The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FG, Siemens deal will revolutionize power sector in Nigeria- KEDCO MD

    Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) said the power deal signed by the federal government and German-based Siemens would revolutionize the power sector in Nigeria.

    Gwamna, while chatting with newsmen on Wednesday, hailed the federal government for such a courageous move to resuscitate the power sector.

    According to him, there is huge potentials for development in Nigeria that will take only the power sector to unveil and that’s why I am commending this deal. Going by the terms of agreement, if the deal is successful, millions of jobs will be created automatically with the manufacturing sector coming back to life.

    “The power sector has been neglected for too long with several attempts made by previous administrations that failed but monies were spent, yet no power to commensurate what was spent. On Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari got it right with the choice of Siemens. The German-based company is known for quality and professionalism and that’s why they were able to change the face of power in Egypt.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Buhari tasks Siemens, others on 11,000 megawatts by 2023

    ‘`With 7000MW by 2021 and 11000MW by 2023, we may not solve all the problems in the sector but it will bring about a positive change that will do the magic in the manufacturing sector, rural development and industrialization. With such power capacity, a lot of agro-industries will spring up, I can tell you and everything will experience a change.

    ” I am very confident that the deal is good for business because the cost of doing business will be reduced to the barest minimum. Nigerians don’t ask for too much but just give them power and you will see the miracle that we can create with improved power supply,’’ he said.

    The Kano DisCo boss appealed to President Buhari to ensure strict monitoring of the deal to avoid hijacking, adding that a lot of power deals have been signed in the past but were either hijacked or swallowed up by corruption.

    Gwamna also appealed to other arms of government to assist in seeing to the success of the project should there be need for legislative approval in terms of funding in that regard.

  • Ministerial list: Women in Politics decry low female representation

    Women in Politics (WIP) on Wednesday expressed worry over the low representation of women in the ministerial list released by President Muhammadu Buhari for his second tenure.

    Mrs Ebere Ifendu, the President, Women in Politics in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said that the number “is low and very poor’’.

    Ifendu said women were not happy with the nomination list though the few women listed were women of character and integrity who had done well for the society.

    “We are saying we have many more women that should also be part of this list considering the promise the president made to women.

    “He said he will work with the Nigerian gender policy which is about affirmative action, so what happened to the promises he made to women?’’

    Read Also: Meet the seven women on Buhari’s ministerial list

    Ifendu said there was need for the president to fulfil that promise due to the already low number of women in elected offices after the 2019 elections.

    She said that 2,970 women contested elections into different positions in the 2019 general elections but only 67 got elected across the nation.

    Ifendu said a breakdown of the elected members showed that no woman was elected as president, vice president or governor while only seven were elected to the Senate.

    She said that 12 were elected to the House of Representatives and 44 to the State Assemblies with about 11 states without a female member.

    Ifedu said that the Nigerian women went to the elections with high expectations but the overall level of representation of women in politics remained a cause for concern as their number continued to dwindle. (NAN)

  • FRSC sets up mobile court along Kaduna-Zaria highway

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command has set up a mobile court to deal with reckless drivers plying the Kaduna-Zaria highway currently being expanded by the Federal Government.

    The highway has been recording fatal accidents on daily basis, and according to the Sector Commander, Hafiz Mohammed, the setting up of the mobile court was to restore sanity and curb the disturbing rate of accidents on the road.

    Mohammed said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Wednesday that the ongoing construction of the road has necessitated multiple diversions in some sections of the road, causing heavy traffic and recurring accidents due to drivers’ impatience and recklessness.

    He said that the mobile court would help to keep reckless and impatiet drivers in check, adding that any driver found violating traffic rule would be brought before the magistrate for prosecution.

    “We have commenced the mobile court on July 19 and arraigned 32 drivers for various offences out of which 30 have been convicted by Magistrate Yunusa Labaran.

    Read Also: FRSC mobile court convicts 57 motorists in Plateau

    “Some of the offences include overloading, dangerous driving, driving without drivers’ licence, driving without vehicle papers, seat belt violation, tyres violation, windscreen violation and failure to install speed limiting device.

    “In fact, one of the drivers, one Auwal Magaji driving a Golf Wagon with registration number BWR 124 KM, was detained at Rigachikun Police Station.

    “He would be arraigned in court for attempting to abduct and cause harm to FRSC official on duty.”

    Mohammed said that the offenders are being prosecuted under the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulation and the Federal Road Safety Act, adding that the exercise would be sustained.

    He disclosed that more road marshals and logistics had been deployed to address traffic challenges along the Kaduna-Zaria road.

    “This has been addressed by deploying additional manpower in collaboration with the office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Coordinator of Operation Yaki.

    “Additional motorbikes have also been deployed to enhance patrol and vigilance to check the excesses of drivers,” he said.

    The commander said the FRSC has envisaged heavy traffic flow through Kaduna to the North West, adding that the corps would take strategic steps to avoid heavy traffic build-up.

