The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Stakeholders canvass connectivity of transportation systems

    Kelvin Osa Okunbor

    Stakeholders in the transport sectors are seeking for a better connectivity in the transportation systems across the country.

    A representative of the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mr. Nanle Nanbol in his paper titled “Inland container deport and the hinterland connectivity: Shippers council experience, called for all hands to be on deck in the quest for a better connectivity in the transportation systems across board.

    Nanbol acknowledged that the functionality of all transportation modes in the country land, rail, sea, air was what the country needed under the present economic realities to boost the economy going forward.

    The Assistant Director noted that more work still needed to be done to open up the system to accommodate all and sundry and called on all stakeholders including the federal government to sustain the ongoing resuscitation of the Nigeria Railway Corporation saying that the movement of heavy cargo from the coastal areas to the hinterland was dependent largely on the effectiveness of the rail transport system.

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    He acknowledged the Nigeria Shippers’ Council positive performance within its power to promote intermodalism noting the advantages of inland dry ports which includes: Free flow of traffic at the sea ports, provision of quick and safe access to port facilities to and from inland transport networks, decongest the sea ports by increasing storage facilities, with shipping services brought to the door steps of shippers/consumers across the nation and most importantly generation of employment opportunities for the populace.

    Nanle pointed out that hinterland connectivity required synergy through proper cooperation even as he admitted that transport connectivity on one hand requires highways, railways, coastal and inland waterways, pipeline, Maritime, Air Transport, Logistics Centers and inland dry ports ultimately.

    On her part, Mrs. Moronke Thomas, Head Planning, Research and Data Management Services, Who represented the DG, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside in her good will message applauded the organizers of the conference, adding that the growth and development of the transport system was the upper most thing on the mind of NIMASA under its present leadership.

    Thomas alluded to the fact that the agency since the assumption of office by Dr. Peterside has continued to witness quantum leap in every facet of its operation saying that the reduction if not complete elimination of maritime crimes was as a result of heavy investment on security and collective efforts of all and sundry which she said was instrumental to having a more safe and secure sea channels.

  • NDLEA arrests 27-year old with 798kg Cannabis in Ondo

    Damisi Ojo,Akure.

    Officials of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in Ondo have apprehended a 27-year-old man, James Austin with 798kg of Indian hemp in Uso community in Owo local government area of the State.

    The suspect who specialised in drug trafficking is a native of Benue State.

    The State Commander, Haruna Gagar , said the accused was arrested at 1.30am in his house after a tip off.

    Gagara who spoke through the Public Relations Officer of the agency, Mr Wilson Okechukwu, said the agency has already strategized on how to rid the state of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances.

    He said, ” the middle aged suspect had arranged the cannabis sativa in a nearby bush very close to his house before he was arrested.

    Read Also: NDLEA seizes 3,688kg illicit drugs in Oyo

    ” This arrest made in Uso has gone a long way to reduce drugs which would have been carried to other place. This is dangerous to the society particularly during this ember period.

    “As you know there is no end in the fight against drug abuse, our men are on ground raiding the black spots in the state.”

  • How to boost cyber security , by experts

    Kelvin Osa Okunbor

    Stakeholders the Nigerian cyber security space under the aegis of the Information Security Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN) have called for collaborations in boosting cyber security in the country.

    They made the call while speaking at a Cyber Security Workshop Themed: “DDoS Evolution – Staying Protected” organised by ISSAN in collaboration with 21st Century Technologies Limited in Lagos.

    While welcoming stakeholders at the Workshop, President of ISSAN, Dr. David Isiavwe, decried the worsening state of cyber security in the country.

    He said, “Those who watch the cyber space closely, will all agree that there is a lot of happenings each and every day. New forms of attacks are being contrived and implemented by the bad guys, and all they need is one successful attempt. We hear of all the various attacks both on individuals and companies alike. Indeed, even the cyber security gatekeepers are not spared. And huge sums of money are at risk each time there is a successful attack.”

    Read Also: Cyber Crimes Act has tackled hate speeches – FG

    Dr. Isiavwe who is also the Group Head Operations & Technology, Ecobank Nigeria Limited further lamented the fact that everyone and every institution was susceptible to these attacks as social engineering attack is unrelenting.

