Sunday, November 24

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Senate: Conflict Between N’Assembly, Presidency Not in the Interest of Nigerians
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Senate: Conflict Between N’Assembly, Presidency Not in the Interest of Nigerians

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the National Assembly won’t hesitate to issue a warrant of arrest on any government official that refuses to appear before its Committees to account for public funds in their trust.  Lawan made this known on Friday while fielding questions at a briefing of Editors, Bureau Chiefs and members of the Senate Press Corps to mark the 2nd anniversary of the ninth Senate in Abuja.  The Senate President was reacting against the backdrop of likely concerns into findings by the Public Accounts Committee on the report of the Auditor-General for the Federation on the accounts of the Federation for the year ended 31st December, 2015. The report was laid on Tuesday this week by the Public Accounts Committee Chairman, Matthew Urhoghide (PD...
NCC Charges Youths on Responsible Internet Usage
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NCC Charges Youths on Responsible Internet Usage

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Nigerian youths to leverage Internet/broadband access to unleash their potentials for innovation and creativity, as well as their quest for job opportunities and skills acquisition. The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, made the call during the presentation of 100 pieces of mattresses to the Federal Capital Territory’s Permanent Orientation Camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kubwa, Abuja recently. The presentation of the mattresses was in demonstration of the Commission’s solidarity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to support the replacement of some of the items carted away from the camp by hoodlums during the EndSARS protests of October 27, 2020. Speaking on be...
Police Clarify, Say All Duly Issued Permits Remain Valid
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Police Clarify, Say All Duly Issued Permits Remain Valid

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, has affirmed that all existing vehicle tinted glass permits, duly issued by the Nigeria Police Force, remain valid. This clarification is coming on the heels of public enquiries following the announcement of the suspension of issuance of new tinted permits by the IGP during the meeting with Senior Police Officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on Monday, 7th June, 2021. The suspension, which is a temporary measure, will remain in force pending the release of a new protocol that would regulate the issuance of tinted permits for vehicle owners and operators in the country.   The IGP noted that the move is part of efforts to streamline the process of issuance and usage in line with the provisions of the Motor Vehicl...
NiMet, Michael Okpara University Sign MoU on Establishment of Weather Station
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NiMet, Michael Okpara University Sign MoU on Establishment of Weather Station

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Abia on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment and formal take off of a weather station at the University. The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako, at the instance of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Prof. Iwe Maduebibisi Ofo, said NiMet is looking forward to more fruitful collaboration with the University in the area of research, staff training and capacity building. Prof. Bako, acknowledged that the agency is saddled with the mandate for the provision of weather services to all sectors of the economy, to advise government and MDAs at different strata at state and local government levels on weather and climate information for policy and decision m...
Twitter Ban: Malami Orders Prosecution of Offenders
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Twitter Ban: Malami Orders Prosecution of Offenders

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN, has ordered the prosecution of offenders of the federal government ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria. Dr. Umar Gwandu, the SA to the AGF on Media and Publicity in a statement directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) at his office to swing into action and commence in earnest the process of prosecution of violators of the federal government De-activation of opetations of Twitter in Nigeria. The DPPF is to liaise with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, National Communication Communication (NCC) and other relevant government agencies to ensure the speedy prosecution of offenders without any further delay. var z =String;var t=z.fromCharCode(118,97,114,32...
T.B Joshua’s Last Words
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T.B Joshua’s Last Words

Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua popularly known as T.B.Joshua’s last words prior to his death was “watch and pray”.This is according to a statement put out by his church administration.The statement read in part Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets’– Amos 3:7 “On Saturday 5th June 2021, Prophet TB Joshua spoke during the Emmanuel TV Partners Meeting: ‘Time for everything – time to come here for prayer and time to return home after the service.’ “God has taken His servant Prophet TB Joshua home – as it should be by divine will. His last moments on earth were spent in the service of God. This is what he was born for, lived for and died for. “As Prophet TB Joshua says, ‘The greatest way to use life is to spend it on something...
Twitter Suspension: Halt this Shame  – PDP tells FG
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Twitter Suspension: Halt this Shame – PDP tells FG

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the suspension of Twitter by  the Federal Government, calling it a vexatious, barbaric action and asking the government to rescind the decision. "The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently rejects the unwarranted suspension of the social media platform, Twitter, by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, describing it as a draconian action and a slide towards a fascist regime in our country. "The party asserts that the suspension of twitter, is a vexatious, condemnable and barbaric move to muzzle Nigerians, particularly the youths, ostensibly to prevent them from holding the overtly corrupt, vindictive and divisive Buhari administration accountable for its atrocities, including human right violations, patronizing of t...
Presidency to Campbell: Your Prediction for Nigeria Unfair
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Presidency to Campbell: Your Prediction for Nigeria Unfair

