The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Lagos Assembly, others mourn Ekwueme

    Lagos Assembly, others mourn Ekwueme

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday described the late Dr Alex Ekwueme, Second Republic vice-president of Nigeria, as a patriot and true nationalist.

    The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr Tunde Braimoh, said this in Lagos that the death of the elder statesman was a painful loss to the country.

    Ekwueme died in London on Sunday at 85.

    Braimoh, who spoke on behalf of the House, said late Ekwueme’s meritorious service as vice president between 1979 and 1983 remain indelible.

    “He was highly dignified and principled.

    “Juxtaposed to his forthrightness, industry, ingenuity, intuition, moral rectitude and upright leanings, his demise is very regrettable,” the lawmaker said.

    According to him, Ekwueme, who held the nation’s number two office when Alhaji Shehu Shagari was president, would be remembered for his belief in the unity of Nigeria.

    He described Ekwueme as an astute, clairvoyant, quintessential politician and elder statesman.

    Braimoh, who noted that death is unavoidable to all mortals, said: “What is important is the legacies for which we shall be remembered.

    “In the case of Dr Ekwueme, it is gratifying that we have fond memories of him.

    “It is also reprieving to recall the herculean efforts and battles to save his life, and that his death might as well be a well-deserved rest after the struggles of life and living”.

    He commiserated with Nigerians, especially the people of the South-East, on the death of Ekwueme.

    Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, a former Presidential candidate of KOWA Party, also condoled with the Ekwueme family and prayed that God would grant them the wisdom to carry on.

    Chief Martin Onovo, a former Presidential candidate of National Conscience Party, prayed that the late Ekwueme’s soul would rest in peace.

    “We commiserate with the Ekwueme family of Oko in Anambra and all Nigerians on the death of Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    “He was a democrat of high intellectual capacity and achievement. May his soul rest in peace,’’ Onovo said.

    Also, Prof. Lai Olurode, a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urged politicians to learn from late Ekwueme’s politics of “live and let live’’.

    “A fine gentleman, a distinguished architect and a formidable pillar of the second republic is no more.

    “Other politicians and public figures should learn from his `politics of live and let live’.

    “The late Vice President Ekwueme was a man of peace, a symbol of politics without bitterness and a bridge builder who was a son of the east, an ally of the South-South, well trusted by the North and a friend of the West.

    “May God grant the family the grace to bear the loss,’’ Olurode said.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme, epitome of detribalised Nigerian – Okorocha

    Ekwueme, epitome of detribalised Nigerian – Okorocha

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has described the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme as an epitome of a detribalised Nigerian.

    Ekwueme, 85, died on Sunday in a London hospital after a brief illness, according to a statement, signed by his younger brother Igwe Laz Ekwueme, a musicologist.

    Okorocha, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemedo, issued in Owerri on Monday, noted that Ekwueme launched the Igbos into national politics in the second Republic and refused to be cajoled into playing tribal politics.

    He said that after the civil war, Nigerians re-enacted their faith and belief in the Igbos as one of the major tripods of the nation through late Ekwueme by electing him as the vice president to President Shehu Shagari.

    The governor noted that until his death, the former vice president remained in the mainstream of Nigerian politics because of his firm belief in the oneness of the nation.

    He said he was a good example of the kind of politics the Igbos should be playing at any given time, adding that he had left behind a befitting legacy.

    The governor said the deceased’s peaceful and honest dispositions both in politics, public and private life were all worthy of emulation.

    “The only regret about Ekwueme at the moment is that he died at a time his wealth of experience and wise advice will have been most needed and useful to Nigerians of goodwill.

    “Nigerians and of course, Ndigbo in particular, will greatly miss Dr Ekwueme and I pray that the good Lord will grant his soul eternal rest,” Okorocha said.

    In his reaction, Mr Mike Iheanetu, representing Aboh Mbaise in the Imo State House of Assembly, described Ekwueme’s demise as “the death of the Nigerian Dream”`.

