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  • Youths group carpet FCT Minister threatens to shut down Abuja

    Youths group carpet FCT Minister threatens to shut down Abuja

    By Lawrence Ekwonu

    Youths under the auspices of Nigerian Youths Organisation (NYO) have said if the government fails to address the continued dwindling economic situation, it would shut down the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a massive protest.

    This was disclosed in a press conference tagged: ‘FCT Must be Delivered,’ organised by NYO and Coalition of FCT Youths Organisations, where they expressed concern over the FCT administration led by the Minister, Muhammad Bello’s decision to allegedly completely bury key revenue base of the FCT.

    Comrade Isreal Opalewa, Chairman of NYO, FCT chapter, who spoke on behalf of the youths, explained that they have been monitoring activities of the FCT and it’s area councils, and have come to conclude that the none interested attitude of the FCT leadership to inaugurate an economic team, in order to reboot the economy of the territory, has further made the FCT a failed state.

    The youths, however, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to make a change of government in the FCTA within one month or they will not hesitate to call for a massive peaceful protest that would shut down the entire FCT.

    “The shortfall of revenue generation currently rocking the FCT led administration, demands serious attention since the All Progressives Congress (APC) is believed to have come with a complete mantra of Change and Next Level that Nigerians yearn for.

    “We have forwarded letters to relevant offices for prompt action to be taken. The present FCT administration is battling with governance issues of revenue generation, while the managers of the territory have failed to utilize other glaring opportunities for boosting its economy.

    “It may interest you to know that the solution to the dwindling revenue generation in the FCT lies in the willingness of the administration to open up and embrace the numerous opportunities for private sector investments, including some being driven directly by the APC-led federal government,” Opalewa said.

    The youths said it is no longer news that the revenue generation of the FCTA has nosedived over the years, and the dreams of the founding fathers of FCT may continue to go down the drain if the situation of gradual but consistent degradation is allowed to continue.

  • Nigeria now a police state under Buhari. Says Group

    Nigeria now a police state under Buhari. Says Group

    The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has said it is worried that “the current administration is becoming more and more intolerant of opposition and criticism and gradually dragging the country towards becoming a police state”.

    In a statement on Sunday in Kaduna, the group said it was alarmed by reports that a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, has been invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the interview he granted a television station on the agenda of the National Consultative Front to bring about a new Nigeria that works for all.

    The statement signed by Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, spokesman of the group, said:

    “The CNG finds it worrying that the current administration is becoming more and more intolerant of opposition and criticism and gradually dragging the country towards becoming a police state.

    “We find this attempt to harass Na’Abbah, a senior citizen and critical stakeholder in the nation’s democratic process, a brutal encroachment on the universal citizens’ right to freedom of expression which is a fundamental characteristic of any democratic state.

    “By its continuous attempt to suppress the existence of the right to freedom of expression which includes the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by the public authority, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is exposing its failure in sportsmanship, statesmanship and political craftsmanship.”

    According to the statement, “It is ridiculous that those who run this government who happened to have benefited the most from the previous administration’s tolerant disposition should be the ones denying others the same right they enjoyed.

    “The CNG repudiates this unhealthy, undemocratic trend of government’s exercise of power through security agencies to impose restrictions on citizens’ mobility, or on their freedom to express or communicate political or other views and hold it unacceptable.

    “We insist that every Nigerian’s right to freedom of expression which is not only a primary cornerstone of democracy, but also prerequisite for the enjoyment of many of the other rights and freedoms ensured in our constitution and international conventions must be respected.

    “We therefore find it absolutely unacceptable for a people who in no way bore the brunt of the struggle for the return to democracy to be hellbent now on scuttling it.”

  • Ghanaian authorities insist on $1m fees on Nigerian businesses

    Ghanaian authorities insist on $1m fees on Nigerian businesses

    By Dino Amadin

    Ghanaian Ministry of Trades has rejected claims of unfair treatment by Nigerian traders in the country during the enforcement of the Ghana Investment Promotion Council regulations.

    It insists that the traders must pay the required taxes and other fees imposed on them by the authorities.

