Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Author: Day Break

Ex-Kwara Deputy Governor, Simon Sayomi is dead
His son, Ola confirmed his death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ilorin.
According to him, his father died in his hometown, Igosun in Oyun Local Government Area of the State.
Ola said that the former deputy governor died after a brief illness.
“He died on Wednesday night between 9:30 pm and 10:pm. He was born in Oct. 10, 1925.
“We will miss him because he was a hero to us in everything,” he said.
Sayomi was the deputy governor of the State from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of late Muhammed Lawal.
The duo lost their re-election bid to Dr Bukola Saraki during the 2003 governorship election.
Chief Simon Sayomi, a former deputy governor of Kwara State is dead.
His son, Ola confirmed his death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ilorin.
According to him, his father died in his hometown, Igosun in Oyun Local Government Area of the State.
Ola said that the former deputy governor died after a brief illness.
“He died on Wednesday night between 9:30 pm and 10:pm. He was born in Oct. 10, 1925.
“We will miss him because he was a hero to us in everything,” he said.
Sayomi was the deputy governor of the State from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of late Muhammed Lawal.
The duo lost their re-election bid to Dr Bukola Saraki during the 2003 governorship election.
December 17, 2020
Nigeria Reopens Borders After 16-Month Shutdown Raised Prices
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the reopening of the nation’s land borders, ending a 16-month shutdown that raised food prices and curbed regional trade.
Buhari ordered the closing of frontiers in August 2019 to halt the smuggling of rice, arms and drugs into Africa’s largest economy.
The action brought once-thriving border towns to a near-standstill, with supply constraints contributing to the highest inflation rate in almost three years.
Lifting the restrictions will help smooth the implementation of the African Continental Free-Trade Area, a continent-wide agreement due to come into effect on Jan. 1. After some initial reluctance the government said in November it plans to commit to the accord.
Four of Nigeria’s main land borders will reopen immediately, with others to follow by Dec. 31, Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed told reporters Wednesday.
A ban on imports of rice, poultry and other products will remain in place and be enforced by border-patrol officers, she said.
“Now that the message has sunk in with our neighbors, we’re looking into reopening the borders as soon as possible,” Buhari said on Twitter shortly before Ahmed’s announcement.
December 17, 2020
Reps Call for Extension of NIN Registration Deadline On SIM Cards
The federal government had on Tuesday ordered all telecommunication service providers to ask its subscribers to provide their NIN within two weeks.
The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission to extend its ultimatum to block phone numbers without National Identification Numbers (NIN) by 10 weeks.
The lawmakers took the decision while adopting a motion brought under matters of urgent national importance by the minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu.
The federal government had on Tuesday ordered all telecommunication service providers to ask its subscribers to provide their NIN within two weeks.
Subscribers who fail to do so within the timeframe are to be blocked from using their SIM cards.
The resolution was reached at a meeting between the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy and stakeholders in the communication industry on Monday.
The resolution was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) in a statement on Tuesday.
The major telephone networks in Nigeria are MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat.
The meeting affirmed the earlier directive to suspend the registration of new SIM cards by all operators.
Emphasising the need for the extension, Mr Elumelu said two weeks was too little for the over 200 million Nigerians, especially considering the Christmas period.
“As laudable as the idea behind the policy may seem, the timing is very wrong because Nigerians have not been properly sensitized, as only a few educated persons who bother to read the dailies might have heard about this instructions.
“Therefore trying to enforce this policy in a period where most Nigerians are gearing up for Christmas festivities may lead to stampede in the process of rushing to get registered which could lead to unnecessary death and injuries.
“If the NCC is allowed to carry out this directive, it will bring about untold hardship as millions of subscribers will be disconnected this yuletide period which could spell disaster in an already volatile nation like ours.”
“If the NCC is not urgently called to halt their plans there may be unnecessary panic in the country, which may lead to exploitation of vulnerable Nigerian thereby causing more pains in an already pathetic situation, hence the need to urgently wade into this impending crisis,” he said.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the NCC to instead give a reasonable amount of time to enable Nigerians submit their national identity numbers to service providers.
