The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • PSC approves promotion of 11 CPs, 3,201 DSPs, others

    PSC approves promotion of 11 CPs, 3,201 DSPs, others

    The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of 11 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the rank of Commissioners of Police.

    Also promoted are, one Assistant Commissioner of Police to the next rank of Deputy Commissioner, 12 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) and 3201 Assistant Superintendents of Police to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP).

    In a statement in Abuja on Thursday the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Ikechukwu Ani, he said the decision was reached at the Commission’s plenary Meeting.

    The Commission noted that one ASP Emmanuel Aigbedion was upgraded to the rank of Superintendent of Police following an appeal based on a court judgment.

    The Commission also explained that the newly promoted Commissioners of Police were before their promotion subjected to a health and session with the leadership of the Commission.

    The newly promoted CPs are: “Johnson-Babatunde Kokumo. Until his promotion, Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Anambra State Command, former Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Lagos State Command and one time Area Commander Karewa, Adamawa State. He also served as Commander 16 PMF and Assistant Commissioner, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad; Joseph Agaji who also until his promotion was the Deputy Commissioner, Administration, Oyo State Command, Deputy Commissioner Administration, Zone 9, Umuahia and Deputy Commissioner Zone 8, Lokoja and Gbemisola O. Akinpelu, former Deputy Commissioner in charge of Central Criminal Registry, Force CID, Alagbon, Lagos, and former Deputy Commissioner, Force CID, Abuja.

    “Others are; Hakeem Aramide Busari who until his promotion was the Deputy Commissioner, Administration, Airport Command Lagos, former Deputy Commissioner, Force CID, Force Annex Kaduna, Deputy Commissioner, Zone 9 Command Umuahia, Area Commander Nnewi and Assistant Commissioner, Training, Force Headquarters, Abuja and Adat Ududo, a former Deputy Commissioner, Administration and second in command, Benue State, Deputy Commissioner and Head, Counter Terrorism, Force Headquarters, Deputy Commissioner in-charge of State CID, Ogun State Command and Deputy Commissioner representing the IGP in joint Military operations in Maiduguri. He was also former Assistant Commissioner, Operations, Ekiti State and Assistant Commissioner, Academics, Police Academy, Wudil Kano.

    Others are: “John Daniel Amadi; Undie J. Adie; Olugbenga Adeyanju; Patrick Ladul Garba; Aromeh Peter Attabor and Augustine Ezechukwu.

    “Friday T. Ibadin was the only Assistant Commissioner of Police promoted to the next rank of Deputy Commissioner”.

    The Commission noted that its decisions have been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris for implementation.

  • Court jails man three months for stealing N3,500

    A Grade 1 Area Court, Karmo, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced a 28-year-old man, Abdul Mohammed, to three months in prison for theft.

    The judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, however, gave him an option to pay N10, 000 as fine, and warned him to desist from crimes.

    Sadiq said that the sentence would serve as deterrent to other would be offenders.

    Mohammed, who resides at Kado Village, Abuja, was arraigned and convicted on a one-count charge.

    The convict begged the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that hunger pushed him to do it.

    The Prosecutor, Florence Auhioboh, had told the court that Glory Kelechukwu of Karmo Village, reported the matter at the Karmo Police Station on Feb. 17.

    Auhioboh said that the convict entered the complainant shop at Karmo and stole N3, 500.

    During police investigation, he confessed to the crime and N2, 400 was recovered from him but he was unable to account for the rest.

    The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 288 of the Penal Code. 

  • NDDC redeploys 11 directors in major shake-up

    NDDC redeploys 11 directors in major shake-up

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has redeployed 11 directors to different offices and directorates to boost its performance in the development of the Niger Delta.

    The Managing Director of NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere, said on Thursday in Port Harcourt that the decision to shake-up the NDDC was taken after the commission’s retreat in Port Harcourt.

    He said the affected directors were drawn from the commission’s offices in Abuja, Bayelsa, Imo, Ondo, Delta and Rivers states.

    The NDDC chief gave the names of the affected officers redeployed as: Dr Princewill Ekanim, who was redeployed to the office of the Managing Director as Director of Special Duties.

