The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • JUST IN: Onitsha tanker explosion not ordinary – IPOB

    By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described Wednesday Onitsha tanker explosion that claimed lives as terrorist attack.

    It said nobody should be deceived that such incidents were mere accidents, insisting that it was designed to exterminate Biafrans from the face of the earth.

    In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the repeated mishaps in the southern part of the country were a clear demonstration that they were being clinically executed by certain people.

    Commiserating with the families of the deceased, the group wondered why such incidents were not happening in certain parts of the country where even the owners of such articulated vehicles hail from.

    The statement partly read, “With a profound sense of deep sorrow and sadness we commiserate with all the families and communities that lost loved ones over the terror attack in Onitsha on the 16 October 2019.

    “This is not the first time an articulated lorry or a tanker driven by terrorist laden inflammable liquid has been involved in mass fatalities in Onitsha or other parts of Anambra State.

    “The story is always the same, it’s either their trailer had brake failure or their tanker exploded, all resulting in massive loss of lives and destruction of individually owned businesses.

    “We the Indigenous People of Biafra call these callous and wicked acts for what it is- a cowardly terrorist attack designed by those evil men determined to exterminate we Biafrans from the face of the earth and carried out by those that think they are serving a Jihadi cause that will bring about the Islamisation of Biafraland through terrorism.

    Read Also: Buhari sympathizes with victims of Onitsha tanker explosion

    “At a time when herdsmen sponsored are actively engaged in the forceful acquisition of our lands in Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra and Abia, aided by the Nigerian Army under the guise of Operation Python Dance 4, this massive loss of lives and businesses in Onitsha is most unwelcome.

    “The question we keep asking is, why are there no exploding tankers in crowded streets of Kano, Kaduna or Sokoto?

    “Why must tankers driven by northerners always explode in the south or the brakes of their trailers always fail in Biafraland?

    “It is time now for our people to wake up to this new reality of population reduction by those intent on the destruction of the Biafran race”.

  • Over 1,000 unclaimed e-passports in New York

    By: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

    Over 1,000 unclaimed e-passports are awaiting collection in New York, Nigeria’s Consulate General, Benaoyagha Okoyen, has declared.

    He said the backlogs of passport and visa applications are being cleared in line with government operational guidelines.

    Okoyen, in a statement in Abuja, denied reports of bribe-taking at the consulate.

    Rather, he said it has adopted the highest standard and best practices obtainable in any other Consulate as it relates to E-passport and Visa production.

    “Despite the pressure and challenges of December rush in New York, occasioned by the temporary lack of e-passport booklets in other Missions in USA, no charge of $200 or any other fee is made by applicants for same-day e-passport service,” he said.

    “The procedure for timely issuance of passport and visa has been simplified and further streamlined and well known to the public.

    “We have also worked hard to ensure that New York Consulate never runs short of e-passport booklets to avoid any disruption in our services.”

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Consulate fully keys into the anti-corruption agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria and will, therefore, spare no one in the Consulate against whom any allegation of unethical practice can be proven,” he added.

    Read Also: New e-passport valid for all countries, NIS chief tells Nigerians

    According to him: “The Consulate operates an open-door policy and encourages Nigerians to report any misdemeanor on the part of any of its official to my office. My telephone numbers and email addresses are well publicised for this purpose.

    “Besides, a special Help-Desk has been introduced with dedicated phone lines for applicants to contact officials in the Consulate on any issue for quick response to inquiries without undue delay.”

    “Similarly, Thebez Global is the only company that handles Bio-metric Visa processing on behalf of the Consulate in the VFS Centre at 145 West 45 Street, New York.

    “The Consulate therefore wishes to dissociate itself from any other third-party service providers or unauthorized agents in accessing services provided by the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.

    “Consequently, any payment made by applicants to any unauthorized third-party service provider should not be misconstrued or translated to mean payment to the Consulate General or its officials.”

  • Minimum Wage: Delta NLC suspends strike

    By Agecny Reporter

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Delta on Thursday announced the suspension of the strike embarked on over the failure of the federal government to fully implement the new N30, 000 minimum wage.
    The NLC in the state had on Tuesday embarked on strike to protest what it considered a failed negotiation by the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) on the new minimum wage.

    Addressing newsmen on the sideline of the 5th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference of State Chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union on Thursday in Asaba, Mr Goodluck Ofoburuku, the NLC Chairman, announced the suspension of the strike.