    He said data based manipulation-insiders and outsiders is on the rise, attack on card data and card processing technology infrastructure via rogue IT infrastructure, spear phishing attack and combination of different methodologies were rampant.

    He therefore called on all stakeholders to be proactive, create customer awareness activities, continuous and automated monitoring of systems and infrastructure, employment of Artifucial intelligence and Machine Learning as well as robotics and data analytics.

    He also called for collaborations among stakeholders.

    Speaking on the theme of the workshop in a keynote address, Long Lee Shih – DDoS Security Expert, Nexusguard Ltd, also explained how individuals and organisations could avoid being victims of cyber attacks, including Origin Protection (OP) for large networks, among others.

    His keynote address was followed by a robust plenary session that included Dr Wale Obadare, MD/COO, Digital Encode Ltd; Long Lee Shih, Ighoakpo Eduje, Chief Information Security Officer, Heritage Bank Ltd; Igboa Abumere, Chief Information Security Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Bharat Soni, Chief Information Security Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Dr. David Isiavwe.

  • Obaseki tasks intending Christian pilgrims on building a new Nigeria

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked intending Christian pilgrims in the state to allow their experience while at the Holy Land to transform them into crusaders for a new Nigeria.

    The governor made the charge during a one-day orientation/retreat for the 2019 intending pilgrims with the theme “Pilgrimage: A tool for Moral Transformation and Spiritual Rebirth,” organised by the Edo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board at Government House Chapel, in Benin City.

    The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Special Duties, Ms Itohan Bazuaye, said the essence of the orientation was to prepare the intending pilgrims physically and spiritually for the journey to the Holy Land.

    He noted that the theme for the retreat was apt and timely, adding, “The poor value system among our people must change. If we must succeed, then every Nigerian and particularly believers who have visited the Holy Land must work towards building a new nation which we will all be proud of.”

    Obaseki cautioned the intending pilgrims against absconding during the visit, urging them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and the state.

    Read Also: Last batch of 2018 Christian pilgrims returns

    In his address, Chairman, Edo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Oyonnude Kure, said the retreat was aimed at correcting the wrong impression about embarking on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, noting, “It is not for tourism and not for business. It is to fulfil God’s injunction.”

    He expressed appreciation to Governor Obaseki for providing the needed finance, logistics and medical team to ensure a successful 2019 pilgrimage.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi, urged the participants to get prepared for amazing time with the Lord at the Holy Land, noting, “Life at the Holy Land makes you more disciplined and fervent in prayers.”

    Secretary of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sir Patrick Ihayere, said the journey to the Holy Land will promote moral transformation and spiritual rebirth in the country.

    “It is hoped that our spiritual and moral conscience would have been pricked and the desire for a moral transformation and spiritual rebirth will be sown in your hearts after this experience,” he said.

  • ‘We’re yet to receive any document on airports concession, national carrier’

    By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

    Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji said at the weekend that the lower legislative chamber was yet to get any official document on the airports concession plan by Federal Government as well as a detailed document on the proposed national carrier – Nigeria Air.

    This is just as he said the House of Representatives will in January begin public hearing on the five aviation bills sent to the House by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the House will accelerate discussion and consideration on the bills to achieve early passage.

    He said the House will work with their colleagues in the upper chambers – the Senate to ensure the bill gets smooth passage.

    Nnaji who spoke in an interview in Lagos said it would be inappropriate for the Aviation Committee in the lower legislative house to make category statements on supposedly important projects in the aviation sector, for which it was yet to be handed over any formal document by the Ministry of Aviation.

    He, however spared a thought for the proposed second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, affirming that the strategic location of the aerodrome makes it imperative to have an alternate runway.

    Nnaji said as much as Abuja Airport needs a second runway, the funds allocated to it in the 2020 budget may not be adequate to deliver a state of the art facility.

    He called on government to reconsider the cost profile of the runway facility to enable the contractor deliver a world class facility.

    The Reps Aviation Committee Chairman called on government to create a pool of funds to intervene on aviation infrastructure saying the quality of facilities in any airport speaks volume of the image of a country.

    He said government should think out of the box in considering non – aeronautical sources of bringing revenue to airport to run as serious business.

    He said there was need to work out models that will attract private sector players into the aviation sector, as existing funding models from government was not enough to fix lingering gaps in airport and air navigation facilities.