    Mr Effiong Ephraim moves from Special Duties to head Abuja Liaison office, while Mrs Rachael Odiri, formerly Head of Bayelsa State office now heads Abuja office.

    Also, Mr Wanoro Weli, a former Director in charge of Utility Infrastructure Development and Waterways would head Ondo State office, replacing Mr Emma Audu who becomes Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision.

    In similar vein, Mr Nosa Agbongiasede takes charge of Imo State office, while Godwin Jaja, formerly Director of Imo office would take charge of Human Resources Directorate.

    Mr Etim Eyoette was elevated to the position of Acting Director, Utility Infrastructure Development and Waterways (UIDW), while Mr Ndubuisi Ahiakwo was moved from UIDW in Delta to Project Monitoring and Supervision (Western Zone).

    Mr Uno Uno now heads Project Monitoring and Supervision (Eastern Zone) while Mr Felix Aomreore becomes Head, Project Monitoring and Supervision (Central Zone).

    Ekere said the redeployment would enable the commission to actualise reforms designed to restore the commission’s core mandate and improve the living conditions of residents in the Niger Delta.

    `We are taking actions to reform our operations for optimum performance; and part of the first step was to deploy officers to where they would offer better service.

    “It is important to offer the region and our people better service; improve the quality of our projects; and ensure that we pay for projects and programmes that we implement,” he said. (NAN)

  • NAF to produce liquid oxygen for combat aircraft

    NAF to produce liquid oxygen for combat aircraft

    • Activates Monguno FOB

    In a drive to ensure it produces the essential equipment needed for the prosecution of the war on terrorism locally, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will soon begin the production of Liquid Oxygen for use by combat aircraft.The NAF Chief of Training and Operation (CTOP) Air Vice Marshal  (AVM), Abubakar Iya spoke during an operational visit to the 103 Strike Group Yola.  He said the Oxygen Plant is in the final stages and would produce various gases that will also be used by hospitals.

    Iya said: “This is an operational visit as directed by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) to the front line in the northeast, we inspected the oxygen plant, it is going to produce the necessary gases for flying and medical facility, it is an all-purpose plant but mainly it will produce liquid oxygen for our combat aircraft and as you can see the plant is almost ready. It can also produce other gases like nitrogen and gaseous oxygen which our hospitals could use, as soon as the plant is ready; it is going to service the entire air force.”

    The CTOP also said the plant is being run and managed by local Air Force personnel in the drive to build the capacity of the local engineers. “It is part of our capacity building, the installation process is handled by our own personnel, the production is going to be handled by our own personnel, the company that manufactured the equipment is only coming to inspect to ensure everything is in place according to specification,” Iya said.

    Meanwhile, the  NAF said it is activating its Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Monguno in order to support the operations of Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJFT) in Northern Borno, while special operations will also commence to push back the insurgents in that corridor.

    The NAF CTOP, AVM Abubakar Iya said the Monguno FOB will also support the helicopter services of the NAF when the special operations begin. “We are going to Monguno to activate our Forward Operation Base so that we can adequately support the Multinational Joint Task Force who is also covering the northern fringes of Borno State, we are embarking on Special Operations very soon, in preparation for that, we want to make sure the Monguno FOB is specially prepared to support our Helicopter operations,” he said.

    While assuring that the war on insurgency will soon be won, the CTOP assured that the Air Force will intensify monitoring and surveillance following the recent resurgence of attacks in Maiduguri.

    “We will continue to follow them wherever they go, we will maintain constant surveillance and take necessary actions either by informing the ground troops or we have our own independent actions also where we take out any threat we see, wherever they go we are there. The NAF is quite capable, we are doing our best to ensure the problem is taken care of; we are giving maximum support to the land and maritime forces,” he said.

