The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Fuel scarcity to last till 2013 – Reps committee

    Fuel scarcity to last till 2013 – Reps committee

    Nigerians have been warned to prepare for an extended scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit as commercial banks are no longer willing to give credit facilities to petroleum products marketers.

    The reason being that the government owed the petroleum marketers about N141 billion, a situation that has discouraged others from bringing products into the country.

    In addition, System 2B which distribute about 70 percent of petroleum products from Lagos to other parts of Southwest has collapsed and this had severely affected the petroleum products distribution system.

    This was contained in a report put together by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).

    The committee was mandated to examine factors responsible for presence of long queues in filling stations across the country. The report was presented to the House on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Committee, Dakuku Peterside.

    In the executive summary of the report obtained by The Nation, the Committee expressed fears that due to a number of factors, the current scarcity will last for a “fairly long time beyond first quarter of next year.”

    The report states: “The Ministry of Finance withholds payment of marketers under investigation. The ministry is not a court of law.

    “Banks are no longer willing to give further credit facilities to importers of petroleum products.

    “There was inadequate provision in the 2012 budget for payment of subsidy on PMS. A paltry sum of N306 billion was allocated to PMS from the N888 billion set aside for payment of subsidy.

    “Of the N888 billion for payment of subsidy, N350 billion was allocated to Kerosine (DPK), while N232 billion was allocated for payment of 2011 subsidy arrears.”

     

  • NEMA warns on dry season challenges

    The National Emergency Management Authority on Wednesday charged Nigerians to be adequately prepared for the challenges of the forthcoming dry season and its associated emergencies.

    The Director- General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, gave the charge in his address to stakeholders at a sensitization and awareness workshop held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    He specifically urged Nigerians to be wary of the environment-related epidemics such as Measles, Cholera, Lassa fever and Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM), among others.

    The NEMA boss, who was represented at the workshop by the South West Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Iyiola Akande, said measles, cholera, lassa fever and CSM are among the 10 most critical health issues associated with dry season, hence the urgent need for the public to guard against them with all seriousness.

    He particularly noted that the International Emergency Data (IED) had confirmed that both the women and children are the most vulnerable people and emphasized the need for them to be more cautious in their health habits by avoiding polluted water and dirty or overcrowded environment.

     

  • Taraba: House empowers Suntai’s deputy to act as governor

    Taraba: House empowers Suntai’s deputy to act as governor

    The Taraba State House of Assembly has passed a resolution empowering Deputy Governor Garba Umar to step into the capacity of Acting Governor.

    This follows the absence of Governor Danbaba Suntai, who was flown to Germany last month after crashing a small plane owned by the state government into a farm near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation depot in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

    Governor Suntai was flying the plane and had some of his security aides as well as the co-pilot onboard.

    None of them died in the accident.

    The lawmakers passed the resolution by invoking section 190 of the 1999 Constitution.

    The section reads, “Whenever the Governor transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor.”

    It was not made clear whether the governor sent a letter to the assembly on the matter.

    The motion to make Umar the acting governor was moved under “matters of urgent public importance” by the Majority Leader, Charles Maijankai.

    Lawmakers who contributed to the motion include the Deputy Speaker, Abel Diah, and Mark Useni of Takum 2 Constituency.

     

  • Alleged fraud: Atuche’s trial starts afresh

    Alleged fraud: Atuche’s trial starts afresh

    The trial of former managing director of the now defunct Bank PHB Plc, Francis Atuche and one other commenced afresh on Wednesday before a Federal High Court, Lagos.

    Atuche and another ex-director of the bank, Charles Ojo, who have been before the court since 2009, were re-arraigned before a new judge on a 45-count charge.

    Their re-arraignment was informed by the fact that the new judge – Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia has assumed proceedings in the case following the transfer of the earlier trial judge, Justice Fatimat Nyanko.

    Justice Ofil-Ajumogobia becomes the third judge to handle the case.

    The initial judge, Justice Akinjide Ajakaiye was equally transferred out of the Lagos division few months after he started the case. He has since retired from service.

    Atuche and Ojo are charged with among others, money laundering.

    The charge was brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    They are accused of recklessly granting loans, without adequate securities, to companies in which they had interest.

    The duo was also alleged to have falsified the bank’s records.

    Atuche was also accused of exceeding his loan approval limit. All transactions are said to involve over N125billion.

    Both men pleaded not guilty to the charge on Wednesday.

    Upon their arraignment, lead prosecution lawyer, Kemi Pinhero (SAN) asked that a date be fixed for trial.

    Defence lawyers, Abubakar Shamsudeen and Olumide Adefila did not object to the fixing of a date for trial.