    Mohammed explained that heavy traffic has a multiplier effect of generating impatience, which mostly leads to accidents.

    “To prevent this, we would discuss with the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the contractor, Julius Berger, to open some sections of the road on specific days for free traffic flow.’’ (NAN)

  • Ministerial nominees: Buhari truly a visionary leader, says APC chieftain

    Dr Vitalis Orikeze-Ajumbe, the National Coordinator of South East Equity Alliance (SEA) and an APC chieftain on Wednesday described President Muhammadu Buhari as a true visionary leader for nominating `men and women of pedigree’ as ministers.

    Orikeze-Ajumbe told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that about 80 per cent of the nominees were tested and trusted technocrats.

    Orikeze-Ajumbe, also congratulate the nominees, and affirmed the party’s readiness to transform the economy of the country.

    He also expressed confidence in the incoming cabinet to take Nigeria to the “next level of economic and political stability”.

    Read Also: BREAKING: All set for confirmation of ministerial nominees

    “Although the President has performed well in his first term, this second term will be better and more rewarding with this crop of ministers,” he said.

    The APC chieftain who was also a former commissioner in Imo, called on Nigerians to support the government of President Buhari for full delivery of the party’s manifesto.

    He described the likes of Festus Keyamo and Emeka Nwajiuba as forces to reckon with and indispensable in building a viable economy.

    NAN reports that President Buhari forwarded list of 43 ministerial nominees to the senate for onward screening and confirmation. (NAN)

  • Ganduje releases N2bn tuition fees for foreign students

    Kano State Government has settled over N2 billion outstanding fees of its students in El-Razi University in Sudan,

    The debt was incurred by the administration of ex-governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

    Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje made the disclosure when he received the Chairman Board of Trustees of the University, Prof. Ibrahim Ghandour on Tuesday in Kano.

    “My government inherited students from the previous administration with a lot of money to be paid.

    “And through good mediation between the University and Kano State, we were able to settle this amount so that our students will complete their studies,” he stated.

    Ganduje who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna disclosed that his administration had paid almost 80% of all the fees of its students in India, Egypg and Cyprus, which were also inherited from the previous administration.

    Read Also: Ganduje constitutes committee on remodelling Almajiri System of Education

    The governor added that the administration recently paid over N300 million to Cyprus University to enable students sponsored by the state to complete their programmes.‎

    He berated individuals politicizing the issue of education in the state, saying such attitude would not in any way benefit the state or the country.

    “What it entails is not the issue of politicizing any aspect of education, whoever has to be a critic, has to be positive in his criticisms as nobody is perfect. Now that we are patient enough, we have paid the money,” he added.‎

    While appreciating the cordial relationship between Sudan and Nigeria, Ganduje assured the management of El-Razi University that Kano state students would continue to be found worthy in learning and character.

    On the Doctorate Degree awarded to him by the University, the governor said the honour was to all the people of Kano state.

    Earlier, Ghandour said they were in Kano to express their appreciation over the mutual relationship that exists between the two over the years.

    ” We are purposely here to present the University request to offer His Excellency a Doctorate Degree.

    “El-Razi University is now 23 years old, graduated batches from Medicine, Pharmacy, but this is the best Doctorate Degree offered to any personality either nationally personality ” he explained.

    He said the award would be presented on Aug. 26, 2019.

    (NAN)

  • BREAKING: Buhari swears in Muhammad as CJN

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore in Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

    He became the 18th CJN at the brief ceremony.

    Muhammad, who took over from the immediate past and suspended CJN, Walter Onnoghen, was screened and cleared by the Senate last week.

    He has been on acting capacity since January, 2019.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Tanko all smiles after confirmation as CJN

    At the swearing in ceremony were the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

    Also at the ceremony that started around 10.30am, included Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

    Others included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, and Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita

  • Ministerial screening: Prove to Nigerians you are not rubber stamp, Frank tells Senate

    Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the Senate not to confirm majority of those sent to it as Ministers saying the list is populated by corrupt Nigerians whose confirmation will make mockery of the fight against corruption by the government.
    Elder statesman, Tanko Yakasaai had similarly said that some of the nominees were corrupt and should not be cleared by the Senate.
    In a statement made available to The Nation, Frank said the senate must prove to Nigerians that they are not a rubber stamp assembly by rejecting 70-80 percent of the nominees base on their record in public services.
    He said that since the President had told Nigerians beforehand that he would only nominate people well known to him as ministers, the list now before the Senate is proof to Nigerians and the international community that the President knows and continues to associate with shady characters that have looted the nation’s resources in the past.
    Frank said: “The current ministerial list is a direct confirmation that Buhari does not only court corrupt individuals but also wines and dines with known corrupt personalities.

