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Gbajabiamila urges states assemblies to domesticate Child Rights Act and VAPP
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has met with Speakers of states houses of assembly in a bid to ensure that all states in the country domesticate the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
This follows a commitment made by the Speaker two weeks ago when he met with some civil society organisations over the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence across the country.
The meeting, conducted via zoom, was moderated by the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga, with the Speakers of Bauchi, Ekiti, Delta, Edo and Plateau states, among others, in attendance.
In his opening address, Gbajabiamila said the meeting was convened to address the problem of sexual and gender-based violence.
“We called this meeting to see what we can do. It is to also find out from states that have not domesticated these Acts, to know what exactly the problems are; what are the issues? How exactly can we collaborate from the federal level, from the House of Representatives, the National Assembly, in helping to domesticate these two laws, taking into consideration the different cultures and communities?
“We had a robust debate in the House of Representatives. We had very far-reaching resolutions that will address some of these issues. The bottom line is we need to do something fast.”
In his contribution, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman, who is also the chairman of the North-East States’ Speakers, said the VAPP Act is currently at public hearing stage in the state.
It was then resolved at the zoom meeting that he should lead in soliciting the commitment of the other states in the North to emulate his actions reviewing the two laws and domesticating them according to their local context.
The state assemblies are to also work with some members of the House of Representatives from states where the acts are yet to be domesticated for regular updates on the progression of the two Acts in their respective states.
It was resolved further that the Office of the Speaker, relevant House Committees and government agencies such as NAPTIP, NHRC, Police will provide technical support to states legislatures in the amending the two Acts to suit local circumstances to ensure timely consideration.
Another resolution reached was that the House would work with states legislatures to sensitize key response actors and consider other protective laws as well as strengthen existing government agencies that have the mandate to protect and prosecute perpetrators of heinous crimes of SGBV in all forms.
Similarly, it was resolved that Speaker Gbajabiamila would next week send the resolutions arrived at in a letter to all states legislatures that are yet to domesticate the VAPP Act and CRA to reflect the urgency of the matter.
June 17, 2020
CRS House Of Assembly To Tackle Border Crisis
By Joseph ETTA in Calabar
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Hon. Eteng Jonas-Williams has said that the House has set in motion plans to resolve the boundary clashes in the State.
He spoke while addressing the press in Calabar, Cross River State. According to him, “the boundary clashes in Cross River State have been there for a long time. The state is known as a peaceful state. So we know it is possible to resolve these inter and intra state border clashes.
He claimed that those involved in the clashes should have to blame themselves because they sometimes allow themselves to fight over a piece of land that is “not up to a metre”.
Williams stated that it was out of character for a peaceful people to fight in such circumstances, “We need to settle and resolve these issues. On our part, the House has set up committees to address these issues. The House is not sleeping. Of recent, we’ve been engaging Abia State over the interstate border clashes.” I have been discussing with the speaker of Abia State House of Assembly over the matter, adding that, three members of that honourable house have visited here in pursuit of a resolution. According to the speaker, “We’ve set up committees to look in depth into these matters so we can know how to resolve them.
We have also set up committees to look into the border crisis we are also having with Ebonyi and Benue States. They are not beyond resolution. As a people we should learn to love ourselves,” he added.
Attachments area
June 17, 2020
Nasarawa: Police will not relent in the search of your missing wife- Cp Longe lament
As the search for the missing wife of the President of the Eggon Youths Worldwide intensifies, the Commissioner of Police Nasarawa State, CP Bola Longe has urged the EYM President not to loss faith in God as the police will do everything within its power to curb the crime meted on him assuring the EYM President of his men’s effort to ensure that his wife is release unhurt.
He said this during an on the spot visit to the home of the Eggon youth worldwide nasarawa chapter today.
Longe prayed for God’s divine intervention in the life of the kidnapped Ruth Anyuabaga.
Reacting to that, EYM President Comr. Daniel Anyuabaga appreciated the Police Commissioner swift intervention of their men from the very time the incident happened.
He further said that he is confident that his wife will be released safe and healthy, adding that his prayers is for God to have mercy in the lives of those that engages in this evil act and turn them away from it.
June 17, 2020
Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists succumb to military onslaught in NE –DHQ
The Defence Headquarters says more Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have continued to succumb to the superior tactics and fire power of the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North East.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the troops had increased the tempo of clearance operations in the theatres of operations.
