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Tanzania’s president, John Magufuli dies at 61 after heart complications
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has died aged 61, the country’s vice-president has announced.
He died on Wednesday from heart complications at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Samia Suluhu Hassan said in an address on state television.
Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours have been circulating about his health.
Opposition politicians said last week that he had contracted Covid-19, but this has not been confirmed.
Magufuli was one of Africa’s most prominent coronavirus sceptics, and called for prayers and herbal-infused steam therapy to counter the virus.
“It is with deep regret that I inform you that today… we lost our brave leader, the president of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli,” Vice-President Hassan said in the announcement.
She said there would be 14 days of national mourning and flags would fly at half mast.
According to Tanzania’s constitution, Ms Hassan will be sworn in as the new president and should serve the remainder of Magufuli’s five-year team which he began last year.
Magufuli was last seen in public on 27 February, but Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa insisted last week that the president was “healthy and working hard”.
He blamed the rumours of the president’s ill-health on “hateful” Tanzanians living abroad.
But opposition leader Tundu Lissu told the BBC that his sources had told him Magufuli was being treated in hospital for coronavirus in Kenya.
March 18, 2021
US Ambassador Visits Governor Lalong
By Ugar Ukandi
United States Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos to reiterate the commitment of her country to supporting Plateau State in areas of health, peace, security and economy.
The Ambassador told Governor Lalong that she was in Plateau State for the Launch of the HIV Treatment Surge Light Campaign aimed at further reducing the burden of people living with the virus as well as preventing further infections.
She said the partnership between the United States Government through its agencies such as the USAID, APIN, PEPFAR will continue especially now that the world is dealing with other health challenges such as COVID-19.
She also assured the Governor that the United States will continue to deepen its support for peace building and dialogue in the State in support of the restoration of substantial peace in Plateau.
Governor Lalong appreciated the visit of the Ambassador to Plateau State which he said reaffirms the commitment of the United States to supporting various initiatives for development in the State.
He specifically thanked the United States for the support towards establishing the Plateau Peace Building Agency which has become a model in the country.
On HIV Aids, the Governor said a lot is being done to ensure that those infected have access to treatment while those who are not infected remain negative.
He assured Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard that the efforts of the US Government in tackling HIV and other diseases will not be allowed to waste as the State is making huge investments in hospitals, personnel and infrastructure.
He also told the Ambassador that Plateau State remains a viable investment destination for agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, technology and human capital development and said US investors are welcome.
Lalong said the delayed Plateau State Economic and Investment Summit which was halted by COVID-19 will still hold hopefully by the end of the year.
March 17, 2021
Ex-JAMB Registrar Arrested Over Alleged N900m Fraud
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has arrested a former Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, for allegedly misappropriating N900 million.
According to a statement signed on Wednesday by ICPC Spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, the former JAMB Boss was arrested on March 15, 2021, in Abuja.
He is alleged to have committed multiple frauds while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).
“He has been detained by the Commission for questioning over allegations of multiple identities, abuse of office, money laundering, tax evasion, and making false statements to public officials.
“The former JAMB boss is also being questioned by the Commission for allegedly awarding fraudulent contracts to shell companies which cannot be traced, the statement read in part.
Ojerinde was also alleged to have awarded contracts for the supply of pencil and eraser at the cost of N450 million each, to Double 07 Concept Limited and Pristine Global Concept Limited, respectively, between 2013 and 2014 while heading JAMB.
“There is no evidence to show that the items which are examination materials were supplied as the contractors cannot be found.
“Similar contracts were allegedly awarded to Solid Figures Limited, Holywalk Limited, and other companies for various sums without any trace of executions,” Ogugua said in the statement.
Ojerinde is currently being held on a remand warrant and will soon be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
March 17, 2021
BREAKING: FG approves $1.5bn for rehabilitation of Port Harcourt refinery
The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved the plan by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt Refinery with $1.5bn.
The decision was taken at the weekly meeting of the council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister said, “The Ministry of Petroleum Resources presented a memo on the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt refinery for the sum of $1.5bn, and that memo was $1.5 billion and it was approved by council today.
“So, we are happy to announce that the rehabilitation of the refinery will commence in three phases. The first phase is to be completed in 18 months, which will take the refinery to a production of 90 percent of its nameplate capacity.