    They prayed the court to allow their clients remain on the bail granted them in 2009 by Justice Ajakaiye, which Justice Nyako Adopted.

    Ruling, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia ordered them to file fresh bail applications within seven days.

    She fixed January 16 next year for the hearing of the bail applications and possible commencement of trial.

    The judge allowed them to remain on the earlier bail pending the determination of their new applications.

     

  • Saraki will be remembered as a political colossus -Jonathan

    Saraki will be remembered as a political colossus -Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday described the late Dr. Olusola Saraki as a political colossus.

    The President noted that the Waziri of Ilorin will be long remembered and eulogized as a consummate politician, an astute grassroots mobiliser and a political colossus with awe-inspiring powers of political organisation.

    In a statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan also stated that without any doubt, the late politician will always occupy a place of honour in the hearts of his people, supporters, friends and associates across the nation.

    While extending his sincere commiserations to the elder statesman’s family and the people of his home state, Kwara to whose service and upliftment he selflessly devoted his long and very successful career in politics, the president urged them to be consoled by the knowledge that their departed father, leader and mentor lived a very successful and fulfilled life.

    The statement reads:

    “President Goodluck Jonathan joins all Nigerians in mourning one of Nigeria’s most prominent political leaders, medical practitioner and democrat, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki who passed away in Lagos this morning.

    “President Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the elder statesman’s family and the people of his home state, Kwara to whose service and upliftment he selflessly devoted his long and very successful career in politics.

    “He urges them to be consoled by the knowledge that their departed father, leader and mentor lived a very successful and fulfilled life, rising to national prominence by dint of hard work, uncommon generosity, political sagacity, dedication and wholesome commitment to the service of his people and the entire nation.

    “President Jonathan believes that the late Dr. Saraki will be long remembered and eulogized as a consummate politician, an astute grassroots mobiliser and a political colossus with awe-inspiring powers of political organisation.

    “The President has no doubts that this public-spirited politician will always occupy a place of honour in the hearts of his people, supporters, friends and associates across the nation.

    “He believes that the ordinary people of Kwara in particular will always remember the “Oloye” with great affection because of the constant support they received from him.

    “The President further notes that Dr. Saraki’s brand of people-oriented politics and his success in building on his strong support base to contribute positively to Nigeria’s political development as a powerful voice in the nation’s dominant political parties, as the Senate Majority Leader in the Second Republic, and as the ultimate reference point in the politics of Kwara state for decades, have assured him of a place amongst Nigeria’s heroes of democracy.”

     

  • Our father lived a selfless life – Bukola

    Our father lived a selfless life – Bukola

    The first son of the late Olusola Saraki, Bukola, on Wednesday described his late father as a selfless politician who was devoted to the development of mankind.

    Announcing the death of his father, the Senator representing Kwara central said, “with gratitude to Almighty Allah, we announce the passage to eternity of our beloved father and grandfather, His Eminence, Oloye (Dr.) Abubakar Olusola Saraki, Waziri of Ilorin, former Senate Leader, Second Republic, Federal Republic of Nigeria who answered the call to the great beyond, in the early hours of today in Lagos.

    “We take solace in knowing that our father lived an exemplary life of service, and selfless devotion to development of his people and nation. Baba will be sorely missed.

    “We pray for the repose of his soul that Almighty Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.”

    The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the political icon died on Wednesday morning at his residence in Lagos and will be buried at 4pm in Ilorin.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, AbdulWahab Oba, commiserated with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Baloguns and other traditional title holders, Alfas and the entire Ilorin Community and Kwara State at large on the death of the Waziri of Ilorin.

     

  • Mark, Northern governors, mourn Saraki

    Mark, Northern governors, mourn Saraki

    Senate President, David Mark,on Wednesday lamented the death of Second Republic Senate Leader Dr. Olusola Saraki.

    Mark said Saraki was a political giant and shining star of Nigerian politics.

    Also, Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, in a statement described Saraki’s death as the end of an era in Nigerian politics.

    The Northern States Governors’ Forum also rued  the death of Saraki, describing it as the exit of a titan.

    A statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Senate President, Kola Ologbondiyan, quoted Mark as saying that Saraki was “a political tactician and engineer” who navigated the scene like a colossus.

    He noted that the political sagacity of Saraki helped to midwife the modern day Nigerian politics.

    Mark said: “Saraki was a political leader who stood to be counted when it mattered.

    “He stood on the side of the people and worked assiduously for the liberation of the down trodden.

    “He was a leader who lived and worked for others.

