The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • Fake products: Absence of interpreter stalls trial of Chinese men

    Fake products: Absence of interpreter stalls trial of Chinese men

    The absence of an interpreter on Wednesday stalled the arraignment of two Chinese nationals, Mr Zhoung Li Xin and Mr Zhoung Guomin at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s ( SON ) accused the two of marking some unapproved products as genuine.

    The accused persons had demonstrated to the court that they could only speak in their native mandarin.

    The charge had claimed that Zhoung Li Xin and Mr Zhoung Guomin placed an “ABB” mark on receptacle containing products marked as Chiko and Toyou.

    The Prosecution therefore alleged that the accused persons committed an offence under Section 378 of the Penal Code Law Cap. 89 Law of the Northern Nigeria.’’

    Mr Joseph Olofindare, Counsel to SON, said the defendants’ actions of making false mark on products and making such products to be believed to be of a particular quality was a breach of the law.

    He said the alleged action was with the intent to defraud the innocent public.

    “Likely punishment is three years imprisonment with or without fine’’, he said.

    On why an arrangement was not made for an interpreter for the defendants, Olofindare said it was his conviction that the defendants could speak English language.

    “We are aware that the defendants spoke English before now, but they denied speaking or understanding English when we got to the court.

    “At the appropriate time that will be sorted out and the interest of justice which we are concerned with will be served.

    “The interest of SON is to get rid of foreigners with the intention of bringing substandard items that may have negative impact on the citizens.

    “The mandate of SON is to move against that and to ensure that all the perpetrators are brought to book’’, Olonfindare said.

    On his part, Mr Amaechi Muonagor,  Counsel to the defendants, said his clients were not aware the case was coming up as they were served with the court process on the evening of December 19.

    He also said there was no preliminary arrangement for an interpreter.

    According to him, the prosecution has the false impression that the defendants could speak and understand English language.

    “We were prepared for the trial any way, except that there was no interpreter to interpret the language of the court to the defendants.

    “I normally communicate with them through an interpreter but what happened was that we did not liaise with SON to provide an interpreter because of the short notice to appear in court’’, he said.

    He said however, that the defendants were presently enjoying administrative bail.

    He said it was the right of the defendants to be heard in the language they understand, adding that the prosecution and the defendants’ counsel had agreed to interface to make that happen.

    The presiding Justice Sadiq Umar, had earlier ordered the parties to ensure the defendants were provided with an interpreter to facilitate the trial.

    However, no date was fixed for the commencement of the trial.

    NAN

  • Majek Fashek slams Daddy Freeze

    Majek Fashek slams Daddy Freeze

    Reggae musician, Majek Fashek has called out controversial On Air Personality (OAP), Ifedayo Olarinde a.k.a Daddy Freeze for his strong disapproval of his recent performance at a church concert in Abuja.

    Majek the ‘Rainmaker’, who before now had not performed at faith based events, did on Sunday December 17, at the Common wealth Of Zion Assembly ( COZA ) Christmas Carol in Guzape, Abuja.

    Freeze, who also recently condemned the practice of ‘Tithing’ in churches said it made no sense for a secular artiste like Majek to perform in such gathering as Christian altars are supposed to be sacred.

    However, Majek Fashek’s manager, Uzoma Omenka, in a video on Instagram, rebuked Freeze saying that nothing was wrong with a secular artiste performing in church.

    “There is nothing wrong with a world class legend Majek Fashek whose music sends the right message to be invited to perform in any church.

    “To Daddy Freeze, you need to do your research properly before wagging your mouth and speaking like a Kid,” he said.
    “@biodunfatoyinbo thank you once more for impacting positively into the lives of Young Nigerians and making them believe in themselves.”

    Freeze had taken to his Instagram to condemn the rainmaker crooner over the concert saying: “I am still searching for the sense in this. I am a huge Majek fan, but do I want to see him perform in a church.

    Read also: Daddy Freeze: Paying tithe is matter of love not law – FEB Idahosa

    “How did we get here? Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought Christian altars are supposed to be sacrosanct…..

    “Have you ever seen an artiste like Majek perform in a Buddhist or Hindu temple?

    “Can Majek perform inside the `Okija’ shrine? or the `soppona’ or `ayelala’ shrine?

    “If other religions value their altars and keep them sacred, is it out of place to suggest we do the same?”

    NAN

  • NASS to support local government autonomy

    NASS to support local government autonomy

    Speaker House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, on Tuesday in Abuja said the National Assembly was committed to ensuring that local government administration in the country got autonomy.

    He made this known at the Retreat of the Secretary to Government of the Federation ( SGF ) and Secretaries to State Governments ( SSGs ).

