The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • APC Govs arrive Cross River to persuade Ayade to dump PDP

    APC Govs arrive Cross River to persuade Ayade to dump PDP

    By Nsa Gill, Calabar

    All Progressive Congress (APC) Governors on Wednesday evening arrived Calabar, capital of Cross River to persuade Governor Ben Ayade to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    They arrived two weeks after a delegation of Governors Forum of the PDP visited to dissuade him from leaving the party.

    The APC delegation was led by Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni, who is also the National Caretaker Committee chairman of the APC.

    Buni arrived Calabar on Wednesday evening to join his Imo counterpart, Governor Hope Uzodima who had been on ground.

    Ebonyi Governor Dave Umahai and a number of other Governors of the APC are also expected to arrive the state.

    They are billed to have a meeting with Ayade on Thursday morning in the State Executive Chambers.

    Sources informed The Nation the Governors will also meet with some stakeholders of Cross River politics on the benefits of joining the ruling party.

  • UPDATED: NLC suspends five-day warning strike in Kaduna

    UPDATED: NLC suspends five-day warning strike in Kaduna

    By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced immediate suspension of the five-day warning strike it embarked upon in Kaduna over the sack of 4,000 workers by the State Government.

    Its National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, disclosed this during a press conference in Kaduna on Wednesday.

    According to the NLC President, the suspension is due to invitation of the leadership of NLC and Kaduna Government to map out a way forward over the impasse.

    While thanking Kaduna residents for their cooperation, he apologised for any inconveniences suffered during the strike.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige had invited Labour and Kaduna Government to a meeting over the strike on Thursday.

    Asked what would be labour’s next step if the meeting with the Minister ends in deadlock, the NLC President said they will honour the Federal Government’s invitation and review their steps afterwards.

    According to him: “As far as we are concerned, we are going to honour the invitation of the Federal Government. Whatever happens will not matter, but we will be having a National Executive Councill (NEC) meeting by next Tuesday where we are going to review what has happened in Kaduna in the last three days. The outcome of the NEC meeting will determine our next line of action.”

  • 99 percent of FG workers have been covered, says NHIS

    99 percent of FG workers have been covered, says NHIS

    By Moses Emorinken, Abuja

    The Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof Mohammed Sambo, has disclosed that the Scheme has captured 99 percent of workers under the Federal Government’s payroll.

    He however noted that in order to ensure that more Nigerians (especially those in the informal sector) are properly captured in the health insurance net, the Scheme is awaiting assent of the reviewed NHIS Act by President Muhammadu Buhari. He said the Act will make health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians.

    According to a statement by the Head of Media and Public Relations of the NHIS, Emmanuel Ononokpono, Tuesday in Abuja, the NHIS and the Silverbird Group have agreed to explore ways of working together in the overall drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    It said: “Both parties entered this understanding at a parley between the Executive Secretary of NHIS, Prof. MN Sambo and President of the Silverbird Group, Mr. Guy Murray-Bruce when the latter paid a courtesy call on the health insurance boss in Abuja.

    “At the occasion, Sambo noted that access to affordable and quality health care for all Nigerians would be the attainment of the landmark of one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the Scheme had successfully covered 99 percent of workers who are on federal government payroll under its formal sector programme.

    “Highlighting the impact of the recent history of the Scheme on the actualization of its mandate, Sambo told the Silverbird boss that upon appointment, he inherited an agency that had drifted away from its core objectives, prompting him to conduct a system diagnosis in resolving the problems he met on ground.

    “According to him, the Scheme’s high turnover of Chief Executives, which made him the twelfth in the organization’s twenty-five-year history, had adversely affected the implementation of the Scheme’s programmes, giving the assurance that the major problems of the Scheme will be resolved under his watch.

    “Sambo said, ‘Having earned my name in organizational management, if I am unable to fix NHIS’ problems, then after my tenure, I should go back to my village rather than back to the classroom.’

    “He expressed the hope that the reviewed NHIS Act that has undergone legislative amendment has been presented to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent, following its passage by both chambers of legislature, adding that the would-be legislation will make health insurance compulsory for all Nigerians.

    “He noted that the Scheme’s ten-year strategic plan, which implementation has begun, holds the prospects of ensuring that UHC is attained before the projected timeline.”

  • Two feared killed in Kwara as Nupe, Fulani clash

    Two feared killed in Kwara as Nupe, Fulani clash

    By Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

    Two persons have been feared dead in a clash between Nupe and Fulani in Kwara state.

    Many others were injured in the clash among youths in Kpada village in the Edu local hovernment area of Kwara state.

    It was gathered the clash occurred around 9pm on Monday following an attack on a Fulani settlement in the area.

    It was gathered the clash was triggered by a report that some cows had destroyed a rice farm belonging to a farmer in the village.

