The Nation Newspaper

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  • Obaseki lauds 6th Edo Assembly for deepening democracy

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has commended the 6th Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), for its outstanding contributions in deepening democratic processes in the state and for supporting the executive arm in delivering dividends of democracy to Edo people.

    Obaseki gave the commendation while speaking at a dinner organised by the state government for outgoing and incoming members of the State House of Assembly, at Government House, Benin City.

    He described the 6th Assembly as a progressive assembly, which contributed to positive changes in the state with bills and resolutions passed.

    “I want to thank you for helping in deepening the tools of democracy. Your effort has assured us that we can really develop our society if we put our hands and minds to the task. I don’t think many governors in the country were lucky to receive the cooperation we got from you,” the governor said.

    He added: “I want to thank you specifically for the passage of the Anti-Community Development Association (CDA) bill, which has helped us to make the state more business-friendly and to drive development.”

    He said the quality of work put into the bills sent to the 6th Assembly for consideration was amazing, noting that members of the 6th Assembly have stamped their feet in the sand of the state’s democratic journey.

    Read Also: Obaseki, Okowa meet on Bendel Development Commission

    Obaseki urged incoming members of the 7th Assembly to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors in sustaining cordial relationship with his administration, as he runs a transparent government.

    He tasked the new legislators to work towards having all the laws of the state as Edo laws, against the Bendel laws still in operation, adding that he believed in the independence of the other two arms of government, where the executive arm of government has no control over their activities.

    Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, said the executive arm of government cannot work in isolation and must always seek the cooperation of the legislature. He commended the 6th assembly for the speedy passage of bills, while urging the 7th assembly to work towards surpassing its predecessor.

    The Speaker of the 6th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjotu, expressed appreciation to the state government for supporting the Assembly in contributing its quota to the development of the state. He said the house passed about 71 bills and moved over 200 resolutions.

    Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Anselm Ojezua, and the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, joined in commending the outstanding performance of members of the 6th state Assembly.

  • What you should know about 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup

    The time to catch football fever has come again as the FIFA Women’s World cup kick starts on Friday. Here are things you should know about the tournament:

    ·       It is the eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s world cup which is done every four years.

    ·        This year’s tournament will be hosted in France.

    ·       This is the first time France will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    ·       This will be the first time the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be used in a Women’s World Cup tournament.

    ·         It commences today with the group stage fixtures and will run till 7th July 2019.

    ·       The United States’ are the defending champions.

    ·       This edition will feature 24 teams broken into six groups of four teams each.

    Below are the groupings of the teams:

    GROUP A

    France, South Korea, Norway, Nigeria

    GROUP B

    Germany, China PR, Spain, South Africa

    GROUP C

    Australia, Italy, Brazil, Jamiaca

    GROUP D

    England, Scotland, Argentina, Japan

    GROUP E

    Canada, Cameroon, New Zealand, Netherlands

    GROUP F

    United States, Thailand, Chile, Sweden

  • Updated: Obasa re-elected Lagos speaker

    Immediate past Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was on Friday re-elected as Speaker of the 9th Lagos Assembly.

    The election took place immediately after Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, read the proclamation of the 9th Assembly.

    Obasa was returned unopposed as he remained the only nominated candidate at the close of nomination.

    He was nominated by Hon. Olanrewaju Oshun, Lagos Mainland 2 constituency and seconded by Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu, Agege 1 constituency.

    In his citation, Oshun who also nominated Obasa for the same position in 2015, said he nominated him again because he made the lawmakers proud with his performance in the last four years.

    He pointed out the fact that his constituency returned him to the Assembly for a record fifth time means they have confidence in him and he has performed to their expectation.

    All the returning former principal officers also retained their positions.

    They are: Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni as deputy speaker; Hon. Sanai Agunbiade Majority Leader; Chief Whip, Hon. Rotimi Abiru; Deputy Majority Leader, Hon.Olumuyiwa Jimoh; the only new principal officer is the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. (Mrs.) Mosunmola Sangodara who took over from the outgoing deputy chief whip.

    Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to Lagosians for voting for APC as seen in the Lagos Assembly made up of all APC members, saying it is an eloquence testimony of Lagosians preference for progressive ideals.

    While proclaiming the Assembly, Sanwo-Olu, stated that he would be inaugurating the 9th Assembly in line with Section 105, sub-section 3 of the constitution.

    The Governor, who appreciated the people of Lagos State for their support at the polls, urged the lawmakers to live up to the expectations of the people.

    “As you commence the legislative duties it is important to remind ourselves that we are all accountable to the people of the state.

    The essence of democracy is checks and balances and seperattion of power. Lagos State has always been a pacesetter and it will continue to remain one.

    “As progressive partners in this dispensation, we have a responsibility to raise the bar and it is important to uphold this. We should activate the process to develop the state that is home to over 20 million people,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu added that the responsibility for oversight functions and the accuracy with which it deserved was very important for the lawmakers, stressing that he was committed to the full implementation of the 2019 budget, which he said was important to the progress of the people of the state.

