April 02, 2008

Tragedy! ...Bride, 30 celebrants drown in Bagwai dam, Shekarau attends funeral, condoles with families

By ABDULLAHI D. ABDULLAHI & ALIYU YUSUF

NO fewer than 31 people out of about 35 mainly women and children lost their lives when a canoe carrying them capsized Monday at Watari Dam in Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano state.

The canoe that was conveying over 20 women and about 15 infants including a bride who was being accompanied to Badau village some five kilometers from Bagwai town, capsized about five minutes to the bank of the dam when it hit a tree.
Daily Triumph learnt that the accident occurred in the third and final trip of the canoe to Badau village at about 8.00 p.m when it was already becoming dark. The sad episode involved a bride, Malama Bilkisu Bibiyo Ado Rinji.
As at the time of filing this report, only one person was confirmed still missing, but four survivors were rescued by local divers according to reports.
As for the four survivors, two are presently receiving medical attention at a Bagwai hospital while the other two are already home.
One of them, Habiba Bagwai said none of the women apart from her survived, adding that she also lost her three children, a 17-month old Abdullahi, Isyaku 6, and Asiya 4.
The driver of the canoe, Malam Abdullahi Sani said he could not ascertain how many passengers were aboard the canoe as it was dark and most of the women were carrying infants and children.
On his part, the Sarkin Ruwa (chief of the local divers), Malam Umar Garba disclosed that one cannot expect any survivor after spending over 10 hours under water, but however said his people were trying tirelessly to see if they could get more survivors.
The chairman of Bagwai local council, Alhaji Abdulhamid Idris said though the number of those involved could not be ascertained as the accident occurred in the night, the casualty may have risen.
Also commenting, the supervisory councillor on health, Hon. Sa’idu Garba
Sarkin’ya told Daily Triumph that the stated number was the one given by the relatives of the bride, but it could have risen because some boarded the canoe at a later stage.
Meanwhile, Kano state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau was among the thousands of mourners who attended the funeral prayers of some of the unfortunate victims yesterday.
Condoling the families of the deceased, Governor Shekarau described the incidence as a great tragedy not only to the people of the area but to the entire people of the state, praying for Allah to grant them al-Jannatul Firdausi and the fortitude to the families to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, the deputy governor Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo was among those who went to the area to condole with the victims’ families.
Daily Triumph recalls that during the National Population Census exercise in 2006, the dam had claimed the life of one of the census officials while trying to cross it aboard a canoe while the other staff, a lady survived.

Posted by Publisher at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

April 01, 2008

Dearth of medical personnel KNSG moves to stop brain-drain...Health workers get pay perk increase

KANO state government, has in its usual benevolent disposition, particularly as it relates to workers in the state, put paid its promise by increasing the allowances of all medical personnel across the board.

By this gesture therefore, all professional and non-professional staff of the state Hospitals Management Board (HMB) have had their allowances raised beginning from yesterday.
A statement from the office of the Director-General of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai and signed by the board’s PRO, Sani Abba Yola, said in this regard, call duty allowance for medical officers has been increased from its previous 240 per cent to 320 per cent, while that of pharmacists rose from 112 per cent to 160 per cent.
Similarly, nurses who hitherto were collecting a 75 per cent increase of their allowances, have already began to enjoy 137 per cent increase. Shifting allowance has also been upped from 30-50 per cent, the statement added.
Yakasai said the move became imperative following the shortage of health workers in the state, occasioned by poor salary and allowances which forced medical personnel to shun public hospitals for private or federal facilities in search of greener pasture, saying this prompted government to make an upward review of their allowances to keep them put..
According to him, in spite of government’s tireless efforts for improved healthcare delivery through adequate funding and supply of necessary working equipments and medicaments, such efforts had defied solution due to the acute shortage of health workers in the past.
Dr. Yakasai however, expressed optimism that this increase would no doubt bring about more conducive atmosphere for the personnel to be attracted to remaining in the state services.
He therefore appealed to all medical professionals to seek appointment with the board in view of the improved package so as to offer meaningful contributions for improved healthcare delivery in the state.
Sources at the board however, quoted the Director-General as saying that with this humane gesture offered the health workers by the magnanimous Shekarau administration, all the workers are therefore expected to reciprocate by being responsible and responsive to the demands of the state’s health care delivery system.
The health workers, it was further learnt, were also warned to buckle up for them to earn every kobo they are paid.

Posted by Publisher at 01:13 PM | Comments (0)

March 28, 2008

Niger Delta, Gulf of Guinea dilemma Nigeria, stakeholders agree on security

Nigeria and other stakeholders are to cooperate to boost security in the Gulf of Guinea, reduce oil theft, money laundering and small arms proliferation in the Niger Delta.

This resolution is contained in a communique issued yesterday at the end a two-day multilateral meeting of the stakeholders in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that top on the agenda was energy security in the Gulf of Guinea and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Nigeria, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland attended the meeting.
Development partners such as the EU Commission, USAID, UNDP, DFID, World Bank, International Oil Companies (IOCs) as well as NNPC and EFCC also participated.
They pledged to support Nigeria’s efforts to ensure maritime safety and security to eliminate oil theft, bunkering and criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
They promised to encourage NNPC and the Plymouth University in efforts to use oil fingerprinting for authenticating the source of crude oil sold internationally.
On small arms control, the parties agreed to enhance communication and information exchange among the governments on the sources of illegal weapons.
“The government of Nigeria should increase efforts to control movements of weapons across land borders and within Nigeria.
“Members should support the coordination of small arms control activities across the Gulf of Guinea region and the ECOWAS Sub-region.
‘’The Nigerian Navy should intensify its maritime control capabilities in the Niger Delta region to ensure enthronement of law and order,’’ the communique stated.
The meeting agreed to enhance cooperation and information exchange between partners to fight money laundering.
The meeting acknowledged the stimulation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative at the state level, saying that “the Bayelsa Expenditure and Income Transparency Initiative (BEITI) is welcomed in that respect.’’
On sustainable community development, the meeting charged NNPC to coordinate the development of a common and harmonised development plan within each state in the oil-producing area.
NNPC is also expected to work with oil companies operating in the respective states.
They will also share information and activities between the partners, IOCs, states, NDDC and local governments to avoid duplication and waste of resources.
“Partners are to identify areas of strength to ensure that assistance offered is based on organisation’s area of expertise,’’ it said.
It stated that development partners were prepared to assist the states in capacity building to improve governance and ensure value for money.
The foreign partners took note of positive developments in the Niger Delta and pledged to assist with development and security.
Participants called for special session for security agencies, diplomatic corps as well as stakeholders in the industry.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 2008, in Yenagoa.

Posted by Publisher at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2008

We ’ll stamp crime -- Jonathan assures Nigerians

From MUSTAPHA SAYE, Kaduna
VICE President GoodLuck Jonathan has said that the present administration is determined to make criminality unprofitable for both practittioners and beneficiaries.

Speaking yesterday in Kaduna on the occasion of the formal launch of the ``Operation Yaki’’, the anti-crime out-fit initiated by Kaduna state government at Murtala Muhammad Square Jonathan said: ‘’Our end goal is to ensure that our streets and our creeks are safe,’’ adding that ‘’our homes and villages become better livable spaces so that our towns and cities are transformed into secure dwelling places for the benefit of our people.’’
Dr. Jonathan said the initiative, according to the government of Kaduna state will employ 2,000 people and will be backed by 75 patrol vehicles fully equipped with communication gadgets and a helicopter from the police headquarters, pointing out that, ‘’here lies the beauty of the out-fit, recognising that a siignificant percentage of the crimes committed may be job related.’’
According to him, the government of Kaduna state decided to create jobs even as it focuses on eliminating high and low crimes in the society, noting that the struggle to reclaim Kaduna state from the hands of criminals has begun.
The Vice President called on all patriots in the state to become fully involved because there is a lot at stake, pointing out that: ‘’as you all know, this city gained reputation as the nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and it is believed that it is one place where prominent citizens in this part of the country would first prefer to have a home outside their home towns.’’
He reaffirmed the committement and support of the federal government towards reducing criminality in the state and the country to the barest minimum, stressing the need to have a regional synergy to achieve effective law enforcement.
He said ``we can not afford the recycling of criminals’’, suggesting that due emphasis be placed on intelligence gathering and grassroots campaigns targeted at value orientation.
Earlier in his remark , Governor Namadi Sambo of Kaduna state had said that his government had taken bold steps to ensure that criminal activities in the state become histroy.
Govenor Sambo said no serious government can achieve its desired goals under insecurity, adding that it is the responsibilty of the government to protect the lives and property of its citizenery.
He said it is on this reason his government initiatied this noble operation tagged: ``Operation Yaki’’ aimed at tackling and addressing the issue of insecurity for which the government has employed 2,000 people and backed by 75 patrol vehicles fully equipped with sophoisticated gadgets.

Posted by Publisher at 09:44 AM | Comments (0)

August 25, 2007

Banks aided looting of state coffers ...Yar’adua says, innaugurates DMO Supervisory Board

PRESIDENT Umaru Musa Yar'adua yesterday blamed operators the banking sector in the country for assisting past bad leaders in the country to sink their states in the debt pool due to their orchestrated, abetted, and operationalized system.

