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  • Edo Assembly passes 2018 N150.09 bn budget

    Edo Assembly passes 2018 N150.09 bn budget

    The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday passed the state’s N150.09 billion budget for 2018 with an increase of about N3.433billion.

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki had on November 29 presented a budget proposal of N146.6 billion, made up of N66.7 billion recurrent and N79.8 billion capital expenditures to the House for consideration.

    The House increased the proposal by about N3.433 billion.

    Considering the bill clause by clause, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Project Monitoring, Mr Damian Lawani (APC-Etsako Central), said the proposal, christened “Budget of Growth’’, was designed to ensure completion of ongoing projects in the state.

    The house also raised the capital expenditure from N79.8 billion to N82.53 billion, while the recurrent was raised from N66.7 billion to N67.55 billion.

    The House, after considering the amendments, passed the bill into law.

    The speaker, Kabiru Adjoto, directed that clean copies of the document should be sent to the governor for his assent.

    NAN

  • Auchi Poly confirms sack of former Deputy Rector for misconduct

    Auchi Poly confirms sack of former Deputy Rector for misconduct

    The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, in Edo, has dismissed a former Deputy Rector, Mr Femi Balogun, with several other senior members of staff undergoing various management sanctions.

    Investigation showed that Balogun’s dismissal followed council’s review of several allegations of gross misconduct against him, for which he was subsequently found culpable.

    Balogun’s residence at the senior staff quarters is devoid of any human activity as he may have vacated the premises, in compliance with council’s directive for him to handover, with immediate effect, all polytechnic property in his possession to the institution’s management.

    Former registrar of the institution, Mrs Margaret Ashepelokhai, is also undergoing a three-month suspension for gross misconduct, while a former Dean of Applied Sciences, Mr Abdulkareem Adamu Obomekhe’s job is also being threatened.

    Obomekhe is currently serving a three-month suspension and may face outright dismissal, subject to the governing council’s ratification.

    He has also since handed over to Mr Kadiri, as Dean of Applied Sciences, as directed by management.

    Further investigations revealed that no fewer than 10 academic staff were being tried by the institution’s senior staff disciplinary committee (SSDC) for various administrative infractions ranging from blocking to sexual harassment.

    A management staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the story, saying “ it is true that the former registrar is now undergoing a three-month suspension after she was previously sent on a compulsory three-month leave.

    “For Obomekhe, several administrative panels found him culpable of the allegations against him.

    “He was found to have absconded from his duty post at the Kaduna Polytechnic, where he was being tried for a sexual harassment-related case and got employed here in 1999.

    “He was found to have simultaneously received three months salary from his former school and also here at the Auchi polytechnic, sometime in 1999.

    “He is presently on suspension, while management awaits council’s ratification of further recommendations,” the staff said

    Auchi Polytechnic Public Relations Officer, Mr Mustapher Oshiobugie, who confirmed the development.

    He said “yes, I am aware that the governing council of the institution has sanctioned some members of staff for alleged misconduct’’.

    The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Mr Justin Momodu, while also confirming the sanction, said that the union was on the same page with management in its desire to rid the institution of undesirable elements.

    “We are on the same page with management on its anti-corruption and cleansing agenda. The union would not condone any form of indiscipline among its members.

    “But we will also pursue and defend with our collective might, any perceived case of intimidation by management on any member.

    “The cases of the dismissed former ASUP chairman and union members are good examples.

    The union did not relent until they were recently recalled and their entitlements paid to them.

    “On this, the union is with management on its cleansing exercise. We are also watching carefully to ensure that due processes is followed,”  he said.

    NAN

  • Lalong presents N145.4 bn budget for 2018

    Lalong presents N145.4 bn budget for 2018

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has presented the 2018 Appropriation Bill of over N145.4 billion to the state House of Assembly for approval.

    The governor presented the bill tagged “Budget of Rescue and Consolidation” to the house on Thursday in Jos.