    Read Also: Meet the seven women on Buhari’s ministerial list

    “It is clear that some prominent names on the list have at one time or the other been guest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to answer corruption charges while some still have pending corruption cases in court.
    “The ministerial list is a further confirmation of General Buhari’s insincerity and incompetence. I make bold to say that there is indeed no hope for Nigeria as long as Gen Buhari remains the President (albeit illegally).
    “Were the Senate to patriotic and rightly guided by conscience, 70 – 80 per cent of the nominees would be rejected based on their incompetence and past corruption records.
    “However, Nigerians have lost confidence in the ability of 9th Senate to act in the national interest since they have decided to assume the role of a rubber stamp to the Executive since inception.
    “I therefore appeal to the judiciary – as the hope of the common man – to come to the aid of Nigeria and Nigerians to rescue us from this unpatriotic gangs that are poised to take the country backwards.
    “Let the judiciary be brave, stand for truth, justice and declare Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar as the rightful winner of the last presidential election, so he can come and rescue Nigeria from another four years of retrogressive governance, brazen looting of resources, oppression and harassment”.

  • Army hands over 151 repentant Boko Haram insurgents to Borno

    The Army on Monday handed over 151 repentant Boko Haram insurgents to Borno Government for rehabilitation and re-integration into the society.
    Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Shafa, the Coordinator, Operation Safe Corridor, made the disclosure during the handing over of the repentant insurgents at the Bulunkutu Rehabilitation Center, Maiduguri.

    Shafa disclosed the 151 male repentant insurgents comprised 132 adult and 19 minors, who completed 52 weeks of de-radicalisation process at its centre in Gombe.

    He said that the clients were exposed to formal literacy classes, skills acquisition and Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) as well as drug and psycho-therapists during their training.

    Shafa explained that the Operation Safe Corridor was designed to encourage Boko Haram insurgents to surrender, provide de-radicalization and rehabilitation programme, to enable them rejoin the society.

    Read Also: Army renews call to Boko Haram insurgents to surrender

    “The clients confessed their past misdeeds; denounced membership of Boko Haram group, asked for forgiveness and took oath of allegiance to Nigeria. I believe they are now good citizens to rejoin the society,” he said.

    Shafa lauded the state government over its support and efforts to assist the repentant insurgents to reintegrate into the society.

    Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur commended the Federal Government over implementation of Operation Safe Corridor to rehabilitate and reintegrate repentant insurgents into the society.

    Kadafur said the state government had adopted effective measures to accept the insurgents willing to voluntarily surrender and to create an enabling environment for them to rejoin the society.

    He said the state government had also directed community leaders to sensitize their people on the need to accept the rehabilitated insurgents, and warned against infringement on their rights.

    The deputy governor added the state government would support rehabilitated insurgents to set up their business, to enable them to engage in productive activities and contribute to the development of the society.

    Tela Dandija and Kyari Buguma, some of the repentant insurgents, thanked the Federal Government for the amnesty granted to them and called on the insurgents still in the bush to surrender.

    They also called for support to enable them to set up their businesses in their respective communities. (NAN)

  • 10 facts about Lateef Jakande at 90

     

    1. Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande was born July 23, 1929 in Epetedo area of Lagos Island, Lagos.

     

    1. He was a journalist who became the governor of Lagos State from 1979-1983.

     

    1. Encouraged by Awolowo, he ran for election as Governor of Lagos in 1979 on the platform of Unity Party of Nigeria(UPN) defeating his opponents Adeniran Ogunsanya of NNP and Sultan Ladega Adeniji Adele of National Party of Nigeria(NPN) and was subsequently sworn in as Governor.

     

    1. He studied at a Lagos public school at Enu-Owa, Lagos Island, then at Bunham Memorial Methodist School, Port Harcourt. He studied briefly at King’s College, Lagos in 1943. He then enrolled at Ilesha Grammar School in 1945 where he edited a literary paper called The Quarterly Mirror.

     

    1. In 1949, Jakande began a career in journalism first in Daily Times before he joined the Nigerian Tribune in 1953 where he was appointed editor-in-chief by the Publisher, Obafemi Awolowo.

     

    1. Jakande established John West Publications and began to publish The Lagos News.

    Read Also: Nine successful Nigerian female personalities

    1. He served as the first President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

     

    1. He introduced housing and educational programmes targeting the poor, building new neighborhood primary and secondary schools as well as providing free primary and secondary education.

     

    1. As a governor, he established 23 local government councils which were later disbanded by the military.

     

    1. After the military take-over in 1983, Jakande was charged, prosecuted and convicted of treason, although later he was pardoned.

    After being freed, he accepted the position of Minister of Works under the Late Sani Abacha military regime, which earned him some criticism. He claimed that he had accepted the post under pressure from MKO Abiola and other progressive leaders.

  • Just in: Shi’ite Protest: FCT DCP Operations, shot dead

    A Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the FCT Police Command, DCP Usman Umar was today shot by members of the El-Zakzakky Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
    The officer was allegedly shot while trying to calm the protesters who took over major part of the Central Business District of the city.

    A police source, who confirmed the incident to The Nation, said DCP Umar died when he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

    Read Also: Shi’ite Protest: Senate President, IGP visit policemen in hospital

    When The Nation called the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba to confirm the casualty figure, he promised to issue a statement soon.