    The villagers were said to have reported the incident at the police station in the area.

    It was discovered that when the police were trying to meditate between the Fulani community and the farmer, some youths went to attack the Fulani settlements.

    Chairman of the Gaa Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) in the state, Ali Mohammed-Jonwuro, identified the deceased as Sanda Watanko.

    He added one of the persons who sustained serious injury had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

    A source said that one of the Nupe youths was also killed in the clash while a police vehicle was vandalized.

    Kwara Police Command spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident, saying that the matter has been resolved.

    He however said he could not confirm the casualty figure.

  • EPL: Tottenham Euro dream dented with Aston Villa defeat

    EPL: Tottenham Euro dream dented with Aston Villa defeat

    Tottenham’s hopes of securing European football will be decided on the final day of the Premier League season after Aston Villa came from behind to claim victory in front of 10,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    As speculation increases about Harry Kane’s future before the summer transfer window, chants of “He’s one of our own” were sung by the returning home fans, who were welcomed back by Steven Bergwijn’s thumping eighth-minute opener after he had stolen possession from Marvellous Nakamba.

    Villa’s response deserved an equaliser and it was Sergio Reguilon who delivered it as the Spurs left-back sliced Nakamba’s cross into the top corner of Hugo Lloris’ goal.

    Ollie Watkins completed the turnaround before half-time, collecting Reguilon’s weak clearance and holding off the challenge of Eric Dier before finding the bottom corner to continue his fine first season in the top flight.

    Watkins was thwarted by Lloris either side of half-time, and although Spurs did test Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez more regularly following the restart through Bergwijn and Kane, they failed to find an equaliser.

    Defeat leaves Spurs in sixth, level on points with West Ham United – who face West Bromwich Albion later – and Everton going into Sunday’s final round of fixtures. BBC

  • Senate gives NECO 24 hours to present receipts for N7.2bn expenses

    Senate gives NECO 24 hours to present receipts for N7.2bn expenses

    By Sanni Onogu, Abuja

    The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, on Wednesday, directed the National Examination Council (NECO) to present, within 24 hours, store receipts for N7.2billion it paid for examination materials between January and June 2017.

    The Committee chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide gave the directive following its consideration of a query raised to that effect by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, in its 2017 report.

    The Auditor-General of the Federation, in its report, alleged examination materials, which amounted to N7.2billion were paid for between January and June 2017 without evidence of receipt of the items into the store.

    But Registrar of NECO, Professor Godswill Obioma, in his response to the query, when he appeared before the Committee in Abuja, claimed that NECO examination materials are sensitive items that are kept and closely guarded to avoid leakages.

    However, when the chairman of the Committee demanded Store Receipt Vouchers (SRV) for the expenses on ‘sensitive materials’ by the examination body for 2017, the officials who appeared in company of the Registrar, claimed they have the receipts but were unable to present them for sighting by the Committee.

    The Committee asked the NECO Registrar to provide the receipts to the Committee within 24 hours or be ready to refund the N7.2 billion to the Federal Government’s coffers.

    Professor Obioma however enjoined the committee to explain the penalty since he was not the Registrar of NECO in 2017 when the purchases were made.

    The query reads: “Examination materials in the sum of N7.2 billion were paid for between January and June 2017 without evidence of receipt of the items into store

    “There was no evidence to confirm the receipt of the materials or their usage thereby contravening Financial Regulation 2402 which requires a store keeper to certify that such purchases have been received and taken on store ledger charge in the store ledger.

    “Inquiry to verify the true position of items revealed that a committee was in charge of the receipt and distribution of examination materials.

    “However, despite the repeated request for documentary evidence in relation to the supply, the Committee failed to produce any document for verification.”

  • Ex-bank manager introduces reading initiative for women

    Ex-bank manager introduces reading initiative for women

    By Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

    An ex-bank manager and business owner, Tito Obaigbo, has introduced an initiative to promote reading culture among women.

    The initiative, named Smart Book Club (SBC), which boasts of over 40 members, Obaigbo said was informed by her observation a dwindling reading culture in the society and to afford women the opportunity to learn and associate.

    Obaigbo, who is the club’s President, runs Oakhill Group of Companies, comprising of Oakhill Books, Oakhill Mart, Oakhill Schools, Oakhill Gardens, in addition to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) – the Charity and Development Initiative (CDI) – which she founded to empower women and youths through social and developmental initiatives, which she said, has empowered well over 100 women and youths.

    She said women should continue to aspire to get more knowledge by reading, noting that “knowledge is power, reading broadens your horizon. It gives you a bigger, clearer and broader perspective to life. The secrets of making good success in life, businesses, marriage, finance, governance, etc are all embedded in books,”

    She also spoke of plans by the all-women club, which was founded on the 1st of April 2018 to hold its anniversary this year in the form of a two-day event, which is scheduled for the Rooftop, Turaka Restaurant Ebony Place, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme: “Changing our reading culture.”

