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  • 350 pilgrims depart for Israel

    The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has conveyed 350 pilgrims for the first batch of this year’s Easter pilgrimage to Israel.

    NCPC’s Executive Secretary Rev. Tor Uja announced this at the official kick-off of the pilgrimage at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    In a statement by the commission’s Acting Head of Media, Mary Gana, the executive secretary urged the pilgrims to be the nation’s good ambassadors by embracing decorum during their stay in Israel.

    The executive secretary, who addressed the first batch of pilgrims from Benue State, advised them to exhibit to the world their moral values and be patriotic citizens.

    Read Also: Ayade inaugurates CAN secretariat, to sponsor 300 Jerusalem pilgrims

    “When you go on a pilgrimage, there are people who are assigned to attend to you. Some of them are medical doctors; some of them are nurses and workers of the commission. They are there to attend to you in case you need anything, and they will guide you appropriately.

    “In international operation, it is wiser to call somebody you know than to talk to a stranger because you can be misled and set up.

    “Pilgrimage must begin and end at home. We want to have a Christian pilgrimage camp where we spend two or three days together before you embark on your spiritual trip. This is crucial because it will mark the beginning of your pilgrimage.

  • Breaking: Confusion over proclamation of National Assembly

    Unconfirmed Presidential Proclamation document of the Ninth National Assembly surfaced on Monday in Abuja.

    The Proclamation document dated May 30, 2019, purportedly signed by President Muhammadu Buhari slated Tuesday, June 11, 2019, as the date for the inauguration of the Ninth National Assembly.

    The document also with a Presidential seal, went viral on social media.

    Although sources at the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Omolori, confirmed the receipt of the letter for the Proclamation of the Ninth National Assembly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Senator Ita Enang, claimed ignorance of the document.

    Enang promised to establish the authenticity or otherwise of the document and revert back to reporters.

    The Presidential Aide was yet to revert back by the time of writing the story.

    Another Presidential aide also contacted asked reporters to get in touch with Enang for confirmation.

    Read Also: Lawan, Ndume step up race for Senate president

    The letter tagged “President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Proclamation for the holding of the 1st session of the 9th National Assembly” read:

    “Whereas it is provided in Section 64(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) that the person elected as President shall have power to issue a Proclamation for the holding of the first session of the National Assembly immediately after his being sworn-in.

    “Now, therefore, I Muhammadu Buhari, President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers bestowed upon me by Section 64 (3) aforesaid and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, hereby proclaim me in that behalf, hereby proclaim that the first session of the Ninth (9th) National Assembly shall hold at 10:00am on Tuesday, 11th June, 2019 in the National Assembly, Abuja.

    “Given under my hand and the public seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at Abuja, this 30th day of May, 2019. Muhammadu Buhari”

    A senator condemned what he described as “hide and seek game” the Presidency was allegedly playing with the proclamation of the Ninth National Assembly.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator who does not want to be quoted noted that “there appear to be some ulterior motives to the whole scenario of the proclamation.”

    He said, “It is a public notice meant to alert National Assembly members-elect that they will be inaugurated on a particular stated day. Why this unholy secrecy just few days to the expected inauguration. It is not a fire service thing. We are watching.”

    Meanwhile Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators, Senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives of the party scheduled to meet in Abuja on Monday.

    It is expected the party members will take position of the election of the presiding officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    The PDP members who are in minority in the two chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives are not expected to field any candidate for the position of the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

  • Emefiele begins second tenure as CBN Gov

    Following the confirmation of his re-appointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the Senate, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Monday, formally assumed duty after subscribing to the relevant Oath of Office administered by the Bank’s Secretary and Director, Corporate Secretariat Department, Mrs. Alice Karau.

    A statement from the CBN said that in his remarks after the oath-taking ceremony, Emefiele disclosed that he is expected to address a World Press Conference in the coming days, where he will unfold a new road map for the Central Bank of Nigeria and the economy.

    “He will unfold a new road map for the Bank and the economy, in the days ahead, after a series of consultations with critical stakeholder groups.”

    He charged all stakeholders to strengthen efforts at building a healthy and stable system in the best interest of Nigeria.