    He said that the strike was suspended in Delta State following intervention and directives from the national body for it to be allowed to conclude the negotiation on the consequential adjustment on the new minimum wage.

    “The initial directives that we received was that, if negotiation was not concluded by Tuesday, we should commence strike by Wednesday, which we complied with.

    “That is why, yesterday our people moved out to ensure that there was compliance but based on the advice of the national body, we have advised our members to return to work and gradually they are going back to work.

    “We have been told that significant progress has been made by the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC),” the chairman said.

    Ofoburuku , however, said that the NLC in the state would await further directive from the national body should the negotiations fail.

    Read Also: FG, Labour fail to reach agreement on new Minimum Wage

    “We have soft pedaled but waiting for directive from the national should the negotiations fail.

    “The truth of the matter is that the state government has committed itself to pay the minimum wage once the template is ready.

    “However, if it is unsuccessful, the national headquarters will tell us what to do; I have no regret for taking an action that I am directed to take.

    “I was elected to fight for the interest of my people and if it means that going on strike is what will make the union get what it is asking for, I will not regret it,” Ofoburuku said.

    The NLC chairman, who is the outgoing State Chairman, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, said that his administration achieved some goals, including salary reviews, encouraged the building of capacity of workers and in house training for members.

    “But lately, those of our members who had in house training are finding it difficult to be converted after their education, it is a challenge that I want the incoming executive to take up that issue,” he said. (NAN)

  • Police exhume another corpse in Benue rice farm

    By Agency Reporter

    The Police Command in Benue have exhumed an unknown decomposed body in a rice farm in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
    The Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Ms Catherine Anene disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

    Anene however said she had yet to get full details of the operation.

    Read Also: Rice Smuggling: Court orders interim freezing of 45 bank accounts

    She said that the body was on transit to Makurdi, the state capital, adding that the media would be briefed accordingly.

    “Yes, we have exhumed a decomposed body; for now we have yet to get full details,” she said.

    The command recently exhumed 11 bodies in Ushongo Local Government Area and arrested six suspects who are already facing prosecution in the state. (NAN)

  • ICPC hands over tractors recovered from ex-Senator to beneficiaries

    By David Adenuga, Bauchi

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has handed over six tractors recovered from former Senator representing Bauchi Central Isa Hamman Misau to the beneficiaries.

    The ICPC Commissioner in Bauchi state, Abubakar Dutsinma, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen shortly after he handed over the six tractors to the LGAs at the Ganjuwa Local Government Secretariat.

    He said the release of the tractors followed a directive from the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owosanoye.

    He said: ”In the course of that Constituency tracking, we realized that tractors meant to be distributed in the Bauchi Central Senatorial Zone under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Isa Hamman Misau.

    ”He was given the money for the purchase of the tractors to be distributed to the local governments affected.

    “When the CPTG swung into action, it was discovered that the tractors were purchased because we saw the papers from the contractors indicating that they were paid for and delivered, but unfortunately, they were not given to the people they were meant for.

    Read Also: ICPC recovers more than 200 properties in eight months, says Owasanoye

    “With the intervention of the ICPC, we came up and took the tractors into our custody, we investigated it and made our report.

    “The Senator was asked to go and refurbish the tractors because they are supposed to be in perfect condition which he did and today, my chairman directed that we should come and give the tractors directly to the Chairmen of the affected LGAs.”

    He added that the Constituency Project Tracking Group was initiated in collaboration with some CSOs and the officers of the Commission in 12 states of the federation, including Bauchi
    The tractors, which were meant for use of farmers in six local government areas of Bauchi Central Senatorial District, were part of the 2015 constituency projects awarded through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    They were recovered by the Constituency Projects Tracking Group (CPTG) on 31st July, 2019.

    The projects were sponsored by the former Senator but the farming equipment were not delivered to the farmers as indicated in the Constituency Projects.

    The tractors were meant to be distributed to the six beneficiary Local Government Areas of Ganjuwa, Misau, Dambam, Darazo, Aarji and Ningi, in Bauchi Central Senatorial Zone.

  • Young Nigerians should explore ways to impact society— U.S. Consulate

    By Agency Reporter

    Consul General of the United States Consulate, Claire Pierangelo has advised young Nigerians to explore ways to make positive impact in the society.

    The consul general made the call in Lagos on Thursday while welcoming the 2019 Mandela Washington Fellows to a reunion conference.

