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Tag: Fed Govt

  • Fed Govt: no need to panic over quit notice

    Fed Govt: no need to panic over quit notice

    For the umpteenth time, the government yesterday implored Nigerians not to panic over the quit notice issued to easterners in the North.

    Briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Information Lai Mohammed, said Nigerians were free to live anywhere in the country.

    According to him, the government is on top of the situation.

    He said the series of consultation meetings the Acting President is holding is to calm down the situation and reassure Nigerians of their safety anywhere in the country.

    He said: “We want to make comments on what is agitating the minds of Nigerians, that is the call for people from certain parts of the country to relocate to their region, generally very disquieting voices. We just want to assure Nigerians that the government is on top of the matter.

    “The idea is not just to assure Nigerians that we are doing something about it but also to give comfort to all Nigerians that this matter is completely under control.

    “To assure Nigerians that any Nigerian anywhere is save, the security authorities are completely on top of the matter and they will deal decisively with any group of people whose conduct is believed is going to create instability in the country.

    “So there is no need for anybody to panic, there is no need for anybody to move from any part of the country. The security agencies are on top of the matter and there is no reason for anybody to panic.”

    On why the two newly confirmed Ministerial nominees by the Senate are yet to be sworn-in, he said: “I’m not sure whether we’ve had the communication from National Assembly. But what I will do is that I will probably ask from the Acting President or the liaison officer then I will come and give you feedback.”

  • Fed Govt lauds NICO on dress culture campaign

    Fed Govt lauds NICO on dress culture campaign

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has applauded the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) for its Nigerian Dress Culture campaign.

    The initiative, according Mohammed, is in line with the present administration’s policy  to urgently diversify the Nigerian economy.

    Mohammed made the statement at a two-day National Workshop on Nigerian Dress Culture and Sustainable National Development, organised by the institute in Niger State.

    The minister, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties, National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Dr  Gerald Adewole, lauded NICO’s campaign, which seeks to promote dressing in diverse Nigerian cultural attires, particularly the Dress Nigerian Days, which is currently receiving attention by the Federal Government.

    He said: “The promotion of Nigerian Dress Culture would engender enormous socio-political and economic benefits to the nation. The culture sector, which is one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy, has the capacity to generate employment, create wealth and alleviate poverty; and this can only be achieved if Nigerians patronise Made-in-Nigeria dresses as opposed to foreign ones.”

    Noting that the NICO’s campaign will help in resuscitating the comatose textile companies that had hitherto diversified to the extent of providing employment for footballers through football clubs they founded and funded, Mohammed said the Federal Government was fully committed to creating an enabling environment for cultural and creative industries to flourish, including the textile manufacturing companies.

    House of Representatives’ Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who chaired the occasion, advocated proper funding of the culture sector to enable the country reap the benefits of its cultural diversity. He promised to give speedy legislative backing to any bill aimed at repositioning the culture and tourism sector. He was represented by a member of the committee, Hon Mohammed Mahmud.

    Nico’s Executive Secretary Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, an associate professor, who was the chief host, spoke on the need for Nigerians to value their indigenous dresses, saying NICO conceptualised the Promoting Nigerian Dress Culture Workshop series to rekindle interest and pride in indigenous dress patterns.

    He added that the workshop was to promote patriotism in Nigerians through dress culture; showcase the beauty in diversity of the dress culture of various geo-political zones of the country; encourage unity among the different ethnic groups through integrated dress culture; enhance economic growth of local textile industries and stimulate job and wealth creation in the industry.

    Niger State governor Abubakar Sani Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, noted that the state is working on an institute to preserve, protect and promote the dress culture of the state as well as partnering NICO on how to entrench Dress Nigeria at the grassroots.

    The event, which was well attended, featured cultural dances and Nigerian dress parade by students from various secondary schools in Niger State. NICO Cultural Troupe also presented a drama sketch to capture the theme of the workshop and a dance to spice the opening ceremony.

     

  • Saraki should defend charges against him, says Fed Govt

    Saraki should defend charges against him, says Fed Govt

      •CCT reserves ruling 

    The prosecution in the alleged false assets declaration trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki has challenged him to defend himself against the charges pending against him.

    Led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the prosecution urged the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to reject a no-case submission made by Saraki and order him to enter defence in the case.

