The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Deadly blast hits Damascus

    At least seven people have been killed by a blast in the centre of the Syrian capital Damascus.

    The Sana state news agency put the number of dead at eight, and said 50 were injured by the blast in Hijaz square. An activist group said 20 people were hurt.

    According to BBC report, No group has said it was behind the blast but Sana blamed it on “terrorists” – its term for rebels.

    Syrian rebels have often attacked Damascus with bombs or mortars.

    Last month, an explosion near Damascus airport cut off power to large parts of Syria.

    Sana said Wednesday’s attack had hit the offices of the railway company.

    The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based activist group, said there were conflicting reports about whether it had been caused by a bomb or a mortar shell.

    The explosion, BBC report explained, comes a day after the latest round of international diplomacy failed to fix a date for a long-delayed peace conference on the Syrian conflict.

    The UN-Arab League envoy on Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, had hoped to hold the conference in Geneva this month.

    But he said that after a day of meetings with senior diplomats he was not able to announce a date.

    Mr Brahimi said he was still “striving” for a summit by the end of the year.

    Attempts to set up a conference have been going on for months amid disputes over who should attend and its agenda.

    Meanwhile, aid agencies have warned that more than nine million Syrians, almost half the population, are now in need of humanitarian relief.

    The UN estimates that more than two million people have fled Syria since the unrest began in March 2011 resulting in a humanitarian crisis.

    Most have sought refuge in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.

    More than 100,000 people are estimated to have been killed since the conflict began.

     

  • Ghana seeks lower tarrifs for trans-border goods

    The Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Mr Gideon Quarcoo, on Wednesday called for the reduction of high tariffs on trans-border goods between Ghana and Nigeria.

    Quarcoo made the appeal at the Ghana Day at the ongoing 27th Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos.

    According to him, high tariffs are retarding the growth of trade between the countries.

    “The reduction will improve the welfare of the traders and enhance revenue for both countries,” he said.

    Quarcoo reiterated that the government of Ghana had stopped the levy on profit-after-tax from Nigerian investors in Ghana.

    Also speaking at the event, Mr Erastus Ashun, Deputy Director, Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, called for improvements in trans-border trade between the two countries by developing a rail link between the two nations.

    Ashun also urged both countries to modify their customs regimes, to encourage trade between the countries

  • Man, 77, hangs in Osogbo

    A man, Mr Jimoh Hassan, early on Wednesday hanged himself in a room inside his  house in Oke-Ayepe area of Osogbo, family members said.

    Hassan, a transporter, allegedly committed the action about 5a.m. when he was believed to have gone to the mosque to pray.

    Hassan’s wife, Rashidat, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she never suspected her husband could carry out such action.

    She said everyone was surprised by her husband’s action, especially as he related well with people, including friends, on Tuesday.

    Also, the daughter of the deceased, Mrs Adijat Abdulkareem, told NAN that the last time that she saw her father was on Thursday when he complained of a minor ailment for which she gave him money to get treatment.

    She expressed shock over the incident and wondered what could have led him to take the action.

    ‘’Sincerely, I am short of words, I am devastated, I cannot pinpoint what could have led him to killing himself; he did not have any serious issue bothering him to the best of my knowledge.

    ‘’He has just been nominated as the head of this community for which we are preparing for the conferment of the chieftaincy title as the baale (leader) of this community, it is really pathetic,’’ she resorted.

  • Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    Jonathan seeks extension of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa

    President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday sought the approval of the National Assembly to extend the ongoing emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States for another six months.

    The emergency rule which was imposed by the Federal Government on May 14, 2013 following rising insecurity in the areas will elapse on November 12, 2013.

    Jonathan’s request was contained in a letter dated November 5, 2013 and entitled: “Re-Extension of the period for the proclamation of a state of emergency.”

    The letter was read by Senate President David Mark at plenary.

    Jonathan however noted that the security agencies with the support of the citizens in the affected areas, have “achieved considerable successes in containing the activities of the terrorist elements.”

    The letter reads in part: “May I respectfully draw your attention to the State of Emergency Proclamation  2013, in respect of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, which was approved by the National Assembly.

    “By virtue of the provisions of Section 305(6) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Proclamation aforementioned will elapse after a period of six months from the date of approval except the period is extended by the National Assembly.

    “As a result of the laudable efforts of our security agencies and the support of the citizens in the affected areas, we have achieved considerable successes in containing the activities of the terrorist elements. However, some security challenges still exist in a few parts.

    “Consequently, it has become pertinent to request the approval of the Distinguished Senate for an extension of the State of Emergency for a further period of six months, during which time it is expected that normalcy would have been fully restored.

    “In view of the foregoing, I most respectfully request the Distinguished Senate to consider and approve by resolution the extension of the Proclamation of the State of Emergency by a further period of six months with effect from the 12th of November 2013.”

