The Nation Newspaper

Tag: minister

  • Saraki’s Christmas Day interview’s rebroadcast doctored, says Minister

    MINISTER of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed yesterday alleged that the rebroadcast Christmas Day interview by Senate President Bukola Saraki was doctored.

    In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the minister promised to make public an unedited interview.

    Mohammed said available evidence shows that the live radio interview of the Senate President was doctored before it was re-broadcast to remove any reference to the claimed donation of a N10 million to victims of the armed robbery in Offa, Kwara State.

    The minister said he would present to the public, both the unedited version of the live radio interview as well as the doctored, re-broadcast version.

    He said this would enable the people to see the extent to which some leaders can go to deceive the people and peddle lies just to shore up their dwindling fortunes.

    “In the unedited live version, Dr. Saraki, speaking in Yoruba, said categorically that he donated N10 million when he visited Offa to commiserate with the victims of the armed robbery, when (he said) in actual fact about N7 million was stolen from the vaults of the banks that were robbed during the attack.

    “However, the version for re-broadcast did not contain any reference to the Offa robbery. Whereas they claimed to have re-broadcast the interview due to popular demand, the truth is that they decided to re-air it without the claim of N10 million donation due to the widespread derision that greeted that phantom claim. These people have a chronic disdain for the truth,” he said.

    Mohammed challenged the Senate President to answer three questions or learn to keep his peace:

    • The first one is: Did he not say during the live interview that the money in the vault was N7 million and that he dropped N10 million, when he went to Offa on a condolence visit? The second question is: Did he really drop any money on that occasion? And the third: Did he or did he not doctor the original broadcast?”

    Mohammed said while he would not want to exchange words with Saraki on who is truly on ground in Kwara, it is important to let him know that six weeks from now, the people of Kwara will answer that question.

    “On November 17, 2018, the people of Kwara gave a hint of their determination to sack the rapacious leaders, who have dominated their lives when they voted for the APC in the by-election for the Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency. That crushing defeat so devastated the political warlords, who hitherto claimed invincibility, that they started doing what they have never done before: going from ward to ward to campaign!

    “Unfortunately, the game is up for them, as they will soon learn, because the people have resolved that ‘O to ge (enough is enough)’. In the meantime, they are free to continue to revel in self-deceit,” the minister said.

  • Don’t play politics with Offa robbery, Minister warns

    Information and Culture Minister  Lai Mohammed yesterday  chided some political actors in Kwara State for what he termed attempting to trivialise the April 5, 2018 robbery attack in Offa.

    Thirty-three lives were lost in the robbery.

    Speaking at the 2018 Ijakadi Festival in Offa, Alhaji Mohammed   said claims of compensating the victims in monetary terms could not equate the lives lost in the incident, and described efforts to trivialize the act as indecent.

    He asked the people to condemn any attempt to play politics with human lives.

    His words: “In recent days, there have been attempts by some political desperadoes to trivialize the calamity that befell this community when those armed robbers attacked banks and the police station, among others.

    “These desperadoes were quoted as saying that when they visited this town to commiserate with the people after the attack, they donated N10 million, even when what was stolen from the banks’ vault was N7 million.

    ”Now, let us ask them: How many of those who were killed in that attack have they also been able to bring back? How can any sane person equate human life with money? No amount of money is worth any human life. And no one should play politics with human life. All people of conscience must condemn this glib comment by a desperate political warlord.”

    Alhaji Mohammed commended the resilience of the people of Offa for organizing such an elaborate festival, despite the calamity that befell their community this year, saying it is not surprising because Ijakadi festival itself is a celebration of the Offa virtues of strength and determination, as well as equity, justice and wisdom.

    He expressed delight that the people of Offa have resolved that never again will any armed robber, hoodlum or brigand shed the blood of any innocent person in the town by raising N700 million to build an ultra modern Mobile Police Force Barracks in the community.

    The Minister said in keeping with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to develop and promote national festivals, a manager of the Ijakadi Festival has been nominated to attend a training on festival management in Ghana.