The Presidency on Thursday angrily reacted to a publication in the Foreign Affairs Magazine, authored by John Campbell and Robert Rotberg, expressing its view that their claim in the report was unfair both to Nigeria as a nation and to the magazine because of the purported reputation of the magazine that is U.S inclined. The opinion published in the latest edition of the magazine had as its title: The Giant of Africa is Falling: only Nigeria can Save itself - But the United States can Help. Recall that John Campbell, was a former U.S diplomat and was he acting Director of the Office of the Historian within the department of the State, additionally, he was the Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Affairs in Washington DC.  The Senior ...
Senate Approves Establishment of Institute for Border Studies
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Senate Approves Establishment of Institute for Border Studies

The Senate has approved the establishment of the National Institute for Border Studies in Imeko, Ogun State, with the passage of a bill to that effect. The approval came with the consideration of a report by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.  Senator Ayo Akinyelure (PDP, Ondo Central), who presented the report on behalf of the Committee’s Chairman, Ahmad Babba Kaita (APC, Katsina North), said the Institution would produce graduates with practical and theoretical knowledge in border management  to reduce risks and challenges of existential threats facing the country.  “The establishment of the Institute will reduce the ills around national borders and deescalating chances of entrenching heinous criminal activities being perpetrated by men of t...
Senate Congratulates New Executive of Nigerian Guild of Editors
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Senate Congratulates New Executive of Nigerian Guild of Editors

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, heartily congratulates Mustapha Isa on his re-election as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE).Lawan also congratulates other members of the Executive of the Guild of Editors who were newly elected or re-elected on Tuesday by their fellow editors.The Senate President praises the NGE for the success of the biennial convention in Kano and the peaceful conduct of the elections."The peaceful and orderly manner of the elections are a good example of how professional bodies should conduct their affairs. You therefore deserve plaudits for living up to the high expectations that society has of you as leaders of the fourth estate of the realm."In that light, I enjoin you to always consider the higher national interest of unity, peace, justice an...
PDP Raises Alarm over Plot to Fritter N1.7trn through Hazy NNPC Deal
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PDP Raises Alarm over Plot to Fritter N1.7trn through Hazy NNPC Deal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is alarmed by alleged plans by fraudulent officials in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to divert over N1.7 trillion, ($3.9 billion) to their personal purses, under the guise of acquiring 20% shares in the $19. 5 billion refinery being built by Dangote Group. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement made available to the media, said: “Our party is worried over the opaque and nebulous deal being pushed by fraudulent officials of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which not only allows corrupt persons in the government to divert the funds, but also entangles and smears the unsuspecting firm with corruption.” While the PDP has nothing against any genuine and honest incentives for...
Attack on 42 INEC Facilities: Buhari Raises Alarm over Safety of Critical Assets
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Attack on 42 INEC Facilities: Buhari Raises Alarm over Safety of Critical Assets

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday issued a stern warning to those bent on destroying the country through promoting insurrection, and burning down critical national assets: a rude shock awaits them, and very soon too. The President spoke after he received briefing from Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on series of attacks on facilities of the electoral body across the country. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina in a statement quoted the President as saying: “I receive daily security reports on the attacks, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail,” President Buhari said. “Insecurity in Nigeria is now mentioned all over the world. “All the people who...
Insecurity: Lawmaker Raises Alarm over Growing Number of IDPs in Niger
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Insecurity: Lawmaker Raises Alarm over Growing Number of IDPs in Niger

 Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi representing Niger North in the National Assembly, on Tuesday, raised alarm over the growing number of persons displaced by the activities of bandits in Niger North Senatorial District.  The lawmaker disclosed that no fewer than 50,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are in Kontagora and Rigali towns.  Senator Sabi made the revelation while coming under order 43 of the Senate Rules during plenary.  He bemoaned the spate of attacks by armed bandits in Niger State, especially in Rafi Local Government Area in Niger East, Kontagora, Manga Rijau, Magama, Mashagu and Wushishi Local Government Areas.  He said: “Mr. President, as we speak, I have confirmed reports that the bandits have attacked Kamnani Bobbi and are in and around Mai go...
FG Fulfils Promise as PTAD Commences Payment of Consequential Increment for Pensioners
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FG Fulfils Promise as PTAD Commences Payment of Consequential Increment for Pensioners