    He said the prosecution hadled credible evidence through its witnesses.

    Jacobs spoke in Abuja yesterday at the resumption of proceedings in Saraki’s trial before the CCT.

    Saraki is being tried on a16-count charge of false assets declaration and other related offences.

    Adopting the prosecution’s written response to Saraki’s written submission in support of his no-case submission, Jacobs argued that the prosecution has made out a “serious prima facie case against the defendant (Saraki)”.

    He urged the tribunal to analyse and juxtapose the various asset declaration forms submitted by the defendant to reveal the falsehoods in them.

    Jacobs said:”Our response to the no-case submission is dated June 2, 2017 and filed the same day.

    “One method your lordship should adopt to show that there is serious prima facie case against the defendant is to look at Exhibits 6 and 26, which are assets declarations made by the defendant after the investigation of this case.

    “My lordships will see that the defendant listed all the annexed properties and stated that they were acquired in 92 and 99 and, now.

    “If my lord juxtaposes them with Exhibits 1 to 5, you will find that some of the properties he claimed acquired in 1999, 2002, and 2003, were not declared.”

    Jacobs also contended that the defendant had “misconstrued” Paragraph 1, Schedule 5 of the Constitution, by claiming that a public officer was not under obligation to declare properties bought in companies’ names.

    “To construe the constitution like that will defeat the essence of the CCT and the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” Jacobs said.

    Jacobs also faulted Saraki’s contention that allegations contained in the petitions tendered by the prosecution as exhibits, do not relate to him.

    Jacobs noted that Saraki’s name was mentioned in all the petitions.

    He added: “In his (Saraki’s) address, he (Agabi) said the petitions had nothing to do with the defendant, although his name is mentioned.

    “Prosecution does not depend on petition. Without a petition, a person can be prosecuted,” he said.

    On the defence’s argument that non-disclosure does not constitute an offence, Jacobs argued that: “We have shown in paragraphs 4.25 to 4.27 that up till now, they (the defence)  have not told the tribunal the ingredients of the offence. Failure to disclose an asset amounts to false declaration, which is an offence.”

    On the defence contention that the prosecution failed to call certain witnesses, which it had listed, Jacobs said: “They said we ought to call 200 witnesses and they listed them. They brought it up as a new issue, and started re-adjusting their argument. This cannot be done.”

    He added: “At this stage, care must be taken about what my lord can do. They were inviting your Lordship to give an opinion on the witnesses and evaluate their evidence.

    “The Supreme Court has said your lordship cannot do that at this stage.  At this stage, your lordship cannot express opinion on the evidence led until they defence give their own evidence.

    “The Supreme Court warned that the ruling on a no-case submission must be kept brief. It is permitted to just say there is case to answer.

    “The Supreme Court said where a lengthy ruling was delivered, an observation would be made on the facts and the prosecution would be right to appeal on the grounds that the judge is bias,” Jacobs said.

    The lead defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), while adopting the defence written submission, argued that the petitions, on which the charges were founded, have nothing to do with his client.

    He further argued that the charges, particularly counts 1, 2, 6, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16 disclosed no valid offences.

    “There is inconsistency in the charges.I urge your lordship to hold that that is not an offence,” Agabi said.

    He further argued that only an authorised person could declare the statement of a public officer to be false.

    Agabi argued that the failure of the prosecution to disclose the name of the said authorised persons in the charge rendered it invalid.

    He also said two of the witnesses called by the prosecution – Samuel Madojemu (an official of the Code of Conduct Bureau) and Michael Wetkas (an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) only gave hearsay testimony as evidence.

    Agabi urged the tribunal to take note of the defence’s list of witnesses, containing names of more witnesses, but which it failed to call before closing its case.

    He urged the tribunal to uphold his Saraki’s no-case submission and discharge him on the ground that the prosecution has failed to prove its case with credible evidence linking the defendant with the alleged offences.

    The tribunal has reserved its ruling and will informed parties when it is ready for delivery.

  • PSN, others back Fed Govt on vaccine production

    PSN, others back Fed Govt on vaccine production

    Stakeholders in the health sector have applauded the Federal  Government’s agreement with and a pharmaceutical giant, May and Baker (M&B)on vaccine production.

