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Tag: condemn

  • Reps condemn lottery operators for N1.5 tr loss

    • Threaten licence withdrawal

    The House of Representatives has expressed disappointment with the inability of the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to regulate the sector effectively.

    There are 21 licensed operators  currently running the sector in the country following the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The lawmakers blamed the loss of over N1.493 trillion by the country on the failure of the Commission to carry out its responsibilities diligently.

    The House has consequently threatened lottery  operators found culpable of non remittance of their dues with the withdrawal of their licenses.

    The Commission has however cited lack of effective regulation in the industry as a major contributory factor for the abysmal revenue drive.

    The acting Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Bello Maigari, while appearing before House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs regretted that the sector has over the years failed to meet its set revenue  target.

    According to him, of the estimated revenue target of N1.5 trillion, the sector could only generate N7b in 13 years.

    Noting  that lottery and gaming businesses have continued to flourish without proper regulation in the country, Maigari said the Nigerian lottery market according to industry experts is the most attractive market in Africa.

    He said: “The industry is worth over N1.5 trillion as we speak. Lottery has significantly contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many countries across the continent and about 7.5 million and 22 million Nigerians engage in lottery and sport betting daily.?

    “Records at our disposal indicates that cumulative returns of about 5 years stood at about 7.2 billion and this is unacceptable in a nation with so much potential like Nigeria”.

    He however regretted that conflict of interest, sharp practices, sabotage among others as factors are militating against the revenue growth from the industry in Nigeria.

    “This has giving dubios businessmen and agents the latitude to undermine government interest,” he added.?

    On his part, the Director General (DG) of NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila said outdated lottery laws has contributed to the stunted growth of  the sector in the country.

    He however explained that his commission is poised to raise the sector to international standard, “A lot has been said about the sector  which I concur with, and we still have lots of work to do, as our laws are outdated and need to be rejigged.”

    “We need this House, especialy the committee to help us in updating the lottery and gaming laws, they are outdated and a lot of things are going on out there that need to be tapped into using enabling legialtions.”

    “However, as regulators, we are putting some checks and balances in place as the way the industry was run before wasn’t proper,” he noted.?

    While declaring open the hearing, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, in terms of income generation rated the country’s lottery sector higher than other sectors after oil and gas, Customs and Excise and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

    The Committee assured that all necessary legislative action would be taken to bring to book all operators found culpable to have shortchanged the country.

    Committee Chairman, Oseni Kangiwa said the responsibility to ensure the robustness of the sector lies on NLRC for effective regulatory framework and standards  for the operators.

  • Artistes shouldn’t condemn each other’s work – AY

    Artistes shouldn’t condemn each other’s work – AY

    Popular comedian and actor, Ayo Makun, known as AY has called on artistes to stop condemning each other’s album but rather work together to make a better and creative music to the enjoyment of fans.

    The comedian who pointed out this on his Instagram said it was good seeing top artistes Wizkid and Davido perform together after their long overdue feud.

    He wrote, “It was so good to see @davidoofficial and @wizkidayo perform together last night… Anyway, I think our artistes should not be condemning each other’s albums. They should look forward to creating better music that will make us dance. So all of you fighting yourselves. una don see now? Can’t wait to see @wizkidayo in @davidoofficial concert too…”

    Following a year of reported ‘fights’ between the duo, Wizkid made the first move by inviting Davido to share the stage as they performed ‘FIA’ when he held his concert on December 24, 2017 at the Eko Hotel Convention Center, Lagos.

    The reunion was praised by fans and Davido reciprocated the gesture when he invited Wizkid to also grace his 30Billion Tour concert also at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

  • Abia Warriors condemn fans behaviour

    Abia Warriors condemn fans behaviour

     Accuse IfeanyiUbah supporters of violence

    Premier league side, Abia warriors Football Club of Umuahia, have condemned, in strong terms, the minor skirmishes that followed the club’s 1-1 draw with visiting oriental brothers, FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Umuahia Township Stadium and accused the opposing fans of engineering the violence.

    In a statement issued in Umuahia after the club’s emergency management meeting, Abia Warriors recalled that the Umuahia Township Stadium has remained the most peaceful venue in the country as no violence has ever been recorded at the arena in the history of Nigerian Football before, during or after any match no matter the result recorded.

    The club noted that FC Ifeanyi Ubah had come to Umuahia with thousands of their fans and were the ones that started a fight even at half time when their goalkeeper beat up a ball boy for an inexplicable reason and after the game in order to indict Abia Warriors Football Club.

    “We have lost some games and drawn others at the Umuahia Township Stadium this season and nothing happened after those matches despite the provocation by some of the officials, so what is the big deal about the draw with Ifeanyi Ubah?” the statement queried.