    “We shall miss his fatherly counsel. We shall miss his candor. We shall miss his humility. We shall miss his robust political debate. He was one of our brightest and focused political leaders.”

    The Chairman of the NSGF, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, in a statement, commiserated with the government and people of Kwara State over the death of the political giant.

    According to Aliyu, who is also the governor of Niger State, the death of the frontline politician at a time of increasing intolerance in the country makes his death more painful, considering his leading role in ensuring peace and unity in Kwara State, the north and Nigeria as a whole.

    In the statement signed by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, the forum lamented that “Saraki – a man of peace and a rare patriot” died at a time the country needs the wisdom and guidance of all important leaders like him to help end the security challenges confronting the nation.

     

  • Edo: Airhiavbere gets ultimatum to open case

    Edo: Airhiavbere gets ultimatum to open case

    Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has given Major-General Charles Airhiavbere till Friday to open his case for hearing.

    Airhiavbere, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the July 14 governorship election in Edo State, is challenging the victory of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the poll.

    At the commencement of hearing of the matter on Wednesday, lead Counsel to Airhiavbere, Efe Akpofure said they could not start their case because of refusal by the Independent National Electoral Commission to give them certified true copies of registered voters as ordered by the tribunal.

    Akpofure said they intend to use the documents to prove malpractices during the conduct of the election.

    He urged the tribunal to make compelling order, directing INEC to produce the said documents and demanded for an adjournment to get the relevant documents.

    Counsel to INEC, Robert Emukpero informed the tribunal that INEC has given the said documents to the petitioner since October.

    He said Akpofure did not complain about non-receipt of the document when they met at the Court of Appeal.

    Counsel to Governor Oshiomhole, Adeniyi Akintola said the petitioner has no reason not to start his case because the petitioner’s pleadings cut across 51 units in five local government areas of the state.

    He said witnesses could be called from the available documents while they wait for other documents.

    Akintola submitted that most of the petitioners’ dispositions have nothing to do with voters’ register.

    Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Muazu Pindigi, told the petitioner and INEC to sort themselves out in the interest of justice.

     

  • EU approves ‘women on board quota’

    The European Commission has approved proposals from justice commissioner Viviane Reding to have at least 40 per cent of women on company boards by 2020.

    BBC says the news came in a tweet by Mrs. Reding.

    Official confirmation is due later.

    But there are reports the proposals have been watered down to exclude small and medium companies and only to apply to non-executive directors.

    Mrs. Reding postponed the launch of the policy last month, when European Union lawyers warned quotas may not be enforceable.

    Under the plans, member states will be allowed to decide for themselves what action to take against companies failing to reach the quota.

    Draft versions of the proposals also said that the rules would not apply to countries that had already taken measures to improve the gender balance on boards.

    The plans were opposed by nine EU member states, including the United Kingdom.

     

  • Olusola Saraki is dead

    Olusola Saraki is dead

    The strongman of Kwara politics and Senate leader in the second republic, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki is dead.

    He reportedly died on Wednesday morning in Lagos.

    The Warizi of Ilorin was 79 years old.

    His son, Senator Bukola Saraki, former Kwara State governor left Abuja for Lagos this morning when he was contacted.

    Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Tunji Morounfoye, confirmed the death of Dr. Saraki on Wednesday morning.

    Meanwhile, the state government has declared a three-day mourning following the death of the elder statesman on Wednesday.

    The late Saraki was born on May 17, 1933 in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    His mother was from Iseyin in Oyo State and his father was an indigene of Ilorin.

    He was educated at Eko Boys High School in Mushin, Lagos.

    He also attended the University of London, and St George’s Hospital Medical School, London.

    He worked as a medical officer at the General Hospital, Lagos and the Creek Hospital, Lagos.

    The Second Republic Senate Leader first entered politics when he contested the 1964 parliamentary election for Ilorin as an independent candidate, but lost to another candidate from the area.

    After the election, he returned to his medical practice in Lagos, only returning to party-politics during the Second Republic.

    In 1977, Saraki was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly that produced the 1979 constitution.

    In 1979 he was elected a Senator of the Second Republic, and became Senate Leader.

    In 1983 Saraki was re-elected into the Senate on the defunct National Party of Nigeria’s platform.

    In 1998, the medical doctor-turned- politician became a National Leader and member of the Board of Trustees of the All People’s Party, contributing to the party’ success in Kwara and Kogi States.

    He played a pivotal role in the emergence of Mohammed Lawal as Governor of Kwara State during the period.

    In 2001 he was head of a team from the Arewa Consultative Forum, a Northern cultural and political group, sent to meet and discuss common goals with Northern state governors and other leaders.