    To Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) President, Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, the arrangement will ensure the ready avalability of vaccines, which are one the most effective ways of preventing infectious diseases.

    He said:“That struggle has been on since 2004. The joint venture agreement as declared by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole shortly after the  Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting last Wednesday, would involve counterparts funding in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model between the government and M and B.

    “We want to note that the Federal Government deserves commendation for acceding to our calls to look inward in solving the hydra headed problems of vaccines and medicines shortage in Nigeria. This would go a long way in guaranteeing availability of vaccines for use in routine immunisations and vaccines for use during national emergency as observed recently during outbreak of meningitis.

    “May and Baker as one of the few Nigerian Pharma companies with the World Health Organisation (WHO) pre-qualification GMP certification, will surely be able to enhance its capacity utilisation and explore opportunities in exportation of vaccines to global markets,” said Yakasai.

    He called on the firm to take full advantage of the opportunity to fulfill its vision of “improving the quality of life, throughout and for all lives”.

    “If you go to Yaba, the production laboratory there is dead. A lot of money will be spent, more than the $2.5 billion signed will supply only 20 per cent of the vaccination needed in the country, but with time it will expand to satisfy local needs and West Africa region, and then the globe,”he said.

    Yakasai continued: “Parents want to do everything possible to ensure that their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases. Vaccination is the best way to do that. Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases which can include amputation of an arm or leg, paralysis of limbs, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, and death.

    “Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps and whooping cough are still a threat globally. Aside from the fact that vaccines such as yellow fever vaccine will be readily accessible same will also be affordable. I don’t want to say vaccine production is like a cartel, but that Nigeria will be a self sustaining country in the areas of vaccine provision is gladdening.”

    Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) President Dr Mike Ogirima believes that outbreaks of preventable diseases occur when many parents decide not to vaccinate their children. “Vaccination is safe and effective. All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government to make sure they are safe. Vaccine production had been on in the country, but got stopped. We are happy it is now picking up. It is all a win-win situation,”he said.

    According to him, Nigeria has been producing vaccines at the vaccines production laboratory in Yaba and was exporting to other countries until the place was shut down several years back for rehabilitation, which never took place.

    “May and Baker entered into a joint venture with the Federal Government to take over the facilities of the Federal Vaccine Production Laboratory (FVPL) in Yaba for the purpose  of resuming vaccine production, which had stopped due to the inability of the FVPL to cope with operational challenges.

    “The project was, however, delayed due to the non-ratification of the agreement by successive governments. Now under a new partnership arrangement with 49:51 equity participation in favour of May and Baker, things are set to take shape under the auspices of the company jointly set up- Biovaccines Nigeria Limited.

    “The country will be better for it. Now under a new partnership arrangement with 49:51 equity participation in favour of May and Baker,things are set to take shape under the auspices of the company jointly set up – Biovaccines Nigeria Limited,” Dr Ogirima said.

    Former Lagos PSN Chairman Olumide Akintayo was happy that vaccines would be readily available in the country “to address these diseases – diphteria, haemophilus inflenzae tybe b, (Hib disease – a major cause of bacterial meningitis), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavisus (HPV – a major cause of cervical and other cancers), Influenza, measles, meningococcal, Mumps, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Pneumococcal (causes bacterial meningitis and blood infections), Polio, Rotavirus, Rubella, (German Measles), Tetanus (Lockjaw), and Varicella (Chickenpox). It will also create employment.

    “The country will no longer be at the mercy of global R and D vaccine manufacturers as experienced during the Ebola period, because R and D costs millions of dollars and no manufacturer will want to just give out its product just like that without recouping its investment.

    “As pharmacists we are happy because a whole range of skilled pharmacists across areas of specialty and sub-specialty will be engaged. That should make the government develop the petro-chemical sector. The basic raw material we need as a nation is Benzene-zinc. With the right things done, over a million jobs can be created from the pharmaceutical industry,” he noted.

  • Fed Govt seeks removal of obstacles to loot recovery

    The Federal Government and other stakeholders have called for the removal of obstacles to the recovery of looted funds from foreign countries.

    They want those who facilitate illicit financial flows (IFF) to be held accountable, as well as an end to international tax evasion and trade mis-invoicing.

    Countries holding monies looted from Nigeria were also urged to simplify their legal procedures that make recovery difficult.