December 17, 2020
Rep calls for suspension of NSCDC, NIS Recruitment Exercise
Doris Ferdinand
A member, House of Representatives, Hon. Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu on Wednesday called for the suspension of the on-going recruitment exercise into Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Hafiz, in his motion expressed worry that the computer based test did not provide a level playing ground for all candidates who applied as there was no alternative provision made for those who could not write via computer.
“The computer based test only favoured candidates who can operate computers as the Civil Defence, Federal Fire Service, Immigration and Correctional Services Board (CDFIPB) did not consider citizens who may not be skilled in computer operation by providing an alternative for handwritten examinations in order to provide a level playing ground for all candidates who applied.” He said.
Hafiz therefore called for the immediate suspension or cancellation of the exercise.
He further prayed that;
“The Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB) should immediately suspend and/or cancel the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) that was conducted on the 7 and 8 December, 2020 being discriminatory and contrary to the enshrined principles of fairness and social justice, and revert to the previous manner by which the said agencies have conducted recruitment exercises in the past.”
“Mandate the Committees on Interior and Federal Character to monitor the CDFIPB recruitment exercise and ensure strict compliance and adherence to the principles of fairness and social justice.
The House, therefore mandated the affected committee above to investigate and report back to the House within six weeks.
December 16, 2020
Gbajabiamila celebrates President Buhari at 78
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari as he celebrates his 78th birthday on December 17.
Gbajabiamila said President Buhari deserves being celebrated at 78 given his commitment to a better Nigeria for the good of the citizens.
In a birthday message he personally signed, Speaker Gbajabiamila eulogised the President’s good virtues, describing him as a father to all.
“Nigeria and Nigerians have gained a lot from your wealth of experience and selfless service to the country and humanity in your 78-year sojourn on mother earth.
“As our leader, your humility, dedication to the unity of Nigeria and commitment to making the country better are unquestionable,” the Speaker said.
“Under our great party, the APC, you have redefined selfless service,” Gbajabiamila said, adding that “Nigerians should continue to support the President for there are better days ahead.”
“All that the President needs is our support and prayers. Whether you’re in the ruling party or the opposition, you need to support and pray for President Buhari to succeed.
“Nigeria is the only country we can call ours, and we must do everything possible to make our nation great.
“I am optimistic that with the right support and prayers from all stakeholders, President Buhari will exceed our expectations,” Gbajabiamila said.
While praying for continuous good health, God’s protection and guidance, the Speaker wished the president many more fruitful years ahead.
December 16, 2020
APC to security agencies; dig deeper, do better
Tom Okpe, Abujà
The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC has task security agencies in the country to dig deeper and do better by ensuring that students go to school without fear or molestation from any quarter.
The National Chairman, APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC Mai Mala Buni stated in Abuja on Tuesday that as the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari is working to improve the security situation in the country, “the APC calls on the nation’s security agencies to dig deeper and do better by ensuring that our students can go to school safely and learn across the country.
“There is no greater harm that insecurity can do to a nation than to destroy its education and the future of its youths.”
Buni assured that, “on our part, the APC will continue to work with the federal government, security agencies, governors, emirs, community leaders and all other stakeholders to address and improve the security situation in the country.”
The APC Chairman who spoke at the party Secretariat in respect of last Friday incident where more than 500 students were abducted from Government Science Secondary School Kankara in Katsina State said;
“On Sunday, the nation learnt again that more than 330 of those students are still missing.
“This is a particularly sad and difficult moment not just for the families of the student victims and the government and people of Katsina State but the entire country. Our thoughts and prayers are therefore with the victims and their families as well as the government and people of Katsina State.”
The party lamented that the abduction brings to mind the sad incidents in Chibok and Dapchi in Borno and Yobe States respectively a few years ago where students undergoing their studies and working hard to become leaders of tomorrow were abducted by insurgents and made to go through appallingly harrowing experiences.