    “I will be seeking your support for the quick passage of some bills that will be useful for the progress of the state.

    “I must congratulate all of us for the victory at the polls. We must honour our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinunu that has worked hard to sustain our democracy. I wish you a successful tenure in the 9th Assembly,” he said.

    In his speech after he took the oath of office, Obasa thanked the governor for proclaiming the 9th Assembly and congratulated him for his election.

    He commended Lagosians for the trust reposed in their representatives through their votes at the election.

    Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him by reflecting him for a second term, saying he is aware of the responsibility the office demands from him, he also thanked his constituents in Agege for giving him a fifth term making it possible for the speakership position.

    Read Also: Akeredolu is chair Southwest Governors’ Forum

    “I promise to make you proud, I will not let you down, your relecting me for a second term as speaker goes a long way to demonstrate the level of confidence and trust reposed in me”.

    While assuring that the House would apply legislation to define Lagos of everybody’s dream, he however added that the legislature will collaborate with other arms of government especially the executive to take Lagos to the next level.

    Promising that the House will remove all the obstacles put in its way to hinder legislative duties.

    Obasa told his colleagues: “We have a huge responsibility before us to serve the people and ensure we perform our constitutional responsibility without fear or favour”, assuring Lagosians that “we will protect your interest and ensure that dividends of democracy gets to all and sundry”.

  • Six tips to identify fake interviews

    The high rate of unemployment in the country has left people desperate for jobs. As such, the unemployed are susceptible to falling victims to fake interviews.

    Not only are people duped by these fake interviewers, some, it has been reported, fall victims of ritualists. Whatever the case may be, it is best not to fall into their traps. Here are ways to identify fake interviews:

    ·       They have little or no online presence. This is the 21st century. It is very uncommon that a company or an outsourcing company for that matter will have no website. It is not only restricted to website. They should have blogs, social media accounts or any online presence. However, bear in mind that some credible organisations do not yet have an online presence.

    ·       They usually send SMS alone. These SMSs are usually filled with excess grammatical errors. True, everyone makes mistakes but when the mistakes are more than usual, it’s a red flag. Meanwhile, credible companies use SMS, email and sometimes calls during recruitment.

    ·       When you receive messages from people you did not apply from, your suspicions should be up.  It is likely that your number was randomly picked. Normally, your CV is first reviewed before an invitation for interview is done. So, if your database is not in their system, how did they find you?

    Read Also: 31 work-from-home websites/companies

    ·       Again, most fake interviews do not specify the job title in their SMS. Reliable companies let you know the job title you’re applying for.

    ·       Asking you pay a fee. ‘Processing fee’ ‘registration fee’, ‘consultancy fee’, ‘training fee’, all these are some of the names used to embellish the act of duping done by these “interviewers”

    ·       The venue of the interview can also give away the sincerity or dubiousness of the company. Suspicious- looking structure and unconventional buildings should raise an alarm in your senses.

    In all, make sure to be alert and careful. Do not allow desperation and frustration get you caught up in the web of fake interviews. Happy job hunting!

  • NBC: Court restores DAAR Communications broadcast licence

    DAAR Communications Plc, owners of AIT and Ray Power FM may have heaved a sigh of relieve as a Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order ex-parte for the maintenance of status quo, following the suspension of its operating licence by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    The organisation had filed a suit challenging the suspension.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling a moment ago, rejected two prayers by DAAR, for restraining orders against the respondents – NBC, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture (FMIC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    DAAR Communications had, in the reliefs turned down by the court, sought to restrain the respondents from interfering with its operations pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions.

    Instead, Justice Ekwo granted the alternative relief: “an order for the maintenance of status quo ante bellum as at 30th of May, 2019, pending the hearing and final determination of the motion on notice filed along with this application.”

    Read Also:  Court orders INEC to issue Okorocha certificate of return

    Justice Ekwo said the applicant, DAAR would be penalised should it turn out, at the end of the day, that the order ought not to have been made.

    The judge noted that, by the issues raised in its application by DAAR Communications, the respondents deserved to be heard.

    He ordered the respondents – NBC, FMIC, AGF – “to appear in court on the next date to show cause why the prayers in the applicant’s motion should not be granted.”

    Justice Ekwo adjourned further proceedings till June 13, 2019.

    NAN

  • Akeredolu is chair Southwest Governors’ Forum

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has emerged chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

    Akeredolu became Chairman at a Special Security Meeting of Governors from the South West region at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja on Friday.

    The meeting was held to address the growing spate of insecurity in the South West Region.

    The governors announced their decision to hold a regional security summit that will bring all critical stakeholders together to brainstorm on how to stem the tide of insecurity in the region.

    The meeting was attended by the Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Oyo State Governor Mr. Seyi Makinde; Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Akeredolu’s emergence as Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum followed a unanimous decision by all the governors from the South West.

