The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Nigeria’s GDP growth depends on oil output – IMF

    Nigeria’s GDP growth depends on oil output – IMF

    The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday hinged Nigeria’s ability to achieve an overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of seven per cent in 2012, on a rebound in her oil output.

    “In Nigeria, non-oil GDP growth will moderate with the softer external environment and tighter macroeconomic policies, but a slight rebound in oil output will keep overall GDP growth at seven per cent,” the Fund stated in its October 2012 World Economic Outlook released on Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan, venue of the on-going World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings.

    The latest forecast by the IMF is in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) projection that Nigeria’s GDP is expected to grow by around seven per cent this year.

    The CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had said that Nigeria now had the right policy makers pushing forward reforms, which would ensure the country achieved a significant rise in growth in the coming years.

    “The real risk in Nigeria is a policy risk. We have achieved an average of seven per cent growth for the last decade and this is without steady electricity supply or adequate infrastructure,” Sanusi had said early this year.

    “GDP can easily move into double-digits … If we implement all the things planned … there will be a major step change in growth rates in the next two to three years,” he added.

    Driven by non-oil sector growth, Nigeria’s economy grew 6.28 per cent in the second quarter this year, up slightly from 6.17 per cent in the first quarter. Historically, from 2005 until 2012, Nigeria’s GDP growth rate averaged 6.8 percent reaching an all time high of 8.6 per cent in December 2010 and a record low 4.5 percent in March of 2009.

    The GDP growth rate provides an aggregated measure of changes in value of the goods and services produced by an economy.

    Average daily crude oil output from the country also rose marginally to 2.38 million barrels per day (bpd) in the second quarter from 2.35 million bpd in the first quarter.

    Christened “Coping with high debt and sluggish growth,” the IMF said growth in the oil-exporting economies is projected to remain high, near six per cent in 2012, adding that increased oil production in Angola will expand its GDP by close to 6¾ per cent this year.

    “In the baseline scenario, under which strains in the euro area remain contained and the global economy expands by 3¼ to 3½ percent this year and next, growth in SSA will continue above five percent during 2012–13,” the Fund said.

     

  • Subsidy scam: Court grants EFCC leave to arraign suspects

    Subsidy scam: Court grants EFCC leave to arraign suspects

    An Abuja High Court on Tuesday granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission leave to arraign Saminu Rabiu and Jubril Rowaye, over their alleged complicity in the fuel subsidy scam.

    Rabiu and Rowaye are to stand trial on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy and fraud.

    The duo were alleged to have fraudulently obtained the sum of N1.5 billion from the Petroleum Support Fund as payment for the purported importation of 10,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Adebukola Banjoko also granted permission to the commission to charge them alongside their companies, Alminnur Resources Limited and Brila Energy Limited.

    The EFCC had, through its counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, filed an application for leave to prefer a 17-count criminal charge against the duo, under section 185 (d) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

    Tahir said the application was based on the provisions of Section 185(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

    “I hereby apply for leave to prefer a criminal charge against the above named suspects.

    “Attached herewith are the following documents: a copy of the charge in respect of which leave is sought, and a verifying affidavit.

    “Others are names and addresses of the witnesses, statements of the witnesses and those of the two suspects and other documentary evidences,” he said.

    In her ruling, Banjoko granted the application and said that from the proof of evidence presented by the EFCC, Rabiu and Rowaye are to be arraigned on October 17.

    After the ruling, a mild drama ensued as Rabiu claimed to have hearing problems.

    His counsel, Ms. Blessing Omoague, told the court that her client had hearing challenges and would need a hearing aid in order to comprehend the charges.

    Omoague pleaded with the court, in the interest of justice, to adjourn to a later date for the arraignment of her client in order that he could be provided with a hearing aid.

    Besides, she submitted that her client had not been served with a copy of the charges.

    The counsel added that her client needs to read and understand the charges, so that he can prepare for his trial.

    Justice Banjoko, who agreed with the counsel to the first accused, ordered the EFCC to duly serve the suspect.

    Banjoko also ordered the suspect’s counsel to ensure that her client gets a hearing aid before the next adjourned date.