From KABIRU YUSUF,Abuja

He therefore challenged the operators of the sector in Nigeria to recommit themselves to the pursuit of prudence, transparency, and sincerity in their dealings with the three tiers of government.
According to the President: “It is on record that most of the domestic debts that have virtually crippled some of the states were orchestrated, abetted, and operationalized by some of our banks through the abuse of the ISPO system.”
The President stated this at the inauguration of the Supervisory Board of the Debt Management Office in his office, adding that government is hoping that the new lease of life which the banking reforms have engendered in the sector will reflect in greater prudence in the rational interaction between the banks and the local, state, and the federal governments.
He pointed out that Nigeria has witnessed a regime of far-reaching economic, administrative and social reforms in the past eight years more than at any other time in its 47-year post-independence history.
These reform efforts, he said, have resulted in some major achievements, chief among which was the historic debt relief which the nation won from its major creditors. ‘’The ministry of finance and the Debt Management Office (DMO) can justifiably lay claim to being the architects of this momentous feat,’’ he noted.
In the midst of the country’s euphoria, he added, government has not lost sight of the fact that the post-debt relief period is a delicate one for a developing economy, pointing out that there is the risk of relapsing into debt unsustainability as a result of unguarded borrowing.
The President further stated that with the nation’s exit from both the London and Paris Club debts overhang, the DMO is faced with new challenges, principal amongst which is managing domestic debt at both the federal and state levels.
It is in recognition of the need to further strengthen the DMO in the light of these challenges, he added, that its Supervisory Board was being inaugurated this morning. “This is to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of policies, strategies and procedures aimed at achieving continuous debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability,’’ he said.
Yar’adua explained that the Supervisory Board, a statutory creation of the Act establishing DMO, is charged with responsibility for the approval of policies, strategies and procedures which are to be adopted by the DMO for the achievement of its objectives.
The Board is also among other responsibilities, he pointed out, expected to review the economic and political impact of both domestic and external debt management strategies.
He said: “Given the composition of the Board, I am confident that these are worthy Nigerians who have the requisite creative and productive capacity to effectively drive the DMO in the efficient discharge of its statutory obligations.”
The President who congratulated the entire membership of the Board, said, ‘’significantly, this is the pioneer Board as the DMO Supervisory Board is being inaugurated for the first time since the DMO's establishment in 2000. ‘’
He urged members of the board to take very seriously, their onerous responsibility of guiding the management of the DMO in developing appropriate mechanisms for prudent, effective, efficient and sustainable solutions to our domestic and sub-­national debt management.
As he formally inaugurated the Supervisory Board, the president said the board members can be assured of government unstinted support as they face up to this vital national assignment.

Posted by Publisher at 03:15 PM | Comments (0)

Buhari's petition: Obasanjo enters protest appearance

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has protested his appearance as a respondent in the petition of ANPP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, over the April Presidential polls.

Obasanjo was made the third respondent to the petition filed before the Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja.
The protest was contained in a memorandum of conditional appearance filed before the Tribunal by Obasanjo's counsel, Malam Bello Adoke (SAN).
The memorandum, addressed to the Secretary to the Tribunal, was obtained yesterday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Dated August 20, the document reads in part: ``Please, enter a conditional appearance for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces) who is sued as third respondent in the above petition''.
NAN reports that the reasons for the protest had not been made available to the tribunal.
However, they are expected to be contained in a subsequent motion yet to be filed by Adoke.
It will be recalled that the tribunal, presided over by Justice James Ogebe, had ordered service of the petition on Obasanjo through a substituted means of publishing it in a National Daily.
The order of the court was sequel to a complaint by Buhari's counsel, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) that it was difficult to serve the petition on the former President.
In the petition, Obasanjo was specifically alleged to have used his position to deploy the Police, Army and other security agencies who masterminded the rigging of elections in favour of PDP.
Meanwhile, Ahamba has said that he needs to certify over 50,000 pages of document obtained from INEC to prove his case.
The lawyer alleged that INEC was curtailing prompt certification of the documents by posting only a staff to do the bulk job.
Ahamba appealed to the tribunal to intervene by directing INEC to deploy more staff to handle the job in good time.
The tribunal, however, declined granting the order against INEC but advised the body to assist the lawyer to that effect.
The petition has been adjourned till September 3 for further hearing.
In the petition, Buhari and his running mate, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, are asking the tribunal to nullify the election of President Umaru Musa Yar'adua.
The petitioners, among other reasons, contended that the election was marred with violence, rigging, malpractice and irregularities.

Posted by Publisher at 03:15 PM | Comments (0)

August 02, 2007

Yar’adua okays subsidy for pilgrims... says this year’s final

PRESIDENT Umaru Musa Yar-adua yesterday reversed former President Obasanjo’s removal of pilgrimage subsidy, saying that pilgrims must enjoy it again this year as government already approved concessionary exchange rate of N120 per one dollar for this year’s pilgrims.

From KABIRU YUSUF, Abuja
The Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. John Odey who disclosed this yesterday after the first Federal Executive Council meeting, further said government’s decision was necessary so as to give all (Muslim and Christian) intending pilgrims the chance to prepare their minds for the 2008 when the subsidy will be finally removed.
He pointed out that the subsidy enjoyed by both Christian and Muslim pilgrims will end with the 2007 pilgrimage, adding that this is so, in order to ensure that only those who can afford to embark on pilgrimage do so as it was a purely religious matter.
Mr. Odey explained that, the decision by government to scrap the concessionary exchange rate was to ensure that pilgrimage remains a purely religious matter and only those who can afford it embark on the exercise.
He added that: “The decision of government in doing this is in line with the religious doctrine. For you to go on Hajj, it is if you can afford it. The decision is also for effective and efficient management of the scarce resources now.”
The minister while stating that though the subsidy will be completely removed by 2008, he also said government was taking other measures to ensure that pilgrims have a safe and easy passage to observing their religious obligation.
In his words “the government is funding the structure and other opportunities that will facilitate safe and easy arrangement for this pilgrimage, so the issue of subsidy is not the only area where government is obviously giving considerations.
“The issue of subsidy as it pertains to travel is becoming a great issue of concern because government is receiving requests for concessionary exchange rates in so many areas that government cannot afford. Relevant government agencies were also directed to ensure that the decision of government on the stoppage of concessionary exchange rate was given adequate publicity,” he stated.
Other issues discussed at yesterday’s meeting, he said include reversing of former President Obasanjo’s decision to remove the supervision of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to the Presidency.
Minister of Information and Communications Mr Odey who was flanked by the minister of state in the ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, said that to determine this a seven-man committee to look into the proper status of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms was set up and it is to report to government within one week.
The committee which is headed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, he said has as its members the ministers of information and communication, defence, science and technology, national planning, Federal Capital Territory while the Head of Civil Service of the Federation is to advise the council whether the BPSR should be autonomous or domiciled in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the minister, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms was the agency responsible for the right sizing and down sizing in the federal civil service that saw the retrenchment of thousands of civil servants.
Mr. Odey who assured that government is determined to pay all those sacked from the civil service their entitlements, added that majority of them have not been paid their entitlements, several years after their disengagement.

Posted by Publisher at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)

Hajj: KNSG releases N420m for accommodation

KANO State Executive Council has approved the release of N420 million to secure an accommodation for the state’s pilgrims for the 2007 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

By ALIYU YUSUF

The state’s commissioner of information, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the executive council’s meeting.
Barrister Dederi said securing the accommodation is part of the government effort in easing the suffering of the pilgrims during the yearly Hajj operations, as convenient and reasonable accommodation near the Haram will be secured.
He added that in the government’s determined efforts to provide meaningful projects in the state, the sum of N79,561,000 was approved by the council for the construction of two feeder roads in Madobi and Bichi local government council areas.
The road in Madobi local government which is to consume the sum of N46,616,767,27k will start from Madobi-Kubarachi village while that in Bichi local government is to start from Kantakara-Yar’tsamiya at the cost of N32,384,793.73k respectively.
The commissioner further explained that the council has approved the purchase of government lodge at No 7 Kassimu Akemode Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at the cost of N79,500,000.
He then dismissed speculations that the state had earlier sold its house on Plot 122B Bishop Oluwole Street in Lagos, saying that the house was only leased through the state leasing committee at the cost of N48 million.
According to him, the N48 million realized from the lease of the house will be part of the money to be used for the purchase of the government lodge at Victoria Island.
Barrister Dederi also revealed that the council has approved the release of N44,477,870 for the payment of compensation in respect of the road construction of Dorayi-‘Yamadawa-Gwarzo Road in the state metropolis.
He added that the on-going road project was on a stand still as there was a delay in the payment of compensation to the affected populace, urging them to vacate and allow the work to progress as soon as they collected their compensation which will be released with immediate effect by the state ministry of finance.

Posted by Publisher at 08:48 AM | Comments (0)

... appoints committee on IPS

IN its desire to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Kano citizens with regard to the provision of Independent Power Supply the state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has approved the appointment of a 10-man committee on energy.

This was contained in a press release issued yesterday and signed by Kabiru Salisu Koki, press secretary to Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The committee which has Professor Abdu Salihi as chairman, has the managing director, water board, managing director, rural electricity board and a representative from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) as members.
Other members of the committee are Engr. Atiku A. Ahmad of the Kano University of Technology Wudil, Engr. Balarabe Abdullahi of the state ministry of works, Abdullahi Yunusa of the Kano state Polytechnic, while Barrister Sunusi Salisu Aliyu will serve as the secretary of the committee.
The committee will be inaugurated on a date to be announced later, the release concluded.