    This is happening despite the intervention of the presidents of Ghana and Nigeria through the Economic Community of West African States.

    A Nigerian trader whose shop was forcefully locked up by the Ghanaian security officials had recorded a video of the incident in which they asked him to pay the $1 million registration fee.

    The victim had shown the officials his business registration certificate and other documents but the enforcement team was adamant as they insisted on sealing his premises.

    But speaking on the incident on a Ghanaian radio station, Starrfm, the Head of Communications, Ministry of Trade, Prince Boakye Boateng, said the Nigerian traders had failed to honour an ultimatum to meet the requirements.

    He said, “It cannot be we’ve been insensitive; if that is what they’re saying, I’ll be disappointed because I’ll rather say they have rather been unfair to us as a regulatory body because we have given them more time than enough to the extent even the Ghanaians thought that the ministry was not even on their side or the ministry wasn’t ready to even enforce the law.”

    He recalled that the shops were locked last December and later re-opened following the intervention of President Nana Akufo-Ado.

    According to him, the traders complied but have not regularised their documents for verification.

    Boateng explained that the law being enforced gave the Ghana Union of Traders Association the right to be the sole traders in the local market.

  • IGP gives directives on illegal arms

    IGP gives directives on illegal arms

    Directs owners of illegal weapons to turn them in or face arrest and prosecution

    Directives aimed at checking thuggery and violence in Edo and Ondo elections

    Vigilante groups, security outfits advised to operate within extant laws

    1By Lawrence Ekwonu

    Worried by the security situation in the country, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has ordered Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to
    arrest and prosecute any individual(s) in possession of prohibited firearms.

    According to a statement on Sunday by Frank Mba, Police Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the order is part of preparations toward the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as efforts by the Police High Command to curb the proliferation of prohibited firearms in the country.

    “The directive has become necessary against the backdrop of the deliberate arming and movement of political thugs and other criminal elements across the country.

    “In addition, the directive is targeted at addressing the proliferation and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms in the country which is contrary to the provisions of Chapter F.28 LFN 2004 of the Firearms Act”. He said

    Similarly, Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the FCT have also been directed to immediately convene an enlightenment meeting of all vigilante groups and quasi security outfits spread across the country in order to ensure that their activities are in conformity with extant laws guiding their establishment and operations.

    “The IGP, while observing that several civil groups – vigilantes, quasi states and regional security outfits under various guises are arming themselves with prohibited firearms and weapons in contravention of the provisions of the Firearms Act, notes that the trend if unchecked, will pose serious threat to national security.

    The IGP therefore enjoined “citizens to cooperate with the Police in the enforcement of this order as it is aimed at ensuring safety of lives and property in the country”.

  • NPA recieves largest container vessel ever in Onne port

    NPA recieves largest container vessel ever in Onne port

    By Dino Amadin

    Nigerian Ports Authority has announced the berthing of the biggest container vessel ever in Nigerian waters.

    The Maerskline Stardelhorn vessel with length overall of 300 metres, width of 48 metres was received at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne in Rivers State at 1620 hours on Saturday, August 15, 2020, according to the NPA.

    Jatto A Adams, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, said the vessel, which has a capacity of 9,971(TEUs) is a flagship from Singapore.

    The team that received the vessel was led by GM Alhassan Abubakar.

    “The vessel, which was brought in from Fairway Bouy Bonny with the aid of three Tugboats operated by three of the Authority’s pilots was received by Ports Manager of the Onne Ports, Mr. Alhasssan Abubakar.

    “The Authority is delighted to state that the landmark arrival of the biggest gearless Maerskline vessel at the Onne Ports is a result of management’s determination to improve the patronage of the Eastern Ports.

    “It is an indication of the fact that the Eastern Ports are equipped to receive all manner of vessels and an expansion of the options of consignees in the Eastern and northern parts of the country.

    “The Management of the NPA congratulates its team at the Onne Ports Management also appreciates all stakeholders at the Onne Ports for their cooperation towards seeing that the vessel berthed safely without any challenge.