    Represented Chief Whip of the House, Mr Ado Doguwa, he spoke on “Local Government Autonomy: Imperative for Sustainable Grassroots Development’’, said autonomy was the right for local governments to operate independently.

    He said that autonomy for the councils was essential for development to get to the grassroots.

    “As long as we want development to get to the door-step of our people, the autonomy is necessary.

    “This is the institutional position of the national assembly in line with the provisions of the law.

    “The national assembly will continue to remain resolute to ensure that local government autonomy is achieved in Nigeria.

    “We will continue to take advantage of the legislative right given to us to ensure that local government autonomy is realised.

    “The local government chairmen are in bondage inflicted on them by the governors and this bondage must be released to ensure development at the grassroots level,’’ he said.

    According to the speaker, the state governments abuse the Constitution in relation to the Joint Account, which they are meant to be mere trustees and not beneficiaries.

    Read also: How local government can get autonomy, by Oyo Speaker

    He explained that state governments took over the joint account meant for the state and the local government.

    “The state government which are believed to be mature must be seen to be doing exactly what the Constitution has stipulated in relation to the joint account.

    “If this is not done, the right thing will not be achieved.’’

    Dogara commended the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, for resuscitating the retreat.

    Earlier, Mr Ibrahim Khaleed, President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees ( NULGE ), had said that rural-urban migration would greatly be addressed through the actualisation of local government autonomy.

    Khaleed added that local government was a critical tier in government, and that some constitutional reforms must be made to bridge the gap between the government and the people.

    According to him, the local government system in Nigeria has been destroyed and the essence of local government establishment is not achieved.

    “Local government was established to bring development to the citizens at the local area, but the system has completely been bastardised and the essence of its establishment has not been achieved.

    “We are advocating for autonomy not because of increase in wages or welfare for staff but to make sure we contribute our quota in national development.

    “The local government system in the United States of America is one of the best and it is independent,’’ Khaleed said.

    NAN

  • Court jails businessman for assault

    Court jails businessman for assault

    A Karmo Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, on Tuesday sentenced a 57-year-old businessman, Haruna Isah, to three months imprisonment for causing grievous hurt.

    Isah of Utako village, Abuja, was convicted on a charge of causing grievous hurt. He pleaded guilty and begged for leniency.

    The Judge, Sadiq Abubakar, however, gave the convict an option of fine of N10, 000, and said that it was intended to serve as a deterrent to others.

    The prosecuting counsel, Auhioboh Florence, had told the court that the convict used his goods to block Bamigbade Nurudeen at Utako Market on December 12.

    She said that when Nurudeen asked him to remove the goods, the convict refused and in the process, violently attacked Nurudeen with a broken chair.

    Read also: Police arraign businessman for cheating

    According to the prosecutor, Isah used the chair to inflict serious injury on Nurudeen’s right eye and ran away.

    She said that Nurudeen reported the incident at Utako Police Station on the same day, adding that the complainant also lost N35, 000 during the attack on him.

    “So far the complainant has spent N15, 000 on his treatment,’’ she said.

    The prosecutor said that the Isah committed the offence at about 4.30 p.m.

    She told the court that during police investigation, the convict confessed to committing the crime, and said that the offence violated Section 196 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

  • ECOWAS discuss Morocco’s membership as summit opens in Abuja

    ECOWAS discuss Morocco’s membership as summit opens in Abuja

    The 52nd ECOWAS Heads of State and Government summit opened in Abuja on Saturday as leaders discuss Morocco’s membership of the bloc and the security situation in Guinea Bissau.

    Morocco had made its request to be a member of ECOWAS while Tunisia requested to be an observer country.

    The 51st Ordinary Session held in Monrovia, Liberia in June agreed in principle to Morocco’s membership of the sub-regional bloc and directed the commission to consider the implications of the country’s membership.

    The commission confirmed that study on the impact of Morocco’s membership was carried out and the outcome would be submitted to the Authority.

    Morocco was, however not invited for the 52nd summit.

    Its Foreign Ministry reportedly said that the country had to wait until the first quarter of 2018 to know the decision of the ECOWAS Heads of State which would be announced at an extraordinary session.

    Tunisia has, however, been granted an observer status by the authority and the commission has been further directed to take necessary measures to ensure all procedures relating to an observer status are implemented.

    The commission also confirmed that the authority called on Mauritania to submit its request for readmission to ECOWAS.

    Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Tunisian President Beji Essebsi are scheduled to make presentations as special guests at the opening session of the summit.

    The summit would also discuss the political and security situation in Guinea Bissau.

    The ECOWAS recently said its mission in Guinea Bissau had taken an “excruciating toll” on the financial resources of the sub-region.