    Iheanetu disclosed this that the Nigerian dream was encapsulated in Ekwueme’s brain when he formed the minority opinion which produced the current six geopolitical zones.

    The lawmaker said that Nigeria, as a country, owed it to Ekwueme’s memory to ensure that the six zones come together to form a government that would strengthen the zones and reduce power at the centre.

    He said this would make the centre less attractive, thereby reducing rancor and acrimony, as well as unite the country, adding that unity of the country is most important.

    “I believe in development from bottom to top which was Ekwueme’s vision. I am proposing for the six regions.

    “If we strengthen the bottom, it will make the centre weak and therefore less attractive; and if the centre is weak, there will be less rancor and acrimony and Nigeria will be united which is of utmost importance.

    “He proposed rotational presidency and we are still looking forward to it. This is what we owe Ekwueme and God will grant us the grace to achieve this dream while he rests in peace,” Iheanetu said.

    Also reacting, Dr Chima Onyekwere, the convener of Citizens for Progress and National Development, described the late Ekwueme as a “leader worthy of emulation”.

    Onyekwere urged leaders to follow the example of the late Ekwueme by seeking the unity and progress of Nigeria.

    “He was a dedicated leader and we will miss him dearly,” he said.

    A political analyst, Fred Ibeawuchi, also described him as a true democrat, who played a major role in the development and growth of Nigeria with resources at his disposal.

    He said the achievement of democratic rule in Nigeria was an offshoot of Ekwueme’s dedication.

    “Ekwueme was a vanguard of one Nigeria, true federalism and nationalism.”

    Mr Chikelue Nwoko, a businessman, described late Ekwueme as a good man and an astute politician, adding that he helped Igbos and ensured they received the respect and honour they deserved.

    Nwoko also described him as a peace loving man and prayed for more leaders like him.

    Okorocha recently erected Ekwueme’s statue at the Heroes Square of the state, welcomed him into the Imo Hall of Fame and gave him Imo Merit Award.

    NAN

  • Customs hands over seized container of pharmaceutical products to NDLEA

    Customs hands over seized container of pharmaceutical products to NDLEA

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Command, on Monday said it had handed over a 40-foot container containing confiscated and falsely declared pharmaceutical goods to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ).

    The  Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Yusuf Bashar, listed the items to include:  Spectradol (Tramadol) capsules, Spectra-Doxycycline capsules and Jinart tablets that were falsely declared as vehicles.

    Bashar in a statement said that the area handed over the container to the NDLEA, Tin-Can Island Port commander, Mr Nse Jack.

    Bashar listed other seized drugs to include; Clarinthromycin tablets and Jincold-Extra Strength capsules.
    The controller said the service would continue to build on the existing inter-agency cooperation with all concerned regulatory agencies, in its efforts at ensuring that illicit goods were intercepted at ports.

    Bashar lamented the increasing negative effects that fake drugs were having on the teeming Nigerian youths.

    He also decried the level at which Nigerian youths consumed these drugs illegally, making them to exhibit despicable acts.
    The controller, who linked the frequency of drugs seizures in recent times to the forthcoming election year, said that consumption of such drugs by the youths usually gave them false illusion to perpetuate deplorable acts.

    He said the command recently seized arms, cars, drugs and other goods.

    Bashar said that an importer, who falsely declared some pharmaceutical products as imported vehicles and another container as containing computer accessories, could never be described as a patriotic citizen.

    “It is not just about money but the health and well-being of the people.

    “Every Nigerian should show care about the lives of Nigerians and it is not about revenue nor trade facilitation but about the good of Nigeria and Nigerians, so this must stop.’’ the controller said.

    Bashar gave the name of the importer as Jin Spectra Pharmaceutical Ltd., based in , Kano.

    He also said the name of the clearing agency was Febeaco Nigeria Ltd., with office along  Apapa/Oshodi Expressway,  Apapa, Lagos.

