The Nation Newspaper

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  • Osinbajo to Saraki: Thanks for not taking advantage of power vacuum

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday jocularly thanked Senate President Bukola Saraki for not taking advantage of the vacuum in power before the presidential inauguration.

    Osinbajo stated this at a dinner organised in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari and himself at the State House Banquet Hall.

    Buhari and Osinbajo had earlier in the day been sworn-in for a second term in office by the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

    The president, who is billed to depart for Makkah, Saudi Arabia on May 30 for OIC summit, was represented at the dinner by the vice president.

    “Something interesting happened earlier today; I am a lawyer and a law teacher and I like to test and interrogate legal scenarios.

    “At one minute past midnight today, the four year term of the President and I ended by effluxion of time.

    “So, from one minute past 12 of last night, May 29 to about 10:30 am when we were sworn in for a second term there was no President or Vice President.

    “Interestingly nothing went wrong, all was okay; when such a situation arises, it is the Senate President who acts as President.

    “So, when I arrived at Eagle Square this morning, some may have noticed that the Senate President and I were enjoying a joke.

    “He said to me jokingly `you better be careful you know I am the acting President now’; so, we thank the Senate President for not doing anything funny.’’

    The vice president said that the beauty of democracy was the orderly and civilised process of transition and more importantly, the sanctity of and respect for the will and choice of the people.

    He said that on Feb. 23, the Nigerian people freely made a choice to re-elect Buhari for a second term in office.

    Osinbajo said it was a choice that was celebrated with pomp and pageantry earlier in the day.

    He expressed gratitude to God and Nigerians for trusting the administration yet again as that trust would not be betrayed.

    “And so on behalf of the President, please accept our deepest gratitude for your support and presence here this evening.

    “The best years of Nigeria begin today, and by the Grace of God all of us will live to enjoy the coming years and many more,’’ he said.

    In his address, Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the inauguration was the official commencement of a new mandate given to the President by Nigerians.

    He said that the new mandate was a reflection of the confidence Nigerians had in the administration.

    Mustapha said the inauguration marked the beginning of the journey to the Next Level and consolidate on the foundation laid in the last four years.

    Read Also: ‘Why Ambode was absent at Sanwo-Olu’s inauguration’

    He solicited the support of every Nigerian including the opposition for the administration in moving Nigeria forward.

    In a toast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, said that Nigeria had a peaceful and successful general election.

    He said it was only in peaceful environment that sustainable development could be achieved.

    Oshiomhole said the celebration was for all Nigerians not just for APC.

    The dinner attracted former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, service chiefs, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, members of the National Assembly, APC chieftains, members of the diplomatic corps and captains of industry.

    NAN

  • Photos: IPOB Sit-at-home commences

    The Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB) on Thursday commenced sit-at-home action.

    The group said the sit-at-home action is to honour their fallen heroes in the Nigeria-Biafra war from 1967-1970.

    Onitsha Head bridge Thursday morning

     

    Aba market locked

    The popular international market ariara deserted

  • ‘Why Ambode was absent at Sanwo-Olu’s inauguration’

    Former governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode explained why he was absent at the inauguration ceremony of Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Tafa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

    Ambode who congratulated and handed over to Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday congratulated him saying the new governor deserves to enjoy his historic day without him sharing the glory with him.

    In a veiled reference to why he did not attend the formal inauguration of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Ambode said Sanwo-Olu should be allowed to be the star of his inauguration.

    This was part of a press release by Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Habib Aruba on Wednesday.

    Ambode in the release said: “I have already formally handed over reins of power in the State to the new Governor in a most cordial and convivial ceremony at the State House yesterday ( Tuesday).

    Read Also: Ethiopian Airlines: our flight experience, by Obasanjo, NACCIMA boss

    “The formal inauguration should have Mr. Sanwo-Olu as the star of the day. I don’t think that glory should be shared with him by my presence,” Ambode said.

    Ambode said he has had a quality private moment with him ( Sanwo-Olu) and he is confident that with the prayers, cooperation and collective support of all Lagosians, the new government will succeed in the excellent tradition of progressive governance which Lagos State is known for.

    BabaJide Sanwo-Olu was sworn in as governor of Lagos state on Wednesday at Tafa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

     

     

  • Ethiopian Airlines: my flight experience, by Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted his experience aboard an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777-300 that flew into inclement weather preparatory for landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

    He was among the 394 passengers and crew aboard the aircraft which took off from Addis Ababa en route Lagos.

