximum support to a President elected on its platform.”

The group said the current crisis in the National Assembly which the Oyegun led leadership have failed to manage can only be attributed to two possible reasons.

“There are only two possible reasons for this obvious mismanagement of a party that signify change- it is either Chief Oyegun lacks the ability to deliver on his redefined assignment, or he has compromised.”

The statement by the group reads in full:

A CALL FOR IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF OYEGUN AS APC CHAIRMAN

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE APC LEADERSHIP WATCHDOG (ALW)

The inability of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun to manage a progressive party such as ours is getting increasingly obvious every day; and there is need for the octogenarian party chairman to immediately resign and save all of us further embarrassment. This would be in the best interest of everyone.

While we appreciate the stewardship of Chief Oyegun so far, especially his contributions to the campaign and the eventual victory of our party at the polls; we are troubled with the realization that the skills and leadership attributes of Chief Oyegun are not amenable to suit the purpose of a party in power. So while his age and experience were valuable during the campaigns, Chief Oyegun has now displayed his lack of management and leadership experience to coordinate a governing party in order to deliver maximum support to a President elected on its platform.  While Mr. President has hit the ground running as evidenced from decisions reached and moves  made so far, Chief Oyegun has not even hit the ground at all; but instead lying flat on the ground while the party that portray so much hope run into series of avoidable and needless crisis. This is highly unfortunate.

The need to separate politics from governance, in order for the former not to derail the latter, has led the President to concentrate squarely on delivering purposeful governance to the country;  while leaving the coordination and management of party politics in the hands of Chief John Oyegun as the party Chairman. However, it is regrettable that Chief Oyegun has failed to live up to the expectations of a majority of the party members. And there are only two possible reasons for this obvious mismanagement of a party that signify change- it is either Chief Oyegun lacks the ability to deliver on his redefined assignment, or he has compromised.

With the manner Chief Oyegun and his team of National Working Committee (NWC) handled the leadership crisis in the National Assembly, even the failed PDP had to deride our party as one led by “inexperienced” people. For how long would we continue to endure insults and uncouth language from people whose very inexperience has pushed out of office? But still, the APC of today under the chairmanship of Oyegun is making a lot of us wonder if it is still the same party we worked and campaigned with.  We are not alone- many Nigerians are now wondering if this was the same APC they voted for.

Before this embarrassment gets deeper and much more unbearable, we call on Chief Oyegun to do the honorable thing by placing the party interest far and above his personal desires. We also call on the leaders of the party and specifically the members of the NWC to safe our party from going deeper on this voyage of self-destruction. Chief John Oyegun should please resign in order to save the party and his members from further headache.

While at it, other members of the party whose recent acts and actions have become inimical to the continued progress and survival of the party should immediately retrace their steps.  In the light of this, we specifically call on Senate President Bukola Saraki to quickly return to the path of rectitude.  Since the party has resolved to respect the office Senator Bukola now occupies and also accept his emergence; the Senate President must also in turn respect and be loyal to the party. It is time Senate President Bukola Saraki realises that the politics part of his ambition is over.  Now is the time to use that office to coordinate and rally the National Assembly behind the vision of Mr. President and that of the party.

WE hope all concerned would do the needful and thread on the path of honour and the ideals of a true progressive politics.

Johnson Yusuf

National Coordinator

Source: Abusidiqu

An organization which champions the rights of Nigerian prisoners, LEDAP, has cried out revealing that the Nigerian government only spends a paltry sum of N3.50k (Three Naira and Fifty Kobo) to feed an inmate in the Nigerian prisons each day.

Speaking at a round table for media and civil society organizations in Lagos on Thursday, LEDAP National Coordinator, Chino Obiagwu said that the current cost was increased by the new Comptroller-General of Prisons from the previous N2.10k per prisoner, Premium Times reports.

“The truth is that many prisoners supplement their meals because all kinds of businesses and activities go on inside the prisons,” said Mr. Obiagwu, National Coordinator, LEDAP.

“If you allow Nigerian prisoners to survive on their ration, they will all die.”

There are about 56,000 inmates scattered across Nigerian prisons, according to Mr. Obiagwu whose organization champions the rights of Nigerian prisoners.

“A lot of philanthropy goes into our prisons, churches like the Catholic church, The Redeemed church carry out on regular prison visits to improve the welfare of inmates,” said Mr. Obiagwu.

The round table themed ‘Moving Nigeria Towards the Abolition of the Death Penalty,’ was organized by the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP).

Former Minister of Information, Chief Alex Akinyele has debunked reports of being ill and in need of an urgent medical attention.

According to a statement released by his Media Adviser, Aliu Mohammed Olurotimi, the ex-minister is hale and hearty.

 “Our attention has been drawn to publications in some newspapers and the social media that Former Minister of Information, Chief (Sir) Alex Akinyele is ill and needs urgent medical attention.

“We wish to state that the story is not only false and absolutely misleading but a figment of the dirty and wicked imagination of the writers.

“This misleading story has not only caused an unimaginable embarrassment to Chief Akinyele, his children and family members but it has caused great panic among his friends and associates.

