The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Northern Govs donate N100m to families of slain security agents

    Northern Govs donate N100m to families of slain security agents

    The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) on Thursday donated N100 million to widows of  security men killed recently at Alakio in Nasarawa State by suspected cultists.

    Chairman of the forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, announced the donation at the Government House, Lafia

    The Niger governor led his counterparts from Jigawa, Kaduna and Katsina States to commiserate with the families of the slain officers, government and people of Nasarawa State over the incident.

    “We are in the state to condole with and express our support to our counterpart in the quest to find the killers of the security operatives who died on active service.

    “There is no state in the country that is not presently experiencing one form of security challenge or the other.

    “What happened in Nasarawa is pathetic because those that were chosen to protect the citizens were the ones attacked.

    “In other countries, no one dare kill anyone with authority and go scot free. When nations allow that to happen, then, they are questioning the foundation of governance, “ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted governor Aliyu as saying during the visit.

    He commended the governor for setting up a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the killings.

     

  • Boko Haram: Al-makura tasks committee on mandate

    Boko Haram: Al-makura tasks committee on mandate

    Governor Umar Al-makura of Nasarawa State on Thursday urged the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North to remain committed to its mandate.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the governor said this in Lafia, the state capital, when members of the committee paid him a courtesy call at the Government House.

    Al-makura said the committee should pursue vigorously its mandate of bringing members of the Boko Haram’ sect to the dialogue table.

    The governor also urged members of the committee to offer wise and sincere advice to the Federal Government as regards the Boko Haram insurgency.

    He said that the sponsors and collaborators of terrorism could be prominent individuals living within and outside Nigeria.

    Al-makura said without peace in the country, there will be no meaningful development.

    The governor expressed regret that before the emergence of “Ombatse” insurgence, the state had enjoyed relative peace and was reckoned as one of the most peaceful in the federation.

    He, however, promised that he would not rest on his oars to ensure that security challenges in the state were adequately contained.

  • Ameobi removes ‘controversial’ Newcastle clause

    Ameobi removes ‘controversial’ Newcastle clause

    Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has cancelled a clause that stopped him from featuring for Nigeria at the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    There have been several reports that Ameobi may no longer play for the national team following the insertion of the controversial clause in his contract at Newcastle United that led to his exclusion from Nigeria AFCON squad.

    But officials have now disclosed that the striker has cancelled this clause, which means he is now fully committed to the Super Eagles.

    “He said the clause has been removed and he will be ready to play for the Super Eagles anytime he is called upon,”MTNFootball.com quoted a Super Eagles official, Dayo Enebi Achor , as saying on the issue on Friday.

    Enebi also quoted the vastly experienced striker as saying “I will love to play for Nigeria under Stephen Keshi because he is a good coach, above all I am very proud to be a Nigerian and will always grab the opportunity to don the green white colours of my fatherland.”

    An excited Keshi has already said he will talk to the player to reassess his u-turn in the national team and will invite him anytime he was needed in the national team.

    “He is no doubt a good player and the national team can make do with his experience anytime we call upon him,” Keshi said.

    Ameobi, who opted for Nigeria after he played for England at age-grade levels, made his long-awaited Eagles debut against Venezuela in a friendly in November last year.

  • Again, Nigeria tops from the rear

    Again, Nigeria tops from the rear

    UN report indicts the country for poor showing in mother-to-child prevention of HIV/AIDS

    From the United Nations came another damning report on Nigeria; and, as usual, it is about the bad and the ugly. The issue, this time, is HIV/AIDS, in which Nigeria is rated first in the world with the largest number of new HIV infections among children. In the report titled “2013 Progress report on the global plan: Towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive”, the country was indicted for not doing much, especially since 2009, to improve prevention of mother-to-child transmission that is responsible for the alarming infections.

    According to the report, “Nigeria accounts for one third of all new HIV infections among children in the 21 priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa: the largest number of any country. Progress here is therefore critical to eliminating new HIV infections among children globally.

    What we are talking about in statistical terms is that Nigeria accounts for about 60,000 new cases of infections in 2012. Perhaps more worrisome is the fact that other African countries are making steady progress on the matter. For examples, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia, according to the UN report, witnessed a 50 per cent decline in new HIV infections in children, while the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe are very close to achieving the target.

