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  • Devt Commission will heal civil war wounds, say Kalu, Uzodimma, Ohanaeze

    Devt Commission will heal civil war wounds, say Kalu, Uzodimma, Ohanaeze

    There was an outpouring of gratitude by Igbo leaders yesterday over the signing into law of the South-East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill.

    They believe it will address marginalisation concerns in the region.

    House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said the President has done what his predecessors failed to do.

    Kalu noted that with the development, President Tinubu has successfully addressed the perceived post-civil war neglect of the region.

    The Deputy Speaker, who sponsored the Bill, told reporters that for about 54 years after the Civil War, no administration could actualise the post-civil war rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation policy.

    He said President Tinubu gave to the Southeast in one year what several years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominance could not provide them.

    This, he said, is even though the region gave Tinubu the least votes in the 2023 general election.

    The commission is expected to facilitate reconstruction, rehabilitation, and tackling of the Southeast’s environmental and development challenges.

    Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said: “The SEDC is established to ensure the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damages suffered by the zone, as well as tackle ecological problems, and other related environmental or development issues.

    “President Tinubu believes in building the nation on the fulcrum of fairness, equity, and unity; hence, he is committed to ensuring equitable development, inclusive governance, and the provision of qualitative services to all Nigerians – no matter where they reside, while knitting even more tightly together the national fabric.”

    Kalu said he discussed with Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, who assured him that the SEDC could address some of the issues that sparked the secessionist agitation.

    Kalu added: “It is not just a legislative victory; it is a historic milestone for the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    “The commission will receive and manage funds from the allocation of the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damages suffered by the zone as a result of the civil war.

    “It will also tackle ecological problems and other related environmental or developmental challenges in the Southeast states, including Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi.

    Read Also: Tinubu not opponent of protest but violence, says minister

    “This particular bill failed to be passed into law in the eighth and ninth National Assemblies, but like always, we are relentless in our collective drive for people-centred legislation.”

    Kalu appealed to Ndigbo not to join the planned protest.

    “Instead, let us view the signing of the SEDC bill into law as a testament to the Tinubu Administration’s resolve to heal the wounds of the past and bury the rumours of the marginalisation of the Southeast geopolitical zone,” he said.

    Ohanaeze: it’s a quantum leap

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said it received the news with immense relief and joy.

    It described the commission as “a quantum leap, a hope renewal and a significant part of a new beginning by President Tinubu”.

    A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, quoted the President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as saying he was highly elated and full of gratitude to the President.

    Ohanaeze commended Kalu and the co-sponsors of the all-important bill on their roles.

    The organisation said: “The SEDC is expected to manage funds allocated from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, and other infrastructural deficits suffered by the region due to age-long neglect.

    “The SEDC will tackle ecological problems and related environmental challenges that have devastated the Southeast for decades.

    “The SEDC will go a long way to assuage the feelings of the Igbo with respect to the 3R sophistry by General Yakubu Gowon in January 1970.

    “Gowon had assured the world that there would be three Rs: Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of the Igboland as a result of war ravages.

    “But 54 years after the war, the Southeast has witnessed the direct opposite of the 3Rs, even in exponential proportion.

    “For instance, the Southeast has the least number of local government areas, the least number of states, the least in political appointments, the least members in the House of Representatives, the least in the Senate and of course the worst in infrastructure.

    “The foregoing structures are the federal allocation tributaries that have enlarged the coast of other geopolitical zones, leaving the Southeast of Nigeria in the cold.

    “No one should, therefore, look elsewhere in the search for the persistent youth restiveness and secessionist agitations in the region.”

    Ohanaeze hopes the commission would also help to create the much-desired centrally coordinated security architecture in the zone.

    It recalled that a few days ago, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at Abikiliki, announced plans by the Federal Government to construct a 477-kilometre six-lane super highway traversing Abakiliki, Enugu, Nsukka to Abuja.

    “As it stands, President Tinubu has shown a major departure from the Buhari regime by signing the SEDC Bill into Law; appointing Sen. Umahi, a brilliant and prudent engineer as the Minister for Works, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the Chief of the Naval Staff.

    “This is a quantum leap and a new beginning,” Ohanaeze added.

    Tinubu listens, says Uzodimma

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who visited the President along with former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, welcomed the passage of the SEDC bill.

    He visited to inform the President about Anyim’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to thank him for assenting to the SEDC Bill.

    The governor said: “We used the opportunity to commend and thank him for signing into law the SEDC Bill.

    “If you recall, that bill has been there for the past God knows. Attempts to pass that bill three times failed. But Under his watch, it has become law.