Posted by Publisher at 08:47 AM | Comments (0)

ICPC beams searchlight on public servants

The ICPC has turned its searchlight on public servants in an effort to stamp out corruption in the service.

The Commission’s Resident Consultant, Mr Folu Olamiti, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.
He said any public officer found to have been used by politicians to perpetrate corruption would be prosecuted.
Olamiti said that most of the governors indicted for corruption used public officers to loot the treasury of their states.
“The only way to stop the tendency is to ensure that the affected officers are punished.
“Serving governors with immunity use public officers to loot government treasury, in that case they must be held accountable for the governor’s action.
“The fight must involve both the small and the big,’’ he said.
Olamiti added that punishment of such officers would serve as deterrent to others.
He said the Commission had directed the various ministries and other agencies to set up anti-corruption units in a bid to fight the scourge.
According to him, the strategy is to enlighten those officials who claim ignorance of their corrupt act during trial.
“Ignorance is no excuse in law,’’ Olamiti added.

Posted by Publisher at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)

Nigeria, Germany to strengthen ties

Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Minister of Foreign Affairs, says Germany will strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria, especially in trade and culture.

Steinmeier, who is on a two-day visit to Nigeria, made the announcement yesterday in Abuja when he visited the minister of state for foreign affairs.
He said Germany was examining how to increase its companies’ interests in Nigeria.
He said when President Umar Yar’adua visited Germany, both countries discussed a number of issues, including renewable energy and global environmental protection.
He explained that German’s interest in establishing an efficient and sustainable programme on renewable energies could be of interest to Nigeria.
On cultural ties, he said the German Cultural Institute had trained many Nigerians and added that there had been exchanges of artistes by the countries.
“Later today we will also be paying tributes to some Nigerian students who have done well in Germany,’’ he said.
Amb. Bagudu Hirse, the second Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the visit would further strengthen bilateral ties in trade and disease control with Nigeria.
He said ties between Nigeria and Germany had been facilitated and maintained through high-level interactions.
Hirse noted that German government had continued to demonstrate support for Africa and efforts of African leaders toward the development of the continent.
The minister will leave Nigeria for Ghana on Thursday after meeting with President Yar’adua.

Posted by Publisher at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)

July 30, 2007

Presidential Election Tribunal considers cases today

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja will today commence proper trial of the substantive case filed by the ANPP.
The ANPP is challenging the election of President Umaru Yar’Adua in the April 21 presidential poll.

The party’s national chairman, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, said it decided to challenge Yar’adua’s return by INEC because of alleged electoral fraud, in spite of its acceptance to participate in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Yar’adua has allocated two ministerial slots to the ANPP and appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki-Nakande and Hajiya Saudatu Bungudu from Plateau and Zamfara states as minister of state for information and women affairs, respectively.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal, presided by Justice James Ogebe, had fixed July 30 for the hearing of the substantive petition instituted by the ANPP.
Ogebe had earlier agreed on the notice of service made on the defendants by all parties in the case.
Similarly, the tribunal will on Monday consider the issue of contesting notice of service by the ANPP presidential candidate, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari on the defendants.
Buhari’s lead counsel, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), is claiming that INEC had yet to avail the electoral materials they prayed the court to compel the electoral body to release.
Besides, the tribunal would also receive report of the notice served on Yar’adua, PDP and INEC by the AC and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, equally contesting the April polls.
NAN further reports that no date has been fixed for the pre-trial conference on the petition instituted by the African Liberation Party (ALP) and its presidential candidate, Chief Emmanuel Okereke before the tribunal.
Meanwhile, the petition filed by the National Action Council (NAC) and the party’s presidential flag-bearer, Dr Olapade Agoro, was struck out on July 20, for lack of merit.
In passing the judgment, the tribunal declared that the claims of the party and its candidate that the NAC logo and Agoro’s name were not reflected on the ballot paper was not “substantial enough’’ to void the election.
Analysts say the months ahead would be exciting as the tribunal enters the crucial stage of its activity and as Nigerians anxiously await the final outcome of its ruling.
According to a legal practitioner, who pleaded anonymity, the decision of the tribunal will go a long way in determining the tempo and growth of democracy in the country.
Other members of the tribunal are Justices John Fabiyi, Abdullahi Jega, A. Abaji and R. C. Agbo.

Posted by Publisher at 09:48 AM | Comments (0)

Yakasai heads Kano health board

KANO state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has approved the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai as the new Executive Secretary of the Hospital Management Board (HMB).

By ABDULLAHI D. ABDULLAHI
Group News Editor

According to a letter addressed to the appointee dated July 25, 2007, No. SSG/REPA/S/A/74/S signed by Bello Shehu Usman, Permanent Secretary, REPA for Secretary to the State Government, the appointment which takes immediate effect was in furtherance of the systematic effort for re-alignment of government agencies/parastatals for higher productivity and effective service delivery in accordance with the cardinal principles of the state government.
‘’The appointment was indeed predicated upon your proven integrity, track record of experience and professional competence, I have the conviction that you will bring these attributes to bear in discharging the new responsibility entrusted on you,’’ the letter said.
While praying for God’s guidance to the appointee, the governor enjoined him to embrace and be guided by the virtues of prudence and accountability.
Born in 1958, Dr. Yakasai attended Kofar Na’isa Primary School (1965- 1971), Barewa College, Zaria (1972-1976), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), 1977-1982) before joining the Nigerian Army where he rose to the rank of a colonel.
Dr. Yakasai was once the physician for Nigeria’s Head of State, late Gen. Sani Abacha and until his appointment he was a consultant gyanecologist/lecturer, Department of Obstetricts and Gynaecology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital/Bayero University Kano.

Posted by Publisher at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)

Obasanjo didn`t disclose how much he left --Jonathan

Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan says former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not mention how much he left behind.

Jonathan, who stated this at an interactive forum with journalists in Yenagoa on Saturday, said "Obasanjo never told us how many billions he left behind."
In response to a question on how much he left behind in the treasury of Bayelsa, Goodluck said: "There is nobody as at the time he leaves government, if you want to be frank, who can state exactly how much that is left behind or how much that they are owing.
"Even if I know, it will be wrong for me to tell you now that the governor has been here for almost two months. It will be wrong for me to say that," he said.
"I am not the rightful person to now comment on the finances of Bayelsa. It is the new governor that can say that.
"It will be very wrong of me to disclose the finances of Bayelsa state at any time.
"Even as I am talking now, if I ask Sylva how much money is the asset base of Bayelsa in terms of investments in banks, he will not tell you," he said.
On the declaration of his assets, Jonathan, said he has five asset declarations with the Code of Conduct Bureau, saying " If the law says so I will, but it has not."
In his comment, Governor Timipre Sylva said the vice president is a very modest man.
Sylva said the vice president left N20 billion asset in investment portfolio.

Posted by Publisher at 09:46 AM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2007

3 banks to bankroll N99bn for agric

A consortium of banks have agreed to inject more than 78 million dollars (about N99 billion) into the country's agricultural sector, a top government official said.

The consortium comprises the Islamic Development Bank, the Bank for Arab Economic Development in Africa (BAEDA) and the African Development Bank (ADB).
Dr Salisu Ingawa, Director, Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU), federal ministry of agriculture and water resources, disclosed this yesterday, to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Ingawa said the money would be used for the take-off of the second phase of the National Special Programme for Food Security (NSPFS).
``It is estimated to cost 364 million dollars (about N462 billion), upon its completion," he added.
He said the success recorded in the first phase, made former President Olusegun Obasanjo to approve the second phase spanning another five years.
``Because of the laudable achievements in the first phase, more than six donor agencies have signified their intention to be part of the project.
``In the end, more than half of the funds will come from donor agencies,'' he said.
The director added that the project sites would triple from 109 to 327 under the second phase, with each state having nine sites, while the FCT would have three.
He explained that the project would support irrigation farming through the construction of micro earth dams and sinking of tube wells, as well as irrigation system.
Ingawa noted that the PCU, in conjunction with the Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria, had begun a capacity building programme on water control structures.
According to him, the project is being funded by BAEDA.
The director said that the South-South Cooperation Programme (SSCP), jointly undertaken by the federal government and the FAO would run alongside the NSPFS scheme.
The SSCP was developed by the FAO for low-income food deficit countries.
Ingawa explained that 192 demonstration sites and 25 micro projects have been established under the SSC programme.
He added that 400 Chinese technicians and experts have been deployed to 12 states for the programme, based on the needs of the states.

Posted by Publisher at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)

July 17, 2007

Turaki, Dariye burst into tears...As courts order they be remanded in custody

THE arena of the Federal High Court Abuja yesterday was poetically enmeshed in a drama of tears and jeers as the former governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Ibrahim Saminu Turaki and his Plateau state counterpart, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye led their families, friends and supporters weeping publicly as even some youths numbering about 200 chanted “well-done EFCC, carry on”.