    According to him, “the budget seeks to consolidate on the gains and achievements of the administration since inception of the rescue mission in 2015’’.

    Lalong said the budget was made up of N69.6 billion capital and N75.8 billion recurrent expenditure.

    “The budget has a total size of N145. 4 billion; N75. 8 billion which represents 52.13 per cent of the budget is for recurrent expenditure while N69.6 billion, representing 48.87 per cent is for capital expenditure.

    “As part of our rescue mission, we shall continue to accord priority to the welfare of civil servants through timely promotions and payment of salaries and allowances, pension and gratuities of our retirees and the release of running cost for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    “Mr Speaker, with your timely scrutiny and passage of this budget, the confidence to consolidate on what we have started will be further strengthened,” he said,

    The Speaker, Mr Peter Azi, assured that the house would expeditiously process, scrutinise and pass the appropriation bill.

    Azi said that the 8th Assembly in the state had put in place stringent mechanism that would checkmate loopholes and mismanagement of budgets my MDAs.

    “It is our collective resolve as members of the house in line with the administration’s determination for effective service delivery to the people, to expeditiously pass this budget into law.”

    NAN

  • Navy rescue four Chinese men from kidnappers

    Navy rescue four Chinese men from kidnappers

    The Nigerian Navy in Lagos on Thursday said they rescued four Chinese men from kidnappers around Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

    The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Sylvanus Abbah, told journalists in Lagos that the four victims were abducted on board a fishing trawler within the Lagos waters on December 14.

    According to him, operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT rescued the abducted Chinese nationals from a militant camp in the riverine area of Ondo State.

    He said that after the abduction, the kidnappers took their victims in a speed boat to Igbokoda, Ondo State the same day.

    “Naval operatives attached to Forward Operations Base (FOB) who sighted the kidnappers as they were entering Igbokoda gave them a hot pursuit.

    “The kidnappers opened fire on the naval gunboat.

    “There was a fierce gun battle between the suspects and the naval men and the hoodlums abandoned their boats and fled on foot through the creeks,” he said.

    Abbah said that the naval men went after the suspects who later abandoned the four Chinese men and fled.

    “Presently efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspects.

    “The Chinese sustained bullet wounds during the gun battle and they have been treated and are in stable condition,” he said.

    Read also: Navy uncovers hotel where fuel is siphoned in Lagos

    Meanwhile, the Acting Chinese Consul General in Nigeria, Mr Guan Zhonggi, who paid a thank you visit to the FOC, commended the navy for its prompt intervention.

    He said that the four Chinese men regained their freedom because of the swift action of the naval men.

    NAN

  • NYSC: 20 members get service extension

    NYSC: 20 members get service extension

    The National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ), in Nasarawa State, says 20 corps members are to have an extension of service due to alleged misconduct during the service year.

    The state Coordinator, 2017 Batch B Stream 11, Mrs Zainab Isah, disclosed this on Thursday at the passing out parade in Lafia Local Government Area.

    She said the affected corps members committed various offences bordering on misconduct during the service year.

    Isah said the punishment meted out was based on the gravity of their offences according to the by-law of the scheme.

    “We have 20 corps members that have disciplinary cases.

    “Some of them missed one allowance or the other because they were not around.

    “Some traveled without permission or they traveled with permission but extended their stay without informing the officers,’’ she said.

    Read also: NYSC promises justice in killing of member 

    She also explained that the allowances they missed would be given to them during their extension of service.

    According to her, some got two weeks extension, some three weeks, while others got longer due to the gravity of their offences.

    It depends on the misconduct and what the NYSC by-law stipulates as punishment,” she said.

    Isah explained that the decision to extend the service year of erring corps members was the recommendation of the State NYSC Disciplinary Committee which will serve as a deterrent to others.

    According to her, 1,957 corps members successfully completed their service year and have been issued certificates.

    She commended the corps members for their patriotism and perseverance during the year.