    “This means he has been listening to the cries of the people of Southeast. The Southeast Governors Forum, of which I am the Chairman, is indeed very grateful.

    “We’re very happy. It means that the neglect we have been crying about for a very long time is being addressed now by the national government.

    “So, we owe all this glory to Almighty God, and to Mr. President, for being able to do this justice to our people,” Uzodimma said.

    Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial zone, Ifeanyi Ubah, hopes the commission will address development challenges and foster unity in the region

    He also commended President Tinubu for paving the way for meaningful collaboration between the Southeast and the Federal Government, hoping that it would help address the sense of injustice felt by the region.

    A former House of Representatives member, Sam Onuigbo, said the SEDC demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive development.

  • Northwest Development Commission excites Northern Senators

    Northwest Development Commission excites Northern Senators

    The Northern Senators’ Forum yesterday lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the North West Development Commission (NWDC) Bill into law.

    The Forum, in an appreciation letter by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said it was a significant step towards tackling the root causes of insecurity in the region.

    The letter reads in part: “This landmark achievement has instilled renewed confidence in your administration’s commitment to the development and prosperity of our beloved nation, particularly the Northwest region.

    “Your visionary leadership has rekindled hope for enhanced security in our zone, which has been plagued by insecurity in recent times.

    “The establishment of the North West Development Commission is a significant step towards tackling the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities.

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    “Furthermore, the Commission’s focus on addressing food shortages and boosting agricultural production will have a direct impact on the lives of our people, who have been struggling to access basic necessities.”

    The Senators believe the Tinubu Administration’s efforts to revitalise the agricultural sector will not only ensure food security but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

    Yar’Adua added: “I am also delighted that the Commission will prioritise solving the problem of out-of-school children in our region.

    “Education is the bedrock of development, and your commitment to ensuring that all Nigerian children have access to quality education is truly commendable.

    “Moreover, the revival of the cotton industry in the North, which was once a thriving sector, will have a significant impact on our economy.”

  • Commission hails Ajeromi-Ifelodun

    Commission hails Ajeromi-Ifelodun

    The Chairman of Lagos State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Kamal Bayewu, has commended the Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Fatai Ayoola, for his administration’s achievements in staff welfare, revenue generation and ensuring unity among political office holders and members of the staff.

    Bayewu emphasised the importance of revenue generation for the growth of the local government and encouraged the staff to improve on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    He hailed the staff for their contributions and announced that Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government is rated number one in staff welfare among all 46 local councils visited so far.

    The commission boss urged staff to respect posting, which is meant to allow staff to gather more experience and improve themselves, noting that it was not to witch-hunt or punish any staff.

    He also announced that the 10-year stay in a particular local government has been reduced to seven years.

    Read Also: No need for protest because I’ve heard your call – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    He directed the Human Resources Officer to query absent staff without permission, emphasising the importance of discipline and regularity.

    Ayoola requested capacity building for legal officers to enhance their service delivery.

    He assured the staff that their welfare will continue to be a priority and commended them for their hard work.

    Vice Chairman Lucky Uduikhue, appreciated the commission’s visit and emphasised the importance of unity between political office holders and civil servants.

    The commission’s Permanent Secretary,  Mrs. Oluwakemi Abosede Judge, represented by Mr. Ogabi Samson, admonished staff to prioritise their health and take advantage of the staff clinic.

  • Commission, NSUK partner to commence migration, humanitarian study

    Commission, NSUK partner to commence migration, humanitarian study

    The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the Nasarawa State University Keffi have disclosed readiness to partner to commence research on migration and humanitarian development.

    The federal commissioner of the commission, Tijani Ahmed said the study would guide migrants and young people who travel out of the country in search of greener pastures.

    He also explained that undertaking the study will reduce cases of death, maltreatment and other ills associated with irregular methods of migration. 

    He disclosed this in Keffi, Nasarawa State while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the university to partner in the establishment of the International Centre of Excellence for Migration and Humanitarian Development Studies (ICEMIDS).

    On the essence of the partnership, he said: “We are here to sign an MoU with the Nasarawa State University to protect migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons.

    “Today in Nigeria, many of our youths leave the country for greener pastures. Some of them go through the irregular method and some through the regular methods.

    Read Also: Commissioner urges youths on contribution to science and tech

    “So many of our youths die across the oceans all in a bid to go through the irregular route. So, we want to give them the knowledge and understanding of how to go about things because migration is very important for both the country and the participants but the need for them to go through the regular means is absolutely necessary and one of the ways to catch them young and to get them informed is the university.