    Read Also; Photos: South West govs meet over insecurity

    Speaking after the Special Security meeting, the Governor, who hosted the meeting, said the DAWN commission has been directed to coordinate the summit aimed at further promoting the developmental agenda of the South West region.

    According to him, the DAWN commission would also look at all modalities that will help to stem the tide of banditry, kidnapping and insecurity in the zone and also look into the national agenda and response.

    He said: “There’s urgent need to stem the tide of criminal activities and banditry in our region and as leaders, we must be proactive in our approach to addressing the issue”.

    The governor disclosed that a consulting firm, KPMG has been appointed to review the tenure of the Group Managing Director of Oodua investment company, which has all the South West State Governments as shareholders.

  • Photos: South West govs meet over insecurity

  • Breaking: Court orders INEC to issue Okorocha certificate of return

    Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court on Friday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Rochas Okorocha, a Certificate of Return.

    The Court ruled that the decision to deprive Okorocha of the certificate was a “lawless decision.”

    Abang held that only the returning officer of the INEC had the constitutional authority to declare a winner.

    He held that any person declared a winner by the returning officer remains a winner until petitioners succeed in upturning the declaration at the election tribunal.

    Read Also: Ihedioha sets up committee to probe Okorocha’s administration

    The court further ruled that Mr Okorocha had no business being the originator of the petition at the election tribunal.

    Justice Abang, who ruled that the federal high court had exclusive jurisdiction to decide on the matter, described INEC’s decision as “lawless and a complete nullity.”

    The electoral body had said it refused to give Okorocha certificate of return after the returning officer for Imo West senatorial district said he was compelled to declare Okorocha winner.

  • Ondo doctors abandon duty over attack on colleague

    Medical Doctors at the Ondo State Specialists’ Hospital in Ikare-Akoko on Friday abandoned their duty posts, over an attack on one of their colleagues.

    The doctors, under the aegis of National Association of Government General, Medical and Dental Practitioners, (NAGGMDP), Ondo State Branch, are protesting shoddy security arrangement and unavailability of emergency drugs and consumables in the hospital to treat the patient.

    Dr. Adeke Funsho was allegedly stabbed severally by miscreants, who took laws into their hands, following a face-off between the doctor and a Pharmacy Technician at the hospital.

    It was gathered that the Pharmacy Technician on duty invited some hoodlums to deal with the doctor for suggesting that she was slow in releasing the packs to the patient’s relatives.

    Trouble started when the doctor challenged the Pharmacy Technician for failing to release the packs to one of the patient’s relatives, who later died because of the delay.

    The female Pharmacy Technician was infuriated by this action and she invited some miscreants to the hospital to deal with the doctor and anyone on duty.

    Read Also: Imo doctors suspend strike as Ihedioha wades in

    The doctors are pressing home their demand for the need to guarantee the safety of lives of health workers in the hospital, by down tooling.

    They want provision of adequate emergency care and effective security around the accident and emergency ward of the hospital to prevent future re-occurence.

    Reacting to the incident, the State Chairman of NAGGMDP, Dr. Oluwafemi AINA said appropriate government agencies have been contacted to take necessary action to address the crisis.

    He said, “we have reported the case to relevant government agencies and they are expected to take urgent action”.

  • 8th Oyo Assembly considered 87 bills, passed 70

    The Oyo State House of Assembly said it considered 87 bills and passed 70 of the bills while the remaining 17 are under-going legislative scrutiny with various committees.

    The Speaker of the 8th Assembly, Mr Olagunju Ojo disclosed this at the valedictory session of the lawmakers on Friday in Ibadan.

    He gave God the Glory for preserving the lives of members of the assembly and commended the lawmakers for a peaceful tenure.

    According to him, the lawmakers are proactive and visionary in their actions hence, they are able to enact laws that addressed many challenges within the state.

    “We looked into security, health, education, environment, works and transport, housing and ecology to mention a few.

    “Some of the laws are Oyo State Kidnapping (Prohibition) 2015, Oyo State Education Trust Fund Law 2016, Oyo State HIV and AIDS Law 2016, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency Law 2016, Violence Against Women Law 2016,” he said.

    He said that their mission on assumption of office was to garner their wealth of experience and instrument of the legislature to turn around the fortunes of the state.

    “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. This verse aptly describes the relationship within the members of the eight assembly.

    “This valedictory sitting calls for bountiful thanks and appreciation to our maker, who has been our help for ages.

    Read Also: Former speaker faults Makinde over Oyo councils’ dissolution

    “By His grace we were able to effectively perform our legislative functions with high level of patriotism,” he said.

    The speaker noted that the journey has not been a smooth one, as there were some challenges.

    “We had some hiccups, which were surmounted; thanks to the doggedness and unity among members.

    “I must say that no matter how bright the sky is, there will be some dark patches,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 8th Assembly was inaugurated on June 10, 2015, with Ojo assuming duty after the demise of the late speaker, Mr Michael Adeyemo on April 27, 2018.