    The ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB) made up of troops from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Togo and Niger was deployed in May 2012 following a military coup in April 2012.

    ECOMIB helped to establish a civilian-led transitional government, which ended with the election of President José Mario Vaz in a run-off in May 2014 for a five-year term.

    The international community has called on authorities of Guinea Bissau to implement the Conakry Agreement of Oct. 2016.

    The agreement is the primary framework for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in the country.

    The Heads of State went in for a closed-door session before making any statements, which is away from its usual tradition.

    The West African leaders, during the closed session, would review the reports of the 79th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers and the 39th Ordinary Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council.

    President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria is scheduled to present a welcome address at the opening of the summit followed by statements of President of the commission, Marcel de Souza.

    Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat would present statements.

    The opening address would be made by the Chairman of the Authority, President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.

    NAN reports that all 15-member states of the ECOWAS are represented at the summit.

  • Peace Corps asks court to hold IGP for contempt

    Peace Corps asks court to hold IGP for contempt

    The Peace Corps of Nigeria wants the Federal High Court, Abuja, to commit the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris to prison for alleged disregard of court orders.

    The corps in Form 48 on Contempt of Court filed on Wednesday prayed the court to jail Idris to serve as deterrent to others in position of authority.

    The contempt charge against the IGP was premised on the alleged refusal of the police to vacate the headquarters of the organisation which it sealed on Feb. 28, during its official commissioning.

    The suit was predicated on a judgment in a fundamental human rights suit delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on Nov. 9.

    Kolawale in the judgment, ordered the police to unseal the corporate head office of the corps in Abuja.

    He also ordered the police to pay the corps N12 million as damages for infringing on its rights to own property and for freedom of movement.

    Read also: Peace Corps: Why AGF should compel police to obey court order

    The suit was instituted by the National Commandant of the Corps, Mr Dickson Akoh and 49 others.

    Speaking to newsmen, Akoh said that his organisation had been pushed to the wall to institute the contempt charge against the police boss.

    “The organisation has secured seven different judgments from different courts, all barring the police from arresting detaining, harassing or intimidating our officers in the course of their lawful duties,’’ he said.

    Akoh said that his officers would not take laws into their hands but would continue to approach the court for intervention.

    NAN

  • FG pledges support for FCWC

    FG pledges support for FCWC

    The Federal Government has pledged to support the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea ( FCWC ) to achieve its goals for the benefit of the member states.

    Dr Bukar Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, conveyed the assurance at the 10th Annual Ministerial Conference on FCWC in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Ibrahim, who was represented by Mr Azeez Muyiwa, a Director in the ministry, said that the Federal Government would support the efforts of the committee to ensure that the fishery resources of the sub-region were sustainably exploited and managed.

    “Today’s annual conference is unique because the organisation is celebrating its 10th anniversary of existence.

    “The organisation’s excellent performance in fisheries management, promotion of fish trade, fight against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported ( IUU ) fishing and regional cooperation among the member countries cannot be overemphasised.

    “The conference could not have come at a more auspicious time than now that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has redirected the focus of the Nigerian economy towards agriculture.

    “Efforts at harnessing the huge potential of fisheries and aquaculture will no doubt give an added impetus to the realisation of our shared objectives in wealth creation, food and nutritional sector in the Gulf of Guinea,’’ he said.

    Ibrahim, however, urged the participants to come up with a workable document that could be used to implement fishery development programmes that would be beneficial to the sub-region.

    Read also: ‘Mechanised Farming, key to Nigeria’s food security’

    Mr Seraphin Dedi, the Secretary General of FCWC, said that if the public and private sectors and all partners in the fishery sector invested appreciable resources in fishery development projects, the sector would record significant improvement.

    “If we are able to invest enough resources in the fishery sector, we may improve the contribution of fisheries to the food security, nutrition and the development of the sub-region.

    “The fishery sector is one sector that is helping a lot in terms redistributing the value addition of the sector to the population. So, if we invest in fisheries, you are sure that it will affect the people of the region.

    “If we look at the value chain of the fishery sector, we will discover that different people are involved in the system; by investing in the sector, you can touch all these people and facilitate the development of the region,’’ he said.

    Dedi said that FCWC was the regional fisheries body that managed the fishery resources of the region which comprised six countries — Nigeria, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic.

    “We are having this meeting in Nigeria, which is the conference of ministers.

    “We use to meet once a year and move from one country to the other. Part of the focus of the current meeting is the celebration of the 10th anniversary of our existence.

    “It means for the past 10 years, we have been working together as a body, sharing our experiences and implementing measures to combat illegal fishery in the region and manage our fishery resources.