    These were part of the “Abuja Declaration on promoting international cooperation to combat IFF and  enhancing asset recovery (AR) to foster sustainable development” made at the end of a three-day conference held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    The Conference tagged ‘Abuja IFF/AR’ was organised by the Federal Government through the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), the ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, in partnership with some development partners, such as the Government of the Kingdom of Norway.

    Participants included government officials, experts, lawyers, lawmakers, business executives drawn from Africa and other parts of the world, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, regional bodies, intergovernmental organisations, United Nations agencies, among others.

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo opened the conference; ministers of finance and foreign affairs Kemi Adeosun and Geoffrey Onyeama, as well as Attorney-General of the Federation Abubabar Malami (SAN) were among the speakers.

    Participants affirmed that international tax evasion is a significant element of illicit financial flows, including substantial sums of money lost through transfer mispricing by multinational companies.

    They underscored the need for collective effort to strengthen international cooperation and mutual assistance in addressing the challenges of transfer and trade mispricing.

    According to the declaration, there is the need for financial institutions to subject accounts held by certain persons to greater scrutiny and monitoring, including senior government officials, leaders of political parties, executives at state-owned enterprises and others with access to large amount of state assets and the power to direct them.

    Speakers called on countries to prevent, detect and deter in a more effective manner the international transfer of proceeds of crime and funds of illicit origin.

    They also called for enhancement of compliance by financial and designated non-financial institutions to identify, trace, seize, recover and return the proceeds of crime and funds of illicit origin, including enhanced due diligence on financial flows from identified high risk jurisdictions.

    Developed countries were urged to consider waiving or reducing to the barest minimum reasonable expenses deducted when recovering assets, particularly when the requesting state is a developing country.

    The declaration urged asset holders to bear in mind that the return of illicitly acquired funds contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

    The declaration reads in part: “Participants reiterated the need for countries to ensure that there are adequate mechanisms in place to manage and preserve the value and condition of assets pending the conclusion of confiscation proceedings.

    “IFF when tracked should not remain in the custody of enabling financial institutions but should be transferred into escrow account, preferably in development banks pending return to countries of origin;

    “Participants also underscored that the non-repatriation of IFF from destination countries to source countries in a timely and collaborative manner is a denial of human rights as it deprives developing countries of resources required to progressively realise the right to development and implement social investment programmes aimed at alleviating poverty.”

  • Fed Govt to strengthen backward integration

    The Federal Government will increase investment in sugar development to guarantee self-sufficiency and create jobs, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah has said.

    He spoke in Abuja at the mid-term review meeting of the sugar master plan.

    The minister said the backward integration policy, which began four years ago, must be consolidated to achieve the results.

    He said the sugar sector was faced with more challenges than the cement industry, promising a turnaround in five years.

    Enelamah charged stakeholders in the sector to come up with workable  solutions to the sector’s challenges.

    His words: ‘Sugar has been challenging and we must overcome those challenges. This is part of the reasons the acting President inaugurated the industrial council that would bring together leaders and players in both private and public sectors in order to boost industrialisation. We are resolute to partner the private sector to address these challenges. We are not only interested in discussing solutions but we are bent on implementation.

    He said the desire of the government to industrialise Nigeria had not diminished, despite that the ambition was very capital intensive.

    He said the only way to go was public-private partnership, adding that the government would provide the enabling environment for stakeholders to operate.

    The Executive Secretary of the Sugar Council, Dr. Abdullatif Busari, highlighted the pains and gains of the sugar master plan policy since its take-off as well as insight into the preferred destination of the plan.

    Busari said it was expected that Nigeria would attain a zero percent importation of sugar by the time the policy reached its maturity of 10 years, adding that Nigeria would attain a 70 percent self-sufficiency and even export to other African nations.

    He insisted that the desire of the government to  industrialise the country has not diminished, despite that the ambition is capital intensive.

    According to him, the only way to go is public-private partnership, adding that the government would provide the enabling environment for stakeholders to operate.

  • Fed Govt, ACF, El-Rufai to Igbo: ignore quit order

    Fed Govt, ACF, El-Rufai to Igbo: ignore quit order

    The Federal Government last night warned Nigerians against making statements capable of undermining the country’s peace and security.