    She ordered the suspects to report to the EFCC daily until their arraignment on October 17.

     

  • FG gets ultimatum on NITEL workers’ salaries

    FG gets ultimatum on NITEL workers’ salaries

    The Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) Staff Union has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to settle the issue of the 10 months salary arrears owed its members.

    The union had on Thursday sealed off the head office of NITEL in Abuja over the non-payment of the salary arrears.

    The National President of the union, Elias Kazzah, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday that the management of NITEL asked for more time to liaise with Bureau of Public Enterprise on the matter.

    He explained that they had agreed to give the government two weeks to resolve the issues, adding that the union was working on a number of strategies should the government fail.

    “The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITEL, Hajiya Zainab Illiasu, told us that the management was working to resolve the issues.

    “She told us that the representative of Vice President Namadi Sambo told the management at the board meeting that they are working to ensure that approval is given by BPE to release the money.

    “Based on that, we gave them the opportunity of two weeks with the hope that all the issues will be addressed before the time elapses,’’ Kazzah told NAN.

    He said that a small committee was also set up to facilitate and monitor the process of discussions among NITEL management, BPE and the union.

    “However, the union has resolved that we would regroup after and adopt a strategy which may include lobbying relevant personalities including the Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,’’ he added.

    The labour leader said that his members felt the government was slow in addressing their case and asked for more commitment from the government.

     

  • ICC holds Saif Gaddafi’s hearing

    ICC holds Saif Gaddafi’s hearing

    The International Criminal Court is holding its first public hearing in the case of one of the sons of late Muammar Gaddafi, Saif al-Islam.

    He is accused of committing war crimes against the rebels who overthrew his father last year.

    But there is disagreement over whether he should be prosecuted in Libya or The Hague.

    His lawyers are expected to argue he would not receive a fair trial in Libya, where he is currently held.

    The Libyan authorities say he should be tried in the country where he is accused of committing crimes.

    At the beginning of the two-day hearing, Libyan lawyer Ahmed al-Jehani called for the international community to be patient, telling ICC judges the Libyan authorities “needed time” to organise a fair trial for Saif Gaddafi.

    The pre-trial session is part of an ongoing battle between Libya and the ICC over where the son of the former Libyan leader should face justice, the BBC says.

    Mr. Gaddafi has been held in the western mountain town of Zintan for almost a year.

    During that time, the Libyan authorities have repeatedly rejected requests to hand him over for trial in The Hague.

    The ICC’s defence lawyer, Melinda Taylor, who was arrested while visiting Mr. Gaddafi, will be presenting her findings during the hearing.

    She is expected to tell the judges she does not believe her client will receive a fair trial in Libya.

    The lawyers who have travelled from Tripoli will argue otherwise.

     

     

  • I did not embezzle N1m – NFF board member

    A board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Kawu, on Monday in Abuja denied reports in some sections of the media that he embezzled about N1 million.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the amount was part of the N5 million approved by the NFF to run the activities of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL).

    Kawu, who is also the chairman of the league, told NAN that the allegation was the handiwork of detractors, who did not want the development of football in the country.

    The chairman said that the money was given as part payment to Vitalis Asonuka, a contractor, who furnished the secretariat of the league at the cost of N7 million.

    He said that the money was to enable Asonuka embark on his journey to the United States of America where a surgery had been arranged to correct his sight.

    “It all started when we were directed in a letter by Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF Director of Competition, to leave the football secretariat, an accommodation was given to us, but it was not furnished and we had no money.

    “We advertised to enable us get those that can help us furnish the office. Our aim was to have a befitting office where sponsors can come and do business.

    “Somebody eventually emerged and we told him that we had no money to execute the contract, but that he would be paid as soon as we get money. He furnished our office for N7 million,” he said.

    Kawu said, “Unfortunately the man (contractor) fell sick after three months and was about losing his sight.

    “He came begging us if we can give him part of his money after securing a United States visa where he was to be operated upon to enable him regain his sight.

    “Since we were still waiting for the release of the N5 million approved by the FA board, I took him to the General Secretary, Musa Amadu.

