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  • Cross River: Liability of local governments stands at N42b, says Ayade

    Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, says the liability of local governments to the state government as at today stands at N42 billion.

    The governor who spoke during a valedictory session in Calabar recently, against the background of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) directive on financial autonomy for local governments, also disclosed that direct financial support from the state to pay local governments is N11.9 billion.

    The governor, who seemed irked by the directive of the NFIU said, “I hear people are talking about local government autonomy. How much has local governments earned and how much has the state given. The direct financial support to pay local governments, we put N11.9 billion. In addition, the liability of the local governments to the state today stands at N42 billion.

    According to him, “but not for me, but not for my intellectual money, but not for the support of the state, if the local governments are left on their own, wholly” the situation may not have been managed as well as it has been.

    “I don’t know they think every state is the same. There are some states that if you allow the autonomy of the local governments, in three months, the level of kidnapping and crime rates there would destroy this country. So don’t make statements without proper research.

    Read Also: I’ll be project manager in second term, says Ayade

    “Take Cross River State, the first 17 months of our administration, there is no month that I don’t put in N300 million or N400 million for local governments to be able to pay salaries. There are some months we put N1.2 billion to be able to enable them pay salaries and we have never done deductions from them even when our law provides for 27 per cent, plus the recent four percent we did on infrastructure, which brings it to 31 per cent,” he said.

    According to Ayade, “Autonomy works where the income is sufficient for everyone to get his quota. But when what is coming is less than operating cost, you need some bit of creativity.”

  • Russian, U.S. Ships narrowly avoid collision in Philippine Sea

    A Russian destroyer and a United States Navy guided missile cruiser nearly collided on Friday in the Philippine Sea, and each side blamed the other for what could have been a devastating episode.

    The United States Navy said the events took place around 11:45 a.m. local time as a result of an “unsafe and unprofessional” move by the Russian vessel, which came within 50 to 100 feet of the U.S.S. Chancellorsville, according to a statement. The cruiser had to quickly maneuver to avoid a collision, the Navy said.

    Cmdr. Clayton Doss, a spokesman for the Seventh Fleet, said in the statement that the Russian destroyer made an “unsafe maneuver” against the U.S.S. Chancellorsville, “putting the safety of her crew and ship at risk.”

    Russian state news reports framed the events much differently, with the Pacific Fleet press service telling the state-run news agency Tassthat the American vessel had hindered the passage of the Russian destroyer Admiral Vinogradov, forcing it to perform a dangerous maneuver to avoid a collision.

    “The U.S. cruiser Chancellorsville suddenly changed its course and crossed the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer’s course some 50 meters away from the ship,” the press service said, according to Tass. “In order to prevent a collision, the Admiral Vinogradov’s crew was forced to conduct an emergency maneuver.”

    Commander Doss described the Russian account as “propaganda,” Reuters reported.

    (www.nytimes.com)

  • Breaking: Governors yet to decide on state/local government police, says Fayemi

    Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi on Friday said governors have not yet taken a position on the proposal for state and local government police.

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday received report recommending creation of State and Local Government Police.

    But speaking with State House correspondents after governors and security chiefs met Buhari in Aso Villa, Fayemi noted that while some governors had disclosed their ability to support such state and local government police, others were still battling with the challenge of paying existing workers salaries.

    He was with his Ebonyi, Kebbi, Delta, Ondo, Plateau and Borno counterparts.

    Read Also: Fayemi proclaims Ekiti 6th House of Assembly

    As security officers of their states, Fayemi said they briefed the President on situations in their domains.

    He said they were ready to join forces with the President to end the security challenges in the country.

    He disclosed that a comprehensive National Economic Council (NEC) meeting will be held to address the issue of security.

    On the $1billion earlier taken from the excess crude account. Fayemi said that it must have been spent on securing the nation by the security agencies.

    But he said he didn’t have the details.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Closure of AIT, others: Court orders maintenance of status quo

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order ex-parte for the maintenance of status quo, pending the determination of a motion filed by DAAR Communications Plc in its suit challenging the suspension of its operating licence by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    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: NGE condemns shut down of AIT, Ray Power

    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.

  • FCT records highest road crashes in March – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday said FCT recorded the highest number of road crashes in March, with 118 crashes involving 733 persons with 29 fatalities and 295 injuries.

    Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal, said this in the FRSC’s Road Traffic Crash Report he signed for the month of March, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    According to the report, 922 road traffic crashes were reported across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the month of March.

    “However, 6, 558 persons were involved in the road traffic crashes, out of which 420 died and 3,122 others survived with varying degrees of injuries.

    “This statistical analysis indicates an increase by six per cent and 29 per cent in fatalities and crash cases when compared to February,” he said.

    Oyeyemi said that other states with relatively high crash records included Kaduna with 76 crashes, Nasarawa with 58 crashes and Ogun with 57 crashes.

    “Lagos and Niger recorded 45 crashes each,’’ FRSC said in the report.

    The corps marshal said based on analysis of fatalities that Kaduna ranked top with 44 fatalities followed by Bauchi with 40, Niger and FCT followed with 31 and 29 fatalities respectively.

    “Oyo had 26 fatalities, while Ogun and Zamfara recorded 24 fatalities each.”

    Oyeyemi said that in terms of location, Lagos-Ibadan road recorded 58 crashes resulting to 21 deaths and 122 injuries, followed by Kaduna-Abuja with 49 crashes while Abuja-Lokoja road recorded 48 crashes.

    “Nyanya-AyA recorded 16 crashes while Abuja-Keffi road recorded 12 crashes,’’ he said.

    According to the FRSC boss, speed violation remains the highest road traffic crash causative factor responsible for 470 road traffic crashes representing 49.5 per cent.

    Read Also: FRSC advocates use of bicycles for healthy life

    “Furthermore, comparative analysis of March 2019 crash statistics with that of the corresponding month in 2018 revealed eight per cent decrease in deaths and nine per cent decrease in the number of people injured’’.

    Oyeyemi called on media organisations to assist the corps in sensitising the motoring public to the risk of speeding, necessity of installing Speed Limiting Device and obeying traffic rules.

    He appealed to the Federal Government for long-term investments in the corps to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities.

    He said that to enhance the war against road crashes and fatalities, sustainable road safety management must be planned.

    “This requires long-term investment and appropriate capacity building for effective service delivery,’’ the corps marshal said.

    He stressed that international organisations, donors, as well as public and private sectors must work together towards the realisation of the set goals in line with United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020).

  • Kizz Daniel releases new album, ‘Eko’

    Nigerian afrobeat singer, Daniel Anidugbe a.k.a Kizz Daniel has released his long anticipated new song ‘ Eko’

    The Afrobeat singer made this announcement on his Instagram handle @iamkizzdaniel, where he dropped the following message, “Sakimakoparikaka !!! “EKO” audio out now !!!! #EKO
    Visuals out 14th ”

    The 25 – year- old singer decided to post it in Instagram page in order to excite his fans and also to inform them of her new project.

    The Flyboy INC Boss released this glowing tribute to Lagos with all its curves and edges gloriously depicted on this song.

    According the singer, the song ‘Eko’ serves as follow-up to his virally successful foul-mouthed, anti-cheating single, F..k You – which inspired the #F..kYouChallenge and song was mixed by Swaps.

    Kizz Daniel is a Nigerian singer and songwriter best known for his singles “Woju” and “Yeba”, went by the stage name Kiss Daniel which he changed in May 2018 that reflected on social media account.

    He signed a record deal with G-Worldwide Entertainment in 2013, but left the label following a publicized contract dispute and court case.

    In November 2017, Kizz Daniel announced his split from his record label, G-Worldwide and created his own label called FLYBOY I.N.C.

    Read Also; Kizz Daniel, Chidinma star in romantic comedy, ‘Love Me’

    He was sued to court by the former record label but was not found guilty for any of the crimes he was accused of.

    In June 2018, Kizz Daniel’s former record label G-Worldwide made a move to own the rights to the name “Kizz Daniel”
    .
    The singer who has contributed to entertainment industry has received numerous awards and nominated for various awards.(NAN)

  • NGE condemns shut down of AIT, Ray Power

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the suspension of the licences of the African Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and demanded its reversal.

    The NGE expressed its view in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

    In the statement signed by President of the Guild, Mrs Funke Egbemode, the editors appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, to use his good offices to call the NBC to order to revoke the suspension.

    The NBC on June 6, announced the suspension of the licence of the media outfit, DAAR Communication PLC, owners of AIT and Ray power, a radio station until further notice.