    In his remarks, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, said the Ijakadi Festival is aimed at sustaining the cultural heritage of the people and fostering cohesion in Offa community and its environs.

    Highlights of the festival include traditional wrestling, homage to the Oba by the various districts, horse racing, hairdo and traditional attire display, as well as Moremi showpiece.

  • Nigeria’s economy to grow at 3% next year, says minister

    Nigeria’s economy is expected to grow by two per cent this year and by three per cent next year, Minister of Budget Udoma Udo Udoma said yesterday.

    The World Bank expects growth at slightly less than two per cent this year, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) predicts that the economy will grow 1.75 per cent this year.

    “Our projection for the economic growth this year is two per cent, we believe it will be achieved, and that of next (year), which is projected at three per cent, will also be achieved. Our plans are working,” Udoma told reporters in Abuja, pointing to growth in the non-oil sector.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday said the economy grew by 1.81 per cent in the third quarter, after 1.95 percent and 1.50 per cent in the first and second quarters.

    A sluggish recovery since the country emerged from recession last year could bode poorly for President Muhammadu Buhari, who is seeking a second term in February 2019 elections and for whom economic rejuvenation has been a key pillar of policy.

  • Reps summon minister for ‘starving National Assembly, judiciary of funds’

    MINISTER of Finance Zainab Ahmed is to appear before the House of Representatives Finance Committee to explain the reasons behind the non-release of 2018 budgetary allocations to the National Assembly and the judiciary.

    The lawmakers, though conceded that the National Assembly workers deserved a good working condition and have a right to protest poor treatment, they, however, took exception to be prevented from carrying out their legislative duties by protesting parliamentary workers on Tuesday.

    The invitation to the minister followed the adoption of a motion by Edward Pwajok (APC, Plateau), who expressed concern that despite being on first line charge, budget releases to the Judiciary and the legislature have been dismal, thereby creating challenges for the management to pay their workers.

    House spokesman  Abdulrazak Namdas (APC, Adamawa) said the workers’ action, which prevented the lawmakers from holding a session, was unlawful according the Legislative Houses and Privileges Act.

    He said: “It is an offence to stop the members from sitting. It is just that we cannot without them. We cannot sit aloof. The action that took place

    on Tuesday is not lawful. If we apply the law, it will not be good.

    “We have summoned the minister to appear before us. The money was captured in 2018 budget and it has not been released. So, we can’t give what they want because we don’t have.

    “We are of the opinion that the management staff of the National Assembly should have good condition of service. For us to function effectively, we need a very functional management staff. The protest is strictly not against the members of the National Assembly.

    “The CNA has also explained why. The Senate President and the Speaker do not have access to these funds.”

    Regretting that it was the non-release of the funds that eventually led to the protests, Pwajok  noted that “Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) protested against the non-release of their benefits, including promotions and other entitlements.

    “It is disturbing that the non-release is as a result of the non-implementation of the 2018 Appropriation Act of the National Assembly despite the fact that the National Assembly and the judiciary are on the first line charge and there ought to be full implementation of the budget of the two arms of government”.

    The committee was given one week to report back to the House for further legislative action after it was unanimously adopted in a voice vote.

  • N540b recovered through whistle blower policy, says minister

    MINISTER of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed said yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) has so far recovered over N540 billion through the Whistle Blower Policy.

    He stated this yesterday at the 71st General Assembly of  the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Mohammed said:  “To this end, as at May this year, the EFCC, through the Whistle Blower Policy, has recovered over N527 billion, $53 million, and £122,890.”

    The minister, who was represented by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr. Sunny Adejoh Baba, said the EFCC also successfully launched a major onslaught on the seeming high-and-mighty in the society (including senior military officer and their civilian accomplices), who had soiled their hands with shady deals, leading to recovery of choice assets across the country.

    He enjoined the media to align itself with the policies and programmes of the Buhari Administration, aimed at ridding the country of the cancer of corruption, in order to free funds for development projects, which will uplift the standard of living of the citizenry.