From KABIRU YUSUF, Abuja

The former governors along with Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia) who were in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since last week, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja to answer various charges of public fund misappropriation.
While listening to the charges against him from the EFCC prosecutor, Barrister Rotimi Jacob, before Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako, Turaki who is standing trial on 32-count charge of concealment and laundering of over N35 billion, broke into tears publicly denying the charges and pleading not guilty.
Immediately after hearing from the EFCC’s prosecutor and the denial from the accused person, the presiding judge, Justice Nyako ordered that Alhaji Saminu Turaki be remanded in prison custody until July 23, 2007.
Also listening to the charges against him by the prosecutor, Barrister Joseph Uzo, the erstwhile governor of Plateau state, Chief Dariye who is also facing a 14-count charge of money laundering and theft also bursted into tears and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
After the hearing from the prosecutor, in the Dariye’s case, the presiding judge, Jusice Babs Kuewumi, ordered that the former governor remains in EFCC’s custody till July 19th, 2007 when the hearing will continue.
However, the former Abia governor Orji Uzor Kalu who was arraigned before Justice Binta Murtala Nyako facing 107-count charge involving laundering of about N3 billion while in office, denying the charges read against him, the presiding Judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi ordered that the former governor also be remanded in prison custody until the 25 of this month when the case will come up.
As the accused stepped out of the court after adjournment, the families, friends and supporters of Saminu Turaki together with the former governor engaged in another session of weeping the day away. However, some youths were seen chanting: “Well-done EFCC, carry on. We are supporting your action. Rid Nigeria of corruption.”
Daily Triumph recalled that the former governors Turaki and Dariye were arraigned last Friday before the court for alleged money laundering, conspiracy to steal, and abuse of office and even though the EFCC brought Kalu to court the same day, it however, deferred his arraignment without giving any reason.
Turaki and Dariye were allowed to study the charges against them over the weekend and be brought back to the court yesterday.

Posted by Publisher at 04:47 PM | Comments (0)

We`ll continue to ensure security...Gov Shekarau assures new compol assistance

KANO state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has pledged his administration’s continuous support in providing facilities needed by the state police command to complement their efforts in making Kano a peaceful and crime-free state.

By ALIYU YUSUF

He disclosed this when he received the newly posted commissioner of police to the state on familiarization visit in his office, yesterday.
The governor explained that security issue is a top priority for the state, hence the need for putting all hands on deck to wipe out all forms of crime and related offences, noting that no amount of money spent in the sector will be too much.
He noted with dismay the gradual increase in crime rate and related offences, entertaining fears that if solid security measures are not taken, people in the state will be taken hostages by criminals especially armed robbers who operate in the prime time of the night.
Governor Shekarau further disclosed that apart from the monthly state security council meetings, government will ensure consistent communication with the police for better working relationship, urging the public to also provide meaningful information needed by the police.
The governor told the police commissioner that as an experienced officer, he will find Kano like any other state in terms of cooperation, congratulating him for starting on a sound footing.
Earlier, the police commissioner, Muhammad Aminu Yesufu had said they were at the Government House to congratulate Governor Shekarau for his re-election and also register the command’s total commitment and loyalty to serve the state.
Yesufu noted that security is one of the most needed ingredients that promotes peaceful co-existence in any society, stressing that the command will not fold its arms and watch things happen, stressing the need for conducting the state’s monthly security council meeting twice.
He solicited assistance from the state government with additional 25 Hilux vehicles, 33,000 litres of fuel quarterly, and a number of rain-coats among others.
He also urged the governor to give priority attention to insecurity in the interest of peace and stability, seeking for government’s intervention in the problem facing the judiciary.
The commissioner told the governor that within few days of his assumption of office, the command has recorded success, which saw the arrest of 518 miscreants in addition to 607 other suspects.

Posted by Publisher at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)

Ruling on petition against Sen. Mark July 20

The Election Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, will, on July 20, rule on an application filed by Mr Damian Dodo, praying it to strike out the petition against Sen. David Mark.

The tribunal chairman, Justice I. Bukar, fixed the date ruling after listening to an application filed and argued on yesterday by Dodo, counsel to Sen. David Mark.
Dodo argued that the petition, filed by Usman Abubakar of ANPP, challenging the election of Mark at the last April’s polls, was technically faulty.
NAN reports that Dodo had prayed the tribunal to strike out the petition on the premise that the evidence the petitioner filed along with the petition, did not suggest that Mark committed any electoral fraud during the election.
Dodo further stated that allowing the case to drag on without any substantial evidence of electoral crime against his client, would amount to waste of the time of the tribunal.
He said that the petition lacked merit and should be immediately struck out.
Opposing application, Counsel to Abubakar of the ANPP, Mr Wole Olanikpekun (SAN), argued that the petition should be sustained.
He said the application was a ploy being used by the Counsel to Mark to delay the actual commencement of the case.
Olanikpekun, submitted that the petition fell “squarely within the tenure, spirit and contemplation of the tribunal”.

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Investments in sugar hit N120.3bn —Council

The National Sugar Development Council said yesterday in Abuja that N120.3 billion was invested in the country’s sugar sector between 1999 and 2007.

In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja, the council said the amount consisted of 790 million dollars (about N99.5 billion) foreign investments and N20.8 billion local investments.
The council put the total value of loans and grants given to mini sugar plants in the sector at N300.4 million.
It said N235.1 million was for input support while N65.3 million was for the development of infrastructure.
“For the first time since 2002, local sugar production started again in the country. In the 2006/2007 season, more than 40,000 tonnes of sugar was produced.
It said several new

Posted by Publisher at 04:45 PM | Comments (0)

SGF gets 2 special assistants

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, has confirmed the appointment of two Special Assistants in his office. They are Dr. Shettima Bukar Abba, Special Assistant (Administration) and Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, Special Assistant (Communications).

From KABIRU YUSUF, Abuja

Dr. Abba started his career as an Assistant Lecturer at the College of Basic Studies, Maiduguri, in 1977 and became a Senior Lecturer at the University of Maiduguri in 2003. He was at various times the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of education, Permanent Secretary, Central Administration, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) also of Borno state and one-time Deputy Dean, School of Post-graduate Studies, University of Maiduguri.
A holder of M.Sc. and Ph.D in Geography from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom in 1985 and 1988, Dr. Abba was also at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Jos and the Bayreuth University, Germany, where he obtained his first degree and Masters degrees. He is married with children.
Mrs. Gbadebo who is both a journalist and a lawyer built up a career in journalism dating back to her days in the Punch Newspapers which she joined in 1979 as Editor of its “Happy Home” Magazine and later political correspondent. She was at various times the Political Editor and later Diplomatic Editor of the Guardian, Political Editor Sunday Times, Editor, Weekend Times, Group Political Editor, Daily Times and in the year 2000, became the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the Sketch Press Limited. She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; Fellow of the Nuffield Press at Wolfson College, Cambridge University and also a member of International Women Media Foundation, Washington.
Mrs. Gbadebo has a Masters degree in Communication Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1994 followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Relations from the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, Netherlands, in 1988 and she was called to the Bar as a Barrister in 1999. She has also recently completed a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Programme at the University of Ibadan. She is married with children.

Posted by Publisher at 04:44 PM | Comments (0)

Lamido blows hot again ...Warns civil servants against fraud

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state has warned the state civil servants that government will no longer tolerate fraudulent acts or mismanagement of public funds, adding government will not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting by showing him the way out of the civil service no matter how highly placed.

From ISMA’ILA MUHAMMAD, Dutse

Speaking at a Dutse municipal council chamber at the occasion of his kick-off tour of the 27 councils, lamented how corruptive monopoly distorted the administration of local councils, adding, ‘’we will not condone any act of wrongdoings or fraudulent act with public funds anymore’’.
Said him: ‘’We’re commited to the service of humanity with utmost sincerity of purpose,therefore any public office holder will henceforth be afforded with all his needs while in return be monitors to ensure probity and accountability.’’
According to him, it is sad to note that local government administration is that the centre of fraud in public service, stressing, ‘’we must act positively to rectify the situation so that little sanity could be restored in the system.’’
The governor who attributed the downturn of the state in the last 15 years of its creation on the elite due to their conservative monopoly, challenged that the duty of reinvigorating the state to its rightful position is a collective responsibility and not for a single individual.
He also called on staff of all the 27 councils and the entire civil servants in the state to be punctual to duty and shun any vices detrimental to civil service rules and regulations.
Earlier, the permanent secretary in-charge of the state ministry of Local Government Serice Commission, Alhaji Garba Muhammad Aujara had said that the governor’s tour was intended to afford the state government understand the problems of local government administration with a view to solving them.

Posted by Publisher at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)

Poor GSM services: Reps invite stakeholders

The House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on GSM has invited stakeholders to a two-day public hearing on how to resolve the unending poor services by the GSM service providers.

This was disclosed by the chairman of the committee, Rep Leo Oghor at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja.
The public hearing scheduled for July 18 and 19, followed to a motion passed by the House which mandated the committee to investigate the declining GSM services.
The committee, Oghor said, had already summoned all the network service providers, ministry of communications, National Communication Commission, M-TEL and the Consumer Protection Council.
The service providers, he said, were requested to submit a report on infrastructure sharing as it affects their operations, the minimum quality of service expected of each network and its up-to-date key performance report.
He expressed optimism that the hearing would provide opportunity for finding a lasting solution to the perennial poor quality services by the GSM operators.
The House, he said, would ensure that provisions of the Communication Act were fully complied with by stakeholders.

Posted by Publisher at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)

DMO unveils new strategy for debt management

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has unveiled a new strategy for debt management in the country.

