The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bello

  • 80% imported goods under declared, says Bello

    80% imported goods under declared, says Bello

    About 80 per cent of the goods imported through the ports are under-declared, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, has said.

    Bello, who spoke at an interactive session with re[porters in Lagos, said the country is losing billions of naira in revenue, adding that the only solution to under-disclosure of items, is the automation of the ports.

    He said the NSC is devoting about N1billion and its energyin automating the clearing of goods process, stressing that shipping business is key to the economic prosperity of the countyr and should not be treated as a child play.

    Bello said as the Port Regulator,  the  NSC, has  drafted positive reforms that would benefit all the players in shipping business, saying the measures are intended to make the ports attractive to others  and competitive with their counterparts  in the West African coast.

    He said: “Statistics have shown that the volume of Nigeria’s trade is about 180 million tons of sea borne cargo per annum. Annual freight generated by this trade is about $6.8 billion. More than 80 per cent of this is earned by foreign firms and the bulk of it is remitted out of this Country to the detriment of our economy.”

    He said other agencies, such as the Nigeria Ports Authority(NPA), Nigerian Customs Service (NSC) and the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), have already gone far in the automation of their operations across the  ports, adding that the automation process, if  fully implemented will attract more revenue, bring transparency and reduce congestion at the ports.

    The NSC chief said already talks are on by the Council, in conjunction with the Lagos State government and other stakeholders to strategise on ways and means to decongest the access roads to the ports.

    He said very soon there would be recapitalisation of the freight forwarders to have few but effective agents at the ports, assuring that the rickety trucks plying the routes would have no space in the ports as the Council is going to work with the truck owners to pick the best among them for operation.

    He said another way to make the ports attractive was to reduce the  terminal charges which is the highest among its pairs.

    The reforms by the council, Bello disclosed, are to  ensure the refund of container deposit within 10 working days, make sure shipping companies have operational holding bays, guarantee evacuation of empty containers from the seaport within 14 days, and  set up  service standard in line with international best practices ,as well as benchmark rates to discourage arbitrariness in charges.

     

  • Wada’s supporters declare for Bello

    Many supporters of former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada have pledged their support for Governor Yahaya Bello.

    The supporters, including some former chairmen and commissioners in Wada’s administration, trooped to Ogugu in Olamaboro Local Government to identify with the Chief of Staff to the governor, Edward Onoja, who was hosted by the Ogugu Development Initiative (OGI) for his appointment.

    One of Wada’s supporters, who pleaded for anonymity, said the judgments from the tribunal and Court of Appeal have shown that Bello is God-sent. He said they could not continue in the opposition and lose everything, hence, their support of Bello’s government.

    Coordinator of OGI Mr. Gabriel Akor thanked Bello for the honour done to the community. “United for a common cause, irrespective of our political divide, we have resolved to promote our rich cultural heritage and improve in agriculture, health, education, youth and women empowerment and skill acquisition.”

  • Amosun, Bello congratulate Oyegun at 77

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his Niger State counterpart, Sani Bello have congratulated national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) John Odigie- Oyegun for clocking 77 last Friday.

    Paying tributes to Oyegun, Amosun said: “Your life has been an eventful one with innumerable achievements in many spheres, especially, in the public sector, where you have made significant impact.

    “In addition to this, the nation’s political landscape has benefitted immensely from your active participation, especially, when you served as the first executive governor of Edo State and in the build-up to the formation of our great party, APC.”

    Amosun continued: “On this occasion of your birthday, we join you in celebrating the abundant grace of God on you and your family.

    “It is my prayer that the Almighty God will preserve you for many more years, in good health and sound mind so that you can continue to make significant contributions to the overall development of our party, in particular and Nigeria in general.”

    Bello described Odigie-Oyegun as a humble and perfect gentleman whose fatherly role has impacted positively on the party and its governors.

    The governor said Oyegun’s leadership has impacted positively on the party and given it a sense of direction.