    The warning came after the ultimatum issued by some  youth groups in the North for the Igbo to leave by October or face a mass action.

    They also informed northerners living in the East to return home.

    The signatories to the declaration by the group are: Nastura Ashir Sharif of Arewa Citizens Action For Change; Shettima Yerima of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum; Aminu Adam of Arewa Youth Development Foundation; Alfred Solomon of Arewa Students Forum; Abdul-Azeez Suleiman of Northern Emancipation Network; Joshua Viashman of Northern Youth Vanguard; Mohammad A.  Mohammad of Northern Youth Stakeholders Forum; Mohammed Tasiu Pantami of North East Assembly and Nathaniel Ajegena Adigizi of North Central People’s Front.

    The groups claimed that they were incensed by the activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) which have repeatedly called for a break-up of the country without being cautioned by the elders from the region.

    The groups said they were further angered by the May 30 shut down of the South East by the separatist group to mark the 50th anniversary of the Biafra declaration.

    But general condemnation yesterday greeted the Arewa groups’ action.

    Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed in a statement said Nigerians were “free to reside in any part of  the country, as the government has the capacity to maintain law and order.

    “He said there was no reason for any Nigerian to feel unsafe anywhere in the country, warning that the government would not tolerate any threat to the unity, peace and security of the country under any guise.

    ”There is zero tolerance for actions and speeches capable of inciting one part of the country against another, and the security agencies are fully on the ground to deal decisively with any individual or group that engages in incendiary activities.”

    Mohammed advised Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside, to go about their daily activities without fear.

    Earlier at a briefing after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the minister said: “Nigeria is not new to one group or another issuing such threats.

    “The issue of one or two groups issuing statements that is capable of destabilising the polity and then being responded to by another group, I think did not just start today or did not start yesterday.

    “What I want to assure you is that security organizations are very very much on top of this matter.”

    On whether the ultimatum given by the groups was discussed at the FEC, he said: “No.”

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ordered the arrest of the youth groups leaders who issued the ultimatum.

    El-Rufai, who described the northern youths leaders and their action as irresponsible, said his government would not allow Kaduna State to be used to threaten the safety and property of its citizens of Igbo extraction.

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also called for caution against unguarded statements capable of breaching the peace and unity of Nigeria.

    The governor, who spoke through his media aide Samuel Aruwan, said Kaduna State Government believed in and would uphold the right of every Nigerian to live safely and develop his/her full potentials within its territory.

    He said: “The Kaduna State Government takes exception to the fact that the ‘northern youths’ did their irresponsible press conference in Kaduna. This government has been consistent in taking action to punish hate speech and incitement. People who may feel unhappy about irresponsible comments or actions that have taken place in other states must know that two wrongs cannot make a right, and they cannot use our state to do or say things that threaten the peace.

    “KDSG has therefore ordered the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the signatories to the statement.

    “Even people who may feel unhappy about irresponsible comments or actions that have taken place in other states must know that two wrongs cannot make a right.

    “Reckless disregard for the rights of other citizens drips through the press statement by these “northern youths” who have chosen to use the discourse around restructuring to promote their own agenda of hate, division and incitement. This sort of opportunists cannot be allowed to distort debate, or turn it into a pretext for a barely-disguised agenda of displacement and dispossession of some citizens.

    “We will not tolerate such irresponsible statements and conduct in our state. The statement issued by the “northern youths” violates the laws of Kaduna State. Therefore, the Kaduna State Government has directed that its Ministry of Justice should prepare charges and prosecute the signatories and anyone complicit in arranging this egregious assault on the rights of fellow citizens.

    “Preparatory to prosecution, the police have been directed to immediately arrest, interrogate the signatories to the statement and investigate all the circumstances and persons that may be implicated in the matter.

    “The Kaduna State Government urges all residents to ignore the threats from the “northern youths”. We are in contact with the leadership of the Igbo community in Kaduna, and we delighted to say that this community, like all our other communities, believes in the strength of the constitutional order to protect all citizens.”

    The ACF’s statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Biu,  said ” the ACF wishes to draw the attention of all concerned, to note, that our democratic system of government which is anchored on law guarantees free movement of all Nigerians to any part of the country and to also pursue their legitimate livelihood devoid of any hindrance or molestation by any group or individuals.