    No fewer than 56 Nigerians were among the 700 young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa who recently completed a six-week intensive academic and leadership program at some of the most prestigious US colleges and universities.

    The Mandela Washington Fellowship began in 2014 and the U.S. government has sent nearly 4,000 young Africans leaders to the U.S. to empower them through academic course work, leadership training and networking opportunities.

    Pierangelo admonished the fellows to compare notes on their fellowship experiences and explore how they could enhance their community service in Nigeria.

    “I encourage you to continue to work to improve your communities and mentor young people to be politically active.

    “You should also strive to create a Nigeria that will truly be the giant of Africa,” she said.

    Read Also: International breweries trains 300 youths

    According to her, it is a very competitive fellowship program and only the most promising are selected from thousands of applicants.

    “We need people who see a hope for Nigeria and have a clear idea of what they want to do to make the country better.

    “These young leaders have been able to interact face to face with American institutions and can see how the political and economic systems work.

    “Our only hope is that they’re coming back with something that benefits Nigeria as a whole,” the Consul General said.

    NAN reports that Mandela Washington Fellows continue to have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, upon returning to their home country.

    They also enjoy access to funding for projects that coincide with the U.S. Mission’s goals and objectives. (NAN)

  • FG has no plan to remove fuel subsidy – Sylva

    By Agency Reporter

    The Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr Timipre Sylva on Thursday assured Nigerians that the Federal Government has no immediate plan to remove fuel subsidy.

    The minister made this known while fielding questions from legislators at a joint session of National Assembly Committees overseeing the oil sector.

    “This government is not about to remove subsidy because it is difficult; we believe as a government that our people are going through a lot.

    “We cannot as a responsible government hip another issue of petroleum price hike or removal of subsidy on Nigerians.

    “It is not on the cards at all, we are just looking at how we can manage it,” he said.
    Silver said that the official daily consumption rate of petrol in Nigeria does not reflect the actual consumption rate.

    He maintained that government does not believe that Nigerians consume over 60 million litres of fuel daily.
    According to Silva, there is lot of smuggling and lots of our neighbours are taking advantage of the cheaper price in Nigeria.

    He said that Nigeria was subsidising for almost half of Africa which was very difficult to manage.
    The minister said that government was working to close up such leakages and when achieved, the cost of subsidy would be bearable.

    He said that fixing the refineries would also help to reduce the cost of subsidy and that government was doing lots to get the refineries working again.

    On the declaration of Anambra as an oil producing state by President Goodluck Jonathan, the minister said that there were lots of things left undone that would have benefited the state.

    Read also: Fed Govt tightens fuel supply, distribution with ‘Operation White’

    Silva said that there was what he called ‘sleeping on your rights’ and that’s should not be seen as a lost opportunity.

    He, however, said that the ministry was in the process of amending the Deep Shore Act to address such lacuna and missed opportunities.

    The minister said that nobody can deny any oil producing state its benefits as it would be evident when oil is being moved in commercial quantities.

    He said that Bauchi state was on its way to becoming an oil producing state following recent discovery of oil in commercial quantities in the state.

    Silva said that though Bauchi was not yet to be regarded as oil producing state, it would become on in a few years time. (NAN)

  • Top six common causes of flooding

    By Oloko Omobolanle

    Lagos was in trouble throughout last week following serious flood across the metropolis.

    Other states in the federation were not spared with many dead and properties destroyed.

    Just why do we keep having floods?

    · Heavy rains

    The simplest explanation for flooding is heavy rains. No matter where you live, you are surrounded by infrastructure and systems designed to move rainwater into appropriate basins and reservoirs.

    In most cases, the infrastructure does its job, and you never have to think about where the rain goes when it runs off. When it rains heavily, however, those systems are overwhelmed and that water doesn’t drain nearly as quickly as it needs to.

    In short, the drainage systems back up and the water rises — sometimes into homes. This typically happens only in cases of sustained heavy rains over a long period.

    · Overflowing rivers

    You do not necessarily need to have heavy rains to experience flooding in your area. For example, if you live along a river and areas upstream from you experience heavy rains. It could lead to a serious overflow where you live. Most rivers include a series of dams to help manage large amounts of rainfall, and most river systems are managed by government authorities. Sometimes, however, those authorities have to make tough decisions about how to operate dams. They often can manage the water and prevent flooding altogether — but not always.

    · Urban drainage basins

    Many of our cities are made of mostly concrete and other impermeable material. When you have an urban drainage basin that is made of concrete, there is no ground for water to sink into. So, when those drainage basins fill up, it is going to mean flooding for low-lying areas.

