The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Jonathan hands over PHCN’s successor firms to buyers

    Jonathan hands over PHCN’s successor firms to buyers

    …. Says, ‘Better days ahead for Nigerians’

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday read riot act to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) cautioning the power sector staff to re-orientate themselves in order to be able to meet up with their new roles under the on-going reforms in the power sector.

    Giving the warning after formally handing over share certificates and licenses to new core owners of Power Holding Companies of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies at the Banquet Hall, Abuja, to 10 Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and four Generating Companies (GENCOs), he said that it is no longer going to be business as usual.

    He said the government is committed to providing the investors with all enabling environment in order to make them succeed in giving Nigerians uninterrupted power supply.

    According to him, the Federal Government has provided the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) capitalization fund of over $750 million to carry out its functions without financial constraints.

    He said: “However, I must remind you that the work is not over. Your staff must re-orient themselves to play the needed new roles that have been assigned to them as a result of the reform.

    “They must be prepared to collaborate efficiently with our private sector partners; business it can no longer be as usual; all the relevant MDAs must be ready to work in a more determined, proactive and result-driven manner,” he said.

    On the government support for the investors, he said: “The administration is committed to providing all elements that are necessary for our private sector partners to succeed in providing Nigerians with uninterrupted power supply.”

    “To start with, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), the off-taker, has been provided with a capitalization of $750 million positioning it to carry out its mandate without financial constraints.

    “Arrangements are also on-going to ensure that the Nigerian Electricity Liability Company (NELMCO) is adequately funded, to assume all of the liabilities associated with the privatisation of the PHCN successor companies, as well as other related liabilities.”

    He continued: “The new GENCOs owners are inheriting signed gas supply and transportation agreements, a new phenomenon in the gas-to-power industry, thereby moving the industry away from the prior status of best endeavor supply and transportation basis.

    “Accordingly, we will maintain the agreed gas pricing policy in order to encourage new investments in gas supply and infrastructure development. The implementation of the gas policy will culminate in a willing buyer-will seller structure to establish a fully market-driven environment,” he added.

    Stressing that adequate measures have been taken to resolve all labour related issues in the sector, he said that contributions of relevant MDAs in the realisation of the privatisation of the power sector was critical.

    While urging Nigerians to exercise patience with the government, President Jonathan declared that better days are ahead in the power sector.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Vice President, Namadi Sambo maintained that it is only the private sector investment in the power sector that can guarantee satisfying Nigeria’s yearning for stable power supply.

    He said the new owners of the generating companies are expected to build up capacity from the present levels of performance to additional 5,000 megawatts within a period of five years.

    “It is noteworthy to state that the privatization of the power utility is unique and different from previous privatization programmes in the country, that of the power sector is driven by the need for efficiency and investment rather than optimisation of proceeds to the government. Moreover, only bidders’ technical ability and financial capability influenced outcomes,” he stated.

     

  • What a woman wants in a man

    What a woman wants in a man

    It is true that every woman has got expectations from her man. She desires her ideal man to possess some sterling qualities, behave in a very decent manner and have the financial wherewithal to take care of her. Hope Samson spoke with a cross section of women folk on this subject matter.

    Mrs. Charity Maduka has been married for 19 years. She is not interested in whether the man is tall or short, black or white, handsome or not, what matters to her is a man with genuine love, “I want love from my man because love covers multitude of sin. If love exists, he will easily forgive and not raise his hands to beat me or be aggressive,” she said.
    She added; “I also want a man that can endure, patient, gentle, easy going and caring. My man should be able to go the extra mile in helping out with the chores at home. He should be able to take me as his better half; he should be there for me always and help out with the house chores.”

    But Mrs. Becky Uwani, with 22 years marital experience said her ideal man must have some qualities that stand him out from others, “I want a man that is tall, dark in complexion and handsome. He should be a man that assists in house duties and allows me rest on his chest.”

    For Miss. Bisola Adelanwa, currently in a relationship, her ideal man can be of any complexion but she is quick to add that her man must be responsible in all ramifications, “I like a tall lanky, dark man. I think I can go with any complexion. I like a responsible man that has a good dress sense, not flashy but simple and casual.

    “I respect a man that is hard working and not dependent on his salary. He should have other means of generating income to sustain himself and family.
    “My man should be able to provide for me even without demanding for it. I get upset when a man makes me demand, he should be observant so as to know when I need things instead of expecting me to make demands all the times, “she said.
    Priscillia Joseph is not interested in height, complexion or a good-looking man. All she’s after is that the man must be educated and honest.
    He words: “Men nowadays are bloody liars and it is very hard to find an honest man. Since most men are not honest, every woman has now devised a way of getting money from her husband if she really wants with her woman power.”
    Margaret Okere, an undergraduate said she wants a God-fearing and caring man. She believes that that once the man is caring and showers her with loves she is fine. “A man can’t buy me with his money; he must not use his money to care for me. I feel he is trying to buy my love when he uses his money on me. Calling to ask how I feel and if I have eaten is enough for me to know that he cares for me. Even if he can’t call, a flash is enough for me to know that he thinks of me daily.”
    Marvis Ogbeni, currently in a relationship said her man must be God-fearing. “A God-fearing man will make sure his spouse is comfortable on every side and would not want to hurt her because of the love of God that dwells in him.
     “I am not moved by the outward appearance of a man, whether, tall or short, fair or black complexioned, rich or poor, ugly or handsome. I look for the inner qualities which makes a man responsible,” she said.
    She equally expects her man to have a listening ear and take her as a real woman, “A man that can protect me especially from a troublesome family or mother in-law, a man of understanding mostly when it comes to the areas where I am weak and willing to assist me, is my ideal man.”
    On her part, Helen Enebele said: “I just need a man with little money that will love me because there can’t be love without money. I want a man with money and love at the same time and I don’t think love can go without money.”
     