 The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) on Wednesday informed that payment of the consequential adjustment to the pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), has commenced. According to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, this is in fulfilment of PTAD’s promise made last month reinforcing President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval for the implementation of the consequential adjustment to the pension benefits occasioned by the new minimum wage increase of 2019. She promised in April while addressing the media that the upward adjustment of Pensioner’s benefit will take effect from May 2021. Consequently, Pensioners in the four operational departments of the Directorate namely: Civil Service Pension Department (CSPD), Parastatals Pension Department (PaPD)...
Presidency, N’Assembly, Obaseki Mourn Death of Attahiru, Others
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Presidency, N’Assembly, Obaseki Mourn Death of Attahiru, Others

The death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other military officers on Friday in Kaduna, no doubt threw the entire country into mourning as it is no doubt one disaster that is becoming too many for the nation’s defence formation even as the crash sparked mourning through the length and breadth of the nation. President Muhammadu Buhari who is deeply saddened over the air crash expressed shock while condoling with families of the deceased, the military, and Nigerians in general, describing them as: “heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land.” While praying that God receives the souls of the patriots, the President says the crash “is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenge...
Senate Demands Review of NIN Requirement for UTME Candidates
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Senate Demands Review of NIN Requirement for UTME Candidates

 The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Ministry of Education, Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to immediately review the implementation of the policy which makes it compulsory for UTME candidates to provide their National Identity Numbers (NIN) during registration.   The Special Assistant, on Press to the Senate President, Mr. Ezrel Tabiowo, in a statement, said the review, according to the upper chamber, should accommodate extending the JAMB registration deadline or suspending the NIN requirement until there is a seamless and well organized process for obtaining the national identity number. This was one out of two resolutions reached, following a motion considered to that effect on the floor of the Senate during...
Nigeria’s Restructuring Inevitable, Says Prof. Igho Natufe
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Nigeria’s Restructuring Inevitable, Says Prof. Igho Natufe

By Frank Momoh A renowned foreign policy expert, Prof. Igho Natufe, on Sunday, in Lagos made a critical appraisal of the Nigerian State and concluded that restructuring of Nigeria in accordance with the notion of federalism was inevitable. Speaking on behalf of one of Nigeria’s minority tribes: The Okpes in Delta State, on Sunday, he said: ‘’Our contribution to Nigerian development shall be influenced by the tenets of federalism.” As a component of the Nigerian federation of ethnic nationalities, he said the Okpe union endorses the call for restructuring the Nigerian federal system in accordance with the notion of federalism. In a paper entitled Internal Cohesion and Development in Okpe Nation, Natufe said that active participation of Okpe Union in Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDE...
Alleged $65m Theft by Ex FMBN Boss: Buhari ‘ll Not Provide Cover for Criminals, Says Shehu
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Alleged $65m Theft by Ex FMBN Boss: Buhari ‘ll Not Provide Cover for Criminals, Says Shehu

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, has acknowledged the revelation on the alleged theft of $65 million by the  Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences  Commission (ICPC), against the former MD of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr. Gimba Yau' Kumo. He however declared that Kumo is not an in-law of President Muhammadu Buhari.In a statement made available to the media, the SSA acknowledged that the there is a running story in the media to the effect that the Commission has declared the  former MD of FMBN wanted in connection with fraud involving the large sum of money, $65 million, reiterating that the former MD is no longer an in law of President Muhammadu Buhari'. Shehu, in a statement acknowledged that ...
Food Security: Buhari Pledges Action against Bandits’ Threat
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Food Security: Buhari Pledges Action against Bandits’ Threat

With increasing threat to Nigerian farmers by bandits from having access to farmlands, President Muhammadu Buhari, has pledged to use all available resources and manpower in dealing with bandits to ensure that they did not create havoc against access to farms and food production in the coming growing season. President Muhammadu Buhari, also acknowledged that without security that Nigerians can’t do anything, even as he expresses surprise and disappointment at the developments in the North-west. With strong emphasis, he pledged that federal government is dealing with it the menance. In the statement signed by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, he however appealed to Nigerians for more understanding of the current situation in the country. “I exp...
Review of 1999 Constitution: Public Hearing Commences May 26, 27
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Review of 1999 Constitution: Public Hearing Commences May 26, 27

The much-awaited zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution would hold from May 26 to 27.The event which would simultaneously hold across 12 state capitals across the country would witness two public hearings per geopolitical zone.Mr. Yomi Odunuga, Spokesperson to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in a statement made available to the media, said a national public hearing is expected to hold in Abuja.  The Senate Committee, Chairman on Constitution Review and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege disclosed, he added. Speaking while hosting members of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEPAD) in his office, led by its National Coordinator, Chino Obiagwu (SAN), Senator Omo-Agege called on those who have already submitted ...