    Read Also: CBN retirees urge Emefiele to honour pension review agreement

    The Governor also reiterated his goal to make the CBN more people-focused, adding that “the Bank remained resolute in the belief that the Bank must play an active role in supporting job and wealth creation in Nigeria.”

    In reviewing the various efforts taken by the Bank to reduce weaknesses in the Nigerian financial system as well as support improved productivity of the Nigerian economy, Emefiele said more work still needed to be done in building a stronger economy for the benefit of all.

    According to him, the pace of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth remained fragile and was below the rate of Nigeria’s annual population growth at 2.7 per cent. He, therefore, pledged that the Bank would continue to collaborate with the fiscal authorities to strengthen growth and wealth creation in the country

    “We must strengthen our efforts over the coming years to stimulate growth and job creation in critical sectors of the economy, which will help insulate our economy from shocks in the global economy. We must also work to build a healthy and stable financial system that contributes to the growth of our economy while preserving price stability,” he added.

    Mr. Emefiele, was received into the Bank by the four Deputy Governors, and he “was visibly elated by the turnout of excited staff that thronged the venue of the oath-taking ceremony chanting his name.”

    Emefiele expressed gratitude to God; President Muhammadu Buhari, for nominating him; and the Senate for confirming his appointment. He also thanked the management and staff as well as the media for all their support during his first term in office.

  • Buhari has not approved State/LG Police – Presidency

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday received a report on the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    The President requested that the report be studied and a white paper produced within three months.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that President Buhari’s specific directive is that a three-man panel be set up to produce the white paper.

    Read Also: Buhari approves recommendation for state, LG police

    “The report of the white paper committee will form the basis of the decisions of the government on the many recommendations, including the setting up of state and local government police made by the Ojukwu panel.

    “Until a white paper is produced, it will be premature and pre-emptive to suggest that the recommendations contained in the report have been approved by the President in part or whole.

  • Breaking: Court restrains SEC from removing Oando directors

    The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday restrained the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from removing Mr Wale Tinubu as Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc.

    The court also barred SEC from imposing a fine on Tinubu and carrying out its decision to bar him and his deputy Mr Omamofe Boyo from being directors of public companies for five years.

    Ruling on an ex-parte application filed by Tinubu and Boyo through their lawyers Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Yele Delano (SAN) and Motunrayo Akinyemi, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun ordered parties to maintain status quo.

    SEC had on Friday announced the conclusion of an investigation of Oando and ordered Tinubu and other affected board members to resign.

    The apex capital market regulator also said it barred Tinubu and Oando Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer Boyo from being directors of public companies for a period of five years.

    It said on Sunday that it had set up an interim management team headed by Mr Mutiu Sunmonu to oversee the company’s affairs and to conduct an Extraordinary General Meeting on or before July 1 to appoint new directors to the board, who would subsequently select a management team

    Tinubu and Boyo have filed a suit numbered FHC/L/CS/910/19 to challenge the SEC decision.

    In their ex-parte application, they sought “an order of interim injunction restraining SEC, its servants, agents, employees and/or privies from taking any step concerning or acting on its decision contained in its letter of 31st May 2019 imposing a fine of N91,125,000 on the first applicant and barring the first and second applicants from being directors of public companies for a period of five years pending the hearing and determination of the applicants’ motion for interlocutory injunction”.

    They sought “an order of interim injunction restraining the second respondent (Sunmonu) from acting as the head of the interim management of Oando Plc pending the hearing and determination of the motion for interlocutory injunction.”

    Read Also: Oando saga: Why SEC sent Tinubu packing

    The applicants’ sought an order staying or suspending the enforcement of SEC’s decision imposing fine on Tinubu and barring them from being directors of public companies for a period of five years.

    Tinubu and Boyo prayed the court for an interim injunction restraining SEC or its agents from requesting any agency of government to act upon the decision contained in the May 31 letter pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice.

    The application was supposed by an affidavit deposed to by Boyo.

    After hearing the applicants counsel, Justice Olatoregun ruled: “That an interim order of injunction is granted within the prayers sought.

    “That parties are to maintain the status quo ante pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    “That this order is to be served on the respondents along with the motion on notice as well as other processes.

    “That an undertaking is to be filed indemnifying the respondents in case it later turns out that these orders ought not to have been made.