    Obasanjo and the Director-General Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ( NACCIMA) , Ambassador Ayo Olukaniwere were returning from Addis Ababa, where they attended a stakeholders’ meeting on Continental Trade and Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) ended Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the Ethiopian capital.

    They said the pilots of the aircraft simply followed standard operating procedures and precautionary measures in the circumstances leading to final approach of the aircraft, by smoothly pulling up and subsequently lining up with the runway for a second approach.

    Obasanjo who had been erroneously reported by his aide not to be on flight, said there was nothing unusual about the flight.

    Speaking to an online platform, the former president said he was unperturbed about the development.

    Obasanjo told the medium: “I was on the Ethiopian Airline. Rain just came down heavily.

    “The pilot thought he could land. And he landed. He touched down. But I think he took a swift decision that he had to take off again.

    “So he took off. If he did not, I think he probably would have overrun the runway.

    He then apologised and said he would try to land again. He tried again, and we landed safely. And we all clapped.”

    On his reaction, while the pilot initiated the safety precautionary steps, Obasanjo said :

    “One man, who was next to me, said, ‘Oga you no worry?’ I said, ‘Íf I worry, what should I do? If you are on a plane and you have a situation like this, why should you worry?’ So, I left everything in the hands of God.”

    The ex-military head of state said the pilot first landed the plane at about 12:20 p.m. before the incident, but finally landed safely on return at 12:30 p.m.

    “He touched the ground. Then he took off and apologised and landed again at about 12.30. We spent just about 10 minutes in the air before we landed again,” he said.

    On his part, Olukani said: “I thank you all for your calls and messages concerning the flight from Addis Ababa where I had gone to represent NACCIMA at the African Union / United Nations stakeholders Dialogue on the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    Read Also: Obasanjo, Jonathan absent at Buhari’s inauguration

    “My phone has been ringing off the hook. All I can say is that the whole event about the flight the ET 901 was simply sensationalized and exaggerated probably because former Obasanjo was on that flight.

    ” And it was not as bad as they are painting it. Aborted landings and second approach are normal in aviation in such weather conditions with pouring rain.

    “The Captain simply followed standard operating procedures and precautionary measures in the circumstances on the final approach.

    ” He pulled up smoothly and it was a steady climb; Thereafter he lined up with the runway for a second approach. And we had what in aviation circle is known as “XTD” Excellent TouchDown. Former President Obasanjo and FAAN have also responded to correct the story. I thank you all; all the same. ”

    Meanwhile, aviation experts have cautioned against sensational reporting saying missed flight approach by any aircraft pilot does not amount to escaping an air crash.

  • Buhari to attend OIC Summit in Makkah

    President Muhammadu Buhari is billed to departs Abuja on Thursday to attend the Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    The 14th session of the Summit Conference of the OIC, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 31, and will be hosted by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and attended by Heads of State and Governments of Member States.

    According to the OIC secretariat, the summit to be convened under the theme, “Makkah al-Mukarramah Summit: Hand in Hand toward the Future,” seeks to develop a unified stance on events in the Islamic world.

    President Buhari is expected to address the forum and underscore the need for member countries to unite and work together to combat common challenges such as terrorism and violent extremism.

    The President will also push forward themes that have been at the forefront of his domestic and international priorities, including reviving the Lake Chad Basin, investing in Nigeria to create jobs and financing for development.

    On the margins of the summit, the Nigerian leader will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders to promote increased cooperation and collaboration on issues of mutual concern.

    President Buhari, who is expected to return to the country on June 2nd, will be accompanied by Governors Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State and Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State.

    Read Also: NBA warns Buhari, Govs against influencing post-election litigation

    Also on the delegation are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mustapha Suleiman; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar; Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Ali Pantami; and the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Mukthar.

    Ahead of the Summit, was a preparatory meeting in Jeddah meant to adopt the draft agenda and work programme for the Summit.

    On the agenda were the question of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict; combating terrorism and violent extremism; the humanitarian situation in the Muslim world; promotion of scientific cooperation, among others.

    President Buhari became the third Nigerian leader to attend the OIC conference in person, after the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

    Nigeria joined the OIC in 1986 and has held various positions in the Organisation, including Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) Commissioner, Amb. M.L. Sulaiman, elected in 2017

    In 2009, Ambassador Opeloyeru Hameed was elected Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs and later re-elected

    The OIC funded the project for training and guidelines on Sukuk issuance in 2018

    In 2018, the IDB through the Presidential Committee for the North East Initiative provided relief materials to IDPs in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States

    Nigeria continues to benefit from scholarships from OIC member countries

    In August 2016, the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDBG) formally opened its Nigeria Country Gateway Office in Abuja with a mission to focus its services on health, agriculture, infrastructure, small and medium-scale enterprises and regional integration

    Dr Mansur Mukhtar, former Minister of Finance is now serving as the Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank.#

  • Kwara under me will join school feeding – AbdulRazaq

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday said the state would join the national school feeding programme after properly studying it.