“The truth is that Chief Akinyele is in a very good condition of health. He is hale and hearty. It is a known fact that the Ondo high chief celebrated his 78th birthday on April 24 at his Lagos residence with his family members and friends.

“Normally, it should not be expected that a man of this age will be as active and visible at public or social functions and events as it used to be when he was younger.

“As a man who is aging gracefully, Chief Akinyele has decided to take things easy by attending to all his visitors and official matters from his Magodo, Lagos home, a situation which cannot be attributed to ill health in any way,” the statement said.

A 47-year-old man from Uganda, Godfrey Baguma, who has been tagged as ‘Uganda’s Ugliest Man’ due to a rare medical condition giving him his distinctive looks, has just had an eight child from his second wife, Kate Namanda, whom he married in 2013 after he divorced his first wife after she committed adultery.

However, this will be Godfrey and Kate’s 6th child together, as his other  two children are from his ex-wife.

Kate, 30, gave birth to a baby girl earlier this week for Godfrey, Her first child for him was in 2008. Speaking on how they met, began dating and had children, Godfrey told Uganda’s KFM:

‘I stayed with her four years before her people knew where she was. I didn’t want them to see me until we had a child because they’d definitely advise her to leave me. She left me when she was six months pregnant but I think she later accepted her fate because she came back two months later. I told her that I didn’t choose to look the way I do and that if she feels I am a burden, she is free to leave me’

Liam Neeson is known for his role in action packed movies this one is exceptional. Enjoy!

Credit: MOVIECLIPS Trailers

The Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State has begged it’s supporters in the state not to be discouraged by the party’s defeat by the All Progressives Congress in the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections, saying the PDP’s loss is a temporary setback.

While addressing some of the party supporters from the 13 local governments in the Oyo North Senatorial District at Igbojaye at the weekend, Deputy Senate Whip, Hosea Agboola, expressed the optimism that PDP would soon bounce back.

He said the PDP’s poor outing last Saturday was due to the alleged incompetence of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The senator, who implored the supporters to remain calm and peaceful during the transition period , said efforts were on to restructure the party, adding that all was not lost and that it was important for the party to re-establish its presence.

Agboola reminded the people that the April 11 election offered an opportunity for the PDP to stage a quick return to reckoning in the state and nation’s politics.

He said, “We experienced a tough time in the last election but such time never lasts. It’s a phase that must pass. The earlier we redress the failure, the better for our great party. I appreciate your conduct during the election and implore you to be resolute. The loss to   APC is very unfortunate but let me assure you that all hands are on deck to address the problem.

“The state House of Assembly and governorship elections are on the way; let me remind you that Teslim Folarin, the former Senate Leader, is the best candidate in the governorship race. We are certain that he will win on April 11 but he, like other contestants, needs your support and votes.

”We have assessed the last election and come to the conclusion that INEC’s partiality, malfunctioning of the card readers and inability of our people to vote accordingly were responsible for PDP’s defeat. We are looking into all these and other factors with a view to forestalling reoccurrence of such on April 11.”

He also told the supporters that there was no alliance between the PDP and any other political party and that the party would welcome new members before the next elections.

Credit: YouTube/TV360NIGERIA

The young man in the obituary photo is an orphan who God blessed after he has suffered and made a little money. He reportedly went back to his village at Oba Anambra state to start building a new house on his fathers land as the only surviving male child in the family only to get the shock of his life. When he got home, His land and even his family house built by his father has been occupied by a new tenant who claimed that some men from the kindred sold him the land for N70M.

He approached the men who sold his land even while he was alive and hustling to know why they
would tamper with his property but the men warned him to disappear if he loved his life and  forget the land or they would kill him. The young man thought it was an issue for the court so he sued them only to be kidnapped in a forth night. His badly mutilated decomposing body was later discovered in a nearby bush

Before his death, he told his immediate family that the 10 men from his kindred who were responsible for selling his land to a foreigner were threatening to kill him if he didn’t hands off the land.

The names of the evil men including a Professor has been printed on his burial posters and brochure.

All Progressives Congress National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to sue the management of the Daar Communications Limited, owners of the Africa Independent Television, AIT for the defamatory content of a documentary aired on Sunday.

Counsel to Asiwaju Tinubu, Mr. Tunji Abayomi, said a letter asking Daar Communications to apologise for the content and stop further airing was delivered this afternoon. A part of the letter to AIT reads, ” … You aired an hour long documentary focussing on our client (Bola Tinubu). Clearly pre-occupied with political resentment and hatred neither warranted, necessary, proper, or justified, you published several false allegations against our client…More disturbing is your misrepresentation that the said documentary was “sponsored” without disclosing the “sponsors”. You cannot under law, hide under media freedom to maliciously injure a citizen’s reputation”.

  The letter also demanded for N20billion (Twenty Billion Naira) as cost of damage done to the reputation of its client failing which the client will sue the company.

 Another part of the letter reads: “…to affirm the right of our client against your defamatory publication, we demand that you confirm to us within 24 hours of receipt of this letter, an apology and retraction of the said publication/documentary.

Iya oges in the building chai Nigerians are just wicked people …. This isn’t elections but to me buhari fine pass can i hear one APC Faithful say sai Buhari !!!!!!!!!!!!!