    Abia Warriors called on the league Management Company to monitor the activities of the officials that handle league matches at this critical period of the season in order to ensure fairness to all the clubs and so that the league will not be brought into disrepute through the activities of some overzealous referees.

     

  • 14 parties condemn electoral ‘fraud’ in Southern Ijaw

    Fourteen parties, which participated in last Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State, have condemned what they call an electoral fraud in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

    The parties addressed reporters yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital, after an emergency meeting.

    They include Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Congress Party (ACP), Kowa Party (KP), Independent Democrats (ID), Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN).

    Their spokesman and ID’s candidate, Prince Elemah, read the communique at the end of their meeting.

    He said: “…We condemn and vehemently oppose the use of thugs, militants, military personnel and other means to intimidate, oppress, hijack and steal Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) electoral materials for the purpose of the election.

    “We totally condemn …electoral the fraud that characterised the exercise in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where INEC personnel and materials were hijacked by hoodlums through the instrumentality of the security operatives to harass, intimidate and dehumanise the electorate, our agents and party members.

    “That the election in Sagbama, Ekeremor, Ogbia, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Yenagoa and Nembe was relatively peaceful, fair and credible.

    “That the initial skirmishes reported in Nembe and Ekeremor were brought under control after the intervention of security agencies to allow for the conduct of the exercise.

    “That the massive and monumental fraud, rigging, outright stealing of electoral materials and open attempt to overrun the INEC office by militants, thugs and agents of a particular party in Oporoma and Amassoma were reported.

    “We are aware that some military personnel colluded with militants and criminal elements loyal to a particular party to snatch electoral materials, thereby compromising the electoral process.

    “We are also aware that some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were held hostage in some areas and forced to make entries in favour of a particular party.”

     

  • Saraki, Dogara condemn Yola blast

    Saraki, Dogara condemn Yola blast

    Senate Presidents  Bukola Saraki, and Speaker Yakubu Dogara have expressed anguish over the bomb explosion that reportedly killed 14 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and injured 13 others in the Malkohi camp in Yola, Adamawa State.

    The Senate President, in a statement from his media office, condemned the Yola blast in strong terms, saying the inhuman act could only have been perpetrated by sadists and evil people facing imminent defeat.

    He said: “My prayers go out to the victims of the attacks at the largest IDPs camp located in Yola.

    “The IDPs in the north-east need our support now more than ever. The insurgents have resorted to cowardly methods because they are being routed by our military.

    “We must continue to pray for the success of the ongoing military efforts against the insurgents.

    “We urge the military to remain resolute and focused because we are definitely witnessing the last days of Boko Haram in our country.”

    He called on security agencies and Nigerians to increase their vigilance and prevent Boko Haram renegades from taking cover in their midst to carry out such dastardly acts in future.

    Dogara described the blast as the highest form of evil.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker expressed concern over bombing of IDPs` camp.

    While condoling with the families of the victims, government and people of Adamawa State over the sad incident, he tasked security agencies to provide adequate protection for the vulnerable people.

    According to the Speaker: “The attack has shown that Boko Haram terrorists are desperately trying to instill fear in the minds of the public even when their capacity has been sufficiently weakened and almost conquered by the military as a result of the ongoing onslaught by the security forces.

    “I also want to use this medium to reassure our citizens that sooner, rather than later Boko Haram would be routed and peace restored in the north East.

    “I commend the recent successes recorded by the Nigerian military in recovering lost grounds and I urge them to sustain the momentum until Nigeria is cleared of all terrorists groups.”

  • Nigerians condemn Damaturu blasts

    Some Nigerians have expressed shock over the bomb blasts that rocked Damaturu, the Yobe capital, on Friday, leaving many casualities in its trail.

    The respondents, in separate interviews with reporters in Abuja, described the incident as unfortunate, adding that it had ruined the celebratory mood across the land.

    One of the respondents, Mr Musa Salihu, while condemning the act, described the bombing of innocent citizens on a day millions of Muslims faithful across the world were in celebration as a dastardly act that must attract the rebuke of all peace-loving Nigerians.

    “These acts of violence against innocent citizens are an unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom; Nigerians must stand as one.

    “The reason I went out to vote was for the peace of Nigeria; I am not saying the President is slow at his duty but, I am saying that he should have a better idea to curb the violence.”

    In her reaction, Mrs Mario Aliyu, expressed her condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the attacks.

    “I am surprised that we still have the problem of Boko haram in Nigeria; last sallah, I and my family were almost victims.

    “There is the need for the Federal Government to reassure all Nigerians of its determination to bring to justice all the perpetrators of today’s acts of violence,” Aliyu said.

    Mr Dada Olayiwola condemned the blast, saying that “the jihadist group that wants to create an Islamic caliphate in northern Nigeria are enemies of the country.”