    AbdulRazaq said the programme would boost school enrolment and help nutritional needs of the children.

    “We have met with the coordinator of the programme on how (Kwara) can join. So we will definitely join it after we have studied it,” he said at a special meeting he held with party leaders and members in Ilorin, the state capital.

    AbdulRazaq also said his administration would always consult with the party and the people before taking decisions on issues in a bid to build consensus and inclusiveness.

    He lauded the party leadership and members for their support before, during and after the general elections.

    Lamenting the zero representation of women in the House of Assembly, the governor promised to compensate women with appointments and properly engage the youths as part of the efforts to build a viable state

    He restated his pledge to embark on massive infrastructural development in the state, especially in the northern senatorial district which he said had long been neglected.

    AbdulRazaq thanked members of the party who took part in the Transition Committee (TC), especially the chairman Aminu Adisa Loogun.

    Read Also: Our govt will be a departure from past, says Kwara gov

    He added: “They did a wonderful job. What we thought we knew about the rot was a child’s play. While we are still studying their huge report, it is clear we were wrong on the extent of the damage done to our state. We are in a deeper mess than we thought but we’ll face it frontally and move our state forward.”

    APC chairman in the state Bashir Bolarinwa, for his part, commended the governor for choosing a low-key swearing-in program and for identifying with the party so early in his administration.

    He called on party members to rally round AbdulRazaq in the overall interest of the state.

    “Our people’s yearnings are loud, their expectations are high. We cannot afford to let them down,” Bolarinwa said.

  • Inauguration: Lalong pardons prisoner

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and his deputy, Sonni Tyoden on Wednesday took their second term oaths of office, with the governor granting “absolute pardon” to one Calistus Mozie, who was serving a life sentence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the oath was administered on the duo by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Yakubu Dakwak.

    Lalong, in a speech shortly after taking the oath of office, said that the pardon granted the convict was in exercise of the powers conferred on him as governor in Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). “This is as a mark of our appreciation and thanksgiving to God for the guidance, protection and successes recorded.

    “After due consultation with the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted prerogative of mercy to one prisoner, Evaristus Mozie, from life imprisonment to absolute pardon. “This pardon is granted for reasons of good conduct and determination to continue to be productive, from the day he was sentenced,” Lalong said.

    The governor, who thanked the people of the state for their support in the last four years, promised to unveil his vision on June 12, which has been declared ‘Democracy Day’.

    “On that special day, I shall unveil the vision and programmes of the government for the 2019 to 2023 period, in a Town Hall Meeting. “This will be followed by a panel discussion on democracy in Plateau from 2015 to 2019, and the way forward in the next four years,’’ he said.

    The governor promised to consolidate on the gains and achievements so far recorded, adding that priorities would be carefully streamlined in the light of increasing demands.

    He added that his administration would review and fine-tune some of the policy thrusts of the last four years to make them more result-oriented.

    Read Also: Expect new ideas of governance – Lalong

    Lalong further stated that the new administration would inject new ideas and philosophical paradigm into governance. “Governance is a two-way traffic involving a social contract of duties and obligations between the government and the governed. “Good governance presupposes loyalty, hardwork, effective service delivery, and leaving behind a legacy worthy of emulation by subsequent generations,” he noted Monsignor Cletus Gotan, Provost, College of Education, Gindiri, in a speech, urged the people of Plateau to be united if they would reclaim their pride of place. Gotan urged the people to accept each other as one irrespective of their differences, pointing out that growth was only possible if they were united and focused toward making the state a model. The cleric also advised the governor and his team to make the collective interests of the state the guiding principle behind every policy and action. NAN reports that the event slated to commence by 8:30 a.m., started by 11:30 a.m. following a heavy downpour that started from 4 a.m. and kept people indoors till 11 a.m.

  • 75-year old woman, accomplice arrested over babies’ theft

    A 75-year old woman, Caroline Mbonu has been arrested by the police for allegedly stealing babies in various locations in Anambra State.

    The police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed who disclosed this in a statement said the suspect was apprehended together with a 50-years woman, Ifeyinwa Ezename.

    He said the stolen children have been recovered and reunited with their parents.