  • Shehu calls for more prayers for peace in Borno

    Shehu calls for more prayers for peace in Borno

    The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn-Garbai, on Wednesday, called for more prayers for everlasting peace in Borno.

    He made the call when members of the Borno Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Maiduguri.

    He expressed joy at the gradual return of peace to the state after several months of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

    He said “we are all happy that Borno is gradually regaining its peaceful atmosphere, especially Maiduguri the state capital.

    “Although we still have pockets of attacks in rural communities, I believe that prayer is the ultimate solution to every problem.

    “People must continue to pray for everlasting peace in the state and Nigeria in general.”

    The royal father described this year’s holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia as “most successful in recent times.

    He said “we have recorded tremendous successes in this year’s Hajj because there were no delays in transportation of pilgrims as witnessed in previous exercises.

    “Nigerian pilgrims conducted themselves in very good manner throughout the Hajj, but we lost 15 pilgrims.’’

    Ibn Garbai commended the Federal Government for making adequate arrangements for medical services to Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise.

    He added: “I want to commend the Federal Government for providing excellent medical services to the pilgrims.”

    He also commended officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for their efforts in making the exercise hitch free.

    “No Nigerian pilgrim was arrested in Saudi Arabia for either drug trafficking or committing any unlawful act.

    “No female pilgrim was left behind because we made proper arrangements to make sure that women were accompanied by their husbands or relatives,” Ibn-Garbai said.

    “So far, more than 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims have been transported back home, only 26,000 are left in Saudi Arabia.

    “The transportation of Nigerian pilgrims back home will be concluded by Nov. 18 and all those who returned came back with their luggage.”

  • Senate demands immediate recall of 18 sacked staff of NJI

    The Senate Wednesday directed the management of National Judicial Institute (NJI) to recall 18 sacked staff of the Institute.

    The Senate noted that it discovered that the 18 affected staff were not indicted by the report of the Board of Governors of the Institute.

    The directive followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions which considered a petition by 39 staff of NJI on alleged wrongful termination of their appointments.

    According to the lawmakers, the names of the 18 staff were swapped with those indicted.

    It resolved that the 18 staff should be immediately recalled to duty with “full entitlements up to date.”

    The upper chamber rejected the recommendation that the Board of Governors of the Institute should reinstate another 19 staff whose appointments were wrongfully terminated.

    It said that those indicted by the report of the Board of Governors should be disciplined accordingly.

    Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ayo Akinyelure presented the report.

    The committee in its findings and observation noted that “there was crisis amongst members of staff of the NJI which led to witch-hunting and petition writing to discredit each other.”

    It said that the Board of Governors intervened at various times to resolve the crisis.

    It said that various investigative committees set up presented a report which indicted a total of 57 officers, specifying various disciplinary actions appropriate to the offences.

    The Administration of the Institute, the report said, acted upon an anonymous petition which was not signed, dated nor had any address.

    The report added that the committee also observed that the Administrator of NJI did not comply with the recommendations of the Board of Governors.

    The Committee said that it observed that “18 out of the dismissed staff were not indicted by the report but their names were swapped with the indicted staff of the Institute, whereas those who were indicted by the report but perceived to be loyal to the Administrator were retained in the service of NJI.”

    The Committee said that it considered the action a clear injustice on the part of innocent staff.

    It said that “The Committee noted with dismay the attitude and response of the Administrator of the NJI who rebuffed and refused to honour any of its several invitations to him to appear before the Committee, but instead the Administrator of NJI sent his written defence to the Committee claiming the case to be in court, when in actual fact no case is in court except that of Mrs Bolatito Ajibade on another issue yet to be resolved by the court.”

    Accordingly, the Senate adopted the resolution “That the 18 innocent staff not indicted by the report of the Board of Governors of the Institute and whose names were swapped be called back to duty with full entitlements up to date.”

    The report listed those to be recalled as Mrs. Rosemary Emodi, Ayuba Musa, Wale Akinbola, Esetuwagbau Steven, Fadeyi O. Emmanuel, Ramat Popoola Shittu, Awoyale Yinka Michael and Mrs. Bola Ajiboye.

    Others are; Muili Jubril Adekunle, Yahaya Mohammed, Afolabi Moses, Mrs. Mary Nelson, Miss Yemisi Oloyi, Mrs. Immaculator Inyang, Olajide Tunde, Bamidele Olusola, Mrs. Dorcas M. Delight and Ms. W.A. Adesina.

    The Senate also adopted the recommendation that “That the Senate do mandate the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to effect the dismissal with immediate effect, the following staff of NJI who were recommended by various investigative committees of NJI for dismissal ab-initio, but were retained and still in service up till now in the interest of justice and fair play.”

    It gave the names of those affected by the resolution as Mr. Segun Olowookere, Mr. James Onu, Mr. John Agono, Mr. Jacob Danladi, Mrs. Ronke Akinsehinwa, Mr. Moses Agbede and Mr. Hussaini Musa.