    She, however, advised them to be self-reliant and employers of labour rather than wait for white collar jobs.

    “You should go ahead with what we taught you in camp, just continue with those training and I am sure those training will see you (through) in no distant time,” she said.

    She thanked the state government for its support to the scheme and urged for its sustenance especially in the area of engagement of corps members with significant positive impact in the area of their primary assignments.

    According to her, five corps members distinguished themselves based on the contributions they made in their places of assignments.

    “They did exceptionally well but we are yet to submit the list to the state government because the NYSC governing board is yet to hold a meeting on it,”she said.

    NAN

  • Harry and Meghan release engagement pictures

    Harry and Meghan release engagement pictures

    Britain’s Prince Harry and his American fiancée Meghan Markle have released a series of portraits by New York-based fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski to mark their engagement.

    Lubomirski, a former assistant to Mario Testino, famed for his photos of Harry’s mother Princess Diana, took the pictures this week at the royal retreat of Frogmore House, near Windsor Castle, west of London, where the couple are due to marry on May 19.

    Read also: Harry and Meghan to wed May 19 

    “I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took of them, such was their happiness together,” Lubomirski said.

    Queen Elizabeth’s 33-year-old grandson, Harry, fifth-in-line to the throne, and Markle, 36, who stars in the U.S. TV legal drama “Suits”, announced their engagement last month.

    NAN

  • NSCDC deploys 2,000 personnel ahead of Christmas

    NSCDC deploys 2,000 personnel ahead of Christmas

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) on Thursday deployed more than 2,000 personnel in Enugu State to ensure safety of lives and property of residents during the yuletide season.

    The Corps Commandant in the state, Mr Steve Amoga, told newsmen in Enugu.

    He said that the command had also deployed 10 vehicles for 24-hour operations by the officers and men in uniform and plain-cloth.

    The NSCDC boss said that the command had deployed its rapid response squad in strategic locations in the state to protect sites with critical public infrastructure.

    “They are also deployed to places where large number of people gather such as worship centres, markets and shopping malls in Enugu,’’ he said.

    Read also: NSCDC trains 380 officers on criminal prosecution

    According to Amoga, the massive deployment is to ensure that the residents of the state have a well-secured environment during and after the festive period.

    “We are also ensuring that we take pro-active steps to have our plain-cloths and uniform officers and men to nip any act of criminality and terrorism in the bud,’’ he said.

    He explained that every operative had been placed on red alert in order to ensure quick response to any incident in the state, saying that the special operation would last up to the third week of January, 2018.

    The NSCDC boss, however, advised residents to be mindful of the activities of the security personnel and report any suspicious object, movement and persons.

    “When you see any face or group of people that unknown to you lurking around your building and premises, please do report to the NSCDC so that our intelligence officers can come around.

    “Also, if someone comes around you where it is clear that there is enough space for him to pass but he or she decided to squeeze his or her body on you.
    “You must check properly your pockets and belongings to ensure that you have not been robbed.

    “And once you notice any theft raise alarm and call the nearest NSCDC official around especially if you are in a market or shopping mall,’’ he added.

    NAN

  • Bill to regulate bank charges passes second reading

    Bill to regulate bank charges passes second reading

    A bill for an Act to amend the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

    The amendment seeks to mandate banks and other financial institution in Nigeria to state in writing, all charges and fees accruing to any transactions in the banks.

    The bill which was sponsored by Rep. Jones Onyereri ( Imo-PDP ) also seeks to increase penalties to deter corporate and individual misconduct.

    Leading the debate, Onyereri said the bill seeks to amend the banking Act and to among other things, regulate banks and other financial institutions.

    The legislator said in line with the current economic realities, there was a need to deter incessant contravention of banking laws.

    He said that the bill, when amended will prohibit carrying on of such businesses in the country and streamline the operations of banks and financial institutions in Nigeria to conform with international best practices.