  • Fire in Senator’s office

    Fire in Senator’s office

    There was a fire incident on Monday at the office of the Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Francis Alimikhena.
    The fire which reportedly started in the early hours of the day emanated from the Close Circuit, it was gathered.
    Although the fire did not cause substantial damage to the office, it blackened the walls and paintings.
    When newsmen visited the office around 20:30 p.m, some of the office staff were seen cleaning some partly damaged items while others were observed mobbing the floor.
     Senator Alimikhena was not seen in his office but one of the staff said that the Edo North lawmaker had been informed.
    The staff confirmed that the fire started from the CCTV in the office.
    National Assembly security officials were also seen moving in and out of the office located at room 4.29 Senate new wing.
  • ‘Why we investigated Justice Ademola’

    ‘Why we investigated Justice Ademola’

    An official of the Department of State Services (DSS), Babatunde Adepoju told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday that the agency’s investigation of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court was informed by allegations of wrongdoing.
    Adepoju said the intelligence in his brief included allegations that Justice Ademola received bribes from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki and Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu to grant them bail. 
    The DSS operative said he was directed on October 9 last year to investigate allegations of bribery involving Justice Ademola. 
    Adepoju, who testified as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Justice Ademola, his wife, Olabowale and a lawyer, Joe Agi (SAN), said he was also directed to investigate of one Honourable Jenkins Gwede, who wrote a petition against Justice Ademola at the National Judicial Council (NJC), alleging that the judge  collected $200,000 to discharge an earlier garnishee order granted in his favour. 
    Led in evidence by lead prosecution lawyer, Segun Jegede, the witnesS told the court he was equally directed to investigate an allegation that Justice Ademola influenced the appointment of his wife as the Head of Service of Lagos State through his close relationship with former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu and his position as a Federal High Court judge.
    The witness confirmed that Justice Ademola denied all the allegations. 
    Adepoju said upon investigation, there was no evidence to prove that Justice Ademola influenced the appointment of his wife as HOS of Lagos State. 
    The witness said there was equally no evidence to support Jenkins’ allegations. 
    Adepoju said Justice Ademola told him that Jenkins apologised to him, two days after submitting the petition to the NJC, stating that he was misinformed by lawyers to the Delta State Government.
    The witness added that Justice Ademola told him that he (Jenkins) swore to an affidavit in which he withdrew the petition.
    He said he did not also find evidence to prove that Justice Ademola collected bribe to grant bail to Sambo Dasuki or Nnamdi Kanu. “They were hearsays”, he said. 
    Adepoju said investigation also supported Justice Ademola’s claim that the prosecution, in the Dasuki case, did not oppose Dasuki’s bail application. 
    Adepoju said Agi made a statement to the DSS, in which he said the N30 million he was accused of paying into the account of Mrs Ademola was at the instance of two of his clients: Ken Hubert and Bassey Bassey who instructed him to donate $150,000 in support of the Ademolas’ daughter’s wedding. 
    He said when they contacted the two individuals named by Agi, they confirmed instructing the donation.
    The witness said investigation also revealed that Justice Ademola granted three garnishee orders in excess of $636 million, $637 million and $3.1 billion in favour of a client of Joe Agi around the period Joe Agi paid N30 million in three tranches of N10 million each into the accounts of Mrs Ademola.
    He said Justice Ademola told him during interrogation that some of the money recovered from his residence were the conversion of the estacodes he got and withdrawals from his accounts for onward payment to a construction company, Dadks Concept that was carrying out a major construction at one of his properties at 55 Oduduwa Crescent, Lagos.
    Under cross-examination, Adepoju said he is aware that estacodes are given in foreign currencies, adding that he is also aware that whether to spend or not to spend the estacodes remains the business of the receiver of the estacodes. 
    Adepoju said, from available records, there are other sources of income for Justice Ademola.
    The witness said he came across a lodgement of $520,000 by Olabode Johnson of Johnson & Johnson partners in the statement of account of Justice Ademola. 
    “From the record provided by the firm, it was a large sum shared to three brothers with Justice Ademola. From Johnson & Johnson record, the money was from sale of property belonging to Justice Ademola and two other brothers,” he said.
    Further hearing resumes today.
  • We did not bar Markarfi’s faction – Police

    We did not bar Markarfi’s faction – Police

    The Police have described as false an online report claiming that it barred Ahmed Makarfi’s faction of PDP from holding its meeting.

    Contrary to the report, the police said they got intelligence that both faction plan to hold it’s meeting at the same venue adding that they stepped in to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Command’s Spokesman, ASP Anjuguri Manzah.