  • FIFA 2014 World Cup: Protests mar planned Soccerex conference

    The Soccerex Trade and Conference Convention, scheduled for end of November in Brazil, has been cancelled.

    The cancellation followed widespread protests that criticised government’s spending for the FIFA 2014 World Cup.

    A statement by Soccerex on Wednesday said that the decision had been taken by the Rio de Janeiro State Sports Ministry out of security concerns and that it was a “political decision”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that protests about government’s spending priorities had erupted across Brazil during the Confederations Cup in June.

    Soccerex, which provides a conference and commercial platform for 4,500 football senior decision makers, was scheduled for Nov. 30 to Dec. 5 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

    According to the statement, it is with great disappointment that we must confirm that the final Soccerex Global Convention in Brazil will now not be taking place.

    “With the ongoing civil unrest, the Rio de Janeiro State Secretary of Sports took the political decision to withdraw their support from the Soccerex Global Convention.”

    The statement expressed regrets on the cancellation, saying that all plans had been mapped put to guarantee a successful convention.

    “Preparations for the event at the Maracana Stadium were well advanced with content planned, speakers confirmed and partnerships in place.

    “ To be summarily cancelled in such a cavalier fashion, having hosted 33 events over five continents is extremely frustrating

    “It’s in contravention of all of the contractual obligations of the Rio State Government, who has been notified of our intention to instigate legal proceedings for substantial compensation”.

    The Soccerex African Forum will take place in Durban in November 2014 and two other Soccerex events, one in Russia, and one in the Americas are soon to be announced

  • Expert blames cases of building collapse on fake materials

    A construction consultant, Mr Toyin Fidudusola, on Wednesday blamed the recurring cases of collapsed buildings on substandard materials and structural defects.

    Fidudusola, an architect, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo.

    He said it was high time that government and professional bodies devised ways of punishing builders found culpable in such incidents.

    ‘’ Apart from the fact that it is a dent on those of us in the construction industry, the number of lives lost in these unfortunate incidents are alarming.

    ‘’ The lives of promising young people are being cut short, most times, due to  no fault of theirs but for defects and low quality projects.

    ‘’ Special attention and monitoring must be given to storey buildings right from the drawing stage because most of these affected structures are multi-storey buildings,’’ Fidudusola said.

    The architect said the use of substandard materials and incompetent artisans was the major challenge facing the industry.

    “Many of the collapsed buildings could have been stopped if town planners and professional bodies are living up to their billings.

    ‘’Collapsed buildings have no doubt become a challenge to all,’’ he said.

     

  • Nigeria not ripe for privatization – Electricity union

    Nigeria not ripe for privatization – Electricity union

    The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on Wednesday said that Nigeria was not ripe for the privatisation of electricity sector.

    The Secretary General of the union, Mr Moses Amedu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

    He decried the over zealousness of the investors in taking over the electricity companies, saying it would be to the detriment of Nigerians.

    Amedu appealed to the investors to exercise some restraints, stressing that “it is the PHCN that has been privatised and not the National Union of Electricity Employees.”

    “We learnt that the electricity investors were going about the companies to paste names of staff disengaged and the names of staff who will be re-engaged.

    “The NUEE is not privatised and we will see to the adequate welfare of our members in the electricity industries, whether being managed by private or the Government.

    “We, the union expected to sit down with the investors to enable us draw a condition of service and it is upon this condition of service they should operate.

    “But as things are, the investors are so much in a hurry to throw away our members, even when they have not been paid their severance package”.

    Amedu said all the agreements signed by the Federal Government and the union had not been made available to the investors before disengaging his members.

    The union scribe said 70 per cent might have been paid their severance package, while only 30 per cent of the electricity employees had received the Pension Fund Account (PFA) alert.

    “The retirement saving account for the 47, 000 employees have not been funded, while some of our members are yet to be cleared for any of these payments.

    “The pension components of the payment have not been attended to,” he said.

    Amedu said a total of seven thousand employees in the electricity sector were yet to be paid their severance package.

    He said that 40, 000 out of the 47, 000 of its members across the nation had been paid.

    The secretary general advised its members not to sign any letter of disengagement until they were fully paid

  • Eaglets hit U-17 World Cup final

    Eaglets hit U-17 World Cup final

    … Defeat Sweden 3-0

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets on Tuesday qualified for the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place in United Arab Emirates.

    The Manu-Garba tutored youngsters defeated their Swedish counterparts 3-0 in the second semi final played at Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

    Idowu Awoniyi was the hero once again, scoring in the 21st minute to shot the three-time world champions ahead.

    The Nigerians dominated possession as usual, but could not translate their superior ball artistry into much needed goals.

    However, two goals in quick succession in the second half through Samuel Okon (80th minute) and Chidera Ezeh (81st minute) ended the match as a contest.

    Nigeria will meet Mexico who had earlier defeated Argentina 3-0 in Friday’s tournament decider.