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    Nnaji said: “We just completed oversight duties of touring some airports , especially Lagos Airport to assist the agencies in areas of need.

    ” The oversight was quite interesting , eye opening because it exposed us to the inner workings of the aviation sector, especially the aeronautical aspects of the industry.

    “we will work closely with the Ministry of Aviation and the agencies to see that what they do with the monies approved in the budget.”

    On airports concession he said: “The issue of concession has been a hearsay , officially the House of Representatives has not seen any document on the project. We just hear about the project like other people , there is no document. Until we get the document and study it we cannot make any comments on the project . We can only talk about it then.

    “The same condition applies on the proposed national carrier , Nigeria Air. We do not act on hearsay, we act based on documents made available to us . That is why we cannot comment on the issue. “

  • 2023: Adopt Falae/Obasanjo model, VON DG appeals to APC, PDP

    By Chris Oji, Enugu

    A chieftain of the All Prrpgessives Congress (APC) and Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, on Sunday, appealed to the two dominant political parties to adopt Falae/Obasanjo model by fielding Igbo presidential candidates come 2023.

    Okechukwu made this appeal while reacting to raging issues threatening the country’s democracy which may mar the 2023 presidential election.

    The issues include the violence which rocked the recently held Kogi State election, palpable recession of democracy, the general tension in the land, hot debate on rotation of presidency, and the new wave of IPOB attack on Nigerians abroad.

    While advocating for a national consensus on Igbo presidency as recipe to create sense of belonging and save Nigeria’s threatened democracy, the VON DG said the only pragmatic answer to peaceful 2023 presidential election “is the Falae/Obasanjo Model.”

    Okechukwu who spoke with journalists in Enugu, assured that if APC and PDP, produce Igbo presidential candidates in 2023, it will remedy currently prevalent gun-box democracy and return ballot box democracy in Nigeria.

    According to him, “in a multi-ethnic society like ours, where politics is a do or die affair the only pragmatic answer to the palpable threat facing 2023 presidential election is the Falae/Obasanjo 199 Model. Rotation of president is the ligament holding our fledgling democracy.”

    Asked to explain what he means by Falae/Obasanjo Model, when there are discordant tunes to such model from many quarters, especially from the Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu axis, Okechukwu said:

    “I have tremendous respect for His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially Tinubu, who more than anybody contributed the critical supplement to President Buhari’s 12 million Vote-Bank in 2015 which led us to victory. I also salute other prominent Nigerians who are angling to be president in 2023; however Nigeria, our fatherland is bigger than any of us and her unity is of paramount importance.

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    “The Falae/Obasanjo Model was founded in 1999, on equity, natural justice, and good conscience, with the sole objective of a harmonious and peaceful country. We may recall that in 1999 two Yorubas were fielded by national consensus under PDP and AD/APP alliance. That was the genesis of rotation of president between north and south. The destination was peace, unity, equity and good conscience. We need that now more than ever, especially now that Mr President had denounced those fifth columnists who bandied 3rd Term.”

    On how he reckons the Northerners who flaunt their huge votes and the huge war chest of Atiku and Tinubu, Okechukwu said:

    “Yes the North over history has huge votes and Atiku and Tinubu have huge war chests; but don’t forget that the huge votes of the North was there in 1999 and eminent people with huge war chest were also there in 1999 – when Dr Alex Ekwueme, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma , Dr Olusola Saraki, Dr Ogbonnia Onu, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi and Aljhaji Abubakar Rimi of blessed memory – were persuaded to allow the Falae/Obasanjo Model because of national unity. The truism is that 2023 is the turn of Ndigbo to preside over Nigeria.” Okechukwu quipped.

    Reminded that time has changed and we have over 90 political parties, making it a herculean task to railroad all into Falae/Obasanjo model, he explained that in liberal democracy, there comes a time of maturity when two political parties dominate the political environment and Nigeria has arrived at that point, with APC and PDP, pointing out that other political parties were mostly missionary, not winning machines.

    “In effect it is a patriotic duty for APC and PDP to nominate two candidates from Ndigbo. This will be the remedy to Igbo marginalisation and Gun-Box democracy and the return of Ballot-Box democracy which is in recession. One cannot locate anybody in Yorubaland or Hausaland who will die because of two Igbos running for president?”