“The APC believe that the security agencies have the will, commitment, and training to restore public confidence in their ability to secure lives and property of Nigerians. They should therefore demonstrate this commitment by more robustly going after criminals and denying them the space to perpetrate crime.”
Buni urges Nigerians to continue to partner with the federal government and the security agencies so that, “we can together restore peace and sanity on our streets, roads, and all across the nooks and crannies of the country,” adding that the ongoing efforts to free the abducted GSSS Kankara students will be successful.
December 15, 2020
Egypt receives 1st batch of Chinese anti-coronavirus vaccine
Egypt received the first batch of Chinese anti-coronavirus vaccine late on Thursday to help fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.
“It’s a historic day to receive the first air shipments of the Chinese anti-coronavirus vaccine,” said Egyptian Minister of Health Hala Zayed in a press conference held at Cairo International Airport.
“The new Chinese vaccine will be available for citizens for free upon directives of the political leadership,” she added.
The priority of distributing the vaccine would be given to the medical staff in isolation hospitals, people with chronic diseases like cancer and kidney failure, and the elderly, Zayed noted.
According to the official, the batch of the vaccine, developed by China’s state-owned Sinopharm pharmaceutical firm, came from the United Arab Emirates.
On December 9, the UAE announced the official registration of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the China National Pharmaceutical Group, or Sinopharm.
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention said in a statement that the interim analysis of the phase III trials shows the Chinese vaccine provides 86 percent efficacy against COVID-19 infection.
According to the statement, the analysis also shows the vaccine to have 99 percent seroconversion rate of neutralizing antibody and 100 percent effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease. Furthermore, the analysis shows no serious safety concerns.
Emirati Charge d’affaires to Egypt Mariam Al-Kaabi said that the positive thing of the pandemic is to bring solidarity and coordination among the nations especially the people of the three countries.
She added that the ties between the UAE and Egypt represent “a model of solidarity for the Arab countries cooperation.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang hailed that the ties between Egypt and China have been advanced a lot under the leadership of the two countries especially this year after the spread of COVID-19.
“Today the arrival of the vaccine is evidence of the deep ties, solidarity and cooperation between China and the Arab countries, ” Liao said, saying that China is in full readiness and very keen to continue enhancing the solidarity with the Arab countries for fighting the virus and overcome its crisis.
December 15, 2020
2023 Presidency: Tinubu’s Political Associates Launch Campaign Movement In Ibadan
By Williams Anuku Abuja
Some political associates of former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu across the country, on Tuesday stormed Ibadan, the Oyo State capital to launch a campaign movement for him ahead of 2023 Presidency.
The campaign movement, which was christened “The South West Agenda (SWAGA ’23)” was launched on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
The loyalists of the former Governor said they decided to launch the campaign movement in a bid to support the candidature of the former Governor ahead of 2023 presidency.
It could be recalled that these Tinubu’s political associates on Monday visited the palaces of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyeml 111 to seek the support of the monarchs for Tinubu candidature in 2023.
Present at the launch included Senator Dayo Adeyeye who is the chairman of the planing committee, Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, Hon. Oyetunji Ojo, Hon. Bosun Oladele, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Hon. Toba Oke, Hon. Deji Jakande, Hon. Gboyega Okegbemi and immediate past Secretary to Ondo State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde.
Others are Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, Professor Abideen Olaiya and politicians from both the South and the Northern part of the country.
Adeyeye in his welcome address maintained that 2023 election is already in the front burner of national discourse, stressing that Tinubu is the most experienced politicians in the country to succeed Buhari in 2023.
According to him, “We are gathered here today to make our own contributions to the arduous and crucial task of helping to shape the future direction of our beloved country, Nigeria.
“For the discerning mind, 2023 election is already in the front burner of national discourse. The discussion right now everywhere in the country is about what should and should not happen in 2023.That being the case, it is imperative that we should be part of these national discussion and activities.
“In the South West, our cause is buoyed by the fact that we have someone in our midst who towers above other aspirants to this highly exalted office. He is a ready-made man for the job.
