Category: News

You can add some category description here.

  • Shehu Sani suggests ways of defeating supporters of Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB

    Shehu Sani suggests ways of defeating supporters of Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB

    Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has asked the federal government to treat all Nigerians with fairness irrespective of tribe.

    Sani was speaking on the backdrop of calls by a foremost separatist group, IPOB, demanding a split of the country.

    He advised that Igbos be treated with fairness and justice to defeat IPOB.

    IPOB led by Nnamdi Kanu has been at the forefront to actualise the sovereign state of Biafra, thereby breaking up Nigeria.

    A few days ago, the Presidency accused Kanu and his group of trying to destroy Nigeria before the international community.

    And Kanu boasted that his group had already achieved the destruction of Nigeria, which will soon become evident.

    However, in a post on his Facebook page, the former lawmaker urged the government to crush those against Nigeria’s unity.

    He wrote: “The only way to defeat the Igbo man who supports the IPOB is to treat the Igbo man who supports Nigeria with fairness and justice and to treat all Nigerians with fairness and Justice.

    “As long as we would continue to run a nation and a system where a collective punishment is meted on a people because of their political decision or history, we are simply emboldening the secessionists and their sympathizers.

    “Love those who hold the national flag to crush those who reject the national flag so that our great country can withstand all subversions.”

  • BREAKING: Katsina: Girls raped, 40 killed in Faskari LG as bandits vow more attacks

    BREAKING: Katsina: Girls raped, 40 killed in Faskari LG as bandits vow more attacks

    Armed gunmen stormed communities in Faskari Local Government of Katsina State on Tuesday, killing scores of residents.

    For hours, the residents were at the mercy of the bandits.

    More than 40 people, mostly the elderly, women and children, were killed.

    Also, a number of young females were raped.

    A source told PRNigeria on Wednesday that communities affected include Kadisau, Maigora, Kabalawa, Kwakware, Raudama and Unguwar Wahabi.

    The source said the bandits stormed the communities on several motorcycles.

    “They abused some young girls and married women while setting houses and food stores on fire.”

    He added that the assailants also “robbed the villagers before they rustled domestic animals, especially cows and sheep”.

    However, the bandits have threatened more attacks.

    The attackers sent words that they would return after Wednesday’s funeral service (Janaizah) for the victims.

    But Police spokesman in Katsina State, SP Gambo Isah, has assured the people of safety.

    “The Area Commander in Funtua, DPOs and military personnel are currently in the area to ensure maximum security during the burial and afterwards”, he said.

  • BREAKING : Reps pass reviewed budget of N10.805 trillion for 2020, halt doctors strike with N4 billion

    BREAKING : Reps pass reviewed budget of N10.805 trillion for 2020, halt doctors strike with N4 billion

    The House of Representatives has passed the new 2020 reviewed budget with N4 billion allocation to the Resident Doctors Act to forestall pending strike by the resident doctors.

    The House passed a new budget of N10.805trillion. With a recurrent expenditure of N4.942trillion, debt servicing at N2.488trillion, statutory transfer of N422 billion and capital expenditure of N2.4trillion.

    Details soon…

  • Nigeria lacks moral standing to condemn Floyd’s killing – Senator

    Nigeria lacks moral standing to condemn Floyd’s killing – Senator

    A Principal Officer of the Senate, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, said on the floor of the red chamber on Wednesday that Nigeria lacked the moral standing to condemn the recent killing of an African-American, George Floyd.

    Floyd was recently murdered by the Police in Minneapolis, the United States in broad daylight.

    Bwacha, who is the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, said he decided to bring up the issue under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, so that it would not require a debate where the act would probably be condemned.

    He said the murder had attracted a global protest against racism which was ignited from the action of a racist police in Mineapolis.

    The senator from Taraba State said Nigeria was also grappling with its ethnic and religious motivated killings.

    He said, “We are all aware of what followed the wicked despicable manner with which the life of George Floyd was taken from this world.

    “This singular incident, Mr President, ordinarily would have generated debates even in this chamber. Meaning, I would have invoked Order 52 to enable us debate this matter.

    “My decision not to bring up the matter for consideration was due to the fact that Nigeria lacks the moral standing to condemn the killing of Mr Floyd.

    “The country presently grapples with its own problems of killings arising from ethnic and religious discrimination.

    Bwacha was countered by his colleague, Senator Adamu Aliero, from Kebbi State, who also relied on Order 43 on personal explanation.

    Aliero craved the indulgence of the Senate not to entertain any matter that may spark unnecessary controversy within the chamber, and by extension, Nigeria.

    Bwacha, nevertheless, insisted that the reason for bringing up the death of George Floyd was to remind Nigerians on the need to work on all associated problems that are spin-offs from the country’s diversity.

    Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks, called on leaders in the country to take advantage of the country’s diversity to wield the required strength to foster unity, peace and development.

    Lawan said, “We should ensure as leaders that we use and weave this diversity into strength, and that is trying to provide leadership regardless of geographical, ethnic and religious differences.

    “Many of our leaders are trying to do that, so I think you tried to deviate a little bit and it almost turned controversial.

  • Appeal court: Senate begins confirmation of Dongban-Mensem as president

    Appeal court: Senate begins confirmation of Dongban-Mensem as president

    The Senate on Wednesday announced its decision to fast-track the confirmation of the Acting President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

    The upper legislative arm made this known while giving a live update of its plenary on Twitter.

    Daybreak reports that Senate on Tuesday confirmed receiving a formal request from the President, Muhammadu Buhari , for the confirmation of Dongban-Mensem.

    The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, told the senators that the confirmation would be fast-tracked to avoid constitutional breaches.