  • Blacky, Victoria Kimani dazzle at fashion show

    Blacky, Victoria Kimani dazzle at fashion show

    The Nigeria Television Fashion Show was held yesterday, September 29th 2013 at Yard 158, Oregun Ikeja. Featuring exquisite designs, Alayna Squap opened the show with her dazzling Ankara styles.
    From Shiva Avina who played with Aso-oke fabric, blending Ankara prints with T-shirts to Balisimo designs who amazed with his wonderful display of linen piece, the event showcased  a host of impressive designers.
    There were music performances by from Kenyan Singer, Victoria Kimani, 90’s rave music star Blacky as well as upcoming stars. Victoria who spotted a purple wave and white hugging gown with purple design got heads turning with her moves. The 2013 Channel O’ nominee brought sexiness on stage and got the crowd winding to her song M’Toto.
    Like Victoria, Blacky did not disappoint his fans. Not many thought that he still got the vigor to carry such a crowd but not only did he thrill the audience with some of his hit songs, Blacky’s performance and his movement showed he has not lost touch with the trend. Rounding off his performance, the musician, who spotted a monochrome bandanna on his head with black T-shirt and jeans to go, used the opportunity to tell his fans that he’s still very much into music contrary to the rumour he said has been making the rounds about him.
    The event which was put together by Nollywood Worldwide Entertainment was anchored popular comedian, Chidi Uzoma alias Baba Dee Baba and sultry presenter Emem Ime of Galaxy TV.
  • Crude oil shortfall: Reps to probe Alison-Madueke, NNPC

    Crude oil shortfall: Reps to probe Alison-Madueke, NNPC

    The House of Representatives is to investigate claims by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke that $20.9 billion was realized from the sales of crude oil between January and September this year.

    The lawmakers said documents available did not support the minister’s claims.

    Besides, the lawmakers emphasized the need to unravel the non-disclosure of production and proceeds from gas by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

    The Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jibrin, said the claim of $20.9 billion realized from crude sale by Alison-Madueke was as a ruse, calculated to mislead Nigerians.

    According to him, Nigerians would rather prefer the minister to explain how the nation fell short of N321b in its revenue from oil in the same period.

    He said the reason for the investigation was aimed at encouraging transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, adding that Nigerians are only interested in how much was actually going to the coffers of federal government from the said $20.9 billion.

    According to him, contrary to what Nigerians were meant to believe, official documents and figures showed that revenue targets were only barely met in the months of April when N212.029 billion was remitted with N210.202 billion in May.

     

  • Jigawa female pilgrim dies in Medina

    The Jigawa State pilgrim welfare board on Monday announced the death of one Hajiya Safiya Musa in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

    The state’s Executive Secretary for the board, Alhaji Sani Alhasan, announced the death of the pilgrim shortly before the departure of the state’s intending pilgrims to Mecca.

    Alhaji Alhassan explained late Safiya Musa who was 58 years died in motor accident on Monday.

    Reports from the holy land indicated that the deceased was trying to cross a road in Medina after prayer.

    The executive secretary noted that the deceased died in the hospital where she was rushed to after the accident.

    The state government had already informed her family.

     

  • Yobe killings beyond realm of humanity – Tambuwal

    Yobe killings beyond realm of humanity – Tambuwal

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, on Monday said the killing of 41 students at the College of Agriculture, Gujba, in Yobe State, has gone beyond the realm of humanity because no reason can justify such dreadful acts.

    The Speaker described the killings, coming barely two months after a similar incidence at the Government Secondary School, Mamudo, also in Yobe State, as ignoble, wicked and horrendous.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, the Speaker tasked security agencies to redouble their efforts and change their tactics especially now that those engaged in the killings have increased their attacks on softer targets.

    He said the only way to console the families of the victims and Nigerians is by fishing out perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them justice.

    Tambuwal said, “We in the House of Representatives feel the grief and pain of the families of the victims. In this their hour of need, we will stand with them hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder. We want to assure them that as brothers, we will continue to confront the threats of terror confronting our nation, and we know we will come out stronger, and victorious.”

    While expressing sympathy with the families of the victims, he urged Nigerians to be more vigilant and help security agencies with useful information that will help to secure their areas.

     

  • ASUU to Jonathan: Media chat empty, less comforting

    ASUU to Jonathan: Media chat empty, less comforting

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday criticised President Goodluck Jonathan media chat on the country’s 53rd Independence Day celebration, describing it as empty and less comforting.