    The statement read: “The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to an online report posted by Breaking Times subscribing that Police bars Makarfi faction of PDP from using International Conference Centre (ICC) for the meeting.

    “The report was misleading, malicious and capable of misinforming members of the public on the statutory roles of the Nigeria Police Force to restore law and order, and guarantee the protection of lives and property throughout the country.

    “The story is absolutely a shadowy imagination of the writer and should be disregarded.

    The statements further read: “Credible Intelligence at the disposal of the FCT Police Command indicated that the two factions i.e. the Ahmed Makarfi Group and the Ali Modu Sheriff Group scheduled to hold their meetings at the International Conference Centre (ICC) today and this can lead to serious clash and breach of Public peace.

    “The Command did not close down the International conference Centre nor barred the Makarfi faction of PDP from using the ICC for meeting as alleged in the report but intervened to prevent a breakdown of law and order by advising the Management of the ICC not allow any of the group to use the place for any meeting.

    However, the Command provided visible security for the Ahmed Makarfi Group when they relocated to Ekiti State Government lodge in Asokoro, Abuja despite not been informed.

    “To this end, the FCT Police Command wishes to assure the media of its support and cooperation to ensure law and order, crime free society and credible reportage.”

  • Activists hail Fed Govt for renovating Abuja airport

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria (ILEWN), has lauded the Federal Government for renovating the Abuja Airport runway.

    It urged Nigerians to be patient with the exercise.

    The group lauded the courage and foresight of President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of State for Aviation Hadi Sirika, and Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma, in renovating the dilapidated runway.

    At a news conference yesterday, ILEWN’s Executive Director Splendour Agbonkpolor, said the group is sure the painful sacrifice by Nigerians, both rich and poor, will give Nigeria’s capital city a world class airport that guarantees the safety of all.

    His words: “We urge Nigerians and foreigners alike to remain calm as the security agencies have been duly mobilised with a clear brief to maintain law and order and to protect lives during this period of increased traffic.

    “FAAN should extend same courtesy of standardisation to all the airports in Nigeria to ensure seamless flow of traffic, both within Nigeria and internationally.

    “Nigeria will come out of this phase the better for it, as we will continue to hold our government to their mandate of working to deliver the best possible services to our people.

    “We also praise FAAN for working with security agencies to ensure maximum security of life and valuables on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.”

  • ´CodeBus Africa´ arrives in Abuja

    cCreative coding workshops for students in Abuja is to be held by education and technology organizations from Finland and Nigeria.
    The collaboration is part of the CodeBus Africa project, a 100-day tour connecting Finnish and African innovators as part of Finland’s official 100th anniversary celebrations.
    CodeBus Africa will be organized in Nigeria by the Embassy of Finland, in partnership with the Finnish Aalto University and Abuja-based innovation hub Ventures Platform. The project, which is regionally sponsored by the Finnish global telecom leader Nokia, will place special emphasis on involving girls who still remain underrepresented among the users and creators of technology.
    With its focus firmly on the young, this innovative activity will consist of creative coding workshops. Students will pair up to learn coding and to produce their own song with the free open-source platform Sonic Pi. Peer support, creative self-expression and a tangible final product are all ele-ments designed to make the learning experience positive and rewarding.
    Speaking on the project, Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, Ambassador of Fin-land to Nigeria, said, “I am delighted that we are able to bring this project to Nigeria as part of our anniversary celebrations. I find it particularly im-portant to reach out to the young, focusing on education and employment – critical factors in successfully building the future of any country.

    “We are very lucky to have such a great local partner as Ventures Platform working with us. They have a critical role in planning and implementing the project, and have been absolutely invaluable. Without them this project simply would not have been possible. I am also extremely grateful for the partnership of Nokia. As a global leader in innovation and technology worldwide, they have the capacity to transform lives through shaping the future of technology. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work to-gether with them in putting this capacity into the use of the common good.”

  • NEC demands review of foreign exchange policy

    The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to urgently review its foreign exchange policy.

    The NEC chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo noted that the current exchange rate which had adversely affected the prices of goods and services in the country is no longer sustainable.

    Naira presently exchanges for N510 to one Dollar.