    The Director General, NBS, Modibbo Kawu, had accused the broadcasting organisation of refusing to abide by the code governing its operations, adding that this was the reason the licence was suspended.

    The Guild demanded in clear terms the revocation of the suspension order as it runs contrary to the ideals of free speech and the fine tenets of press freedom.

    According to the Egbemode, this is a case of Executive highhandedness and it paints our dear country in the darkest tar of dictatorship.

    “The Fourth Estate of the Realm remains the watchdog of society and any attempt to gag it in any guise is an affront on democracy and the people.

    “The Guild is concerned about the violation of the constitutional rights of DAAR Communications and absence of media freedom in performing their roles as the watchdog of the Nigerian society.

    Read Also: Dokpesi kicks as NBC suspends AIT, Ray Power licences

    “The Guild is strongly of the opinion that the NBC, in exercising its regulatory powers, should concentrate on implementing policies that will position Nigeria’s broadcasting to compete in the global spheres.

    “It is to be recalled that NBC had, before the 2019 general elections, shut down Joy FM in Jos for violations of the broadcasting code.

    “In 2018, the NBC shut down Ekiti Radio/TV station. Shutting down stations and withdrawing licences are too extreme in the circumstance.

    “There must be humane and saner ways to resolve disputes bordering on violation of the Broadcasting Code, rather than engage in witch-hunting and unnecessary show of excessive force, ” NGE further stated.

    The president of the NGE, however, expressed concern that NBC action had thrown thousands of Nigerians into the already saturated labour market and should not be trophy for good corporate governance of a regulator.

    She expressed the Guild’s solidarity with DAAR communication family, urging the staff and management to remain calm as the Guild liaises with well meaning Nigerians and other media professionals to get justice. (NAN)

  • Breaking: Obasa returns unoposed as Lagos speaker

    Immediate past Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has been returned as speaker of the 9th Assembly.

    He was returned unopposed on Friday by his colleagues as he remained the only nominated candidate at the close of nomination.

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

  • Breaking: Five feared killed in Ikorodu cult war

    Five persons have been feared killed and many others injured after suspected cultists clashed in Ikorodu, Lagos.

    The incident, which was said to have occurred around Garage on Friday morning, was said to have been between members of the Eiye and Aiye cult groups.

    Details shortly…

  • Yinka Ayefele debunks rumour of welcoming triplets with wife

    Nigerian gospel singer Yinka Ayefele has debunked the rumour of welcoming a set of triplets with his wife, Temitope.

    The music star made this known via his Instagram page @yinkaayefele on Thursday June 6, where he asked fans and followers to ignore the rumour.

    “Fake News, Fake Pictures. That picture was taken seven years ago during my younger brothers naming at music house in Ibadan.

    “Thank you all for wishing me well and I claim it in Jesus name,” he wrote.

    The gospel singer said it was a rumour that his wife gave birth to triplets as reported on social media.

    His manager, David Ajiboye also confirmed that the news going around were just rumours in a mail sent to Pulse.

    Read Also: Why Buhari should intervene in Oshiomhole, Oyegun’s feud, by Kalu

    Ajiboye categorically debunked the news, stressing that Ayefele is in the United States with his ailing mother while his wife, Temitope is in Nigeria.

    “We left Nigeria for the United States on Monday. While Yinka Ayefele, his mum and younger brother, Laolu headed to Maryland to give their mum better medical care.

    Ayefele’s wife, Temitope is holding forte back in Nigeria,” the mail read.

    The talented gospel singer has been releasing albums ever since 1998 and his music has become so popular that the man was awarded the cultural ambassador in Ekiti.

    The music star releases one album every year and sometimes even two albums which made him outstanding in his career.

    The year 2009 to 2016 were marked by the release of new studio albums with Yinka Ayefele music, which include Transformation, Everlasting Grace, Prayer Point, Goodness of God, Comforter, Overcomer, Upliftment etc.

    In 2017, there was the album titled Living Testimony and the song went viral.

    The gospel music artiste is really incredible because the man sings in different languages, including English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.

    The singer got married to Temitope Titilope in 2000.

    The talented Nigerian gospel singer is now a businessman and has over 200 awards for his musical talent and millions of fans who truly love his songs

    The 51- year- old renowned singer’s music radio station was demolished recently and Nigerians reacted to it.