    The union said President Jonathan’s media chat has succeeded in further showing Nigerians the clueless nature of the leadership to solving pressing problems of insecurity, corruption and the comatose education sector.

    ASUU in a release signed by the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter, Dr Olusegun Ajiboye, titled: “Nigeria at 53: No message of hope for Nigerians Yet,” said the hope that Nigerians had to listen to practical solutions to the problems in the country was dashed when they listened to the “empty” interview which offered no solutions.

    While picking holes in the President Jonathan’s chat, ASUU bemoaned the quality of the nation’s leadership and its failure to provide solution to problems affecting the masses, especially the poor.

    The union asked Nigerians to prevail upon “this government to consider the poor and the children of the poor by giving the needed and necessary attention to public education in Nigeria.”

    ASUU said the presidential team needs to work on the president to bring messages of hope and not dampen the morale of the already dejected Nigerians.

    He said: “Nigerians were all disappointed at President Jonathan’s media chat on the eve on the 53rd independence anniversary of the country. Many Nigerians expected their President to come out with practical solutions and cogent policy statements on urgent, burning national issues were greatly disappointed at the drab media chat. The President cannot be quoted on any of the issues raised during the interview. Most of his answers were not only evasive but lame. Critical issues, such as Boko Haram insurgency, lingering ASUU strike were all treated with mere disdain by the President. The closure of Nigerian universities for upwards of three months received a lackadaisical treatment from Mr. President.

    “Nigerians were at sea when their President and Commander- in- Chief was asked questions on one Boko Haram leader, and the President could only replied that “I don’t know him”. Mr. President, do you need to sit down in town hall meetings before you know the terrorists inflicting lots of pains and agonies on your people daily? Did Obama need to know Osama bin Laden before he took decisive action to end his reign of terror?”

     

  • We’ll settle out of court, Suntai, Speaker tell judge

    We’ll settle out of court, Suntai, Speaker tell judge

    The High Court in Jalingo – the Taraba State capital, on Monday adjourned the suit filed by Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai against the Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa and the House of Assembly to October 28.

    Suntai had approached the court to interpret section 190(2), as it has to do with the letter he transmitted to the House onAugust 26 of his readiness to resume duty that was turned down by lawmakers who asked his deputy Alhaji Garba Umar to run the state as acting governor.
    Although ruling was fixed for Monday, Suntai’s counsel, Elijah Nyaro Esq, through an oral application, told the court that his client (Suntai) and the defendants (Speaker and Assembly) were exploring possible avenues to amicably settle the matter out of court.
    Nyaro said: “Even though the matter (in dispute) was adjourned for ruling today, I have the instructions from lead counsel to the plaintiff, Alex Izinyon (SAN) to apply that the ruling be adjourned for about three weeks, because the parties in the suit are exploring possible and amicable ways of resolving this matter out of court.
    “And as counsels we want to encourage them (Suntai and Tsokwa) to do so, if they so wish”.
    There was no objection from the defendants.
    “We have no objection,” said counsel to the Speaker, Yusufu Akirikwen Esq.
    “Lead counsel to the second defendant, Adebayo Oba Adelodun (SAN), said: “our client (House of Assembly) is interested in peace and is ready to cooperate in any efforts that would bring about peace in Taraba State.”
    Justice Ali Ibrahim Andeyangtso was to rule on whether to grant the defendants referral to the court of appeal or not. He had no option than to defer ruling on the matter.
    He said: “Even though, this ruling is ready, since the plaintiff has asked for adjournment and the defendants have no objection, I will allow them to explore possible avenues to resolving the matter peacefully and amicably.”
    The judge noted that well meaning Nigerians want peace and the constitution enables the court in assisting and encouraging reconciliation, for peace to reign in the land. “This is the only way we can make progress,” Justice Andeyangtso said.
  • INEC assures on credible election in Anambra

    INEC assures on credible election in Anambra

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, on Monday said the commission would conduct credible governorship election in the state onNovember 16.

    Onukaogu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the election would stand the test of the time.
    He said the commission would engage capable hands and provide materials required for the success of the exercise.
    “I told you sometimes ago that the commission was aspiring to be like other electoral bodies found in Western democracies. We are learning from our previous mistakes and improving upon it.
    “The election on November 16 will prove us right as problems of logistics are being tackled. We are also solving the problems of manpower and other skills needed to conduct credible election,’’ he said.
    Onukaogu said the commission would remain an impartial umpire and advised politicians and their supporters to be guided by electoral law to avoid hitches.
    He also urged eligible voters to get their cards ready to exercise their civic duty during the election.
  • Independence anniversary: Russia congratulates Nigeria

    Independence anniversary: Russia congratulates Nigeria

    Russia has congratulated Nigeria on its 53rd independence anniversary, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    The felicitation is contained in a message sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday.
    A statement issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja quoted Putin as saying: “please accept my sincere congratulation on the occasion of your country’s Independence Day.
    “I am confident that the relations between Russia and Nigeria, based on the principle of friendship and mutual respect, will keep on developing actively in all directions.
    “I wish you good health, happiness and success, and I wish the people of Nigeria peace and prosperity.”