“The second phase is to be completed in 24 months and all the final stage will be completed in 44 months and consultations are approved.
“And I believe that this is good news for Nigeria.”
Details later…
March 17, 2021
Restructuring: El-Rufai commends Kaduna legislators on bills
Community policing, NLC matters
By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has commended two National Assembly members from the state for spearheading efforts to enact into law, the recommendations of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’ ‘True Federalism Committee which canvassed for devolution of powers.
A statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Mr Muyiwa Adekeye, el-rufai thanked Senator Uba Sani and Hon. Garba Datti ‘’for demonstrating that the National Assembly is the critical institution for the vital task of restructuring Nigeria by passing laws devolving powers to its federating units.’’
The statement further said that “El-Rufai hopes that many more federal legislators will take up and sponsor the bills necessary to actualise restructuring as a nation-building opportunity.’’
According to Adekeye, ‘’the governor described the four bills sponsored by Senator Uba Sani to ensure the decentralisation of policing in Nigeria as a significant moment in removing the anomaly of a unitary police force in a federal republic.’’
The Special Adviser in the release also said that “the bill proposed by Hon. Garba Datti seeking to move labour matters into the concurrent list as another concrete step towards devolution of power in the country.’’
“Decentralisation of the judiciary, police and labour matters are among the items recommended by the APC True Federalism Committee. This entails moving the constitutional provisions on these matters wholly or partly from the exclusive list to the concurrent list, so that powers and responsibility over them can be devolved,’’ he argued.
The statement quoted the governor as recalling that the APC True Federalism Committee noted in its January 2018 report that “a major issue with the Nigerian federation is the enormous exclusive legislative powers of the federal government with resultant over-centralisation of power and authority.’’
According to Adekeye, El Rufai further recalled that the committee noted that a further decentralisation of some of these powers by devolving more powers, autonomy, and resources to the federating units will foster efficiency and sub-national responsiveness and local accountability.”
The committee also reported that “there were calls that each state should freely legislate on its minimum wage according to the resources available to it but should avoid huge disparity between salaries and emoluments”, El Rufai recalled.
“In fact, the committee is of the view that all labour relational issues should be federalised and each state is free to determine its own labour laws”, the statement stated El Rufai as recalling.
‘’Such devolved powers on labour matters will include trade unions, industrial relations, conditions, safety and welfare of labour, industrial disputes, prescribing minimum wage and industrial arbitration,’’ he added.
The statement reminded that Kaduna State Government was the first government to pay the new national minimum wage, a step that was followed by raising minimum monthly pension to N30,000 for retirees on the old defined benefits system.
“The state has been operating the contributory pension system since 1 January 2017,’’ it stated.
March 17, 2021
BREAKING: Bandits attack Emir’s vehicle in Kaduna
- 2 killed by bandits in Kauru, Igabi
- Troops rescue 2 persons from lynch mob in Kauru, neutralize 2 in Chikun LGAs
- Gunrunners arrested in Lere LGA
By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna
Banditry rampaging and insecurity has intensified and skyrocketed in Kaduna state as Emir of Birinin Gwari, Jibrin Maigwari’ official vehicle has come under severe attacks by suspected bandits.
According to the statement by internal security and Home affairs commissioner Mr Samuel Aruwan, the incident occurred 430pm on Monday 15th March 2021.
Th report stated that ” at about 4:30PM, the official vehicle of the Emir of Birnin Gwari was shot at by bandits around the Zonkoro axis of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, within Chikun local government area of the state.
“Only the driver, Umar Jibrin, and an orderly, Inspector Sani Yahaya, were in the vehicle, on their way to Kaduna. The Emir was in Kaduna at the time of the attack.
“No life was lost, and the Emirate Council relayed details of the incident to the Kaduna State Government.
“In another incident, armed robbers barricaded a bridge leading to Kitansa village, Kauru LGA and shot dead one Danladi Goriye, while another, Sunday Garba sustained gunshot wounds.
“Similarly, armed bandits barricaded the Buruku-Mando road, Igabi LGA and opened fire on vehicles plying the road. One Abdullahi Baballe, a resident of Lema area in Mando, was killed.