    “Nigerians must understand the game they are playing and they will fail because nobody can divide us in this country.” he said

    It will be recalled that the bomb occurred in the Gwange area as the Muslim faithful prepared to go to the Eid ground for prayers.

  • Ex-governors condemn impunity in Ekiti

    Three former Ekiti State governors – Adeniyi Adebayo, Olusegun Oni and Kayode Fayemi– have condemned the increasing violence and impunity allegedly unleashed on the state by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government.

    The former governors, in a joint statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, deplored the invasion by hoodlums of the homes of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP            members opposed to the political philosophy of Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The hoodlums, according to them, are going about in three unmarked Hilux vehicles armed with weapons with which they are harrassing their targets.

    They declared that they won’t tolerate unprovoked attacks on members of their party and the public by government-sponsored thugs.

    The statesmen said the most recent attack was the beating and torture of the 90-year-old father of a former commissioner for finance, Dapo Kolawole.

    The statement reads: “The hoodlums destroyed shops and property, including cars, belonging to some PDP members because of their perceived opposition to Fayose.

    “This came barely 48 hours after we visited the commissioner of police and the director of the Department of State Security (DSS) on the security situation in the state.

    “We urge security chiefs to prevail on the governor to end the impunity, thuggery, brigandage, political rascality and torture.

    “We had warned that if push comes to shove, the party and all well-meaning people will resort to self-help to protect themselves, their assets and their rights.

    “During the visit of the APC vice-presidential candidate to Ekiti on Monday, party members going to the reception venue in Buhari/Osinbajo and APC branded vehicles were attacked in Ado Ekiti.

    “They were shot at and several of their vehicles, including those belonging to Mrs. Bunmi Oriniowo and Amb Gbenga Olofin were destroyed by hoodlums.

    “We want to state unequivocally that we will no longer tolerate any further unprovoked attack on and wilful destruction of APC branded vehicles and assets.

    “Keeping calm thus far is not out of weakness or incapacity to respond.

    “We are only mindful of the lessons of history. We can no longer continue to live with a situation in which seven lawmakers are making laws for the state in gross violation of our constitution.

    “It is alarming that this can be allowed to continue without anyone attempting to call the abnormality to order. Ekiti belongs to all of us and we will not allow any group of hoodlums to willfully bastardise our values and heritage.

    “We remain committed to handing over to our children ‘a banner without stain’.

    “We hope security forces will actively carry out their constitutional mandate and save this democracy from collapse.”

    In a related development, the APC has again petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), asking it to present its complaints before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

    APC, five weeks ago, petitioned the NHRC, listing various physical attacks against its members and leaders, including media blockade for the opposition activities and destruction of their billboards and posters.

    The Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said in a statement that the party was taking the step, owing to the escalation of hostilities against opposition leaders.

    According to him, attacks on APC leaders increased on Monday. Those attacked included  Oluwole Ariyo, Jinadu Ayodele, Remi Olorunleke, Bayo Aina, former Commissioner for  Environment and House of Representatives candidate, Dr Eniola Ajayi and Shola Fatoba.

    Others include former Ijero Local Government Chairman Bode Agbeleye, whose car was riddled with bullets.

    He said non-politicians perceived as having sympathy for the party were also threatened, citing the case of the Market Women’s Leader in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Waye Osho, who was harassed by the governor for attending an interactive session with Fayemi’s wife, Bisi, at Fajuyi Hall in the state capital.

    He added: “As we speak, Fayose has listed over 100 APC influential members for arrest.

    “We hereby urge NHRC to focus attention on Ekiti State this weekend so that we don’t wait until lives are lost before we call him to order.”

  • ‘We condemn soldiers’ ‘brutality’

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has berated the “inhuman and brutalisation” of one of its members by soldiers in Aba, Abia State.

    The group, on March 13, held a protest in  the five Southeast states, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega.

    Soldiers stopped the protest.

    MASSOB alleged that after the protest, a member, Samuel Jonah, who was going home, wearing a Biafran camouflage cap, was stopped by soldiers, who were in two Hilux vans, at Obikabia junction, on the outskirts of Aba.

    “The soldiers, after interrogating Jonah, beat him up before abandoning him on the road. Good Samaritans took him to an undisclosed hospital where he is responding to treatment.”

    The group’s Assistant National Director of Information, Mr. Sunny Okereafor, in a statement at the weekend, said it was disgusting that security operatives, who disrupted MASSOB’s protest and beat up members, provided cover for members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in Lagos when they held a similar rally.

    He described the soldiers’ action as “selective treatment.”

    MASSOB said it was against the creation of an additional state in the Southeast, noting that that would amount to the continual enslavement of Ndigbo in Nigeria.

    It added that what the Igbo wanted was total freedom.