    “Most importantly a national consensus that produces a Nigeria president of Igbo extraction will be the ultimate healing of the wound of the civil war. The old maxim says that it is better to use the solution which works.” Okechukwu said,

    He was of the strong view that a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction will equally demobilise IPOB and other pro Biafran groups and create a lasting impression that any tribe can preside over Nigeria and guarantee a real time sense of belonging, a vital ingredient for cohesion and unity of our dear fatherland.

  • State, Community Policing solution to Insecurity – Rep

    Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

    State and Community policing is the solution to the various levels of insecurity plaguing the country, a lawmaker, Rep Dachung Bagos representing Jos south/Jos east federal constituency of Plateau state, has said.

    Bagos, who spoke at a media parley with House of Representatives Correspondents at the weekend said that most lawmakers in the House of Representatives are desirous of State and Community policing, but that its been difficult to get the executive to do the right thing.

    “The legislature as the representatives of the people, on a daily basis we have issues of kidnapping, one attack or the other in our various constituencies, and when we come up with legislations or some pieces of law to guide the Executive, it usually becomes a problem.

    ” And I know that the legislatures (States) are very interested in having state and community policing, and the executive {Federal) is looking at it the other way round. Until recently when it started thinking of state and community policing. But that is one of the major crossroads.

    “We know that the constitution states that one of the responsibilities of the state is to ensure that people are safe, and that the lives and properties of of Nigerians is the responsibility of the state, if its the responsibility of the state, why domicile the issue only to the Federal Government? ”

    Read Also: FG gets report on community policing

    Bagos said the desire of most legislators is that they resolve the issue: He said: “Our desire is that we should have state police, and a lot of lawmakers agree with me. If we have State and Community Policing, it will give confidence to the system. Not only confidence, the socio–economic development that were crying for. Business men will have confidence to come and invest.”

    The lawmaker said when the issue of insecurity arises, the state security apparatus does not need to wait to get a call from the Inspect General of Police, IGP to act.

    According to him, confidence has to be re-injected into the country as regards the issue of insecurity.

    He said: “The executive are doing their own, but we want the legislature to do their own to see that insecurity is a thing of the past, especially when it comes to constitutional issues and law.

    Bagos said this will ensure that the constituencies have Community Policing and have the backing of the law, ” with freedom from the Executive. “

  • Edo APC crisis: kinsmen go spiritual, lay curses on Oshiomhole’s adversaries

    Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

    Kinsmen of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, over the weekend, went spiritual, laying curses on those from among them, who were working with outsiders to oust the party leader.

    The Nation gathered that elders, women and youths from Iyamoh and six other communities in Etsako West council area of Edo state, gathered at the Iyamoh community Square to perform a spiritual rite of laying curses on all those who had benefitted from Oshiomhole, but had now turned back to stab him in the back.

    Leading other chief priests from the seven communities, Alhaji Suleman Idris, said they could no longer tolerate the attitude of some of their kinsmen, especially from the Etsako extraction, who benefited immensely from Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State.

    The process that lasted almost one and half hours, saw the elders and women going half nude to place curses on those Etsako people that want to join others to remove Oshiomhole from his position.

    The ceremony also blessed those who have joined hands in ensuring that Oshiomhole is not disgraced especially Mallam Aliyu Momodu, ward 5 chairman and Alhaji Abubakar Akokhia, Etsako West APC Chairman.

    Read Also: APC raises panel on Edo crisis

     

    The Elders were grateful to the APC faithful in Edo South, Central and North Senatorial Districts for their support and pledged to always do everything humanly possible to reciprocate anytime the need arises.

    Similarly, Five Wards of the Etsako West council area APC Chairmen also held an extended Ward meeting with the LGA Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Akokhia, to make public their position on the party’s current crisis in the state.

    In a resolution signed by the Ward 5 chairman, Mallam Aliyu Momodu, the wards resolved to unanimously pass a vote of implicit confidence on the APC National Chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole, whom they described as the Messiah of the Afemai and Edo State in general.

    The ward also passed a vote of confidence on the party’s local government chairman, Alh Abubakar Akokhia, whom they collectively referred to as the political father of the ward, and reiterated that it is the direction he follows that they will all follow as well.