“Yesterday, Tuesday 16th March 2021, in Kiffin Chawai District, Kauru Local Government Area, troops of Operation Safe Haven rescued two travelers, Ismail Haruna and Isa Mohammed, who had been attacked by a mob of youths in the area.
“The two persons were on their way from Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State, to Marwa village, in Bakin Kogi, Kauru LGA, when they were intercepted by the youths who attempted to lynch them. The timely intervention of the troops prevented this, and the two travelers were duly rescued”, it stated.
In another incident, troops of Operation Safe Haven apprehended a suspected Bandits informant, Muhammad Sani Abubakar, at Apyimbuu village, Zangon Kataf local government area. The suspect has been handed over to the Police for further investigation.
In another development, troops of Operation Thunder Strike neutralized two bandits during a raid at a suspected bandit camp called Rafin Rikamba in Chikun LGA. “Other bandits are suspected to have escaped with Gunshot wounds.
“A kidnapped truck driver escaped from the bandits during the raid.
Furthermore, Police personnel intercepted two suspects, Abdullahi Samaila and Adamu Samaila, brothers, from Toro, Bauchi State, along the Kaduna-Saminaka road with 150 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in the door of their vehicle”, it added..
“The suspects confessed to supplying ammunition to three previously arrested suspects, Marcus Danladi, Danjuma Dachi and Ibrahim Haruna (arrested in late February) from Plateau State for onward supply to one Usman aka Gurgu in Kaduna State.
“The trio were arrested with 1,565 rounds of ammunition on February 28th. Following that, one Suleiman Tukur and his son, Shuaibu Suleiman, were arrested in Karahi as part of the same syndicate. They were in possession of 231 rounds.
“The most recently arrested suspects attempted to escape, and in the process, Adamu Samaila was fatally wounded and was confirmed dead in hospital. Abdullahi Samaila was injured on his right leg.
“Efforts to arrest other members of the gang are ongoing”, the statement stressed.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai received the reports with thanks, and extended his sympathy to the Emir of Birnin Gwari over the attack on his vehicle. He also sent condolences to the families of those killed by bandits, and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
“Furthermore, the Governor commended troops and personnel for the successful arrests of suspects and gun runners, as well as the engagement of bandits in clearance operations”, it stated.
Security agencies have reported several notable incidences across the State within the last 48 hours in the state security update on Wednesday.
March 17, 2021
Abuja Mass Housing Project: FHA assures payment of aggrieved contractors
By Amadin Idahosa
In a bid to swiftly resolve tensions rising from the money owed to contractors responsible for the construction of Abuja Mass Housing Project, the Federal Housing Authority, FHA has assured payments latest by Friday, March 19.
According to the FHA Management, the delay in disbursing funds to settle the debts is that the agency has made it a point of duty to follow due process.
As contained in a statement the agency forwarded to newsmen via Head of Public Affairs, Kenneth Chigelu, Wednesday, FHA emphasised that the payment is for contractors who had completed their projects.
The statement read in part, “The management of FHA just rose from a meeting with our contractors with a resolution that all contractors who have completed their jobs would receive their payments latest by Friday, 19th March ,2021.
“The management of FHA did not deliberately withhold the payment of our contractors, with whom the authority has a long standing good business relationship with.
“The little delay in payment was as a result of the management’s stance on due diligence, before payments are made. It is good to note that this issue has been amicably resolved’’.
On Tuesday, March 26, in the premises of FHA, contractors operating under the aegis of Federal Housing Authority Contractors Association, earlier staged a protest against FHA citing delay in payment despite project completion.
March 17, 2021
Groups stress need for peaceful co-existence between Host communities and Oil companies in Abia
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
Prisons Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA) in partnership with Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) have charged oil communities Owaza clan, Ukwa West local government of Abia State to always maintain a peaceful co-existence between them and the oil companies operating in their areas.
The groups made this charge in a sensitisation workshop entitled strengthening capacities to promote security and human rights good practices around extractive and other industries in Nigeria” which was organised by Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD).
Executive Director of PRAWA,Dr Uju Agomoh ,who was represented by Linda Reuben senior program officer of the organisation, said that dialogue is an indispensable tool in curtailing unrest between the host communities and oil companies.
She also said that development cannot thrive in the alongside conflicts could not thrive amidst insecurity, adding that PRAWA would always adopt measures to detect early warning signals as to nip conflicts on the bud.