    · Poorly disposed wastes

    Waste disposal is a huge challenge in Lagos and most Nigerian cities, making many channels to be blocked. When that happens, passage of water is impeded, leading to flooding.

    Read Also: 10 dead, 469 communities affected in Niger flood

    · Channels with steep sides

    Flooding often occurs when there is fast runoff into lakes, rivers and other reservoirs. This is often the case with rivers and other channels that feature steep sides. It is a similar issue to having a lack of vegetation which is explained in more detail below.

    · Lack of vegetation

    Vegetation can help slow runoff and prevent flooding. When there is a lack of vegetation, however, there is little to stop water from running off. This can be a bit of a conundrum after a drought.

    While area residents likely welcome the rain, the lack of vegetation after the drought can cause flash flooding. This does not always happen given that basins and reservoirs are close to empty, but it can occur in cases of extreme rains following long periods of drought.

  • Air Peace partners with ‘Interswitch One Africa Music Fest’

    By Agency Reporter

    Interswitch One Africa Music Fest has picked Air Peace as its official Airline Sponsor 2019.

    The multi-faceted partnership was solidified recently.
    According to the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, the partnership will highlight our shared commitment of philanthropy, tourism and global awareness showcasing all that Africa has to offer.

    He remarked that Africa is made up of vibrant populace and we are extremely proud of the rebirth that has been witnessed, notably in the entertainment sector and the economy, particularly with our music, fashion, and the creative industry which has resounded and gathered international applause in recent years on the forte of sheer flexibility and in the spirit of growing African enterprises.

    “This partnership was forged by the growing influence of One Africa Global products and Air-Peace’s commitment to becoming the largest and most profitable airline company providing safe, efficient and affordable short and long-haul services. We remain persistent in our mission to actively engage and reward our customers across Africa, leveraging on global platforms that have the tenacity to promote Africa’s heritage such as One Africa Global”.

    CEO of One Africa Global, Paul O. said it has been his ultimate goal to showcase Africa to the world and create a channel that bridges the gap.

    “I’m enthusiastic and equally pleased to announce this partnership. As two proudly African brands come together for a common goal to showcase the very best from Africa.

    Read Also: Yemi Alade signs deal with Universal Music

    “We are on a journey to take Africa to the world and bring the world to Africa. I am super excited it is with Air Peace. This year the Interswitch One Africa Music Fest was completely sold-out in New York and London. Our next concert will take place in Dubai on the 15th of November at the Festival Arena, Festival city Dubai.

    “In an attempt to continuously reaffirm our commitment in taking Africa to the world, One Africa global is running promotional campaigns for 24 new customers of Quickteller to stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Interswitch One Africa Music Fest events happening in Dubai.

  • No plans to leave APC, says Obaseki

    By Agency Reporter

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed that he has no plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another political party.

    The governor said this when he received members of the Godwin Obaseki Support Group (GOSG), during a courtesy visit at Government House in Benin City on Wednesday.

    “If a handful of individuals start misbehaving and feel we will leave the party for them; they will be the ones to leave,” he said.

    Obaseki described the APC as a party for the youths and the next generation, hence his administration is focused on infrastructural and institutional reforms that would stand the test of time.

    According to him, “This is a government of real change, which is concerned about youths and the future. This government has performed beyond people’s expectations and we are proud of the things we have done so far.”

    He commended the GOSG for its commitment to supporting his administration, urging members of the group to intensify activities in the state and collaborate with other groups with the same ideology.

    Read Also: ‘Obaseki will not continue Oshiomhole bad policies’

    The governor urged the group to collaborate with the state government in the campaign to kick out thuggery in the state.

    Earlier, the Director-General of the Group, Mr Henry Idogun said the group was formed during the 2016 governorship election in the state to bridge the information gap which existed on the governor’s profile.

    According to him, “the group was happy with the developmental strides of the Obaseki led-administration which include massive and sustained infrastructural development and deep-rooted institutional reforms, noting that the award presented to the governor by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) was well-deserved as the governor has made Edo State a reference point in transforming education in the country.”

    He said GOSG exists to add value to governance in the state and leverages the party machinery and other relevant stakeholders in the areas of voters’ education and mobilisation, creation of more polling units and election monitoring.

    He added that members of the group numbering over 18,000 are in support of the second term bid of the governor.