    The controller expressed confidence in the officials of the NDLEA to complete its investigation and prosecute offenders.

    He, however, said that the NCS would not allow unpatriotic and inconsiderate importers and agents to use the Tin-Can Island Port as a dumping ground to perpetrate their illegal operations.

    Bashar recalled that some weeks ago, two containers of falsely- declared pharmaceutical products were also handed over to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ).

    According to him, there are over 100 million youths in Nigeria. If they are allowed unregulated access to these drugs that will portend great danger for the nation.

    Mr Nse Jack who received the consignments on behalf of the Chairman of NDLEA commended the controller for his consistent commitment to the concept of inter-agency collaboration and synergy over time.

    He said that the NDLEA would conduct further due diligence test to unravel details of the importer for eventual prosecution of suspects.

    NAN

  • Court to resume hearing of FG’s $406.8m suit against companies

    Court to resume hearing of FG’s $406.8m suit against companies

    A Federal High Court in Lagos will on Jan. 23, 2018, resume hearing of a $406.8 million  suit instituted by the Federal Government against Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd, over crude oil shipment.

    The suit numbered FHC/L/CS/336/16 was filed by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government.

    It has as defendants: Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. and its subsidiary, Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd.

    The suit, which was billed for continuation of hearing, was stalled following the absence of the trial judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

    Consequently, the continuation of hearing will resume on Jan. 23, 2018.

    Similarly, two sister cases before the same court involving the Federal Government and Agip as well as the Federal Government and Chevron, which were earlier slated for hearing on Nov.20 , were also adjourned until  Jan. 23, 2018.

    In the suit against Shell Western Supply, the plaintiff, ,Federal Government, is claiming the sum of $406.8 million from the defendants, which represent the shortfall of money paid into the Federal Government’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The money was said to be for crude oil lifted in 2013 and 2014.

    In a supporting affidavit, the Federal Government had accused the Anglo-Dutch company of not declaring or under-declaring crude oil shipments during the period.

    It said that this was discovered following forensic analysis of bills of laden and shipping documents, adding that Shell cheated Nigeria of the revenue.

    According to the affidavit, the consortium of experts tracked the global movements of the country’s hydro-carbons, including crude oil and gas.

    They identified the companies engaged in the practices that led to missing revenues from crude oil and gas export sales to different parts of the world.

    They also revealed discrepancies in the export records from Nigeria with the import records at U.S. ports.

    Plaintiff averred that the undeclared shipments between January 2013 and December 2014 brought the total value of the entire shortfall to $406.75 million.

    The defendants were said to have failed to respond to a Federal Government’s letter through its legal representative, seeking clarifications as to the discrepancies.

    The Federal Government is, therefore, seeking a court order to compel the two companies to pay $406.8 million, being the total value of the missing revenue and interest at 21 per cent per annum.

    In addition, the government is also asking Shell to pay general exemplary damages in the sum of $406.75 million as well as the cost of the legal action.

    The Federal Government had also sued Chevron, Total and Agip, in similar circumstances.

    The Federal Government is asking for a total of $12.7 billion over alleged non-declaration of 57 million barrels of crude shipped to the U.S. between 2011 and 2014.

    The oil companies are among 15 oil majors targeted by the government for the recovery of $17 billion in deprived revenue.

    NAN

  • Absence of judge stalls Kanu ’s trial

    Absence of judge stalls Kanu ’s trial

    The trial of leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), Nnamdi Kanu was stalled on Monday in Federal High Court, Abuja, due to the absence of the judge.

    The official of the court informed parties that the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyanko, had gone to attend Judges’ Conference within the city.

    Nyanko had ordered Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, who stood surety for Kanu to appear in court on Nov. 20 to account for his whereabouts.

    The order was predicated on report from Kanu’s Counsel, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who claimed on Oct. 18 that his client could not be found.