    According to him: “He is like a father to most of us and he is a gentleman, perfect gentleman; I think that is what I want to say about him”.

  • Bello directs reopening of state varsity

    Bello directs reopening of state varsity

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has directed that the Kogi State University, Anyigba, be reopened next Monday.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, directed the Vice Chancellor to reopen the school, after a three-month strike by its Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    The governor said having met the “major” demands of the lecturers, they are expected to return to classes.

    He said his government will continue to place premium on education, and urged the heads of tertiary institutions in the state to deepen the culture of patriotism and hard work among staff.

    The heads of the tertiary institutions thanked the governor for offsetting four months salary arrears owed by the previous administration. They said the gesture was a sign of his commitment to tertiary education.

  • Bello promises adequate security

    Bello promises adequate security

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has assured the people of security, promising that the government will not renege on its promises.

    Speaking after the Eid-el-Fitri prayers in Okene yesterday, Bello said security agents were fully mobilised to deal with any form of violence.

    Noting that the security situation had improved since he assumed duty, Bello said criminals will no longer have a hiding place in Kogi.

    Bello empathised with workers, whose salary had not been paid, saying the issue will soon be a thing of the past.

    The delay, he noted, was caused by the screening, which he said was aimed at eliminating ghosts from the government payroll.

    He urged the people to support his administration to develop the state.

  • Our leaders will solve economic problems, says Bello

    Our leaders will solve economic problems, says Bello

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has reiterated his belief in the ability of leaders to solve the economic challenges facing the country.

    According to him, the economic hardship facing the country would soon be a thing of the past.

    The governor spoke yesterday shortly after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Minna praying ground.

    His words: “The economic situation is a phase that will soon be history. Our leaders are committed to finding lasting solutions to the hardship.

    “For us in Niger, we are fashioning programmes and policies that will bail us out of the woods, set the state on a threshold of economic buoyancy and put it on a sound economic pedestal. Sooner than expected, our economy shall bounce back.”

    Bello urged Nigerians to remain prayerful and commit their leaders to Allah’s guidance and wisdom to enable them proffer enduring solutions to the country’s economic predicament.

    Former Head of State General Abdulsalam Abubakar, in his goodwill message, prayed for the continued peace in the country, even as he called on Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of Ramadan, which he said hinged on peace and sacrifice.

  • Tribunal dismisses LP’s petition against Bello

    Tribunal dismisses LP’s petition against Bello

    The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the petition filed by the Labour Party against the election of Governor Yahaya Bello for failing to substantiate its claims.

    Chairman Justice Halima Muhammad dismissed the petition, saying it lacked merit. According to her, there were not enough evidences to prove the allegations in the petition.

    Justice Muhammad said the evidence given by a witness that the petitioner did not write a report after monitoring the election, closed the case.

    She added that the allegation of corrupt practices during the election could not be substantiated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Labour Party alleged that there were irregularities in the conduct of the Kogi governorship election in 2015. It also alleged that Governor Bello, the first respondent, was not validly elected and that his election was not conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act.

    It said Bello did not participate in all the stages of the election, had no running mate and had no valid nomination from his party.

    Reacting to the judgment, Counsel to Labour Party, Mr. Reuben Egwuaba said the party would study the judgment and file a notice of appeal.

    “The constitutional qualification of Governor Bello is not grounded in law; we will study the judgment and file a notice of appeal,” he said.

  • Bello raises panel to investigate Pandogari crisis

    Bello raises panel to investigate Pandogari crisis

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello has set up a panel to investigate the Pandogari crisis. He promised that the culprits will not be spared.

    Bello addressed reporters after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The crisis, he said, had been managed.

    His words: “The situation was unfortunate in Pandogari; I think someone posted some blasphemous stories about the Prophet and you know the sensitive nature of religion; one person was killed in the crisis.

    “It was later that we heard that security forces shot a civilian and three or four people died.

    “We have instituted an investigative panel so that we can address the situation. The Deputy Governor and my team are there at the moment, the situation is now calm.

    “We will await the outcome of the investigation so that we can avoid a recurrence.