    “This effort should not be seen as the sole effort of Mr. President or the Government alone.  The media has a duty to ensure that the programmes of government, meant to uplift the lots of the citizenry, are projected as a national cause and not just as that of Mr. President or the administration,” the minister said.

    Mohammed, who said the BON General Assembly is taking place at an auspicious time in view of the forthcoming general elections, urged the broadcasting organisations not to yield their platforms to the purveyors of hate speech and fake news.

    He said the broadcasting outfits should instead promote the unity, stability and the development of the country.

    “Anything short of this would amount to a criminal abdication of a sacred duty, which could spell doom for our collective national life.

    “We have had enough sordid examples to learn from that we ought not to allow a repeat at this critical time of our national development.

    “It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the media and specifically, broadcast media, do not allow itself to become a purveyor of fake news and hate speeches,” the minister said.

    Mohammed restated the Federal Government’s commitment to allowing the media to carry out its assigned watchdog roles, even as government expects the press to be guided by national interest above every other interests.

    The minister said the launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Jos in April 2016 underscored the administration’s determination to democratise the right to know, the right to knowledge and the right to be informed.

    He noted that the changing media landscape and the advent of digital technologies have fundamentally altered the nature and function of media in the society, at times circumventing traditional media and challenging its privileged role as gate-keeper of news and entertainment.

    The minister, therefore, urged companies in the broadcasting value-chain to take the advantage of the market and build local stations that would create employment for a diverse segment of the population and also lead to a transfer of technology and free the creative dexterity of the young population.

  • Boko Haram : Defence Minister to Meet Chadian Counterpart

    The Minister of Defence, Mansir Dan Ali is scheduled to visit Chad Republic during the week as part of efforts to strengthen relationships and hold bilateral meeting with his Chadian counterpart, General Daoud Yaya.
    The meeting comes on the heels of the deadly attacks of the Boko Haram Terrorists on Nigerian troops in Metele, a village in the northern part of Borno state where troops of 157 Battalion of the Nigerian Army were stationed.
    A statement from the Public Relations Officer to the Minister, Colonel Tukur Gusau said the minister would also meet with Ministers of the Defence of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to explore ways of curtailing and eliminating security threats in the border areas.
    The statement read: ”  The Honorable Minister of Defence Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali is scheduled to visit Chad at a later date within the week to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chadian counterpart General Daoud Yaya.
      “The Visit is in continuation of consultations with Minister’s of Defence of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Troops contributing countries (TCC) which includes Cameroun, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin Republic.  It may be recalled the Hon Minister paid a similar visit to Niger Republic in September 2018 during which he held a similar bilateral discussion with his Nigerien counterpart.
    ” The  Minister’s visit to Chad will revolve around strengthening the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to enable it achieve its mandate of eliminating security threats and creating a safe and secure environment in its area of responsibility”.

  • Why Atiku was searched at the airport – Aviation Minister

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has explained why airport officials searched the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party  (PDP), Atiku Abubakar in Abuja on arrival from Dubai on Sunday.

    Atiku who was on vacation in Dubai arrived Abuja on Sunday and mentioned on his Twitter handle that he was searched by airport officials.

    His tweet reads: “I arrived to Abuja this morning to a search by agents of the state, aimed at intimidating me and my staff.

    “I am committed to building a Nigeria where no citizen is intimidated by agents of state who are paid to protect them.”

    Reacting to the development in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister described the search as a routine process.

    He also said that  all incoming passengers on international flights go through customs, Immigration, health and security screening.

    The statement reads: “This is a mischievous attempt to grab the headlines. Nigerians need to know that one of the resolutions of the Atiku team at their recently-concluded, opulently-held Dubai retreat was to embark on scaremongering. This is one of such.

    “For the records, all incoming passengers on international flights go through customs, Immigration, health and security screening.