Enenche disclosed that the troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru in Borno effectively cleared Kusumu and Warshele Villages which appeared to be the terrorists’ logistics base on June 14.
He added that the troops also neutralised 13 terrorists in an encounter at Kumo, Diime and Sabori where some marauding Boko Haram criminals were hibernating.
According to him, after the encounter, the troops captured 21 locally made guns, two Dane guns, one Sniper Rifle, one 36 Hand Grenade, one Improvised Explosive Device Bomb and two Boko Haram flags.
“Other captured items include five cutlasses, one digger, one spear, five bicycles, three motorcycles, five carts, two loud hailers and one Lister generator.
“The troops equally rescued 32 captives comprising 16 women and 16 children,” he said.
Enenche also disclosed that the troops made contact with a band of Boko Haram logistics couriers attempting to cross from the Mandara Mountains to Banki axis along Pulka – Bokko – Kirawa Road.
He added that two terrorists were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot wounds, adding troops recovered four bicycles and bags of grains from the fleeing insurgents.
According to Enenche, same troops in conjunction with elements of Civilian Joint Task Force on June 10, successfully ambushed and neutralised three terrorists dressed in foreign military camouflage uniform along Pulka – Firgi – Banki Junction – Sabsawa.
He said that the troops also captured two AK47 Rifles loaded with magazines, one Rocket Propelled Gun, one Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb, five extra magazines, 45 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Hand Grenade, one Honda motorcycle, one cell phone and First Aid kits.
The coordinator further disclosed that troops of 151 Task Force Battalion neutralised one terrorist and one other captured alive at Miyanti in Bama Local Government Area.
He added that the troops of 117 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force killed one terrorist in an ambush against elements of Boko Haram criminals’ logistics couriers at Gwagwamdi in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno.
According to him, the troops captured one AK 47 Rifle, two AK 47 Rifle magazines, 27 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 8 bicycles and bags of foodstuff and clothing materials.
“Additionally, a Toyota Starlet vehicle belonging to the insurgents was burnt during the fire fight.
“Also on the same day, the combined troops of 242 Battalion, Sector 3 Quick Response Force and elements of Strong Response Area Gajiram while on fighting patrol encountered Boko Haram criminals mounted on three Gun Trucks at Jilgata.
“In the process, the gallant troops eliminated five of the terrorists and recovered four AK 47 Rifles.
“One Malam Hassan Bukar earlier abducted by the Boko Haram criminals was rescued while one Toyota Land Cruiser jeep was also recovered by the troops.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai commended the troops for their resilience and patriotism in crushing the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals.
“He urged them to maintain the tempo as we approach the end of insurgency in the Country.
“Equally, the High Command of the Nigerian Military appreciates troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE for their unwavering commitment in the Theatre,” he said. (NAN)
June 17, 2020
Women want end to skirmishes in some parts of southern Kaduna
Worried by the recent violence that recently hit some parts of southern Kaduna, a women body, Concerned Fulbe Women Group of Nigeria, has urged youths in the area to embrace peace and work together to end the crisis.
President of the Group, Hajiya Halima Usman, made the appeal on Tuesday when she led her colleagues on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna Command, Mr Umar Muri, as part of efforts to end the crisis between some Fulani and other tribal groups.
Usman described the communal crisis in Zongon Kataf Local Government as unfortunate and unacceptable, urging for measures to restore peace “as quickly as possible”.
She said the visit had become necessary so as to inform the police commissioner of the rising violence in the area, adding that they were being carried out by misguided youths who were acting “in a militia-like manner”.
The president said that the women group would embark on advocacy visits to their fellow Fulani people and the rival groups involved in criminal activities to enlighten them on the need for peaceful coexistence.
“We are going to carry out a house-to-house campaign to encourage parents to expose youths involved in criminal activities. Exposing them will help curb criminal menace experienced in the society,” she said.
In his response, the commissioner said that the command swung into action to stop the violence immediately it was informed of the crisis.
“We arrived Zangon-Kataf immediately we were told about the crisis. We still have about 500 policemen stationed at the community to ensure that there is no resurgence. The Police have also rescued more that 1,000 persons trapped in the violence,”he said.
He assured the women that government was doing its best to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
“The Fulani people are like other Nigerians who are entitled to free movement and security. They can choose to live in any part of the country and also live normal lives,” he said.
The Police officer urged the women to speak to their husbands to help fish out criminals among the Fulani groups as there were bad eggs “in every tribe”.