    Abaribe, who was in court, however, told journalists that the military unsettled Kanu, adding that his whereabouts was not known to him either.

    The lawmaker said it was on the basis of that uncertainty that he filed an application to withdraw his suretiship.

    Also ordered to account for Kanu’s whereabouts were Tochukwu Uchendu and Jewish Chief High Priest Immanuel-El Shalom Oka-Ben Madu.

    Mr Shuaibu  Labaran, the Prosecuting Counsel had through an application demanded that Kanu’s sureties be made to produce him to allow the trial to continue.

    Kanu is standing trial on treasonable charges along with Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuis.

    Read Also:  IPOB leader Kanu whereabouts unknown as trial resumes today

     

  • Nigeria’s GDP grows by 1.40 % in Q3 – NBS

    Nigeria’s GDP grows by 1.40 % in Q3 – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) says the nation’s Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) grew by 1.40 per cent year-on-year in real terms in the 3rd quarter.

    The NBS stated this in a GDP Report for Third Quarter 2017 released in Abuja on Monday.

    The bureau stated that the figure showed the second consecutive positive growth since the emergence of the economy from recession in second quarter.

    It stated that the growth was 3.74 per cent points higher than the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016, which was – 2.34 per cent.

    It stated that it was also higher by 0.68 per cent points from the rate recorded in the preceding quarter, which was revised to 0.72 per cent from 0.55 per cent.

    The second quarter was revised following revisions by NNPC to oil output and hence led to revisions to Oil GDP.

    Quarter on quarter, the bureau stated that the real GDP growth was 8.97 per cent.

    According to the report, the broad classification into the oil and non-oil sectors will give a clearer depiction of the Nigerian economy.

    In the period under review, the report stated that oil production was estimated at 2.03 million barrels per day (mbpd) on average.

    It stated it was 0.15 million barrels higher than the revised daily average production recorded in the second quarter of 2017 (revised from 1.84 mbpd to 1.87 mbpd).

    It further noted that oil production during the quarter was higher by 0.42 million barrels per day relative to the corresponding quarter in 2016, which recorded an output of 1.61 mbpd.

    Meanwhile, the report stated that the non-oil sector grew by –0.76 per cent in real terms during the reference quarter.

    It stated that the figure was lower by -0.79 per cent point compared to the rate recorded same quarter, 2016 and -1.20 per cent point lower than in the second quarter.

    The non-oil sector, the report stated was driven in the quarter under review mainly by Agriculture (Crop), other services and Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply.

    In real terms, the report stated that the sector contributed 89.96 per cent to the nation’s GDP.

    It, however, stated that the figure was lower than the share recorded in the third quarter of 2016 (91.91 per cent) and in the second quarter of 2017, which was 90.96 per cent.

    NAN

  • Man docked for theft of vehicle worth N4.5m

    Man docked for theft of vehicle worth N4.5m

    A 24-year-old man, Pakute Oseni, was on Monday docked before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly stealing a vehicle worth N4.5million.

    Oseni of no fixed address was in court on charges of conspiracy and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Folake Ewe, told the court that Oseni and others now at large, allegedly conspired to steal the vehicle.

    Ewe said Oseni was alleged to have stolen one Lexus Jeep with registration number AGL 553 DX valued at N4.5million.

    She said, “The offences were committed on Jan. 23, 2016 at  8 p.m., at Alarere Area, along new Ife Road, Ibadan, where the car was parked.”

    Ewe said the offences were contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 (9) (10A) of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2,000.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the offences when they were read to him in court.

    The chief magistrate, Mrs Jejelola Ogunbona, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She, thereafter, adjourned the case until Jan.31, for hearing.