According to her, the workshop has provided the organisation the opportunity to hear from members of Owaza clan to enable them design the appropriate responses to issues that have provoked their grievances.
Executive Director Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor applauded PRAWA for laudable the intervention, and also stressed the need for dialogue as a veritable tool to douse tensions between the communities and oil companies.
Nwafor also said that though gas flaring and oil spill have induced untold hardship on the people of the area, towing peaceful approaches to negotiate is the best.
Highlight of the workshop include the presentation of voluntary principles smartphone APP, posters and stickers to participants.
The participants resolved to create strong awareness on voluntary principles, engage critical stakeholders on the issues raised and create social media platforms.
It will be recalled that voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) are non-binding soft laws established in 2000 to offer guidance to extractive companies(oil, gas and mining companies) in maintaining the safety and security of the facilities and operations with respect for human rights.
March 17, 2021
Reps set up high powered Committee on Security
The House of Representatives on Wednesday constituted a high powered committee to draw up a blueprint to end the security challenges in the country and come up with a report within three weeks.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila announced that the composition of the committee was part of the decision reached during an executive session of the House early on Wednesday before the commencement of plenary.

The Speaker said the committee will be made up of all principal officers of the House and 30 other members drawn from states across the country.
Details shortly…
March 17, 2021
Senate Debates Establishment Of Armed Forces Service Commission
The Senate was on Wednesday divided when the Federal lawmakers commenced debate on the establishment of an Armed Forces Service Commission.
The lawmakers were sharply divided over the bill which proposes to establish an Armed Forces Service Commission.
Those against the bill argued that it will cause more disunity in the country.
The sponsor of the bill Senator Enyinaya Abaribe however noted that the constitution mandates the National Assembly to set up the commission.
The bill was later rejected during a voice vote and Senator Abaribe called for a division – that is lawmakers should vote individually.
The Senate later went into a closed-door session.
After the closed-door session, Senate President Ahmed Lawan said the entire Senate has appealed to the Minority Leader, Senator Abaribe to withdraw Order 73 which called for a division.
Senator Abaribe then withdraws the bill to represent it another day after consultation.
Below are the highlights of the bill:
The Bill seeks to establish the Armed Forces Services Commission to ensure that the composition/appointment of Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federation reflects the Federal Character of Nigeria in the manner prescribed in section 217 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.
The National Assembly shall,
(a) In giving effect to the functions specified in section 217 of the 1999 and
(b) with respect to the powers exercisable by the President under section 218 of the Constitution; establish a body that shall comprise such members as the National Assembly may determine and which shall have the power to ensure that the composition of the Armed Forces of the Federation reflects Federal Character of Nigeria in the manner prescribed by section 217 of the Constitution.
The function and powers of the Commission shall be to:
Have the power and authority pursuant to section 219 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to ensure that the composition/appointment of Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Federation reflects Federal Character of Nigeria in the manner prescribed in section 217 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Ensure that the functions specified in section 217 of the 1999 Constitution; and the powers exercise by the President in the appointment of Service Chiefs and officers Corps and other Ranks of the Armed Forces of the Federation in section 218 of the 1999 Constitution reflects the said section.
Recommend to the President from among the best and most qualified, most educated, and most experienced members of the Armed Forces of the Federation for appointment as:
(i) Chief of Defence Staff
(ii) Chief of Army Staff
(iii) Chief of Air Staff
(iv) Chief of Naval Staff
(v) Director of Military Intelligence, and Heads of other Arms-bearing Security Agencies and ensure that such appointments reflect the Federal Character of Nigeria.
Recommend to the President the removal from office as Service Chiefs and Head of other Arm-bearing Security Agencies on grounds of misconduct, abuse of office, breach of any section of the Constitution, the Armed Forces Act, or any other Act of the National Assembly.
Approve promotion from among the best, most competent, and qualified others as Heads of Military formations/branches such as General Officers Commanding Divisions of the Nigerian Army and their equivalent in the Navy and Air Force.
Provided that in making such recommendations the Commission shall observe the Federal Character principle and adopt an equitable template to spread the Offices of the Service Chiefs, and Others Corps and other Ranks of the Armed Forces of the Federation among the six 980-p0litical zones of the country.
March 17, 2021