    “On the first day, May 28, 2021 beginning from 10am, we will be having our PSL, we call it Project School Library. So on that day, we will be visiting one of the public schools in Lagos and donating books to their Library.

    “We will also be donating other items like sanitary pads, toilet soaps, detergents writing materials, hand sanitizers, face mask, wipes, among others.

    “The second day, May 29, which is the D-day, will feature our anniversary dinner to just unwind and thank God for how far He has started with us and where He is taking us too.

    “The vision for the club is huge. That’s story for another day. So we are going to be having guest appearance. That’s a big surprise for members.”

  • Erica announces launch of reality TV show

    Erica announces launch of reality TV show

    By Ekaete Bassey

    Former BBNaija Lockdown housemate Erica Nlewedim has announced plans to start her reality Tv show to the amazement of her teeming fans.

    She revealed her new reality TV show titled “Inside Llfe with Erica” will premier next month.

    Erica disclosed this during an Instagram live session.

    Star girl stated her reality TV show will hit the TV screens on the 9th of June.

    Erica revealed her show will be about her daily activities with family, friends and how she journeys through life with her acting career.

    Erica said: “My new reality show called ‘Inside life with Erica’ will begin soon.

    “It will be airing on MTV Base Africa. The show will make my fans understand me better I’ll be showing my time with family, friends, behind the scenes of my work life.”

    The excited Erica took to her Instagram page to share a video while announcing her upcoming reality TV show.

    She stated: “Are you ready to see inside my life? Happy to be announcing that your Stargirl will be the first celebrity to be featured on MTV Base’s Inside Life. The first episode of Inside Life ‘with Erica’ will be premiering on MTV Base DStv channel 322 and GOtv channel 72; Wednesday, June 9 at 8pm.

    “My lovers and supporters! Elites, kiddricans and the assistant elites in denial grab your front row chairs and drop your stars in the comments! #MTVBaseInsideLifeErica.”

    Though Erica was disqualified from the lockdown edition of the BBNaija reality show, she has turned out to be one of the most popular female housemates who have found their path in the entertainment industry.

  • Erica reacts to viral BBNaija disqualification video

    Erica reacts to viral BBNaija disqualification video

    By Ekaete Bassey

    BBNaija star Erica has finally reacted to a viral clip on social media where people were seen jubilating after she was evicted from the Big Brother Naija show.

    The reality star, who has just seen the video, expressed surprise people could actually gather to celebrate her “misfortune”.

    In a series of tweet, Star girl expressed utter amazement at the fact that a party was thrown to celebrate her disqualification.

    However, Erica went further to state her haters should get used to the fact that she won as they will always feel her presence.

    She also noted she is covered with the blood of Jesus as her God is bigger than her haters devil.

    Her tweets read: “Wow they threw a party?”

    “Only a star will bring such strong emotions from people, you’ll feel my presence before you even see me physically. I’m covered by the blood of Jesus Christ! Evil can’t touch me!

    “Erica Nlewedim won, get used to it. And I will keep winning cos my God is bigger than your devil. Throw another party on 9th June.

    “I even unblocked the haters cos you need to see me win! You’ll be playing your cry soundtrack at your next party, with only tissue on the menu.”

  • JUSUN shuns CJN, vows to sustain strike

    JUSUN shuns CJN, vows to sustain strike

    By Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

    Leaders of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) have resolved to sustain their over one- month old strike despite call by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, that the strike be called off.

    Justice Muhamad had, after meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige on Tuesday, urged the striking court workers to end their action to allow for further negotiations over implementation of financial autonomy for the Judiciary.

    Rising from it National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the union commended the CJN, Ngige and others for their interventions but resolved to sustain the industrial action.

    In a communiqué signed by the National Deputy President, Comrade Emmanuel Abioye and General Secretary, I. M. Adetola, JUSUN vowed “to continue with the ongoing industrial acton until the provision of the constitution in contention is fully complied with as the provisions of the constitution are non negotiable.”

    It resolved to “deal with any state found not fully complying with its directive on the ongoing strike action while commending members to remain resolute.”

    The union warned that no member of any branch or chapter of the union should be victimised on account of this ongoing strike.

    JUSUN frowned at the conduct of some state Chief Judges, who it noted, were uncooperative and working against the cause the union was fighting.

    “NEC-in-session frowns at the attitude of some state Chief Judges on their anti-constitutional disposition on the full implementation of the financial autonomy of the Judiciary.”

    It condemned the decision by the Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai to declare the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ayuba Wabba wanted.

    The group said it was unhappy with “the continued anti-labour disposition of the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and therefore demands for immediate payment of the withheld August 2020 salary and release of check off dues accruing to the union.”