    “That the case is adjourned to 14th of June 2019.”

     

     

  • Buhari calls for implementation of SARS reform

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja directed the Inspector General of Police, Ministry of Justice and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to work out modalities for the implementation of the report of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), within three months.

    The President gave the directive while receiving the 2804 page-report from the Panel headed by Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, NHRC, at the State House.

    The report of the Panel, which is in Four Volumes had among other things recommended the dismissal of 37 police officers from the force and the prosecution of 24 officers.

    The Panel, according to a statement by the Deputy Director (Information) in the State House, Attah Esa, also directed the IGP to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of human rights of innocent citizens while the police was directed to pay compensation of various sums in 45 complaints and tender public apologies in five complaints, and to obey court orders in 5 matters.

    The Panel recommended the establishment of State and local government police and the renaming of SARS to Anti-Robbery Section (ARS) which was its original name and to make the section operate under the intelligence arm of the Police.

    Responding, President Buhari said, inter alia:

    ‘‘I am very happy with the work of the Panel and thank the Panel members for working hard towards the realization of the Presidential Directive.

    ‘‘I believe that the Report of the Panel and recommendations contained therein would go a long way in redressing the grievances of the complainants, ensure accountability on the part of the Police Officers in discharging their responsibilities and facilitate the various Police reforms being introduced by this administration.

    ‘‘I want to assure you and all Nigerians that this Administration will continue to fulfill its obligations of promoting and protecting human rights of Nigerians, and will give the National Human Rights Commission all the support required to ensure full implementation of the recommendations contained in its Report.

    ‘‘In addition, we will strengthen the operations of the Commission to enhance its effectiveness and capability to resolve cases of human rights violations.

    ‘‘This administration is conscious of the role the Commission plays in ensuring security and stability in the nation through the resolution of complaints of human rights violations, which if neglected, could result into major security challenges.

    Read Also: Buhari, Abdulsalami meet in Makkah

    ‘‘As you are aware, I have recently approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council of the Commission. The names of the Council members will be submitted to the National Assembly for confirmation before the inauguration of the Council in line with NHRC Act, 1995 (as amended).

    ‘‘I want to thank the Panel once more, and hereby direct that since the recommendations of the Commission that constituted the Panel are enforceable as decisions of the Court, that the Inspector General of Police and the Solicitor General of the Federation/Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice meet with the Commission to work out the modalities for the implementation of the Report within 3 months from today’’

  • Zamfara APC expels Marafa, others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara state has expelled Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa for alleged anti-party activities.

    Marafa is representing Zamfara Central in the outgoing Senate.

    Others expelled along with the Federal lawmaker for the same alleged offence are Hon Aminu Sani Jaji and Mal Ibrahim Wakkala Liman.

    In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Shehu Isah, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the decision followed the activation of the provisions of Article 21 (A) ii and (D) V which spells out the punishment for members who violate the APC constitutional provisions and engaged in acts inimical to the interest of the party.

    The statement reads “For the avoidance of doubt, the said Article 21 (A) (ii) and (D) (V) of the APC Constitution (2014 as amended) provides as follow:”

    Read Also: Marafa tackles Yari over Saudi Arabia trip

    “A(ii) Anti-Party activities or any conduct, which is likely to embarrass or have adverse effect on the party or bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute”

    “D (V) Any member who files an action in Court of law against the party or any of its Officers on any matter or matters relating to the discharge of the duties of the party without first exhausting the avenues for redress provided for in this Constitution shall automatically stand expelled from the party on filling such action and no appeal against expulsion as stipulated in this Clause shall be entertained until the withdrawal of the action from Court by the members.”

    “We are therefore by this notice informing the general public that from the date of the said resolution, the aforementioned members cease to be members of the All Progressives Congress and consequently are disentitled from enjoying right, privileges and benefits from the party, the statement added.

  • Wike inaugurates Rivers Assembly

    Members of Rivers State House of Assembly have re-elected the member Representing Andoni constituency Rt.Hon. Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani Speaker of the 9th assembly.

    Ibani was also the immediate past Speaker of the House.

    The Lawmakers also elected the member Representing Ahoada East 2, Eddison Ehie deputy Speaker.