    “I thought that he will understand and release our money because the man deserved to be helped, but he said there was no money.

    “Finally, he released N1 million to us on loan, so we decided to give it to the man, he helped us so why won’t we help him by giving him part of his money?” he asked.

     

  • Floods: FG votes N17.6b to states, agencies

    Floods: FG votes N17.6b to states, agencies

     

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday allocated the sum of N17.6 billion to states and agencies to cushion the effect of floods in many parts of the country.

    The breakdown of the figure shows that N13.3 billion goes to the affected states, while agencies involved in tackling the disaster will receive N4.3 billion.

    The president made the announcement on Tuesday morning in a national broadcast on the state of the nation.

    He also raised a committee on flood relief and rehabilitation headed by Business mogul, Aliko Dangote and former president of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA Olisa Agbakoba.

    The National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation has Dr. Mike Adenuga, another business mogul as the chief fund mobiliser.

    The committee has one year to conclude its tasks among which is to raise funds in support of government’s efforts to provide urgent relief for victims of floods across the country.

    The affected states were categorised into four groups based on the present assessment.

    Category A states will receive N500 million each, while states in category B and C will get N400 million and N300 million respectively.

    The government splashed N250 million each on states in category D.

    States in the A Category are – Oyo, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa, Delta, Bayelsa and Anambra.

    While Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Edo, Lagos and Imo are pooled in category B.

    Kwara, Katsina, Gombe, Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Abia and Rivers are the states in category C.

    The category D comprised Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Yobe, Enugu, Ekiti, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Borno and the Federal Capital Territory.

    The committee which is also expected to advise government on the judicious utilization of funds raised has been authorized by President Jonathan to co-opt any other persons or organizations that it may find useful in carrying out its assignment.

    The committee members are expected to operate from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

     

     

     

  • Dangote, Agbakoba head FG’s committee on floods

    Dangote, Agbakoba head FG’s committee on floods

    President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the establishment of a National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation to raise funds in support of government’s efforts to provide urgent relief for victims of recent floods across the country.

    The composition of the Committee is as follows:

    1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote – Co-Chairman

    2. Mr. Olisa Agbakoba – Co-Chairman

    3. Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. – Chief Fund Mobilizer

    4. Alhaji Karami Isiaku Rabiu – Member

    5. Alhaji Mohammed Indimi – Member

    6. Ngo Hannatu Cholum – Member

    7. Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija – Member

    8. Prof. Dora Akunyili – Member

    9. Mr. Tony Elumelu – Member

    10. Secretary-General, Nigerian Red Cross – Member

    11. Representative of C.A.N. – Member

    12. Representative of N.S.C.I.A. – Member

    13. Representative of the UNDP – Member

    14. Representative of the European Union – Member

    15. Representative of DFID – Member

    16. Representative of USAID – Member

    17. Perm. Sec., Fed. Ministry of Environment – Member

    18. Perm. Sec., Fed. Min. of Water Resources – Member

    19. Perm. Sec., Federal Ministry of Works – Member

    20. Perm. Sec., Federal Ministry of Agriculture – Member

    21. Perm. Sec. Federal Ministry of Health – Member

    22. Perm. Sec., Federal Ministry of Finance – Member

    23. Perm. Sec., Fed. Ministry of National Planning – Member

    24. Director-General, NEMA – Member

    25. Ag. Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees – Member

    26. Perm. Sec., Ecological Funds Office – Member

    27. Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties – Member

    28. Chairman, House Committee on Environment – Member

    29. Rep., Nigerian Union of Journalists – Member

    30. Rep., National Council of Women’s Societies – Member

    31. Mr. Tunde Lemo, (Representing the CBN) – Member

    32. Ms. Fatima Wali – Member

    33. Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr. – Member

    34. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa – Member

    The Committee according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati  has been given the mandate to raise funds to complement government’s resources for the provision of relief to flood victims across the country and the post-impact rehabilitation of affected persons and communities.

    The Committee which is also expected to advise government on the judicious utilization of funds raised, has been authorized by President Jonathan to co-opt any other persons or organizations that it may find useful in carrying out its assignment.