    “The Authority assures of its commitment to ensuring that all ports locations in Nigeria work at their optimal capacity and the repositioning of Nigerian ports as the hub in the sub-region,” Adams said.

  • Buhari greets Babangida at 79

    Buhari greets Babangida at 79

    By Joyce Babayeju

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sends warm felicitations to former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

    Babangida will turn 79 on August 17.

    This is contained in a statement by Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina.

    Buhari said Babangida’s services to the country will always be remembered.

    He prayed that the Almighty God will continually strengthen Gen. Babangida, and grant him good health and longer life.

  • Ghali Na’Abba to honour DSS invitation Monday

    Ghali Na’Abba to honour DSS invitation Monday

    Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba has being summoned to appear before the Department of State Service, DSS, on Monday over recent statement calling on Nigerians to Save Country from Anarchy.

    The DSS invitation according to security sources is to question the former Speaker for calling on Nigerians to join his political movement, NCFront, a pressure group, in rescuing and saving Nigeria from anarchy and impending doom.

    Na’aba, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, in a statement had appealed to citizens to join forces in creating a new Nigeria that works for all.

    Mr. Na’aba, spoke at world press conference, last Monday along side other convenes of the group.

    He said the way and manner governance is conducted suggests a high degree of irresponsibility at all levels. “For the avoidance of doubt, our only interest lies in creating an inclusive democratic governance which is a sin qua none towards the provision of a decent living condition for the people and also the facilitation of prosperity for every Nigerian citizen.

    It is our desire to rescue our fellow citizens from the viper-like grip of poverty, while creating jobs for our teeming youths and masses, majority of whom are roaming the streets of our country rudderlessly and hopelessly as we speak”, he said.

    The news of the invitation by the DSS was revealed by the Head of Public Affairs Bureau in NCFront,Dr. Tanko Yunusa, who in a statement said: “Please be notified that the DSS on Friday sent an invitation to NCFront Co-Chair and Former Speaker of Nigeria, Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’aba after his very profound interview on Channels Television on Thursday in regard to the NCFront agenda to bring about a new Nigeria that works for all.”

    Dr. Yunusa, however explained that Na’aba has decided to honour the DSS invitation, and therefore shall be visiting the DSS Headquarters in Abuja on Monday at 12noon. He said: “All NCFront Organs, Structures and Allies nationwide are, by this notice, put on the alert as eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”.

  • Lagos-Ibadan Railway: Amaechi Tasks CCECC To Increase Workforce

    Lagos-Ibadan Railway: Amaechi Tasks CCECC To Increase Workforce

    …Project Excites Info Minister

    Minister of Transportation, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Rotimi has tasked CCECC to take preventive measures against the spread of Covid 19 and increase the workforce at the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail project to speed up completion by Jan. 2021.

    Amaechi regretted that Covid 19 has come to stay, government would push to complete ongoing projects and deliver to Nigerians before 2023.

    “What I know is that we will run from now until the President commission the project. I am not Covid19, for those who have being following us, you know that for every stations, we had about 150 to 200 workers, now we have 10 to 20 workers on site.

    “What we have agreed with them is that they should increase the number of workers and manage Covid very well, meaning, that they should come with their face masks, face shields and come to work, because it appears that Covid has come to stay.

    “Government has to run and we have to deliver our promises to the people because that’s why we were elected and we don’t have time. If we just seat down in our houses and wait for Covid to end, it may end in 2023, lets hope that by January, this project will be ready.”

    Speaking on the Ibadan-Kano rail project, Amaechi said government would commence skeletal activities before the loan is approved.

    “We are ready for the commencement of Ibadan to Kano, we are waiting for the approval of the loan, when the loans come, you will see skeletal activities even before the loan comes, I have directed them to start skeletal services, we may not need the stations to begin.

    However, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed commended the level of work done on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line. He expressed satisfaction that monies borrowed by the federal government for the rail projects were judiciously utilized.

    According to him, “for those who are asking where we are burning the money we borrowed, you can now see where the money is. We made a promise to Nigerians and this is one of the manifestations of what we have been able to do, adding, ” Nigerians should come and see for themselves what we are doing with the money we borrowed. I am very excited because of the work done here.” He said.