DMO Director-General Abraham Nwankwo made the announcement at the opening of a workshop to unveil the strategy in Abuja yesterday.
He said the strategy was to assist President Umar Musa Yar’adua in achieving his quest to make Nigeria one of the top 20 economies by 2020.
The workshop’s theme is “the World Bank/IMF Debt Sustainability Framework for Low Income Countries’’.
Nwankwo said the focus would be on foreign debts, to ensure that new external borrowings were properly managed within an appropriate debt management framework.
“It will focus on mobilising additional financing such as grants and concessional loans targeted at accelerating growth and poverty reduction and meeting other MDGs related targets,’’ he said.
He said it would aim at accessing and mobilising resources on concessional terms to minimise the cost of foreign currency funding.
The strategy, he said, was geared toward accessing the international capital market on terms favourable to Nigeria.
On the management of domestic debt, Nwankwo said the new focus would concentrate on “integrating cash management with debt management operators’’.
“It will focus on deepening the domestic market through the use of derivative instruments as well as the introduction of foreign currency denominated FGN bonds in the domestic market,’’ he stated.
The strategy would focus on widening and deepening the scope of the financial and capital markets in line with Financial System Strategy (FSS 2020) which would improve the efficiency of debt management.
He said domestic debt management strategy was also aimed at developing an appropriate mechanism for prudent, sustainable and justifiable on-lending to sub-national entities.
According to him, the strategy will use the DMO platform to develop Debt Management Units in the 36 states and FCTA.
In his remark, the permanent secretary, federal ministry of finance, Mr. Akin Arikawe, urged participants to come up with a well-defined long term country borrowing strategy.
He advised them to look for a realistic policy on new financing needed to achieve poverty reduction and wealth creation.
Arikawe also urged the participants to produce a National Debt Sustainability Report that would help guide Nigeria’s future external, domestic and sub-national debt strategies.

Posted by Publisher at 04:42 PM | Comments (0)

Fertilizer: Farmers fault procurement, distribution formula

Peasant farmers in Jigawa state have raised alarm over the state government’s manner procurement and distribution formula of fertilizer, indicating that both shortfall in supply and sharing formula of the N37,000 metric tonnes of this year’s fertilizer allocation will not be enough for them to fulfill their dreams of getting bumper harvest.

From ISMA’ILA MUHAMMAD,Dutse

Investigations conducted by our reporter revealed that the farmers are complaining over poor arrangement of sales and collection of the approved N900 per bag by government officials assigned and alleged show of negative attitudes which contradict government’s policy on the commodity.
Least among includes favouring certain categories of government officials to the detriment of the peasant farmers,diversion of the product among others.
It gathered that these same monopoly generated fracas to some extent, thereby causing untold hardship to the farmers in getting access to the commodity, situation which contravenes the state government’s policy that the sales of this year’s fertlizer should be free for all without any discrimination.
For example, Ali Taura (a large scale farmer) had informed our reporter that: ‘’how can a large farmer who requires at least five to 20 tonnes of fertilizer be supplied with less than a tonne of the said commodity?”,asking, “what do I do with such a meagre quantity?”.
Taura who faulted the state government’s distribution system of the commodity, blamed poor allocation of the commodity to a trailer of less than five tonnes to over 10,000 farmers as grossly inadequate, compared to the state’s symbolic nature of being agrian.
According to him, government should reinvigorate its fertilizer system of procurement, sales and distribution to allow peasant farmers get access to the commodity through the involvement of farmers cooperative societies, community leaders, representatives of the traditional institutions, the Ulama, among others, saying, “let government involve them in the system in the interest of justice and fairplay”.

Posted by Publisher at 04:42 PM | Comments (0)

WASU, Abia groups endorse trial of ex-governors

Students, under the aegis of West African Students Union (WASU), and some social groups from Abia staged peaceful rallies yesterday in Abuja in support of the trial of some ex-governors.

The rallies took place around the Abuja Federal High Court in Maitama while the trial of the ex-governors was going on.
Former Govs Orji Kalu of Abia, Saminu Turaki of Jigawa, Joshua Dariye of Plateau and Jolly Nyame of Taraba were last Friday arraigned by EFCC on allegation of money laundering and theft.
The students marching in their hundreds around the nearby streets were singing anti-corruption songs and songs in praise of EFCC and its boss Nuhu Ribadu.
The students were led by WASU President Daniel Onjeh and the President of the University of Abuja Students Union, Ude Umante-Igwe.
Some of the placards carried by them read: ``EFCC, ride on, WASU supports you'', ``Ribadu, please, prosecute more governors '' and ``We are tired of criminals in leadership positions''.
The groups from Abia which staged rallies at the same area simultaneously with WASU included, Abia Youth Group, Abia Leaders Forum and Abia Youth Ambassadors.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armed policemen who cordoned off the court premises neither stopped the rallies nor molested the protesters.

Posted by Publisher at 04:41 PM | Comments (0)

Reps are intact, says Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Olubunmi Etteh, has debunked insinuations that rancour has developed among members of the House, saying that all is well.

Etteh told aviation correspondents at the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Ikeja yesterday that the House had started its work on a good note since it had laid-down procedures for all its operations.
``We have a Speaker and we have procedures,'' she said, adding that the lawmakers were working together as a team to move the nation forward.
Etteh also spoke on the security situation in the country, especially the spate of hostage-taking, noting that government had mapped out strategies to address the situation.
The Speaker said that she was in Ibadan at the weekend to congratulate the town's new traditional ruler.

Posted by Publisher at 04:41 PM | Comments (0)

Deputy Senate President seeks legislature-executive cooperation

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has called for cooperation between the legislature and the executive in states.

Ekweremadu gave the advice on Sunday, while speaking at a dinner organised to celebrate the re-election of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun by his Committee of Friends in Ada, near Osogbo.
He stressed the need for such cooperation, saying that it would enhance the interests of the people who elected them into office.
He advised the state lawmakers to emulate members of the National Assembly who, he said, had resolved to work in harmony with the federal executive.
Ekweremadu noted that the people want a pragmatic socio-economic development which could only materialize in a “rancour-free environment among the organs of government’’.
He cautioned state lawmakers against unnecessary bickering, saying that healthy discussions would always produce desirable results.
Ekweremadu described Oyinlola as one of the country’s political assets, commending him for the good working relationship between him, members of the National Assembly from the state and the state legislators.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway Church in London, who also attended the event, described the state government as “God-sent” and prayed for peace and harmony in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee of Friends, Prince Tunde Ponle, said that the dinner was organised to celebrate the governor’s victory at the April polls and express solidarity with him.
Responding, Oyinlola urged the people of the state to be vigilant, alleging that some people were plotting to destabilise the state and destroy its peace and progress.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dignitaries at the dinner included Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Olubunmi Etteh.

Posted by Publisher at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)

Be independent, objective, Editor charges media men

Hajia Aisha Umar Yusuf, an Editor with Daily Trust, has advised media professionals to be independent minded, objective and sincere in their duties.

Yusuf gave this charge yesterday while delivering a talk on “Role of Muslim Media Professionals in the Current Political Dispensation’’ during the monthly meeting of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) in Abuja.
She said the only way for the media to be above board was for media practitioners to stand by the truth and the ethics of the profession without being stereotyped.
The Editor of Aminiya, the Hausa version of Trust Newspapers, reminded journalists that many people relied on them for information, hence the need to verify and authenticate all their stories before publication.
“Journalists must be honest and sincere in all things, must stand by the truth, ensure independence and must be knowledgeable about the subject matter and stick to the ethics of the profession,’’ she said.
Yusuf , who gave instances of her encounter with some political office holders, said a Muslim journalist must remain focussed in the pursuit of truth.
NAN reports that after exhaustive contributions from members present, it was agreed that Muslim journalists should distinguish themselves by always doing the right thing at the right time with prayers to Allah for guidance.
Earlier, the Muslim Media Coordinator in Abuja, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun had said that the lecture was to reawaken the consciousness of Muslim Journalists to the motto of the association which says: “Speak the Truth, even if it is against you”.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives of NAN, Daily Trust, FRCN, the New Nigerian, Tribune, The Nation and NTA.

Posted by Publisher at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)

Dakingari suspends water board chief

Governor Sa’idu Dakingari of Kebbi state has ordered the suspension of Alhaji Umaru Bena, the General Manager of Kebbi State Water Board, for negligence of duty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dakingari gave the order during a visit to the warehouse and the headquarters of the water board in Birnin Kebbi.
The governor frowned at the manner chemicals, worth millions of Naira, were exposed to rainfall at the warehouse.
He decried the non-chalant attitude of the general manager to government property.
NAN observed that Bena, who was taking the governor round the board’s premises, could not offer satisfactory explanation to some questions.
Dakingari had last week given the general manager a four weeks ultimatum to restore water supply to inhabitants of the state or face the music.
NAN also reports that N6.2million was approved and released by the government to enable the board restore water supply.