    Reacting to an alleged meeting chaired by former ward 5 chairman, Mala Beliyu Yamah, Akokhia condemned the act, stressing that it is among the plans of the state government to destabilize the party’s structure in the state, which he said is impossible.

    The local government party chairman further advised the current council chairman, Alh Inusa Imonofi, not to allow himself to be used by those he described as enemies of the party to disrupt party activities.

    “Obviously, the kangaroo Ward meeting that was sponsored by the state government and chaired by a suspended former ward chairman was not attended by the known Ward 5 executive members and leaders, who were holding the authentic ward meeting at the residence of an APC chieftain, who doubles as the party’s LGA chairman, Alh Abubakar Akokhia JP, the Oduma of South Ibie Kingdom.

    “Let me expressed delight over the overwhelming attendance of party faithful across the ward who graced the meeting, am well read to protect the party’s interest in the local government area, and uphold its supremacy,” he said.

  • APC to Dickson: stop heating up polity

    Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend asked the state Governor, Seriake Dickson, to stop heating up the polity following the defeat of his candidate at the just-concluded governorship election in the state.

    APC wondered why Dickson had developed the habit of threatening the state and trying to raise tension after the poll and advised him to toe the path of democracy and rule of law by taking his grievances to the courts.

    The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, issued a statement in Yenagoa following Dickson’s utterances after the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate at the November 16 governorship election in the state, Senator Douye Diri.

    Diri suffered a landslide defeat at the poll losing six out of the eight local government areas to his opponent of the APC and Governor-Elect, Chief David Lyon.

    Buokoribo said: “In the last few weeks, since the overwhelming victory of our candidate at the November 16 governorship election, Chief David Lyon, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has inundated the state and, indeed, the country with wild allegations and inciting comments.

    “He has screamed blue murder at all relevant institutions of state, from the electoral body to the security agencies, and the winning All Progressives Congress (APC). And he has absolved only himself and his section of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of blame.

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    “From his furious mind, Dickson has issued threats to the electorate in Bayelsa State and APC members, particularly, and he has boasted about his capacity to unleash violence and turn the state upside down.

    “Dickson has displayed everything, but commitment to democratic ideals and legal processes of electoral conflict resolution.

    “We, however, unequivocally state and also remind Dickson that the elections have been concluded and the Governor-Elect, Chief David Lyon, is only waiting to be sworn into office as the next Governor of Bayelsa State.

  • Dickson warns against politicizing civil service

    Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, at the weekend warned against the dangers of politicizing the public service in the state.

    Speaking while inaugurating the new Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, in Government House, Yenagoa, the governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Soriwei, said he had laid a foundation for a professional civil service.

    Dickson said: “The Civil service should not be part of the political fray in the state. The civil service should not be treated as an arm of a political party.

    “It should be apolitical at all time. I charge you to give leadership, mobilize all permanent secretaries and civil servants for every government.”

    Read Also: Bayelsa poll: APC, PDP shift battle to court

     

    The governor said posterity would be fair to him and his team for repositioning the state civil service to uphold the virtues of discipline, hardwork and neutrality.

    He urged Charles-Onyeama to bring her wealth of experience to bear on the implementation of the reforms.

    The governor described the new Head of Service as a hard working and conscientious public servant adding that her appointment was based on merit and seniority having successfully completed her training at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.

    He also commended the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Luka Wellington Obiri on his meritorious service and support to the reforms.

    He said: “I want to urge you and charge you also to lead the civil service in an apolitical manner. I want to use this opportunity to advise that politicians should not politicize the civil service of our state, we have tried to professionalize it, we have tried to inject productivity and discipline.

    “Politicians can have their quarrels and fights, but the worst thing that can happen to any state is when the civil service becomes a part of political battles.

    “And that is why I have tried in this 8 years to ensure that at anytime I have had to take decisions concerning the civil service, I do so in a fair manner and also in a manner that will protect the political neutrality.

    “I will like to see moving forward under your leadership will be a professional civil service, we have already established a basic foundation upon which we stand, the civil service where merit and hardwork are recognized.

    “Also, we now have a civil service founded on discipline and not a civil service where people go and purchase grade levels and steps at will as it used to be, not a civil service where people will collect salaries without going to work, not a civil service where people have work in three different places.”

    In her remarks, Charles-Onyeama expressed gratitude to the governor for the appointment and pledged to carry out the mandate given her.