Muri appreciated the group, especially its resolve to promote peace, and promised to deliver the letter it presented to the appropriate quarters.(NAN)
June 17, 2020
FG, resident doctors meeting stalled
The meeting between the Federal Government and the members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has ended in deadlock.
NARD had embarked on nationwide strike on Monday to press home its demands for payment of hazard allowance, group life insurance, payment of minimum wage consequential adjustment, among others.
Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment during the meeting on Tuesday in Abuja noted that health workers are the essential frontline officers during the COVID-19 pandemic and have suffered great mishaps across the country.
According to him, it is important to let you know that we have reached an agreement in many areas and the government side have shown evidence on the payment of the hazard and inducements allowances.
“We have paid those allowances since last night and it was directly paid into the account of recipients. So, we are hopeful that between the IPPIS office and the Central Bank, that before 24 hours they would all be credited for April and May.
“The payment is not for only Resident Doctors, but also for consultants, nurses, pharmacists, physiologist, mortuary attendants, ICU centres, and all health care workers in COVID-19 designated hospitals and all Federal Medical Centres in designate states.
“We assumed that these issues have been solved because IPPIS have shown evidence.
“We have also agreed on matters that are in court, that we should stepped them down, so that we do not enter areas that are in the purviews of the court.
“Also, on the issue of group life insurance and the employee compensation, we have assured them that they have been paid and we told them they have no right to make claim for the resident doctors or any other health workers that must have had mishap in the cause of work resulting to in death.
” For those who do not die or have mishap or accidents in the cause of their work but became incapacitated, they can always make claims through the Employee Compensation Act, which the Federal Government have already activated,” he said.
Ngige, however, said that the major issues have been take care of while other minor issues such as the compliant about the Head Dention, Port Harcourt, the appropriation for residence programme, which have also been taken care of.
He also noted that the Federal Government have assured the striking doctors that the appropriation for residence programme have been captured in the 2021 budget and would roll over from 2020.
Also, the Minister of Health, Dr Ehanire Osagie, said that Nigeria was the first country in the world where doctors went on strike during a global pandemic.
“The health of Nigerians is very important at this crucial time. We are ready to protect the lives of Nigerians, we are not going to allow our hospitals to fallow.
“The health of Nigerians are very important at this crucial time and the health workforce are essential services, we have pleaded and we have done everything to meet the demands that they have placed on the table.
“We at the Ministry of Health are ready to protect the lives of Nigerians, we are not going to allow our hospitals to fallow. The government have an obligations to support and keep the health every Nigerians.
“The resident doctors have told us that they are not returning to work very soon until certain conditions are met and they cannot keep extending the goal post any time they like,” he said.
He, therefore, said that certain steps needed to be taken, which involves issuing a directive to all Chief Medical Directors, directors of all Federal hospitals and institutions in the country to open up a register of attendance.
He added that by Wednesday morning 7a.m, they should record all those that come to work and all those who do not come to work will be noted and further actions will be followed.
“Those who report to work will be taken as those who are still in service and the register will be closed at 12 noon and by then we will known who want to still be in service, ” he said.
Speaking via phone, Dr Aliyu Sokomba, NARD President said that the resident doctors would call of their strike only when government comes up with tangible evidence.
He added that this is the only way that the strike can be called of within 24 hours.(NAN)
June 17, 2020
EFCC recovers N400m in Sokoto in 6 months
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Zonal Office in Sokoto has recovered about N400 million stolen fund in its numerous operations between January and June 16, 2020.
Mr Abdullahi Lawal, the head of the office said this while speaking with newsmen in Sokoto.
Lawal said that the EFCC also secured seven convictions during the period under review.
He said that about 100 petitions were received by the agency, bordering on advanced fee fraud, money laundry, and land matters.
Lawal said that some leaders of Sokoto traders association were interrogated by the EFCC over alleged diversion of N1 billion loan facility granted by the State Government.
The zonal office is in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.(NAN)
June 17, 2020
Nigeria records 31 COVID-19 deaths, record high daily fatality – NCDC
Nigeria on Tuesday recorded 31 COVID-19 related deaths, the highest number of fatalities since the pandemic broke out on Feb 27, the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) has said.
The centre also confirmed 490 new cases of the COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 17,148.
The NCDC announced this on it’s official Twitter handle.
It said that, as at June 16, 2020, the new cases were recorded in 16 states while no new state reported a case in the last 24 hours.
The NCDC said that Lagos reported the highest number of cases with 142 new cases and FCT was second with 60 new infections.