Posted by Publisher at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)

Bayelsa searches for investors to develop Paradoya city

Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa state says the state government is still looking for investors to develop the Paradoya city in Yenagoa.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Mr Funso Kupolokun in Abuja at the weekend, the governor said that the proposed tourist haven would come on stream as soon as investors made reasonable commitment.
``We have not gotten to the point of costing the project. We are looking for buy-ins from the oil and gas companies. A few more things will bring the city into being,'' Sylva said.
He solicited for the intervention of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture operations in the development of the planned city, and expressed the hope that the partnership activities would step up to 40 per cent ``when Agbami comes on stream''.
He said that his administration was working to ensure the “engagement, employment and empowerment of Bayelsa people'' and the development of the Niger Delta.
Sylva urged the NNPC management to re-examine the operation of the local content support fund to make it possible for small indigenous contractors to access the fund to execute projects in the oil and gas industry.
“The fund cannot be accessed because of huge bureaucracy. Come and enlighten us on how it works”.
“Count on Bayelsa, count on me at any time. If you need support and services, we will be there for you,'' he said.
The governor called for increased NNPC presence in the state, saying, ``If you do well in Bayelsa, I shall hit the streets in celebration.
``It will be huge public relations. The NNPC/Chevron is the best that you ever got in Nigeria. I challenge you to come to Bayelsa to assist us.''
Kupolokun, in a remark, attributed the delay in the execution of some projects in Bayelsa to the state government and security situation.
``Sort it out and we will be there without delay,'' he said, adding that contractors were not comfortable with the security in the area even with their efforts to return to site last week.
The GMD said he was satisfied with the way the governor had enunciated his policy direction, adding, ``when you have a man who understands his left and right, things work out well.''
``You are already using your position to impact positively on the relationship between the industry and Niger Delta communities,'' Kupolokun said, adding that the region deserved special attention to accelerate its development.
He recalled President Umaru Yar'Adua's prompt attention to the region and said that NNPC was ready to liaise with other stakeholders to ``join forces and assist in realising these development needs.''
Kupolokun said that the yearnings for employment and development of infrastructure were not the only causes of militancy in the Niger delta.
``Sheer criminality by the youth as evidenced by hostage taking, demand for ransom and destruction of oil and gas infrastructure, also feeds the militancy.
``Knowing so well the workings of the industry and the expectations of the communities, you are an asset to both sides.
``We trust that we can always count on you to help in the process of retraining the youth in the area,'' the GMD said.
Kupolokun tasked the governor to encourage Bayelsa people to participate fully in the Nigerian Content Initiative.

Posted by Publisher at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)

Landlord wants Tarauni chairman honour tenancy agreement

A RESIDENT of Tarauni local government area in Kano state, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi has pleaded with Tarauni local government chairman, Alhaji Ahmad S. Aruwa to settle his tenancy agreement.

By BALA ABUBAKAR

Alhaji Abdullahi owner of eight large stores situated at Unguwa Uku, complained to our repoter that the council rented his shops for eight years and there has not been any sign by Tarauni to do something positive about his case.
He said his request has been forwarded to the council over his case and even the council chairman, Alhaji Ahmad S. Aruwa once invited him but all to no avail.
The landlord said he owed the council tenancy for eight years and nothing has been heard since he spoke to the chairman.
Alhaji Abdullahi said it was through the money he got from some of his rented shops that he was able to feed his family and relatives and yet Tarauni local government refuses to settle his outstanding liabilities.
The landlord further appealed to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to use his exalted office to direct Tarauni local government council boss Alhaji Ahmad S. Aruwa to do justice on the matter.
Our reporter who visited the council secretariat over the matter, found out that the chairman was not available.
However, the Director Personnel Management of the council, Malam Lawal Isa Madungurum, said the council has paid the landlord twice the sum of N75,000, while the remaining balance would be settled by the council.
He said some of the rented shops belong to the National Population Commission and INEC which he said is not the responsibility of the council

Posted by Publisher at 04:31 PM | Comments (0)

KNSG plans to address over-crowded classrooms

KANO state government is doing everything possible to address the over crowding of pupils in classrooms to enable them have a good environment of learning.

The state commissioner of education, Alhaji Musa Salihu dropped the hint while receiving a delegation of Association of Food stuff Suppliers (AFSS) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Alhaji Salihu stated that, enabling environment for pupils to learn, is foremost in line with programme in the ministry and as such, all efforts will be made to ensure the success of this endeavour.
The commissioner noted with appreciation the manner whereby the association supplies foodstuff to schools and urged them to maintain the trust and sincerity reposed in them.
He then called on teachers to continue doing their work diligently for the overall success of the students, while assuring them of every support for the success of educational sector in the state.
Earlier, the chairman of AFSS, Alhaji Hadi Badamasi had stated that, the purpose of the visit is to congratulate the commissioner on his appointment.
Alhaji Badamasi disclosed that, before the inception of this administration, the daily cost of feeding of a student per day was N30:00 . However, on the inception of the present administration the amount is raised to N52:50k per each student per day.
The chairman added that, his members are doing everything possible to ensure the good quality of foodstuff they supply to schools.
He then commended the present administration in the state for its relentless effort in seeing to the development of the educational sector in the state, white wishing the commissioner success in all his endeavour.

Posted by Publisher at 04:31 PM | Comments (0)

Igbo students confederation commends Shekarau

NATIONAL executive council of Confederation of Igbo Students has commended Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano state for his effort in restoring confidence, hope and unity among non-indigenes in the state.

By HABIBA ABUBAKAR BALARABE

The council, however, restated its request for the re-appointment of the former Special Adviser to governor on non-indigenes affairs, Hon. Chris Azuka.
It explained that after their national executive council meting, a cardinal and pivoted decision was made that the council still endorses Hon. Azuka as special adviser to the governor due to his contributions towards the development and well being of Igbo students and youths in the state.
The council therefore urged the ANPP National chairman, Chief Edwin Umezuo to disassociate himself from Boniface Ibukwe and Igbo Community Association, since the association has questionable traces with EFCC and also called the chairman to liase with Ohanze Ndi Igbo to understand the positions and conditions of Igbos in Kano state.
It passed a vote of confidence on EFCC to dig deep into fraudulent activities of Mr. Ibukwe, adding that he should be prosecuted immediately to serve as deterrent to other.
The council also re-instated its support and solidarity with Prof. H.S.C Umeh as Igbo Caretaker Committee chairman on his dream line unification of Igbos in the state.
The council prayed that Hon. Azuka will be re-appointed as special adviser so that the governor’s anti-graft campaign would forever go down in the annals of the nation’s history.

Posted by Publisher at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)

Emir Bayero solicits support for FRSC

By HASSAN MUHAMMAD

THE Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero has called on the general public to give their maximum support to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), to ensure safety on our high ways.
The emir made the call when the Corps Marshal and the Chief Executive of the commission, Mr. Osita Chodoka paid a visit to the palace.
Alhaji Bayero said the call became necessary with a view to minimizing accidents on our roads and solicited the support of the general public to cooperate with the commission.
On his part, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Osita said he was at the palace to pay a homage and also to solicit the support of the emir to encourage the general public to be law abiding and observe traffic rules and regulations in order to ensure safety on our roads.

Posted by Publisher at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)

February 05, 2007

INEC explains verificatin of candidates today ... As substitution of aspirants list begins

INEC will today start to receive substitution of governorship candidates list from political parties, News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The commission will equally make known to the public its findings from the verification of candidates particulars conducted between January10- January 23, 2007.
INEC chairman, Maurice Iwu at the weekend said the substitution for governorship candidates would be between February 5 and February 13 in conformity with the 60 days before election as prescribed by the 2006 Electoral Act.
He pointed out that during the verification there were few cases of petitions against some candidates, saying such cases were brought to the knowledge of the candidates and their parties.
``INEC as you know, does not have power to disqualify; it is the constitution.
If we find anybody not meeting up with the constitutional provisions for a particular office, his party has the right to substitute him'', he said.
He said the substitution for presidential candidates by the parties would start from February 13 to February 20, leaving 60 days ahead of April 21 elections.
Already, the national leader of PDP, President Olusegun Obasanjo, has announced that five PDP governorship candidates would be substituted for new ones, whose names had been forwarded to INEC.
In the same vein, ANPP, AC and other major parties have sent names of their substituted candidates to the electoral body in line with the electoral laws.
NAN recalls that INEC has repeatedly insisted that it will be strict with the deadline for the submission of substituted list, so as to give it enough time to plan for the elections.
NAN reports that INEC is to emboss each candidate's photographs alongside the logo of his party in the ballot paper for each of the elections.

Posted by Publisher at 03:05 PM | Comments (0)

Buhari Vs Yar’adua: Police assure equal treatment in Katsina

Katsina state commissioner of police Muhammad Abbas has promised to give equal treatment to all presidential candidates during their campaigns.

Abbas made this known at the weekend in Katsina during an interview with the News Agency with Nigeria (NAN).
He said the command would give ANPP presidential candidate, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, his PDP counterpart, Governor Umaru Yar’adua, and all other candidates equal treatment without considering their parties.
“We will ensure that we give all candidates equal treatment as long as they abide by the provisions of Public Order Act.
“This, they should do by applying for police permit before they conduct any political activity in the state,” he said.
Abbas said the command would continue to maintain the peaceful atmosphere in the state by ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during and after elections.
He advised politicians to strictly adhere to the provisions of Public Order Act to avoid any breach of peace.
Abbas said the command would not tolerate thuggery fromany party.
He urged politicians and the parties to caution their supporters and followers against incitement and fomenting trouble.
“I want politicians to avoid provocation, incitement and taking law into their hands, but to promptly report cases of violence to the police,” Abbas urged.
“I don’t expect politicians or their supporters to tamper with the structure of rival parties such as posters, vehicles, flags and other property,” he added.
Abbas said the command had 146 serviceable vehicles to monitor the April general elections in the state.
He said the command would deploy 6,500 officers and men to monitor the general elections in the state.
The police commissioner said the command’s communication systems were being upgraded and serviced for effective communication during the elections.