    “The university will give them the knowledge for them to understand the processes so they don’t fall into the wrong hands.”

    Ahmed while stating that the study will commence as research, added that it may go into full academic activity in the future.

  • Commission debunks allegations

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied the claims by the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) that it is working for the opposition People’s Democracy Party (PDP).

    Besides, INEC said the exclusion of APC Zamfara was purely a judicial matter and not a decision of the commission.

    Reacting to the allegations raised by the APC, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said there was no truth in the allegations.

    He added that the commission was not a political party and did not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

    Read also: BEDC holds safety campaigns in Edo

    He stated that the commission’s responsibilities are to provide a level-playing field for all registered political parties and conduct  free, fair and transparent elections.

    “It is not true that INEC is working hand in gloves with any political party to do the wrong things. The issue of Zamfara and Rivers are well known. In the case of Zamfara, the commission had written to the APC leadership to notify it that, due to its inability to conduct its primaries in Zamfara State within the stipulated time as required by the law, the party cannot field candidates for the governorship election. Thereafter, two cases were instituted in court resulting in two rulings, which were delivered the same day. The commission then adopted one of the rulings.

    “In the case of Rivers, it was the Supreme Court that took a final decision on the fate of APC. Therefore, both cases were purely judicial and INEC, being a law abiding institution, will always obey court orders/judgment.

    “The commission is not a political party and does not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

  • Summit recommends Commission to stop farmers/herders clashes

    A Federal Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission to address the prevalent farmers-herders crises should be set up, stakeholders said yesterday in Abuja.

    It was at the two-day summit, organised by The Nation and Television Continental (TVC). It attracted major stakeholders, including lawmakers, religious leaders, breeders, farmers, traditional rulers, academics, state governments, security agencies, members of the diplomatic community and notable leaders of thought.

    On the final day yesterday Emir of Kano Muhhammad Sanusi 11 urged the various levels of government to make budgetary provision for the maintenance of grazing reserves and stock routes.

    Represented by Prof Isa Hashim, the Jarman Kano, Emir Sanusi said:  “The three levels of government should provide enough funds through our budgets for the maintenance of our stock. This is what will help us to have an enduring peace in our country. The entire nation needs peace.”

    Dr. Saleh Umale of the Kaduna State Peace Commission described the farmers-herders crises as long foretold.

    He identified the improvement of the livelihoods of Nigeria’s rural communities as key to the search for peace.

    “We need to embrace peace. We are facing crises in the land and we have allowed our minds to be polluted in different communities. We do not have Fulani land like others. We need to support our rural communities. We have to develop in line with other societies.

    “The Nigerian pastoral sector is in crisis. Nigerians in rural areas especially at the northern part of the country are the ones facing the crisis.

    The communique urged the government to strengthen security so that farmers and herders would feel safe.

    It also prescribed that grazing reserves should be embraced, beginning with consenting states.

    The communiqué, which was read by Dr. Kayode Samuel,  said: “Two of Nigeria’s leading media organisations – The Nation and Television Continental (TVC) jointly convened a two-day National Summit on Conflict Resolution at the Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja on 8-9 October 2018.

    “The Summit was conceived as an open forum to promote frank exchange of ideas on burning issues of national and international concern, with particular regard to the herdsmen-farmers clashes across the country, with a view to seeking workable and enduring solutions.

    “Government should set up a Federal Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission.

    “There is a need to strengthen security arrangements to make both farmers and herders feel safe and to isolate the criminal elements.

    “There is a need to resuscitate and massively fund the various river basin authorities especially in the north to enable growth of grass for animal grazing to minimize nomadic mobility across the country.

    “Conflict mediation and peace building mechanisms must be put in place and avenues for constant dialogue between farmers and herders should be promoted.

    “There is a need to embrace Climate Smart Agriculture that sustains both crop farming and animal breeding could provide a way out of the present crisis.

    “The proposal for grazing reserves should be embraced, beginning with consenting states while the old bonds that encouraged cooperation need to be built upon.

    “A comprehensive approach to addressing the environmental factors that drive herders southwards must be explored.

    According to the communiqué, three discussants of the keynote address, Prof. Biodun Adeloye, Prof. N.A. Gworgwor and Dr. Eustace Iyayi also offered their perspectives. “They spoke of the need to modify nomadism to the advantage of the practitioners and counseled that the nomad needs to combine tilling with nomadism by producing crops like maize on which to nurture their herd.” Other specific recommendations include:

    The communiqué added: “Governments should draw up implementation timelines for whatever suggestions are proffered for a more harmonious farmers-herders relationship.