”The 490 new cases are reported from 16 states- Lagos(142), FCT(60), Bayelsa(54), Rivers(39), Delta(37), Oyo(30), Kaduna(26), Imo(23), Enugu(19), Kwara(17), Gombe(11), Ondo(10), Bauchi(8), Ogun(7), Borno(6), Benue(1).
The NCDC said that till date,17,148 cases have been confirmed, 11,070 active cases 5,623 cases have been treated and discharged deaths, 96, 402 samples have been collected, and 455 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, NCDC said that Lagos State recorded 25 deaths between June 12 and 15 ; and they were all announced on June, 16.
NAN reports that Investigators working on the United Kingdom-based recovery trial announced that Dexamethasone, a low-cost and widely available steroid that lowers inflammation, improved patients’ chances of surviving severe COVID-19.
During the study, about 2,100 COVID-19 patients were treated with dexamethasone for 10 days. Patients on mechanical ventilation who were given Dexamethasone were 35 percent less likely to die compared to patients on ventilators who did not get the treatment.
In patients on less invasive forms of breathing support, Dexamethasone decreased the risk of death by 20 per cent while patients who did not require any respiratory help saw no improvements after taking the steroid.
The NCDC said that it is aware of recent outcomes from a UK-Government funded clinical trial for COVID-19.
It said that the results support the use of Dexamethsaone as a possible treatment to reduce the risk of death among COVID-19 patients, who require oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
The health agency called on Nigerians to note that the Government of Nigeria has not validated or approved any treatment for COVID-19.
In addition, the NCDC said that the use of Dexamethasone for COVID-19 treatment has not been validated by World Health Organisation (WHO).
“We are aware of ongoing clinical trials conducted by scientists in the UK and will work with our sister agencies to evaluate this emerging data on the use of Dexamethasone.
“We will inform the general public on outcomes following scientific review and validation,” it said.(NAN)
June 17, 2020
CSOs Clear CBN of Corruption Allegations
… Threatens to Sue US Based Organisation
A coalition of civil society groups, Conference of Harmonised Civil Society Organisations has said the allegations of corruption levelled against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and her officials by a US based group, Young Professionals Forum are mere fabrications and an attempt to demarket the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs at a press conference in Abuja, Rev Solomon Semaka, Convener, Save Nigeria Movement explained that investigation by the taskforce revealed that the petitioners made no efforts to get clarifications on issues from the CBN before making its allegations and sued for caution.
Recall that the CSOs had set up a taskforce headed by Rev Solomon Semaka of the Save Nigeria Movement following allegations of corruption against the apex bank and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for illegal diversion of $24,263,008.56 by a US group, to investigate and come up with a report on the exact situation without fear or favour.
“In the cause of our findings, we discovered that all the allegations leveled against the Central Bank Of Nigeria were premeditated, concocted and represents an indisputable definition of wild speculation precipitated on blackmail , and a coordinated smear campaign against the CBN Governor and the institution.
“The Young Professional Forum has the right to fact check every information with the CBN using the freedom of Information Act (FOI). As Nigerians, to resort to blackmail, intimidation and smear campaign against the highest financial regulatory authority of our their country why sitting outside the shores of Nigeria is to say the least a very shameful and unpatriotic act”,. he taskforce maintained.
It further described as unfortunate the petition by the group saying it was unpatriotic for Nigerians to team up with enemies of the country outside to demarket the country and its institutions.
” What exactly is the motive of the organisation’s haste in writing to the US Congress Speaker even before writing to the Nigerian Parliament. Is this not simply to demarket the Nigerian state and ridicule the nation?
“On the allegations of the illegal diversion of $24,263,008.56 by CBN and NNPC, the task force maintained that no such fund ever existed let alone diverted.
“We wish to further enlightened the Nigerian public that the forex market as highlighted in those allegations was already been run by some individuals and organizations in line with CBN regulations before the assumption of duty of the current leadership. And the market value is well above ($800M).
“To therefore continue to drop the names of Alh Isa Funtua, Maman Daura, Nasir Danu, Lawan Daura, etc to paint a picture of an illegal cartel against the country is very shameful, despicable and unpatriotic, the task force maintained.
“To confirm that, the allegation of the award of thirty billion naira contract to Bullet Construction was emotional, light weight and of no effect. Firstly, Bullet construction can do jobs anywhere in Nigeria, including at the CBN. The company is very qualified and above all competent. Or does the group prefer foreign companies as always? Or should Nigerians suspect a sponsorship from a rival foreign company? This calls to question the credibility of the purpose and intent of the US based group against the CBN.