    The tweets read, “Senate leader comes under Order 1b to fast track the consideration of the appointment of Justice Mendem as the President of the Court of Appeal. Minority Leader seconds.
    The Nigerian Senate

    “Senate President, @DrAhmadLawan says the moves become necessary since the Senators would be proceeding on two weeks leave and considering the possibility of a constitutional issue, it is imperative to confirm the appointment.

    “Senate Leader moves for the Senate to consider the screening of the nominee and minority leader seconds.

    “The Senate approves to do the screening and it is referred to the Committee on Judiciary to report back tomorrow (Thursday).”

  • Senate confirms Lamido Yuguda as SEC DG

    Senate confirms Lamido Yuguda as SEC DG

    The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Mr. Lamido Yuguda as the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Daybreak reports.

    Reginald C. Karausa, Ibrahim D. Boyi, and Obi Joseph were also confirmed as full-time commissioners of the Commission.

    Ezrel Tabiowo, Special Assistant on Press to Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, announced in a statement that the nominees were confirmed after the Senate considered the report of the Committee on Capital Market.

    The Committee which is chaired by Senator Ibikunle Amosun (APC – Ogun Central), recommended that “the Senate confirms the four nominees as appointed by Mr President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission”.

    Speaking after the nominees were confirmed, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan said, “The Security and Exchange Commission must be efficient and effective in ensuring that we are able to attract and sustain not only domestic investment but foreign direct investment.

    “People should bring their monies and feel safe with their investments here. This is essential to create a very enabling climate for investors to be attracted and retained here in the country.”

  • Ortom urges FG to stop Foreign Herders’ entry into Nigeria

    Ortom urges FG to stop Foreign Herders’ entry into Nigeria

    Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi.

    Piqued by renewed attacks on some Communities by suspected herdsmen, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has implored the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency halt the influx of foreign herdsmen into Nigeria.

    The Governor who made his position known in Ukum Local Government Area of the State during the official launch of the Zakibian international Yam market also sued for the review of the Economic Community of West African Countries’ (ECOWAS) protocol which allows free movement for member countries to curtail free movement of herdsmen into the country.

    Ortom expressed worry that if this is not checked, it will affect the economic diversification programme, lamenting the damage caused farmers by herders which he said has threatened food security in the area.

    The Governor noted that between April and June this year, over 60 persons had been killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen and no fewer than 1000 persons are currently taken refuge in the Internally Displaced Camp (IDP).

    Ortom called on the Federal Government to stop the influx of foreign herders. He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kaural Hore for taking responsibility for the massacre in Benue State.

    He reminded Vice President Yemi Osinnbajo of the promise he made on behalf of the Federal Government last year to rebuild the areas destroyed by suspected herdsmen to enable farmers return back to their ancestral homes.

  • Edo 2020: APC, PDP, 13 others ready for primaries – INEC

    Edo 2020: APC, PDP, 13 others ready for primaries – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday said 15 out of the 18 registered political parties have stated their intention to conduct primaries ahead of the Edo governorship election.

    INEC National Commissioner and Chairman (Information and Voter Education Committee), Festus Okoye, said this while giving an update on the conduct of primaries for the Edo State governorship election in a statement.

    He listed the party as the parties are Action Alliance, African. Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, African Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, and Action Peoples Party.

    Others are Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

    Okoye said, “In accordance with Sections 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), 15 out of the 18 registered political parties have notified the commission of their intention to conduct primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Edo State governorship election slated for September 19 2020.

    “By the timetable and schedule of activities issued by the Commission on February 6, 2020, party primaries for the Edo governorship election will take place between June 2 and 27.

  • Senate confirms 6 nominees for appointments as RMAFC Commissioners

    Senate confirms 6 nominees for appointments as RMAFC Commissioners

    The Senate on Wednesday approved six out of the seven nominees by President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment as Commissioners for Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFC).

    The Senate’s approval of the nominees followed the presentation of a report by its Chairman, Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs Sen. Adetunmbi Olubunmi (APC Ekiti North).

    The report was also for the consideration at the Committee of the Whole.

    The approved nominees are: Salamatu Bala, representing Adamawa, Alfred Egba (Bayelsa) and Alhaji Adamu Dibal (Borno).

    Others are Oladele Gboyega (Osun), Bello Wammakko (Sokoto) and Ahmed Yusuf (Taraba).

    The Senate, however stood down the confirmation of Mr Emmannuel Nwosu, representing Imo, following a security report against the nominee, by the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

    Senate also at plenary, approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of Mr Lamidi A. Yuguda, as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    Other nominees confirmed to serve as full time Commissioners for SEC are :Mr Reginald C. Karawusa representing Imo, Mr Ibrahim Boyi representing Katsina and Mr Obisan Joseph, representing Lagos.

    Their confirmation was also sequel to the presentation of a report from the Committee on Capital Market by the Chairman, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (APC-Ogun ) and consideration of same at the Committee of the Whole.

    Senate at plenary also considered for first reading five bills.

    The bills are : 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 by Sen. Ovie Omo -Agege (APC Delta Central) and Criminal Code Act CAP P30 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2020 by Sen.Uche Ekwunife (PDP-Anambra).

    Others are, Federal Audit Service Commission Bill, 2020 by Sen. Mathew Urhoghide (PDP-Edo), among others.

  • Buhari presides over virtual FEC meeting

    Buhari presides over virtual FEC meeting

    The President, Muhammadu Buhari, is currently presiding over this week’s virtual Federal Executive Council Meeting.

    Buhari presides over the meeting from the State House, Abuja, while some of his cabinet members including ministers attend virtually from their different locations.

    In attendance with the President is Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; and Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari.

    The ministers will be presenting memos at the meeting for the President’s approval, said Personal Assistant on New Media to the President, Bashir Ahmad.

    Details later…