    The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will provide a secretariat for the Committee.

    It has been given one year to conclude its task.

     

     

  • Nigeria, Canada sign pact on terrorism

    Nigeria, Canada sign pact on terrorism

    Nigeria and Canada on Monday agreed to work together to eliminate terrorism within the West African sub-region.

    The two countries reached the agreement in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the Nigeria-Canada Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru and his Canadian counterpart, Hon. John Baird.

    Reading the joint communiqué at the end of the meeting, Ashiru said that the two countries agreed that effective political, economic, security and development cooperation between them will contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    Ashiru said the two countries have also expressed further commitment to promoting human rights, good governance and democratic development.

    According to him, Canada has also offered to make modest donation for the victims of the recent flood disaster in some parts of Nigeria.

    He said: “They also restated their commitment to work together on issues of common regional and global challenges, including counter-terrorism, the Mali crisis, the Middle East and Commonwealth reform.

    “While recognizing that lasting security demands a multi-level approach, including development, education, democracy and human rights, both countries resolved to effectively cooperate particularly to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Security Services to enable them to respond adequately to internal and regional security challenges.”

     

  • Court permits Hembe’s counsel to serve court processes

    Court permits Hembe’s counsel to serve court processes

    An Abuja High court on Monday granted leave to the counsel to Herman Hembe, Mr. Jubril Okutepa (SAN), for the extension of time within which to file and serve the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with court processes.

    At the resumed hearing of the case before Justice Abubakar Umar, Okutepa apologised to the court for his inability to file the final written address in the no case submission in the trial of Hembe.

    “It is not in my character to file or serve any court papers late. I travelled and returned around 4 a.m. I am pleading with my Lord to grant this leave so that I can duly serve the second accused and EFCC counsel,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that EFCC arraigned Hembe, former Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market and Other Institutions, and his deputy, Emeka Azubuogu, for alleged diversion of funds.

    The EFCC said that the duo dishonestly converted to personal use, the sum of 4,095 dollars (about N600,000) given to them by the Securities and Exchange Commission as travelling allowance to the Dominican Republic to attend a conference in October 2011.

    They are facing a two-count charge of misappropriation and conversion of public funds following an allegation by the Director-General of SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh.

    The allegation led to their suspension from the House.

    The anti-graft agency said the offence contravened Section 308 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and if found guilty, they could serve a jail term of not less than seven years.

    In granting the leave to Okutepa, Umar also ordered the counsel to Azubuogu (second accused), Ms Linda Chuba-Ikpeazu, to file and duly serve the EFCC with their court process.

    Umar then adjourned to November 26 for the adoption of written addresses on a no-case-submission filed by Hembe and Azubogu.

    Earlier, the lawmakers declined to enter the dock.

    Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Ojuefu Obe, had, while announcing his appearance, drawn the judge’s attention to the fact that the two accused were standing outside the dock and not inside, as they should.

    But the judge, overruled him and ordered him not to “over sensationalise’’ issues.

     

  • EFCC arraigns Polish woman for fraud

    EFCC arraigns Polish woman for fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned Dora Gilmaska, a Polish, before an Abuja High Court on one count of fraud.

    The News Agency of Nigeria says Gilmaska, the Executive Officer of Icon Media and Marketing Agency Limited, is accused of issuing dud cheques to one Tayo Olugbemi.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence.

    Counsel to the accused, Mr. Chris Okoye, filed an application for the court to admit his client to bail, pending the determination of the case.

    The anti-graft agency, through its counsel, Mr. Samuel Ugwuegbulam, opposed the application for bail and filed a counter affidavit, saying that she had earlier jumped administrative bail.

    The judge, Justice Abubakar Umar, said that granting of bail “is at the discretion of the court and that the EFCC did not give any creditable evidence to show that the accused person jumped administrative bail.’’

    “Application for bail by the accused is being granted with a condition of N5 million and two sureties and one of them must be based in the FCT and must be a civil servant.’’

    He said the accused should deposit her passport with the court registrar and be remanded in EFCC custody, pending when she is able to meet the bail condition.