Posted by Publisher at 03:01 PM | Comments (0)

Elections: Kano police to lay emphasis on Public Order Act

Kano state commissioner of police Muhammad-Dikko Abubakar says that in a bid to facilitate the smooth conduct of the 2007 general elections, the police will lay emphasis on the Public Order Act.

He therefore, advised politicians to seek for police permit before conducting any political activity in the state.
Abubakar gave the advice at the weekend in Kano at a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum.
He said it is only when politicians complied with the provisions of the Public Order Act that political activities could be conducted without violence.
Abubakar said the order was not to infringe on anybody's rights, but to ensure effective protection of lives and property of innocent citizens.
He said no political party or individual, no matter how highly placed, would be allowed to hold any political activity without police approval.
``We are determined to have violence-free elections devoid of thuggery, use of weapons, drugs and drunkenness by party supporters,'' he said.
Abubakar commended politicians in the state for their good conduct during the recently concluded party primaries.
He said the command's initiative of
conducting monthly interactive forum with politicians from all political parties had been yielding positive results.
The commissioner said it was a result of their forum that political parties in the state conducted their congresses without any trouble.
On adequate manpower to provide security during the forthcoming polls, mand had four Police Mobile Force (PMF) units on standby to attend to any emergency.
He said in addition to the PMF units, each of its 44 divisions had 25 men on standby, while 100 men were always on alert at the command headquarters.
Abubakar said both the PMF and the conventional policemen were being trained on weapon handling, VIP protection, VIP guard, election duties and general policing.

Posted by Publisher at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)

Media tasked on professional ethics

Media managers in the country have been charged to adhere strictly to their professional ethics.

The charge was given in a communiqué at the 37th meeting of the National Council on Information in Enugu, which ended Friday.
The Council also called for an opinion survey method that would capture the attitude of Nigerians, and for the use of information managers in research for effective mobilisation of the people towards the success of the election.
It recommended the development of community radio, which would bring government policies and programmes closer to the people and promote co-operation and unity among communities in Nigeria .
It called for television station and mobile cinema vans to broadcast and show video documentaries in rural communities.
On Avian Influenza, the communiqué urged states to adopt appropriate intervention and collaborative steps in mobilising the populace against further spread of the virus in the country.
The communiqué also called on state ministries of information to stimulate dialogue, with a view to finding community driven solutions to the incessant oil pipeline vandalisation in the country.
The Council resolved that film bureau be established by all states of the federation in order to harness the rich natural and human resources that would stimulate development in the sector among others.
Earlier, minister of information and Communication, Frank Nweke Jr. in a keynote address, recalled the several national and international issues, that had emerged to challenge the skills and capacities of the Council in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Posted by Publisher at 02:58 PM | Comments (0)

FG wasted $500bn on power plants rehabilitation - Atiku

VICE President Atiku Abubakar has accused federal government of wasting about $500 billion US dollars on rehabilitation of the Nigeria’s power sector over the last seven years.

By ADAMU ABDULLAHI

The vice president made the accusation at an interactive session with journalists in Kano yesterday after flagging off his presidential campaign in the state early on Saturday.
Similarly, he blamed President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration of voting and committing over N300 billion for roads construction across the country, yet no single road has even been completed or commissioned by the president.
Alhaji Abubakar reaffirmed that politicians must agree to unite to confront and stop the ruling party, the PDP from continuing in office for the country to develop.
He said: “Allowing the ruling party PDP to continue will tantamount to allowing one party system in the country as well as perpetration of dictatorship“.
The vice president who is also the presidential flag-bearer of the Action Congress (AC), explained that the most important thing to Nigerians is the survival of democracy which is being threatened.
According to him, the Action Congress would do differently from what the present administration is doing in terms of developmental policies.
He added that AC has an affirmative policy for women empowerment where the women-folk would reconcile priority attention for the development of their potentials.
The presidential candidate while commenting on incumbency factoring on the forthcoming elections, said Nigerians should not hold the belief that the ruling party cannot be uprooted of power.
He maintained that if it can happen in other African countries like Benin, Senegal and Ghana, Nigeria should not be an exception, adding that in Kano, an opposition party has dethroned the ruling party in 2003 and in 2007 Nigerians will emerge victorious.
He therefore advised Nigerians to work towards defending the country’s young democracy from scuttling it.
Meanwhile, the vice president has urged the press to ensure sufficient support for the nascent democracy through objective reporting and enlightening the Nigerians on national issues.
On AC/ANPP alliance, Alhaji Abubakar stated that the main objective of it, is three-fold namely, to ensure the elections are free, fair and credible; ensure that in government others do not want to be forced to leave and how to create environment at union’s levels of election to harmonise support of consensus candidate.
In a welcome address, the state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau who spoke through the information commissioner, congratulated Vice President Atiku Abubakar for a hitch-free launching and wished him all the best

Posted by Publisher at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)

November 15, 2006

Guber race: Shekarau picks second term form

YESTERDAY, all roads leading to the national secretariat of the All Nigeria Peoples Party ( ANPP) were blocked by human traffic while the party’s secretariat was full to capacity as supporters and well wishes of Kano state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, invaded the arena to witness the governor’s picking of form as prelude to his recontesting the governorship seat in the 2007 elections.

Stories from KABIRU YUSUF, Abuja

Our correspondent who visited the ANPP secretariat revealed that as early as 8.00am, supporters of the governor, party officials and even the staff of the secretariat were anxiously waiting to witness the occasion which was scheduled to take place aroud 2.00pm.
Malam Ibrahim Shekarau received a warm reception from almost all the state’s 44 local government chairmen who were there to bless the memorable occasion.

The governor, who was received by the party’s national chairman and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Edwin Ume Ezeoke who was flanked by some national officials of the largest opposition party in the country, was overwhelmed party supporters who were chanting “Allah maimaita mana “.

Soon after the governor received the form, the national chairman of the party, Chief Edwin Ezeoke explained that the party will ensure that all the aspirants of the party at all levels enjoy equal treatment to enable the electorate have the best candidate.

According to him, the ANPP is ready to honor any consensus candidate if the need arise but reaffirmed that if it is necessary to go to the primaries, his party is ready to go for it.

“Our intention is to provide the nation with best leaders whose intention is to provide electorate with dividend of democracy at all levels,” he stated.
Speaking to the press shortly after receiving the form, Malam Shekarau explained that the money provided for the purchase of the nomination form was contributed by pensioners who have requested him to continue with the good work he had started in 2003.

The governor, while answering questions from reporters vowed to defeat the former Kano state governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for the second time if they meet again at the polls.

It could be recalled that Malam Shekarau immediately after assumption of power came up with policies that culminated in the settlement of pensioner’s entitlements that were not paid by the administration of his predecessors.

Investigation conducted by Daily Triumph revealed that Shekarau’s administration inherited over N3 billion liability but within no time it settled it.

Posted by Publisher at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)

November 13, 2006

KNSG inaugurates 479 reconciliation committees

IN furtherance of its drive to entrench Sharia implementation to the grassroots and ensure decent society, the Kano state government has inaugurated 479 Community Reconciliation Committees for all the 44 local government areas in the state.

By ADAMU ABDULLAHI

Inaugurating the committee yesterday at a function tagged ‘’the Reconciliation Day’’ held at Sani Abacha Stadium, the state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau explained that the committees comprising 7,260 representatives are mandated to resolve disputes in their respective domain.

According to him, the committees are expected to play a major role in settling wranglings involving families, friends, neighbours and associates without recourse to going to the police or court.
The overall aim, he said, is to ensure a more conscientious and united citizenry necessary for the success of the Sharia being implemented by the government, as well as refocusing the society toward development.

Governor Shekarau however stated that the committees will not prosecute anyone like law enforcement agencies but rather, was aimed at ensuring that disputes are settled amicably, adding that capacity building programmes and facilities will be provided to enable them work effectively.

Malam Shekarau noted with delight that the state Hisbah guards are playing a vital role in the value re-orientation of the people and commended the Emir of Kano, civil and religious leaders for their support to his administration.

In his speech, the Emir of Kano. Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero promised total support for the committee in the interest of a more organized society and appealed for the cooperation of the people.
The emir therefore directed all district heads and religious leaders to ensure the success of the committees in their domains while advising the members to ensue the prevailence of justice and equity.

Earlier, the commander-general of the state Hisbah, Sheikh Yahya Farooq Chedi explained that they have so far succeeded in resolving more than 19,000 civil cases, besides rendering humanitarian services as well as other activities aimed at sanitizing the social order.
Sheikh Chedi further disclosed that Hisbah was able to discover and close a number of social vices spots across the state as well as counseling the persons involved, repent and live a decent life.

Others who spoke at the occasion include Sheikh Umar Sani Fagge, commissioner I, State Sharia commission and Malam Ibrahim Mu’azzam Maibushira, commissioner II, Zakka and Khubsi Commission, who dwelt on the importance of reconciliation in Sharia and Muslim society.
Highlights of the occasion include honouring of the state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as the Vanguard of Hisbah (Garkuwan Hisbah) as well as presentation of souvenir to five prominent personalities for their contribution to the successes of Hisbah.