    “Where the aircraft is using the private, charter wing, as the PDP Candidate did, such arrivals are met by a team of the Immigration, customs and other security agencies. They go to the arriving aircraft as a team.

    “The airport authorities confirm that this is a routine process, applying to all international arrivals, including the minister unless the passenger is the President of Nigeria. The President, the Vice President and passengers aboard planes on the Presidential air fleet use the Presidential wing of the airport.

    “It is also important to state that even in the Presidential Wing of the airport the President of Nigeria uses, there is the presence of Immìgration and other security officials who must stamp his or her passport on arrival.

     

    The statement continues: “By standard procedure, all aircraft on international arrivals must first of all park at the international wing of the aircraft. They can move to the domestic terminal only upon the completion of the arrival processes.

    “While it is true that the Task Force on Currency at the airport did the routine action of checking the former Vice President’s travel bag, he was accorded full respect as a senior citizen.

    “These checks are mandatory, conventional, internationally applied and routine. No one is excused from them under our laws. These checks are carried out on all international arrivals and President Buhari does not get involved in them.

    “Law-abiding citizens are encouraged to respect the laws of the country “

  • Minister clears air on suspension of national carrier

    •N90m incurred for entire project •’No $600,000 payment to foreign airline’

    THE Federal Government has made clarifications over the suspension of the national carrier project.

    It said only N90 million was incurred for the national carrier project, adding that it was yet to make full payment to those who did the job.

    Contrary to claims that the project was suspended because of investors’ apathy, Minister of State for Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika said so many people indicated interest in the project.

    He denied claims that the Federal Government paid a foreign company $600,000 for the design of the Nigeria Air logo.

    The minister spoke in Abuja yesterday at the 5th edition of Aviation Stakeholders Forum.

    He said the idea that Arik and Aero be merged to establish national carrier was not tenable.

    On the amount incurred so far over the project, he said: “The transaction advisers for National Carrier coordinated the campaign and provided the additional services that included the development of the brand strategy and the media activities relating to the unveiling of the airline.

    “Due process was followed in the branding, which included obtaining ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Bureau of Public Procurement for the sum of N50,893,000. Payment for these services is yet to be made.

    “Farnborough Airshow is a bi-annual Global Aviation event, which provided a perfect opportunity to unveil the National Carrier. It created visibility and connected manufacturers, investors and financiers. It also gave opportunity to showcase all the projects in the aviation roadmap.

    “As often the practice in such events, the services of a consultant were retained to arrange for the participation of the Nigerian delegation. Hiring of exhibition booth, meeting venues, obtaining relevant passes for delegates, facilitating meetings with prospective investors, logistics, souvenirs, branding materials, meals etc.

    “Due process was followed in retaining the services of the company and ‘Certificate of No Objection’ Ref. No. BPP / RPT/ 18/ VOL 1/095 in the sum of N40,219,769.20 was obtained.  Payment to the consultant is yet to be made.”

    He added: “Apart from commitment in respect of transaction advisory services, branding and participation at Farnborough air show, no other expenditure has been incurred on the Nigeria Air project.

    “So, my dear brothers and sisters, it is not $8.8 million I paid. I swear by Allah who created me, I also swear by Allah who created me that it is this amount I have shown you that we paid for all of the activity.

    “No foreign company was paid $600,000 for the design of logo. If they have proof that I paid such amount of money, they should show it because it is public purse. If I did anything wrong, I would be sent to jail.

    “Judges were prosecuted in this government and ministers. So, ministers like me can also be prosecuted, if I do wrong.

    “As far as I am concerned, you will not find me with financial misappropriation.  I am too young and too ambitious to smear my name. Honestly, such money was not spent and I don’t know where people got the figure of N1.2 billion from.

    “All that was spent and I stated in my presentation is N40 million and N50 million and all of it has not been paid to people, who did the job and it is transparent. We also said the purpose for which they are and the payment vouchers are there.”