  • Let’s toast; another Chinese company has kiss the dust!

    Let’s toast; another Chinese company has kiss the dust!

    By Dr. Austin Maho

    This is the context in which I see recent news report associated with Inner Galaxy a Chinese company based in Abia state.

    The Iron and steel company is accused of unfair labour practices, staff maltreatment etc.

    As a journalist and journalism teacher I am appalled that the story was considered news worthy in the first place and the speed with which the Abia state government launched an investigation based on the story . I am however not surprise, it is a season of Chinese bashing and everything that demonizes the Chinese and its interest is news worthy.

    Now let’s look at the essential ingredients of the story vis a vis the time tested ethics of the profession.

    The story emanated from the social media account of an individual who made all sorts of allegations against the company including torture, inhuman working environment, low pay etc.

    The story as narrated by this individual was the basis of the news report and all the reactions it generated.

    Accuracy, verification, fairness balance are considered some of the hallmarks of journalism. Before going to town did the media house considered it expidient to verify the story or confirm the story from another source.

    That the narration of one individual on his social media account was enough for a news media to form the basis of a news report is scary. It means anybody can make allegations on his social media wall and hope to get media traction.

    Secondly where was fairness and balance when allegations were made and the person on the other end of the spectrum was not given the opportunity to respond by the media outlet?

    In all the accounts of the story I have not read where the Chinese company was given the opportunity for a right of response to the allegations. It’s a one sided narration which goes against the core ethics and values of journalism.

    Now to the allegations proper.
    Is it possible in this age and time that a company worker is brutalized and flogged by Policemen and military personnel attached to the company because they failed to call their superiors masters and mistresses?

    The company in question has been operating in Abia for several years without problems, why is this coming up now?

    For a company that employs over a 1000 people shouldn’t the people show gratitude that 1000 unemployed youths have been taken off the streets instead of whining about low pay?

    How much do the state government pay its civil servants?

    How much do the FG pay Npower beneficiaries of which over 5million Nigerian youths recently applied for jobs that were only available for less than half a million?

    The NBS in its latest release put youth unemployment in the country at 27%. This figure is just a tip of the iceberg but here we are demonizing the few companies taking our youths off the streets.

    I equally found it worrisome that a House of Rep member based on the news report jumped into the fray, called a news conference to castigated the Chinese company, echoing the news report without doing his own investigation.

    I have carefully gone through the social media account of the poster including the video he called exclusive, and I have not seen anything news worthy in his narrative or exclusive.

    The report only feed the pleasure palettes and the wild imagination of those who feel that the Chinese are the global bogeymen with a sinister agenda.

    This is a company that has done so much in terms of corporate social responsibility in the host community through provision of pipe borne water, roads, classroom blocks and a host of others. At the height of the pandemic and lockdown the company provided palliatives to members of its host community and the state government. Today the company is an oppressive demon.

    It is good that the Abia state government has set up an investigative panel to look into the matter. I believe it is the right way to go. I also hope the panel will do a thorough job in the interest of Abia and Nigeria in general and not fall into the global conspiracy against the Chinese.

  • Arotile: Court grants bail to driver and vehicle owner

    Arotile: Court grants bail to driver and vehicle owner

    By Samuel Itsede

    The driver and owner of the vehicle detained over the death of Nigeria’s first ever female combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Kaduna state.

    The brothers, Nehemiah and David Adejo pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge and one-count charge respectively pressed on them by the prosecution counsel

    Nehemiah, the driver was accused of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, driving without drivers licence and driving without authorisation of the owner; and David, one count charge of negligent conduct while causing danger to person and property.

    Nehemiah’s counsel, Aliyu Omahi, argued for the bail of his client, stating that he was a first-time offender and had been detained for four weeks.

    Chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Benjamin, who presided over the case granted the defendant bail to the sum of N1 million each after listening to the arguments of the counsel, with an order to present two sureties who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and possess bank verification number (BVN).

    The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case till August 24 and 25.