    Their nomination and unanimous elections followed the formal inauguration of the 32 state Lawmakers on Monday at the floor of the Assembly, by the state Governor Nyesom Wike.

    The state 9th assembly like the 8th assembly has the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), in the majority with 30 members while the Social Democratic Party got two seats.

    The clerk of the state Assembly Stanford Obah administered the oath of office on the members.

    Inaugurating the Lawmakers, Wike urged them to work towards the development of their constituencies and the state at large by working in synergy with the executive arm to ensure the implementation of policies and programmes for the good of the people of the state.

    Wike who assured the Lawmakers of his Administration’s continued support to promote independence of the State Legislature.

    He said, “As we usher in the new term of this August House, I pray and hope that your deliberations will be constructive, democratic, progressive and people-oriented.

    Read Also: ‘Why Wike’s administration set up LG audit committee’

    “And that you will continue to strive hard with total commitment and sense of accountability and facilitate the implementation of our policies and programmes to enable us set new benchmarks for development and shared prosperity for our people.

    “On this positive note, it is my singular honour and privilege to officially proclaim the first session of the 9th Legislative Assembly of Rivers State.

    Let me assure you all that we will continue to respect and uphold your independence as a separate arm of government as our Constitution demands in the same way that we will continue to provide every support that you need to enable you discharge your constitutional responsibilities to the government and to the people of Rivers State. As I said before, ours should continue to be that of mutual respect, partnership and progress.

    ” I am proud to say that since inception, the Rivers State House of Assembly has been known for its high sense of decorum in the conduct of its proceedings, and I hope this August House will continue with this tradition and uphold its honour and dignity”.

    Governor Wike appealed to the state lawmakers to partner with his administration to enhance security, good governance and improved living standards for the people.

    “You will agree with us that our plan for the next four years is comprehensive in scope and realistic in terms of deliverables. But, it is our constitutional responsibility to make collective efforts towards achieving these plans and goals for the benefit of our people.

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  • Indian Airforce plane missing with 13 on board

    An Indian plane with 13 people on board went missing on Monday in the country’s remote north-east, prompting authorities to launch search operations.

    The Antonov An-32, took off from the Jorhat airbase in the Assam state for the Mechuka military landing strip, in Arunachal Pradesh state.

    It was carrying eight crew members and five passengers, official sources told broadcaster NDTV.

    “I Spoke to vice chief of Indian Airforce (IAF) Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria, regarding the missing aircraft which is overdue for some hours,’’ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Twitter.

    “He has apprised me of steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board,’’ Singh added.

    The flight had been scheduled to land at Mechuka in an hour, but the aircraft lost contact with ground forces 30 minutes after take-off, the report said.

    Read Also: Multinational forces neutralise 20 Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

    The IAF had launched search operations to track the plane.

    The plane is likely to have gone missing over the eastern Himalayan range, where the terrain is mountainous with a thick forest.

    The landing and take-off approaches to Mechuka are extremely difficult.

    In 2016, an Indian air force An-32 disappeared while flying over the Bay of Bengal.

    A search-and-rescue operation was launched, but the aircraft was never found.

    All 29 people onboard were presumed dead.

    NAN

  • Multinational forces neutralise 20 Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

    Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force have neutralised 20 Boko Haram Terrorists at the fringes of the Lake Chad in a renewed effort to end the activities of the terrorists in the area, the spokesman of the Force, Col Timothy Antigha announced on Monday.

    Antigha , however, said four soldiers were wounded during the operation.

    He said in a statement that the clearance operations were done in the region of Arege, Malkonory, and Tumbum Rego.

    Col Antigha said: ” In continuation of the ongoing offensive operations to oust Islamic State terrorists from the Lake Chad Area, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in conjunction with national forces, in an early morning raid today, neutralized over 20 terrorists operating around Arege, Malkonory and Tumbum Rego general area.

    Read Also: I’ll tackle Boko Haram with full force – Buhari

    “Similarly, several gun trucks, arms and ammunition, as well as a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device, which was meant to disrupt troops advance was also destroyed.

    “Unfortunately, 4 personnel of the MNJTF were wounded during the firefight and have been evacuated for urgent medical attention.

    “The MNJTF remains committed to delivering the mandate of the force and therefore urges continuous support and solidarity of the good people of the Lake Chad Region.”