    Amidst these grim circumstances, the UN has every cause to be concerned about the prevalent state of HIV among Nigerian children. This is especially so as combating HIV/AIDS is an essential component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which 189 member nations of the UN agreed alongside some 23 international organisations to eradicate by 2015. And 2015 is just about two years away.

    We wonder why the government should allow this kind of situation. We also note with dismay, the reaction of the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Professor John Idoko, to the UN report, to the effect that things are not as bad as painted by the report but that the country’s problem is its inability to collect data that would have shown the progress made as a result of some interventions put in place since 2009.

    We shudder at the NACA boss’ statement that PMTCT (preventing mother-to-child transmission) is one of the greatest challenges of the HIV national response. Why is it not a problem in other African countries that are making progress on it? Again, why would Nigeria be complaining of inability to collect statistics to back up its claim if really it has done much to tackle the challenge since 2009?

    All said, it is clear that lack of education and proper enlightenment constitute the greatest challenges to Nigeria in the fight against children infection by HIV/AIDS. We therefore recommend intensification of these if they are currently ongoing and starting of campaign if this is not being done now. It is also important that the governments begin to find lasting solutions to the question of poverty that is prevalent in the country which is also a contributory factor to the HIV/AIDS mess.

    Of course, the recommendations will not be complete if we do not mention the issue of corruption which is the main reason why the impact of many of the interventions, either by donor agencies or even the governments in the country has not been felt as it should. As President Goodluck Jonathan himself noted, the issue has gone beyond provision of free test kits and anti-retroviral drugs to fight the disease.

    The government should therefore show more concern in this matter if only for the simple fact that the children (unlike adults) infected with HIV/AIDS contributed nothing to their plight. Their only misfortune, perhaps, is the source through which they were born.

  • Nigeria, China to sign pacts on defence, trade, others

    Nigeria, China to sign pacts on defence, trade, others

    Nigeria and China will, next week, sign at least four major agreements when President Goodluck Jonathan leads a high-powered team of governors, members of the National Assembly and key ministers on a five-day state visit to China beginning July 9.

    The pacts are expected to boost bilateral relations between both countries.

    The agreements, which will be signed after high-level talks between President Jonathan’s delegation and President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and other senior Chinese Government officials, include an Agreement on Defence Cooperation between Nigeria and China.

    Others are: an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation; an Agreement on Finance for the Zungeru Power Plant and Airport Terminals; and an Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports.

    Also to be tabled for discussion during talks between both countries is an agreement for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to invest in China’s Inter-Bank Bond Market through the Peoples’ Bank of China, and an agreement for the prevention of the theft, illicit import and export of cultural property.

    The successful conclusion of the pacts and other memoranda of understanding for increased bilateral cooperation in the development of public infrastructure, oil and gas, power supply, agriculture, communications and tourism, among others, is expected to consolidate the already cordial political, trade and economic relations between Nigeria and China.

    A statement yesterday by presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, said President Jonathan would also seek additional Chinese investment for the Mambila Hydro Electric Project, rail modernisation, road construction and agricultural development.

    “The President will be accompanied to China by Governors Theodore Orji (Abia State); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi); Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) and Peter Obi (Anambra).”

  • Boko Haram has raised our security demands – NSA

    Boko Haram has raised our security demands – NSA

    The National Security Adviser, Mr. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, has said that terrorism and other security challenges in the country have forced the military to embark on joint operation with other para-military outfits in 28 states.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to accept military presence in the society which is becoming a routine pattern.

    He, however, admitted that military intervention in internal security is affecting its professionalism.

    He said terrorism has raised the flag of security demands to levels higher than the nation had witnessed since the civil war

    Dasuki, who opened up at a session on National Civil-Military Dialogue in Ajuji Hotel, Abuja, urged Nigerians to assist the military to provide information which could assist in the fight against insurgents, terrorists and all other forms of criminality

    He said: “The past decade has witnessed multiple forms of unrest-from armed robbery, kidnapping, electoral, communal to ethno-religious violence.

    “Currently, we are battling with insurgency and terrorism. This has raised the flag of security demands to levels higher than we have witnessed since the civil war. It has meant that the military are seeing more deployments in aid of civil authority than anticipated.

    “While it is the function of the military to assist civilian authority to handle civil disobedience, it is assumed that such rules would be carried out only when the capacity of the police is overwhelmed. Policing the domestic arena is not the duty of the military, whose training is directed against external enemies of the state.