Those who receive the souvenirs included the first chairman of Hisbah, Sheikh Aminuddeen Abubakar, Alhaji Abdullahi Dutse, immediate past chairman, Alhaji Sunusi Kani, immediate past director-general, Ustaz Ahmad Shu’aibu and Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam.

Posted by Publisher at 01:56 PM | Comments (0)

October 31, 2006

NASS delegation visits Sokoto

The National Assemby has sent a condolence message to the government and people of Sokoto state on the death of Sultan Muhammad Maccido and some prominent indigenes of the state.

Maccido, the state deputy governor, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, two Senators and some members of their families as well as some top government officials died in Sunday’s ADC plane crash near Abuja.

The condolence message was delivered yesterday in Sokoto to Governor Attahiru Bafarawa by a seven-man delegation led by the Senate Leader, Sen. Dalhatu Sarki-Tafida.

Other members of the delegation were Muhammad Ibrahim, Abba Aji, Jalo Zarunmi, Umaru Tambuwal, Muhammad Dansadau and Hon. Kabir Umar.

Sarki-Tafida told the governor that NASS received the news of the crash and the deaths with shock.
“The crash is a tragedy which affected all
Nigerians and not only Sokoto state,” he said.
He informed the governor that another delegation from the Senate would also pay a condolence visit to the state.

Bafarawa later led the delegation in a special prayer for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
Governor Ibrahim Shekarau also led another delegation to commiserate with Bafarawa.

Posted by Publisher at 09:07 AM | Comments (0)

October 30, 2006

2007: North-West ANPP goes to court over election

THE North-West Forum of Chairmen and National Officers of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has resolved to take legal action to see that 2007 election was conducted as schedule, despite apparent moves and moveuovres of the ruling PDP to elongate their tenure by not supplying INEC with necessary materials to conduct voters’ registration.

By SANI AHMAD BICHI

This was disclosed by the chairman of the forum who is also the national vice chairman North-West of the party in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Kaduna last Saturday.

The forum also resolved to establish a zonal secretariat which will coordinate offices within the zone.

They also condemned the way and manner INEC is conducting the voters’ registration as it is not in line with the assurance given by the chairman.
The communiqué further called on INEC to take judicial action on all elected officers who defected from the party by declaring their posts vacant as in the case of Plateau state.

The communiqué however, extended the appreciation of the national secretariat to all the party’s teeming supporters for their unflinching loyalty.

Earlier in his opening speech, the chairman had expressed the objective of the committee to ensure resounding victory of the party at all levels through ensuring unity and internal cohesion, conflict resolution, justice, faith and equitable treatment of party members.

As the biggest opposition party, ANPP should capitalize on the happenings and weaknesses of the ruling party, it added.

Answering questions from reporters after the meeting, Kano state ANPP chairman, Hon. Sani Hashim Hotoro urged the people of the zone to cherish the virtues of honesty, resourcefulness, respect, enormous leadership quality bestowed on them. He also stressed that as Muslims, who believe that it is God who gives power to whosoever he so wishes, so the A mai-maita slogan is a wish.

Posted by Publisher at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)

October 16, 2006

Polys may collapse into varsity system - FG

The federal ministry of education is nursing the idea of collapsing campuses of federal polytechnics and colleges of education into campuses of universities.

Authoritative source in the ministry told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the weekend that the thinking in the ministry was informed by need to create more university spaces for candidates.

The source said: “It is the belief that if the existing campuses of polytechnics and colleges of education are collapsed into university campuses, they will create 500,000 thousand spaces for those seeking university admission.

“The idea is also being supported by the fact that the number of those seeking admission to polytechnics and colleges of education are declining.

“This idea is further gaining ground because the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) can only presently admit only 30,000 students.’’

The source said that the government was worried of the more than 1.5 million eligible candidates for university education yearly not more than 150,000 gained admissions.

The government, the source said, was strengthened in this thinking by development in the United Kingdom and the U.S, which were re-engineering their university education.

NAN also leant that the ministry was considering how to make adult and non-formal education attractive to reduce illiteracy in the country.

“It is worrisome that about 65 per cent of the nation’s population is illiterate,’’ the source said.

The source said: “In this re-engineering process of the education sector, special education would also receive special attention.

Posted by Publisher at 02:51 PM | Comments (0)

October 10, 2006

18 power companies begin business - BPE

The 18 power companies unbundled from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have started operations as autonomous entities, the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), has said.

A source at the BPE, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday, that each of the companies ``has its own management, is self-accounting and not dependent on government.

``The BPE is now preparing each of them for privatisation,'' the source said, adding that the companies consisted of 6 generation companies, 11 distribution companies and one transmission company.

He identified the six generation companies as Kainji Power Plc, Egbin Power Plc, Shiroro Hydro Plc, Sapele Power Plc, Calabar Thermal Plc and Ughelli Power Plc.
The distribution companies include Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc and Yola Electricity Distribution Plc.

Others are Benin Electricity Distribution Plc, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Plc, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, Kano Electricity Distribution Plc and Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc.

The source said the entire staff of the defunct PHCN had been distributed to work in the 18 companies, adding that three of the distribution companies in Abuja, Ikeja and Port Harcourt had been slated for privatisation.

``They will be privatised between the last quarter of 2006 and the first quarter of 2007, '' he said.
According to the source, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is expected to license each of these companies, regulate their operations, determine issues of tariff and protect consumers interest.

As part of the process to prepare each of the companies for privatisation, the source said that a Presidential Committee was currently working on the restructuring of the PHCN staff distributed among the 18 companies.

``The committee will determine the quantity and quality of staff that will be retained by each of the companies before privatisation,'' he added.

Commenting on the sale of NITEL to Transcorp, the source told NAN that the BPE had requested Transcorp to submit its ``development turn around plan'' for revamping the former national carrier.

The plan, he said, include Transcorp's investment profile for NITEL, management and personnel policies, adding: ``Transcorp has promised to furnish BPE with its plans to revitalise NITEL within the next one week.''

The source further told NAN that Transcorp had 90 days to pay the outstanding balance of 250 million dollars for the purchase of NITEL.

It would be recalled that Transcorp, which won the bid to purchase 75 per cent of federal government shares in NITEL as the core investor for 750 million dollars, recently paid 500 million dollars of its offer.

Posted by Publisher at 09:18 AM | Comments (0)

October 03, 2006

2007 debacle Was INEC issued N20bn dud cheque?

INEC chairman Maurice Iwu said yesterday in Abuja that the N20 billion meant for the purchase of some electoral materials is trapped in the Central Bank.

Iwu told correspondents that this was because the commission’s cheque issued in favour of the amount bounced.
He said, however, that in spite that, INEC had a fall-back arrangement, saying that nothing would be allowed to hinder the commission’s operations.
The chairman said INEC had fulfilled all the requisite “due process” requirements, adding that the cheque, nonetheless, bounced because it had been embargoed.
Iwu, who described the incident as an embarrassment, gave the assurance that the commission had factored all the likely lapses into its planning processes.
“As far as we are concerned at the commission, we are not bothered by that and we shall remain focused in achieving our aims and objectives,’’ he said.
Iwu, however, conceded that it would be distracting for INEC to be dragged into any controversy, as the commission was currently occupied with plans for revalidation of voters register that would commence on October 7.
He disclosed that materials for the revalidation had been ordered for, while the commission had taken delivery of some.
The INEC chairman reiterated his determination to conduct free, fair and acceptable elections in 2007, in spite of the sentiments of some cynics.
NAN reports that the joint committee of the House of Representatives on Electoral Matters and Finance had promised to look into the issues raised by INEC chairman regarding the bounced cheque.
In another development, the Sokoto state’s 14-man committee on public enlightenment on voter registration began its assignment on Sunday with a visit to Wurno in the state.
State governor Attahiru Bafarawa on Thursday in Sokoto inaugurated the committee which has the state information commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Gidado, as chairman.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gidado said the nationwide exercise, billed to commence on October 7, would last for 50 days.
He warned that any person who failed to register during the voter revalidation would not be eligible to vote in the forthcoming elections.
‘’There is no registration by proxy, as your pictures will be embossed on the voter cards.
“The voter cards are important documents which we must keep with utmost care until the polling day’,’’ he said.
Gidado noted that the committee was set up because of the importance of the exercise, stressing that citizens could only vote in leaders of their choice, if they were duly registered.
‘’All the former voter cards we have are no longer useful as the new card that will be issued is basically electronic,‘’ he added.
He advised the people not to let the ongoing Muslim fasting period or farming activities prevent them from registering, noting that the electoral process was a civic responsibility.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, described the voter card as an instrument for Nigerians to vote in people of their choice during the 2007 elections.
Maccido, who was represented by Alhaji Bala Sokoto, noted that all the cultural and religious factors were duly considered when the timing of the exercise was fixed.
INEC’s state head of public enlightenment, Alhaji Muhammad Musa, said the commission introduced electronic machines for the registration and the elections to particularly guard against multiple registration and voting.
NAN reports that stakeholders in eight local government areas in Sokoto East Senatorial Zone converged on Wurno for the one-day sensitisation.
Those present at the event included traditional rulers, political leaders, women leaders and religious leaders, among others.

Posted by Publisher at 02:42 PM | Comments (0)

Kano ANPP chairman goes on assessment tour... Urges voters to register enmass

AS part of effort to reach out to its teeming supporters and enhance better relationship with the newly elected executive members, chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Kano state, Alhaji Sani Hashim Hotoro has commenced an assessment tour of all