    Read Also: Man in police wanted list nabbed in Anambra

    He said, “On the 29/5/2019 at about 06:30 am, following intelligence report, Police detectives attached to the Command Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested one Ifeyinwa Ezename ‘f’ aged 50 years and Caroline Mbonu ‘f’ aged 75 years respectively.

    “Suspects had in 2012 conspired with one David Nwachukwu ‘m’ now in prison custody and stole one Mmerichukwu Okoli ‘m’ aged 7 years old from the biological mother one Azubuike Jennifer.

    According to Mohammed, another 8-year old child, one Ifeoma was equally rescued from the suspects who could not give satisfactory account of the child.

    He said the case was being investigated after which suspects would be charged to court.

  • Eligibility: Appeal Court delivers judgment in Adeleke’s appeal May 30

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja will on Thursday (May 30, 2019) deliver judgment in the separate appeals by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

    The court announced the date of judgment in hearing notices sent to parties by its Registry.

    The PDP and Adeleke are, by their appeals, challenging the April 2, 2019 judgment by Justice Othman Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Bwari, which voided Adeleke’s candidacy for the election on the grounds that he was not qualified, having not possessed valid secondary school certificate.

    The judgment by Justice Musa was in the suit by Wahab Raheem and Adam Habeeb, who claimed that Adeleke was not qualified, under Section 177 of the Constitution to contest the governorship election.

    A panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Adamu Jauro, at the conclusion of hearing in the appeals on May 14 this year, told parties that a date for judgment would be communicated to them.

    Adeleke’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), while arguing the appeal, faulted the judgment of the trial court.

    Read Also: Be strong, faithful to obligations of Ramadam, Adeleke to Muslims

    Ogunwumiju urged the court to uphold his client’s appeal and set aside the judgment.

    He faulted the claim that Adeleke forged the West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate he presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to secure clearance for the gubernatorial election
    Ogunwumiju stated that the certificate attached to Adeleke’s nomination Form CF 001 was lawfully issued to him and was confirmed by WAEC in its affidavit evidence submitted to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Bwari.

    He added that what Adeleke presented to INEC to secure qualification for the gubernatorial election was the same result that WAEC presented before the trial court when it was ordered to do so.

    Ogunwumiju argued that the trial court erred in law when it ignored document, which it ordered to be presented, in reaching the decision that Adeleke did not possess the requisite academic qualification for the office of Governor.

    Ogunwumiju noted that there was no case of non-qualification or forgery against Adeleke before the lower court.
    Lawyer to the PDP, Emmanuel Enoidem, urged the court to set aside the judgment of the trial court and proceed to dismiss the suit, on which it was based,for being incompetent and statute barred.

    Enoidem, who is also PDP’s National Legal Adviser, argued that the suit was caught by the Fourth Alteration Act, having been filed outside the 14 days allowed by law.
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  • Okorocha degraded Imo institutions – Ihedioha

    Gov. Emeka Ihedioha of Imo, says ex-Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s administration degraded most institutions in Imo.

    Ihedioha stated this in his inaugural speech shortly after being sworn in by Imo Chief Judge, Justice Paschal Nnadi, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Wednesday.

    The governor who sympathised with the people of the state over what he described as “debased and desecrated governance,” promised to remedy the damages done by the immediate past administration.

    He solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders in the rebuilding process, pointing out that appropriate steps would be taken so as to restore faith and confidence in government.

    His words : ” The outgoing administration degraded and destroyed most of our institutions and values. The legislature, the judiciary and the civil service, all suffered grievous assaults with the House of Assembly made redundant and court orders routinely disregarded.

    “But Imo State will, as always, endure. Imo will revive and prosper again. We urge you to be courageous in this conviction for we are not captives of fear.

    “We will not waste a day getting to work to renew the Imo promise of our founding fathers. Therefore we will take appropriate measures to restore faith and confidence in government.

    Read Also: Ihedioha’s tenure on intellectual high ground

    “I stand ready to personally interface and facilitate with any person or company willing to establish business in Imo. Together we shall achieve the Imo of our dreams. Imo shall rise again, ” he assured.

    In a reaction, however, Chief Press Secretary to Okorocha, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, said that he was not surprised as according to him, the outgoing governor left shoes too big to fit into.

    Onwuemeodo listed Okorocha’s achievements to include, free education, security and urban renewal.

    In his words: “Owerri is fastest growing city in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In 2011, no one could move out of their houses after 7.00 p.m. but today Imo is secure and businesses are thriving.

    “We raised the bar and the shoes are just quite big,” he said.