    Read Also: Man docked for theft of electrical cables

  • Ortom sacks adviser for disloyalty and anti-party activities

    Ortom sacks adviser for disloyalty and anti-party activities

    The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Economic Matters and Investment, Dr Bem Melladu, has been relieved of his appointment.
    A letter from the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, conveyed the development.
    Professor Ijohor, SAN, expressed appreciation to Dr Melladu for services rendered and wished him well in his future endeavours.
    The two paragraph statement was signed the deputy director of information in the office of the SSG.
    DR. Bem Malladu, before now, acted as SSG for almost seven months, when the former SSG took ill.
    The sacked of Dr. Melladu is not unconnected with his recently political outing which he clearly identified himself with those opposed to the All Progressive Congress ( APC ).

    Read Also: Ortom : NLC blackmailing my government

  • Ekwueme a detribalized Nigerian – Okorocha

    Ekwueme a detribalized Nigerian – Okorocha

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has joined other eminent Nigerians and Igbo leaders to mourn the death  of former Vice President,  Dr. Alex Ekwueme who passed away in a London hospital.

    The Imo governor described  the late elder statesmanas an epitome of a detribalized Nigerian.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,   Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, in a statement said, “the Governor of Imo  State,  Owelle Rochas Okorocha has received the sad news of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the former Vice President of Nigeria, with great shock, describing him as an epitome of detribalized  Nigerian, and therefore died as a statesman”.

    The statement continued that, “nine years after the civil war, the rest of Nigerians re-enacted or reinforced their faith and belief in the Igbo as one of the major tripods of the nation through Dr. Alex Ekwueme who was elected the Vice President of the nation with Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari as the President”.

     The governor  also noted that “Dr. Ekwueme launched the Igbo into national politics since the second Republic and refused to be cajoled into playing tribal politics, and until his death, Dr. Ekwueme remained in the mainstream of Nigerian politics because of his firm believe in oneness of the nation”.

     According to the governor, Dr. Ekwueme was a good example of the kind of politics the Igbo should be playing at any given time and has left behind a befitting legacy”.

     He said Dr. Ekwueme’s peaceful and honest dispositions both in his politics, public and private lives are worthy of emulation, adding that, “the only regret about Dr. Ekwueme at the moment is that he has died at a time his wealth of experience and his wise advice would have been most needed and most useful to all Nigerians of goodwill.

     The governor said “Nigerians and of course, Ndi-Igbo in particular would greatly miss Dr. Ekwueme and prays that the good LORD should grant his soul eternal rest”.

  • Netherlands announces supportive budget for outstanding Nigerian artists

    Netherlands announces supportive budget for outstanding Nigerian artists

    The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria on Monday announced its first cultural exchange project and a supportive budget to outstanding Nigerian artists.

    The embassy’s Head of Delegation, Mr Michel Deleen, said in Lagos that the budget was meant to promote exchanges between Dutch and Nigerian artists.

    “For the very first time, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria will be engaging in a cultural exchange with Nigeria.

    “Let me announce that under our international cultural budget, we are now going to be promoting a link between individual artists from Nigeria and the Netherlands, to enhance our cultural exchanges.

    “We have realised that there are huge cultural exchange opportunities in Nigeria that should be harnessed.

    “We now have a small budget for supporting exchanges between Dutch and Nigerian artists,’’ he said.

    Deleen, who enjoined Nigerian artists to avail themselves of the budget, however, said that the grant was meant for outstanding Nigerian artists.

    The Head of the Netherlands Delegation in Lagos also said that there would be a criteria for the selection of the benefiting artists.

    “We have standards for would-be Nigerian artists to benefit from the grant.

    “They really need to be credible, transparent and outstanding, to fit into our criteria for selecting artists abroad,’’ he said.

    Deleen said that already, an exhibitor from the Netherlands, Mr Kadir Van Lohuizen, would be participating in this month’s Lagos Photo exhibition.

    He said that Lohuizen would be doing an exhibition on “Where shall we go? The human consequences of the rising sea level’’.

    Deleen also said that another Dutch artist, Ms Anja Sijben, would be coming to Lagos in December, to participate at the Iwaya Cultural Arts Festival.

    NAN