    Rep. Daniel Reyenieju (Delta-PDP) said that there are many victims of arbitrary charges and that there was need for banks and financial institutions to be transparent.

    Reyenieju acknowledged that the banks were out to make profits but stressed that the process most be open for the customer to know.

    In his ruling, the Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the bill to the House Committee on Banking and Currency for further legislative actions.

    NAN

  • Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    Borno free of cholera outbreak – Commissioner

    The Borno Government on Thursday declared that the state is cholera free sequel to the successful control of an outbreak of the disease.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Haruna Mshelia, made this known at a news conference in Maiduguri.

    He said the state government in collaboration with World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and development partners had effectively controlled the cholera outbreak which was first recorded on August 16.

    “Today, we are more than two weeks without any case reported and this signifies that we have come to the end of this outbreak,’’ Mshelia, who was represented by Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, said.

    “The preparedness of the health cluster to respond to cholera outbreak; effective partner coordination, and swift activation of the emergency operation centre, efficient case management and surveillance were the strong points that helped disrupt transmission and reduce mortality by about one per cent,” he said.

    Read also: Cholera spreads through IDPs camps in Nigeria – UN

    Mshelia disclosed further that over 5,000 cases of the disease were recorded with 61 deaths in the six affected local government areas of the state.

    He listed the affected areas as Jere, Maiduguri, Dikwa, Monguno, Mafa and Guzamala.

    The commissioner attributed the outbreak to the weakening health system due to Boko Haram insurgency and over population at Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camps.

    According to him, the state government has inoculated 950,000 persons against the disease as part of effort to prevent future outbreak.

    Mshelia reiterated the state government commitments to enhance quality healthcare delivery in the state.
    He commended WHO and other organisations for their contributions to the improvement of healthcare services in the state.

    NAN

  • Another House of Rep member defects to APC

    Another House of Rep member defects to APC

    A member of the House of Representatives, Johnson Agbonayinma, on Thursday in Abuja announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Agbonayinma represents Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency of Edo.

    Agbonayinma’s defection came barely 24 hours after another member of PDP from the House, Nnanna Igbokwe, representing Ahiazu, Mbaise/Ezinihite Federal Constituency of Imo left the PDP for the ruling-APC.

    In his defection letter read by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Agbonayinma said that he was defecting because the PDP shot the door against him.

    “What made me take this step is because the PDP is factionalised and has continued to promote impunity.

    “You can recall that I did not participate in the party’s national convention of December 9 held at Eagle Square in Abuja because I belong to the Ali Modu Sheriff’s camp, which tried to put things right in the PDP.

    Read also: PDP members defect to APC in Delta

    “Sheriff tried to end the impunity that has characterised the PDP by ensuring the return of the party to the people.

    “However, the party members refused to allow internal party democracy thrive.

    “Today, the party is factionalised; while one faction is at the Wadata Plaza, another is in Asokoro.

    “This is not the way to go; the concocted unity list by the governors during the convention further deepened the crisis in the party.

    “The PDP has shut the door against me and I have no other alternative than to heed the call of the people who elected me to resign from the PDP and join the APC,’’ Agbonayinma said.

    He claimed that he was being intimidated by his colleagues in PDP for opting not to join a walk out over Igbokwe’s defection.

    Agbonayinma said that his colleagues vowed to frustrate his motion on Digital Switch Over for refusing to join the walk out.

    “It is time to put partisan politics aside and promote national interest,’’ Agbonayinma said.

    The House Majority Leader, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, said that “Agbonayinma took the right decision because his political philosophy is progressive’’.

    However, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Chukwuka Onyema, on behalf of the PDP caucus in the house, bid Agbonayinma farewell.

    Onyema said that Agbonayinma’s exit from the PDP leaves the party in a better shape.

    Agbonayinma’s defection brings the number of lawmakers who decamped from the PDP to the APC to seven in the last 12 months.

    NAN