    • Laws to protect the environment should be enacted and effectively implemented for the benefit of all stakeholders.
    • Massive education that emphasizes the value of combining crop farming with animal husbandry.
    • Need to transform grazing reserves into ranches building on models that already exist worldwide

  • INEC seeks electoral offences commission, tribunal before 2019 poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly and other stakeholders to expedite action on the bill to establish the National Electoral Offences Commission/Tribunal ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    This is just as the Commission said it recorded 1,080 cases of electoral offences arising from the 2015 general elections and subsequent bye-elections.

    He  stated that 124 of the cases were filed and 60 convictions secured in various courts across the country.

    INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu broke the news yesterday in a memorandum he submitted to the Senate joint committee on INEC and the Judiciary.

    Yakubu expressed dismay that reports of the Electoral Reform Committee (the Uwais Report) 2008, and the Post-election Violence (Lemu Report) 2011 have been left to gather dusts on the shelves.

    According to the INEC chair, the two reports had recommended the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission/Tribunal to address all forms of electoral violence and impunity that have continued to undermine the stability of the nation’s electoral democracy.

    Yakubu bemoaned the fact that though it has the powers to prosecute, INEC lacked the powers to effect the arrest of electoral offenders, a situation he said, has continued to hamper effective prosecution of offenders.

    He said: “While the Uwais Report was transmitted by the executive to the National Assembly in 2010, the White Paper on recommendations of the Lemu Report directed the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of Justice to take steps towards the establishment of the Electoral Offences Tribunal.

    “Nearly a decade later, there has been no legislative action on these aspects of the recommendations of the Uwais and Lemu reports, making the present effort by the Senate and the concurrent effort by the House of Representatives a welcome development.

    “The failure to systematically and consistently enforce sanctions has encouraged impunity and the violence that often characterised electoral contest in Nigeria, thereby subverting the will of the people and undermining the nation’s electoral democracy.

    “At present, INEC is saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting electoral offender. Section 150(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) empowered INEC prosecute electoral offenders through its legal officers or any legal practitioner appointed by it without the powers to arrest and investigate thus depending on the police for this purpose.

    “Without the capacity to make arrest and investigate violations, the prosecutorial role is severely hampered. INEC cannot effectively focus on this role given its other variegated responsibilities under the Constitution  and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended)”.

    Chairman of the Senate committee on INEC, Senator Suleiman Nazif noted that over the years, statistics showed that the various electoral offences and crimes orchestrated by politicians have cast shadows over the nation’s electoral process.

    “Subsequently, due to human dynamics, crimes and offences of election tend to evolve. Therefore, we must look beyond the usual offences and into new trends of wider social electoral offences and crimes that have evaded justice for too long’’Senator Nazif said.,

  • Commission partners NESG on infrastructure

    The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the accelerated delivery of infrastructure in Nigeria through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

    According to them, the MoU reflects the appreciation of the roles of the ICRC and the private sector in addressing Nigeria’s huge infrastructure deficit.

    They believe it will create an enabling environment to attract local and foreign private capital to infrastructure projects in the country.

    The areas for collaboration between the parties include the convening of public-private dialogues on infrastructure and associated policy advocacy programmes.

    Both parties will also work together on infrastructure and PPP policy analysis as well as strategy development, capacity building and the engagement of the government, private sector, and civil society on infrastructure, PPP issues and economic policies.

    NESG Chief Executive Officer Mr Laoye Jaiyeola said: “The NESG is delighted with the platform created by this MoU for Nigeria’s private sector to work with the regulator of the PPP endeavours of the Federal Government to catalyse PPPs in our country.

    “We are optimistic that this platform will help create the framework for private capital to flow into infrastructure projects under the PPP model by analysing challenges and advocating for the implementation of the required policy reforms.”

    The shortage of infrastructure such as roads, rail lines, ports, and electricity, is a major challenge impeding Nigeria’s growth and development, said ICRC acting Director General Chidi Izuwah.

    According to him, Nigeria requires over $100billion over the next six years to provide quality oil and gas, power, road and rail infrastructure.

    NESG is a private sector led think-tank organisation that promotes sustainable growth and development in the Nigerian economy.

    It is a not-for profit/non-partisan organisation with a mandate to promote and champion the reform of the Nigerian economy into an open, private sector-led economy that is globally competitive on a sustainable basis.