    “So after 10 years, we need to sit down and reflect on what we have done so far and how far we can go again.

    “We have noted in our past discussions that investment in fisheries is not sufficient enough.

    “So, in efforts to support our region’s development, we decided to choose `Investment for Growth and Sustainability in Fisheries in West Africa’ as the theme of this year’s conference,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Arik Air resumes flights from Abuja to Calabar, Uyo

    Arik Air resumes flights from Abuja to Calabar, Uyo

    Arik Air on Tuesday announced that it was resuming flight operations on the Abuja-Calabar and Abuja-Uyo routes from December 15.

    Its Communications Manager, Mr Ola Adebanji, disclosed this in Lagos in a statement.

    Adebanji said the airline was increasing its capacity ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations to enable customers celebrate the season with their families and friends.

    He said: “The capacity increase which will boost our key domestic routes, especially in the South East and South-South zones, takes effect from December 15 to run through January 14, 2018.

    “The main highlights of the new schedule are the resumption of Abuja to Calabar and Abuja to Uyo routes which were suspended earlier in the year.

    Read also: Arik air resumes Abuja-Accra flights July 17, says CEO

    “Arik Air will be flying daily from Abuja to Uyo and five times a week from Abuja to Calabar.

    “Similarly, the airline has increased its frequencies between Lagos to Calabar, Lagos to Uyo, Lagos to Enugu, Lagos to Owerri, Abuja to Enugu to daily flights.

    “It will operate the Lagos to Asaba route five times weekly during the period.”

    According to him, customers that want to fly Arik Air on the Lagos-Port Harcourt route now have an early morning ( 7 a.m. ) departure from Port Harcourt and late evening ( 5 p.m. ) flight from Lagos.

    Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu,  said the airline came up with the new schedules because of its love for its intending passengers.

    He said that Arik Air was aware that many Nigerians would like to seize the opportunity it offered to celebrate the Yuletide with their loved ones across the country.

    “As a caring airline, we have put measures in place to fly customers to their respective destinations during this festive season,” he said.

    NAN

  • PDP Convention: Eagle Square ready

    PDP Convention: Eagle Square ready

    Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of Saturday National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was on Friday adorned with posters of aspirants of various positions to be contested during the exercise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the public square, situated on a land measuring about five hectares, was fully draped with PDP colours of red, white, green.

    As at 6.45 p.m., Public Address System engineers and their television stations counterparts were busy installing and testing their equipment at strategic locations to ensure effective courage of the event.

    Security personnel have already been deployed to the venue and they were seen at different position in the 5,106-sitting capacity venue.

    Some officials of the organising committee of the convention were seen conducting last minute inspection of the venue.

    Some persons who refused to identify themselves took positions in a spot at the venue in a manner suggesting that they are likely to spend the night there ahead of the convention.

    The persons brandished PDP membership cards but were suspected to have come from outside Abuja and may not be delegates.

  • Expert tasks FG on renewable energy

    Expert tasks FG on renewable energy

    A Renewable Energy Expert, Mr Yomi  Kolawole, has urged the Federal Government( FG ) to create more business atmosphere that would enable the spread of renewable energy, to tackle communities without electricity.

    Kolawole, who is also Chief Executive Officer, Topain Energy Solution Ltd., Lagos, gave the advice in an interview on Friday in Lagos.

    He said that it was important to have a suitable atmosphere to accelerate the spread of renewable energy, adding that the hydro power plants had not been able to bridge the energy needs sufficiently.

    “To expedite the spread of renewable energy, government should grant five years or more tax rebates for importers and assemblers of Nigerians in the sector.

    “However, government should pass a law to compel Nigerians to patronise local producers in order to boost the sector adequately,’’ Kolawole said.

    He noted that the importance of renewable energy could not be over emphasized because of its environmental friendly nature.

    The expert added that it was disturbing that in spite the potential of renewable energy in the country, the nation’s economy could not distribute beyond 10,000 Megawatts of energy.

    “We must begin to take the immense advantage of sunlight, especially in the Northern part of the country to boost our solar energy needs.

    “Even the possibilities of wind energy are not yet harnessed enough to reduce the electricity lag in spite the potential of the sector and the presumed prospect.’’

    Despite efforts by the Federal Government to provide electricity in the country, the World Bank had said that over 80 million Nigerians had no access to electricity.

    The World Bank Country Director, Nigeria, Mr Rachid Benmessaoud, stated this at the 4th Action Learning event on Upscaling Mini Grids for low-cost and timely access to electricity.

    The occasion was organised by the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, in Abuja.

    Benmessaoud, however, said the Bank had provided $350m loan for the development of rural electrification projects in Nigeria.

    NAN