  • APC leaders condemn militarisation of elections

    APC leaders condemn militarisation of elections

    •Nigeria should prepare for 2015, says Aregbesola
    •Tambuwal faults IG

    all Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have condemned the militarisation of elections in the country.

    They spoke yesterday at a victory colloquium, organised by The Gazelle News, for Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.

    The party’s National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, in a paper titled: “Osun Election: A Pathway to Nigeria’s Democratic Growth”, said the government does not have the constitutional power to use soldiers during elections.

    He said the militarisation of Osun State few days to the election, in the name of providing security, was the misuse of power by the government.

    Banire said: “The machinery of federalism had been wiped out as the only thing the Federal Government did not do was declare a state of emergency in Osun.

    “Whenever these agents and merchants of death shot into the air, the determined people of Osun hailed the bullet rains with the slogan of ‘APC’ or Aregbesola for second term.’’

    The APC chieftain said Aregbesola won the election because he was popular. He said on the eve of the election, there was total clampdown on APC leaders, who were arrested and detained without justification.

    He urged the party leadership to field popular candidates in the 2015 elections, saying it was the only way to checkmate rigging.

    The moderator, Kawu Baraje, said the PDP was relying on the military to rig the 2015 elections. He urged Nigerians to resist the Federal Government’s impunity.

    The APC chieftain added that the PDP was a sinking ship and it was bent on truncating democracy in Nigeria through unconstitutional acts.

    Baraje, who represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the chairman, said: “The resolution of the people to defend their mandate became a serious challenge to the PDP. Soldiers are being illegally engaged by the government.

    “If they were deployed to Sambisa forest to search for the Chibok girls at the appropriate time, I am very sure they would have been reunited with their parents.”

    The Special Guest of Honour, Aminu Tambuwal, said he was been vindicated in view of what was happening in the PDP.

    He said the reign of impunity in the party was legendary, noting that when Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly defected to the PDP, they were not victimised.

    Tambuwal said Nigeria needed a good leader, one who believes in peace, progress and development of the country and the welfare of the people.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives said he was miffed by the pronouncement of the Acting Inspector General of Police, that he (Tambuwal) should vacate his office having left the PDP for APC.

    He said: “This country belongs to all of us. We must come together to ensure that we get the right leadership in 2015.

    “The IGP did not say Ondo Speaker should vacate his seat. Why is he now making such pronouncement in my own case?

    “Is it a case of different laws for different people? Anyway, I have gone to court, so I rest my case.

    “I thank Nigerians who stood by me in the face of this impunity. It is our right to decide who we want to relate with and there is nobody who can dictate to me who I should relate with.”

    Aregbesola said the situation in Burkina Faso was a signal to Nigerians to gird their loins and prepare for the general elections.

    The governor called on the people of Burkina Faso not to allow military rule after the exit of President Blaise Compaore.

    Aregbesola urged the Burkinabes to carry the revolution that ousted Compaore to its logical conclusion by forming a national government to conduct election soon.

    He said: “We should gird our loins and prepare for any eventualities that may accompany the 2015 general elections.

    “I say this because the trend has shown that the election will not come as easy as we may want to think as it is clear that PDP will want to use force to retain power.

    “The PDP is not a party that is not unbeatable. For if we beat PDP in Osun, it means we can beat it anywhere and we must beat it everywhere.”

    Former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Chairman Monday Ubani said the Osun election had provided a template for future elections.

    “In Osun State, stomach infrastructure was also used as a campaign strategy. The people collected whatever item that was offered them, but came out to vote for their choice.”

    At the ceremony were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (represented by former Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Adeniji Adele); former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope -Adefulire.

    Others are Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salam; House of Representatives Minority Speaker Hakeem Gbajabiamila; APC National Publicity Secretary Lai Muhammed and others

  • Health workers’ unions condemn action

    Health workers’ unions condemn action

    Health workers, under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Allied Health Practitioners Association (AHPA), have condemned the nationwide strike of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and its allies.

    In a statement yesterday by the President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr. Olumide Akintayo, the union blamed the government for the doctors’ attitude and frequent strikes.

    PSN said the doctors’ demands were illegal because the NMA and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) with similar unions, were professional groups that cannot legitimately assume the responsibilities of trade unions.

    The pharmacists said the NMA and the NARD could not engage the government in labour disputes.

    The statement said: “The PSN puts on record once again that it is government at all levels that create undisguised incentives to the NMA and its allies to continue to serve strike notices.

    “Rather than the government tackling this aberration frontally once and for all, it continues to legitimise the illegality of these medical groups through unlawful dialogues and negotiations.

    “This has strengthened successive leaderships of these groups to exploit the gaffes in the system to infringe on the rights of lawful stakeholders in Nigeria. The PSN, therefore, urges government to ignore the threats of the NMA and advise it to pursue any legitimate demand in line with due process.”