    “Furthermore, the system allows settlement of all grievances through our elected representatives in both the National and States Assemblies and the Law courts. Any act to the contrary, is therefore, a breach of law and order that are not helpful.

    “ACF appreciates the frustrations of the Northern Youth Groups with the activities of MASSOB and IPOB members, but would not encourage any act that is not in conformity with the law by any  group or individuals which will do no one any good.

    “ACF, therefore, appeals for caution over unguarded utterances or statements that are capable of jeopardising the unity, peace and corporate existence of Nigeria.”

  • Fed Govt, councils clash over registration of marriages

    Local Government Areas (LGAs) in four states have urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to declare that councils have the exclusive right to conduct and register marriages.

    But, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) has urged the court to dismiss the suit.

    The plaintiffs seek a declaration that the Federal Ministry of Interior does not have the power to register marriages.

    Egor LGA in Edo State, Eti-Osa LGA in Lagos State, Owerri Municipal LGA in Imo State and Port Harcourt LGA in Rivers State sued the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau and the AGF.

    Through their lawyer Michael Roger, the plaintiffs claimed that by virtue of Section 1(5), 1(i) of the 1999 Constitution, the Federal Ministry of Interior has no business registering marriages.

    According to them, Justice Oyindamola Olomojobi of the same court had declared in another case that only LGAs have the power to register marriages by virtue of Section 30(1) of the Marriage Act and Section 7(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

    In the June 8, 2002 judgment, Justice Olomojobi, however, added that other lawful authorities could “celebrate or contract marriages.”

    The AGF, in his preliminary objection, urged the court to dismiss the suit for being an abuse of court processes because the issues had been settled by Justice Olomojobi.

    In a supporting affidavit, a lawyer from the AGF’s chamber, Lawrence Ilop, said Justice Olomojobi  had decided the question of who could contract marriages, adding that the judge did not vest that right solely in councils.

    “The marriage registries, as contemplated in the Marriage Act, are designated places of celebration of marriages and not strictly for keeping registers of marriages as being erroneously averred by the applicants,” the AGF said.

    Justice Chuka Obiozor adjourned till June 8 for hearing.

  • Fed Govt. to kick off N800m road in Anambra

    The Federal Governm-ent’s Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Abaji Road to Abuja will take off soon, The Nation has learnt.

    Members of the House of Representatives’ committee on works led by the chairman, Hon. Okechukwu Tobi have visited Anambra State from where the road takes off. The committee said N800 million voted for the road was included in the 2017 budget which has been passed by the National Assembly.

    Addressing members of the Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in the state at Nsugbe , the member representing the area, Hon. Dr. Tony Nwoye, said soon work would start on the project by the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said since 2009, no allocation had been made on the road by the previous administrations, adding that the budget had over N250 million for other smaller projects in the area.

    Nwoye, who is also vying for the governorship ticket of the APC in the state, said about 28 persons from the constituency, had been offered employment in the current dispensation of APC.

    He said that grants had been given to over 3,500 persons in Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, adding that about 2,500 others would soon be empowered.

    According to the lawmaker, a committee had been set up to oversee the distribution of sewing machines, tricycles, motorcycles, hair dryers, grinding machines among others to his constituents.

    Nwoye, lamented that his constituents were the most neglected in Anambra state, while thanking the committee on works for visiting the state and the bad road.

  • Buhari in good hands, says Fed Govt

    Buhari in good hands, says Fed Govt

    THE Federal Government yesterday assured the citizens  that President Muhammadu Buhari is in competent hands in London, where he is undergoing treatment.

    The President travelled to the United Kingdom on May 7 to follow up medical consultation with his doctors.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed gave the assurance.

    He was fielding question on the status of the President’s health.

    According to him, there was no cause for alarm over the President’s health.

    “The president is in very competent hands and there is no cause for alarm,” he said.

    Christians and Muslims in Niger State yesterday came together to pray for the President as well as for God’s intervention over the affairs of the nation.

    The gathering was attended by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman Reverend Mathias Echioda, Chief Imams from various mosques across the state and Christian and Muslim faithful.

    The convener of the gathering, Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim Umar, said the purpose of the meeting was to promote peace and national unity and pray for the good health of the President to enable him return to the country.