    “However, our recent history has seen the military in joint activities with other para-military outfits currently in about 28 states. In addition, the military is involved in checking armed robbery and other crimes on interstate roads.

    “From mere intervention to assisting the police quell domestic violence; the military is now fighting the scourge of insurgency and terrorism. Thus, the military presence in our society is becoming routine. While this affects the level of professionalism of the military, it also generates new dimensions of conflicts between the military and civilian populace.”

     

  • FG will determine compensation for Boko Haram vctims – Committee

    FG will determine compensation for Boko Haram vctims – Committee

    The Presidential Committee on Dialogue and peaceful resolution of security challenges in the north has said the Federal Government would soon determine if Boko Haram Victims are to be compensated.

    The committee made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the Secretary to the Committee, Engr. Esther Gonda.

    The committee said contrary to some media reports, it never ruled out any form of compensation for victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.

    The statement said what the chairman of the committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki said was that the committee was to look into the issue of victims’ support and not to cancel compensation for them.

     

  • Okonjo-Iweala to FIRS: Consider birth certificate as tax registration

    Okonjo-Iweala to FIRS: Consider birth certificate as tax registration

    As the country’s fortunes dwindles from the sale of crude oil, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has instructed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to employ “any efforts” to grow the nation’s revenue base.

    She urged the FIRS to consider birth certificate as registration for taxation purposes as obtained in South Africa and Namibia, where tax registration and TCC are being linked to birth certificate.

    Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Danladi Kefas, she said FIRS’ efforts to grow the nation’s revenue base remain a step in the right direction, most especially, in the face of the dwindling oil income.

    The minister said,”any efforts by the FIRS to grow the revenue base of the country are welcome and everybody must contribute his or her share, especially, when somebody is earning taxable income.”

    A statement from the FIRS said Okonjo-Iweala gave the directive in Abuja on Thursday at a one-day sensitization workshop for Local Staff of Embassies on PAYE, Withholding Tax (WHT), Value Added Tax (VAT) on Contracts, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

    The statement signed by Emmanuel Obeta, Director, Communications and Liaison Department quoted Okonjo-Iweala as saying that “you cannot escape tax and claim to be a responsible citizen of that country. Once you pay tax, you can now have the benefits that come with payment of taxes. Tax payment is the backbone of any country.”

     

  • Subsidy protests: Court grants killer DPO bail

    Subsidy protests: Court grants killer DPO bail

    Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on Thursday granted bail to the dismissed Divisional Police Officer of Pen Cinema, Agege Police Station, Mr. Segun Fabunmi .

    Fabunmi was arraigned before Justice Akinlade for the alleged killing of a protester Adedamola Daramola, during protests against fuel subsidy removal in January 2012.

    The judge granted bail to Fabunmi in the sum of N250 million with two sureties in like sum.

    Granting the defendant’s bail application, Justice Akinlade held that Fabunmi would be in need of special medical attention which he may not get in prison if denied bail.

    She held in her ruling that a medical report issued by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, which disclosed that the defendant was suffering from renal (kidney) failure, was sufficient to grant him bail.

    She remarked that the defendant has provided sufficient material upon which his bail application could be considered.

    “What is important in granting bail is for a defendant to place sufficient materials before the court for it to exercise its discretion in his favour.

    “It is when a defendant has done that this that the burden of proof will shift to the prosecution, who will have to show cause on why the defendant should not be granted bail,” she said.

     

     

  • Langtang: Reps task FG on herdsmen activities

    Langtang: Reps task FG on herdsmen activities

    The House of Representatives in Abuja on Thursday urged the Federal Government to set up a panel to address the growing incidences of attacks on citizens by nomadic herdsmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the House mandated its Committee on Defence to check the activities of the Special Task Force in Langtang North and South local government councils of Plateau.

    It further mandated the Committee on Police Affairs to ensure the completion of the Kadarko Police Mobile Barrack to strengthen security in the areas.

    It condemned the killings of innocent persons and the destruction of property in Langtang South Local Government Area of the state.

    The resolution followed a motion moved by Beni Lar (PDP-Plateau), which was adopted without debate.

    NAN recalls that on June 27, nomadic herdsmen allegedly attacked and killed 70 persons in Magama, Bolgang, and Karkashi communities in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau.

    According to Lar, the incessant attacks have become a recurring situation in both Langtang North and Langtang South local government areas with the recent being the most deadly of all previous attacks.