    On the investors and partners, who have so far indicated interest in the project, he said: “We do have partners. Those who have indicated interest in the project are: Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), African Development Bank Group (AfDB), African Export–Import Bank (AFREXIM),  Export–Import Bank of the United States (US-EXIM), Standard Chartered Bank, Boeing, Airbus, Deutche infrastructure finance,  Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, French and United States (U.S.) Governments, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC)/ China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC), West African Development Bank  (BOAD),  Export–Import Bank of China (China-Exim) and others.”

    Sirika also said government intends to allow Nigerians to also grow their business.

    On the amount required to kick start the project and sustain it, he said: “Estimated funding requirement for the establishment of the project is $300million up to 2020. Initial start–up capital of $55million made up of $25 million for deposit for new aircraft and $30 million for working capital from June to December 2018.

    “Estimated working capital for year 2019 is $100 million, estimated working capital for year 2020 of $145 million is to be provided by the strategic equity partners who are expected to manage the project.”

    He explained that the name of the national carrier ‘’Nigeria Air‘‘ was obtained by engaging the general public through social media campaign where over 400,000 persons were engaged within one week of campaign on Facebook.

    On the importance of the national carrier, the minister said no domestic airline has evolved to fill the vacuum left by Nigeria Airways

    He stated that only 28 out of Nigeria’s Bi-lateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with 83 countries are active on national carrier.

    On the merging of Arik and Aero, he said:  “The suggestion that Aero and Arik Airlines under AMCON be merged to form a National Carrier is not tenable as national carrier would get entangled with huge indebtedness of the airlines, litigations and other encumbrances.”

    To avoid accidents and boost safety and security around the airport, the minister added that aviation security would start bearing arms in three months’ time.

     

     

  • Minister: Fake news threatens poll

    Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed yesterday expressed worry over the rate at which fake news is spreading in the country.

    Mohammed, who warned that the development might mar 2019 elections, advised journalists to shun fake news to ensure a successful forthcoming general election.

    The minister, who was represented by the Managing Director (MD) of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bayo Onanuga, said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the negative trend was truncated.

    He spoke at a summit to commemorate the International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists in Abuja organised by the Centre Against Brutality and for the Safety of Journalists in Africa (CABSOJA).

    On how to end impunity against journalists, the minister advised journalists to always observe events from a distance as they do their job during the forthcoming general elections.

    He said journalists should not decide for voters rather maintain the dignity of the profession “by not reporting fake news and hate speeches”.

    Journalists, he said, should always defend themselves with the truth in the line of duty.

    Former Inspector-General Solomon Arase, his keynote address, said media outlets should have departments to monitor and analysed conflicts zones across the nation and prepare themselves to take serious cognisance of the areas when reporting.

    Arase said journalism should be practised with responsibility, hence: “They should be mindful of the ethics of the profession at all times”.

    The former IG identified low remuneration of journalists as a major challenge impeding the ethical practice of the profession, adding that most journalists have to financially fend for themselves, without payment from media organisations.

    He advocated that journalists should move in groups and liaise with security agencies to ensure safety.

    “By now, as the 2019 general elections approach, journalists should possess political intelligence skills and identify volatile areas, especially in rural areas.

    “Media organisations should provide insurance covers to indemnify journalist in the event of injuries, assault or death,” he advised.

    He said maintaining ethics of fairness and balance would minimise friction and attacks on journalists in coverage of conflict and non-conflict situation, including elections.

    According to him, the agenda setting power of the press should not be abused.

    “We should be true professionals, always by remaining non-partisan, realising that partisanship can jeopardise our safety,” Arase said.

    Director-General of UNESCO Ms Audrey Azoulay condemned the murder of 1,010 journalist and media professionals since 2006, adding that none out of such cases have been brought to court.

    “We must urgently address the specific threats which face women journalists and ultimately extend to the journalistic profession as a whole.

    “The fight against impunity is inseparable from the defence of fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, freedom of the press and access to information,” she stated.

    Ms Audrey emphasised the critical role of journalists’ freedom to the establishment of better informed societies.

    Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on SDGs, Mrs. Adejike Orelope-Adefulire, said journalists should do more of investigative reporting to ascertain the truth about any story before going to the press.

    “There is need for more investigative journalism without bias. A guaranteed freedom of press is imperative to the anti-corruption fight of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration,” she said.

    Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) President Chris Isiguzo said there was a general belief about the media failing in serving the public interest and requirement of democracy.

    He said the information is false.

    “Because of economic pressure and what some have called back-pack journalism, editorial oversight and leadership in the newsroom have declined, and in many , the sub desk has been eliminated; no more fact-checking.

    “It is like anything can go as far as it will bring money and probably not libellous. The news gate has become more porous than never, thereby creating platform for propagandist, merchants of hate speech and fake news,” he said.

    Isiguzo said there is a need for caution and also urgent need to remedy the situation towards ensuring safety of journalists.

    The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against journalists is a UN-recognised day observed annually on November 2.

    The day draws attention to the low global conviction rate for violent crimes against journalists and media workers, estimated at only one in every 10 cases.

     

     

  • NITP inducts Minister, Governor, 73 others Fellows

    The Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Bwari Abubakar, have been inducted as Fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP). Also inducted were 76 other distinguished professionals in the industry.

    At the induction, which held in Abuja recently, the Minister identified roles of town planners to building a sustainable city devoid of flood and other natural ocurrencies.

    “Mistakes of other professions can be easily corrected but not town planners. You cannot wipe out a city to rebuild again. We have to adhere to ethics of the profession because we have a role in nation building,” Abubakar said.

    He described the fellowship as spectacular because it is the highest honour in the town planning profession.

    Reacting to Abuja Master Plan being encroached on daily basis, he said it has been a nightmare of the town planners. Abubakar, who regrets that political decisions in the past have altered the Abuja master plan, nonetheless restated commitment of the current administration to fixing the errors.

    Ishaku agreed with Abubakar, frowning at the lack of political will to fully implement the Abuja master plan. According to him, so many things have not been implemented in the capital city. For instance, he explained, building transportation rail line should have been first before building the Abuja town itself.

    “I have planned four lakes in additional to Jabi lake which has not been implemented up till date and I am feeling so bad about that. Sooner or later, you will deplete the water in Usman dam which supplies drinkable water to Abuja town without implementing the plan,” he cautioned, adding that the four lakes are to serve as backup to Usman dam and provide water for horticulture used in beautifying the trees and flower gardens.

    The governor said it is the responsibility of town planners to determine locations that are habitable and otherwise so that people are prevented from settling in flood prone areas.

    “If you visit Taraba, you will see that we have designed and executed several roads, improved education from almost zero level. We are using town planning experience to spur rural development,” he said.

     

    Avoidable home decor mistakes

    The fact that you can afford expensive furniture does not make you immune to home décor mistakes. Better still, you don’t necessarily have to learn from your own mistakes. You can save yourself a lot of stress by getting it right the first time. Below are some home decor mistakes you should avoid:

     

    Test Before Painting Your Walls

    Before you paint your walls, consider testing the paint; especially on a large span of a wall before you splash colours on your wall. This does not, however, mean that you should buy a lot of paint to test the colours. Instead, go for a few small containers. Try different shades of colours until you find one that really appeals to you. The last thing you want to do is to go for a colour yet end up with a depressing shade.

     

    Don’t Go For Rugs

    You might be tempted to have toilet rugs in your bathroom – Don’t do it. It’s one of the biggest decor mistakes most tenants and homeowners make. Toilet rugs might look fancy and light up your bathroom; especially when they are brightly coloured but don’t do it.

    Regardless of the size of your bathroom, you should not have a rug in it. They are not easy to clean and can easily become a breeding ground for germs on the bathroom floor. Remember that the rug would mostly be damp because of the prevalence of water in the bathroom. Instead, you should go for a bath mat, which might or might not come with a rubber backing.

     

    • Samod Biobaku, Private Property Nigeria