    The Deputy Governor of Nassarawa State, Mr Silas Aghara, who was joined by his Rivers State counterpart, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and Minister of Agriculture, Mr Audu Ogbeh, briefed State House correspondents at the end of NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He also disclosed that the CBN’s Governor, Godwin Emefiele pleaded for time, patience and understanding of Nigerians in reviving the economy.

    He said: “After a brief presentation on Forex Policy options by the CBN Governor, Council members generally expressed concern over the current situation of the exchange rate and called for an urgent review of the current Forex Policy, especially the gap between interbank and the parallel market rates.  

    “The CBN Governor sued for patience and understanding, assuring that the situation is being closely managed.

    “At today’s council, we were only trying to encourage the CBN governor that given the general outcry in the country so that they can show understanding and patience with the CBN governor in what he is doing to revive the economy. Generally, we support the position of the CBN and we are calling on Nigerians to equally show understanding in what they are doing,” he said

    Adeosun disclosed that the sum of $250 million was approved by NEC to be injected into the Sovereign Wealth Funds, SWF.

    She said that the approval was made after adopting the report and accounts of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority presented by the Managing Director, Mr Uche Orii.

    Adeosun also hinted that the Excess Crude Accounts where the $250 million would be sourced stood at 2,458,382,844.03 as at February 15, 2017.

    She said: “Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Uche Orii presented a report to Council on the NSIA annual reports and accounts for the year ended 2015 and update on 2016 activities. 

    “In its report to NEC, Council members were informed that Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Fund (NSWF) has the highest ranking in Africa in terms of performance and capitalization.

    “The report highlights, among others, the following: Financial performance 2014 to Q3 2016; Update and investment strategy on the NSIA; Future Generation Fund (FGF); NSIA infrastructure strategy and Agriculture Fund and NSIA – Old Mutual Real Estate Co-Investment Vehicle, among others.

    “NSIA outlook, among others, are as follows: NSIA plans to increase domestic infrastructure investment in 2017 as there are compelling opportunities in the environment.

    “NSIA will also focus on “Social Infrastructure” including investments in the form of affordable housing and healthcare through the development of specialist hospitals.

    “Council while adopting the report of the NSIA decided to inject a fresh $250 million into the SWF sourced from the ECA.

    “Minister of Finance reported to the Council that the balance in Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at USD 2,458,382,844.03 as at February 15, 2017.”

    Adeosun also told reporters that approval was given for appointments of members on the Board of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.

    “Minister of Finance reported that a member each from the six geo-political zone has been nominated as follows: North-East  –  Mrs Halima Buba – Non-Executive Director, North West – Mr Bello Maccido – Non-Executive Director,
    North Central – Ms Lois Laraba Machunga-Disu – Non-Executive Director, South West – Mr Babajide Zetilin – Non-Executive Director,
    South East – Mr Urum Kalu Eze – Non-Executive Director, South-South – Mr Abue Ighodalo – Legal Practitioner with 10 
    years post qualification experience.

    “Council members unanimously adopted the nominations for onward consideration by the President for his final approval.”

    Giving updates on the budget support loan, she said that eight accounting firms had been contracted to start the verification process even as she said that the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma gave highlights of the plans to recover the economy.

    “Minister of Finance reported that Eight Accounting Firms have been appointed to start the verification process of the monthly Budget Support Loan Facility based on the approved Fiscal Sustainability Plan by the States.
     
    “Minister of Budget and National Planning assured the Council members that Federal Government has a recovery plan that will take Nigeria out of the woods.

    “Consultations on the plan are ongoing to firm-up the plan with clear roles for all the stakeholders and the States.

    “He told the Council that the plan addresses the following: Agriculture and food security; Energy sufficiency-power and petroleum availability; Improving transportation infrastructure; Industrialisation, SMEs, and manufacturing; Stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment,” she said.

    On his part, Ogbeh said that the Council was informed of the massive wheat production in the States of Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi and Zamfara among others.

    He said “States, however, appealed to the Federal Government to make plans for the purchase of excess wheat to ensure price stability and sustainable production.

    “Council agreed to discuss and make adequate buy-back arrangements in order to support price stability.”

    NEC had also on Thursday held a valedictory session for the Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko who was attending the meeting for the last time as his tenure expires next week.