    “This is unacceptable and whoever is involved will be punished.”

    On whether his administration will probe the previous administration, governor Bello said ongoing investigations has recovered some pension funds that were misappropriated.

    Though not much, he said the investigation was still on.

    “I believe the team has met with the former governor, I don’t want to interfere with their investigations.”

  • Letter to Gov Bello on Kogi Assembly crisis

    I am constrained to write to you again on the Kogi Assembly crisis in view of the recent pronouncement by the Federal High Court and my conviction that the confusion in the House is your creation. Over time, Mr. Governor, you have feigned ignorance by living in self-denial that all is well when it is obvious even to the blind that the concocted confusion was to an ignoble end.

    Unparalleled profligacy have been witnessed under your watch and this is possible because of the absurd situation in the Assembly wherein a new mathematical inequality formula invented by some people in Kogi makes five greater than 15.

    The judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja on this issue provides a window of opportunity for you to save face by doing the needful to pave way for peace. Engaging in or abetting any act that will prolong this crisis will amount to callousness which is unexpected of any occupier of your office.

    The insane atmosphere in the Assembly must evaporate if you hope for any legitimate activity in your government especially any that emanates from the legislative decisions of the interlopers that the Federal High Court sent packing with its judgment of 19th May, 2016.

    The legislative rascality the state is being insulted with must end now with no provision for injury time. Enough is enough because nothing meaningful can be achieved in terms of development if the crisis persists.

    Despite your claim of not having a hand in the crisis, the conundrum is engraved with your whole body and its about time you put an end to it. Contrary to the claims of your aides, the security situation in Kogi State worsens with the break of each dawn and it will not be out of place to ask of what use the outrageous amount you have drawn as security fund so far have been put to. Kidnapping and killings are more rampart with only the high profile cases getting attention.

    The latest abduction for ransom of two judiciary staff in the state is a true reflection of the precarious security situation under your watch. A government that is unable to guarantee the safety of life and property of its citizens has failed in the most basic of its responsibilities.

    Every facet of life in Kogi State requires focused attention to tackle the myriad of challenges facing the state. In addition, the current arbitrary and mundane disposition of your administration to governance is really sad; the more reason why continued bickering in the House of Assembly is a disservice to the state.

    Your utterances and actions are indicative of your disposition on this issue which regrettably is not in the interest of the state. Rendering the state assembly ineffective to perform its duties is not in your interest and those telling you anything contrary seek your failure and eventual political destruction.

    Remember, that everything in life is ephemeral just as life itself is transient and this should guide you as you steer the ship of state. Your goal should be what you will be remembered for no matter the duration of your tenure. I sincerely hope you will not have cause to recollect this correspondence with regret and an accompanying, “had I known”.

    I pray Allah, SWT will grant you the grace to tread the path of truth and integrity. Please practice what you proclaim and preach henceforth as any contrary conduct on your part is nothing but recipe for anguish and sorrow after the present envelope of immunity is torn and your tenure is exposed to forensic scrutiny.

     

    • By Olalekan AiyenigbaIyara, Kogi State.
  • Relocate from Kogi, Bello warns kidnappers

    Relocate from Kogi, Bello warns kidnappers

    Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has declared war on kidnappers and cultists in the state. He warned kidnappers and other undesirable elements to relocate.

    The governor spoke at the weekend in Lokoja following the abduction of the traditional ruler of Elete community in Ajaokuta local government area, Chief Aminu Ahmed.

    The monarch was reportedly kidnapped last Friday by suspected hoodlums on the Ajaokuta-Lokoja road while returning from Adogo around 9pm.

    Governor Bello noted that efforts to reduce crime were yielding positive result, and vowed to ensure that those behind the dastardly acts are fished out and prosecuted.

    Bello, who hinted that he donated 12 operational vehicles to the law enforcement agencies to combat crime, urged them to step up action by embarking on the aggressive manhunt of criminals.

    He admonished communities to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the law enforcement agencies.