“He is one of the most experienced politicians in the country today with a track record of unparalleled achievements in all facets of governance. He is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A man of incandescent intelligence, unmatched courage and integrity. A leader of leaders with a tremendous gift of foresight. He has mentored and built men and women of substance in the current democratic dispensation than any other leader in the country. A man with a large heart who harbours no malice.”
December 15, 2020
Inflation Hits 14.89%,Highest In 35 Months
By Williams Anuku Abuja
Headline inflation rose by 66 basis points to 14.89%in November, the worst of its kind in 35 months in Nigeria.
Previous statistics indicated that the highest before now was recorded in January 2018 (15.13%).
According to the National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS), on a month-on-month basis, consumer prices increased by 6bps to 1.60% – the highest level since May 2017.
The current figures was slightly above Cordros Research estimate of 14.95% (-6bps), with the deviation stemming from the core basket.
Food inflation surged by 92bps to 18.30% y/y – the highest since January 2018. “We believe the sustained pressure in the food basket was due to the underwhelming harvest season, the security challenges in the food-producing regions, and the lingering impact of the border closure on the supply gap, which has continued to stoke pressure on consumer staples given weak domestic production capacity”, Analysts at Cordros said on Tuesday.
Notably, the highest price increases in the food basket were recorded in bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, Meat, Fish, Fruits, Vegetables and Oils and fats.
Elsewhere, core inflation tapered by 9bps to 11.05% y/y, a divergence from the uptick recorded in the prior month.
“This came as a surprise to us given the uptick in the Health (+46bps y/y), Transport (+46bps y/y) and HWEGF (+24bps y/y) sub-components, reflective of the lingering impact of the pandemic, energy reforms, and FX liquidity constraints,” said the Analysts.
Similarly, on a month-on-month basis, the core index was down by 53bps to 0.71%, relative to the 1.25% recorded in the previous month.
According to Cordros, “We expect food inflation to continue its uptrend in December on account of sustained impact of the poor harvest season, lingering security challenges in food-producing regions, and festive induced demand that will further widen the supply gap. That said, we expect the reforms in the energy sector to drive core inflation higher in December”.
It is expected that headline inflation will go higher in December.
“On balance, we now expect the headline inflation to expand by 85bps to 15.74% y/y (1.61% m/m) in December,” Analysts hinted.
December 15, 2020
Kankara Abduction: Incessant Security Crisis Becoming Worrisome – – APC
By Williams Anuku Abuja
The All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has expressed deep concern over the spate of insecurity in the country, especially in the North East and West regions.
Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the CECPC, Mallam Mai Mala Buni, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, therefore, tasked Security Chiefs to redouble their efforts to curtail the situation.
While noting that students could no longer go to school safely and learn, he said: “There is no greater harm that insecurity can do to a nation than to destroy its education and the future of its youths.”
The statement added: “Last Friday, the nation learnt of the grim and sad news that more than 500 students were abducted from Government Science Secondary School Kankara in Katsina State. On Sunday, the nation learnt again that more than 330 of those students are still missing.
“This is a particularly sad and difficult moment not just for the families of the student victims and the government and people of Katsina State but for the entire country.
“Our thoughts and prayers are therefore with the victims and their families as well as the government and people of Katsina State.
These abductions bring to mind the sad incidents in Chibok and Dapchi in Borno and Yobe States respectively a few years ago where students undergoing their studies and working hard to become tomorrow’s leaders were abducted by insurgents and made to go through appallingly harrowing experiences.
“As the Buhari administration works harder to improve the security situation in the country, the APC calls on the nation’s security agencies to dig deeper and do better by ensuring that our students can go to school safely and learn all across the country. There is no greater harm that insecurity can do to a nation than to destroy its education and the future of its youths.
“The APC believes that the security agencies have the will, commitment, and training to restore public confidence in their ability to secure the lives and property of Nigerians. They should therefore demonstrate this commitment by more robustly going after criminals and denying them the space to perpetrate crime”.
December 15, 2020