    Over the years, it has emerged as the leading platform for public-private dialogue in Nigeria.

    The ICRC was established to help  PPP endeavours of the Federal government. The Commission develops and issues guidelines on PPP policies, processes and procedures; works closely with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to identify potential PPP projects to enable the participation of the private sector in line with international best practices.

    The Commission takes custody of PPP contracts, acts as the interface with the private sector to promote communication on national PPP policies and programmes; collaborates with State Governments to promote an orderly and harmonised framework for development of infrastructure, and accelerates market development for PPP projects

     

  • Ambode inaugurates boards of Sports Trust Fund, commission

    Ambode inaugurates boards of Sports Trust Fund, commission

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said the collaboration of key stakeholders is need to achieve the desired goal for sports administration and development in the country.

    The governor said funding of sports should not be the exclusive preserve of government.

    Ambode spoke yesterday in Ikeja, the state capital, while inaugurating the boards of the state Sports Commission and the Sports Trust Fund.

    While the trust fund is chaired by former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, the Sports Commission is to be headed by seasoned sports administrator, Dr Kweku Adedayo Tandoh.

    Other members of the Trust Fund are: Olaposi Agunbiade (Executive Secretary), Dr Enitan Oshodi, Oladipo Awe, Adekoyejo Adejumo, Segun Odusanya, Akindele Ogunlana, Kweku Tandoh, Babatunde Bank-Anthony, Moyosore Ogunseinde, Professor Ademola Abass, Fola Padonu and Omolola Essien.

    Members of the Sports Commission are: Babatunde Bank-Anthony (Director General), Olaposi Agunbiade (Executive Secretary), Gboyega Edu, Toyin Okenla-Ojeaga, Prince Fatai Olukunga, Abdulazeez Tijani, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, Oluseyi Akinwunmi, Bolaji Adeniji-Adele and Gbenga Kuye.

    The governor emphasised the need for the private sector to partner the government to invest in sports development, especially in training talents that abound in the country as well as putting necessary infrastructure in place.

    He said: “I want to reiterate our commitment to the Sports sector and the need for collaboration between the government and all sports stakeholders in the state.

    “In achieving our vision in sports, it is our belief that the funding of sports should not be the responsibility of government alone. This informed the establishment of the Sports Trust Fund, whose mandate is primarily to interface with the private and public sectors to raise funds for sports development.

    “Funds raised through the Sports Trust Fund would be utilised for various aspects of sports development on the recommendation and advice of the Sports Commission.”

    The State Sports Commission is to upgrade and maintain various sports facilities, develop strategic plans for sports development, identify and create new locations for development of community sports facilities and oversee the activities of all the sports associations in the state.

    It is also to ensure grassroots sports development as well as capacity building for sports administrators, sports officers, coaches and athletes.

     

  • Brokers seek different commission rates

    Brokers seek different commission rates

    There must be a difference in commission rates and other benefits that accrue to brokers from other intermediaries in insurance transactions, Nigerian Council Of Registered Insurance Brokers President, Shola Tinubu, has said.

    He said this would justify the remarkable differentiation in their competencies and experience compared to other intermediaries.

    Insurance intermediaries facilitate the placement and purchase of insurance, and provide services to insurance companies and consumers that complement the insurance placement process.  Traditionally, insurance intermediaries have been categorised as either insurance agents brokers. The distinction between the two relates to the manner in which they function in the marketplace.

    Tinubu, who spoke at the December Edition of the Members’ Evening of the Council, hosted by AIICO Insurance Plc in Lagos, said the differential must be made if at all, underwriters would transact business with other intermediaries in the industry.

    He said the Council’s relationship with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is progressive to create a more harmonious professional and business environment for their members.

    He said: “The issue of timely response to mails, both by NAICOM and Brokers to ensure that issues were resolved timeously, were highlighted. Furthermore, collaboration by the two bodies in training of Brokers, particularly in regulatory compliance to mitigate fees and penalties often slammed on them, was extensively discussed.

    “It is my desire that we continue to parley NAICOM for our members and continually put in place  strategies to promote self-regulation by the Council. We greatly covet the support of all members in this regards. Our slogan is: self regulation for self respect

    Our team will assiduously work on effective collaboration with the relevant publics and stakeholders, especially those whose activities have significant impact on the operations and image of the Broker.

    He said agitation of members in this regard is not wrongly placed, considering the challenges they face on all ends, adding that this has necessitated  immediate collective solution from the Council.

    “In addressing this, our team would be quite strategic in first identifying, in clear terms the immediate and future challenges threatening brokers.