“We have resolved as the watchdog of the society to always hold governments accountable to communicate our findings to Nigerians and the US Congress just for record purposes. Our resolution 112 is to write to the US Congress to disregard the allegations against the CBN by the Young Professionals Forum in New York”.
The CSOs further urge the group and any other Nigerian who has issues with operations of any agency in the country to make use of nation’s anti corruption agencies such as EFCC and ICPC to get things done rather than resort to black market and short circuits formulas.
“By this, and in the interest of our national image, we here pass a vote of confidence on the CBN Leadership .
“We furthermore , give the group and her leader, Mr Jackson Ude (14 days) to retrieve those publications against the CBN and above all apologize to Nigerians or face legal action”, the group added.
June 16, 2020
CBN Tops in International Polls on Transparency, Accountability
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been rated top on transparency, accountability and due process in her operations according to a 2020 poll conducted by the Mahatma Ghandi Peace Foundation in collaboration with The Winston Churchill Centre For Investigative Journalism.
About 453 federal government departments, agencies and parastatals were part of the poll, a joint press statement signed by the country director of Mahatma Ghandi Peace Foundation Nigeria, Bishop Abel Kings and and Richard Oduma of the Winston Churchill Centre For Investigative Journalism has said.
The organisations extolled the due process mechanism put in place by the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria stating that as foreign organisations, their focus was to promote and instill probity and accountability virtues in government agencies hence the polls.
“Our trademark is to discourage corruption and ensure due process mechanisms at all strata of public life particularly in developing economies such as Nigeria. The Central Bank of Nigeria as a critical stakeholder in the Nigeria economic project is a prime agency to focus on if we are to achieve our development goals for the nation”, the statement noted.
It further stated that they were satisfied with the nation’s apex bank thorough internal mechanisms put in place to minimize fraud and abuse of internal processes.
” The polls were conducted in about 453 federal government agencies, following independent audit on promotions, award of contracts, recruitments, and general policy direction templates of various organisations including the CBN.
“Among the many organizations covered include, the Nigeria Army, the Department of State Security, National Information Technology Development Agency, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, NIPPS, NAFDAC and the NUC among others.
“The Central Bank has however led the polls based on systematic reviews from the two coordinating international organisations having scored high on all indices and templates for the polls.
“This presentation is imminent especially at this auspicious time for the nation as the country prepares to resume the economy from the intermittent breaks occasioned by the Covid 19 global health emergency. This great feat by the management of the Central Bank Of Nigeria will sure reinforce confidence of investors both at the local and international levels in Nigeria and her economy.
“We are pleased and satisfied if the nations apex bank is leading in due process and accountability reforms, it then means Nigeria is on the right trajectory to economic stability. The statement averred.
The two groups also called on other agencies of government to focus on instilling the values of transparency and due process as championed by the CBN. Every Nigerian has a responsibility to ask questions in the affairs of this country, and only transparency can guarantee those obligations.
“This poll is a product of long weeks of painstaking independent audit and investigations of the nations most critical agencies hence the need for this Press enlightenment. Gentleman of the press, you also have a duty to amplify the positive dimensions of the polls so as to bolster confidence in the Nigeria economic system and her recovery.
“At times such as the country is faced with many challenges, we need to be circumspect in guiding against public misinformation and smear campaign against critical agencies as much as possible particularly from the point of information backed with data and verifiable statistics. This is what our organizations seeks to achieve. The statement further read.
“As independent international organisations with a rich history and great reputation for excellence, the Central Banks performance rating has reinforced our trust in the pursuit of our developmental objectives and principles as unbiased empires in the development agenda.
“By this great feat, the management of the CBN is expected to focus on the challenge of maintaining the tempo so as to surpass current heights as far as due process and transparency reforms are concerned without losing focus amidst distractions.
“The two international groups further announced the nomination of the CBN management for the “Winston Churchill Memorial Award on Transparency” as a mark of honor and symbol for the ideals of the two organizations represent.
“This polls has confirmed that with the current management in place at the Central Bank of Nigeria, the nations economy is sure to achieve the projected heights.
” We urge individuals of influence, opinion leaders, civil society groups to support and insist on transparency rather than seek avenues to drag authorities in the mud without seeking necessary clarifications, the statement concluded.
June 16, 2020